Titusville firefighters battle blaze...at Lieutenant's house

Firefighters battle blaze at Titusville home of fire lieutenant

Florida Today
Tyler Vazquez
Sept. 4, 2019

Brevard county fire fighters responded to a structure fire just after midnight Wednesday in North Titusville.

Firefighters battle a Titusville blaze that broke out during Hurricane Dorian. (Photo: BCFR)

The home on the 4200 block of Pond Apple Drive belongs to a Brevard County Fire Rescue lieutenant who was notified of the fire by the PulsePoint app on his phone.

Video from the blaze showed smoke, flames and hose water being whipped around on gusts from Hurricane Dorian, which was crawling north off the coast of Brevard County overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

He was able to make his way out of the two-story house unharmed, according to reports.

Fire investigators were still working to determine the cause after the blaze broke out or if it was directly caused by Hurricane Dorian.
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Veteran with PTSD arrested at Walmart...died in jail a day later

Combat veteran arrested at Walmart, taken to jail, dies a day later. Widow seeks answers

Florida Today
J.D. Gallop
Feb. 10, 2019

The widow of a combat-disabled veteran who died after being booked into the Brevard County Jail in December is calling for an independent investigation into her husband's death.

Kathleen Edwards says the sheriff's office has not responded fully to requests for information about her husband's death.

Gregory Lloyd Edwards, a 38-year-old army medic who served in Iraq and Kosovo, was arrested in West Melbourne about 11:30 a.m. Dec. 9. Officers had been called to Walmart Supercenter on Palm Bay Road to investigate reports of a man acting erratically and jumping into a truck packed with Christmas toys.

By 2:45 p.m. the same day, Brevard County Fire Rescue paramedics were called to the county jail. They found Edwards unconscious and without a pulse. He initially had been moved from booking to the jail’s medical building.

The Grant-Valkaria resident was then taken to Rockledge Regional Medical Center, where he was handcuffed to a bed, according to his widow, who stayed with him in the hospital. A photograph also shows him unconscious in a hospital bed, hooked to medical tubing.

Edwards and her attorney say Gregory Edwards' medical records show he had swelling of the brain and what appeared to be marks on his body, which the attorney believes may have been from a Taser.
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Missing in America Project laid to rest 18 unclaimed veterans

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Holds ‘You are Not Forgotten’ Ceremony for Unclaimed Veterans

Space Coast Daily
February 4, 2019

BREVARD COUNTY • MIMS, FLORIDA – The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery held a burial Saturday, Feb. 2 for veterans who went unclaimed in a “You are Not Forgotten” ceremony that drew hundreds of servicemen and women who wanted to pay tribute.

The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery held a burial Saturday, Feb. 2 for veterans who went unclaimed in a “You are Not Forgotten” ceremony that drew hundreds of servicemen and women who wanted to pay tribute. (Lee Hathaway image)

Since 2007, the nonprofit organization Missing in America Project has set out to find unclaimed veterans and give them a final resting place.

Thanks to the nonprofit, Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is now the resting spot for 18 veterans and six spouses.

According to the organization, one veteran went unclaimed at a local funeral home since 1973.

Missing in America Project Florida coordinator Kathy Church said many veterans’ ashes have sat on funeral home shelves, in attics and in storage.

The Medical Examiner’s Office has some dating back to the Civil War.
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Rosengren Trauma Clinic at UCF RESTORES has opened

UCF RESTORES opens PTSD clinic in Brevard County
Orlando Sentinel
Naseem S. Miller
September 5, 2018

Since its launch, RESTORES trauma clinic has treated more than 450 veterans and active-duty personnel, victims of military and civilian sexual trauma, first responders from 20 states and survivors of mass shootings, including Pulse nightclub, according to a news release.

UCF RESTORES PTSD Clinic unveils new name and plaque on Sept. 7, 2018. Center director Deborah Beidel (left) and Jim and Julia Rosengren.

UCF Foundation / Courtesy photo

The Rosengren Trauma Clinic at UCF RESTORES has opened a new clinic at UCF’s regional campus in Cocoa.

This marks RESTORES’ second trauma clinic since it was established on UCF’s main campus in 2011 to treat veterans with PTSD.

“Brevard County has the fourth-largest veteran population in the state of Florida. We’ve had patients from Brevard travel to us in Orlando for treatment, but we know that’s not possible for everyone,” said Deborah Beidel, founder and director of UCF RESTORES and a Pegasus Professor of psychology, in a news release.

