Curtis Students Help VFW Pay For New Zack Shannon Sign

When Dunedin-Palm Harbor VFW Post 2550 officially changes its name for fallen soldier Zack Shannon this November, 88 elementary students and their parents can have a visual reminder that they had a hand in honoring his legacy.

Four recent Curtis Fundamental Elementary grads — Sydney Walker, Molly O'Rourke, Maria Norman and Chase Pagley, representing their entire class — hand-delivered a check to Denis Brogan, the VFW's new commander, and Dutch Grubbs, seven-year immediate past commander and new quarter master, in an informal presentation at the VFW on July 3.

Families of the graduating fifth-graders try to return the favor they receive each year for free use of the post as a venue for their children's end-of-year celebration. Since 2009, when Curtis Fundamental held its first celebration at the VFW, they've managed to find an extra $100 or so in their annual "Fifth Grade Celebration" budget (funded entirely by donations from the fifth-grade students' families) to go toward a thank-you gift for the VFW.

This year, mother Amy O'Rourke said, they found a little extra — $455.

The only condition, she said, was the money go toward new signs designating the building as the Zachary L. Shannon Memorial Post 2550.

Shannon, 21, a 2010 grad from the Dunedin High Naval JROTC program, was one of five soldiers who died March 11 when their helicopter went down during a night vision operation in Afghanistan. He is the youngest of four sons of Chip and Kimberly Allison of Dunedin.

Grubbs and Brogan, voted commander in June, both graciously accepted the students' donation. Grubbs said the VFW is not actively seeking donations but would not turn them away if people want to contribute toward future signage.

Designs are still being discussed. A lot also depends on their budget, Grubbs said.

A dedication ceremony of the new VFW for Shannon is planned Nov. 10.

Previous Coverage:

• VFW to Name Post for Fallen Soldier Zack Shannon