by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Stan Jordan has a passion for the military, and his office shows it.
Military awards, swords and Uncle Sam posters hang on the walls of the state representative’s office in the Florida Capitol. In addition to the scenery, Jordan likes to talk about the military. After all, he spent over 38 years serving the United States Army and the National Guard.
“I strongly recommend young people consider the military,” said Jordan. “It gives you an appreciation for freedom. It gives you something I don’t think any other institution can instill in you, and it takes you to places you never thought you’d go.”
He also has a military agenda for his legislation. During the 2006 session, Jordan pushed through a bill that increases the penalties for disturbing a military funeral. He also worked on another bill that provides education funding for the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran.
Jordan is also chairman of the Military Veteran Affairs committee. He helped organize a tribute to World War II veterans at the 2005 Super Bowl. As he played a video clip of the event, which was hosted by actor Michael Douglas, Jordan said, “When this happened in the stadium, there was a hush.”
Education is another priority for Jordan. He served on the Duval County School Board for 16 years, but he values academics for personal reasons, as well.
“My mother was one of 18 children,” he said. “I was the first one in my family to graduate from high school.”
Jordan also helped pass a bill that adds health organizations, including a blind services program, to the list of specialty motorcycle license plate beneficiaries.
“It’s coincidental because my wife has been in the hospital,” said Jordan. Shirley Jordan has diabetes and she’s had vision problems that led to a corneal transplant. The surgery didn’t go well, though. “It’s been terrible. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Jordan talks about his family a lot. He lists grandparenting as one of his hobbies. He had his grandson, Josh, sing at a military honors presentation for the legislature, as well.
“We have a very musical family,” said Jordan. His daughter, Jonie, performed in a professional production of the “The Sound of Music.”
From time to time, Jordan breaks out in song, as well – sometimes in tune with the musical clock on his wall, sometimes just for fun.
Jordan said he has one more legislative session before term limits require him to retire.
“Every day is interesting,” said Jordan. “It’s been a great journey.”