The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating Veteran’s Day by honoring the men and women who have served this country, including over a dozen veterans who are currently working for the sheriff’s office.
In a social media post, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods stated, “I am proud to celebrate Veteran’s Day with each of you. Like you, I live in freedom. But we know that freedom has never come cheaply. It has been handed to us by the hands of those that stood up to serve their country.”
“Some have paid the ultimate price for these freedoms, and some are living and working right here in our community,” added Sheriff Woods.
Robert Schmidt served in the United States Army for nearly 18 years and he reached the rank of Sergeant First Class. He has been with MCSO for 5 years and currently works as a detention assistant at Marion County Jail.
Sue Van Weelden served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 1992. During Operation Desert Storm, she spent 6 months as an engineer purifying water. She has been with MCSO for 20 years and currently works at the courthouse.
Fred Chisholm is currently a Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army Reserves and is stationed in Georgia. He also works for MCSO as a captain over special operations.
Kory Diley served in the United States Marine Corps for 9 years under Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has been with MCSO for 6 months and currently works as a deputy.
Sharon Bruce served in the United States Navy for 4 years of active duty and one year of active reserves. During her service, she was stationed in Alaska, Texas, and Japan. She has been with MCSO for 27 years and currently works as an executive secretary for the Major in charge of the Law Enforcement Bureau.
Darren Bruner served in the United States Air Force from August 1986 to October 1996. During his service, he was stationed in Arkansas, Montana, and South Korea. His daughter took after him and is now stationed out of Germany with the Air Force. He has been with MCSO for 26 years and currently works as a command pilot with the Aviation Unit.
Craig Evans served in the United States Navy for 4 years as an Electrician’s Mate Third Class. He has been with MCSO for 20 years and currently works as a detective.
David Ingram served in the United States Army for 4 years. During his service, he specialized in electronic warfare signal intelligence as a Syrian Arabic voice interceptor. He has been with MCSO for 6 years and currently works as a property control officer.
Daryle Greene served in the United States Navy from 1989 to 1993 as a Petty Officer Third Class, and he provided direct support during Operation Desert Storm. He has been with MCSO for 27 years and currently works as a school resource officer at Sparr Elementary School.
Don Standridge served in the United States Army for six and a half years and spent another 3 years in the Florida National Guard flying helicopters. His deployments included Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Somalia. He has been in law enforcement for 28 years and currently works for MCSO as a lieutenant in the Aviation Unit.
Jon Turner enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school in 1996 and was released from reserves status in 2004. He was a tank mechanic, non-combat, and spent his service mostly stateside at training and duty stations. He has been with MCSO for 23 years and currently works as a captain patrol commander.
Paul Bloom served in the United States Army as a Combat Medic. He left the Army and then rejoined after September 11, 2001, and he was assigned to the same unit (Third Infantry Division) that his grandfather served during World War II. After his service, he worked for the fire department as a firefighter/paramedic prior to joining MCSO as a lieutenant and public information director.
Neapolian Brooks served in the United States Army for a little over 20 years. He has been with MCSO for over 4 years and currently works in the Aviation Unit.
“When you meet one of these folks, join me in letting them know just how much we appreciate what they have done, and let’s take today to remember with great gratitude their patriotism,” said Sheriff Woods.