By Sandy Meyer
For many people retirement is synonymous with rest and relaxation. It’s a time to let go of some responsibilities, travel and enjoy a simpler life. Fortunately, no one told that to Walter Raysick of Valrico.
The list of his accomplishments and contributions to the community is endless. Raysick retired in 1989 as a Master Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. His 30 years of military service included time as a hospital corpsman in the Marines and service in Vietnam. He worked until 2004 as a civilian during which time he was a member of the Olney Lions Club, president of Crime Stoppers in Maryland and a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy.
But, he was just getting warmed up. After moving to Valrico in 2004, Raysick immediately immersed himself in the community with his volunteer work. His efforts include volunteering at the Nativity Catholic Church Food Bank from 2004 to 2010, graduating from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy and volunteering with the Cold Case Unit of the Homicide unit. He was awarded the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Award in 2006 and again in 2010.
Raysick is a Life Member of the Marine Corps League in Riverview where he was elected Judge Advocate for 2016-2017. Part of his duties with the Marine Corps League includes presenting the Eagle Scout Good Citizens Award to Boy Scouts earning their Eagle Scout badge.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. The list of organizations that he is involved in is too numerous to mention.
“I’ve always been involved in community events, specifically in regard to veterans and veteran’s issues,” Raysick said.
His continuous service earned him a prestigious award which was presented to him last month at the Florida Marine Corps League Convention. The Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award was given to Raysick in recognition to his lifetime service. The award recognizes his service to all people of all races and faiths. Raysick said receiving the award was “an extreme and humbling honor.”
For more information on The Chapel of Four Chaplains and its honor programs, visit www.fourchaplains.org.
