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WATCH: National Vietnam Veterans Day Event Set March 12 at the Eau Gallie Civic Center

By  //  February 19, 2025

Free event Hosted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 at Eau Gallie Civic Center

WATCH: National Vietnam Veterans Day event preview—Rodney Deflumeri, Commander of Disabled Veterans America—Chapter 32, and LTC (Ret) Tim Thomas, USA, talk about this very special event, which will take place on Wednesday, March 12, at the Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA—The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 32 will hold a National Vietnam Veterans Day Event on Wednesday, March 12, at the Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne. This free event is open to the public and starts at 5 p.m. and concludes at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Special Guests Include:

Lt. Col. Todd Balog, JROTC Hawk Battalion Presenting National Colors. Senior Army Instructor for Viera High’s Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; awarded the Bronze Star. Mentors future leaders through color guard ceremonies.

Tim Thomas, Retired Army Lt. Colonel and former Melbourne City Councilman (2016–2024) championed DAV Chapter 32’s access to the Eau Gallie Civic Center, securing it free of charge for veteran events. His advocacy during council meetings emphasized the venue’s role in uniting Brevard County’s military community, enabling ceremonies like the 9/11 tribute (200+ heroes) and upcoming National Vietnam Veterans Day. By collaborating with the entire city staff, he streamlined approvals, ensuring veterans and families could gather “without” financial barriers.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 32 will hold a National Vietnam Veterans Day Event on Wednesday, March 12, at the Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne. This FREE event is open to the public and starts at 5 p.m. and concludes at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Honored Guest Speakers include:

Joseph W. Johnston, Retired Army colonel, and 100% service-connected disabled veteran. Served in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf with the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Infantry Division, and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Elected DAV National Commander in 2013 and inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame (2007). Advocated for veterans’ healthcare and benefits reform.

Andrew H. Marshall was a combat-wounded Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Khe Sanh Valley; awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. DAV National Commander (2021) who expanded clothing allowances for disabled veterans. Retired after 41 years of service advocacy.

Van Grubb: A Legacy Forged in Loss: The eldest son of a Vietnam War pilot declared MIA, Van Grubb’s childhood was marked by his family’s relentless pursuit of truth. His mother, Evelyn Grubb, channeled grief into activism, co-authoring You Are Not Forgotten and collaborating with leaders like Kissinger and Nixon to demand accountability. After eight years, the family received confirmation of Wilmer’s death. This turning point galvanized Van and his brothers to advocate publicly, amplifying their mother’s work with the National League of Families. Their efforts immortalized the POW/MIA flag, transforming personal tragedy into a national symbol of honor and unresolved sacrifice.

Col. Michael Lane, Retired Air Force Colonel and Hanoi Hilton POW (2,270 days captivity after being shot down in 1966). Co-founder of DAV outreach programs and advocate for POW/MIA recognition. He married Ruth Sweeney, a flight attendant he met post-release.

This very special event includes food, 50/50 raffles, and much more.

For additional information, contact Rodney Deflumeri, Commander of Disabled Veterans America—Chapter 32, by clicking HERE.

The Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson (left) and Rodney Deflumeri, Commander of the Disabled Veterans America (right), are at the Erdman Automotive Studio in Cocoa talking about the upcoming National Vietnam Veterans Day Event on Wednesday, March 12, at the Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne. This free event is open to the public, starting at 5 p.m. and concluding at approximately 7:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia.  He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018,  Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.