JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The new Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena sign was unveiled Tuesday in downtown Jacksonville.
Leaders in the local veteran community say the name change could have a big impact on veterans in need.
This is the new sign marking Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Jacksonville. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/xIXRYhjKCF
— Brittney Donovan (@brittneyANjax) September 17, 2019
Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Robert Adelhelm was among a small group who fought to have veterans in the name of the new arena built in 2003 after the coliseum was demolished.
“It’s about honor, you know? Veterans didn’t fight for money. Most of us went in for the sense of honor, so it means a lot when you see veterans up on that arena,” he said. “It means the city and community here understand that.”
That’s why he says some veterans were wary of a sponsor, but he believes Vystar is a good fit.
The credit union was founded at NAS Jax in the 1950s.
With the name change, it has committed more than $50,000 a year to local veterans services. The funds will be distributed to local programs by the Veterans Council of Duval County’s board, made up of veterans.
“Veterans take care of veterans better than anybody else,” Adelhelm said.
Another $50,000 has been set aside for a memorial near the arena, and Vystar will match donations made by families at concession stands up to $50,000.
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Adelhelm and members of the Veterans Council told Action News Jax Brittney Donovan they’re already looking to the future. Their goal is to create a resource center with some of the funds.
“It’ll be a rally point where veterans can go to seek help. Right now, they just wander around and they’re found after the fact,” he said. “We can do away with some of the homelessness, joblessness and certainly deal with some of the PTSD issues.”
Veterans can also get discounts on tickets, concessions and parking at the arena.
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Cox Media Group
