The Right Men’s Club of Collier County, through it’s nonprofit organization, Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc, invites the community to its November Luncheon and 9th Annual Salute to Veterans, headlined by decorated combat veteran, country music artist, and U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame inductee Keni Thomas.

This annual event honors the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans while bringing together members, guests, and supporters for an inspiring afternoon of camaraderie, recognition, and patriotism. Attendees will enjoy a luncheon followed by a compelling program featuring Thomas as the keynote speaker.

Keni Thomas, a former Staff Sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, served in the elite Task Force Ranger during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia — events famously depicted in the book and film Black Hawk Down. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his leadership and heroism under fire. After leaving the Army in 1997, Thomas built a successful career as a country music singer and songwriter, releasing patriotic albums inspired by his military experiences and his fallen brothers-in-arms. In 2025, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished service and ongoing contributions to veterans and military families.

As a motivational speaker, Thomas captivates audiences with powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and service. His appearance at the luncheon promises an unforgettable tribute to veterans and a message of inspiration for all.

A Special VIP program will be held prior celebrating the 250^th Anniversary of the US and will feature a program honoring the highlights for military action during 250 years.

Event Details:

• Event: November Luncheon – 9th Annual Salute to Veterans
• Featured Speaker: Keni Thomas, U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee, Combat Veteran, and Country Music Artist
• Date & Time: November 6, 2026, doors open at 11 AM] VIP 250^th Anniversary room opens at 10 AM
• Location: Naples Hilton
• Tickets/Registration: Ticket prices begin at $175 for the luncheon. Ticket information can be found here.

About The Right Men’s Club of Collier County The Right Men’s Club of Collier County (formerly known as the Republican Men’s Club) provides a forum for fellowship, political engagement, and community support in Southwest Florida. The club awards scholarships to local students and hosts educational and social events that advance conservative principles.

About Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc. Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc. was formed to host events to raise funds for Scholarships and Veteran Services. Donations are tax deductible. The Men’s Club Foundation donated more than $25,000 for scholarships and veteran services in 2025.

Left to Right: Army and Marine Corps Colonel Martin B. Spann, Marine Corps Master Sergeant Gerald Van Hecke, Air Force Airman 2nd Class Michael Victor Ricci Jr. and Army Specialist Jairo Restrepo

Dean of the Florida Delegation and member of the Defense Subcommittee on House Appropriations, presented the Congressional Veteran Commendation s to the following local veterans in Collier County for their distinguished service to our country: Army and Marine Corps Colonel Martin B. Spann, Marine Corps Master Sergeant Gerald Van Hecke, Army Specialist Jairo Restrepo, and Air Force Airman 2 Class Michael Victor Ricci Jr.

The Congressional Veteran Commendation is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of veterans residing in Florida’s 26th Congressional District. Each one of these veterans will be interviewed, and their wartime collection will be added to the Veterans History Project, sponsored by the Library of Congress.

Feature photo above shows Michael Ricci as Post Commander of VFW Post 7721 (behind the podium) and leading the procession is Right Men’s Club member Captain Jack Fulmer.

We’re excited to share a triumphant year for The Right Men’s Club scholarship program!

Thanks to our targeted outreach, we quadrupled applications from four in 2023 to 16 in 2025, with a record seven schools represented, including four traditional public schools (Aubrey Rogers, Lely, Barron Collier, Palmetto Ridge) and three public charter schools (Mason Classical Academy, Marco Island Academy, Village School).

Our December efforts—engaging guidance counselors countywide, partnering with the CCPS Superintendent, and leveraging the Scholarship Connector (a Collier Community Foundation clearinghouse)—drove this surge, especially from traditional public schools, reversing past trends.

From 16 applicants, we interviewed five and selected two exceptional winners, to be honored at our June 6 breakfast meeting. One, praised as “a great young man,” aspires to medical school; the other, a first for our program, will attend Hillsdale College. Join us to celebrate these future leaders!

This year, we faced new challenges evaluating diverse essays. One applicant’s essay, copied from Wikipedia and misaligned with our constitutional focus, underscored the need for rigorous review.

With our 2025 awardees, we’ll support 11 students, the County iTech program, and an FGCU student via our endowment, totaling ~$24,000. Two students will graduate from our program this year.

Kudos to our Scholarship Committee—Russell Tuff, Mike Nadolski, Mike Lyster, Reg Buxton, Erick Carter, and newcomers Ed Thompson and Dr. J.B. Holmes—for their dedication. Your support fuels our mission to empower tomorrow’s leaders!

Joe Scheffey
Chairman, Scholarship Committee