V4E and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Honor Veterans in Florida

May 20, 2016

Capt. McCormick (right) and Vets4Energy volunteer chairman Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes.

Vets4Energy and the Military Order of the Purple Heart partnered to bring recognition to the National Purple Heart Trail and to honor those veterans who were wounded in combat for our country.

Vets4Energy Program Director Capt. James McCormick launched his multi-state tour of the Purple Heart Trail with two stops in Florida:

  

 

1 -- Cape Coral on May 18, 2016 at the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library.  Fifteen veterans and ~20 museum visitors were present during the presentations and discussion between Rep. Dane Eagle, Cape Coral City Councilman Rick Williams, Capt. James McCormick, Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library Director Ralph Santillo, Jack Wagner, Lee County Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander, and three Purple Heart recipients.

Rep. Dane Eagle discussed the importance of Florida and the United States reducing its dependence on foreign energy sources, while Councilman Rick Williams talked about Cape Coral being a Purple Heart City and the work being done at the Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library. Museum Director Ralph Santillo spoke about the Museum and its efforts, while Jack Wagner, Lee County Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander, spoke about the award and what it means. Capt. James McCormick spoke of the purpose of the tour, the importance of supporting our military members and veterans and the connection between energy security and national security.

2 -- Ocala, FL on May 19, 2016 at Ocala Citizens’ Circle, an outdoor venue behind City Hall.  The event included remarks about the city’s dedication to hiring veterans, what services the county provides and the message about energy independence and national security.  In attendance were Ocala City Councilman James Hilty, Marion County Veterans Services Director Jeffrey Askew, Capt. McCormick, and Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes (Florida Vets4Energy volunteer Co-Chair), and Dennis McFatten Jr., a former Marion County Sheriff’s Captain and candidate for Marion County Sheriff.  

Councilman James Hilty talked about his service as a Marine and the importance of hiring veterans – Ocala has more than 100 veterans on staff.  Marion County Veterans Services Director Jeffrey Askew talked about services offered to local veterans and Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes talked about why energy security is important to the country and must be done safely. Capt. James McCormick spoke of the purpose of the tour, the importance of supporting our soldiers and the connection between energy security and national security.

Media of the events: 

 

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