We at The Hernando Sun Newspaper extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans in Hernando County. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your unwavering dedication. Today and every day, we honor you and the countless ways you’ve defended our freedom and strengthened our community. Thank you for your courage and commitment.
Captain Curt Reilly, Thank You for Your Service!
Captain Curt Reilly, Weeki Wachee, FL served 3 years in the U.S. Marines (1967-1969) and later, 24 years in the U.S. Navy (1982 – 2006), His accomplishments during his military service were many but notably, he served as a public affairs officer on President George Bush’s second inauguration in Washington, D.C. as well as served as an operations officer for the 50th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landing at Normandy, France.. Aside from military service, Curt is actively involved in the community currently serving in many volunteer capacities including overseeing boat operations at 5 local area state parks (including the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park), founder and president of the GlenLakes community’s kayak club, and also serves as the president of the GlenLakes Veterans and Friends veterans organization. which supports the local veterans community in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties. Submitted by: GlenLakes Veterans and Friends Association
Gaetamo Broccoli, Sgt, USMC, Thank You for Your Service!
Gaetamo “Mr. G” Broccoli served in the U.S. Marine Corps in a number of “front line” capacities, notably in the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, fighting the War on Terror. In post-service, he has been involved in many veterans organizations in the local area. Notably, he is involved in a local chapter of Rolling Thunder, where he supports MIA and other veteran causes. He also is a member of the GlenLakes Veterans and Friends organization and as the GlenLakes Country Club manager, he gives countless hours of his time and resources to support the GLVFA monthly meetings, “rest and relaxation” member dinner events, direct support of the GLVFA Nature Coast Veterans charity golf event and much more. “Mr. G.” is an awesome example of a dedicated local veteran who puts fellow veterans’ needs before his own.
Dennis M. Blum, U.S. Army, Thank You for Your Service!
Dennis “Denny” Blum, a Vietnam War combat veteran, served the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1967. His accomplishments in the military were of service and sacrifice, being in the thick of the ground fighting. When not in harm’s way, he volunteered at a local village school for blind children. After leaving Vietnam, he became a successful businessman and owner of Denny’s Famous Footwear with stores located throughout Wisconsin and beyond. He eventually retired to Weeki Wachee and shortly thereafter, he co-founded GlenLakes Veterans and Friends veterans organization in 2016. As co-chairman, he has served the local veteran community in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties. Wearing many hats in the organization, he has worked diligently and tirelessly over the years to the present time in raising donation funds that is then dispersed to local area veterans in need.
Victor M. Waller, Thank You for Your Service!
With gratitude for his honorable service, a big salute to Mr. Victor M. Waller of Istachatta. Purple Heart recipient, United States Army, Vietnam veteran.
Submitted by: Toby Benoit
Robert Aronowitz and Jack Aronowitz, Thank You for Your Service to Our Country!
Submitted by: Joey Aronowitz
David Parnin, Thank You for Your Service!
David Parnin served in the US Navy, on the USS Little Rock, from 1960-1962. He is pictured in the top photo on the left.
Submitted by: Chad Parnin
Ken Michael VFW#10209 Commander, Thank You for Your Service!
Ken Michael, a Staff Sergeant in the Army since January 1994, is a dedicated family man with four children and ten grandchildren. He currently serves as a commander of VFW Post Number 10209 and previously led American Legion Post Number 418, where he earned the title of Florida Post of the Year. As a veteran of the Iraq war with the 101st Airborne Division, Ken actively supports fellow veterans by assisting them with claims to facilitate their access to benefits. He also runs a PTSD program at the VFW to provide additional support for veterans. Ken is a valuable asset to VFW Post 10209 and the surrounding community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans. He invites the community to visit VFW Post Number 10209 to experience the positive changes and exciting events planned for this year and the next.
John Tevz, Thank You for Your Service!
John Tevz was a Major in the United States Army. He is a Vietnam War combat veteran—he served our country from 1958-1978.
A Hernando County resident for 26 years, John is a wonderful man and a true American hero.
I love you Grandpa—thank you for being you.
Submitted by: Summer Hampton
Kiomy Holmes, Thank You for Your Service!
Kiomy Holmes is a member of the Florida National Guard and a volunteer with Hernando Reptile and Exotics Rescue. She loves helping to care for reptiles of all shapes and sizes and has even given a forever home to a long-time resident, Hulk the bearded dragon. Her contribution has aided in saving the lives of countless abandoned and unwanted scaley critters.
Submitted by: Hernando Reptile and Exotics Rescue
Shawn Cullen, Thank You for Your Service!
Shawn Cullen is a retired 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He and his family serve as an incredible foster home and refuge for a number of critters in need, ranging from snakes to kittens. We are so thankful to have this man as part of the Hernando Reptile and Exotics Rescue family!
