06/19/2026
As part of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, presented by AdventHealth, we honor local hero Steven R. Gonzalez.
He shares this message: I’m honored to be asked to share a little about my service to our country. I served in the U.S. Air Force from July 30, 1971 to July 29, 1975. I was deployed twice and during my return of my first deployment I was spat upon by a child in the airport and his parents did nothing.
I served in the 49th Munitions Maintenance Sq. (TAC) as an Explosive Operator. I did things that I was trained to do but at times was not proud of however I did it for my country and would do it again.
I’m glad that our country is finally honoring our Vietnam Veterans as we were not treated very nice back in the late 50s, 60s, and 70s. Thank you all for treating Vietnam Veterans with the respect they deserve.