Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/207831
Sarasota News Leader November 8, 2013 Page 97 But Thom did not even consider he would be life-long bonds with three injured soldiers rowing there at some not-too-distant point in who received treatment at Walter Reed Army the future. Medical Center in Washington, D.C. PASSION AND PURPOSE About two years ago, Sheriff Tom Knight was unable to make a planned presentation to a group of Operation Second Chance veterans visiting Sarasota, Kenny says. He asked Kenney to take his place. The organization's mission statement says, "We are patriotic citizens committed to serving our wounded, injured and ill combat veterans. We support Veterans and their families while they recover in military hospitals, by building relationships and identifying and supporting immediate needs and interests. We are dedicated to promoting public awareness of the many sacrifices made by our Armed Forces." Kenney did not just fill in for those remarks. He took the opportunity to talk with the vice president of the national organization at that time — a double amputee — and he chatted Among the many responsibilities Operation with the veterans. The group was there on a Second Chance has taken on, it offers retreats retreat. for wounded veterans — just like the one in Operation Second Chance, a 501(c)(3) Sarasota where Kenney first learned about the nonprofit, was founded in 2004 after a program. That trip was coordinated by Col. woman named Cindy McGrew developed Ben Knisely, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Volunteers and veterans gather under the Operation Second Chance tent at Benderson Park. Photo by Rachel Hackney