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    <title>Blend Heroes</title>
    <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/marketplace/blend-heroes</link>
    <description>Blend Heroes</description>
    <copyright>Copyright Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.</copyright>
    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:10:25 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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      <title>Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Helping Eligible Veterans Get Urgent Financial Assistance &amp; Critical Dental Care</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wounded-veterans-relief-fund-helping-eligible-veterans-get-urgent-financial-assistance-critical-dental-care</link>
      <description>The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a veteran-led nonprofit organization, providing urgent financial assistance and critical dental care to eligible wounded and disabled veterans across Florida.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:10:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wounded-veterans-relief-fund-helping-eligible-veterans-get-urgent-financial-assistance-critical-dental-care</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wounded-veterans-relief-fund-helping-eligible-veterans-get-urgent-financial-assistance-critical-dental-care">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser: Wounded Veterans Relief Fund<p>The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a veteran-led nonprofit organization, providing urgent financial assistance and critical dental care to eligible wounded and disabled veterans across Florida.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://wvrf.org/">WVRF.org</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Tampa-Based, Veteran-Owned Celestar Corporation Looking to Add to Their Team</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/tampa-based-veteran-owned-celestar-corporation-looking-to-add-to-their-team</link>
      <description>Celestar is a Tampa-based, veteran-owned corporation that provides services and solutions — primarily in the intelligence and defense sectors — to the U.S. government and partner nations.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:42:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/tampa-based-veteran-owned-celestar-corporation-looking-to-add-to-their-team</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/tampa-based-veteran-owned-celestar-corporation-looking-to-add-to-their-team">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser: Celestar Corporation<p>Celestar is a Tampa-based, veteran-owned corporation that provides services and solutions  primarily in the intelligence and defense sectors  to the U.S. government and partner nations.</p><p>They employ many veterans and are looking to add to their team. We're learning how they're helping to make a difference, not just for their customers, but also in the communities they live and work in.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.celestarcorp.com/">CelestarCorp.com</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>The Florida State Elks Association Has Been Helping Veterans for 150+ Years</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/the-florida-state-elks-association-has-been-helping-veterans-for-150-years</link>
      <description>The Florida State Elks Association has helped veterans for more than 150 years, not just in our state but nationally as well.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:18:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/the-florida-state-elks-association-has-been-helping-veterans-for-150-years</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/the-florida-state-elks-association-has-been-helping-veterans-for-150-years">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser:&nbsp;Florida State Elks Association<p>The Florida State Elks Association has helped veterans for more than 150 years, not just in our state but nationally as well.</p><p>Since 1917, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has demonstrated its compassion for the veterans of our armed forces through numerous programs and activities. Since 1946, the order has maintained the pledge.</p><p>For more information or to find a lodge near you, visit <a href="https://floridaelks.org/">FloridaElks.org</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>The Honor Foundation Helping U.S. Special Operations Forces Transition to Civilian Life</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/the-honor-foundation-helping-u-s-special-operations-forces-transition-to-civilian-life</link>
      <description>The Honor Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates a nationally recognized career transition institute for the U.S. Special Operations Forces communities in the military.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:03:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/the-honor-foundation-helping-u-s-special-operations-forces-transition-to-civilian-life</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/the-honor-foundation-helping-u-s-special-operations-forces-transition-to-civilian-life">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser: The Honor Foundation<p>The Honor Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates a nationally recognized career transition institute for the U.S. Special Operations Forces communities in the military.</p><p>This program helps Special Operators navigate the change from military to civilian lives and careers through an executive-education style curriculum that combines one-on-one executive coaching and industry mentoring, three months of class instruction, and access to an elite, nationwide professional network.</p><p>For over a decade, it has helped translate the elite skills that our Special Operations Forces gain in their military service into ideas, qualities, and leadership abilities that are invaluable to both businesses and communities.</p><p>The Honor Foundations Tampa Bay campus is uniquely situated near USSOCOM, which strengthens its ability to serve the active-duty members of USSOCOM.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.honor.org__;!!FJkDyvWmnr4!b_eMpPQ7sYQjClmyTLWN26juEP6BBUf5HW1kAORoWBpVvG5l8Z8i_05LSbP_JEHSYMHhhutdW3QsDvDybIe6SQBl3X_p$">Honor.org</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Blue Star Welcome Week Helping Military Families Transition to New Communities</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/blue-star-welcome-week-helping-military-families-transition-to-a-new-community</link>
