Okaloosa County Recognized with Prestigious Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was recently honored as the recipient of the 1776-2026 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) America 250! Commendation Certificate and Medal. The award was presented to the Board during regular Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution September meeting.“I am thankful and humbled that the DAR would recognize the entire County with this distinction,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. “As a DAR member, I am aware of how prestigious and rare it is to be awarded with this honor. The County has achieved so much in its efforts to recognize service members and we will continue this tradition long into the future.”
The medal and certificate recognize non-DAR members and groups that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to not only honor the men and women who achieved American Independence, but also to educate others about their service and sacrifice. Examples of meritorious service may include erecting, rediscovering, restoring, and/or rededicating Revolutionary War-related monuments, plaques, gravesites and other memorials in communities through publicly celebrated projects or events.
In 2019, the Board approved creating the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park currently located on Okaloosa Island. The park was opened to the public in 2021 and features eight life-sized bronze statues of women who fought in United States military conflicts dating back to the American Revolution.
The Board approved expanding the park at Tuesday’s meeting with additional walking paths and four more bronze statues. Both phases of the park are funded with tourism bed tax revenue. Donations have also been accepted for the second phase.
Learn more about the DAR’s participation in the 250th anniversary of the United States at https://www.dar.org/.
Learn more about the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park at https://myokaloosa.com/bcc/women-veterans-memorial.
Senior Prom Delivers Evening of Dancing and Delight
Bob Hope Village residents dressed up to the nines and attended the first ever “senior” prom in June. The evening’s theme, Once Upon A Time, was displayed on a photo backdrop where residents lined up to have their prom pictures taken. The ballroom was decorated with greenery, balloons and twinkling lights which transcended prom goers to a story-book forest. Members of the local community donated evening wear and accessories such as sparkling handbags and satin shoes, so residents could select their prom attire from the activities closet. A local florist donated corsages for every resident attending the prom.
The highlight of the prom was the ballroom dancing performance by Fred Astaire Dance Studios. The dancers stayed and enjoyed the prom with the residents and made sure everyone took a twirl on the dance floor. To round out the evening, a prom king and queen were crowned.
“It was one of the best nights of my life,” resident Charlene declared.
Dr. Hollingsworth Inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame
The Governor and Florida Cabinet have confirmed Vietnam Veteran, Dr. Gerald M. Hollingsworth for induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at the FSU Alumni Center Hall, 1030 W Tennessee Street, Tallahassee on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m.
Nominated by local restaurant owner and Vice President Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Society Tom Rice and Dr. Dave Goetsch, Dr. Gerald Hollingsworth is a successful businessman, physician, was a Vietnam Medical Officer as a Navy Lieutenant and more recently Air Force 919th Special Operations Wing Medical Officer retiring as a Colonel. Dr. Hollingsworth’s local recognitions include being selected by the Northwest Florida Daily News as Person of the Year in 2019, and recently honored at the local Salvation Army Corps Facility Rededication Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting in its naming as “Hollingsworth Hall.” Among his many accomplishments was his support of One Hopeful Place Medical Care Center and his past service with the Special Olympics in its inaugural events which began first in Okaloosa County in 1970 and then spread throughout Florida. Dr. Hollingsworth was tasked by Okaloosa County Schools Special Needs Instructor, Dr. Charlie McFarland, for the numerous medical requirements needed for the program. From his early days as a youth in Mississippi to his graduation from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hollingsworth exemplifies the intention of the state’s Veterans Hall of Fame purpose of serving fellow citizens and by what individuals have accomplished after military service in that manner.
He joins other locals for this honor including past inductees, Dr. David Goetsch, First Sergeant Tom Rice, State Representative and Brigadier General Retired Patt Maney, Dr. Eddie Zant, Dr. Chuck Merkel, Lt. Gen. Retired Gordon Fornell and the late Brigadier General Mike Ferguson and Col. Mike Flynt.
