‘Definitely appreciated’: Military families honored with surprise giveaways before Veterans Day

Action News Jax visited the USO in Jacksonville to surprise five military families with gift packages to recognize their service and sacrifices.

The surprise giveaway was organized ahead of Veterans Day to support local active-duty service members and veterans.

The gifts included: a 65-inch television from Action News Jax, a $100 Publix gift card, a one-year membership to the First Coast YMCA, a $500 gift card from First Florida Credit Union, and family experience zoo tickets provided by the Ackerman Cancer Center.

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Shelia Nealy, a U.S. Navy logistics specialist, was among the service members surprised during the visit. She and her family expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I was surprised… definitely appreciated,” Nealy said.

Her husband, Jackye Nealy, who also serves in the U.S. Navy, described the reaction from his family after receiving the donation package. “I cannot say how much we really appreciate this.. it’s breathtaking to be honest with you,” Jackye Nealy said.

The event was conducted as part of an effort by Action News Jax and its partners to honor service members. CEO Brent Lister and president of First Florida Credit Union highlighted the significance of giving back in Jacksonville due to the area’s large military community.

“Any time you can give back, Veterans Day is this week– then we have the holidays coming up… so its just a good time to do this.. we really do appreciate recognizing the military,” Lister said.

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