Veterans & Meninak
Veterans and Meninak
Many Meninaks have served in the military, and the club was and is well represented by veterans. The very first president was W. G. Stedeford, a member of the Duval County Guards and Captain of Company A. The photo of him on the front page of the August 13, 1919 edition of the Florida Times-Union, announcing his selection as president, shows him in uniform.
Throughout the years, Members wore the uniform and served at home and abroad. They were given special recognition on the club roster and help on their return. Meanwhile, those members who remained in Jacksonville were leaders in organizations like Community War Chest (now United Way), Civil Defense, USO, Red Cross, and various government ration boards. Since the Cold War began, Meninaks have served through the years of the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, the Persian Gulf War, and in Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11.
Today the Meninak Club has more than 27 veterans in its membership representing a total of more than 350 years of service in uniform. They continue to be dedicated to the service to others, whether in uniform or wearing the Meninak pin.
