Rick Scott Inducts First Class of Veterans to Hall of Fame

Gov. Rick Scott and first lady Ann Scott honored six Floridians during an induction ceremony on Tuesday at the Capitol for the new Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation," said Scott. "We must continue to support our veterans who have served the Sunshine State. This Veterans Hall of Fame will show our support to those who worked so hard and made sacrifices for our state and nation, and have helped ensure freedom for all.

Gov. Scott and first lady awarded Hall of Fame medals and certificates to the following inductees:

1. John R. D. Cleland, Major General (Retired), U.S. Army (Melbourne).
2. The late Rep. Sam M. Gibbons, former U.S. Army Major (Tampa) represented by his son, Clifford Sam Gibbons.
3. John L. Haynes, Major (Retired), U.S. Marine Corps (Monticello).
4. Robert F. Milligan, Lieutenant General (Retired), U.S. Marine Corps (Tallahassee).
5. Jeanne Grushinski Rubin, Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy (Sunrise).
6. Robert J. Silah, Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy (Tampa).

According to a press release from the governor's office, Florida Veterans Hall of Fame "recognizes and honors those military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the state of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits."

It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the State of Florida.

We have an impressive pool of outstanding patriots who call Florida home, said retired Army Col. Mike Prendergast, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. These six inductees and the others who will follow in future years are inspirations to all of us who served honorably to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.

Inductees are recommended annually by the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame council based upon public submissions and approved by both the governor and Cabinet. In selecting its nominees for submission, the council gives preference to veterans who were either born in Florida or adopted Florida as their home state.