HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 10 09 Consent 301 - Hometown Hero Nomination ApprovalCONSENT AGENDA ITEM 301
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA | OCTOBER 9, 2023 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Hometown Hero Nomination Approval
SUMMARY
Annually the City of Winter Springs has a Veterans day event at the Veterans
Memorial. During this ceremony a resident is highlighted for their military service and
dedication and support of Winter Springs. This year Laurel Ross has been nominated
for Winter Springs Hometown Hero. Laurel Ross is a Winter Springs resident residing
at 1778 Seneca Blvd, Winter Springs, FL 32708. She is an Army Veteran who graduated
as Distinguished Honor Graduate from her flight school class in 1991. She served
from 1990 to 1998 and was awarded the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Airborne
Badge and the Air Assault Badge. Laurel is dedicated to serving her community and
veterans. Her unselfish commitment to providing care, comfort and guidance to others
is evident. She always gives 100 percent effort and is often found volunteering her
time and service for the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, Women in Aviation
Central Florida Chapter, the local Citizens in Action group, serving as High School
Booster Club Treasurer and assisting the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections.
For all these efforts and more, Laurel was selected as Seminole County Veteran of the
Month in July 2022.
Laurel’s commitment to impacting the lives of veterans and youth during the past 3
years is evident upon observing her in action and witnessing her passion. Her
responsibilities and assignments in the American Legion are currently as chair of the
Oratorical Program working with our High School Students. She has held many
positions with responsibility for recruiting, retention and in multiple Legion programs
as Vice Commander. Laurel served 2 years as Post Commander completing that
assignment in July 2023,
Laurel Ross’s dedication, self-sacrifice and hard work as American Legion Post 243
Commander culminated in the ‘Best Post Award’ for 2021 presented by the American
Legion Department of Florida at the State Convention. She consistently leads from the
front as the Post works through the monthly cycle of staff and general meetings,
weekly coffee and chat events and evening fireside socials. As Post Commander, she
has supervised the planning of numerous special events and ceremonies, especially
the very successful Post 70th Anniversary event and other social events and
ceremonies which foster camaraderie with the members.
Laurel is involved in the many different programs the Legion Post provides which
make a significant difference in the lives of veterans and youth in our community.
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From Civics, Boys State, Scholarships, Scouting, Oratorical, Shooting Sports and
Americanism, Laurel has guided the program chairs and has significantly raised
effectiveness of each program. The students from the Oratory and Boys State
programs are entering the work force better prepared because of her leadership, care
and mentorship.
Laurel was instrumental in obtaining the Florida Fallen Memorial which consists of
over 400 photos, biographies and crosses which are set up for a week prior to
Memorial Day. The memorial was previously on loan and required extensive repair
and refurbishment to be utilized. She led the refurb and enhancement of the
memorial. The Memorial was visited by many and is an important part of the Post’s
Memorial Day Ceremony.
Laurel is actively engaged in other Veterans Organizations, she is an active member of
the Marine Corps League Honor Guard providing military honors to deceased
veterans. She assists at fundraising events and volunteers her time visiting veterans in
local retirement homes.
Laurel Ross, consistently contributes hundreds of hours annually in community
service. Above and beyond the commendations she has earned, she has earned the
respect of the membership and community leaders. Her leadership, dedication and
commitment is commendable but even more, it is her passion. She has impacted
veterans, improved the community and helped make today’s youth tomorrow’s
leaders. Her actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and she
is worthy of being named Winter Springs Hometown Hero
FUNDING SOURCE
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Commission approve Laurel Ross as this years "Winter
Springs Hometown Hero.
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