Okeechobee County Veteran & Indigent Services
1700 NW 9th Avenue, Ste C
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Office: (863) 763-6950 Ext. 3207
Email:  veteran@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

On February 22, 2018, the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) proclaimed Okeechobee County as a Purple Heart County, honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

The purpose of this recognition program is to recognize those individuals who, in the defense of their Country, sustained injuries from combat and were awarded the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed.

Criteria:   Veteran must have served during a War Time Period as set forth by the laws of the United States and must have received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained. Veteran MUST be considered a full time Okeechobee County resident, however if veteran is deceased he/she may be nominated by surviving spouse/next of kin.  A DD214 or equivalent discharge form or Report of Separation (WWII/ some Korean War veterans), death certificate (if deceased) and the required application. If the Purple Heart medal is not on the discharge, proper documentation showing the award after-the-fact must be provided, such as a citation of award.

Nomination Process:  All nomination request forms must be turned in to the County Veteran Services Office (304 NW 2nd Street, Room 106) for verification of criteria met and will be forwarded to the Okeechobee Veterans Council Inc. (OVC), to be selected for recognition before the Board of County Commissioners.  To obtain the "Purple Heart Nomination Form" please contact Sarah Carter at veteran@co.okeechobee.fl.us.      

Selection Process:  The OVC will meet with the County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) to receive the nominations. All candidates will be voted on at the General Membership Meeting on the last Tuesday of each month. The candidate receiving the most votes will have his/her nomination form forwarded to the CVSO, to be placed on the agenda. The CVSO will notify the veteran of the date, time, and place of this honor.  *Note:  Purple Heart recipients not selected at the time of the vote will be saved for voting at the next scheduled General Membership Meeting.

Combat Wounded Recognition Ceremony:  At the scheduled BOCC meeting the Purple Heart recipient or family member, will be recognized before the Board, along with the County Administrator, CVSO and members of the Okeechobee Veterans Council, Inc.  They will be presented a certificate of appreciation from the Board. Family members are welcomed and encouraged to attend this recognition. Photo opportunities will be made available.