ORLANDO, Fla. — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Jeffrey Kingdon loves to spend his time making keepsake wooden plaques for fellow veterans.

This week’s Everyday Hero volunteers with Veterans Services in Flagler County to help honor those who have served.

“I like doing things for other people. I especially like doing things for, as this plaque tells, World War II veterans,” Kingdon said.

Kingdon is also a Vietnam War vet and his dad served in World War II.

“Every time I do plaque and I meet with a World War II veteran, I feel like I’m talking to my dad,” Kingdon said.

He gives the veterans special attention not just because of his dad but because he says they don’t get the recognition they should.

“A plaque like this usually takes two or three hours to design in the software,” Kingdon said.

What You Need To Know

  • Everyday Hero Jeffrey Kingdon loves making keepsake wooden plaques for fellow veterans. It’s a hobby allowing him to give back to those who served their country.  

  • Kingdon says World War II veterans have a special place in his heart because they remind him of his father who also served during WWII. 

  • U.S. Airforce veteran David Lyndon works with Veterans Services in Flagler County. He says Kingdon's work is invaluable and that they encourage other veterans to get involved in their local community.

Kingdon began volunteering in 2015, but he says his work really picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic. He started giving plaques to first responders and now veterans. 

U.S. Air Force veteran David Lyndon works for Veterans Services in Flagler County and says Kingdon’s work is invaluable. 

“I just think Jeff has done an enormous service to veterans in our community and not just Flagler County, but he’s touched base into Volusia and in St. Johns County too,” Lyndon said.

Lyndon said it’s important for veterans to get involved in their local community — they encourage it often. 

“We always encourage folks to volunteer in your community, especially if you are a retiree and you are looking for things to do and you say you are bored. There is no reason to be bored. There are plenty of people out there to help,” Lydon said.

For Kingdon, it’s all about a sense of purpose and honoring those who may not often get the kudos they rightfully deserve.

“It’s a value that comes from down here and it may not happen all that often, but when it does it just stands out and you say that is why I did it,” Kingdon said.

If you know of an Everyday Hero, you can nominate them here.