Florida Veteran Health Heroes

Robert Pickard, M.D. Dr. Robert Pickard, Retired United States Army Colonel, was elected National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) at its 118th Annual National Convention in Richmond, Virginia on August 23, 2013. Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans, JWV serves veterans throughout the country by advocating for veterans’ rights and benefits at the national, state, and local levels. Dr. Pickard graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine degree. He received his M.D. from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois in 1965 and interned at the University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Dr. Pickard served in active duty from 1966-1968 during the Vietnam War and was stationed at RAF Chicksands Dispensary in the midlands of England as the Medical Officer for a Security Service base. After being discharged as a Captain from the United States Air Force, Dr. Pickard returned to the University of Miami Medical School for a residency in general surgery, later specializing in ear, nose, and throat surgery. He began his practice of medicine and surgery in South Miami and Coral Gables in 1972. Dr. Pickard joined the Florida National Guard and served a total of 22 years in active National Guard service, retiring as a Colonel 06 in 2000. Dr. Pickard devotes a great deal of energy, caring, and passion to his community. He is a life member of Post 243 in Coral Gables where he previously served as Post Commander. At the national level, Pickard has held positions as National Adjutant, Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Committee, a member of the National Executive Committee, and Past Editor of The Jewish Veteran. Dr. Pickard currently serves on the Florida Board of Hearing Aid Specialists. Following 9/11, Dr. Pickard founded the “Tribute to the Military 5K Run/Walk/Race, Inc.,” a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families in need for over 13 years. Page 4 Thank You The Florida Department of Health salutes our veterans for their hard work and dedication.