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 »
TALLAHASSEE – Florida honors its Battle of the Bulge veterans on the 71st anniversary of the historic battle with its annual proclamation. The battle in the heavily forested Ardennes region of eastern Belgium and northern Luxembourg was the largest land battle fought by the U.S. Army in World War II. … READ MORE »
JUPITER, Fla. — Governor Scott will present the Governor’s Veterans Service Award to honorably discharged veterans at the beginning of the November 10, 2015, Cabinet Meeting. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. The medal presentation will immediately follow the presentation of the annual State of Florida Veterans Day Resolution. Location:… READ MORE »
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The next Governor’s Veterans Service Award presentation for honorably discharged veterans is scheduled for Nov. 5 in Fort Lauderdale. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded the medal to more than 7,000 Florida veterans at ceremonies across the state. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony… READ MORE »
LAKELAND, Fla. — The next Governor’s Veterans Service Award presentation for honorably discharged veterans is scheduled for Oct. 23 in Lakeland. Since 2013, Governor Scott has awarded the medal to more than 7,000 Florida veterans at ceremonies across the state. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the ceremony begins at… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet today inducted eight individuals into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The unanimous vote for the Class of 2015 came during the Sept. 29 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. Inductees are: 1. Charles E. Bennett, U.S. Army veteran (deceased) 2.… READ MORE »
2015 POW MIA Recognition Day… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott issued the following proclamation recognizing September 11, as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, and directed the flags of the United States of America and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, at all local and… READ MORE »
FDVA Claims Examiners regularly attend events throughout the state to help veterans with questions about their earned benefits and assistance. Find out about the upcoming events that are going on from benefits presentations to town hall meetings across Florida and get your questions answered. Click here to download the latest schedule. … READ MORE »
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington issued general orders for the Badge of Military Merit. Later, in 1932, the Badge of Military Merit was resurrected into the Purple Heart. Continuing the tradition of honoring those wounded in battle, Governor Rick Scott has signed the 2015 Purple Heart Day Resolution, honoring Florida’s Purple Heart… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Five distinguished veterans representing the Class of 2014 will be inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Capitol July 6. Inductees are: 1. The late Rear Adm. LeRoy Collins Jr., U.S. Navy Reserve (retired) 2. Maj. Gen. James Lee Dozier, U.S. Army… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE—Florida has the country’s third-largest population of military veterans and is proud to be a veteran-friendly state. The Florida Department of Health has programs in place to aid veterans in finding employment in health-related fields after they return home. “Men and women who have served our country in uniform have… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet signed the state’s official Memorial Day Resolution during the May 5 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. During the presentation, Governor Scott also remembered Florida’s Gold Star Families and the sacrifices their family members in uniform made to the perpetuation of American… READ MORE »
Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Brands as Veterans Florida ~ Organization starts to take shape ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Executive Director, Bobby Carbonell, today announced the selection of Veterans Florida as the organization’s new brand name. The board of directors voted unanimously to do business as… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is currently accepting nominations for the third annual class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period is open until May 30, 2015. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature established the Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet have signed the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Resolution, honoring the Sunshine State’s nearly 500,000 Vietnam Veterans. More than 58,000 service members, including more than 1,900 from Florida, made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. One in three Veterans in Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet today inducted five individuals into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The unanimous vote for the Class of 2014 came during the March 24 Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. Inductees are: 1. Rear Adm. LeRoy Collins Jr., U.S. Navy Reserve (deceased)… READ MORE »
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott awarded 132 honorably discharged Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award on Feb. 26 for their service to Florida and the nation. Governor Scott said, “As a Navy veteran myself, I was honored to recognize 132 Florida veterans today for their courage… READ MORE »
Florida honored for Outreach and Branding Campaign U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Public Affairs February 25, 2015 One hundred fifty years ago, during his second inaugural address in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln articulated what would become the nation’s obligation to Veterans: “to care for him who shall have borne the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Executive Director, Bobby Carbonell, announced Feb. 20 the selection of Joe Marino as the corporation’s Chief Operations Officer. In his new position, Marino will implement and oversee modern, efficient operations in support of the organization’s mission, which is to: • Attract and… READ MORE »
ST. AUGUSTINE – Governor Rick Scott announced Jan. 26 proposed funding for three new state veterans nursing homes as part of the 2015-2016 “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget. One of the new homes, the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home, has already been approved by the Florida Cabinet to be… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s newest state veterans’ nursing home will be named in honor of a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War — Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County native Sergeant Ardie R. Copas. The announcement was made at the Capitol during today’s Cabinet Meeting by Florida Department of… READ MORE »