Website by RHavekost
© 2016-25 Veterans Council of St. Johns County Inc.
St. Augustine, FL 32085 All rights reserved
NOTICES page 2
This page is a carryover from the main index page (announcements and other notices)
Clyde Lassen Veterans Nursing Home is looking for essential care givers including CNA,
LPN, RN’s. A shortage of staff has resulted in a significant waiting list-even though beds are
available. We have some incredible veterans here in SJC being cared for at Lassen. If you or
someone you know have these qualifications and would be interested in serving those who
have defended our freedoms, please call Clyde Lassen at 904.940.2193 for details.
Veterans Council of St. Johns County
Email us
Follow us
Website by RHavekost
Castillo de San Marcos - VIP’s - ‘Volunteers In Parks’
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here.
JAN. 26, FEB. 23, MAR. 30, APR. 27, MAY 25, JUN. 29,
JUL. 27, AUG. 31, SEP. 28, OCT. 26, NOV. 30, DEC. 28
All meeting are held at: The County Health & Human Services Bldg. Muscovy Room, 1st Floor 200 San Sebastian View St. Augustine, FL 320842023 VETERANS COUNCIL MEETING DATES: (Start 7:00pm)
About Us ~ this new section is a slideshow detailing
the council and accomplishments for 2022.
Presented in 2 parts, scroll the entire first page
then click the link to part 2.
Start here, enjoy the journey.
AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to a
charity of your choice. All you need to do is start your shopping at the above shopping link
and the donation will be made at no extra cost to you to the Veterans Council of St. Johns County.
Bookmark this link on your browser for future Amazon purchases. Thank you for your donation.
Castillo de San Marcos - VIP’s - ‘Volunteers In Parks’
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here.
For more recent event and activities information or to comment on past activities
come join us on our Facebook group, click here for our group
The Veterans Council Congratulates its Chairman, William Dudley for receiving the City of St Augustine's Highest Honor, the Order of La Florida
Award.
Monday, September 9, at 4:30pm in The Alcazar Room of City Hall, the City of St. Augustine City Commission recognized William "Bill" Dudley,
presenting him with the city’s highest honor, the Order of La Florida Award, for his selfless devotion of his time and talent to the welfare and
betterment of our citizens, and his extraordinary service to our community.
Nominated by Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, Dudley exemplifies the qualifications of being nominated for the award, unselfishly devoting himself,
his time, and his talent to the welfare and betterment of our citizens and contributing extraordinary services to this community, in particular
his work with the military and our veterans.
Dudley joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1955, flying and instructing in various types of military aircraft and deploying during the Berlin
Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis. After 10 years of active duty, he transferred to the USAF Reserves, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. Dudley
held executive-level management positions for several major domestic and international airlines before running an aerospace consulting
business.
Since he fully retired in 2005, Dudley has served our local community, our veterans in particular, in many ways – as the National Director of
the U.S. Navy League, the President of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County, and in various voluntary leadership roles with the National
Cemetery, community veterans organizations, Flagler Health’s Continuum of Care, Home Again St. Johns, Veterans Treatment Court Advisory
Board, and more.
The City of St. Augustine established The Order of La Florida Award in 1975, so that the City Commission, on behalf of the people of St. Augustine
might recognize one who, “…over a long period of time has unselfishly devoted his or her time and talent to the welfare and betterment of St.
Augustine’s citizens and heritage, who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship, and has contributed extraordinary services to the
community.” Recipients must be 55 years of age and there may not be more than 10 living recipients at any one time. A nomination originates
with a member of the city commission and is presented to the city manager who then puts it before the entire commission for confirmation.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, September 19, 2024 – On Tuesday, Sept. 17, St. Johns County celebrated the remarkable life and
service of Mr. Joe Shomo, a resident of St. Augustine and a World War II veteran, during a recognition ceremony held in the St. Johns
County Administration Rotunda. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs produced a video to honor the occasion.
Mr. Shomo, who turned 101 on Aug. 21, was honored with a ceremony and a Certificate of Recognition presented during the Board
of County Commissioners regular meeting. Family, friends, and officials welcomed Mr. Shomo, who was provided a police escort by
the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
Born in South Fork, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 21, 1923, Mr. Shomo grew up in Derry, Pennsylvania, where he developed a love for
baseball and basketball. After graduating high school in 1941, he attended the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania until he was
drafted into the U.S. Army on May 24, 1943.
Mr. Shomo underwent basic training and specialized as a T5 radio repairman, serving in various locations, including Fort McClellan,
Alabama, and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He was deployed to France, where he provided critical radio repair support during the
war. Following his honorable discharge on Feb. 9, 1946, he continued his education, earning degrees in education and accounting.
In addition to his military service, Mr. Shomo had a successful career working for several notable companies, including IBM, Trans
World Airlines, Mack Trucks, U.S. Steel, and Hamilton Oil. He has lived in cities such as Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Littleton,
Colorado. He married Marcella Shomo on July 21, 1960, and they enjoyed nearly 50 years together before her passing. In 1996, he
made St. Augustine his home, where he continues to enjoy retirement.
The ceremony featured remarks from officials, including U.S. Congressman John Rutherford, St. Johns County District 1
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, St. Johns County Veterans Council Chairman Bill Dudley, and Ashley Cook, Senior Regional
Director for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. The St. Augustine High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadets were
also present to honor Mr. Shomo for his dedication to serving our country.
St. Johns County extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Shomo for his service and commitment to the nation. His legacy serves as an
inspiration to all.
St. Johns County Honors 101-Year-Old World War II Veteran Joe Shomo
For 24-hour counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis
Hotline at 988, then press 1. You may also call 211
in Florida for confidential help. Visit
www.SaveFLVets.org for more resources available
to Veterans, their families and friends.
#SuicidePrevention #FLVets
The Maria Jefferson DAR Chapter
"As part of our mission to preserve and promote American history, education, and patriotism,
DAR is honored to share the stories and work of so many deserving individuals, whether it's over
a long professional career or students who give us such hope for the future of our great country."
The Patriot Award from the Maria Jefferson DAR Chapter was awarded to Veterans Council
Chairman Bill Dudley. This is a National Award from their Headquarters in Washington.
The Maria Jefferson Chapter President said “It was an honor and privilege for the Maria Jefferson
Chapter to present Bill Dudley with this award. God bless you for all you do.”
Upon receiving this award Chairman Dudley said “thank you so much for this award. It was a
total surprise. When I got home tonight, I found out my wife was aware I was going to receive the
award you presented. This really has a special meaning to me as patriotism to our country and our
fellow veterans means so much to me. It's my north star and energizes me daily. In my quiet time
in prayer each morning I ask the Lord to let me help at least one veteran today. Usually, He gives
me more than I ask for and that's a blessing.”
