21 Wounded: program visits Beach
The Pink Shell Resort at 275 Estero Blvd. hosted several wounded Army soldiers and North Fort Myers VFW Post 10127 Commander Cliff Naylor this past weekend. Naylor, who began the program ’21 Wounded’ two years ago as a payback when he was hospitalized while in the service, decided to take 21 active military personnel to the Beach for some rest and relaxation after FMB Mayor Larry Kiker and Vice Mayor Herb Acken facilitated several generous business contributions for the group.
“When I came back from ‘Nam, I was in the hospital for a year,” said Naylor. “While there, the American Red Cross took 21 of us to Miami Beach. We were welcomed in, given the keys to the city and stayed at the Shower of Stars hotel. They treated us very well.”
Naylor said the Southern-born wounded men and women are assigned to the same hospital-base battalion at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga. From there, they either go back to their unit, are shipped back overseas or go home, depending on the seriousness of their injuries or the time they have left in the service. Payback has been on his mind ever since.
“I thought after all this time, it’s time to do something for (other wounded soldiers),” the commander said. “It’s time to think about the kids that are overseas now. I want them to be welcomed home as well, and to let them know that we appreciate what they have done.”
Naylor began his project by taking 21 wounded soldiers to a Fort Myers Hampton Inn in 2007 before bussing 21 more Army men to Naples last year.
Acken and Kiker were instrumental in asking many Beach businesses to contribute gift certificates and donations to the visiting soldiers.
“Mayor Kiker introduced me to Cliff and the three of us got together to brainstorm ways to make this year’s visit as nice as possible,” said Acken. “That was my first contact with the program and it was well under way without us. Not counting the Pink Shell’s extraordinary donation of accommodations, area businesses donated about $250 per soldier in goods and services.”
Other than the Pink Shell Resort, the contributing businesses include Smokin’ Oyster Brewery; Yucatan Beach Stand; Matanzas Inn Restaurant; Beach Pierside Grill; Shipwreck Treasures; The Beached Whale; The Cigar Hut; Jimmy B’s Rooftop Bar; Times Square Shaved Ice; Burrito a Go-Go; Pete’s Time Out; F&S Sunglasses; Kilwin’s of Fort Myers Beach; Pelican’s Pit Stop; Chairman of the Beach; and LeeTran trolley service.
“Several residents and business owners also made considerable anonymous donations to their travel expenses,” said Acken. “Larry and I helped put most of this in their hands but a fair bit more came in on its own. For example, I found out that Holiday Water Sports donated Jet Ski rides and beach chairs on their own. In a nutshell everyone who heard about it bent over backwards to say thanks to the troops and welcome home.”
Besides R & R, some soldiers had lunch with Beach Elementary fourth and fifth graders as well as dinner at the Beach VFW on Friday and the NFM VFW on Saturday. Naylor hopes the stay on the Beach works out well for the Army personnel.
“I want them to have a good time without having pressure on them,” said Naylor. “This is something I do to recognize the veterans. If they go home feeling a little bit better, then the project worked.”