(From left) Brad Smith, Vice President, VyStar Credit Union Military Liaison; and Retired Naval Captain Clarence Hill

Retired Naval Captain Clarence Hill was recently named the winner of the 5th Annual RDML Kevin F. Delaney Hall of Fame Award at JAX Chamber’s 16th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon.

Founded in 2014 as the Military Hall of Fame Award, the recognition honors veterans who have made a positive impact on the Jacksonville community. The first service member to receive the award was the late RDML Kevin F. Delaney. The following year the award was renamed in his honor.

Hill served 24 years with the U.S. Navy and was the Commanding Officer of Naval Communications Station United Kingdom in Thurso, Scotland, served on the USS McInerney in the Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and then went on to the U.S. Naval War College.

After his retirement in 1996, Hill began his service to give back to the local community. Hill is a three-time commander of the American Legion Post 316 in Atlantic Beach and has worked to develop the Beaches Veterans Memorial Park and the Beaches Memorial Day and Veterans Day services. In addition, his efforts were influential in engaging local veteran groups to support the Northeast Florida’s delegation in Congress in their push for the Jacksonville National Cemetery and the Veterans’ Clinic.

The award was presented at the 16th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon, which drew more than 800 people to the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. An annual Chamber tradition, the luncheon brings the region’s business community together to recognize service members from all branches of the local military community, including active duty, reservists, veterans and their families. The luncheon honors the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the many veterans of past wars living in the Northeast Florida. Smith served as the luncheon’s master of ceremonies.