Professional Employment History:

• 1947 – 1948 Forest Ranger, Brooks Scanlon Company, Perry, FL
• 1949 – 1950 United States Army- Communication Chief, Japan
• 1950 – 1953 United States Army- Captured as a PRISIONER OF WAR (3 years 1 ½ months)
• SSgt Sheffield attributes his survival in the harshest conditions on earth to growing up in west Taylor Cowity, FL in the Cabbage Grove community
• 1953 – 1954 United States Army-Communication Chief, Fort Benning, GA
• 1954 – 1954  Road Construction, Perry, FL – Installed the underground communication lines beneath the streets of Perry, FL as the new downtown area was being renovated
• 1955 – 1955 Interstate Life and Accident Insurance Company (Insurance Debit)
• 1956 – 1961 Office Manager, Bassett’s Dairy, Perry, FL
• 1961 – 1965 Head Teller and Cashier, Citizens Bank of Perry, FL
• 1966 – 1967 Buckeye Cellulose, Inc. of Foley, FL-Finishing and Bleach Department
• 1968 – 1968 Office Manager, responsible for sales of all lines of Insurance, State Farm Agent, Panama City, FL
• 1969 – 1982    Vice-President and Mortgage Service Officer, Tallahassee Federal Savings and Loan Association
• 1983 – 1995    Former Florida Lieutenant Governor Kenneth Hood “Buddy” MacKay, George MacKay, and Fisher Family Enterprises/ Econfina River Project, Taylor County Florida: SSgt Sheffield was responsible for Managing and Developing Property; He organized and managed the first Hunting Club in Taylor County and patrolled the property and the Hunting Club acreage
• 1983 Volunteer Deputy Sheriff for the Taylor County Sheriff Department
• 1984 – 1996     Chief Water Plant Operator, Econfina Water System.
• 1984 – 1996     Served as Econfina Community Volunteer Firefighter.
• 1996 Retired from employment and devoted full effort to community volunteer work and volunteer work on behalf of veterans

Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK in Peny, FL was SSgt Sheffield’s largest volunteer project on behalf of veterans. The Park Project commenced in 2002 and was completed and dedicated in 2007.

Leading Board Member and principal driver of the Taylor County VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Committee, SSgt Sheffield was responsible for our community having one of the most attractive Veteran Memorial Parks in America. SSgt Sheffield personally raised over $500,000.00 during the construction of the park which has an estimated value of $1,000,000.00! No one refused SSgt Sheffield in this endeavor! He personality worked in the park on building / construction and landscaping projects and attending construction planning meetings. The Park was completed in five years while SSgt Sheffield was still working with veterans and families to raise additional money to place veteran’s names on the wall at the park. Everything SSgt Sheffield contributed, with regard to the VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, was at his own expense, including his time and effort, which he donated free of charge.

• 2006 – 2016 – Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks – Served as CHAPLAIN, LEADING KNIGHT & LECTURING KNIGHT; Served as CHAIRPERSON OF VETERANS COMMITTEE for over 10 years. SSgt Sheffield organized an annual banquet for Veterans recognizing Veterans of all wars.
• 2010 – Elles State President of Florida Recognition Award: The first and only award for being involved in building the VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK and serving his country as a Korean War POW.
• Citizen of the Year Award, Perry Elks Lodge# 1851 for 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013 for his service to veterans
• LEGACY AWARD, Perry Elks Lodge #1851 for 2020- 2021 for his service to veterans.
• 1996- 2006 – Life Member and Committee Chair, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post# 92-Perry, FL, working with high school students for the Annual Speaking Contest entitled “WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO ME”. The winner was awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship. This occurred for over 10 years.
• 1996 – 2006 – Committee Chair, American Legion Post# 0096: Worked with Taylor High School students for the Annual Speaking Contest titled “WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO ME” The winner was awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship. This occurred for over 10 years.
• 2015 – Member of Taylor County Historical Society: The Taylor CoWity Historic Society approached SSgt Sheffield with the students from the University of Florida to video record his experience as a Korean War Prisoner of War. The video is on file at the University of Florida and the Taylor County Historical Society and is shown on special occasions to members of the Taylor Historical Society.
• 1976 – Present – Member, National Association of Korean War EX-POWS
• 1976-2014 – Director of the National Association of Korean War EX-POWS
• Life Member of the Military Order of Purple Heart
• Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter Five, Tallahassee, FL
• Charter Member of the AMVETS Post 20, Perry, FL
• Life Member of VFW Post 92, Perry, FL
• Member of American Legion Post 96, Perry, FL

CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS:

