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Bullygram for Week of 9/22/2025 to 9/29/2025


Message from the President


My Fellow Rough Riders,

Last week, the Cigar Club—led by Roger Walker—hosted the final Rough Rider event of the 2025 season. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the membership for making it a truly memorable experience during my term as your 47th President.
I’d like to especially acknowledge Ray Bragg and Michael Cauger for their unwavering support throughout the year. A special thank you goes to Paul Nevins, who served as my right hand during this journey. His dedication and hard work kept the machine rolling, and I’m deeply grateful.
After sixteen years in the club and twenty-one years of Krewe life, I’m looking forward to the next chapter. This year was an incredible ride, but after participating in over 200 events, it’s time for a well-earned break.
I’m thankful for the bonds built and the lifelong friendships formed during this run. Going forward, most of the events I’ll be involved in will be the Teddy Bear Runs—they are my passion and where I feel I can make the most impact. I hope to see many of you at one of the TBRs in the coming year.
Now, it’s time to pass the baton, move forward, and spend more time with my wife, who has graciously supported me and sacrificed so much of our time together.

Thank you,

Greg Eckley

President 

1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment - Rough Riders, Inc.

813-449-1200 

www.tamparoughriders.org


History Committee Planning Meeting

New member Tour

Date: Monday September 29, 2025

Time: 6:30PM

Location: Bartley Hall



2025 Key West Fantasy Fest Final Planning Meeting

Wed Oct 1    6 PM - 8PM


 

2026 NMOC Session #1

Thursday Oct 2nd

6 PM - 8 PM

Clubhouse

2026 NMOC Session #2

Sat Oct 4th

8 AM - 3 PM


 

On the Horizon                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 
 

Annual Rough Rider Meeting

Monday October 6th 2025

The meeting will start promptly at 7:00pm and food will be served prior from 5:30 - 6:45.

There will be an Open Bar



On the Internet

Click here for Tampa Rough Riders Facebook Site (External and Internal)

Click Here for the Rough Riders "Legends" Facebook Group  (Internal Office Announcements)

Click Here for the Rough Riders "Bully Board" Facebook Group  (Internal Unofficial Announcements)

Click Here for the Rough Riders "The Rough Riders" Facebook Group  (Community Wide Information - Pictures)

Click Here for Rough Rider Flickr Photo Albums

2024 Regimental Photos Link

Click Here for the Rough Rider You Tube Channel 

Upcoming events

    • Mon, October 13, 2025
    • Thu, November 27, 2025
    • Bay Pine VA 10000 Bay Pines Blvd St. Petersburg, Fl 33708
    • 489
    Register

              

    Last day to purchase a wreath through the Rough Riders is Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, 2025!

    Purchase a wreath to be placed on the grave of a veteran at the Bay Pines VA Cemetery on December 13th.  100% of the funds raised here will be used to purchase wreaths that you may then place on graves. The wreaths cost $17 per wreath.  You can purchase as many wreaths as you would like. 

    Plan of the Day:

    08:00 - show time for volunteers with pickup trucks to help pre-position bulk wreaths along the edges of the cemetery road.

    10:00 - show time for volunteers - (target time for volunteers to show up is 10AM - this may change so check back here as we finalize information). 

    11:00 - wreath distribution

    12:00 - ceremony


    Rough Riders and family members who would like to participate may purchase wreaths via this website that will be placed on graves on  December 13th.  If you purchase a wreath through this site you and family members will have the opportunity to place that wreath on the grave of a veteran. 

    Also - if you have a pickup truck and would like to volunteer to help distribute the bulk wreaths along the perimeter of the cemetery, those volunteers could show up at 8AM to help with that task.  Tune back in here in late November as we will get updated information on this volunteer task.

    The Rough Riders POCs for this project is Tom Mortenson 813-529-7087, or Jeff Mainger 813-270-0895.

