Ormond Beach resident and Post 267 member John Brinkley, founder and president of the Daytona Beach Veterans Museum and Education Center, was one of 16 veterans inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame in the Florida State Capitol Building in Tallahassee on Monday, March 9. Danny Burgess, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs executive director, hosted the ceremony along with Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.
The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have contributed significantly to the state of Florida and its veterans through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the state.
“It was quite a privilege to be nominated for the Hall of Fame,” comments Brinkley. “To be selected for the award is even better. There are so many veterans I meet on a day-to-day basis who do so much for our veterans. I’m very pleased the selection panel felt my contribution warrants this honor.”
Staff Sgt. John A. Brinkley served his country bravely in the Marines during World War II and in the Air Force during the Korean War era. His additional work for Florida veterans, his establishment of the Veterans Museum and Education Center (VMAEC) in Daytona Beach and the progress he has made with the museum in such a short time were significant contributors to his selection.
The Class of 2019 is the seventh class to enter the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. “It’s great to be among the ranks of those who have done so much for our veterans,” says Brinkley. “I couldn't have done this alone. I’ve had so much help from other veterans, veteran-related businesses, and veteran-friendly community members. I can’t say enough about all our museum sponsors and visitors who have given our museum its lifeblood.”
The Veterans Museum and Education Center is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to all veterans, fostering pride and patriotism in our country, and educating the public on the importance of the American veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The museum, located at 166 S Beach ST in Daytona Beach, collects and presents tangible artifacts and personal stories of those who served our country. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4 PM.