By Blair Drake, MOAA Contributing Editor

MOAA's Cape Canaveral (Fla.) Chapter is co-sponsoring a program to help the medical and first responder communities in Brevard County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Stand With The Winter Soldiers” is a group of veterans, spouses, and other volunteers who transport donated food and medical personal protective equipment (PPE) to clinics, hospital emergency room nursing staff, EMT facilities, fire stations, and police stations. 

According to chapter member former Army Capt. Donn Weaver, who created the group, “The Winter Soldiers were those who stuck by our young country when it was on its last legs in late 1776, going on to win victories under General Washington, which secured our freedom. Today’s Winter Soldiers are our brave first responders and medical personnel who are risking everything to fight the coronavirus scourge.”

[RELATED: Council and Chapter Resources]

The chapter is partnering with the Hospice of St. Francis, which assists with collecting donations.

The Winter Soldiers group works to connect those who want to help with PPE directly to the Hospice of St. Francis and recipients. Weaver said one restaurant donated non-latex gloves. The group also helps get homemade masks to the public.

As of mid-April, volunteers — including a dozen Cape Canaveral Chapter members — had delivered more than 200 meals from volunteer restaurants to medical staff and first responders. Weaver expected that number to grow, with more restaurants joining the effort.

Recipients have been responsive and thankful.

“They deserve all the support that we can offer them in this crisis,” said Weaver, “and that is precisely the intention of our campaign.”