Beidel estimated that the new center could treat up to 100 patients in its first year. All treatments are free.
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Titusville Police Give Homeless Veterans the Boot...And Shoes too!

Titusville Police Officers Collect Boots and Shoes For Homeless Veterans In Need
By Space Coast Daily
July 14, 2017

Titusville Police Officers collected gently worn boots and shoes and donated them to the National Veteran Homeless Support (NVHS) to distribute to local veterans in need. (TPD Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Titusville Police Officers collected gently worn boots and shoes and donated them to the National Veteran Homeless Support (NVHS) to distribute to local veterans in need.

George Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of NVHS, accepted the boots on Friday July 14th 2017 at the Titusville Police Department.

The boot drive ran from June 1st 2017 to July 4th 2017 and drop off locations included the Titusville Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Barbara Pill Facility and all Titusville Fire Stations.
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Stand Down Offered Veterans New Outlook With Glasses

Yesterday at the Cocoa National Guard Armory there was a Veterans Stand Down where veterans could receive the usual clothing, food and other services but this one also had Chiropractors and eye exams topped off with receiving glasses. Just amazing watching veterans have a small machine check their eyes so they could see better then end up walking out with glasses. If they could not provide the glasses on the spot, Dr. Bressette would make them for cost and the charity, Through the Eyes of Children, would cover it.

Bill Vagianos Ph.D 
Veterans Memorial Center

David A. Bressette LDO
Through The Eyes of Children

R. Norman Moody

The Patriot Project

Space Coast Attorneys Step up for Veterans

Local attorneys unite for veterans' causes 
FLORIDA TODAY
R. Norman Moody
January 29, 2016

"It makes people more aware of where a veteran can get help," said Dennis Vannorsdall, Brevare County Veterans Services manager.

VIERA As an Army veteran, Viera-based attorney Sara Goodin knows of some of the issues former service members face both in and out of the judicial system.

But many of the veterans, and the attorneys who serve them, don't know of the benefits available to veterans on the Space Coast.

So in conversation with other members of the Brevard County Bar Association, it was decided that sharing information while at the same honoring military men and women was a good way to better serve veterans.

"She mentioned that people did not know about their benefits," said Kim Torres, an attorney with Torres Mediation in Melbourne. "Our attorneys don't even know what available for their clients."

The Bar Association presented Salute to Our Military, a dinner and gathering Thursday night for attorneys, judges, leaders of military units in Brevard County, and veterans groups and organizations that provide services to veterans.
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Cape Canaveral VA Cemetery Honors First 12

Cape Canaveral VA cemetery holds first burials
FLORIDA TODAY
R. Norman Moody
January 13, 2016

The cemetery is expected to serve the burial needs of more than 163,000 veterans in Brevard and surrounding counties for the next 100 years.

SCOTTSMOOR — A caisson carrying the cremated remains of 12 veterans and drawn by two mules ushered in the first burial ceremony at the new Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

The remains were from members of all five branches of the U.S. military, including the Coast Guard. The service featured full military honors.

Among the veterans buried was Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Garvey, who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and was 89 when he died in April.

His sons, Tom Garvey, of Titusville, and Glenn Garvey, who lives in Brandon, said they waited to have their father buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery so he would be nearby.

"Being here, we knew of this coming, so we waited to have him interred here," said Tom Garvey, who like his brother, is a Vietnam veteran. "It's an honor to have him as one of the first."
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See video report from WFTV News
VA to open Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Dedicated

National Cemetery dedicated in north Brevard
FLORIDA TODAY
R. Norman Moody
November 21, 2015

SCOTTSMOOR — Cape Canaveral National Cemetery has officially become the ninth national cemetery in Florida and the 134th in the nation.

The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, which will serve the burial needs of veterans in Central Florida for many years, was dedicated in a ceremony Friday afternoon that attracted hundreds veterans and their families from Brevard and surrounding counties.

"This is probably one of the best things for the veterans and their families since the VA hospital in Orlando," said Al "Gunner" Dudley, a Marine veteran from Mims who is past state commander of the American Legion.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald told the crowd of more than 500 that he was pleased to be a part the dedication that shows the nation's gratitude to those who served in uniform.

The VA purchased the land for the cemetery in July 2012 for $2.1 million. The construction company, G and C Fab-Con, LLC., is expected to complete an early turn-over portion of the cemetery which will be used for in-ground casket and cremation interments in January. That phase of construction is anticipated to provide for about 17,000 burial over the next 10 years.
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PTSD Question Leaves Brevard County Facing "National Embarrassment"

PTSD Afghanistan Veteran Fights to Keep Job As Brevard County Judge and I have to admit, I didn't think it could not be true. Yesterday a news report came out with more information on this. Other judges say that it was just an excuse. Now I am not so sure if he really has it or is just using it to cover up what he did.

