Governor Rick Scott Honors 315 Veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal

Governor Rick Scott today awarded 315 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s brave veterans have made countless sacrifices in defense our state and nation, and it is so important that we take every opportunity to thank them. I’m proud to honor some of our true American heroes with the Veterans Service Medal today.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony:
Francis David Bell
Francis David Bell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1944 at the age of 18 and served in Japan during World War II from 1945 to 1946. Following the war, he attended Fordham University on the GI Bill to become a ranked officer, and served in the Korean War as Second Lieutenant from 1950 to 1952. Bell’s service was recognized with a Korean Service Medal and a United Nations Service Medal prior to his retirement as a Captain in 1960.
Staff Sergeant William Shrader
Staff Sergeant William Shrader joined the Florida Army National Guard in February of 2005. Since then, he has deployed to Afghanistan twice with the 715th Military Police Company, and currently serves as a squad leader. SSG Shrader’s 12 years of service has been recognized with numerous decorations, including two Army Commendation Medals, a National Defense Service Medal and three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals.
Sergeant First Class Geoffrey Stone
Sergeant First Class Geoffrey Stone served in the United States Army from 1997 to 2003 as a Field Artilleryman. In 2010, he joined the Florida Army National Guard and currently serves as a Platoon Sergeant in the 715th Military Police Company. Throughout SFC Stone’s 13 years of service, he has been deployed overseas twice and has received recognitions including three Army Commendations Medals, five Army Achievement Medals and a Good Conduct Medal.