Local Veteran Honored for #StillServing in Panama City Community

Panama City Beach veteran William Rosser is being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing (vfw.org/stillserving) campaign recognizes veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

Rosser is #StillServing by performing karaoke at four area retirement homes and one veterans home. He got interested in singing two years ago when he joined the Post. Post members wanted to offer karaoke so Rosser volunteered to buy the equipment and host it. The karaoke reconnected him to his love of music so he taught himself 150 songs and started visiting retirement homes, performing for no charge. One of his favorite homes is Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home where he also recently sang at an Air Force veteran’s 100th birthday party.

Rosser says he is #StillServing because he finds it rewarding to spend time with the wonderful residents, especially those who have no other visitors. His retirement has become a mission to bring people joy through music during their last few years of life.

Since its launch, more than 2 million people have engaged with the campaign and it has gained the attention of individuals worldwide, recently earning a Grand Award at the 19th International Business Association for the highest marks of more than 3,700 nominations to the business awards.

Building on a legacy of service that spans more than a century, #StillServing represents the heart of the VFW and its members, and conveys what today’s VFW embodies. The VFW encourages all veterans to share stories on social media using #StillServing to show how they continue to answer the call to serve in ways big and small. In addition, family or friends are asked to use #StillServing in social media posts to honor a veteran in their lives who believes the spirit of service transcends military life.

Veterans volunteer more time in their communities, according to a recent civic health survey* of veterans. The same study showed veterans donate to charities, register to vote, and are involved in their communities and local government at a greater rate than their civilian counterparts.

The VFW urges Americans to visit vfw.org/StillServing to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.
*2021 Veterans Civic Health Index