Was he in denial? Wouldn't be the first time that happened. Was he misdiagnosed before? Again, wouldn't be the first time. This story leaves too many questions on what real justice would be.

Brevard judge accused of berating, threatening lawyer claims to have PTSD
WFTV News
November 6, 2015

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Some of Florida's top judges are firing back against claims that post-traumatic stress disorder turned a Brevard County courtroom into a national embarrassment.

Last month, Judge John Murphy was suspended from the bench more than a year after being caught taking a public defender out in the hall for a fist fight.

The judges called the PTSD defense too little, too late.

Florida's joint qualifying commission is responding to what Murphy said.

At the time, he had a new diagnosis blaming PTSD.

But the state's top judges say it's an excuse that came out of left field and doesn't make sense.
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PTSD Afghanistan Veteran Fights to Keep Job As Brevard County Judge

There is nothing about having PTSD that anyone should be ashamed of other than the way this country treats veterans with it. Judge John Murphy is an example of that considering he has it from serving in Afghanistan but still managed to clam down soon after a fight with a lawyer.

Brevard judge appeals suspension after courtroom scuffle
FLORIDA TODAY
October 27, 2015

Brevard County Judge John Murphy is trying to keep his job after his Oct. 6 suspension that was issued in response to an altercation between the judge and a public defender last year.

Court documents state that Murphy has been issued a 30 percent disability by the Department of Veteran Affairs due to post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from his combat deployment to Afghanistan.
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Tensions between Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy and assistant public defender Andrew Weinstock resulted in a challenge - and apparent fight just outside a courtroom in Viera on Monday morning. Posted June 2, 2014

Brevard County Deputy "Slight Improvement" After Being Shot

Sheriff: Brevard deputy shot in line of duty shows slight improvement
WFTV News 9
Posted: 5:16 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County deputy who was shot multiple times during a prostitution bust is showing small signs of improvement, the Brevard County sheriff said. Agent John Casey Smith was on his way to make an arrest Thursday night when the alleged prostitute’s uncle opened fire.

At a blood drive Saturday, Sheriff Wayne Ivey said Smith, who remains in critical condition, showed slight improvement.
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Florida veterans group shifts efforts to aid homeless veterans

Veterans group shifts focus to the southern Brevard and beyond
NVHS has made progress in northern part of county
FLORIDA TODAY
Written by
R. Norman Moody

After helping more than 600 veterans this year, many of them homeless in the northern half of the county, George Taylor wants his force of volunteers to concentrate on areas in south Brevard and beyond.

Taylor, founder and president of National Veterans Homeless Support, said that in 2014 more of the organization’s search and rescue volunteers will seek out veterans in the southern part of Brevard, where there is now a larger concentration than in the north.

They also will look beyond the county to Sebastian in the south and west into Orange County, where they have already been working.

“We’re putting more boots on the ground there on the south end,” said Taylor, a Vietnam veteran who was homeless himself for a time after returning from the war.
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Brevard's homeless veterans get gifts, meals and motel stays

Brevard's homeless veterans get gifts, meals and motel stays
Dec 24, 2012
Written by
Rick Neale
FLORIDA TODAY

TITUSVILLE — The Stars and Stripes and a black POW/MIA flag hang from tree trunks at Harry Duhr’s secluded forest campsite outside of town, overlooking his green canvas tent and a small table crammed with provisions.

Duhr served with the 101st Airborne Division from 1969-71. A pesky raccoon keeps raiding his meager possessions. And the 62-year-old Army veteran hasn’t slept indoors since last Christmas — that’s when National Veterans Homeless Support put him up in a hotel for the holiday weekend.

Monday morning, NVHS President George Taylor picked up Duhr in a van and drove him to Super 8 in Titusville to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas as a gesture of goodwill.
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National Veterans Homeless Support helps veterans during Christmas: George Taylor's group, National Veterans Homeless Support, will pull homeless veterans from the woods and put them up in hotels on Christmas Eve and Christmas.
By Tim Shortt, edited by Caroline Perez.
Posted Dec. 25, 2012.

