On May 31, Memorial Day, Liberty Manor for Veterans, a nonprofit home that houses veterans who live mostly independently under one roof, hosted a canoe race on the Hillsborough River. The canoe sponsors had the option to have a veteran be one of the canoe’s paddlers. The Tampa Lodge Veterans Committee agreed to sponsor a canoe for $500, and the lodge added $500 of its charity funds as well. Member Joe LoCicero agreed to paddle the canoe for the team, and veteran John France from Liberty Manor joined him. LoCicero is a licensed mental health counselor who owns Green Fields Mental Health Services. He was introduced to the lodge when his niece, Kendall Runyon, was a top 20 Elks National Foundation MVS scholar. She is now in graduate school. He is a faithful member of the Veterans Committee and sometimes volunteers in the kitchen. France is a Vietnam-era veteran who was determined to go to Vietnam, though that was not his first station. He was shot down toward the end of his tour and has been awarded the Bronze Star, Soldier Service award and Purple Heart. He has been diagnosed with Agent Orange-related cancer in several organs and if not for Liberty Manor, he would be without a home. The event also provided food trucks at no cost to the attendees, including salad options and Checkers French fries. Volunteers also grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Sodas, water, snacks, nuts and cookies were also available. Though the lodge’s canoe did not win a prize, they were recognized for sponsoring the canoe.
Pictured are LoCicero and France with their canoe.