About Our Veterans Council

"Strength in Unity"

 

Established September 04, 1985, by Executive order 1985-80

The Veterans Council of Duval County, or VCDC, was chartered to unify the Veteran’s organizations of Duval County, Florida, providing solidarity in communications of the veterans’ viewpoints and a means for disseminating information on the issue before local, state, and national legislative bodies that affect veterans, their families, and surviving spouses.We are a Not-for-Profit, Tax-Exempt Corporation registered in the State of Florida effective as of May 17, 2023. Our EIN is 82-4378683.

With over 90,000 Veterans accounted for in the 2020 Census, Duval County, FL has one of the largest Veteran populations in any metropolitan area in the United States. It is imperative that we unite in our mission to take care of one another and ensure that all of our Veterans including our future Veterans, those who are serving in the United States Armed Services are represented and who rights are fought for whenever they are threatened.

 

Who We Are:

Our Council Officers

Our Veterans Council Officers are voted into two (2) year terms by the Council Members. Here are our 2022-2024 VCDC Officers:

Rich Possert

Rich Possert

Chairman

Rich joined the VFW at Post 3767 in his hometown of Hubbard, Ohio in 2009 as a life member. After retiring from the US Navy after 23 years, he upgraded to Bronze Legacy VFW Life Membership and transferred to the Greater Beaches VFW Post 3270 in Jacksonville Beach, FL, where he served as Post Commander for 2 years, earning All-American and All-State Post Recognition, and is currently serving as a Post Trustee. He served as the VFW FL District 6 Surgeon 2021-22, Junior Vice Commander in 2022-23, and is currently the Senior Vice Commander. Rich was recognized as a VFW National Chief of Staff in 2019-20 and 2021-22 and as a VFW National Aide-de-Camp in 2020-21, and served the VFW Dept. of Florida as the Membership Director for the 2021-22 year. He served in the US Navy (1994-2017) and retired as a Fire Controlman Chief Petty Officer. He served on five Guided Missile Destroyers, a Fleet Commander Staff, and two Afloat Training Groups. He lives with his wife Kristy, step-daughter Baylee (both VFW Auxiliary Members) and daughter Reyanne in Jacksonville, FL and is a licensed Realtor and Military Relocation Professional serving Northeast Florida. He is also a life member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Dani Hernandez

Dani Hernandez

1st Vice Chairman

Robert Hernandez

Robert Hernandez

2nd Vice Chairman | Membership Coordinator

Walter Johnson

Walter Johnson

Secretary

Richard McDowell

Richard McDowell

Treasurer

Robert Williams

Robert Williams

Sergeant-at-Arms

Zane Coonce

Zane Coonce

Chaplain

Anna Noe, Esq.

Anna Noe, Esq.

Judge Advocate

David Trotti

David Trotti

Immediate Past Chairman

F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to join the VCDC?

We welcome all veterans’ service organizations, active duty or reserve component military servicemembers, military or retired military associations, and quasi-veteran’s organizations, including organization and individuals that advocate for, or are friends of veterans, or any honorably discharged veteran, whose interest is the welfare of Veterans and their families, to join us.

When are the monthly meetings?

Our monthly meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7pm/1900. If there is a special meeting, the Council will notify all Members of the date and time via email.

Where are the monthly meetings?

All monthly meetings will be held at the American Legion 137 “Moon Building”, located behind the Post and their swimming pool. If the monthly meeting will be held somewhere else, the Council will notify all members via email. The address of American Legion 137 is:

5443 San Juan Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32210

How can I join the Veterans Council of Duval County?

Fill out the membership form located HERE. Print out the membership form and bring it with you when you attend the next monthly meeting, and present the filled out membership form along with your annual dues to the Treasurer or 2nd Vice-Chairman/Membership Coordinator. The Council Members will make a motion to accept you as a member. You can also email the form HERE prior to attending your first meeting.

What areas are included in Duval County?

Jacksonville, Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Baldwin, Florida.

Where can I find all applicable documents for the VCDC?

We have our Executive Orders, Constitution, Standing Rules, as well as meeting agendas, minutes, and audio files on our Documents page. Click HERE to go there!.