OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was an opportunity to celebrate some of Marion County’s finest high school leaders.

Operation Appreciation was held March 14, 2025, at the Ocala Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

From Stan Hanson’s standpoint as a philanthropist and community supporter, he believes Operation Appreciation will grow in stature after its inaugural edition and was impressed with the first event.

Six area high school JROTC programs vied for the JROTC Challenge Trophy at the Ocala Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on March 14, 2025. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

“This gives some visibility to the veterans’ park, which probably doesn’t get enough attention, being a veteran myself,” said Hanson, who won the Hennessey Award at the Community Foundation of Ocala and Marion County’s Inspired Gala. He joined Frank Hennessey and Frank DeLuca as one of the first three winners of the award. Hanson has lived in Ocala for 28 years and has worked to make the community a better place.

Operation Appreciation marked the first time all JROTC programs in Marion County competed against one another. It will now be held annually, with the winning team’s name etched on a traveling trophy.

“They’re excited about it, they play games, and they get points for that,” said Ron Oppliger, chairman of Friends of the Ocala Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. “They’re going to drill later, and it’s called knock out. They add up the points, and then someone will take the trophy home.”

Stan Hanson enjoys the festivities at Operation Appreciation at the Ocala Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on March 14, 2025. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Participating high schools included Belleview, Forest, Lake Weir, North Marion, Vanguard, and West Port.

“This is a nice event, it’s the first one, and we hope to grow it,” said Jason Warren, owner of Warren’s Power Washing. “In this area, we do Caring Beyond Cleaning, and we pick a nonprofit once a month. The veterans park is what we picked last month, and this is the second year in a row we took care of all the sidewalks and monuments.” Warren had a tent and photo booth set up at the event.

Roderick Barker, Ret. U.S. Army Sgt. First Class and museum coordinator, said the chance to watch students participate in the activities helped put volunteers in a positive frame of mind.

Friends of the Ocala and Marion County Veterans Memorial Park Chairman Ron Oppliger at Operation Appreciation on March 14, 2025. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Carlos Lopez, Lake Weir High School Army JROTC instructor, said it was a valuable opportunity for students to meet others from across the county and promote the program.

Belleview High School JROTC had about 25 students at the event, noted Master Sgt. Thomas Young, the school’s JROTC instructor.

 

More news that matters to you…