WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Ander Crenshaw, a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, will formally honor the military service of 97 Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm veterans at his 2012 Veterans Special Recognition Ceremony at the Officer’s Club at Naval Air Station Jacksonville on Thursday, October 8 at 10 a.m.

Crenshaw will be joined by Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, Chief of Naval Personnel, in recognizing the contributions of 97 veterans who served in Operation Desert Shield and/or Desert Storm. A Vietnam War and World War II veteran will also be honored. Crenshaw has hosted 11 Special Veterans Recognition Ceremonies since 2001, honoring more than 2,000 Northeast Florida veterans. A reading of Old Glory, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps is also part of the November 8 ceremony agenda.

“Jacksonville’s ‘Week of Valor’ is a fitting time to honor all our veterans, including 99 servicemen and women from 15 Northeast Florida communities who will receive Special Recognition at my annual ceremony,” said Crenshaw. “Let us never forget that our nation’s greatness is drawn from the blood and sacrifices of honorable and courageous men and women. I thank each of our honorees for standing in the face of incredible danger and hardship and give them my deep appreciation.”

• WHAT: Congressman Crenshaw’s 2012 Veterans Special Recognition Ceremony

• WHEN: Thursday, November 8

• TIME: 10 a.m.

• WHERE: Officer’s Club at Naval Air Station Jacksonville

• SPECIAL NOTES: The event is NOT open to the general public. Media wishing to cover the event will gather at the NAS Jax Front Gate at 9:00 a.m. No late arrivals please. For further information, call the NAS Jax Public Affairs Officer Miriam Gallet at 904-542-5588 or 542-2415.

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