Community Activities

Army ROTC/JROTC Program Support

The Gulf Coast Chapter currently supports three University and twenty-two High School programs within the Tampa Bay region by recognizing outstanding Cadets each year. The Cadets are selected on the basis of their leadership abilities and their academic achievement. The Chapter formally presents a certificate, a ribbon, and a medal to each of these deserving young citizens and sponsors trophies for local drill competitions.

Color Guard

The Above and Beyond Chapters Color Guard participates in patriotic events and parades throughout the year. The guard also provides a flag detail and firing party for church or grave side services of veterans of the 101st Airborne Division.

Veterans Hospital Support

Chapter members provide volunteer support to both the Bay Pines and James A. Haley VA hospitals and our wounded 101st soldiers. The Chapter also supports three student volunteers each summer at St Petersburg Bay Pines VA hospital.

Active Duty R&R Program

Each December, the Gulf Coast Chapter hosts two young soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The soldiers are selected by their chain of command and the Chapter provides transportation to Tampa, a rental car, hotel accommodations for the week on Clearwater Beach, walking around money, and tickets to Bush gardens. The two Troopers are the guests of honor at our annual Bastogne luncheon where they are presented with the Chapter’s Joseph P. Lapointe Award.

Social Events

The Gulf Coast Chapter hosts four social events each year for members, family, and friends. Each spring the chapter attends a buffet lunch and a day at the races at the Tampa Bay Downs track. In June, we have our D-Day event, with a hospitality room, light lunch and then a banquet in the evening. In September, we host our Market Garden BBQ at the Clearwater Sailing Center on Sand Key and in December there is a Bastogne Luncheon at the Clearwater Yacht Club. During this event we recognize two active duty soldiers with the

Joseph P. Lapointe Award.

Chapters Reunion

In February, we host the Snowbird Reunion for all members of the 101st Airborne Division. This event lasts for four days, and includes a golf tournament, tours, a parachute jump, the National Association Board of Governors meeting, and a banquet on Saturday night. In 2016 the reunion will be at the Marrott  Westshore Hotel in Tampa, Florida. For more info click on 2016 Snowbird button.

Many of our members also attend the 101st Airborne Division  National Reunion each year in August. For more info go to www.screamingeagle.org