Flagler County seeks nominations for Veteran of the Year award

Palm Coast Observer
Your Town

Flagler County is seeking nominations for the Colonel Gary E. DeKay Flagler County Veteran of the Year Award.

The award recognizes a living Flagler County veteran who has not only served his/her country with honor but has used the leadership skills and abilities learned in service to the nation to better the community through selfless volunteer service to Flagler County, according to a Flagler County government news release.

The Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council accepts nominations from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30 of each year and commissions a panel of veterans and community leaders to select the Veteran of the Year.

The award is presented at the Flagler County Veterans Day ceremony.

Award criteria

The following criteria must be met for an individual to be considered for the Flagler County Veteran of the Year:

Must be a resident of Flagler County, Florida
Must be a living veteran of one of the six Armed Forces of the United States, including Reserve or National Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine
Must have demonstrated outstanding patriotism, leadership, and selfless service as a veteran and as a volunteer in community or civic service
May be awarded for a single act or for continuous service
May not be a previous recipient of the Flagler County Veteran of the Year award.

Nomination procedures

Nomination are open from August 1 to September 30 each year. Nominations must be postmarked no later than September 30. The nomination may not exceed three typewritten pages and must include, as a minimum:

1. A resume not to exceed two (2) typewritten pages (minimum font of 11 pitch) which includes:

Period(s) of military service and branch of one of the six Armed Services or USMM
Military Awards and Decorations
Membership in nationally recognized veterans organizations
Community and/or civic organization memberships
Community and/or civic organization awards or special recognition
Nominees address, telephone number, and email if available.

2. A one page typewritten nomination statement that describes why the individual being nominated should be selected as the Flagler County Veteran of the Year. This should be a description of the outstanding patriotism, leadership and selfless service of the veteran as a volunteer contributor to the betterment of the county through community or civic service. (Maximum 250 words)

3. Proof of Military service – DD 214 or verification by a nationally recognized veteran’s organization.

4. Nominations must be mailed or personally delivered to the Flagler County Veteran’s Service Office, ATTN: Veteran of the Year, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building #2, Bunnell, Florida 32110.