Red, White & You: Honoring Florida’s Military Heroes

Florida has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Norton Pallot

Drafted in 1942, Norton Pallot of Coral Gables served during World War II and was part of the efforts to liberate prisoner-of-war camps at the war’s end — an experience he later described as one of the hardest of his life. In 2024, as he approached his 100th birthday, Pallot was honored by The Last Patrol and AccentCare Hospice, who recognized his role in saving lives and bearing witness to the suffering of those imprisoned. His family remembered sitting by the radio during the war, worried but proud, while Pallot quietly carried out his duty. Nearly a century later, he is still called a hero — not only for his wartime service, but for his humility, resilience and love for his country. Read more here.

2. Col. Augustus D. Aikens, Jr.

A distinguished legal and military leader, Col. Augustus D. Aikens, Jr., served with honor in both the U.S. Army and the Florida National Guard, retiring as a full colonel after 30 years of service. Over the course of his military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his role in Operation Desert Storm and the Legion of Merit for his exceptional service. Known for his reliability and integrity, Aikens held both legal and leadership roles that earned him widespread respect among his peers. After a 27-year judicial career as Leon County’s longest-serving county court judge, the courthouse was renamed in his honor — a lasting tribute to his impact on the community, the state and the nation. Read more here.

3. 1SG Daila Espeut-Jones and Lorraine Holland

U.S. Army veterans 1SG Daila Espeut-Jones and Lorraine Holland have turned their military service into lifelong missions to support fellow veterans across Central Florida. Espeut-Jones, a 22-year Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, now leads the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, helping connect veterans with the benefits, education and employment they’ve earned. Holland, a retired officer and advocate with the Military Officers Association of America, focuses on elevating the voices of women veterans and shaping legislation around VA access and care. Together, they have served on nearly a dozen veterans organizations, ensuring no service member is left behind. Read more here.

4. Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith (1969-2003)

A South Tampa native and dedicated combat engineer, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith served with distinction in the U.S. Army from 1989 until his death in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, Smith was known for his fierce commitment to his soldiers, once writing he was prepared to give “all that I am” to ensure his men made it home. He led with heart, often supporting his troops and their families in deeply personal ways. For his heroic actions in Baghdad that saved dozens of lives, Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first service member recognized with the honor during the War on Terror. Read more here.

5. John Makas

A U.S. Army veteran from St. Petersburg, John Makas has dedicated over 15 years and nearly 5,900 volunteer hours to serving fellow veterans through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)’s benefits advocacy programs. Known for his tireless work at Bay Pines VA Medical Center, Makas sees up to 20 veterans a day — often staying late to ensure no one is left behind. In addition to assisting with VA claims, he delivers medical equipment, helps with home repairs and supports widows of veterans. For his extraordinary service, Makas was named DAV’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year and received the George H. Seal Memorial Trophy. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!