Families find kinship at Military Family Appreciation Day at Largo Central Park

For Ethan Wood, it was just another walk in the park. The 2-year-old scurried between the trees and ran through the playground. In the distance, he saw other children riding the miniature trains with their parents.

For the little tyke's dad, however, the Saturday morning spent at Largo Central Park for Military Family Appreciation Day was a reward for a job well done.

"Days like this are great,'' said Jesse Wood, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq. "It was tough over there, and it's good to be home, enjoying a day with my son. It's good to know the soldiers are appreciated.''

The event, in its third year, is a community-driven program coordinated by the city of Largo with local military organizations. There were about 300 participants, said Charla Lucas, Largo's special events coordinator.

"The turnout was lower than last year, but we still had families that have someone active in the military as well older veterans come through. That's what the day is for, a day for military families to enjoy.''

Organizations including the Department of Veterans Affairs, WorkNet Pinellas, Tampa Area Marine Parents Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Silver Star Families of America and Southeast Guide Dogs displayed their offerings and handed out information.

A tent dubbed "Vet2Vet'' provided space for soldiers to network.

"I fought in the Korean War, and I am glad I came out here to commiserate with others on the current economy,'' said Walter Thompson of Dunedin, 78, who taught high school in Michigan after serving in the U.S. Air Force.

"I talked to a couple other guys who were out here earlier, and we're all in the same boat. We thought at our age, we'd be fully retired, but now, our retirement savings has taken a hit. So, at least we've got each other.''

Also participating on Saturday was Stan MacKenzie a veterans employment representative for WorkNet Pinellas. He concurred that a current need for veterans is to supplement their retirement savings lost from the recession. "We are seeing octogenarians come in, Korean and Vietnam vets ranging from 65 to 89 years old, looking for some employment … it's a heartbreaking phenomenon."

Despite the small turnout, the city is tentatively scheduling a 2010 event.

"It will be held next year as long as military organizations are able to offer support,'' Lucas said.