Gov. Rick Scott handed out 258 Governor’s Veterans Service Awards to veterans who now call The Villages home on Thursday afternoon at the Eisenhower Recreation Center.
After an invocation by Villager Gary Kadow, Scott gave a few brief remarks saying that one of his goals when becoming governor was to make Florida the friendliest state to veterans. The awarding of the Governor’s Veterans Service Awards began in 2013, which in addition to acknowledging the service of former military men and women, also serves to broaden the awareness of Florida residents to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Currently 30 to 35 percent of veterans are not aware of all of the benefits for which they are eligible.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing up for freedom and liberty,” Scott said.
Two World War II veterans were spotlighted by Gov. Scott, 93-year-old Irving Locker and 94-year-old John Trongon. Locker was part of the U.S. contingent that returned to Germany on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Trongon had an inkling he was going to be spotlighted, he heard it at work. He works for the Villages Entertainment Department.
Two Navy couples received awards. Susan and Terry Coleman met, married and had children while in the Navy.
“We always managed to be stationed at the same port,” said Susan.
She was in the Navy for 10 years, 1974-84, Terry served from 1967 – 1988.
Now residents of the Village of Dunedin, the Colemans loved the frequent moves.
“Also, living overseas really opens your eyes; you really come to appreciate America,” Terry said.
Don and Nancy Fraser, both career Navy, each retired as captains after 26 years of service. At one point Nancy was deployed to Desert Storm leaving Don home with two teen-age daughters.
“When I returned home, Don said he now understood why I always said that the hardest job was staying home with the kids,” said Nancy. She, too, misses the excitement of the moves, the change, the new opportunities, being exposed to interesting places.
Some of those that could wore their uniforms to the event.
Lake Deaton resident Bill Perrin, active duty Navy and then in the reserves, put on his uniform for the first time in 40 years.
“It is a little snug in the waist, but other than that fits about the same,” said Perrin.
Army veteran Dennis Joray also came in uniform.
“I wore it because this is a special occasion,” said Joray. “I’m glad I was in the Army as a young man. I learned responsibility and accountability. I learned to really appreciate this country, my fellow man and what the U.S. stands for – freedom.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, go to www.floridavets.org.