TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott joined the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Nov. 27 to honor 20 inductees to the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors military veterans who have made a significant contribution to the State… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced today that Florida State Parks will be offering free admission for all families and visitors on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to honor all who have served and are currently serving in our U.S. military. Florida State Parks offer year-round discounts on Annual Entrance Passes… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued a resolution today recognizing Nov. 11, 2017 as Veterans Day. The resolution was presented during the Nov. 7 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. “I am proud to issue this resolution recognizing Veterans Day as we honor those who have served… READ MORE »
By Glenn W. Sutphin, Jr. Executive Director Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs As we come together to honor the contributions of our state’s more than 1.5 million veterans during the Veterans Day weekend, many Floridians are still recovering from the long-term impact of Hurricane Irma. Florida’s network of county veteran… READ MORE »
DAYTONA BEACH – The Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Volusia County has openings for qualified veterans. The 120-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 1920 Mason Avenue in Daytona Beach, has a number of available rooms for both male and female veterans. Basic admission requirements for all state… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the Gold Star Family Day in Florida Proclamation, recognizing the heartfelt sacrifices Gold Star Family members have experienced through the years. Sept. 24 is Gold Star Family Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – With Hurricane Irma approaching the State of Florida, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is announcing temporary closings and suspensions of many clinics and services. Patients who had scheduled appointments will be contacted to reschedule their appointments. Complete address and contact information for all VA facilities in Florida… READ MORE »
Gov. Rick Scott has signed the 2017 POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. Friday, Sept. 15 is POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced the selection of U.S. Navy veteran Kathleen “Scotty” Robertson Culp to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, Aug. 25. Governor Scott chose Culp, along with Mary Lou Baker and Katherine Fernandez Rundle, from a group of ten nominees selected by the Florida Commission on… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott recognized U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Allyn with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the Aug. 16 meeting of the Florida Cabinet. On April 10, 2016, Allyn witnessed a car accident in Cape Coral where a vehicle had overturned and caught fire. He broke the car… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Fall 2017 edition of the Florida Military-Friendly Guide is now available online, courtesy of the Florida Defense Support Task Force. The guide contains a summary of various advantages military service members and their families enjoy while being stationed and living in Florida. “Our goal is to maintain… READ MORE »
Gov. Rick Scott has signed the 2017 Spirit of ’45 Day Proclamation, commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II. Monday, August 14 is Spirit of ’45 Day. There are currently more than 65,000 World War II veterans living in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott is calling upon Floridians to join him in observing Tuskegee Airmen Recognition in Florida to honor and pay tribute to those who helped pave the way for the full integration of the U.S. Armed Forces following World War II. His proclamation notes the activation of… READ MORE »
Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation. The governor calls upon Floridians to pay special tribute to those members of the Armed Forces who have received the Purple Heart, while also honoring the families of the fallen. August 7, 2017 is Florida Purple Heart Day.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed the annual Korean War Armistice Day Proclamation, honoring the state’s Korean War veterans and commemorating the 64th anniversary of the end of the war. More than 144,000 Korean War veterans reside in the Sunshine State. The Korean War was fought from June 25, 1950… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott awarded 723 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida and the nation during his four-city “Honoring Florida Veterans” tour July 6-7. The Governor also highlighted funding included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that supports active military, veterans and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual State of Florida Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation. June 25, 2017 is the 67th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. More than 294,000 Floridians wore the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces during the three-year conflict. More than 34,000… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester Spellman awarded Kelly Kowall with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition, during the June 14 Cabinet Meeting. “I’d like to thank Kelly for her selfless service to help those who are mourning… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott recognized George Bennett (Ben) Ritter with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the June 14 meeting of the Florida Cabinet. Ritter is a former non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and serves his community as an advocate for veterans with disabilities. “I want to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott recognized retired Sgt. Maj. Ray A. Quinn with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, May 23. Sergeant Major Quinn served in the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard for 30 years. “I’d like to thank Sergeant Major Quinn for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet presented the 2017 Memorial Day Resolution during the May 23 Cabinet Meeting. The resolution was accepted on behalf of Florida’s veterans by Glenn Sutphin, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Governor and Cabinet ask all… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a new consumer protection program May 17 that will serve the unique needs of Florida’s military and veteran communities and directly assist with consumer protection-related issues. The Military and Veterans Assistance Program is Attorney General Bondi’s most recent effort to spread awareness of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Senate unanimously confirmed retired Army Lt. Col. Glenn W. Sutphin Jr. as executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, May 5. The vote took place toward the end of the 2017 Florida Legislative Session. Sutphin was appointed executive director by Gov. Rick Scott and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced April 21 the selection of Dr. Arnett Girardeau and Willie H. Williams to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Governor Scott chose Girardeau and Williams, along with the late Patricia Stephens Due, from a list of 10 distinguished nominees selected by the Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – April 6, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I against Germany. Floridians in all branches of service were sent overseas to fight in the war as part of the American Expeditionary Force, alongside service members from Britain and France. A total… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed a proclamation March 24 honoring Florida’s former Prisoners of War. April 9 is designated by Congress as the Presidentially proclaimed observance of National Former POW Recognition Day. On April 9, 1942, United States forces surrendered on the Bataan Peninsula, beginning the Bataan Death March.