Flagler County Veteran of the Week: George Hanns

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

If you would like to submit a Veteran of the Week for publication, send the details below, and photos, to [email protected].

George Hanns

Branch of Military: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1963-1966
Rank/Occupation: Sergeant/Intelligence Specialist
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

George Hanns is a man who needs no introduction in Flagler County: He was a county commissioner from 1992 to 2016. Hanns enlisted in the Army two days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and served three years in Germany as an intelligence specialist. It was during the Cold War, and intelligence gathering in Eastern Europe was as critical as any period in history. After his honorable service, Hanns returned home to Chicago and apprenticed as a carpenter, a trade he’d work in for 20 years before moving to Flagler County. He’s been a longtime member of the American Legion and VFW Post 8696, where he served as an All-American Commander. Hanns carries a camera wherever he goes and attends events large and small, taking photos, mingling with the people, and spreading good cheer and patriotism. Hanns posts hundreds of pictures from local events on his Facebook page, giving everyone who couldn’t attend a flavor of what they missed. In 2017, the covered bridge at Princess Place Preserve was named “George Hanns Bridge” in honor of his dedicated service to the citizens of Flagler County.