Veterans group names Jacksonville 'city of the year'

Councilman Don Redman accepts the Forty & Eight's national award as City of the Year.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The veterans' organization Forty & Eight named the city of Jacksonville its National City of the Year at the group's convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Florida chapter the organization founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from World War I chose Jacksonville as it's city of the year in May.

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"This honor from the Forty & Eight helps greatly to build Jacksonville's reputation as one of America's truly great military and veterans cities," said Redman. "There are many thanks in order here, from the hard work of many city employees to the selfless dedication and courage of the countless men and women who serve our nation."

City Council member Don Redman accepted the award on behalf of the city.

La Societe des Quarante Hommes at Huit Chevaux, or the Forty & Eight, is a veterans organization with origins dating to World War I that is dedicated to promoting the welfare of veterans, widows and orphans.

The city says it has earned national recognition for its efforts supporting the military and veterans community in Jacksonville. Through the Jobs for Veterans program, the city helps veterans transition into civilian careers by partnering online with more than 160 companies for job opportunities. More than 149 homeless veterans have enrolled in the city's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which helps veterans in need find employment and housing.

"This honor is well-deserved for a city that is working hard to show leadership and dedication," said Ron Garland, state Chef de Gare for the Forty & Eight. "We applaud the city of Jacksonville for embracing opportunities and developing solutions for our military and veterans community."

La Societe des Quarante Hommes at Huit Chevaux, or the Forty & Eight, is a veterans organization with origins dating to World War I that is dedicated to promoting the welfare of veterans, widows and orphans.