Governor Rick Scott visited the National Guard Armory in Deland and awarded 224 veterans with his Governor’s Service Medal. Since 2013 Governor Scott has awarded more than 14,500 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Staff Sergeant Ryan Bounds
Staff Sergeant Ryan Bounds enlisted in the Army at 17 years old, and has served for 14 years. He served in Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Among his many awards and achievements, he has received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon.
Sergeant Christopher Creese
Sergeant Christopher Creese has served for 17 years, and deployed to Iraq in 2009. Among his many awards and commendations, he has received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.
Master Chief Charles Mayer
Master Chief Charles Mayer joined the Navy in 1959 during the Vietnam War. He continued to serve for 25 years before retiring in 1984. Among his many awards and commendations, he has received the Good Conduct Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Expedition Medal, the Armed Forces Expedition Medal and the Meritorious Unit Medal.
Lance Corporal Charles Williams
Lance Corporal Charles Williams joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He was deployed to Vietnam as a Rifleman and participated with his unit in 14 campaigns in support of efforts against the North Vietnamese Army. For their part in the war, his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and Lance Corporal Williams received the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained in combat. Today, he focuses his talents on assisting veterans as the Commander of the Orange Baker Memorial American Legion Post 187 in DeLand.
