OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (February 19, 2026) — The ͷ Foundation (ͷ Foundation) hosted its annual Veterans Clay Shoot on February 13, 2026, at OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee, Florida, raising $80,000 to support student-veterans and military families enrolled at ͷ (The River), the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee’s public college and one of Florida’s premier state colleges.
The event was presented by Gilbert’s Family of Companies and drew more than 120 participants competing across 30+ teams. Funds raised will be directed to The River’s Military and Veterans Services Department to provide financial support, career assistance, and day-to-day assistance for the college’s enrolled student-veterans.
Event Overview
- Date: February 13, 2026
- Location: OK Corral Gun Club, Okeechobee, Florida
- Format: Sporting clays team competition, 30 teams, 120+ participants
- Funds Raised: $80,000
- Beneficiary: ͷ Military and Veterans Services Department
- Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies
The event began with breakfast and opening remarks from ͷ President Dr. Timothy E. Moore, followed by a mandatory safety briefing before a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. A BBQ lunch, awards ceremony, and raffle followed the competition.
Competition Results
- Top Team: Williamson Cattle
- Individual Winners: Shawn Peters and James Anderson (tie)
- Winning Veteran: Larry Gegg
“Sponsor a Veteran” Program
Through the event’s “Sponsor a Veteran” initiative, seven student-veterans participated in the clay shoot at no cost, funded by donor contributions designated specifically for veteran participation. Twenty veterans also participated.
Quotes from ͷ Leadership
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President, ͷ: “Eighty thousand dollars raised in a single morning is a powerful statement — not just about what we can do for our student-veterans, but about who we are as a community. These funds mean financial support, career assistance, and the kind of day-to-day help that allows a veteran to stay in school and finish what they started. That matters more than any of us can fully measure.”
Frank Libutti, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ͷ Foundation; Retired Lieutenant General, United States Marine Corps: “I’ve led Marines in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. What I saw today was different — civilians standing up for veterans, not because they had to, but because they chose to. That kind of community commitment is what makes the difference between a veteran who struggles after service and one who thrives. Our student-veterans deserve exactly this.”
Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE, Vice President, ͷ Foundation: “A college degree changes the trajectory of a life. For a veteran who has already given so much, it is our duty to help support the bridge between service and a civilian career. This event helps us make sure that bridge is there when they need it. At ͷ, we stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have stood for our nation.”
Bert Culbreth, Sponsor & Vice Chair, ͷ Foundation: “Supporting the men and women who have served our country is something we take seriously. This event brings our community together around a shared commitment to making sure veterans have every opportunity to succeed after service, and we’re proud to play a part in that.”
Event Sponsors
- Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies
- Supporting Sponsors: Airstron Mechanical; Brighton Ammunition; Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC; Crary Buchanan, PA; Dr. Timothy Moore; Everglades Equipment Group; Gilbert Experience, LLC; GlobalTech, Inc.; IKONIC Munitions; InjuredVeterans.com (Gordon & Partners); Jared Queen; Kimley-Horn; Level Four Financial; Nylacarb Corp.; Pace Machine & Tool, Inc.; Paul Jacquin & Sons, Inc., Seacoast Bank; SouthState Bank; Spiezle Architectural Group; Team Parks, Inc.; UES – Universal Engineering Sciences; Venergy Group / AutoBuilders; Verdex Construction; and Walpole, Inc.
For more information or to support ͷ student-veterans:
- Website:
- Contact: John Ramfjord, ͷ Foundation Sr. Development Director, 772-462-4786
###
About Indian River State College (The River): ͷ serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
About the ͷ Foundation: The ͷ Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships and program support. As the funding partner of ͷ, the Foundation works to ensure that quality education remains within reach for all students.
