Press Release

For Immediate Release

 

Former Army Capt. Donn Weaver, a tireless trooper for veterans causes, was named the National Veterans Homeless Support’s Veteran Advocate of the Year.

Weaver, who has served in many veterans’ organizations and causes on the Space Coast, was honored during the NVHS 8th Annual Rescuing Veterans Lost in America Dinner.

The event, Oct. 6 was co-hosted by Brevard County Constitutional Officers – Property Appraiser Dana Blickley, Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic, Tax Collector Lisa Cullen, Clerk of Courts Rachel Sadoff, Sheriff Wayne Ivey, State Attorney Phil Archer and Public Defender Blainse Trettis.

The dinner, which is NVHS’ largest fundraiser to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, drew a sold-out crowd of nearly 500 attendees.

Weaver said the award was very special to him.

“As I accepted the award it was because I have so many veterans and veteran organizations that give me a platform to help,” Weaver said.

Weaver, who spent most of his youth in Cocoa Beach, where he lives with his wife, Jeanne, served in the Army before joining the foreign service as a diplomat in Africa and Europe.

Since returning to Cocoa Beach, Weaver has served as president of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council, president of the Good Deed Foundation of the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter, among other posts that advocated for veterans in Brevard County and elsewhere. Weaver got even more deeply involved in advocating for veterans after his son, Army Lt. Todd Weaver died in the war in Afghanistan.

Todd Weaver was killed in action Sept. 9, 2010, while leading his platoon on a night operation in Afghanistan.

“It is my responsibility to live up to the legacy of Todd,” Donn Weaver said, “and one way I can do that is to help veterans, no matter what the circumstance.”

Three weeks after arriving back in Brevard County, Weaver met the late George Taylor Sr., founder of NVHS, and soon started doing whatever he could to support the organization through the Good Deed Foundation and other veteran organizations with which he is associated.

“I’m honored NVHS chose me,” he said.”