SRQ VETS, Inc. Executive Director & Board President
By Jane Bartnett
Q. How did you become involved with SRQ VETS Inc., and what is your service history?
I am a U.S. Navy veteran and served as an aviation machinist’s mate from 1985 to 1989. Following my time in the Navy, I entered the hospitality and restaurant industry and advanced my career in operations and team leadership. About nine years ago, a staff member at the VA clinic on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota told me about SRQ VETS and its mission.
In 2017, I began volunteering with SRQ VETS and quickly became involved. A year later, I was invited to join the board of directors. About two years ago, my fellow board members asked me to become SRQ VETS’ first full-time director and board president.
Working closely with our board, which is comprised of a dedicated and high-level group of people committed to improving the lives of veterans in the SRQ region, I began instituting additional management structures within the organization. To raise awareness of SRQ VETS, we increased our strategic marketing efforts to better inform the public and business community about the needs of our veterans and the work of SRQ VETS.
As our name suggests, our coverage area encompasses the same towns and counties served by the SRQ airport. This includes the greater Sarasota region, Venice, North Port, as well as Manatee and DeSoto counties. We are based in Sarasota.
On Siesta Key last month, we were proud to join former U.S. Navy secretary and Siesta Key resident Thomas Modly in the renovation and upgrade of the flag posts at Siesta Key’s Patriots Pier, where the American flag and flags of the U.S. armed forces fly. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy veteran, Modly provided funding for the project through proceeds from his book, “Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy.”
This coming November, we look forward to once again working with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mike Gatz and his team at Gilligan’s Island Bar and Grill in Siesta Village. Gatz will host his annual Marine Corps birthday fundraiser benefiting SRQ VETS. Last year’s event raised nearly $8,000 for our organization and the veterans we serve.
Q. When was SRQ VETS established as a 501(c)(3) organization? How did it come to be, and what has been your largest area of growth?
SRQ VETS began as a grassroots Sarasota organization formed to help local veterans in need. A group of veterans recognized the need to support fellow veterans at a local level. While national organizations provide valuable services, SRQ VETS was created to reach neighbors and friends where we live and work.
Over the past few years, we have taken the organization to the next level. Ultimately, our goal is for SRQ VETS to become a national role model that can be implemented around the country. We hope other communities will create micro-level foundations like ours to better reach and support vulnerable veterans locally and directly.
SRQ VETS works closely with the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Department of Florida, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Lance Corporal James V. Lutz Live to Tell Foundation to address veteran suicide.
As we expand our marketing and fundraising efforts, we remain focused on meeting the needs of and caring for local veterans in the SRQ region.
Q. What are the most pressing veterans’ needs?
In the SRQ area, veterans’ needs continue to evolve. At present, access to reliable transportation is a primary focus.
We need vehicles.
In 2024, we donated 10 vehicles. In 2025, we provided vehicles to seven veterans in need. This year, our goal is to donate at least one vehicle per month. Overall, our target for 2026 is 12 to 15 vehicles.
SRQ VETS also provides automobile repair services. If a car or truck can be repaired and safely used for another year or two, we will make those repairs. We also offer emergency financial assistance to veterans who need help covering vehicle repair costs.
Individuals who wish to donate a new or used car or truck are encouraged to contact us. We provide documentation for tax purposes.
We also assist veterans with small home repairs and modifications, although we do not pay for housing. Last year, we built seven ramps at veterans’ homes, including one for a disabled veteran who feared falling on his stairs and another for a 107-year-old World War II veteran.
In addition, SRQ VETS provides emergency financial support for other needs, such as assistance with utility bills and insurance payments.
Looking ahead, we plan to offer seminars and classes on financial budgeting and other topics to give veterans tools to help themselves.
Q. For businesses and individuals who want to support SRQ VETS, what kind of support is most needed?
In addition to vehicle donations, we welcome financial contributions. While we cannot accept furniture, we do accept donations of real estate, including homes and land.
Individuals interested in volunteering their time are also encouraged to reach out through our website at SRQVETS.org. We are grateful for the support as we continue serving the men and women who served our country.
SRQ VETS is a local community organization serving those who served us in their time of need.
For more information, email info@srqvets.org or visit srqvets.org.