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet of the State of Florida issued a resolution recognizing March 30, 2017 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. “We must take every opportunity to recognize the brave men and women who served in our armed forces and defended our country,” said Governor… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott awarded retired Maj. John L. Haynes with the Governor’s Medal of Merit during the March 14 Florida Cabinet meeting. Haynes, who retired in 1975, is a combat veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Mike Mason has been appointed chairman of the Florida Veterans Foundation. Mason, who serves as Polk County’s Supervisor of Veterans Services, was appointed to a three-year term by Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Glenn Sutphin. He succeeds retired Army Col. Washington Sanchez, who retired on March… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is currently accepting nominations for the fifth annual class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period is open until May 31, 2017. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature established the Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott announced two appointments and one reappointment to Veterans Florida, also known as Florida is for Veterans, Inc. James Sampey, of Indian Rocks Beach, is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Valpak and serves as a board member on the Veteran’s Workforce Initiative for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, FL – A dedication ceremony has been scheduled for the Tallahassee Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care Center (THCC) on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The new facility opened its doors to serving area Veterans October 2016. The new THCC is located at the intersection of East Orange… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed a proclamation honoring the Montford Point Marines of World War II fame on the 72nd anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Iwo Jima. More than 13,000 Montford Point Marines, including many Floridians, served with honor and distinction in combat overseas following segregated… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration announced Jan. 17 that 11 nursing facilities have received the Gold Seal Award from the Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care, including two state veterans’ homes. Among the new award recipients for 2017 are the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day Proclamation, commemorating the 72nd anniversary of one of the most important battles of World War II. The last major German offensive on the Western Front began on Dec. 16, 1944 and lasted until Jan. 25, 1945,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Florida honors the servicemembers currently residing in the Sunshine State who were stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates there are fewer than 75 Pearl Harbor survivors living in the Sunshine State. Thank you for your service to our… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) is proud to announce enhancements to its free Mobile App, available to veterans and their families through the iPhone and Android Markets. The app is a primary tool to advocate for the Sunshine State’s more than 1.5 million veterans. FDVA’s enhanced… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed today a proclamation to promote the availability of Florida’s veterans to employers and encourage businesses to seek out veterans with proven leadership and technical skills, a strong sense of teamwork and integrity, and the ability to work under pressure.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet inducted eleven individuals into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The unanimous vote for the Class of 2016 came during the Sept. 20 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. Inductees are: Reubin O’Donovan Askew, U.S. Air Force veteran (deceased) LeRoy Collins, U.S. Navy… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued the following resolution during the Sept. 20 Cabinet Meeting recognizing Gold Star Families. “I am honored to recognize the Gold Star Families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and our freedoms,” said Governor Scott. “We… READ MORE »
2016 POW MIA Recognition Day… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – It was Aug. 7, 1782. The Revolutionary War was still nearly two years from ending and General George Washington wanted a way to recognize the outstanding soldiers who were fighting to achieve our nation’s independence. His solution was the Badge of Military Merit, which he wrote would be… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Retired Army Lt. Col. Glenn Sutphin was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet during the Aug. 2 Cabinet Meeting. FDVA, on behalf of the Governor and three-member Cabinet, is the premier point of entry for Florida’s more… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — July is Military Consumer Protection Month, and Commissioner Adam H. Putnam is providing tips for Florida’s more than 1.5 million veterans and 65,000 active duty military members to protect themselves against fraud. Military Consumer Protection Month is a national effort to raise awareness about common scams and how… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 88 into law on April 6, 2016. The new legislation, which takes effect on July 1, 2016, expands the eligibility of certain individuals to obtain a Gold Star license plate. The Gold Star license plate is a special license plate developed to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott has signed the annual State of Florida Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation June 25, 2016 is the 66th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. We are thankful for our nation’s veterans, and their service and sacrifice to defend freedom. … READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet have signed the official State of Florida 2016 Memorial Day Resolution. Our state remembers, honors, and salutes all service members, who since our nation’s founding, answered the call of duty with their selfless service and sacrifice.… READ MORE »
The Governor’s Veterans Service Award, honoring Florida’s honorably discharged veterans, will be presented by Gov. Rick Scott to Tallahassee-area veterans during the May 10 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. The 2016 Memorial Day Resolution from Governor Scott and the Cabinet will also be unveiled as part of the presentation. Date:… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Retired Army Lt. Col. Glenn Sutphin was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet April 26, 2016. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, on behalf of the Governor and Cabinet, is the premier point of entry for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Volunteers are an important part of the daily routine in the lives of residents at Florida’s network of state veterans’ homes. In some cases, due to the absence of family members, they constitute the only primary source of social interaction for elderly residents. “From individual bedside visits to… READ MORE »
Pensacola, Fla. — The next Governor’s Veterans Service Award presentation for honorably discharged Veterans is scheduled for April 7, 2016. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded the medal to more than 7,000 Florida Veterans at ceremonies across the state. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10:30… READ MORE »
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott awarded more than 190 veterans at the National Guard Armory here with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award March 22 for their service to Florida and the nation. Since 2013, the governor has presented more than 8,000 medals to honorably discharged veterans in ceremonies… READ MORE »
ORLANDO — Congressman John Mica hosted a ceremony here March 9, transferring the vacant 120-bed former VA community living center at the Lake Baldwin VA medical complex from the federal government to the State of Florida. The building, dedicated in 1999, was converted to clinical and office use approximately two… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is currently accepting nominations for the fourth annual class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period is open until May 31, 2016. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature established the… READ MORE »
Deland, Fla. — The next Governor’s Veterans Service Award presentation for honorably discharged Veterans is scheduled for January 19, 2016. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded the medal to more than 7,000 Florida Veterans at ceremonies across the state. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 9:30… READ MORE »