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 »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The board of directors of Florida is for Veterans, Inc. today announced its selection of Roberto “Bobby” Carbonell as the corporation’s executive director. As executive director, Carbonell will be responsible for the operation and general management of the non-profit organization. His first official day on the job will… READ MORE »
Florida honors the servicemembers currently residing in the Sunshine State who were involved in the battle fought in eastern Belgium and northern Luxembourg during World War II between December 16, 1944 and January 25, 1945. Thank you for your service to our nation as we commemorate this day and honor… READ MORE »
Florida honors the servicemembers currently residing in the Sunshine State who were stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Thank you for your service to our nation as we commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. View the proclamation here.… READ MORE »
To commemorate Veterans Day in Florida, the Governor and Cabinet have signed a resolution honoring the Sunshine State’s more than 1.5 million veterans. Thank you for your service. Click here to view the resolution.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed November as Hire a Veteran Month in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), CareerSource Florida and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs encourage businesses and community leaders to recognize the value of hiring veterans this month for their competent skills, education, leadership,… READ MORE »
In honor of Veterans Day, businesses across the country are offering veterans discounts on November 11. Veterans and military personnel are generally required to show proof of his or her veteran or military status. Click here for a comprehensive list of offered discounts.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida is for Veterans Board of Directors held their initial organizational meeting on Oct. 20 in the Florida Senate Office Building. Florida is for Veterans, Inc. was established by the legislature in 2014 as part of the Florida GI Bill to serve as an innovative corporation to… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is accepting nominations for the name of the newest State Veterans’ Nursing Home to be built in St. Lucie County. To be considered, a nominee must be: One of 16 deceased Medal of Honor recipients accredited to the State of Florida… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – St. Lucie County will host the site of the next state veterans’ nursing home, following a unanimous vote in today’s Cabinet Meeting at the Capitol. The decision was made following a presentation on the site selection process by Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Mike Prendergast. The… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott has signed the 2014 National POW/MIA Recognition Day proclamation honoring and remembering Florida’s brave men and women considered mission in action or prisoners of war and their families this September 19, 2014. More than 83,000 servicemembers remain unaccounted for from past conflicts. Download the proclamation here.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Gallery for Innovation and the Arts at the R.A. Gray Building is hosting a public exhibition of art work created by Florida Gold Star Families during the month of September. The exhibition has been created by the mothers, fathers and spouses of active duty members who have… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott has signed the 2014 Korean War Armistice Day Proclamation, commemorating the 61st anniversary of the signing of the cease-fire. More than 7,800 American servicemembers remain missing from the war, which was fought from 1950-1953. Download the Proclamation here.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and the Florida National Guard will partner July 16 with Dollar General and nearly 500 participating employers throughout the state to connect Florida’s veterans and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott has signed the 2014 Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation, honoring the Sunshine State’s Korean War veterans. More than 294,000 Floridians were in uniform during the war from 1950-1953. Florida currently has more than 163,000 Korean War veterans. Download the Proclamation here. # # #… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Governor Rick Scott has signed House Bill 559, which further honors and recognizes Florida’s veterans for their service and sacrifice. House Bill 559 changes statutory references from the Korean Conflict to the Korean War and Vietnam Era to Vietnam War, a change requested by veterans to more accurately… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott today highlighted investments in the It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget that support Florida veterans and their families. Governor Scott said, “The It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget invests in critical programs and priorities important for Florida’s veterans and their families. As the nation’s most… READ MORE »
LARGO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs announces that six Florida counties have submitted site selection submittal packages for a seventh state veterans’ nursing home. The counties are Marion, Putnam, Polk, Collier, Manatee and St. Lucie. Click here for attachment County Submissions for State Veterans Nursing Home The announcement was… READ MORE »
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Governor Rick Scott was joined here March 31 by Senate President Don Gaetz, Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, Rep. Doc Renuart, Rep. Jimmie Smith and Rep. Jimmy Patronis to sign House Bill 7015, which creates the “Congressman C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Program,” that waives… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – To commemorate Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, 71 Vietnam Veterans were awarded the Governor’s Veterans Service Award during the March 18 Cabinet Meeting. Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet also presented the Vietnam-era veterans with a Cabinet resolution proclaiming March 30, 2014 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,… READ MORE »
DAYTONA BEACH — Governor Rick Scott, joined by Brig. Gen. James O. Eifert, assistant Adjutant General of the Florida Air National Guard and Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Retired Army Col. Mike Prendergast, awarded 137 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award on Feb. 25… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released the 2014 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide. FDVA is the premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access earned services, benefits and support. The 24-page guide, sponsored by the Florida Veterans Foundation, provides information about earned federal and… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the names of two new VA national cemeteries planned in Florida – the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor and the Tallahassee National Cemetery in Tallahassee. “These two new cemeteries are a priority for the growing Veterans’ community in… READ MORE »
TAMPA – Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Mike Prendergast briefed the Governor and Cabinet on the results of an independent study recommending the construction of additional veterans’ homes in Florida. The presentation during the Feb. 6 Cabinet Meeting at the Florida State Fairgrounds discussed the formal process necessary… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott’s “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” includes a nearly $20 million increase over the previous year’s FDVA budget, bringing the total to $110.8 million. This investment lays the groundwork for the construction of two new state veterans’ nursing homes that will serve Florida veterans. The… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is currently accepting nominations for the second annual class of inductees into the recently established Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Florida Legislature established the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2011 to honor and recognize military veterans for their post-military… READ MORE »
PANAMA CITY – Governor Rick Scott, joined by Adjutant General of Florida National Guard Major General Emmett R. Titshaw, Jr. and Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Retired Army Colonel Mike Prendergast, awarded 142 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida… READ MORE »
Florida honors the servicemembers currently residing in the Sunshine State who were involved in the battle fought in eastern Belgium and northern Luxembourg during World War II between December 16, 1944 and January 25, 1945. Thank you for your service to our nation as we commemorate this day and honor… READ MORE »
Florida honors the more than 140 servicemembers currently residing in the Sunshine State who were stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Thank you for your service to our nation as we commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation… READ MORE »
FRAUD ALERT! Veterans should be aware of a scam targeting callers trying to reach the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Call Center or GI Bill Call Center. A marketing company has established two fraudulent numbers that differ from the two official VA call center numbers by one digit. If… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – During today’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized five educators who formerly served in various branches of the military with the Governor’s Shine Award for their service to our country and their contributions to Florida’s students. Governor Scott said, “It is an honor to thank… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — The governor and the Cabinet have signed the 2013 Veterans Day Proclamation honoring Florida’s unwavering commitment of its Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Merchant Mariners who have preserved our freedoms around the world. Download the proclamation here. Download the proclamation here.… READ MORE »
Governor Rick Scott has signed the 2013 Hire A Veteran Month proclamation for the Sunshine State. Veterans offer Florida businesses the benefits of competent skills, education, leadership, maturity and dedication. View the proclamation here:… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council announces the inaugural class of inductees into the newly established Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Inductees are: 1. John R. D. Cleland, Major General (Retired), U.S. Army (Melbourne) 2. The late Rep. Sam M. Gibbons, former U.S. Army Major (Tampa) 3. … READ MORE »
The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Family Day and Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet have signed the State of Florida 2013 Resolution honoring families who have lost a loved one and are due our unwavering support and admiration. Click here to view the full proclamation: Gold Star… READ MORE »