      <description>Around 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families move each year, and these days, those moves are not only onto bases but also into local neighborhoods where folks can face isolation.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:48:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/blue-star-welcome-week-helping-military-families-transition-to-a-new-community</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/blue-star-welcome-week-helping-military-families-transition-to-a-new-community">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser: Blue Star Families<p>Around 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families move each year, and these days, those moves are not only onto bases but also into local neighborhoods where folks can face isolation.</p><p>Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community for all of us.</p><p>Here in Tampa Bay, Blue Star Families is hosting 12 events for transitioning military families  from LEGOLAND and Lightning signature events to a special cooking demonstration and food sampling!</p><p>Welcome Week is happening September 21-29. For more information or to find out how you can help, visit <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/welcomeweek.bluestarfam.org/__;!!FJkDyvWmnr4!d8FGoKLHu73lY0wW0f6gqY7kF2728VUJKLRDjAvUwhgaHfkViabI3W35CXbqkFR7HdAEMyTlsjJ-QHfMjikc-iSqlVUF$">WelcomeWeek.BlueStarFam.org</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Wheelchair Rugby National Championship Happening May 3 - 5 in Wesley Chapel</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wheelchair-rugby-national-championship-happening-may-3-5-in-wesley-chapel</link>
      <description>The Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, in partnership with the Pasco County Sports Coast and more, is getting ready to host the United States Wheelchair Rugby National Championship tournament.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2024 12:45:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wheelchair-rugby-national-championship-happening-may-3-5-in-wesley-chapel</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wheelchair-rugby-national-championship-happening-may-3-5-in-wesley-chapel">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            <p>The Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, in partnership with the Pasco County Sports Coast and more, is getting ready to host the United States Wheelchair Rugby National Championship tournament.</p><p>PSTA, along with Transdev &amp; wheelchair transport, are proud to help transport these heroes to and from the airport to their hotels. They are proud to give back to those who have sacrificed so much!</p><p>The USWRA Wheelchair Rugby National Championship is happening Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5 at the AdventHealth Sports Arena at Wiregrass Ranch.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/2024-USWRA-Wheelchair-Rugby-National-Championship/61557613610904/">Facebook.com</a> and <a href="https://woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org/">WoundedWarriorsAbilitiesRanch.org</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Help Support the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund at the Valspar Championship</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/help-support-the-wounded-veterans-relief-fund-at-the-valspar-championship</link>
      <description>The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a nonprofit providing urgent financial assistance and critical dental care to eligible wounded and disabled veterans in Florida.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:49:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/help-support-the-wounded-veterans-relief-fund-at-the-valspar-championship</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/help-support-the-wounded-veterans-relief-fund-at-the-valspar-championship">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser:&nbsp;Wounded Veterans Relief Fund<p>The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a nonprofit providing urgent financial assistance and critical dental care to eligible wounded and disabled veterans in Florida.</p><p>You can help support this veteran-led organization via the Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities Program at the Valspar Championship. All funds raised will stay in the Tampa Bay area to assist veterans with their dental and financial needs. <a href="https://form.jotform.com/221785405037152">Click here</a> to donate.</p><p>Last year, they were able to assist 1,088 veterans with a total of $1,433,621. They provided more than $455,000 of dental assistance alone.</p><p>For more information on the programs the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund offers, visit <a href="https://wvrf.org/">WVRF.org</a></p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>We're Giving a Special Salute to One Local Veteran</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/were-giving-a-special-salute-to-one-local-veteran</link>