• 1956 – President of Perry Jaycee’s, Perry, FL: SSgt Sheffield fonned a Committee and commenced searching for a Club House that would satisfy the requirements for youth activities. Fortunately, a member of the Jaycee’s found a building and raised enough money to move the building to the Perry City Duck Pond area. For many years this was used for the youth activities with the members of the Jaycee’s chaperoning the kids while the ladies were in kitchen cooking hamburgers and hotdogs The house is still on site and is currently being used by the PERRY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.
• 1961 – 1971 – Chairperson, Perry Pine Tree Festival Fire Works Committee, Perry, FL: Raised funds for purchasing fireworks. Organized, set up and conducted the display of fireworks two days before the annual parade.
• 1961-1971 – Chairperson, Pine Tree Festival Clown Committee, Perry, FL: Organized clowns to march in the Committee Chair Parade including coordinating the design of costumes and meeting early before the parade, getting group ready to march in parade. (At least 12) This was a fun time and a great project.
• 1961-1971 – Choired Perry Jaycee’s Christmas Tree Project, Perry, FL: An annual project to sell Christmas Trees and use funds to purchase items including toys, food and clothing for the needy children at Christmas.
• 1970 – 1975 – Committee Chair for Oratorial Contest, sponsored by the Tallahassee Optimist Club. Each year a winner was selected from among Leon County High School students and awarded a $1,000.00 Scholarship.
• 1970 -1975 -Tallahassee Optimist Club Christmas Tree Committee, worked to sell Christmas trees, using the funds to purchase clothing, food and toys for needy children.
• 1970 – 1975 – Committee Chair, Respect of Law Program, of the Tallahassee Optimist Club. This committee worked with the Leon County Sheriff and Tallahassee Police Departments to recognize outstanding Officers of the Year from each organization.
• 1970 – 1980 – Coached Little League Ball for the kids at Lafayette Park in Tallahassee for 10 years.
• 1972 – President, Tallahassee Optimist Club, Tallahassee, FL
• 1979 – Lieutenant Governor of Optimist Club for the State of Florida.
• 1980 – Organized n Taylor County Optimist Club in Perry, FL while serving as Florida State Optimist Club Lieutenant Governor.
• 1983 – 1999 – Worked as a volunteer for 16 years at the Econfina River assisting the Taylor County Sheriff Departments, Florida Highway Patrol, The Florida Division of Forestry, and the Florida Fish and Game Commission. SSgt Sheffield spent many hours working to assist these departments.
• 1983 – 1999 – SSgt Sheffield frequently volunteered the use of his personal airboat for Search and Rescue operations in the coastal Econfina River area out from where the Econfina River empties into the Gulf of Mexico. During this period, he rescued dozens of boaters who were lost and stranded due to bad weather, navigation and mechanical issues, and those who had just run out of gasoline. SSgt Sheffield did this without compensation or payment of any kind.
• 1990-1995 – Econfina State Park and Hickory Mound: SSgt Sheffield worked with the Nature Conservancy Director George Wilson and staff to acquire the data needed for the purchase of the 65 miles of coastline for a new state park, Econfina State Park and Hickory Mound. A movie needed to be made to present to the Florida Legislature so that legislation could be passed to fund this project. Because of SSgt Sheffield’s tireless effort and many hours of showing property and using his personal boats and jeep for upland and gulf filming, all citizens may enjoy this property today.
• 1998 – 2003 – Volunteer Chair of Finance Committee at First Methodist Church Perry, FL, served for five years.
• 2003 – 2006 – Volunteer Chair of Policy Committee at First Methodist Church Perry, FL, served for three years.
• 1998-2002 – Volunteer Chair of Pastoral and Employees Committee at First Methodist Church Perry, FL, served for four years.
• 2006    2008 – Volunteer Member of the Board of Trustees at First Methodist Church Perry, FL, served for two years.

AWARDS OR HONORS: 

• Bronze Star Medal
• Three Purple Hearts Medals
• Combat Infantry Badge
• Prisoner of War Medal
• TARO Leaf (24th Infantry Division Patch-The Victory Division)
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Occupation Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Army Presidential Unit Citation
• Korean War Service Medal w/Battle Stars
• United Nations Service Medal

Civilian Awards and Recognition: 

• Recognition and Appreciation Award for 10 years of Service: 1984-1994, Taylor County Sheriff Reserve Unit
• Recognition and Appreciation Award: 1999 Taylor County Board of County Commissioners
•  Citizen of the Year Award: 2006-2007; 2012-2013 Perry Elks Lodge 1851
• Legacy Award: 2020-2021 Perry Elks Lodge 1851
• State Presidents Member of the Year Award: 2010 Perry Elks Lodge 1851
• Econfina River Bridge on US HWY 98 Naming and Dedication Ceremony: On January 7, 2020, the Taylor County Florida Board of Commissioners, in coordination with officials from the State of Florida and the Federal Government, named the Econfina River Bridge on U.S. HWY 98, the Staff Sgt Edward C Sheffield Bridge honoring SSgt Sheffield for his life-long service to his nation, to Florida, and to Taylor County.
• President’s Service Award from the Perry Jaycees: 1957
• Recognition Award for serving as Lieutenant Governor of the Optimist Club: 1975
• Recognition Service Award from the Perry First United Methodist Church: 2000

NOMINATION NARRATIVE:

I am a proud member of the Florida Veterans Hall Of FaMe Class of 2020, the nominator. I speak on behalf of a man who has given more to his country, more to liberty and freedom, and more to our way of life, than any of us today can possibly imagine! I have known SSgt Sheffield since 1955 when I was a classmate of his brother, Roscoe Sheffield, at Taylor County High School. SSgt Sheffield has been my hero for 68 years!

