During a recent meeting of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners, Chief Petty Officer Gary Christian Shearing of the United States Navy was honored as the county's August Veteran of the Month. Commissioner Andrea Hur read a proclamation recognizing Shearing for his distinguished service to both the nation and the local community.

The proclamation highlighted the sacrifices made by service members throughout American history, emphasizing their commitment to defending the nation and preserving freedoms. It noted that there are over 30,000 living veterans in Seminole County, underscoring the importance of recognizing their contributions.

Chief Petty Officer Shearing enlisted in the Navy in October 1963 and served until his retirement in February 1984, including a deployment to Vietnam as a sonar technician on the USS NOA. After moving to Sanford in 1987, he worked as a traffic engineer for the Seminole County Government until his retirement in 2008. His work included significant advancements in traffic signal technology, such as the transition from copper to fiber optic wiring, enhancing the efficiency of traffic management in the county.

In addition to his professional achievements, Shearing was actively involved in the community, serving as the treasurer of the Lake Mary Little League and coaching youth baseball and softball teams in the early 2000s.

The Board of County Commissioners expressed their gratitude and respect for Shearing's service, both in the military and in his contributions to Seminole County. The proclamation was officially adopted on August 27, 2024, and Shearing was invited to share his thoughts with the attendees, marking a moment of recognition for his dedication and impact.