Babcock Ranch Post 415 Community News
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TAL Family presents flag to Tyler Kitson
On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, members of the American Legion Post 415 Family gifted a wooden American flag to Mr. Tyler Kitson to be hung in the new offices that are currently under construction. This flag was presented in recognition of Tyler's tireless efforts supporting the growth of the American Legion Family here at Babcock Ranch. Thank you, Tyler!
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Babcock Ranch salutes its heroes
On November 8th, 2025 the American Legion hosted an awesome Veterans day car and motorcycle show.
Music, motorcycles, hot cars and a golf cart parade mark a memorable Veterans Day celebration
December 10, 2025
BY JOAN RUSEK
Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent
Cub Scout Pack 1914 joined the parade to salute veterans. STEVE MITSKAVICH/BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH
Babcock Ranch observed Veterans Day on Nov. 8 with a full day of festivities, including a car and motorcycle show, golf cart parade, a brief ceremony of remembrance and an evening outdoor concert. The hub of activities took place in Founder’s Square, where information booths were manned by several veteran organizations based in the community. The veterans worked in concert with the Residential Association and Kitson & Partners to organize, promote and host the event.
Unlike the more somber Memorial Day, which honors those who have fallen while serving, Veterans Day is held to celebrate and thank service members for their time in the military.
The colorful golf cart parade assembled at the Babcock Ranch Field House, rode down Cypress Parkway and circled the Veterans Memorial before ending at Founder’s Square. Approximately 20 carts, decorated with flags and patriotic colors, participated in the parade.
Just as our U.S. military has different branches of service to keep us safe by land, sea, air and outer space, Babcock Ranch has given rise to a diverse group of veteran groups. Included are the American Legion Post 415, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 415, the American Legion Riders, the Sons of American Legion and the Brothers of Babcock. While not all members served in the military, many are veterans or have family members who served. What they all have in common is a desire to support veterans and their families who may need camaraderie or financial or emotional assistance.
Brian Wancik beside his motorcycle during the Veterans Day motorcycle show.
“We’re largely a social group that gets together to raise funds and help those in need,” explained Brian Wancik, a member of the American Legion Riders and one of the organizers of the motorcycle show. Winnie Mechem, who represented the American Legion Auxiliary group, prefers to call the assembled groups “our Legion family.” She explained that each group approaches the central mission in its own way.
The overall event was organized by Pete Schrobe, with assistance from other Legion members and Rick Schubert of the Sons of the American Legion group. “I’m pleased with the response we received. Local restaurants and other businesses donated gift cards and other items for prizes to give our car and motorcycle show winners, as well as prizes for our raffle table. Funds received will help support ongoing projects,” Schrobe said.
Participants in the Veterans Day golf cart parade wave to onlookers.
“The riders group got together because we all like to ride our motorcycles and we’re veterans,” said Wancik. “We support our legion post, but we also ride to support police officers’ families, and we collect stuffed teddy bears and plush toys. We deliver the toys to children at the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Christmastime.”
Riders group member Abram Douglas said last year they collected 100 toys. “This year we hope to double that for our annual Teddy Bear run, which will be Dec. 20,” he said. “We all meet up with other cycle clubs and ride our bikes with the toys strapped on the back to the hospital. They don’t all fit, so someone drives a truck with more of the toys. Every young patient, sibling and visitor to the hospital that day gets a toy. Anyone wanting to donate a clean, new stuffed toy can put it in a bag to protect it and drop it off on my porch, 16120 Pennyroyal Lane, here in Babcock Ranch. I’ll be glad to deliver it.”
Some of the cars on display for the Veterans Day car show. STEVE MITSKAVICH/BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH
The motorcycle show featured more than 20 bikes of diverse makes and models, spanning nearly 50 years. “One of the best parts of living here is we can ride our bikes year-round,” said Wancik.
The car show had an impressive turnout of about 30 life-sized hot wheels, from Mustangs and Corvettes to a Ferrari and a Shelby GT, along with a vintage Land Rover, Chevy truck, Pontiac Catalina and World War II military Jeep, keeping it real.
Phil Cooper, along with his dog Xenia and John DiCaprio, represented the Brothers of Babcock group. According to Cooper, the group is for conservative men who moved here and are looking for “manly” activities, such as fishing, camping, paintball and similar pursuits. Members meet monthly and sometimes host family dinners and bible study. They conducted a clean-up day on the Babcock
American Legion members Roy Eckler, Alan Siegal, Winnie Mechem, Pete Schrobe and Rick Schubert.
