LA DEMOCRATIC CLUB By Howard Mayne The next meeting of the Lake Ashton Democratic Club will be held on Thursday, May 7 at the HFC at 6:30 pm, with social time starting at 6. Our featured speaker will be John Hill, Chair of the Polk County Democratic Committee. John will give us an update on initiatives and political happenings in Polk County. He is a very knowledgeable and articulate speaker. All are welcome to attend. For further information contact lakeashtondemocraticclub@gmail.com. LA REPUBLICAN CLUB By Bud Colburn On May 27 at 4 pm in the Lake Ashton Ballroom, the Republican Club will host a presentation and brief question-and-answer session with Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, Jay Collins, who is appearing in his capacity as a candidate for Governor of Florida. Lieutenant Governor Collins previously served more than 23 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces and later represented District 14 in the Florida Senate from 2022 until he was appointed Lieutenant Governor in August 2025. All residents and guests are sincerely welcome and invited to attend. LAVA AUXILIARY By Lori Thomas Serving Those Who Served: Join the Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary. At Lake Ashton, the spirit of community is one of our greatest strengths. Within that community lies a dedicated group of neighbors driven by a singular mission: ensuring our veterans are never forgotten. The Lake Ashton Veterans Association (LAVA) Auxiliary is looking for new members, and we want you to be a part of our mission. Many people hesitate to join, thinking they need a personal military background or a spouse who served. This couldn't be further from the truth. While we honor the lineage of service, military affiliation is not required to join the Auxiliary. The only "requirement" we have is a heart for service. If you love our country and want to support the men and women who have worn the uniform—past, present, and future—you are exactly who we are looking for. The Auxiliary is the "boots on the ground" for veteran support in our community. We host multiple fundraisers throughout the year. These efforts aren't just for show; they translate into real, tangible support for various veteran organizations. Beyond the impact we make, joining the Auxiliary is a wonderful way to connect with your Lake Ashton neighbors. You’ll find a group of motivated, patriotic individuals who turn hard work into fun and meaningful results. Whether you have a few hours a month to give or want to take a lead role in an event, there is a place for your talents here. You aren’t just joining a club; you’re joining a cause. Meetings are every third Wednesday of the month in the Clubhouse Theater at 6:30 pm. The membership fee is $20 a year. Please join us and let’s work together to ensure that every veteran knows their service was valued and their sacrifice is remembered. LA BLACK HERITAGE CLUB By Dr. Pamela June 32 African Americans served with distinction in every American conflict, often while facing systemic discrimination. Their accomplishments advanced military integration and civil rights. Revolutionary War: 5,000-8,000 served in the Continental Army with hopes for inalienable rights. Civil War: Over 180,000 served in the United States Colored Troops, 10% of the Union Army. 1866: Buffalo Soldiers were essential in westward expansion and the Spanish-American War. WWI: 369th Infantry Regiment (Harlem Hellfighters) spent more time in continuous combat (191 days) than any other American unit. WWII: Tuskegee Airmen flew over 15,000 sorties earning over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. 761st Tank Battalion (Black Panthers) played a key role in the Battle of the Bulge. Desegregation (1948): President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, abolishing racial discrimination and consequently segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces. On Memorial Day, we reflect on their courage and honor all who gave their lives in U.S. military service.
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