April 2026 Community Update
Suicide awareness training, new partnerships, and upcoming events.
March 3rd Success: 37 Azarians Trained
Our inaugural event brought 37 Azarians together for Fire Watch Watch Stander suicide prevention training—5 veterans, military family members, and supportive neighbors committed to learning skills that could save lives.
Brianne Brown, an Air Force veteran and Regional Manager at The Fire Watch, led an exceptional 90-minute training session filled with enthusiastic participation, thoughtful questions, and powerful lived experiences shared by attendees. We walked away equipped to recognize when veterans are in crisis and connect them with life-saving resources.
🎯 BY THE NUMBERS
37 trained Watch Standers
5 veterans in attendance
90-minute intensive training
12% decrease in veteran suicides in communities with trained Watch Standers
Based on the strong turnout and engagement, we look forward to inviting Brianne back for future sessions. In the meantime, we’re developing many more opportunities to support veterans, military families, and first responders right here in Azario.
New Partnership: Operation Warrior Resolution
Neighbors in Service is partnering with Operation Warrior Resolution (OWR), a local nonprofit providing holistic mental health care to veterans and their families through innovative brain-based healing approaches.
Located at 17507 Waterline Rd in Bradenton, OWR offers Tactical Healing Retreats and comprehensive support services that address trauma at its root cause—in the brain. Their approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy to provide neurologically-focused healing for veterans dealing with PTSD, TBI, and other service-related mental health challenges.
🤝 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Fundraising & donor relations
Event planning & coordination
Landscaping & grounds maintenance
Kitchen support for retreat programs
Administrative assistance
Get Involved: Visit www.operationwarriorresolution.org and click “Volunteer.”
Questions? Call OWR at (941) 806-5722
When you register, let us know on Team Reach so we can coordinate Azario community support efforts.
Everyday Money for Veterans on Fixed Incomes
After months of development with Manatee County Veterans Services, we’re launching a three-session financial readiness pilot designed for veterans and their families living on fixed incomes.
Learn ways to combat the rising cost of everything on a fixed budget—unclaimed VA benefits, Manatee County-specific cost-cutting resources, credit protection, scam prevention, and emergency fund strategies that actually work.
📅 THREE MAY SESSIONS
Dates: May 14, May 21, May 28 (Thursdays)
Time: 11:00 AM to Noon
Location: Manatee County Veterans Services Office
1401 3rd Ave W., Bradenton
Cost: Free | Space: Limited!
All participants receive professionally designed worksheets with local contact information and resources.
REGISTER TODAY: Call (941) 745-3795
Mentors Needed: Following the program, veterans can opt into our Partner Mentor Program—15-20 minute monthly check-ins for 3-6 months. Interested? Contact drjack@neighborsinservice.org or express interest in Team Reach.
SRQ VETS Memorial Weekend 5K Hike
Neighbors in Service and the Azario Run/Walk Club invite you to honor fallen heroes at the SRQ VETS 11th Annual Memorial Weekend 5K Hike on Saturday, May 23rd.
This family-friendly event brings together veterans, families, and supporters from across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The 5K starts at JD Hamel Park, winds through downtown Sarasota, then returns for a post-event celebration with food, music, and community. Proceeds support SRQ VETS’ emergency assistance for local veterans.
🏃 EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Location: JD Hamel Park, Sarasota
Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/srqvets/event/11thmemorialhike/
Azario Coordination: Already registered or planning to? Add a YES to Team Reach so we can coordinate carpooling and organize a casual lunch downtown for our group.
IMPORTANT! Join the Azario Run/Walk Club (Code: EARWC24) for Saturday adventures that always include a Toasted Gathering. Thanks to John D’Allegro, this club has flourished into a great way to stay active and connected.
Knights’ 3rd Annual Armed Forces Day Golf Tournament
The Knights of Columbus San Damiano Assembly hosts their third annual charity golf tournament at Tara Golf & Country Club on April 20th. Last year, raised over $22,000 for veteran organizations with 117 golfers—this year will be bigger and better, with a maximum of 128 golfers.
100% of proceeds support veteran organizations, including The Fire Watch, Operation Warrior Resolution, Dogs Inc., Tunnel to Towers, Turning Points, and this year’s new honoree: Homes for Our Troops—building mortgage-free, specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans.
⛳ TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
Location: Tara Golf & Country Club
Registration Closes: Wednesday, April 15
Includes: 18 holes, dinner, awards, putting contest, 50/50 raffle, silent auction
Register, Sponsor, or Dinner Only: https://www.knights3192.org/
This event will sell out—register your foursome, purchase a sponsorship, or become a tee sponsor today.
NIS Joins Manatee County Veterans Council
Neighbors in Service has been accepted as a member of the Manatee County Veterans Council—a coalition of veteran service organizations coordinating support for 40,000+ veterans in Manatee County.
This membership means better coordination among VSOs, unified advocacy at the county level, a direct volunteer pipeline to partner organizations, and real-time information on new programs and resources.
🤝 WHAT THIS MEANS
Better referrals when veterans need help
Azario's representation in county-level advocacy
More volunteer opportunities identified
Faster access to new benefits and programs
This formalizes what we’ve been building—a comprehensive support network where veterans know their community is coordinated, connected, and committed.
Get Connected
📱 All event details, registration, and volunteer opportunities:
Neighbors in Service Team Reach
Access Code: AZNIS4VETS
Questions? Jack McGourty | drjack@neighborsinservice.org