      <description>Veterans Day is tomorrow, November 11 and we're giving a special salute to one local veteran. Bonnie Kirby served in the U.S. Navy as a Medical Corpsman.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:33:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/were-giving-a-special-salute-to-one-local-veteran</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/were-giving-a-special-salute-to-one-local-veteran">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            <p>Veterans Day is tomorrow, November 11 and we're giving a special salute to one local veteran.</p><p>Bonnie Kirby served in the U.S. Navy as a Medical Corpsman. She's currently raising her son while working at Tampa General Hospital.</p><p>She and her colleague Lauren Ozorowsky started a new group within TGH to bring together fellow team members who are also military veterans. They give each other moral support, put on events, and show that veterans are everywhere!</p><p>Bonnie also survived breast cancer while working full-time and raising her son!</p><p>Thank you Bonnie for your service and for your commitment to your son, your fellow veterans, your colleagues, and the community.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Provides Dental Services for Florida Veterans</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wounded-veterans-relief-fund-provides-dental-services-for-florida-veterans</link>
      <description>The VA provides invaluable services for disabled veterans, but when it comes to dental care, only 15% of vets are eligible. This is where the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund comes in!</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:25:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wounded-veterans-relief-fund-provides-dental-services-for-florida-veterans</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/wounded-veterans-relief-fund-provides-dental-services-for-florida-veterans">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser:&nbsp;Wounded Veterans Relief Fund<p>The VA provides invaluable services for disabled veterans, but when it comes to dental care, only 15% of vets are eligible. This is where the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund comes in!</p><p>This nonprofit organization partners with dentists, implant companies, and dental labs throughout the state of Florida. Currently, they have 80 dental partners in 24 counties and growing rapidly.</p><p>The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund relies on grants, sponsorships, gracious donations, fundraising events throughout the year, and businesses that would like to sponsor a veteran's dental treatment.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://wvrf.org/">WVRF.org</a> or call 561-855-4207.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Operation Honoring Heroes: DFCU Financial Teaming Up With Team Addo</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/operation-honoring-heroes-dfcu-financial-teaming-up-with-team-addo</link>
      <description>WFTS and DFCU Financial are teaming up to honor our men and women in the armed forces through our Operation Honoring Heroes.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:43:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/operation-honoring-heroes-dfcu-financial-teaming-up-with-team-addo</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/operation-honoring-heroes-dfcu-financial-teaming-up-with-team-addo">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            <p>DFCU Financial is teaming up with Team Addo to honor the men and women in the armed forces.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.dfcufinancial.com/">DFCUFinancial.com</a> and <a href="https://www.teamaddo.org/">TeamAddo.org</a>.</p>Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser: DFCU Financial    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Tampa Bay's Operation Honoring Heroes: West Shore Home Helping Veterans Transition Back to Work</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/west-shore-home-helping-veterans-transition-back-to-work</link>
      <description>We're learning how West Shore Home's core values can help veterans transition back to work! For more information, visit work.WestShoreHome.com/Veterans.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:45:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/west-shore-home-helping-veterans-transition-back-to-work</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/west-shore-home-helping-veterans-transition-back-to-work">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser: West Shore Home<p>We're learning how West Shore Home is fully dedicated to helping veterans take that first step into the civilian world.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://work.westshorehome.com/veterans">work.WestShoreHome.com/Veterans</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>West Shore Home Dedicated to Helping &amp; Hiring Veterans</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/west-shore-home-dedicated-to-helping-hiring-veterans</link>
      <description>We're learning how West Shore Home is helping and hiring veterans, making their transition to civilian life as smooth as possible.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2023 12:57:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/west-shore-home-dedicated-to-helping-hiring-veterans</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/west-shore-home-dedicated-to-helping-hiring-veterans">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS. Advertiser:&nbsp;West Shore Home<p>West Shore Home not only has a passion for helping veterans, but for hiring veterans as well.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://promo.westshorehome.com/digital-station-wfts/?utm_sfcampaign=7011G000000ZHtaQAG&amp;utm_source=tv&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=wfts-tv">WestShoreHome.com</a>.</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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