Another 250 veterans are proudly wearing their Governor’s Veterans Service Award medals following the presentation ceremony presided by Gov. Rick Scott on Monday afternoon at Eisenhower Recreation Center.
A capacity crowd heard the Governor praise those who served their country with distinction.
The event had been postponed from Feb. 20 because Scott was required to travel to South Florida to lead the state’s response to the Parkland school shooting.
Scott recalled his early days as a 19-year-old enlisted sailor and how members of the military had not been recognized. He described a sign near his base, that ordered “Dogs and sailors keep off the grass.”
“Now, Florida is the friendliest state in the country for veterans,” he proclaimed. “Florida is home to 21 military bases, and home to some 1.5 million members of the military and veterans.
“Throughout the year, I meet with the commanders of all these facilities to discuss issues such as conflicts with nearby jurisdictions or employment difficulties for spouses. We try to resolve these problems through legislation or other ways.”
The governor briefly eulogized Don Hahnfeldt, who had represented The Villages in the Florida House until his death last December. “Don was a great representative and highly regarded. He is missed.”
Scott then updated the audience about recent legislative efforts, including the Don Hahnfeldt Veterans and Military Family Opportunity Act that “revises licensure eligibility requirements; waives certain fees; and recognizes military-issued credentials needed for licensure.”
That same legislation also designated March 25 as Medal of Honor Day in Florida.
He also spoke about a bill that would make a college education more affordable for military men and women on active duty by waiving student fees at State schools.
The governor recalled how his “first monthly pay in the Navy was $144, while his wife was making $75 a week as a civilian – so money was very tight.”
Also, on the governor’s agenda is working with the State’s Constitutional Review Committee, now finalizing proposals for the 2020 elections, that would amend the Constitution to provide free tuition at the State’s colleges and universities for children and spouses of fallen public safety officers and members of the armed forces killed in the line of duty.
“I look forward to every opportunity to thank veterans for the freedoms this country enjoys,” he said. “Since 2013, I have given out more than 13,000 of these medals – most have been here in The Villages.”
This was at least Scott’s fourth visit to The Villages that began March, 2015, according to Steve Murray, spokesman for Florida’s Department of Veteran Affairs.
“The governor honors veterans who were honorably discharged as well as Gold Star families,” he told Villages-News.com. “He distributes these medals at specially-dedicated ceremonies throughout the State or during stops at National Guard armories, while attending conferences, or touring businesses and factories.
Another goal of the awards’ program has been to promote the State’s VA benefits. Representatives were available to explain benefits; encourage veterans to utilize them; and then connect them to those services.
The VA estimates that 35 percent of the more than 1.5 million honorably discharged veterans in Florida are not aware of all their eligible benefits.
What was prominent in the thoughts of the Villagers, however, was their long-delayed acknowledgement of their service.
“I was a Navy communications specialist for three and a half years,” said Curt Swanson, of the Village of Fernandina, who was to receive his medal. “I appreciate the attention we are getting now to recognize our efforts that we did not get then.”
Peggy Campbell was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
“Veterans, especially women were ignored. Years ago, there were some American Legions posts that refused our membership as veterans, and would only allow us to join the Auxiliary,” she stated. “This has been a long-time in coming. Women now are recognized for our contributions. Today, I am one of three women in the Veterans Memorial Park Honor Guard and serve as its vice commander.”
Joining the Governor on stage were Col. John Hass, representing the Florida Army National Guard; Lt. Col Sarah Shirley, a chaplain with the Florida Air National Guard; and Arlene Tarter, director of Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits and Assistance Program.
Also at the Eisenhower Center was state Sen.Dennis Baxley, R-Lady Lake, who told the Villages-News prior to the ceremony, “I am here representing the State Senate and to join Governor Scott to describe our recent legislative efforts, and to celebrate our veterans’ great contributions to a great country.”
Perhaps Colonel Shirley’s benediction best summed up the afternoon.
“We acknowledge our debt to these veterans – a debt the vastness of which far exceeds our capacity to repay. May the awards presented this day, fashioned so humbly of metal and cloth, symbolize our deposit against that debt, and signify to them and to us that they will never be forgotten.”
