Gov. Rick Scott Honors Over 180 Veterans With Governor’s Veterans Service Award

Governor Rick Scott awarded more than 180 Veterans at the C.W. Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida and the nation.

Governor Scott said on Tuesday, “It is exciting today to recognize Florida veterans for their courage and countless sacrifices in defense of our country. Florida is home to thousands of brave veterans, including many in Pinellas County whom I met today, who have fought to preserve and protect the American Dream.

We are incredibly grateful for their service and must take every possible opportunity to thank our American heroes.”

The Governor recognized the following Florida Veterans in his speech Tuesday:

Robert Binegar

Sergeant Robert Binegar served 20 years of active duty in the United States Army before retiring in 2007. He served two tours in Afghanistan where he received a Bronze Star for his extensive efforts to maintain peace between Taliban forces and Afghani military and civilians. Robert also helped educate and train six Afghanistan medical personnel in a U.S. hospital during extreme wartime conditions.

The clinic provided needed aid to Afghan children and families. After returning to the United States, he completed tours as the Clinical Informatics Operations Manager at the Department of Army Medical Activity in Fort Benning Georgia and then was selected as the Program Manager for Executive Military/Government VIPs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Robert continues to serve his community as a State Trooper for the Florida Highway Patrol.

John Rudy

Private First Class John Rudy joined the United States Army in 2003. John deployed to Iraq and served as a Motor Transport Operator with the 25th Transportation Company providing armed security for convoys. In September 2004, his vehicle was attacked and hit by an IED and small arms fire. J

ohn received the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal for his service to our country. John is currently a full-time student and pursing a degree as a Physician’s Assistant.

Tara Fuerst

Sergeant Tara Fuerst joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2002 and trained to be a Military Intelligence Analyst. In March 2005, she deployed to Afghanistan with the 53rd Infantry Brigade. During her deployment, she was selected as the Regional Command Military Intelligence Senior Analyst for the 53rd Infantry Brigade’s Coalition Joint Task Force.

Tara has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge. She currently works at United States Central Command MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.

Florida Veterans Medal

The “Governor’s Veterans Service Award” honors Floridians who have served in the U.S. Military. The front of the medal depicts the Great Seal of the State of Florida.

The back of the medal displays the five seals representing the five branches of U.S. Military with an inscription that reads “Honoring Those Who Served.”

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