BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — It can be an effort to get young people to the polls.

A new Brevard County-based program is aimed at encouraging them to vote, by honoring those who fought for our country.


What You Need To Know

  • A new program is being aimed at young people to vote by honoring veterans

  • Former U.S. Air Force colonel Fred Galey and his wife, Frances, are firm believers in exercising the right to vote

  • To participate in the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program, visit the Brevard Supervisor of Elections website

Fred Galey is a retired Air Force colonel who served the U.S. for 27 years.

He is a former commander of the 6550th Air Base Group at Patrick Space Force Base.

Galey flew C-133 Cargomasters, transporting large missiles during the Vietnam War. There was always danger in his duty.

“I was confident in my people. We flew the missions. Did I get shot at? Yes,” he said.

Galey’s wife, Frances, said being a military wife was also a duty. It came with sacrifice, but it was an honor.

“Everybody worked together to get the job done, that was the most important thing,” she said. “And you knew the mission, whatever they were doing, that was the most important thing.”

Both agree serving our country is one of the most patriotic things an American can do.

Part of the freedom Galey fought for was the right to vote.

The Brevard Supervisor of Elections Office just started a new program called Vote in Honor of a Veteran. It honors the sacrifices that members of the U.S. military made and are making right now.

Brevard Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic’s father and grandfather both served in the Army.

“When we share the stories of these veterans, that we can highlight and maybe inspire the younger generation to be more engaged in the electoral process,” Bobanic said.

The Galeys are firm believers in exercising the right to vote.

“This is the one thing that you have a say in how you are governed, locally, statewide and nationally. You have a say,” Frances said.

“It goes back to the constitution, we the people. You have one vote, it’s your responsibility,” said Fred.

Fred Galey also served as the Brevard Supervisor of Elections after his military career wrapped up.

If you would like to participate, visit the Brevard Supervisor of Elections website.