Citrus County Blessings Annual Strategic Planning Meeting: Addressing Weekend Hunger for Citrus Children

This week, Citrus County Blessings convened its Annual Strategic Planning meeting, a significant event that brought together the organization’s leadership and student representatives. The 15-member Board of Directors and 11 student representatives joined forces to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and chart a course for the coming year. The meeting was marked by passionate discussions, inspiring presentations, and a commitment to addressing the weekend hunger experienced by local children in need.

Blessings, at its core, is dedicated to the noble mission of eradicating weekend hunger among disadvantaged children within Citrus County. As part of their program, participants receive a bag of food every week during the school year to sustain them over the weekend. This critical support ensures that children enrolled in the federally funded free or reduced breakfast and lunch program have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Currently, Blessings is making a substantial impact, serving over 2,650 students across Citrus County’s public and private schools. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous donors, sponsors, and grant providers, as well as the tireless dedication of an impressive team of nearly 1,000 volunteers, all led by just two full-time staff members.

One of the highlights of this year’s planning meeting was a captivating presentation delivered by Debbie Lattin, the founder of Citrus Blessings/Citrus County Harvest. Ms. Lattin initiated her journey in 1999 with Citrus County Harvest, Inc., where she began the Food Recovery program called Harvest. This initiative involved local restaurants generously donating surplus food at the end of each day, which was then redistributed to those in need. Over time, Harvest evolved to encompass its primary mission—Blessings.

For those who have been involved with Blessings from the early days, like myself, the privilege of serving alongside Mrs. Lattin on the Blessings Board was a profound experience. Witnessing her exceptional talents and unwavering commitment to alleviating hunger among our community’s students left an indelible mark on us all. Mrs. Lattin’s presence at this year’s planning meeting served as a source of inspiration for the current board members, emphasizing the continuity of her legacy and the importance of maintaining the organization’s founding spirit.

Equally impactful was the invaluable input and problem-solving provided by our student representatives. Hailing from Citrus, Lecanto, Crystal River, and Seven Rivers High Schools, these young individuals brought fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to engaging with and empowering the very beneficiaries it serves.

The day commenced with a tour of Blessings’ newly acquired warehouse space, a generous donation from All About IT in Lecanto. This expansive warehouse has substantially expanded Blessings’ capacity to serve more students and families in need. During the tour, we were introduced to new food vendors who provide a wider array of nutritious food options for our beneficiaries. Additionally, discussions centered on the cost-saving benefits derived from these vendors, who have extended extra discounts exclusively to Blessings as a gesture of support for our mission.

As a sneak peek into what lies ahead, attendees were treated to a preview of Blessings’ forthcoming promotional video, a powerful tool that will soon be released to the public, further raising awareness of the organization’s mission and impact. Stay tuned for this exciting release!

I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who make Blessings’ work possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to our cause empower us to continue addressing weekend hunger among the children of Citrus County. If you’re inspired to make a difference, whether by adopting a student or making a donation, we invite you to visit our website at https://citruscountyblessings.harnessgiving.org/donate. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve and create a brighter future for our community.

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Soaring to New Heights: Zachary Kahler’s Journey to Becoming a U.S. Air Force Pilot

I always love hearing from our younger school alumni about their continual successes. This week, I had the privilege of learning about the remarkable journey of Zachary Kahler, a member of the Class of 2020 at Crystal River High School, who has recently been accepted into the prestigious U.S. Air Force pilot-select program. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his path towards becoming a pilot and serving our nation.

Kahler is currently a senior at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, located in picturesque Daytona Beach, Florida. His commitment to pursuing a career in aviation is evident through his enrollment in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Embry–Riddle, where he is diligently working towards earning his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration, with a specialized focus on supply chain management.

The road to becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot-select is no easy feat. Aspiring candidates must meet stringent requirements, encompassing physical fitness, mental acumen, and academic excellence. Kahler’s determination and dedication shone through as he successfully navigated a rigorous selection process, which included the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and an evaluation by a selection board. These assessments are designed to identify individuals who possess the skills and qualities necessary to excel in the challenging field of aviation.

Upon securing his place in the program, Kahler will embark on a transformative journey through the Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program—a one-year intensive course that imparts the fundamental skills required for piloting aircraft. This marks the commencement of his lifelong dream of taking to the skies as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Air Force pilots hold a crucial role within the military, operating a diverse array of aircraft, from nimble fighter jets to formidable bombers, versatile transport planes, and life-saving helicopters. Their responsibilities extend beyond the confines of our nation’s borders, playing an indispensable part in safeguarding our national security and promoting global peace.

What makes Kahler’s achievement even more impressive is the esteemed company he joins. Citrus County high schools have a proud history of producing outstanding JROTC students and alumni who have gone on to achieve greatness, both within and outside the military. Among Kahler’s peers from CRHS JROTC are distinguished individuals such as U.S. Navy Captain John Roussakies, who commands the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida, and U.S. Navy Commander Peter Manzoli, serving at U.S. Fleet Cyber Command. Their exemplary careers serve as a testament to the strong foundation laid during their time at CRHS.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Zachary Kahler for his exceptional achievement and the beginning of an exciting journey as a U.S. Air Force pilot-select. As he takes to the skies, we join his friends, family, and community in wishing him a future filled with boundless success and the fulfillment of his dreams. Fly high, Zachary, and fly proud! We are immensely proud of you and look forward to your remarkable contributions in the service of our nation.

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Congressional Recognition Honors Former Assistant Superintendent Mike Mullen at Citrus High School

Today was a momentous day as I had the privilege of attending Citrus High School alongside Congressman Gus Bilirakis’s Congressional Aide, Mr. David Halbstein. The occasion was a heartwarming one as Mr. Halbstein presented former Assistant Superintendent Mike Mullen with a prestigious Congressional Recognition on behalf of Congressman Bilirakis.

What made this recognition even more special was the venue itself – Citrus High School. Mr. Mullen, the deserving recipient, had once served as principal at CHS before rising through the ranks to become Director, Executive Director, and finally, Assistant Superintendent. His remarkable career spanned an impressive 35 years in education, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the community.

Before his distinguished career in education, Mr. Mullen had served our nation with honor and dedication in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Captain. His tireless commitment to both education and service to our country exemplifies the values that inspire us all.

As Mr. Mullen retired in June, this recognition stands as a fitting tribute to his lifetime of dedication and service to the community and the nation at large. Congratulations, Mr. Mullen, on a well-deserved honor, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence.

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