OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was an opportunity to give thanks to those both past and present who had given so much, serving not only to their nation but also their community with honor.
The Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, celebrating 12 veterans–seven living and five posthumous inductees–who were recognized not only for their military service, but for their continued efforts to serve after returning to civilian life.
The event itself was held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion and featured a dinner, video presentations of the inductees, and a number of speakers. Rear Admiral William Leigher, U.S. Navy Ret. was the keynote speaker.
The opportunity to enshrine the giants who walk amongst us made for a humbling experience, and the trust the county bestowed upon Veterans Helping Veterans wasn’t something the nonprofit takes lightly, said Todd Belknap, Veterans Helping Veterans USA executive director, who managed every detail of the event celebrating the inductees. It’s a shared commitment to the veterans, to their families and to the values that bind this community together.
“None of this would be possible with the unparalleled leadership, awesome people that really pulled this thing together,” said Belknap. “Everybody in Marion County public relations, Bobbi Perez, Roger Waddell and their team. They’re small but mighty, and they pull out all the stops when they do something. It’s humbling to stand here in the presence of so many titans from our veterans’ community. On behalf of Veterans Helping Veterans, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Marion County, to public relations, county administration and the county commissioners for entrusting us with the responsibility with helping plan and coordinate this meaningful event. When Marion County places its confidence in us it goes beyond logistics or event planning. It represents a belief in our mission. Veterans are best served when supported by those who understand their journey, their sacrifices and their resilience. And nobody exemplifies these traits more than the heroes being enshrined this evening.”
Marion County Veterans Services Director Daisy Diaz led the selection committee for the Marion County Hall of Fame’s inductees. Her oversight and expertise ensured that each candidate was carefully reviewed and was truly deserving of the honor.
Diaz personally acknowledged the continued commitment of the county administrator, the assistant county administrators, the board of county commissioners and the local municipal partners.
“It’s because of your leadership and support that we have a community that values, faith, family, country and honors our veterans,” said Diaz. “After serving 20 years in the Navy, I came to understand as so many who’ve worn the uniform do, that service is more than a chapter in life, it is a commitment to something greater than ourselves, and in those that we’ve honored here this evening, we see that commitment continuing way beyond their time of service.”
The evening recognized Florida Veterans Hall of Fame inductees, Craig Ham and Stephen Petty, who were part of the inaugural class, and those who were selected by the Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame Committee: Jeffrey Askew, William Dorsey, John Erskine, Bruce Gonseth and Donald Kennedy. The five posthumous inductees were Lewis Alston, Medal of Honor recipient Hammet Bowen, Jr, Lamar Hunt, Edward Johnson, Jr. and Frank Rasbury.
Each of the living inductees were presented a blazer with a Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame logo and will get a Hall of Fame ring. The posthumous inductees’ families were given a certificate and were recognized with a plaque for their dedication and service.
Marion County has a long-standing tradition of commitment to its veterans. the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park was established in 1997, and there was a name attached to it that many may not recognize, a man who was a county commissioner, who served three terms from 1978-1990, said Marion County Commissioner Craig Curry.
“He was in World War II, he was a Seabee, he was in combat in action, and his name was Tommy Needham,” said Curry. “Tommy didn’t do everything by himself. He was one who knocked the walls down. He led. He was one of the one’s that we should be so appreciative of. He passed away a number of years ago. That park is the cornerstone for Marion County’s veterans.”