Two appointed to Florida Defense Support Task Force

Great Seal, State of Florida. (Florida Department of State)

FLORIDA — Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of two men, one of Key West and the other of Winter Park, to the Florida Defense Support Task Force.

Gregory Billman and Steven “Reeves” Valentine were appointed to the task force by DeSantis on Friday.

According to state statute, the mission of the task force is to make recommendations to preserve and protect military installations, and support the state’s position in research and development related to or arising out of military missions and contracting.

In addition, it is meant to improve the state’s military-friendly environment for service members, military dependents, military retirees, and businesses that bring military and base-related jobs to the state.

Appointed members must represent defense-related industries or communities that host military bases and installations, according to the statute.

The governor’s office said the following about the appointees:

Gregory Billman
Billman, of Key West, is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of GTOPS Inc. He is a retired United States Air Force Colonel, having served as the 45^thSpace Wing Vice Commander. Billman earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Arizona State University, a master’s in aviation safety from Central Missouri State University, a master’s in airpower arts and science from the United States Air Force’s School of Advanced Airpower Studies, and was a defense fellow in public and international affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

Steven “Reeves” Valentine
Valentine, of Winter Park, is the Vice President of Enterprise Sustainment Solutions at Lockheed Martin. He is a veteran of the United States Army and was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as a Veteran of Influence in 2021. Valentine is a member of Enterprise Florida’s Executive Committee. Valentine earned a bachelor’s degree in general management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a master’s in business administration from Northwestern University.

Niceville.com