A veteran seldom meets a stranger and always has a story to share.  That in part is how Deltona Veterans Memorial Park came about.  Through the American Legion Post 255 and Korean War Veterans,  friendships were formed and stories traded.  Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place they could Honor all Veterans and share stories?  Mayor John Masiarczyk had recently returned from his 35^th Navy Reunion and was having pretty much the same thoughts. 

After much talk and planning, the City of Deltona would donate park land, budget $20,000.00 to help survey and plan the 9 acre park on the west shore of Dupont Lake. All veterans were invited to help with the preliminary land  clearing.  April 7 , 2001, at 8:30 a.m., 13 veterans arrived armed with their tools  to begin the mission they had  chosen.  The first Saturday of the month, 8:30 a.m. became the schedule they would follow for the next several years.  They were on a Mission.

During the next 2 years the number of volunteers grew and ideas were sprouting from all areas.  As progress was made more and more residents stopped and ask questions about what they were doing and thanking them for serving their country and often sharing a story about a father, brother, or loved one.  This gave them even more determination to make this park something all would enjoy and learn from.  March 15, 2003,  Deltona Veterans Memorial Park sign was in place, walkways were in and  Deltona Area Veterans Support Our Active Duty Troops sign with local names was placed in the ground.  Pride was surging but there was more work to do! They had a mission.

From the Active Duty Board came the idea of a permanent place of Honor for all that had served their country.  Work began on the project. In the meantime, something was needed to display.  With the connections Mayor Masiarczyk had and the help of Congressman John Mica, Deltona Veterans Memorial Park received  a Bell Cobra AH-1F Helicopter that  officially landed on June 28,2004. It was perfect!  Veterans took shifts guarding the helicopter until it was secured. The wall of Honor was filling quickly with names from every branch of service They had a mission.

A Parks and Rec. Dept. in Jacksonville had a pavilion they were going to tear down, did the park want it? Absolutely! So, the Mess Hall came about.  Each year the same faithful group continued to gather information, work on the park and dream of a Museum. Eagle Scouts did projects and the park grew and became a busy place. Benches were added for those that came to visit.

On November 13, 2004, Deltona Veterans Memorial Park officially opened with a dedication ceremony. A Monument was placed in  Memory of David Ledgerwood, the first Deltona resident to be killed in action during the Vietnam War.

September 30, 2005 The City of Deltona hosted a League of Cities dinner at Deltona Veterans Memorial Park.  Veterans were bursting with pride  at what they had accomplished  in 3-1/2 years but they still had work to do  -- a Museum was always on their mind. They had a  Mission!

The Museum  moved  forward with the City of Deltona agreeing to match funds raised up to $150,000.00.  Let the fundraising begin.  Thousands of letters were sent, local organizations and churches were asked to help in this effort.  Garage sales were held, bowling tournaments were held , postcards were printed along with bumper stickers to sell.   On November 5, 2005 The City of Deltona and local Veterans groups had the Groundbreaking for the Museum.  Veterans worked even harder to raise the necessary funds so work could begin. They had a Mission!

October of 2006 tragedy struck the city to the core as  two of their own made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Monuments were placed in Honor of Nicholas Rogers and Angelo Vaccaro.  Their deaths gave extra meaning to Southwest Volusia’s Memorial Day Service held on May 28, at Deltona Veterans Memorial Park.

It was becoming apparent that our youth really did not have a clear idea about our Wars or the Mission of our Veterans.  American Legion Groups, VFW’s, Korean War Veteran’s, The Military Order of Purple Heart Veterans, Polish Legion of American Veterans, U.S. Marine Corp. League, Inc., Military Officers Club and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliaries joined forces to form Veterans Community Education  Partnership of West Volusia, Inc. better known as VCEP.  They would work together to provide education to groups and schools.

Fundraising was an ongoing project to raise  necessary  funds to build the Museum. The Wall of Honor was full, another wall was added, more benches were added, T-shirts and hats were added to postcards and  bumper stickers to sell.  Florida Senator Carey Baker became the Honorary Chairman for VCEP, more letters went out seeking donations, more garage sales were held, and raffles were held.  Donation jugs were placed in area banks and restaurants.  They had a Mission.

In July of 2008 enough money had been raised to start the Museum. Mr. Al Lockrem was the General Contractor.  August  17, 2008 construction began on the long awaited Museum, the final touch for Deltona Veterans Memorial Park.  Construction moved forward, fundraisers continued and the Saturday workday became the 1^st and 3^rd  Saturday of the month.  There was still much to do!  Donations from a local retail store helped with what to do with uniforms, cabinets were built, books and movies, pictures and newspaper articles were donated.  With each donation came the task of  logging where it came from,  what  it represents, and who donated the item.   The crunch was on!

During the last eight years thousands of men, women, and children have gone through Deltona Veterans Memorial Park.  Boy Scouts have earned their Eagle Scout, Groups have meet, Flag Ceremonies have been held, reenactment’s of V-E Day have been held and Memorial Services have been held. Some visit just to sit on one of the many benches throughout the park  to remember a loved  one or of days gone by. Visitors are always    amazed at how much local Veterans have accomplished!.  Along the way there have been a few nay-sayers and critics but they have not dampened the dream that started over eight years ago. They had a Mission!

May 24^th, 2009,  Deltona Veterans Memorial Park will have the Grand Opening of the much awaited Museum.  Although many think the Mission is finished , I think there is more to come.   The Museum will need to be manned, tours need to be given, and children to educate, and yes, there is always another “war story to swap." 

They have a Mission!

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  I have written this in the third person because I am the proud wife of one of these dedicated Veterans.  I know first hand  the journey they have traveled on this Mission and what sacrifices they have made.  Thousands  of battles have been fought but if you ask any Veteran  they will tell you that their Mission is never finished!  If you are in the park or at the Museum ask them what you can do to give them a hand.  Donations are always welcome. You may have something stuck in the closet or drawer that belonged to a relative – let it have a place of honor in the Museum.  The Mission isn’t finished, I think it has just begun.