Ranch nature trails and also support Crossroads Hope Academy, as well as military veterans.
American Legion Post 415 has 84 members, and its auxiliary group has 43 members. Both were started a few years ago and have been growing as Babcock Ranch expands. They can be reached through their Facebook pages. Members also meet weekly for breakfast on Tuesday mornings at Slater’s Goods & Provisions.
On a national level, the American Legion Hill lobbies for congressional funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which handles benefits and medical care for veterans. In addition, the legion provides support for homeless veterans, assistance to families of deployed service members, and honor guard attendance at funeral services, as well as involvement in other areas. The Legion also works to promote patriotism and offers programs for young people.
Veterans Day was first observed in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice, which marked the official end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The war was thought to have been the war to end all wars. It was commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown World War I soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Recognized as a national holiday in 1938, the name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954, and it was expanded to honor those who had served in all U.S. wars.
Legion member Tom Kennedy said, “It’s important to note the day’s history and to keep the memory alive of all the U.S. men and women who served our country. It takes the dedication of people and groups like the American Legion to make sure upcoming generations know about the sacrifices made for our country.”
Rich Auletta
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Babcock Ranch Vietnam Combat Veteran Passed Away on Nov 7th, 2025
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A Life Devoted to Service
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our veteran heroes here at Babcock Ranch.
Charles (Charlie) Edward O’Donnell, age 76, died on November 7, 2025, from a variety of medical conditions related to Agent Orange, the deadly defoliant used by the U.S. government during the Vietnam War.
Charles was a resident of Babcock Ranch, Florida, and is survived by his loving wife, Belinda, and three daughters: Amy Harsch (Ben) and Amanda Adams (Rob), both residing in the Pittsburgh, PA area, and Linda Escobar of Fort Myers, FL.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Charles was preceded in death by one son, Charles Jr., who died at 3 months.
Charles was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 1949. His mother died when he was just 4 years old, and his father was forced to relocate to California in search of work.
Charlie was taken in by two loving aunts until he graduated from high school and joined his father in Malibu, California, where he entered art school.
When his father died suddenly while Charlie was 18, he moved back to Pittsburgh and shortly thereafter lost his student deferment and was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a radioman during the height of the Vietnam War.
Due to his compact size (Charlie weighed 115 pounds), he was selected from his company to do one of the toughest, most dangerous, and thankless jobs in the military: he was given a small-caliber handgun and sent into some of the many narrow tunnels the Viet Cong used to hide and transfer their troops and supplies. His job was to find the enemy and capture or destroy them. This duty, as it turned out, led to many health issues later in his life.
Charlie may have been small in stature, but he had one of the largest hearts on the planet, which led to his career path and life direction after the Army.
Upon being honorably discharged in 1972, his service never ended. Charlie continued fighting for fellow veterans, serving as a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Processor for 35 years until his retirement in 2004.
Charlie also served veterans and his community for over 20 years as an active member of the American Legion, where he held a variety of officer positions—first at American Legion Post #274 in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and then at American Legion Post #415 at Babcock Ranch.
In 2022, Charlie distinguished himself as a patriot by personally instituting a massive community project in Babcock Ranch, with the support of American Legion Post #415.
Charlie loved to ride his three-wheel e-bike around the community and made it his personal daily goal to write down the address of every home where he saw the U.S. flag being flown. He would then go home and make a spreadsheet of all the houses, later creating and printing American Legion “Certificates of Appreciation” for each of the homeowners, delivered by fellow members of the American Legion Post #415.
At the O’Donnell family’s request, no memorial service is planned for Charlie at this time. They request that, in lieu of any flowers, all memorials be given to the American Legion Post #415 at Babcock Ranch, designated for the Boys State Fund—a program Charlie O’Donnell held close to his heart.
Donations accepted below through the Link to Venmo or may be sent to: American Legion Post #415 42041 Cypress Parkway, Suite 4, PMB #184 Babcock Ranch, Florida 33982
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Weekly gatherings build bonds among local veterans
February 12, 2025
BY JOAN RUSEK
Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent
Karl Werrlein proudly showcased a thank you card from Crossroads Hope Academy, highlighting Babcock Ranch American Legion Post 415’s community impact. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH
If you are a U.S. military veteran seeking to connect with your community, you can find fellow veterans on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. at an outdoor table at Slater’s Goods & Provisions in Founder’s Square. On cooler days, they meet inside. Babcock Ranch American Legion Post 415 members gather weekly for coffee and conversation, along with the Sons of American Legion Post 415 and the American Legion Riders motorcycle club.
