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Contact the Office of Communications:
Erin Moffet
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(850) 766-7358
Erin.Moffet@FDACS.gov
Caroline Stonecipher
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Caroline.Stonecipher@FDACS.gov
Sabina Covo
Hispanic Media Director
Sabina.Covo@FDACS.gov
Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced Specialist Mark Ballou, who served in the Florida National Guard and as a Veterans Social Worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs, as the September 2021 selection for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Veteran of the Month. Commissioner Fried presented Specialist Ballou with a proclamation honoring his service at this month’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet.
The FDACS Veteran of the Month Initiative, established by Commissioner Fried shortly after taking office in 2019, recognizes veterans who have excelled in service to fellow Floridians, and honors the contributions that the men and women in uniform have made to our state.
“I am proud to recognize Specialist Ballou for his significant contributions to our state and our country,” Commissioner Fried said. “Specialist Ballou has dedicated his life not only to protecting the United States, but to helping his fellow servicemen and women. We know he will continue to do great work and to make Florida proud.”
Specialist Ballou served in the Florida National Guard and as a Veterans Social Worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Crestview, Florida. In the National Guard, he served as a Combat Medic and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, Specialist Ballou was tasked in performing guard duties, combat patrols, and quick situational response. During his deployment, he was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart. After leaving the military, Specialist Ballou became a VA social worker and served as a Readjustment Counselor at the Vet Center in Shalimar. He currently serves as a Veterans Social Worker, and has had the opportunity to serve veterans in many different situations: from homeless veterans to justice-involved veterans. In the spring of this year, he celebrated 10 years at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Specialist Ballou’s military awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Medic Badge, and War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Photos of Specialist Ballou are available for download here.
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