Jacksonville Veteran of the Year

: 2024 Veteran of the Year Albert “Al” Farrell Fleet Reserve Association Branch 208 Mr. Farrell served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years. He has been a member of the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch for over a year. Hallmarks of his membership are his enthusiasm, drive, and unselfish donation of his time and money to support those in need. Mr. Farrell is an outstanding Veteran and a great representative of the branch. He recently led the Associations Hurricane Helene Relief Drive, raising over $80,000 in supplies to help those in need.

: 2023 Veteran of the Year. James E. Hill (SW/AW) USN (Ret) served in the United States Navy for twenty-six years attaining the rank of Senior Chief. Shipmate James E. Hill (SW/AW) USN (Ret) joined the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 May 2023. Shipmate Hill immediately became very active in all the activities the Branch is involved in. When the critical billet of Branch Treasurer became vacant, Shipmate Hill did not hesitate to take over the position. Shipmate Hill quickly conducted an audit and making sure banking information was up to date and correct. This ensured all Branch financial transactions were correct and meeting FRA requirements. In addition, Shipmate Hill has been involved with the Adopt-A-Street program that the Branch participates in for the city of Jacksonville. Shipmate Hill has participated in every event since he joined the Branch. Most recently, he participated in the dedication of a plaque at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jacksonville, North Carolina. The plaque is dedicated in honor of all past Fleet Reserve Association members.

: 2022 Veteran of the Year, Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208, Shipmate Alexander “Gunner” Nevgloski Sr. is a lifetime member of the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 and has served as the Chaplain for the past four years. He has coordinated numerous veteran events to honor both World War II and Korean War Veterans, often using personal funds. He continues to lead the Annual Association Americanism Essay contest and his dedication to the veteran community is shown through his continued effort in initiatives and services.

: 2021 Veteran of the Year Alexander “Gunner’ Nevgloski Sr. Shipmate Nevgloski has been a constant presence at Fleet Reserve Association meetings for over four years, serving as the Branch Chaplain. He possesses a “never say no” attitude and is the driving force of care the Branch is able to show its members. He has represented the association at numerous civic and military functions over the years such as Pearl Harbor Day, Veterans Day, POW/MIA Day and many more.

: 2020 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Calvin Melvin. Shipmate Melvin has been a constant presence at Fleet Reserve Association monthly meetings for the past 45 years. Serving as the Master-At-Arms for more than 35 years he is responsible for both the opening and closing of all meetings. He has represented Branch 208 at numerous civic and military functions. At 80 years young, he continues to support the Reserve and show his love of country and pride in his community.

: 2019 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Timothy Manchester.. Congratulations to Shipmate Timothy Manchester on his selection as the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 2019 Outstanding Veteran of the Year. Shipmate Manchester is directly responsible for the Branch’s social media and the Branch’s constant presence in the community. He continues to ensure that members who are unable to attend meetings are kept up to date on Branch functions via his advanced knowledge of various social media platforms.

: 2018 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Gerald Gray. Congratulations to Shipmate Gerald Gray on being selected as the Jacksonville Outstanding Veterans of the Year 2018 for the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208. Shipmate Gray has been a member of the Fleet Reserve Association for nearly 50 years. He served his Country in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Boatswain Mate after 32 years of honorable and faithful service. He is a team player, always shows initiative, and willingly volunteers to fill any vacancy. His can-do spirit is reflected in his interaction with fellow Shipmates and the community. He sets a sterling example for others to emulate and is an invaluable member of Branch 208.

: 2017 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Paul Miethker Shipmate Miethker continues to be actively involved in the community as well as the Association. He coordinated the Americanism Essay Contest and visited numerous schools in order to ensure applications were received and scholarships were awarded. He is also an active member in many other veterans’ organizations.

: 2016 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Mark Rogers Shipmate Rogers is an extremely dedicated Shipmate who serves as the Branch’s Secretary and Treasurer. Shipmate Rogers maintains the Branch’s website and makes sure all tasks are handled in a timely manner, while holding the Branch together.

: 2015 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Paul Siverson Retired Marine Sergeant Major and Shipmate Paul Siverson currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Branch. He is an extremely dedicated Shipmate who never hesitates to step up and assume any given task when called upon. He is also a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, and Disabled American Veterans. He is actively involved in the planning for the Mack McKinney Award Ceremony and has served as the Master of Ceremonies since 2001. He sets the highest of examples for his Shipmates.

: 2013 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Robert Baum Mr. Baum is an extremely dedicated Shipmate who never hesitates to step up and assume any given task at any time. He serves as the Fleet Reserve Association Branch’s Sergeant at Arms and the Public Relations representative. Robert’s dedication and support is an inspiration to all.

: 2012 Veteran of the Year Shipmate Mark Rogers Mr. Mark Rogers serves as the Branch’s Sergeant at Arms, maintaining proper decorum and discipline at meetings, acknowledging dignitaries and guests when required, and custodian of the flag during meetings. He also serves as the Branch’s Scholarship Chairman and has contacted the eligible schools in Onslow County to promote a Fleet Reserve Essay contest with the winner receiving scholarship funding. He also has volunteered to serve as a Branch Trustee which is a position of considerable responsibility and trust.

: 2010 Veteran of the Year Shipmate William C. Hemmingway After a distinguished career of 20 years with the Navy, Bill Hemmingway has been actively involved with the United Way, the Red Cross and the Jacksonville Lions Club. He is a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Military Affairs and Governmental Affairs Committees, and is on the Board of Directors for Marine Federal Credit Union. Bill has been a member of the Fleet Reserve since 1955 and is also an active member of the Camp Lejeune Military Retiree Council.