With a growing membership, the Babcock Ranch post holds its official meetings on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Lake Timber Lodge.
“We try to keep the Tuesday morning gatherings as social time, but sometimes our post business creeps in,” said Ritchie Auletta, a member of the legion. In January, the discussion was about staffing their monthly raffle booth at the upcoming Food Truck Friday.
Chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization, the legion evolved from a World War I group of war-weary soldiers into a membership of about 1.6 million veterans and more than 12,000 posts worldwide today. The legion’s mission is to help America’s veterans, families and communities while instilling the values of responsible citizenship among its youth.
Bruce McCormack and Gary Bowler, both U.S. Navy veterans, have bonded over their unique military experiences.
At roughly three years old, Post 415 is a young chapter but has made its presence known with golf cart parades and flag ceremonies on Veterans Day and Memorial Day held in conjunction with Babcock Ranch Scout Troop 1914 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit, which includes veterans and family members of veterans. Legion members are also invited to give classroom talks at Babcock Schools.
“We have a large veteran population here, and it’s only going to grow larger as our community grows,” said Auletta. “Veterans have different needs because they face different experiences than the general population. We hold our formal monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in Lake Timber Lodge, but our weekly informal meetups for coffee give us visibility to veterans and the community. It lets our veterans know that we’re here if they need us.”
Every Tuesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m., local veterans gather for coffee and camaraderie at Slater’s Goods & Provisions. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH
If you stop by their table, you will likely meet some interesting people who lived through experiences that could be compared to a thrilling novel or motion picture. But, instead of being remote, larger than-life fictional characters, they are neighbors living at Babcock Ranch.
Gary Bowler is a Vietnam veteran who served on a U.S. Navy mine sweeper vessel. Like many veterans, he tends to be tight-lipped about the specifics of his two-and-a-half years of sea duty. Giving life to the old expression, “Loose lips sink ships.”
However, among friends, he did share some interesting insights. The crafts he served on were relatively small ocean-going ships made of wood or non-magnetic metal designed to remain stealthy during operations. He also worked with crews to find and dislodge explosives left in waterways, such as mines left from World War II off the coast of Italy.
“We were kids,” Bowler said of his experience. “It was a big adventure. We didn’t give it much thought at the time. Wherever the Navy and NATO ships went, we went. For many of us, it didn’t sink in what we went through until much later in life.”
Not all disabilities are caused by combat wounds. Bowler said engine room duties such as his often resulted in hearing loss for veterans because there was not much emphasis on ear protection in the past.
He said his military career began at a young age, attending boot camp in the summer when he was still a high school student. From there, he attended what he called “Navy school,” which provided trade school-type training where he learned skills in working with machinery and engines.
“I do not regret my military experience,” Bowler said. “It helped to give me a start in a career.”
Bruce McCormack also launched his career in the U.S. Navy. Starting in the 1960s as a young man, he spent 22 years as a Navy Seal and served as the pilot of a small submarine during some operations. His duties took him from navigating the waters of conflicts in the Middle East to fighting the “drug war” in South America. He also served in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean seas.
Bruce McCormack described his duties as following orders. “When the boss said we needed to get something done, we did it. We were young, and it was exciting,” he said. “Our operations involved a lot of trust and a lot of travel. We traveled by air, submarine, ships and even by buses to perform specific operations.”
In his later career, Bruce McCormack continued his love of the sea and spent 25 years building submarines and testing diving gear.
Bruce McCormack and his wife, Cheryl McCormack, have lived in Babcock Ranch for the past six years. “We love every minute of it. The community keeps growing and getting bigger and better each day,” he said.
Like many of the legion wives, Cheryl McCormack is also active in the Auxiliary Post, which sponsors its own programs, such as the annual Poppy Day held near Memorial Day in May, to help the public remember and honor fallen soldiers.
Rick Schubert is not a veteran himself, but he is the commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post, which invites sons and daughters of U.S. military veterans to participate in support activities. You can join his group if you have a parent or grandparent who served. Currently, the group has 12 members who meet on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in Lake Timber Lodge.
“I got involved after learning about my father’s service as a gunner in the Army Air Corps. I was amazed to learn about his experiences and wanted to honor him,” explained Schubert. “We help fundraise and provide support to the Legion post. We’re just getting started and are looking for members.”
Information on the groups is available on Babcock Ranch American Legion’s Facebook pages, or you can stop by their table on Tuesday mornings or during Food Truck Fridays. “You can always stop any of our members when you spot our uniform,” said Auletta. “We’ll be glad to talk to you.”