During a Florida Cabinet meeting, Governor Rick Scott today recognized Florida veteran Fred Taylor with the Governor’s Medal of Merit. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Recognizes Florida Veteran Fred Taylor with the Governor’s Medal of Merit
Governor's Medal of Merit
Governor Scott Recognizes Four Florida Veterans with Governor’s Medal of Merit
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Florida veterans Judge T. Patt Maney, Lieutenant Colonel John Steele, Colonel John Pelleriti and Paul Martel with the Governor’s Medal of Merit.
Governor Scott said, “I’m honored to recognize these veterans with Medals of Merit today. They have courageously served our country and they continue to serve their veteran communities. I am proud to join all of Florida in recognizing them as selfless American heroes.”
About the Medal of Merit Recipients
Judge T. Patt Maney
Judge T. Patt Maney is a retired Army Reserve Brigadier General and Okaloosa County Judge and an advocate for Florida veterans. During a deployment to Afghanistan in 2005, Judge Maney sustained a traumatic brain when a roadside bomb detonated under their vehicle. After multiple surgeries and thousands of hours of physical therapy, Judge Maney regained his cognitive ability and continued on to serve as a county judge. In 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed “The T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment Intervention Act” into law, which authorized the establishment of veterans’ court to address the substance abuse and mental health needs of veterans within Florida’s criminal justice system. More than 30 Veterans Courts are now in operation in Florida.
Lieutenant Colonel John L. Steele
Lieutenant Colonel John Steele currently serves as the Florida Air National Guard Advisor to the State Emergency Operations Center’s Air Operations Branch. During Hurricane Irrma, Lt. Col. Steele helped coordinate early integration of air mobility and rescue assets including over 800 mobility sorties that moved over 3,500 people and over 1,300 tons of equipment. Lt Col Steele’s 27-year career of outstanding service includes two deployments involving combat flight operations over Bosnia and six deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.
Colonel John Pelleriti
Colonel Pelleriti’s exceptional 25-year distinguished career as an Active Duty Officer and Florida Guardsman have included increasingly responsible key command and staff positions, as well as three overseas deployments to safeguard our “American Way of Life.” Recently, under the direction of the Adjutant General of Florida, Col. Pelleriti lead the military response to Hurricane Irma, which has been recognized by senior officials of the Department of Defense for their good work.
Paul Martel
Paul Martel is an Army veteran and formerly served as a national vice commander of The American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization. A life member of the American Legion, he has held every post from State Commander in 2008-2009 to national sergeant-at-arms from 2009-2010. From 2010 – 2015, Martel served as chairman of the Florida Veterans Council.
Gov. Scott Awards Sergeant Major Ray A. Quinn with Governor’s Medal of Merit
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott today recognized retired Sergeant Major Ray A. Quinn with the Governor’s Medal of Merit. Sergeant Major Quinn served in the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard for 30 years.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’d like to thank Sergeant Major Quinn for his dedication to the safety of families in Florida and the nation. I am incredibly humbled by his lifelong service, first as a member of the Army National Guard and then as a community leader in local government. I’m honored to present him with the Medal of Merit today for his service and positive impact on the lives of Florida veterans.”
Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Sergeant Major Quinn has dedicated his life to serving his community, state, and nation during his time in the U.S. Army and Florida Army National Guard. He continues today to serve his community and veterans across the state with honor and integrity. Sergeant Major Quinn represents what it means to be a member of the Florida National Guard and a leader in our community.”
About Sergeant Major Ray A. Quinn
Sergeant Major Ray A. Quinn enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 and transitioned to the Florida Army National Guard in 1973. He was an infantry soldier, First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant and Personnel Noncommissioned Officer. After he retired, he went on to serve on the staff of the Adjutant General of Florida as the Director of Executive Services. In 2010, Sergeant Major Quinn was appointed by the Governor of Florida to serve as an interim County Commissioner for District 3 in St. Johns County. He served in that position from January 2010 until January 2011. He currently serves as Chairman of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council, Vice Chair of the St. Johns County Veterans Council and is Vice President for Veteran Affairs, First Militia Chapter Association of the U.S. Army.
Governor Rick Scott Awards Major John Leroy Haynes with Governor’s Medal of Merit
Also awarded 41 veterans with the Governor’s Service Medal
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Major John Leroy Haynes with the Governor’s Medal of Merit. Major Haynes served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Governor Scott also awarded 41 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’d like to thank Major Haynes for his decades of brave and selfless devotion to serving our country, state, and community. I’m honored to present him with the Medal of Merit today to recognize his lifelong service and positive impact on the lives of veterans.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Major Haynes possesses every attribute that members of the military strive for; he is the epitome of the American military member. Not only has he defended his country in three wars, but he continues to advocate for his fellow veterans through public service.”
About Major John Leroy Haynes
Major John Leroy Haynes is a decorated veteran, serving 30 years in the United States Marines during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His military decorations include the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Cross of Gallantry. Following his active duty, Major Haynes served as State Commandant of the Maryland Marine Corps League. He has also served as a service officer for the Veterans Administration and the American Legion and is Chairman Emeritus of Florida Veterans Foundation.
