GAINESVILLE - The 8th annual Veteran Awards Banquet honored local veteran's groups as well as community leaders who work to support vets in North Central Florida. 

Event organizer and veteran Don Sherry stressed the importance of supporting veterans and raising awareness for groups who do so - "the volunteers that help out in these various posts and organizations are not a clique. They welcome new people to come in and to help out.  It's truly the American way.  It's truly community activity at its best."

Several veterans were awarded for their service and volunteering - Jim Lynch was named veteran of the year, Terry Fitzpatrick accepted the award for veteran family of the year, and VA employee of the year went to Glen Busby.

TV20's own Dave Snyder was awarded veteran supporter of the year for his work in raising awareness for area veteran's groups.

TV20 wants to congratulate all of the veterans and their supporters on their accomplishments.