PANAMA CITY — Gov. Rick Scott completed his eighth and final stop on a tour to honor veterans across the state by presenting them with Governor’s Veterans Service Award medals on Thursday.
The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and the 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry hosted the medals presentation ceremony at the Hiram W. Sperry National Guard Armory in Panama City.
“Our goal is to be the number one state for the military and our veterans,” Scott said.
The armory was packed with service members and representatives from local businesses and organizations extending support to veterans in attendance.
Scott first recognized 96-year-old WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient Bob Piner of Panama City and a group of local Florida guardsmen from the former 3rd Battalion, 104th Infantry Regiment. They were the first recipients of the 191 total medals passed out.
Piner and his wife, Dolores, were flattered to be profiled by the governor.
“It’s quite impressive,” Piner said. “I’m an admirer of Rick Scott, and I would have come here if I hadn’t gotten a medal.”
The event was a medley of civilians and young service members thanking senior veterans for their freedom. The governor emphasized that too many veterans, such as those who served in Vietnam and the Korean War, go under-recognized.
“To this day, we don’t thank Vietnam veterans enough,” he said.
Piner also feels that too many veterans go unsaluted, potentially due to the untold stories of veterans who prefer not to discuss their combat experiences.
In addition to honoring veterans for their contributions in service and combat, Scott spoke about state legislation and programs now available to vets. For instance, the newly minted Florida G.I. Bill, as of July 1, will entitle veterans to in-state tuition for higher education and professional certification programs.
Scott said in an interview that he meets quarterly with commanders on bases throughout Florida to ensure the needs of veterans and their families are met by state initiatives.
Programs also are aimed at providing relief to members across all branches forced into separation and early retirement by the wave of military downsizing still occurring this year.
In addition to provisions made for education opportunities, Scott said he hopes to stimulate job creation through tax exemption for employers and contractors recruiting veterans.
Representatives of local colleges, the Chambers of Commerce and law enforcement agencies were on hand to provide career information and make their services known.
“Many veterans don’t know how to translate their skills to new employers,” said Jeanette Deatherage, an Air Force veteran and local veterans employment representative with CareerSource Gulf Coast.
Deatherage said CareerSource helps veterans navigate the transition to civilian employment by assisting with job search, resumes, interviewing skills and any other barriers to employment.
John Dunaway, associate publisher at SEE Panama City Beach Visitor Magazine, said local businesses appreciate what veterans contribute to the workforce as employees with ingrained integrity and reliability.
Veterans at the event said they appreciated the medals ceremony.
“I’m just proud to see everybody here,” said WWII veteran Jack Eddins, 89.