Vietnam Veteran Shares Service, Civic Commitment at Glen Lakes

Mike Belkin, a Vietnam War veteran and Bronze Star recipient, was the guest speaker at the Glen Lakes Veterans and Friends Association monthly meeting on December 19. Belkin recounted his service with the 25th Infantry Division and surviving the Tet Offensive, and discussed how the influence of fellow soldiers shaped his life after the conflict. The meeting drew residents of Glen Lakes and surrounding parts of Hernando County who came to hear a firsthand account and to participate in a veteran centered community gathering.

After his military service Belkin pursued a career in law enforcement and later worked in probation and child protective services. In retirement he remains active in veterans and civic organizations including the VFW, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus. He also performs honor guard duties and serves as a mediator in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, roles that connect military service to local public institutions and court processes.

The meeting included food provided by Mission BBQ, a restaurant opening locally that supports veterans and first responders, highlighting a growing relationship between local businesses and veteran causes. The presence of a new veteran oriented restaurant at a community event signals potential economic and charitable engagement that could strengthen support networks for service members and first responders across Hernando County.

Belkin’s account offers more than personal history. His trajectory from combat veteran to law enforcement officer to court mediator illustrates how military experience can translate into public service within county institutions. That pathway has policy implications for veteran employment programs, court diversion initiatives, and veteran reintegration services. Local officials and service organizations may find opportunities to partner with businesses and civic groups to bolster those programs, and to ensure veterans access supports that leverage their skills for community benefit.

For residents the meeting reinforced the role of local veteran organizations in civic life, from ceremonial honor guard duties to practical mediation in the courts. Events like the Glen Lakes gathering also serve as informal civic forums where veterans, families, and community leaders can connect over shared histories and plan collaborative support for current and future service members.