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VOL. 4/ISSUE 12
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016
Expansion tops Brevard council agenda Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER
mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com
The conference room at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island, is getting a makeover, as part of expansion plans discussed Jan. 13 at the Veterans Council meeting. Members of the Rockledge High School JROTC performed Color Guard before the meeting began. Fresh paint and new window treatments were slated to get under way this week, as well as further construction outside on parking and paved areas. The library and museum staff are still working on layout plans, and solicited ideas from the council membership. Two new benches have been paid for by the Korean War Veterans, which will have names of fallen veterans etched on them. Additionally, 1,100 new stones have been ordered to replace faded ones. Sponsorship for individual bricks was urged, and it was announced that an application has been made to Hard Rock Café for a grant up to $50,000. Prison inmates may get the chance to work on expansion construction, especially veterans, it was reported. Council members are working with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to see if this is possible. In other business, chairman Donn Weaver announced he’s resigning his position in order to head the expansion committee. Larry Hiley of the Enlisted Association of America gave a brief overview of his organization, which was formed in 1963 in Colorado Springs, Colo. He indicated he wants to form a chapter in Brevard County.
Photo by Roger Scruggs A unit from the Rockledge High School JROTC performed Color Guard duties at the Jan. 13 meeting of the Brevard Veterans Council at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island. Member Margie Collins announced that the new Cape Canaveral National Cemetery began its first interments, 12 in all, complete with representatives from each
branch of service, rifle salutes and caisson processions. Council chaplain Chip Hanson
See COUNCIL page 4
Florida Hall of Fame Council seeks nominees Patrick McCallister FOR VETERAN VOICE
pmccallister@veteranvoiceweekly.com
The Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council is taking nominations for the 2016 class until the end of May. The hall, founded by the Florida Legislature, is in its fourth year. The inaugural year was 2013 with a class of six. There are now 19 members, including Gov. Lawton Chiles who was inducted last year. Nominations go to Colleen Krepstekies, cabinet and legislative director at the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs for the committee, which will meet in the summer to consider them. “First, a gentle reminder, it’s not a military hall of fame,” Krepstekies said. In other words the committee isn’t looking to honor outstanding military careers. It’s
seeking to honor veterans who’ve made outstanding contributions to their communities in any number of areas from advancing the sciences and social programs to notable business achievements after serving in the military. “An active show of being in the community through volunteering, or what have you, is what we’re looking for,” Krepstekies said. Inductees will honored at a ceremony with Gov. Rick Scott during fall, and their name displayed at the Florida Capitol into perpetuity. Krepstekies said about 30 veterans a year are nominated for the hall of fame. “We really encourage people to submit an
See HALL OF FAME page 5