1. ”A Very Historic Property” | The 2023 UCF VLP Institute Podcast Series

In the first episode of “The 2023 UCF VLP Institute Podcast Series,” Sebastian Garcia spoke with Allison Simpson, Command Historian of the Florida National Guard, about the historic St. Francis Barracks, which hosted The 2023 UCF VLP Institute. Currently, the Florida National Guard headquarters, the characteristic coquina building, has an extensive and rich history that extends back to when the Spanish occupied St. Augustine in the 1500s. Alison also talked about the history of the Florida National Guard—extensive in its own right. The St. Francis Barracks is also adjacent to the St. Augustine National Cemetery, where all the Veterans of this Institute are interred. Hosting the Institute at such a historic military landmark was essential in establishing the appropriate attitude for the K12 teachers—and subsequently for the opening of this podcast series.

This episode was directed, produced, written, edited, and hosted by Sebastian Garcia and featured Alison Simpson.

Executive Producers: Sebastian Garcia and Dr. Amelia Lyons.

Music: “Honor and Glory” and “Real Heroes” by SergePavkinMusic (Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Artwork: Sebastian Garcia

The 2023 UCF VLP Institute Podcast Series is brought to you by the UCF Department of History and UCF’s Veterans Legacy Program—a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration.