Veterans Service Medal

Governor Rick Scott today awarded 101 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and nation. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded more than 13,000 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:

Senior Chief Edwin Soto
Senior Chief Edwin Soto enlisted in the United States Navy in 1981. He served in the United States Navy for nearly 28 years, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 and again in 2005 with the Marine Corps in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and previously deployed to Desert Storm, providing medical support to Marines and Sailors. His awards are numerous and include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, four Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and nine Sea Service Deployments.

Sergeant Major Pedro Lorenzo Guerad
Sergeant Major Pedro Guerad was born in Cuba in 1954. In 1969, he left Cuba and came to the United States with his immediate family. In 1979, he joined the United States Army as a Combat Medic serving his initial assignment at Fort Riley, Kansas.  Throughout his 32-year career, Sergeant Major Guerad held a variety of positions, including serving in Iraq as the Sergeant Major of the Combat Support Hospital in Mosul. He culminated his career by serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Director of Medical Logistics, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Sergeant Major Guerad received many awards and decorations during his service including the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the U.S. Airborne Paratrooper Badge, the Uruguayan Jump Wings, and the Expert Field Medical Badge.

Governor Rick Scott today awarded 628 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded more than 13,000 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize these brave American heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting the families of our great nation. We will continue working to give back to our selfless veterans who have given so much to our state and country.”

• Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:
  $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
• Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
• Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
• $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
• $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Colonel Darrell W. Katz
Colonel Darrell Katz enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and served for 40 years, including 30 years as a commissioned officer where he served mostly in the Special Forces. His decades of service included tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm. Colonel Katz is a member of the Army Special Forces Hall of Fame at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia. His actions have been recognized with a Purple Heart, a Silver Star and the Legion of Merit among others for his dedicated service.
Private First-Class Robert G. “Bob” Black
Private First-Class Bob Black enlisted in the United States Army in August of 1951 and attended infantry basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was deployed to Korea during the Korean War as a light infantry leader and joined “A” Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division assigned to a 57mm recoilless rifle squad. While serving in Korea, Private First-Class Black was injured in the line of duty. After he was injured he was assigned as the editor of the 2nd Infantry Division Newspaper and subsequently transferred to Stars and Stripes. His service has been recognized with the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with three battle stars and the Army Commendation Medal.
Private First-Class John H. MacPhee
Private First-Class John MacPhee was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 and attended basic training at Camp Blanding where he qualified as a sniper. He was assigned to the first wave of assault troops to land on Omaha Beach for the D-day invasion on June 6, 1944. During the invasion, Private First-Class MacPhee was wounded five times, his injuries were so severe that he was given Last Rites by a Catholic Priest. He has been recognized for his service with a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor.
Commander Edward Socha
Commander Edward Socha enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939 and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1944. He underwent Scout and Raider Training and was later stationed on the USS Maryland in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941 when the first Japanese plane attacked the base. Commander Socha served throughout the Pacific in various naval battles including the battle of Guadalcanal. His actions have been recognized with the American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Governor Rick Scott today awarded 329 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “We can never thank our veterans enough for their courageous service to our state and country. I’m incredibly proud to recognize these American heroes who dedicated their lives to our great nation and present them with the Veterans Service Medal today. We will continue to work to make Florida the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.”
Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:

