Area vets honored at ball game

Rick Patrick

ECB Publishing, Inc.

Maj. John Haynes, a U.S. Marine Corps vet and one of Florida's most decorated veterans, was honored by the Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) varsity baseball team before their game on Thursday, April 1. Maj. Haynes, along with several other Vietnam-era vets, were the special guests of the Warriors baseball team before they faced off against the Baby Rattlers of Florida A and M University High School. The veterans were welcomed onto the field prior to the contest and Maj. Haynes was invited to throw out the first pitch. This was not the first time Maj. Haynes had been bestowed such an honor. “I was asked to throw out the first pitch for both the Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) and the Tampa Bay Rays before,” said Maj. Haynes. Maj. Haynes was born in Madison County and moved with his family to South Florida at the age of eight. When he was still just 15-years old, he decided to make his way to the local recruiting office and sign up to join the U.S. Marine Corps. “Everyone was very patriotic then [in 1945, during World War Two] and I wanted to serve my country,” said Maj. Haynes. During his 30-year active duty career, Maj. Haynes held 18 different ranks. “Being part of the Marine Corps taught me discipline and loyalty to my fellow Marines. It also taught me how to be an American. I also had very good leaders,” added Maj. Haynes. Maj. Haynes' primary occupational specialties were as a combat engineer and in the area of explosive ordinance disposal infantry. Maj. Haynes served two tours of duty in Vietnam, during which time he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the nation's third highest combat decoration, “for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy.” Maj. Haynes was also awarded The Purple Heart, The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat “V,” The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and many more. Even after his distinguished military career was finished in 1975, Maj. Haynes continued a life of service, especially to his fellow veterans. For the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), he served as a two-time All-State Post Commander, a District Commander and twice as a National Aide de Camp for the VFW. In 1999, he was named the VFW Service Officer of the Year for the State of Florida. In Maryland, Maj. Haynes served as the Commandant of the Department of Maryland Marine Corps League. During 2013, Maj. Haynes was awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Gold Award and the Distinguished Service Silver Service Award “for his exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service.” In 2014, Maj. Haynes was awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Bronze Award for his service to his beloved Marine Corps veterans. Most recently, Maj. Haynes was awarded the Governor's Medal of Merit by Gov. Rick Scott. The Warriors went on to further honor the vets by winning their game, 18-3.