January 2026 Community Update
Our inaugural newsletter for Azario and local community members.
Be the One Who Saves a Life
Every day, 17 veterans die by suicide in America. Florida loses approximately 500 veterans each year. But communities with trained Watch Standers see a 12% decrease in veteran suicides. That’s not just a statistic—that’s lives saved.
That’s why we’re bringing Watch Stander training to Azario.
🎯 INAUGURAL FIRE WATCH TRAINING
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Azario Venue
Goal: 50 Azario Residents Trained
What is a Watch Stander?
Think CPR for suicide prevention. You’ll learn to recognize when a veteran is in crisis and guide them to help using the VA SAVE method. No military experience needed—just willingness to learn skills that could save a life.
Register on NIS Team Reach Event Calendar
Building Something Historic for Our Veterans
This Wednesday, Manatee County breaks ground on Valor Commons—a Veterans Connection Hub and Memorial Campus featuring a Veterans Resource Center, memorial spaces, and community gathering areas.
🏘️ VALOR COMMONS GROUNDBREAKING
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 1:00 PM
5215 Buckeye Road, Palmetto
Carpooling from Wellness Center at 12:15 PM
Light lunch afterward to discuss how we can support this initiative long-term.
RSVP and carpooling details on NIS Team Reach Event Calendar
Your Voice Matters: Take the County’s 5-minute survey on veteran services
Survey: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/64em
Learn More:
https://valor-commons-manateegis.hub.arcgis.com
When Community Clubs Unite for Heroes
The Azario Italian Club launches their inaugural Pizza for a Cause, with 100% of profits benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation—providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
🍕 PIZZA FOR A CAUSE
Thursday, January 29 | 4:00-8:00 PM
$30 = 2 Pizzas + Caesar Salad | Pickup/Delivery at Olive & Vine
Ordering information available on Team Reach
Great pizza, great cause, great community.
Get Connected
📱 All event details, registration, and participation information available on:
Neighbors in Service Team Reach
Access Code: AZNIS4VETS
Questions? Contact: Jack McGourty | drjack@neighborsinservice.org