JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Local veterans and community members took aim at more than just clay targets last week. They gathered at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports to raise money for service members transitioning from military life to meaningful civilian careers.<\/p>\n
Operation New Uniform, a local nonprofit that helps transitioning service members find fulfilling careers after service, hosted its 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser at the venue.<\/p>\n
Michele McManamon, Operation New Uniform\u2019s CEO, said the funds go directly to those the organization serves.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis directly supports our classes. It directly supports those that we serve, whether it\u2019s a spouse, a veteran, or an active-duty member that is in their last part of their transition in the military. So, we\u2019ll be able to support them directly and help them find amazing careers,\u201d McManamon said.<\/p>\n
The event drew a mix of veterans, volunteers and business partners all united behind one mission. David Trenholm, an Operation New Uniform board member, said the crowd reflects the broad support the organization has built.<\/p>\n
Operation New Uniform hosted its 10th annual clay shoot fundraiser for veterans. (Vision Quest Productions Inc 2025)<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll find a lot of veterans here. You\u2019ll see a lot of veterans volunteering, but you\u2019ll also see what we call allies, people that are out here to support and understand the struggle that veterans go through as they leave the military and try to find new careers,\u201d Trenholm said.<\/p>\n
Featured sponsors and attendees included Fidelity National, St. Nicholas Guns & Range and Mission BBQ.<\/p>\n
Paula Carlisle, CEO of Encompass Health Jacksonville, said the personal stories shared at the event are what make it special.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just love hearing the stories of each of the people that we get to talk to. Hearing what their backgrounds were in the military, what they\u2019re doing now whether they\u2019re working now for ONU and starting to support them in some way. Or if there is an opportunity to help them connect with a healthcare organization, because we feel really passionate about the healthcare here in Jacksonville as well,\u201d Carlisle said.<\/p>\n
Charlie Fletcher, a retired veteran, said the generosity on display at the event left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number of generous people that come out here and contribute is really heartwarming. And I attended their classes, monitored them and there just \u2014 they\u2019re life changing. I\u2019ve watched what they\u2019ve done for the people in the classes and it\u2019s amazing,\u201d Fletcher said.<\/p>\n
Organizers say events like these are more than just a fundraiser \u2014 they are a day of friendly competition, community and visible support for local veterans.<\/p>\n
Operation New Uniform members say past events have raised up to $300,000 to support their programs and help veterans build successful career paths. The organization says its goal is to continue expanding its programs in the years to come.<\/p>\n
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