Saluting Jacksonville’s 4000+ Military Neighbors Today and Every Day

May is Military Appreciation Month, but AARP Jacksonville honors the area's 4k+ military population every day.

Every month, Jill Auld, Associate State Director of Outreach and Engagement, and a dedicated team of AARP Jacksonville volunteers host several in-person and virtual events specifically designed to serve veterans and their loved ones., But one event in particular brings them even closer to their military roots -- AARP Days at the USS Orleck Naval Museum.

Since 2023, AARP Jacksonville has partnered with the USS Orleck to introduce AARP members and non-members alike to the museum, which chronicles the history of the destroyer. However, this year, the team decided to bump it up a notch and welcome veterans once a month to an exclusive visit. The goal? To provide them an experience that connects them to their military roots and honors their years of service to our country.

"Volunteering on the USS Orleck offers a unique perspective not found at other events," explains Bill Jefferson, AARP Jacksonville Lead Volunteer and US Air Force veteran. "On the Orleck, you actually step into history, and the ship comes to life. AARP can be proud that the partnership they’ve created gives individuals such as myself, for a brief moment, a chance to see and feel history."


AARP's Days on the USS Orleck include a private tour of the museum and a conversation with AARP Jacksonville volunteers on our organization's veteran resources. Both AARP and the Jacksonville Naval Museum hope that veterans leave each event feeling honored and supported by their local community.

"Our partnership with AARP is a perfect match," explains Charlie Tramazzo, Resource Development Official at the USS Orleck. "We hope that everyone who attends an AARP Day at the USS Orleck feels inspired to do more. We want this experience to lead to action — joining, volunteering, and spreading the word in their communities about both of our organizations and our work towards military members and their families."

Interested in learning more? Visit AARP.org/Jacksonville for a list of all of our veterans, Active Duty, and military families events in the coming months.

AARP Florida thanks all members of the armed forces for their service, and we hope that you can lean on us as a source of trust and support.