- December 4, 2025
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The celebration began with a drumline performance.
Attendees enjoyed performances from students in TFA’s chorus program.
Attendees enjoyed performances from students in TFA’s chorus program.
Members of the Florida Army National Guard presented the colors.
Tiffany Coburn performed the national anthem.
Veterans were the honored guests at TFA’s celebration.
TFA Head of School Dr. Steve Whitaker said this was the largest Veterans Day celebration in school history.
Retired U.S. Marines Sgt. Sallie Amato served in World War II as a bugler. She celebrated her 102nd birthday at TFA’s celebration.
Attendees enjoyed performances from students in TFA’s chorus program.
Attendees enjoyed performances from students in TFA’s chorus program.
TFA alum, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Sagraves, spoke at this year’s celebration.
Stan Patterson, founder of Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates, received TFA’s American Patriot Award from Jackson Jones.
Members of TFA’s chorus programs sang a medley honoring each branch of the military.
TFA honored each branch of the military during the celebration.
TFA honored each branch of the military during the celebration.
TFA honored each branch of the military during the celebration.
TFA honored each branch of the military during the celebration.
The celebration included honoring students’ family members who either served or are serving in the military.
The celebration included honoring students’ family members who either served or are serving in the military.
World War II veteran retired U.S. Army Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner was emotional as attendees showed their appreciation for his service.
Members of the Florida National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment, stationed in the United Arab Emirates, participated via a live video chat.
TFA Wounded Warrior Club Officer Jackson Jones honored alumni service members during the celebration.
TFA Wounded Warrior Club Officer Marina Schmid delivered a powerful speech during the celebration.
John Mark Cox and a live band performed ‘God Bless the USA.’
Lincoln, of the American Eagle Foundation, was a special guest at this year’s celebration.
Members of Orlando Police Department’s SWAT team rappelled from the rafters during the celebration’s finale, ‘God Bless the USA.’
Members of Orlando Police Department’s SWAT team rappelled from the rafters during the celebration’s finale, ‘God Bless the USA.’
Tears, laughter, and an air of deep appreciation and respect filled the First Orlando Worship Center as The First Academy hosted its 2025 Veterans and Grandparents Celebration at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6.
The celebration featured a plethora of moving moments, including a solemn presentation of colors; performances by TFA’s chorus students; moments of recognition for each military branch and veterans of every conflict since World War II; a live video call with members of the Florida National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment.
stationed in the United Arab Emirates; and even an extra special guest, Lincoln, a bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation.
The celebration concluded with a performance of “God Bless the USA,” as members of Orlando Police Department’s SWAT team rappelled from the rafters.
