FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County’s Veterans Services Office is asking for nominations for its Veteran of the Year Award, which will be presented on Veterans Day.
The award, named for Col. Gary E. Dekay, will be presented on Nov. 11, 2020, to a living Flagler County veteran who has not only served the United States with honor but has used the leadership skills and abilities learned in the military to improve the Flagler County community through selfless volunteer service.
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“Our veterans have done – and continue to do – so much for Flagler County,” said David Lydon, Flagler County Veterans Services Officer. “This award gives us an opportunity to say thank you as a community.”
Nominations are being accepted now, through Sept. 30. The Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council commissions a panel of veterans and community leaders to review and select the Veteran of the Year from the eligible candidates.
The nominee must: be resident of Flagler County; be a living veteran of one of the six Armed Forces of the United States, including Reserve or National Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine; have demonstrated outstanding patriotism, leadership, and service as a veteran and a volunteer in the community or civic service; and, be awarded for a single act or for continuous service. Previous recipients of the award will not be considered.
Nominations must be postmarked no later than Sept. 30, and may not exceed three typewritten pages.
The nomination must include a resume of no more than two pages with a minimum font size of 11 points. The resume should include: periods of military service and branch of one of the six Armed Services or USMM; military awards and decorations; membership(s) in nationally recognized veteran’s organizations; membership(s) in community or civic organizations; community or civic organization awards or special recognition; and the nominee’s address, telephone number and email if available.
A one-page typewritten nomination statement, maximum 250 words, that describes why the individual being nominated should be selected as the Flagler County Veteran of the Year should be provided along with the resume. Proof of military services is also required through either a DD214 or verification by a nationally recognized veteran’s organization.
“Veterans make up about 12 percent of the adult population here in Flagler County. That means, on average, one in every eight or nine adults,” said Veterans Services Officer Assistant Eric Flores Febles. “I’m sure every one of us knows someone who deserves to be nominated for this award. The hard part will be selecting just one recipient.”
Mail nominations to: Flagler County Veteran’s Service Office, Attn: Veteran of the Year, 1769 E. Moody Blvd. – Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110.