Florida Veterans for Common Sense is proud to have an amazing executive board comprised of volunteers. Each a veteran, these officers and board members bring unique individual qualities into our organization ensuring successful missions.
Gene Jones
Founding member and current President of Florida Veterans for Common Sense. Served in the Air Force as linguist and analyst (1964-1968). Retired after a career practicing law in Sarasota, Florida. Wrote the book Adventuring in Paradise and guest columns for the Sarasota Herald Tribune and other media.
Michael T. Burns
Founding member and current Vice President of FLVCS. Graduated from DePauw U. in 1966, joined the USAF and volunteered for Vietnam. After pilot training, was stationed in Ubon, Thailand in the F-4 Phantom jet fighter. Shot down on his 18th mission over N. Vietnam and captured. Repatriated 56 months later, in March, 1973. Has lived in Sarasota, Fl. for the last 30 years as an attorney and practices in the area of family law and criminal defense.
Harvey Gochberg
Currently serving as Secretary of FLVCS. US Army Reserves 1960-1966, Military Intelligence – Imagery, Active Duty During Cuban/Soviet Union Missle Crisis. Retired….Retail/Wholesale Apparel Buyer In Boston, New York, Denver, and Florida. Currently Substitute School Teacher for Sarasota County School Board Community Service and Activist Board member Secretary-Florida Veterans for Common Sense, Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, Humanity Working to End Genocide, Volunteer Chairman, Military Assistance Program-Jewish Family&Childrens Service, Jewish Housing Council-Community Service Corps, Social Action Committee-CHJ
James Dirmann
Currently serving as treasurer of FLVCS. As a Lieutenant in the US. Marine Corps Mr. Dirmann was the Communication Officer for 4th Bn. 11th Marine Regiment for 9 months in Vietnam and was involved in close combat action with 4/11. In addition he was the Officer in Charge of a Marine Communication Platoon attached to the 2d Korean Marine Brigade and participated in several combat operations with the Korean Marines during his tour in Vietnam. Mr. Dirmann is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Florida Bar. He is actively practicing law at 100 Wallace Avenue Suite 240 Sarasota, Fl. 34237
Dennis Plews
Founding member of FLVCS. Dennis J. Plews is a founding member, current treasurer and Director of Florida Veterans for Common Sense founded in 2002. He also serves veterans through his membership in and position on the Board of Directors of the Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida (DVCF). He has been in this position since the Caucus inception in the summer of 2008. He is also a founding member of the DVCF Dennis is a trial attorney who practices law in Sarasota where he has resided since 1975. Prior to re-entering college he volunteered for active duty in the U. S. Army, serving as a forward artillery observer and fire direction control specialist with “C” Battery, 3d Battalion, 82d Artillery, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, MACV from December, 1967 – December, 1968. He lives with his lovely wife, Eve Prang Plews, in Sarasota County, Florida.
David M. Winkler
Currently serving as an officer on FLVCS’ board of directors. Served in the Air Force as an orthodontist from 1967 to 1969 Retired after practicing orthodontics in Sarasota, Florida.
Stan Ross
Currently serving as an officer on FLVCS’ board of directors. Born 1931 in New York, graduated from The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania 1953. Went through Navy OCS and served mainly with the 6th fleet in the Med from 1953 through 1957. Married September 1956. 3 children. Still married, wife Rona (same wife) Worked for IBM and Honeywell in computer sales until 1966 Moved to Sarasota Florida and went in the golf business in 1973. Retired in 1997.
Harry Stimmel
Currently serving as an officer on FLVCS’ board of directors. Served as a combat medic during WWII and the Korean War. Harry takes a special interest in helping his fellow veterans. He co-chairs the FLVCS Committee that works with Haley House Fund and Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. He raises funds to provide housing for significant others of wounded soldiers being treated at the hospital, organizes parties and other events for the wounded soldiers and coordinates collection of needed personal items like wheelchair gloves.
Geoff Morris
Currently serving as an officer on FLVCS’ board of directors. Medic w/DMZ Dustoff (237th Medical Detachment,HA) for 13 & ½ months from 1970/71. Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer& actively practicing law in Venice, FL.
Len Gumley
Currently serving as an officer on FLVCS’ board of directors. Served in WWII as Glider Pilot. 27 years in the AF reserve and retired as Lt/Col. Worked in theatre, film and TV as actor, director & producer all of his working life. Len worked closely with the late Walter Cronkite, who was also a Glider Pilot and was interviewed on CNN in 2009 following Cronkite’s death (watch here). Retired to Sarasota in 1990. Active in politics, the arts & vets affairs.
