Bruce J. Host Sworn In As Florida State Director

Colonel Bruce J. Host, USAF, Ret., was recommended by the Florida Department of Military Affairs and appointed by the Director of the U.S. Selective Service System, Director Donald M. Benton, on January 13, 2021, to serve as the Selective Service System (SSS) Florida State Director.

Host replaces former State Director Douglas Maddox, Jr., in his role as liaison between the Selective Service System and the governor’s office. He will represent the governor and the Selective Service Director regarding agency matters in the state.

Benton described Host as a consummate professional, energetic and committed to serve Florida and the nation. In addition, Host continues to give back to veterans through the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Society and other veterans’ activities.

“I am truly honored to serve as the Florida State Director for the Selective Service System,” Host said. “I look forward to enhancing registration, local board membership and readiness programs. This is a critical mission and registration provides numerous state and federal benefits to individuals who register, as well as to the nation.”

Host is a graduate of the National War College at Fort McNair, Virginia. He has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. His military career has spanned more than 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. In his civilian career, Host is a former Leon County Commissioner, founder of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame and founder and president of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society, Inc.

He is a life member of the Air Force Association, Tallahassee Chapter, a life member of the Military Officers Association of America, Tallahassee Chapter, and the North Florida Community Foundation.

Host lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Sandra. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.