Skip to main content
File #: 2026-22182   
Type: Notation for Record Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 2/23/2026 Meeting Body Board of County Commissioners
On agenda: 3/3/2026 Final action:
Title: Present Update for Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame
Attachments: 1. Policy - Selection Committee for scoring process VHOF.pdf

 

SUBJECT:

Title

Present Update for Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame

Body

 

INITIATOR:

DEPARTMENT:

Daisy Diaz, Director

Veterans Services

 

DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:

On December 16, 2025 the Board of County Commissioners approved The Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame (MCVHOF) Selection Committee.

 

On February 9th, 2026, The MCVHOF Selection Committee convened and completed its review process the same day.  The committee thoroughly evaluated all nomination packets in accordance with established criteria. 

 

Five inductees were selected for the MCVHOF, and all have been formally notified. The inductees include:

1.                     Donald Kennedy

2.                     Jeffrey Askew

3.                     William Dorsey

4.                     John Erskine

5.                     Bruce Gonseth

 

Of those five, Mr. Donald Kennedy is the number one ranked candidate to represent Marion County for consideration in the Florida VHOF.

 

The inductees will be honored on March 19, 2026, at the Veterans Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony presented by Vets Helping Vets. They will be formally presented to the Board at a later date.

 

Additionally, the selection committee approved five posthumous veterans for recognition, honoring their service and lasting contribution to our community.

 

BUDGET/IMPACT:

None

 

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Recommended action

For information only.

end