Central Area Cmdr. Eunice Butts headlined the recent Veterans Celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church.

PALMETTO -- Central Area Cmdr. Eunice Butts headlined the recent Veterans Celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church.

LaKay Fayson, chairwoman of the 2015 Veterans Celebration and recruitment coordinator, One Church One Child of Florida, said Butts was chosen the first African-American female serving as Department of Florida Central Area Commander in Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Hernando and Hillsborough counties, which includes 47 American Legion posts and 22,000 veterans.

Butts is a 25-year plus veteran and a 30-year member of the American Legion Department of Florida on the national level, a member of the 114th Legislative Committee, and also served as a member on the Veterans Rehabilitative Committee.

Co-Chairman John Cotton, a Purple Heart recipient, was also at the event.

This story was originally published October 3, 2015 at 12:05 AM with the headline "Central Area Cmdr. Eunice Butts headlined the recent Veterans Celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. ."