During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman awarded D.J. Brickler III, M.D. with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition for individuals and organizations.
Governor Scott said, “It is an honor to recognize Dr. Brickler for his extraordinary work in the Tallahassee community and for his most recent project, the Air Force Red Tail Project Exhibit. It’s great to see Floridians have a passion for helping others and investing their time in the education of students.”
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester Spellman said, “Dr. Brickler has deep roots in the Tallahassee community as a beloved physician, community servant, and volunteer advocate. Today we are especially proud to honor him for his work in creating a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, a tribute which has been shared with over 900 students from 11 Leon County schools in conjunction with Black History Month.”
About the Champion of Service: D.J. Brickler III, M.D.
D.J. Brickler III, M.D., is the creator of the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Project Exhibit. The exhibit is a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, or “Red Tails.” The Tuskegee Airmen were America’s first black military pilots who carried out thousands of missions in Europe during WWII. The exhibit was established in 2014 in conjunction with Black History Month and has become an annual event with over 900 students from 11 Leon County schools in attendance. Dr. Brickler, a Tallahassee native, has served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and as Chief of Medical Staff at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Dr. Brickler served as Honorary Chairman for the March of Dimes Program from 1998 to 2003 and was awarded The March of Dimes Mission Possible Award in 2003. He also served as a Board Member for the United Way of the Big Bend and as a Director on the Tallahassee Community College Foundation Board. Dr. Brickler has left an indelible mark on Tallahassee by being a faithful steward of public service, striving to build a better community and advocating for children in the community.
