The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) honored veterans as part of its festivities on Community Day on Saturday, November 1 at the Key West Campus. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra delivered his annual Salute to Veterans, honoring Major Edward Coy and Sargeant Terrence Varney, both U.S. Army veterans who graduated from CFK and are now College employees.

CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra’s 2025 Salute to Veterans:

“This Veterans Day, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that our service members bear for all Americans and for the principles of democracy. I salute all veterans as well as current service members, including my son Julius, who is serving in the Navy. I express my sincerest thanks to them and their families for their dedication and commitment, and for their continued service to protecting our freedom wherever they are deployed.

Our heroes continue to serve in a variety of ways that benefit our communities. The Florida Keys and the College have indeed benefitted from the contributions of many veterans over the years. Each one deserves special recognition. Today, I salute two veterans in the CFK Family: U.S. Army Major Edward Coy and U.S. Army Sargeant Terrence Varney—both CFK employees and alumni, each with distinct stories of service.

Major Edward Coy

Ed enlisted in the Army right out of high school in 1973—seeking military service as a path to develop character and to provide for the family he intended to start with his high school sweetheart and new bride Denise. Shortly after basic training, he joined the 1/75th Ranger Regiment and moved to the 24th Infantry Division in Fort Steward, Georgia while starting a family.

In a pivotal moment, young Ed found himself in legal trouble after accidentally driving through a roadblock. Fortunately, a Catholic priest and base Chaplain, came to his defense, convincing law enforcement to drop charges. Grateful for his kindness, Ed developed a friendship with the priest, which inspired a new purpose in his military career. Ed added the role of Chaplain to his other soldier duties, providing spiritual counseling, emotional support, and moral guidance to countless service members and their families struggling with challenges ranging from depression and marital problems to PTSD and suicide. He worked stateside and throughout the world on multiple tours including Korea, Egypt, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Initially retiring in 1992 as a Sargeant First Class, he was called back in 2006 to serve as the Chaplain Major deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, along with assignments to support soldiers and their families in Kentucky, Washington, D.C. and surrounding regions.

Ed retired in 2016 as a Major following 30 years of service, receiving distinctions including the Armed Forces Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars, Meritorious Medal, Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, Army Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, and Airborne Badge.

Upon his second retirement in 2016, he and Denise moved to the Keys, their favorite vacation destination. With boating as a retirement priority, Ed wanted to learn how to operate diesel engines. He enrolled in CFK and earned an associate degree in Marine Engineering, Management, and Seamanship. He was recruited back to the classroom after graduation, this time as an adjunct instructor. Ed also worked as the Veterans Affairs Coordinator in the College’s Financial Aid Office for one year, helping veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents maximize their military education benefits like the G.I. Bill to earn college credentials. Today, he is a full-time faculty member in the marine engineering program, which serves many veteran students developing new skillsets and goals. Ed uses his Army Chaplain experience to provide support and guidance to his students beyond teaching the curriculum—including fostering camaraderie and community via the Veterans Student Club, which he founded two years ago.

Sargeant Terrence Varney

Like Ed, Terry enlisted in the Army right out of high school, setting forth on a career that would provide opportunities to develop skills and character, support a family, and serve our nation. Already equipped with basic technical skills after years of working for his father’s electrical and plumbing business, Terry started as an aviation mechanic in Bangor, Maine. He performed maintenance and repairs on aircraft, including structural, powertrain, and avionics systems, to ensure they are safe and operational. Noticing his talent and potential, his superiors promoted him to flight crew.

Terry served as a dual status technician in the Army National Guard as well as a fulltime soldier—participating in missions from both divisions, as duty called. His service included multiple deployments to Germany and Iraq.

The first half of his aviation career was dedicated to air combat duties. As the Unit Training Advisor, he ensured all members of the Huey helicopter flight crew were prepared to carry out complex assault missions. After 12 years, Terry’s career shifted to 14 years of medevac work, serving as the Crew Chief responsible for maintenance and security of the Black Hawk aircraft. While not typically required for his role, Terry enrolled in Combat Lifesaver School, acquiring essential trauma care skills that were put to use in critical rescue missions.

In between medevac deployments, Terry’s family grew quickly upon marrying wife Kelly, becoming stepfather to a son and a daughter in 2004, and welcoming another daughter in 2006.  

In 2018, Terry retired as Staff Sargent E6. He earned two Air Medals as well as Master Aviator Wings during his 26 years of service. The family moved to Key West to enjoy retirement. Afraid he may spend too much time fishing, Kelly encouraged him to enroll in diving classes. He ultimately earned two associate degrees at CFK—in Diving Business Technology and Marine Engineering, Management, and Seamanship. After graduation, Terry stayed with the College, working as a lab technician before becoming the Dive Facilities Manager. In his role, he interacts with many students in CFK’s various marine programs, making special connections with veteran students who lean on him for extra support and guidance.

It is with great honor that on this Veterans Day 2025, The College of the Florida Keys and I salute U.S. Army Major Edward Coy and U.S. Army Sargeant Terrence Varney. They exemplify the vast bravery, talent, and selflessness of the U.S. military. Thank you for your continuous service to our country, state, and community. May your achievements, sacrifice, and generosity serve as an inspiration for all.”