Celebrating America Through Local Eyes

Local veterans and heroes will be sharing their thoughts on what makes Marco and America special by answering some patriotic questions. It’s our way to honor those whose dedication and sacrifices make our Island community shine.  

Bruce Donaldson 

Bruce was born into a military family where duty to country was a high priority. Thefamily accompanied his father through various military posts in the US and Japan, finallysettling in Watertown, New York, just outside Fort Drum, where he attended public schoolsthrough the State University of New York at Buffalo.  

Following a couple of years working as anaerial photographer, he entered Army Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia, andwas commissioned a Second Lieutenantin 1977. He went on to serve in various units in Georgia, WestGermany, Nebraska, Australia, and Virginia before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1998.  

During hisservice, he took advantage of military and civilian education, acquiring two MS degrees. 

Following his military service, he founded a company that supported variousgovernment organizations to include DoD and the Intelligence Community, in the War onTerror. He sold the company in 2020 and retired to Marco Island with his wife, BJ, wherethey support various charities and organizations while enjoying fishing, traveling, thebeach, and cards with friends. 

What does “freedom” mean to you? 

Freedom means the ability to “be all you can be,” a great former Army motto. The USallows everyone to do whatever they want (legally) to achieve their life goals anddesires. I’ve visited over 50 countries, and none come close to the US in making itpossible for citizens to achieve their goals and live the life they want. Freedom is noteasy to obtain and even harder to retain. We must all work at it. 

Which historical American figure do you most admire? 

We have had many great Americans who have stood at the door defending ourfreedoms and making America better, but the one whose shoulders everyone stands onis George Washington. Without him, there would be no USA. His military, political, andhumanitarian skills are unmatched. He had everything to lose but believed the freedomthey were fighting for was worth it. He set the standard which has stood for 250 years. 

If you would like to nominate a Veteran or local hero to be featured in Celebrating America Through Local Eyes, contact Brittany Richards at brittany@coastalbreezenews.com.