U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz took the time on Monday to celebrate the life of William “Bill” Kling, a longtime activist on behalf of veterans causes and the Democratic Party, who died on Monday at the age of 84.
The Miami Herald reports that Wasserman-Schultz released a statement, saying:
“South Florida lost a hero today with the passing of Bill Kling. He was a devoted leader in the veterans community, from serving as the chairman of the Broward County Veterans Council for 27 years to bringing an outpatient VA clinic to Broward County and a Veterans Nursing Home to Pembroke Pines.”
Kling, was a native New Yorker and served in the Navy during World War II. Kling’s friend Jack Shifrel, and his son Steven Kling were at the hospital when he passed away at Broward Health North, according to The Sun-Sentinel . Debbie Wasserman Schultz noted that Kling served as the head of the Broward County Veterans Council for 27 years, and also was a leader of the Jewish War Veterans. Wasserman-Schultz went on to say:
“While Chairman of my Military Academy Nominations Board for seven years, Bill helped the next generation of soldiers realize their dream of serving the country they love. I was honored to present the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Patriot Award to Bill Kling in 2010.”
Mitch Ceasar, chairman of the Broward Democratic Party also stated:
“Bill was not only a great Democratic activist, but a fighter for everything veteran. Broward County is a much poorer place because of his passing. He could be a fierce partisan for Democrats, but his greatest love was fighting for veterans.”
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, who knew Bill Kling for many years, stated:
“After two decades of friendship, I know firsthand how much he devoted his life to helping veterans and improving his community. We are grateful for the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family and friends. This is certainly a tough loss for all of us in South Florida.”
