BUNNELL, Fla. – We are thrilled to announce this year’s Grand Marshal is Commissioner Randy Stapleford, Captain, US Navy (Ret.), a decorated veteran with over 31 years of active-duty service to our nation.
2024 Grand Marshal: Captain Randy Stapleford, US Navy (Ret.)
Captain Stapleford served with distinction during a remarkable military career, accumulating:
– 13 years of sea duty
– Over 7,000 flight hours
– More than 725 carrier arrested landings
Throughout his Navy tenure, he held several critical leadership positions, including:
– Commander of an aviation squadron
– Nuclear Advisor to the Commander-in-Chief
– Naval Attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada
– Director of the Naval War College’s International Naval Staff College
– Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University
Following his honorable retirement, Captain Stapleford continued serving his country through the U.S. Department of State, where he was the Iraq Country Coordinator for Antiterrorism Assistance under Secretary Condoleezza Rice. He also expanded his role as Country Coordinator for the Republic of the Philippines, where he collaborated with the President of the Philippines to establish the nation’s first National-level Antiterrorism Assistance Task Force.
In addition to his international service, Captain Stapleford remained dedicated to public service at home. He served as Military and Veterans Affairs aide to three U.S. Congressmen: Jason Altmire, Ron DeSantis, and currently Michael Waltz. Locally, he plays an integral role as a member of the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council, working closely with veterans’ organizations to ensure they receive the resources and support they deserve.
In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to serve as the Flagler County Commissioner for the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND). Through this role, Captain Stapleford helped secure over $1.1 million in waterway grants for Flagler County and its cities.
Captain Stapleford holds a Master’s degree in National Security & Strategic Studies and a Master’s in Business Management. A lifetime advocate for veterans, he is actively involved in organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Military Officers Association of America.
In 2023, Captain Stapleford was honored as the Veteran of the Year. He and his wife, Rhonda, are proud parents of two daughters, Heather and Allison, and recently welcomed their grandson, Benjamin Randall, into the family.
Please join us in welcoming Commissioner Randy Stapleford, Captain, US Navy (Ret.), as your Grand Marshal for the 2024 Flagler Veteran’s Day Parade!
Parade Details
November 11th, 2024
10:00 AM – Downtown Bunnell
There’s still time to register your group, vehicle, or float for the parade! We are finalizing the lineup and would love for you to be part of this special event. If you don’t plan to participate, mark your calendar and join us along the parade route or at the ceremony to celebrate our veterans and show your patriotic spirit! www.flaglerveteransdayparade.com
Let’s make this year’s parade the biggest and best yet!