ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — On Monday, veterans across the Tampa Bay area will be honored for their service. 

In St. Petersburg, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Barker will be given the Honored Veteran Award at the 6th Annual Veterans Day Celebration.

Barker was born in the United Kingdom and joined the British Parachute Regiment in 1956. He was wounded two years later.

In 1965 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and went on to fight in the Vietnam War. He held a number of positions throughout his time serving. 

He returned to America in 1970 and became a citizen in 1971. In 1989 he was recruited to work at the U.S Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base. 

He also dedicated 25 years to the Special Operations Memorial Foundation.