On January 20, 1949 SSgt Sheffield enlisted in the United States Army and on July 14, 1950 he was captured by elements of the North Korean Army. He was released on August 30, 1953. Of SSgt Sheffield’s five years and six months in the Army, he spent three years, one and one-half months in North Korean and Chinese Prisoner of War camps! During his captivity, SSgt Sheffield:

• Survived the 100 mile death march where 101 of his Army brothers either died, were killed, or murdered!
• Survived frostbite in minus 40 degree weather!
• Survived being shot!
• Survived being bayonetted!
• Survived a broken back!
• Survived Starvation with his weight dropping from 185 pounds down to 101 pounds! For his Military Service, SSgt Sheffield was awarded fourteen military medals /commendations including the following:
• Bronze Star Medal
• Three Purple Hearts Medals
• Combat Infantry Badge
• Prisoner of War Medal
• TARO Leaf (24th Infantry Division Patch-The Victory Division)
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Occupation Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Anny Presidential Unit Citation
• Korean War Service Medal w/Battle Stars
• United Nations Service Medal

In the 1800s, the Sheffield family were early pioneers in Taylor county. His family instilled in him the values, strength, courage, and the will to endure and survive the worst of man’s inhumanity to man, North Korean and Chinese Prisoner of War camps. Shortly upon his return, SSgt Sheffield met and married a pretty girl named Jamie Tedder, whose own family were also early pioneers in Taylor County. They have been married 69 years (May 29, 2023) and have three children; Jim, Roy, and Wanda. Additionally, they have three granddaughters; Katie, Emily, and Laura, one grandson; Roy Edward, and 5 great grandsons; Caleb, Eddie, Logan, Alan, and Daniel.

Following his repatriation, SSgt Sheffield attended the American Savings and Loan Institute and the University of Tampa. He retired from the Tallahassee Federal Savings and Loan Bank having served as Vice President and Mortgage Service Officer for 17 years.

SSgt Ed Sheffield has over fifty years of Volunteer Community and Civic Service as follows:

• Director of the National Association of Korean War EX-POWS
• Life Member of the Military Order of Purple Heart
• Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter Five, Tallahassee, FL
• Served as Reserve Deputy Sheriff of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department for ten years and received a plaque from the Taylor Sheriff’s Association
• Served as Lieutenant Governor and Life Member of the Optimist Club in Tallahassee and Perry, FL
• Citizen of the year for 2007-2008, 2012-2013; Perry Elks Lodge 1851
• Legacy Award for2021; Perry Elks Lodge 1851
• Received the State President’s Member of the Year Award from State President of Elks Organization, Vincent C Como, May 2010, at the State Convention
• Charter Member of the AMVETS Post 20, Perry, FL
• Life Member of VFW Post 92. Perry, FL
• Member of American Legion Post 96, Perry, FL
• Leading member of the Taylor County Veterans Memorial Park Committee. He was the principal driver of our community having one of the most attractive Veteran Memorial Parks in America, personally raising over $500,000.00 while building the park! No one refused SSgt Sheffield in this endeavor that allows all citizens the right to enjoy their park.
• Member of the Perry First United Methodist Church, having served as Trustee, Chairperson of the Pastor Parrish Relations Committee, Chairperson of the Policy Committee, and Chairperson of the Finance Committee over a span of ten years.
• On Jan 7, 2020, the Econfina River Bridge on U. S. Hwy 98 was named in his honor.

I do not know of anyone more deserving of Induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, from those who have been selected before him to those who will be selected in the future, than SSgt Edward C. Sheffield. His induction would be Taylor County’s first inductee into the Florida Veteran’s Ha11 of Fame!

In closing, SSgt Sheffield’s legacy is the life he has led, manifested by the values, ideals, strength, courage, and love for Country he passes to future generations of Americans!

SSgt Sheffield is a patient in the Veterans Administration Nursing Home, Lake City, FL, in a declining health condition. Induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is highly warranted based upon his lifetime of national, regional, state and local service on behalf of American Veterans. As a member of the FVHOF Class of 2020, I am deeply humbled to nominate SSgt Edward C. Sheffield, for induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.

Approval of his nomination is respectfully requested,
Morris G. Steen, Jr., Nominator Captain, United States Navy (Ret)
President Emeritus, North Florida College FVHOF Class of 2020