Veterans Day Breakfast Honors Local Heroes

On Monday, November 11, 2024, the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, Inc. (AAHSEPC) and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN) held a memorable Veterans Day breakfast in honor of local veterans and in memory of Henry Starkes. The event celebrated the defenders of democracy with a special fish and grits breakfast, complete with orange juice, coffee and water. It was a gathering of community members united to honor those who served our country while sharing a meaningful meal together.

This event was catered by A.N.A Event Planner and Caterer and made possible with the generous support of co-sponsors, including Imani D. Asukile & Angela Y. Lewis-Bennett, Reverend Jimmy & Luevenua Baylor, Coach Willie & Doris Broner, Paul & Andrea Colber, Lorenzo & Gloria Coffie, Michael & Cynthia Cook, Samuel & Fairella Cook, Marlon D. Farr, Ricky Feacher, Dr. Lois Henton, Dr. Sharon Vickers-Cook, and the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc. Their contributions helped ensure a warm, inviting atmosphere where veterans and community members could come together in gratitude and fellowship.

In a “fireside chat” with the community, two esteemed veterans, Colonel Cynthia E. Cook, USAR, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael E. Cook, USAR, shared stories of their service and dedication. Their reflections provided a glimpse into the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who serve.

Colonel Cynthia E. Cook’s 33-year military career culminated in her role as Chief of Staff and Acting Deputy Commander for the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Marysville, Washington, in 2020. After earning her commission in 1990 through the Florida National Guard’s Officer Candidate School, Colonel Cook dedicated herself to various key roles, including deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom and domestic operations. Her distinguished service earned her numerous military awards and accolades. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Florida Metropolitan University, Clearwater. Colonel Cook is married to Michael E. Cook, with whom she shares a 26-year marriage and a daughter, Brianna.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael E. Cook retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 2016, completing 28 years of honorable service. Commissioned through Jackson State University’s ROTC program, he served in many leadership roles, including as Battalion Commander for the 3rd of the 346th Training Support Battalion in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He also served at U.S. Southern Command in support of Haitian relief efforts. In his civilian life, he has worked as a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist for the Florida National Guard, and as an Assistant Dean at Pasco-Hernando State College. Lieutenant Colonel Cook is an active deacon and finance committee member at Revealing Truth Ministries in Tampa, Florida.

The breakfast also included special moments of remembrance and celebration. Attendees sang patriotic songs and participated in a group libation—a ceremonial group chanting to honor those veterans who had passed. The libation ceremony held deep meaning, reminding everyone of the ancestors and fallen heroes who served before them.

A raffle added an element of fun to the morning, and everyone enjoyed the warm fellowship and heartfelt conversations about service, sacrifice and community. This Veterans Day breakfast honored individual accomplishments and recognized the collective contributions of all veterans present, both living and deceased.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to the courage and dedication of veterans who served and continue to make an impact in the community. The AAHSEPC and FAAHPN, along with all who contributed, created a memorable occasion, celebrating veterans and reaffirming their invaluable place in our shared history and community life.