Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” Dudley was named the winner of the 8th Annual RDML Kevin F. Delaney Hall of Fame Award at JAX Chamber’s 19th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The recognition honors veterans who have made a positive impact on the Jacksonville community.
Dudley joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955. He served 10 years in the Air Force flying heavy cargo aircraft and maintenance officer duties before joining the Active Reserve Force. Once retired, Dudley dedicated his work to the aerospace industry at an executive level and continues to serve the veteran community. Most notably, he established the Veterans Treatment Court for St. Johns County in January 2017 and facilitated the fulfillment of a 10-year plan to establish the Leo C. Chase Jr. Veterans Affairs Clinic as Chairman of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County.
The RDML Kevin F. Delaney Hall of Fame Award was established in 2014 as the Military Hall of Fame Award. 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.
An annual Chamber tradition, the Military Appreciation 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 Northeast Florida. Vice Admiral Rick Snyder, USN, Ret. delivered the keynote address.