Post Office delivers help for Marines Toys for Tots

Postal Toys for Tots plan puts Brevard Marines at ease
Postal carriers will help Toys for Tots in collecting for countywide drive
Nov 27, 2012
Written by
R. Norman Moody
FLORIDA TODAY

MELBOURNE — A new partnership involving the U.S. Postal Service will help more children than ever. At least, that’s the hope of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which for the first time in Brevard County will involve mail carriers picking up toys from postal customers this Saturday.

The partnership was officially announced to letter carriers Monday morning. And already a least one stepped up with four toys she bought.

“It’s for a great cause,” said Melinda Smith. “I wanted to be able to do it. I love doing it.”

Smith, who works out of the main post office in Melbourne, said the partnership will allow a lot more children from needy families to get a toy at Christmas.
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Marine from Palm Bay Florida killed in Afghanistan

Brevard County Marine killed in action
July 31, 2012
By Arelis R. Hernández
Orlando Sentinel

A Central Florida Marine was killed Sunday during combat operations in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.

Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan W. Gifford, 34, of Palm Bay was killed in the Badghis province of the country where his Marine battalion was stationed.
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Brevard County Deputy shot, killed during traffic stop

Deputy shot, killed during traffic stop

Orlando Sentinel
1:11 p.m. EST, March 6, 2012

A Brevard County deputy sheriff was fatally shot today in Melbourne during a traffic stop.

The shooting happened just before noon after the deputy pulled over a vehicle connected to a theft report, a spokesman for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office said.

Two people are in custody.
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Brevard sheriff calls deputy's death 'our worst nightmare'

Orlando Sentinel
4:31 p.m. EST, March 6, 2012

Flanked by more than a dozen law enforcement officers, Brevard County Sheriff Jack Parker told reporters on Tuesday that "our worst nightmare has come true."

Deputy Sheriff Barbara Pill was fatally shot in Melbourne while conducting a traffic stop involving a violent felon who was suspected in a recent theft, Parker said in a televised press conference.
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'I'm very alive': Army veteran declared dead 4 times

'I'm very alive': Army veteran declared dead 4 times
By WESH.com
PALM BAY, Fla. — Despite rumors to the contrary, Army veteran Jerry Miller is still very much alive.

"I'm alive. I’m very alive," Miller told WESH 2 News.

The U.S. Veterans Administration has declared him dead four times, but Miller, a Brevard County resident, has refuted the claims.

"To me, it’s stupid. I can’t die but one time. They have killed me four times," he said.

Miller, a former drill sergeant, served 10 years in the Army. He said he lives on a government pension and Social Security.
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Disabled Iraq veteran aims for chance to represent Army in competition

Brevard man aims for chance to represent Army in competition
12:37 AM, Jan. 20, 2012

Written by
R. Norman Moody
and Lee Nessel


Staff Sgt. Rocco Pepe suffered a traumatic brain injury from two roadside bomb blasts in Iraq. He also recently had back surgery for injuries suffered while in the service.

But the 2000 graduate of Eau Gallie High has been able to continue with his love of marksmanship and is gunning for a chance to represent the Army in the 2012 Warrior Games.

“I’m really confident that I will be part of the (shooting) team,” Pepe said. “We have two more clinics to go.”

Pepe was among 30 ill or injured soldiers who demonstrated their marksmanship last weekend in El Paso, Texas. Based on his skill there, Pepe has been invited to the second competition in February. A total of 75 wounded soldiers are vying for 10 or 15 spots and will get at least one chance to try out.
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Homeless Brevard vet finds way to get life back on track

Homeless Brevard vet finds way to get life back on track
Written by
R. Norman Moody
FLORIDA TODAY

Phil Campbell, a former Marine, was homeless. With help from the National Veteran's Homeless Support, he now has an apartment, a car, a job and is attending BCC. He works at the Chevron store on US 1 just south of the Beachline. _photo by Malcolm Denemark / Malcolm Denemark

COCOA — Philip Campbell would trek from his primitive, tarp-covered camp hidden in the thick brush in Cocoa to a nearby gas station every day. There, he was allowed to use the Internet connection to do college classwork.

After getting to know him, the owners of the gas station and convenience store offered Campbell a job. Soon after that, the U.S. Marine Corps veteran began to have hope that he could beat homelessness. And he did, thanks to the kindness of several in the community.

“If I can do it, you can, because I’m not that smart,” he said, sitting at a picnic table outside the store.

In the three months since gaining employment, Campbell has not only emerged from more than a year of living in the woods, but he also continues his work at the convenience store and his schooling at Brevard Community College. His story moved someone he never met to donate a car to him earlier this month.
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