TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis presented Major John Haynes with a proclamation for his service to the state of Florida and our nation. Following the CFO’s presentation of the proclamation, the Daughters of the Revolution honored Major Haynes with the Medal of Honor award.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “It was an honor to present Major Haynes with a proclamation for his exceptionally meritorious service to the citizens of Florida and our nation’s military. For many years, Major Haynes has served as a highly respected public servant and trusted leader in the state, and he has distinguished himself by making unprecedented contributions to Florida’s veterans. I would like to thank the Daughters of the American Revolution for bestowing this great honor on Major John Haynes and congratulations Major, for your leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism.”

WHEREAS, Major John Haynes is a native of Florida who served on active duty for 30 years from 1945 to 1975, serving with distinction in the United States Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of Major after serving in all the enlisted ranks through First Sergeant, and as a Warrant Officer with the official designation of Marine Gunner; and

WHEREAS, Major Haynes was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Nation’s third highest combat decoration, for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy in Vietnam, The Purple Heart Medal, The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, 3 stars, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 3 Awards of the Navy Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, China Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Cross of Gallantry, and a number of other personal and unit awards; and

WHEREAS, Major Haynes was named as the State of Florida VFW Officer of the Year in 1999, inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013, and was awarded the Governor’s Medal of Merit by Governor Scott, which is the highest award authorized by the Governor of Florida; and

WHEREAS, Major Haynes has distinguished himself by making unprecedented contributions to the welfare of the Veterans of Florida in his selfless, tireless efforts working with state and federal legislators to procure funding to serve Florida Veterans, which includes an undocumented amount of countless private acts of humanity and humility that will only ever be known to Major Haynes, and to the grateful recipients of his gifts of assistance to those in need; and

WHEREAS, for many years, Major Haynes has served as a highly respected public servant and trusted leader in the state of Florida whose contributions are immeasurable, including his personal life sacrifice, extraordinarily long life of service; and

WHEREAS, The Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization with a deeply rich history, and with the mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism is honoring Major John L. Haynes with the award of their Medal of Honor for his extraordinary qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby congratulate MAJOR JOHN L. HAYNES for his exceptionally meritorious service to the citizens of Florida and our nation’s military.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 9th day of March 2022.