Club Collections Assist Burials of Military Veterans in Need

The Charitable Arm of the Indian River Colony Club in Viera, Fla. collects uniforms and service-specific apparel items for The Dover Detail to be used for the burial of veterans. “My goal is to ensure that all veterans be afforded the privilege and honor to be buried in the uniform of their branch of service,” says Jerry Vaughan, a U.S. Navy veteran and the driving force behind The Dover Detail.

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation, the charitable arm of the 55+ Viera, Fla. golf community of military veterans, recently collected uniforms and service-specific apparel items to be used for the burial of veterans, particularly those who are homeless or destitute.

The April 16 donation benefits The Dover Detail, a special outreach of Down the Road Thrift in Cocoa, owned by veteran Jerry Vaughan. The Dover Detail is a registered 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization whose singular mission is to provide a complete and accurate uniform for any deceased member of the Armed Forces. Until such time as they are needed, the uniforms are housed inside Vaughan’s Down the Road Thrift, which benefits veterans in need and their families by providing clothing and basic necessities at no charge.

The Dover Detail is named after the U.S. Air Force base in Delaware; the remains of those killed overseas are traditionally brought to Dover before being transferred to family.

The Indian River Colony Club is largely comprised of military veterans, well known for their volunteerism and philanthropy. The ongoing practice of donating to an assortment of veterans causes and charities embody the community motto of “service to those who served.”

Owner of Down the Road Thrift and the driving force behind The Dover Detail, U.S. Navy veteran Jerry Vaughan explained how valuable the uniforms and clothing donated by Indian River Colony Club will be to veterans and their families—especially those in need.

“Some of the items like long pants can be used right away by homeless veterans,” Vaughan said. “The dress uniforms will be stored as part of The Dover Detail, until they are needed by the family of a veteran. My goal is to ensure that all veterans be afforded the privilege and honor to be buried in the uniform of their branch of service.”

The Indian River Colony Club community of nearly 800 homes is a dedicated supporter of veterans causes. In 2019, they were presented with the Outstanding Military Service Award by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, for their ongoing efforts on behalf of veterans.

Viera’s very first neighborhood, Indian River Colony Club is known as “The Place Patriots Call Home.” A haven for military veterans, the par-72 private golf course community has a patriotic culture and country club amenities for active adults aged 55 and over. Residents have dedicated their lives to military service and continue their efforts in retirement, with a host of ongoing efforts for the betterment of Brevard County veterans and the regional military community.

In addition to significant contributions made by the community’s charitable foundation, the 2019 Outstanding Military Service Award cited ongoing service and generosity toward veterans and military-related causes, including participation in and/or donations to veteran related organizations, including the Veterans Transitional Facility, Down the Road Thrift Shop, the Veterans Administration, the Cape Canaveral Ladies, the Cape Canaveral Cemetery, the USO (United Service Organizations), Honor Flight, Patrick Air Force Base, Veterans Treatment Court, Veterans Memorial Center, Wreaths Across America and more.

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation represents the generous donors of Indian River Colony Club, under the leadership of Foundation Board Chairman and retired U.S. Army Colonel, Jerry Gill and Military Services Organization Committee Chair, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Brian Whalen.