    • Mon, October 27, 2025
    • Sun, November 02, 2025
    • 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM

    • Sun, November 02, 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Dunedin Brewery
    Register

    Rough Riders, spouses, significant others, and friends are all welcome to experience Dunedin, the home to a huge variety of craft breweries, on this deployment. Beer enthusiasts and others will have a great opportunity to walk the "pub crawl" and experience a variety of different beers, as well as sample local spirits at a nearby distillery, making this a day to remember.

    Each Brewery we visit has its own style and story—from quirky, old-world ales, experimental lagers, and smooth, small-batch spirits, with the distillery. Whether you're into crisp IPAs, dark stouts, or craft cocktails, there's a tap waiting for you.

    We will start at the home of the oldest microbrewery in Florida, Dunedin Brewery, at 12:00 PM. Following that, we will visit HOB Brewery at approximately 1:00 PM, then continue to Cunei Brewery around 2:00 PM. Our last brewery stop will be at Woodwright’s Brewery at 3:00 PM. 

    There will also be an optional visit to Cotherman Distilling at 4:00 PM, which produces handcrafted vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum.Times may be subject to change based on participation.

    This is a dog and cigar-friendly event. 

    Muster: 12:00 PM at Dunedin Brewery Beer Garden. Arm Bands will be distributed at the Dunedin Brewery for discounts.

    The deployment is designed to be walkable, allowing you to enjoy Dunedin between each brewery.  We aim to ensure everyone can participate safely and comfortably.

    Prizes and Raffles at all four breweries, plus a Scavenger Hunt with great prizes. Entering is easy and adds excitement to your brewery journey. At each brewery, participants will receive a raffle ticket, increasing your chances of winning fantastic prizes. For the Scavenger Hunt, grab a checklist at the starting point and complete fun tasks at each stop. Submit your completed checklist at the final brewery for a chance to win more prizes. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to have fun!

    Please wear Rough Rider T-shirts and/or hats if possible. We want Dunedin to know the Rough Riders are in town!

    We have a bus departing from the HQs for those who don’t want to drive (see website). For those who do, parking is available near the breweries and in a free parking garage.

    Join us for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon. 

    Tom Mortenson, 1372

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

    P.S. The Dunedin Daily News is available to publish an article or photo of the events.

    POC- Tom Mortenson 813-529-7087 Email: Internetmort@yahoo.com


    • Wed, November 05, 2025
    • 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Clubhouse - Bartley Hall
    Register


    • Wed, December 03, 2025
    • 4:30 PM
    • Clubhouse - Bartley Hall
    Register


    Santa Fest Bead Sale Hours Of 4:30pm-7:00pm

    • Sat, January 17, 2026
    • 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
    Register


    Contact: clays@tamparoughriders.org

    • Sat, January 17, 2026
    • 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
    Register


    For questions please contact:

    JT Tucker - clays@tamparoughriders.org

    • Sat, January 17, 2026
    • 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
    Register



    Contact:  clays@tamparoughriders.org

    • Sat, January 17, 2026
    • 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Rough Riders Clubhouse
    • 80
    Register

    • Wed, January 21, 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Bartley Hall
    Register

    Come to the Rough Rider Clubhouse to purchase new beads for the parade season. Hours of operation will be from 4:30-7:00pm


    • Wed, January 28, 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Bartley Hall
    Register


    • Sat, February 14, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    • the Cuban Club on the corner of Palm & 14th St.
    Register


    • Fri, March 06, 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • O'Brien's 15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
    Register

    O'Brien's

    15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618


    A great start to what will be an Epic weekend!

    Put on your best Kilt and come celebrate at Obrien's with the St. Pat's Committee. 

    Appetizers from 6-7pm and drink specials.

    Auction Items, Cigar Club Longest Ash Contest and Cash Prizes.


Rough Rider Office - 813-248-1898 - 601 N 19th St . - Tampa, FL 33605  Email: office@tamparoughriders.org
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