• $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
• Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
• Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
• $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
• $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Second Lieutenant Richard Kappel
Second Lieutenant Richard Kappel enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and served as a bombardier in Germany during World War II. During his last bombing mission, 2^nd Lt. Kappel’s aircraft was severely damaged and had to make an emergency landing. His entire crew was captured and held as POWs at Stalag Luft #1. After 15 months of captivity, 2^nd Lt. Kappel returned home as an American hero and was honorably discharged in 1945.
Specialist Phillip Lewis
Specialist Phillip Lewis was born and raised in Eustis and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17.  He attended Basic Training at Fort Benning Georgia where he earned the opportunity to attend Army Airborne School. He later went on to complete Army Ranger School and earned the Army Ranger Tab. SPC Lewis participated in three deployments to Afghanistan where he served in all areas of an Infantry fire team and eventually as a team leader. In 2014, SPC Lewis left active duty and entered the Florida Army National Guard where he has served as the Delta company supply specialist. Currently, SPC Lewis is assigned to 1st platoon as a vehicle commander.
Sergeant Christopher Adkins
Sergeant Christopher Adkins enlisted in 2007 and served as a combat medic in the 715th Military Police Company. He went on to serve as driver and medic for Bravo Company 1st Battalion 124th Infantry Regiment and in July 2011, was promoted to Sergeant and became a senior line medic in the Delta Company 2-124. In 2012, SGT Adkins earned his Associates in Emergency Medical Services. SGT Adkins also served a deployment to the Horn of Africa in 2015 and has been recognized with the Combat Medic Badge, Air Assault badge, Florida Commendation Medal and Army Service Ribbon for his service. Currently, SGT Adkins serves as the Delta Company Supply NCO.

Governor Rick Scott today awarded 114 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize some of Florida’s outstanding veterans for their service and personally thank each of them for the countless sacrifices they’ve made for our nation. It is so important to continue investing in Florida’s military and veteran community and support those who serve and protect.”
Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:

• $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
• Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
• Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
• $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
• $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Dave Bushnell
Dave Bushnell served in the United States Coast Guard from 1981 to 1988 and then continued his service in the United States Army for 18 years before ending his military career as Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the 160^th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In November 2016, Bushnell became a pilot for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and earlier this year, became the Special Ops Aviation/ Marine Supervisor.
Sergeant Jason Strickland
Sergeant Jason Strickland served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2007, and was promoted to Sergeant E5 in 2004. During his military career, Sgt. Strickland deployed to Bosnia on a peacekeeping mission and later deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving a year in Ramadi, Iraq. Following his active duty, Sgt. Strickland joined the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and was promoted to Sergeant this past February. His service in the Sheriff’s Office has been recognized with the Medal of Valor and a Ribbon of Commendation.
Staff Sergeant Andres Moreira
Staff Sergeant Andres Moreira enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in 1998 and has served in support of Operation Noble Eagle and deployed twice to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his 19 years of service, he has also supported Florida families during serval hurricane relief missions, including Hurricane Irma. Staff Sergeant Moreira’s actions have been recognized Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Governor Rick Scott today awarded 374 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to honor these American heroes with the Veterans Service Medal today. Florida’s brave veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting the families of our great nation and it is so important that we take every opportunity to thank them.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony:
Sergeant First Class Gerald (Jerry) Toomey
Sergeant First Class Gerald (Jerry) Toomey enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and served in multiple oversea tours in Vietnam, Germany, Korea and El Salvador. SFC Toomey’s service has been recognized with numerous decorations including two Purple Hearts, a Soldiers Medal for Heroism and an Army Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters. He currently serves veterans as the commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 133 of Pompano Beach.
Specialist Stephen Stocker
Specialist Stephen Stocker joined the United States Army and completed basic training in the winter of 2012. SPC Stocker then went on to continue his education at Palm Beach State College where he graduated with his AA degree. After completing his AA, he joined the police academy and graduated in summer of 2014. SPC Stocker deployed to Africa in 2016, where he led multiple anti-terrorism missions and trained alongside the French marines. After returning home in the spring of 2017, he was recognized with numerous decorations including the Army Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War and Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Private First-Class Daniel Jimenez
Private First-Class Daniel Jimenez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1991. At the age of seven he and his mother migrated to the United States. PFC Jimenez joined the Florida Army National Guard in August of 2015 and deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel. Once he returned home to his wife and son, PRC Jimenez started a new career with the Florida Department of Corrections and graduated from the academy in August of 2017. PFC Jimenez has been recognized with numerous decorations including the Army Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and three Army Achievement Medals.

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.