Bob Solarski

3 weeks ago | weartv.com | Bob Solarski

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- Flying planes over Europe, surveying points where the Russians could attack, combining aviation and military intelligence. It's not the classic way to prepare for a life in music. But that's the path Doug Holsworth took. He's a veteran who's been giving back to his hometown for decades, teaching music and entertaining generations in Escambia County. "Well my sophomore year in college, I ran out of money and so I went looking for a scholarship," Holsworth said.

2 months ago | weartv.com | Bob Solarski

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Pensacola Mardi Gras parades will have some extra security this year as they roll through the streets of downtown in a couple weeks. In the nearly 30 years since Pensacola Mardi Gras Inc. took over the events, there has not been a single act of violence or major trouble at any of them. But given recent events in other cities -- including the deadly Jan. 1 incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans -- some extra steps will be taken this year to make sure it stays that way.

2 months ago | weartv.com | Bob Solarski

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Dave Schmitt has not sat around much over the last 40 or 50 years. Years ago, he was working 80 hours a week managing a fast food place and getting burned out when he asked his wife what she thought about him joining the military. Flash forward a few decades and he’s talking about the years he’s spent giving back to his community in the Navy, law enforcement and volunteer work. "My father-in-law, Donna's dad, was in the Navy during World War II," Schmitt said.

Sep 30, 2024 | weartv.com | Bob Solarski

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Timothy Chandler knows what pain is physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He's still trying to heal after suffering traumatic brain injuries in Iraq. His pain is why so many people are better off today than they were. Veterans, children, homeless people, and anyone he meets who needs help. He will help anyone because every time he does, he helps himself. In 1999, Chandler just wanted to leave his job at a grocery store and do something to contribute to society.

Aug 26, 2024 | weartv.com | Bob Solarski

NAVARRE, Fla. -- It's hard to know where to begin when describing Carmen Reynolds. She has done so many things, gone to so many places, and embarked on so many missions in and out of the military. She came from military stock -- her dad a Vietnam veteran who was wounded twice and earned Purple Hearts and bronze stars. Her mother was an Army nurse in WWII and Korea. She herself is a veteran who makes a difference just about every time she sees something that needs doing.