Submitted by: Hernando Reptile and Exotics Rescue
Richard Keane, Sgt, USAF, Thank You for Your Service!
Richard “Dicky” Keane served 5 years in the U.S. Air Force (1982 – 1987). Serving as a systems analyst, he supported military operations in Germany. He also volunteered his time to referee and play hockey in local German hockey leagues. After his service, he worked a full career with the U.S. Post Office and eventually retired to Weeki Wachee. Always involved in the community, he was the project manager for the new GlenLakes housing community’s new veteran memorial. Working tirelessly, he was responsible for all aspects of building the memorial, which currently serves as a patriotic beacon for all GlenLakes residents and visitors to admire as they enter the community. Dicky was recently honored by the Tampa Bay Lighting as their military hero, being presented with an award in front of thousands of fans at an October 2023 home game.
Dominic Mark, Thank You for Your Service!
My father, Dominic Mark, is a resident of Hernando County and I would like to thank him for his service in the United States Navy. He served as Radarman 3rd Class, after completing Boot Camp, Radar A, and C School from August 1970 to June 1971. Both were at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. Then, he was stationed on the USS Hawkins DD873 from June 1971 to August 1974. In 1971 and 1973, his ship made two six-month Mediterranean Sea deployments. A photo of Dominic on the USS Hawkins DD873 is attached. He is the sailor looking up, standing behind his friend George.
Lt. Arthur Richard Lehman, Thank You for Your Service!
Served in US Army Jan 1969-Jan 1971
US Army Signal Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Received Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star
Entered Army from Marissa, Illinois
Staff Sgt Irving Locker, Thank You for Your Service!
Staff Sgt Irving Locker, World War II veteran, recently turned 100 years old. He was one of 156,000 soldiers who stormed the Normandy Beaches and fought through the Battle of the Bulge. The Villages 10-13 Club and Tunnels to Towers recently presented him with a Hero-to-Hero Award.
Submitted by: Hernando 10-13 Club
Retired Captain David N. Christopher, Thank You for Your Service!
With over 25 years of service in the U.S. Army, David served both in the enlisted ranks and as an officer, taking on roles of increasing responsibility in the Military Police and Civil Affairs with Special Operations. His deployments included Operation Desert Storm and a tour in Iraq in 2011. Beyond his military career, David served his community as a Deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and as an officer with the Tallahassee Police Department. He now runs his business Cryo-eeze Spring Hill in the Publix Shopping Center at Anderson Snow and County Line Road in Spring Hill. We extend our gratitude to David for his dedicated service. The Villages 10-13 Club and Tunnels to Towers recently presented him with a Hero-to-Hero Award.
Submitted by: Hernando 10-13 Club
Major General George Friel, Thank You for Your Service!
General George Friel, Weeki Wachee, FL, a Vietnam War combat veteran, served the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1998, a total of 38 years of service. His accomplishments in the military are too many to list, as well as his remarkable efforts post service. Currently, he continues to serve the local veteran community in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties. He is the co-founder and current chairman of the GlenLakes community veterans 501(c)(3) non-profit organization “GlenLakes Veterans and Friends” devoted to raising funds to disperse to local area veterans in need.
Submitted by: GlenLakes Veterans and Friends Association
Jack Carson, Thank You for Your Service!
US Navy 1968 to 1976
Born and raised in MA until graduating in 1967 from Westford Academy and then joining the Navy. Worked locally for PC Miller and Hitech Trusses. Retired in Feb 22.
Julius Ricks, Thank You for Your Service!
One day on November 22, a person riding his bicycle stopped and asked me “Do you remember what you were doing on the day President Kennedy was assassinated?”
I told him I was there in Washington and participated in the entire proceedings as a member of the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Guard at Bolling AFB, Wash. DC. That day I received a phone call informing me the President had been shot and to return to the base immediately. Upon rushing back to the base and getting dressed we headed to Andrews AFB, MD. to await the arrival of Air Force One bearing the President’s remains.
Our job was to position ourselves so those departing the aircraft could do so safely. Among those were Mrs. Kennedy (still in her Pink Outfit), now President Johnson and First Lady Mrs. Johnson, many staff members and the vehicle carrying the President’s remains.
After completing that assignment, we went directly to the White House and awaited until the remains were ready for presentation. At the time, for presentation I performed as a member of the Joint Honor Guard around the President’s Casket.
Unfortunately, I was there when the President and staff left Andrews smiling and waving only to be there when they returned and as they passed through us there were many heavy hearts and tear-stained eyes.
The gentleman got back on his bicycle and said, “Thank you for your service and rode off.”
I’ll never forget that day.
I retired from the Air Force and have lived in Spring Hill for the last 20 years.
