The City of DeBary proudly honored eight local military Hometown Heroes during the City Council Meeting. Initiated in 2023, DeBary’s Hometown Heroes program recognizes and celebrates men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, with a special connection to the city.
Honorees are recognized with banners containing each honoree’s name, photo, and branch of service. The banners hang from lamp posts outside of DeBary City Hall throughout the month of November to coincide with Veterans Day. After November, each honoree or their family receives the banner as a keepsake. Local sponsors generously supported the purchase of banners.
Staff from Congressman Mills’ office was also on hand to present certificates of recognition to each of the honorees.
“This program is a deeply meaningful way for our community to come together in gratitude,” said Mayor Karen Chasez. “Each banner represents not only the courage of these individuals, but also DeBary’s enduring respect for those who have served our nation. We are proud to call them our neighbors and our heroes.”
Robert Wilkerson, Chairperson of the Hometown Heroes Committee, led the presentation, sharing each honoree’s story of service. The honored veterans included four U.S. Navy veterans, two U.S. Army veterans, one Air Force veteran, and one member US Army Air Force. Among the honorees is a remarkable 100-year-old US Army Air Force pilot from WWII. Family, friends, city leaders, and community members gathered at the meeting, giving the heroes a standing ovation in recognition of their service.
This year, the Committee selected the following military heroes:
- Donald Shirtcliffe, U.S. Army - A multiple medal winner who served as a personnel specialist, radio and telephone operator, and infantry advisor during the Vietnam War.
- Silvio Spiconardi, U.S. Army - Served in the medical corps during the Vietnam War.
- Bill Quirk, U.S. Army Air Force - Now 100 years old, Bill served as a pilot during World War II.
- Fred Pertler, U.S. Air Force - Stationed in London during the Korean War, Fred was in charge of armory and training soldiers.
- Pedro Morales, U.S. Navy / U.S. Navy Reserve / U.S. Air Force Reserve - Served as a flight engineer during the Persian Gulf War, Cold War, and Vietnam War, flying numerous combat missions transporting troops and supplies.
- Ed Redman, U.S. Navy - Served overseas in World War II and was the first commander of VFW Post 8093.
- Bobby Rountree, U.S. Navy - A commander and strike fighter pilot who served during the Cold War and Global War on Terror.
- Bruce West, U.S. Navy - Served as a duty electrician during the Vietnam War.
Selection criteria for DeBary’s Hometown Heroes include proof of service, honorable discharge, and proof of having lived in or currently residing within the city. The committee will begin accepting new applications in early 2026. Information will be available at debary.org.
