12,414 Postcards of Gratitude Written
Student Athletes Give Back
Thousands of Aspire! Youth athletes have paid it forward by writing (or asking others to write) postcards of gratitude to U.S. veterans and deployed military. Military service allows kids to just be kids and enjoy sports. Cards are enclosed within Operation Gratitude care packages.
Gratitude Cards
John prepares several thousand veteran/deployed military thank you cards, completed by student-athletes, sent to Operation Gratitude to be included in care packages
Several thousand additional gratitude cards to be tucked into care packages and sent to the deployed troops and veterans
Overwhelming Response from Thank You Card Recipients (via Operation Gratitude)
Other Veteran Events
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place District 8, Florida Award - Brevard County
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place District 8, Florida Award - Brevard County
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place District 8, Florida Award - Brevard County
John DeLuca is recognized for his first place essay in Brevard County, District 8. His cash award was donated to Aspire! Youth
2020 - 2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place District 8, Florida Award - Brevard County
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place District 8, Florida Award - Brevard County
John DeLuca, after reading his 1st place essay on "Is this the Country the Founders Envisioned?" with John Collier and other leaders of the VFW Rocket Post
VFW Voice of Democracy Speech
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place District 8, Florida Award - Brevard County
2019 - 2020 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
John DeLuca, reading his speech, to those in attendance at the 2020-2021 award ceremony. John donated the award money to veterans in need.
2019 - 2020 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
2019 - 2020 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
2019 - 2020 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
John DeLuca, after reading his 1st place essay on "What Makes America Great", with second and third place winners and leadership of the VFW Rocket Post
St. Mark's School Veteran's Day Celebration, 2019
2019 - 2020 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
St. Mark's School Veteran's Day Celebration, 2019
John DeLuca with St. Mark's grade school children celebrating Veteran's Day
St. Mark's School Veteran's Day Celebration, 2019
2019 - 2020 VFW Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award
St. Mark's School Veteran's Day Celebration, 2019
John DeLuca gave the keynote speech on
"Why You Should Thank a Veteran"
St. Mark's, Cocoa, FL
Thanks from St. Mark's
Remembering Those who Served
Remembering Those who Served
"...Your message was heard and appreciated... as our school has strong ties to the military. The faculty was impressed with your passion and professionalism"
- Ali Mattingly
- Director of Development, St. Mark's Episcopal Academy
Remembering Those who Served
Remembering Those who Served
Remembering Those who Served
John DeLuca placed American flags at the grave site of hundreds of veterans at Florida Memorial Gardens, in respect and gratitude for their service.