A day at the beach honoring veterans: Stetson Law students, Dean show support for Gulfport’s Heroes Weekend

(L-R): Back row Ashaley Boatwright, Marc Wolfson, Mark Pack, Robert Kilmartin, Kyle Short, Kevin Basso, Michelle Liedtke, Felicia Becker, Haviland Kebler, Matt Ceriale, Mike Eaton, Stetson Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. (L-R): Front row Gulfport Police Chief Rob Vincent, VETsports mascot and Officer Chris Priest. Photo by Brielle Tucker.

Stetson University College of Law students and Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz met with VETsports and Gulfport police officers on the Gulfport campus on Oct. 14 to show their support for the Nov. 11 Heroes Weekend in Gulfport. 

The City of Gulfport and VETsports are coordinating the community event, featuring a parade and volleyball tournament. Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute, home to the Veterans Advocacy Clinic, is a presenter. The Veterans Advocacy Clinic provides Tampa Bay area veterans with legal representation in appealing decisions denying Veterans Administration disability benefits.

“Nov. 11 is a chance for students to interact with the veterans community, and the community of Gulfport, by doing something outside of the day-to-day schedule of a law student,” said Stetson Law student Matthew Ceriale. “A day on the beach with a parade and good company is about as good as it gets.”

The event kicks off with a parade in downtown Gulfport at 11 a.m., followed by a “Champions Walk of Fame” at 11:30 p.m. and 12 p.m. volleyball tournament on Gulfport Beach.