Kathy and Steve - Bay Pine VA S.O.L. '10

May 15, 2010. - Kathy and Steve with the help of Tommy Thomas went to the Bay Pine VA over in Tampa and gave a prospecting class in conjunction with the VA's Step of Life Program.  This is the first of what Steve hopes will become an annual.

Step Of Life (S.O.L.) is a program to transition Vets back into the community and/or Socialization/transition after some ailment/event has occurred in their life.  The biggest aspect or benefit/out-come of the program, is the internal network of peer community/support it creates (Vets Mentoring Vets).

    Hospital Staff with Steve, Kathy and Tommy.

    Tommy, Kathy and Steve.

About 50 veterans attended the indoor prospecting class and all seemed to really enjoyed it.  Gold Prospecting and panning methods were discussed with demonstrations..

    Steve during the class.

    Tommy making a point.

After a pizza lunch all were invited to head outside to a shaded pavilion to have a hands on panning lesson.  This was attended by just over half the group.  Prior to the class bags of pay-dirt containing Gold were made up with donated concentrates.  Gemstones, also donated were added making these bags even better.   Almost everyone got a pan, and a bag of concentrates to bring home to pan on their own!

    Group panning at the outdoor pavilion.

The S.O.L. VETS in appreciation of this event gave Kathy, Steve and Tommy thank you cards, and one for the GPAA Orlando Chapter!

Our Chapter would like to thank Kathy, Steve and Tommy for your time and contribution to this event! ... and Camille & Bob McCullough for their donation of concentrates. ... And Tommy Thomas for donating the gemstones.

We also would like to wish all the veterans a safe, happy, and healthy adventure!