- December 5, 2025
The youngest and oldest military members in the room, 24-year-old Christopher Stubbs and 96-year-old Al Blanks, celebrate after cutting the U.S. Marine cake next to Marine veteran John Skripko. Photo by Paige Wilson
Flagler County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard members carry the Florida flag and the American flag during the posting of the colors. Photo by Paige Wilson
Deputy Dennis Lashbrook thanks U.S. Air Force veteran Major Mike Forte for his service. Photo by Paige Wilson
Major Mike Forte leads the eight U.S. Army recruits in the oath of enlistment. Photo by Paige Wilson
U.S. Navy veterans stand to be recognized. Photo by Paige Wilson
A Flagler County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard member prepares for the posting of the colors. Photo by Paige Wilson
Deputy Dennis Lashbrook gives a U.S. Marine Corps veteran a challenge coin to thank him for his service. Photo by Paige Wilson
Major Mike Forte, nephew of Fire Chief Jerry Forte, leads the oath of enlistment. Photo by Paige Wilson
Marine veteran John Skripko, the ceremony’s emcee, speaks to the crowd of veterans. Photo by Paige Wilson
A Missing Man Table was set up to honor those who served who have not been found. Photo by Paige Wilson
Veterans and Rotary Club members stand during the posting of the colors. Photo by Paige Wilson
Sheriff Rick Staly thanks the veterans in attendance. Photo by Paige Wilson
Sheriff Rick Staly gives a veteran a challenge coin to thank him for his service. Photo by Paige Wilson
Staff Sgt. Susberry stands with her eight recruits after their oath of enlistment into the U.S. Army. Photo by Paige Wilson
U.S. Marine veteran Lt. Col. Thompson is the guest speaker. Photo by Paige Wilson
The average 24-year-old and 96-year-old may not have a lot in common. But, 24-year-old Christopher Stubbs and 96-year-old Al Blanks have everything in common when it comes to their passion to serve and protect the United States.
On Thursday, Nov. 9, the two were recognized at the Rotary Club of Flagler County’s Veterans Day luncheon as the youngest and oldest people in the room who are serving or have previously served in the U.S. Military.
During the fourth-annual ceremony, Stubbs and Blanks cut a cake with a sword as part of the U.S. Marine Corps tradition celebrating the 242nd birthday of the Marines, which is on Nov. 10.
Marine veteran John Skripko, the ceremony’s emcee, said that four years ago when he was president of the Rotary Club, he thought it would be special for the club members to each invite a veteran from the community to a luncheon.
“There are enough veterans in this community for us to invite one as our guest to come and celebrate them and thank them for their service,” said Skripko. That challenge … that vision turned into what we have here today.”
The Rotary Club surprised guests as eight young people from the St. Augustine Recruiting Station took their oath of enlistment into the U.S. Army during the luncheon.
Deputy Chief Jerry Forte welcomed up the eight “civilians today who will be serving tomorrow:” Ulysses Ruiz, Hunter Christian, Steven Bates, Kylie Miller, Gwendolyn Willoughby, Tobias Calerna, Brett Cyr and Melody Dixon.
Major Mike Forte, Chief Forte’s nephew, led the oath. A standing ovation occurred as the veterans in the room saw that the service they did will continue into the next generation.
A mission man table was also set up to honor the military members who went missing in wartime.
“The chair is empty because they are still missing, but not forgotten,” said Skripko, prompting a toast.
All veterans in attendance were recognized with applause as their branch of the military was called. The Flagler Youth Orchestra performed military songs during the lunch portion of the event. The posting of the colors was performed by a member of the Palm Coast Fire Department and of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Rick Staly presented each of the dozens of veterans in the room with a challenge coin that celebrates the county’s centennial year.
Lt. Col. Thompson, a Marine veteran, was the guest speaker who shared his story of service to the crowd.
