All residents of Herons Glen are welcome to join the Veterans of the Glen (VOG) organization, regardless of veteran status. Joining is easy, just contact one of the officers listed herein or simply come to a monthly meeting and see one of the officers. Annual membership dues are $25 for veterans and $15 for associate members. Current officers of the VOG are:
President – Bruce Johnson, (716) 472-3860
Vice President – John Briere, (305) 801-6924
Treasurer – Randy Swanson, (716) 640-3426
Secretary – Sandy Herde, (618) 567-8009
Additionally, Herons Glen residents are welcomed to attend any of the VOG activities listed below, including monthly meetings. Among these, the annual Meet and Greet meeting every October is particularly popular, offering an opportunity for residents to reconnect after the summer and enjoy an evening meal together. Also, many couples attend this event. Each monthly meeting features guest speakers and provides updates on upcoming events and activities focused on veterans and their supporting organizations.
VOG’s key activities are regularly advertised in Herons Glen’s media such as the HGRD Newsletter, The Heron news magazine, Channel 901/902, and ads sent into Google group email. Annual VOG activities in which HG residents can attend or participate include:
• The Veterans Day Dinner Dance, one of the community’s largest events that is well attended
• Christmas Dinner Dance
• A catered spring picnic at the end of the season coordinated by VOG
• A Memorial Day service organized and conducted by VOG
• Placing American flags at the front entrance and along the Boulevard (often need volunteers for this activity – watch for an announcement!)
• Providing services to Herons Glen veterans and residents, such as:
○ Transporting residents to local destinations, including stores and medical appointments
○ Placing American flags at the homes of deceased veterans within Herons Glen
• Monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every month from October through April, unless rescheduled
In addition to the VOG’s efforts in honoring veterans, the group functions as a charitable organization, raising funds through several annual events or through direct donations from other groups. Each year, VOG donates between $10,000 and $12,000 to a variety of local charities. Worthy organizations recently supported include:
• Hearts and Homes for Vets
• Collier-Lee Honor Flight
• Partners for Breast Cancer, Inc.
• Dozier Junior ROTC Foundation
• Affordable Homeownership Program for Veterans
• Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda
• Holiday for Heroes
• Lee County VA Health Care Center
• My Warriors Place
• Senior Helpers
• Wreaths Across America
• Special Equestrians for Vets Program
• Hearts and Homes for Vets
Primary fundraising sources for charitable giving include the following, some of which are regularly advertised in Herons Glen’s media mentioned herein for promoting residents’ participation.
Annual Veterans Day Dinner Dance and Fundraiser (November 11): This signature event features patriotic tributes, music, dancing, and ballroom décor representing all military branches. The evening begins with a solemn ceremony honoring those lost in service, the Pledge of Allegiance, and patriotic songs, followed by a buffet dinner and performance by local bands.
Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance (December 13): This event features performances by local musicians and includes dinner and dancing.
Fundraising Initiatives: While both the dinner dances serve as primary fundraisers for the supported charities, raffles and door prizes further contribute to fundraising efforts.
Community and Sorority Support: Local sororities such as Alpha Delta Alpha and Alpha Delta Mu assist with decorating, running raffles, and supporting VOG events. Proceeds from sororities’ donated items that are advertised and sold in HG are also a source of funds.
CELEBRATING 250TH BIRTHDAY FOR MILITARY BRANCHES
It’s only fitting that an article about the Herons Glen Veterans organization includes mentioning significant milestones for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Merchant Marine. Each branch of the service is celebrating their 250th anniversary since their founding in 1775. These branches have played significant and critical roles in American defense, exemplifying courage and dedication throughout the nation’s history. These are America’s oldest military branches and warrant appreciation and recognition in addition to the men who served within each:
• U.S. Army: Established June 14, 1775, beginning as the Continental Army under George Washington, and now recognized as the nation’s largest military branch.
• U.S. Navy: Founded October 13, 1775, originating with a small fleet and evolving into the world’s most powerful naval force.
• U.S. Marine Corps: Also established in 1775, the Marines are renowned for their discipline and versatility in both land and sea operations.
• U.S. Merchant Marine: First significant action considered its birth is June 12, 1775. An organization composed of United States civilian mariners and U.S. civilian and federally owned merchant vessels. In times of war, the Merchant Marine can be an auxiliary to the United States Navy.
Throughout 2025, these branches will be honored nationwide with parades, museum exhibits, and commemorative events, celebrating their legacy and the service of all who have worn the uniform. Noteworthy is that the United States will have its 250th next year – July 4, 2026.
