Hollywood, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today, joined by Florida National Guard Leader Brigadier General Michael Calhoun, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Mike Prendergast, and Florida Veterans Foundation Southern Regional Commander Tony Colmenares awarded 170 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “The courage and sacrifice these veterans displayed while serving our country has contributed to the freedoms and opportunities Florida families benefit from everyday. I am proud to present these veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “As a daughter, sister and wife of military veterans, I have always had a strong appreciation for the brave men and women who serve in the United States military. Those who serve our state and country are true heroes and I am honored to personally thank them for the sacrifices they made to ensure we have the freedom we enjoy today.”
Mike Prendergast, Executive Director for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “We are pleased with the overwhelming attendance at one of our great VFW Posts today with so many patriots attending from WWII and Vietnam to those of present day conflicts. It’s a great honor to be able to pay tribute to them and thank them for their service.”
The ceremony was held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8195 in Hollywood. During the ceremony, Governor Scott highlighted the service of Florida veteran, Janette Ramos Chandler.
Janette Ramos Chandler
Janette Ramos Chandler is a retired Chief Petty Officer who served as the Command Chief for the Navy Operational Support Center in Miami. After her service, she went on to become Director of Veteran Affairs for Freedom Veterans of America. She received the Outstanding Veteran Service Award in June 2014. Janette is currently the Project Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Florida Veterans Foundation.
Florida Veterans Medal
The “Governor’s Veterans Service Award” honors Floridians who have served in the U.S. Military. The front of the medal depicts the Great Seal of the State of Florida. The back of the medal displays the five seals representing the five branches of U.S. Military with an inscription that reads “Honoring Those Who Served.”
Source: Rick Scott Press Release
