TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating Sept. 27, 2020 as Gold Star Family Day in Florida. Florida owes a lasting debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to our nation. The Honor and Remember Flag is flown on Gold Star Family Day… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to induct 20 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2020 were presented for a formal vote during the Sept. 22 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. The annual observance, commemorated annually on the third Friday in September, is an opportunity to honor and recognize our brave service members who are classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The POW/MIA… READ MORE »
Florida joins President’s Roadmap to Combat Veteran Suicides TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has lent his signature to the Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, highlighting the state’s involvement with the nation’s comprehensive suicide prevention effort known as PREVENTS. On March 5, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13861, The President’s… READ MORE »
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie is seeking a Nursing Home Administrator as its construction nears completion. The 120-bed skilled nursing facility is scheduled to open to its first residents in late 2020. When fully operational, the approximately 121,000 square… READ MORE »
It was 75 years ago today that the formal instrument of surrender was signed on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending the Second World War. We honor our World War II veterans on this day and thank the members of the Greatest Generation for keeping… READ MORE »
Twenty-three states including Florida affected Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA’s goal is to give eligible Veterans who need same-day urgent care for minor illnesses or injuries as many avenues as possible at the right time, right place and right provider. VA is transitioning its urgent care… READ MORE »
More than 400 Florida Veterans helped through Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center VA launched the first Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) July 29-31, 2020. The program proactively assisted veterans throughout the state of Florida with VA benefits, health care and resources in partnership with the Northeast Florida Community Veterans… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The 2020 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available in print, courtesy of the Florida Veterans Foundation. The 32-page full color guide, with new legislative and COVID-19 updates, is also available online here. To request an individual copy of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide, please… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing Aug. 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize recipients of our nation’s oldest award given to combat-wounded veterans. # # #… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) today announced the launch of a new foundation program granting family caregivers access to no-cost, short-term aid to help those caring for wounded, ill or injured Veterans or service members in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed several veteran-friendly bills from the 2020 Florida Legislative Session into law. Here is a summary of those changes: HB 171 – Postsecondary Education for Certain Military Personnel: The act requires the Board of Governors and State Board of Education to adopt a uniform set of rules… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – The White House and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the launching of a digital COVID-19 screening tool to streamline Veteran access to medical care during the coronavirus pandemic. The tool, designed with Veteran and staff input, enables the screening of more than 10,000 people each day. Veterans, their caregivers and VA… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis is honoring Florida’s Korean War veterans today with the signing of the annual Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation. June 25, 2020 is the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. More than 34,000 Americans were killed in action during the war, with approximately… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – Acting VA Deputy Secretary Pamela Powers on Tuesday led VA’s first virtual Women Veterans Forum, which helped women veterans from across the country learn about the care and services they can receive at VA, and how VA is changing to better serve the growing population of women veterans. There… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries will resume committal services starting June 9 in all Florida VA national cemeteries. VA national cemeteries will contact families who were unable to hold a committal service due to the COVID-19 pandemic to arrange memorial services for their loved ones… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period for the Class of 2020 is open until June 30, 2020. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced May 28 it will resume in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams in concert with the reopening of VA lead medical centers in select locations across the country. VA Veterans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) contracted medical examination providers will immediately begin contacting… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2020 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring our nation’s fallen service members. As we honor the rich history of our service members and their contributions to America’s liberty and freedom, let us not forget the families of our veterans, and especially our Gold Star… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the Armed Forces Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation. Please join us in celebrating our men and women who serve our country on Armed Forces Day. Thank… READ MORE »
They will be open for public visitation WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today it will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath laying ceremonies. Another offering is a new online memorial feature allowing the public to pay tribute to Veterans interred in VA… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the launch of the COVID Coach app, a new mobile app designed to help both veterans and civilians cope with feelings of stress and anxiety they may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app includes practical tools, information… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced May 7 a three-phase plan for resuming regular operations at its medical centers, benefit offices and national cemeteries in a post-COVID-19 setting. VA never closed its doors during the pandemic but did implement a wide… READ MORE »
On behalf of the men and women of FDVA, I want to let the nurses and health care professionals at our state veterans’ homes know how much they’re appreciated by our residents and family members. While we mourn the COVID-19 loss today of an elderly Hospice resident from our veterans’… READ MORE »
As Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, I have the honor of overseeing an incredible organization that strives every day to repay the sacrifices made for our nation by our state’s 1.5 million veterans. We operate a network of six State Veterans’ Nursing Homes and one Domiciliary… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced April 17 it is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments’ to Veterans and survivors who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Health TALLAHASSEE — Today, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) announced the launch of a new community action survey, StrongerThanC-19, designed to aid Florida as the state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19. This cutting-edge tool gives residents the power to unite in… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans continue to receive benefits and services after VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) temporarily closed its 56 regional offices to the public March 19 in response to COVID-19. “The decision to close our offices to the general public, is part of the VA’s effort… READ MORE »
~ Bill allows veterans to utilize GI Bill benefits for online education without economic impact ~ TALLAHASSEE – Today, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess and Florida College System Presidents applauded President Donald Trump and Congress… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Roy Clark has been named Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by FDVA Director Danny Burgess. The agency operates a network of seven state veterans’ homes and provides statewide outreach to connect Florida’s 1.5 million veterans and their earned services, benefits… READ MORE »
FORT MYERS, Fla, – Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess participated in events to recognize and honor Florida veterans on Veterans Day. “Florida is home to more than 1.5 million veterans, and it is our duty to ensure those who have served our… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has completed the regional assessment phase of the Forward March veterans’ advocacy campaign. The initiative was announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year and aimed to unite the combined energy and resources of Florida’s state agencies, veteran service organizations, private… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the state’s annual Spirit of ’45 Day Proclamation, commemorating the 74th anniversary of the end of World War II. There are currently more than 49,000 World War II veterans living in Florida. … READ MORE »
ORLANDO – Tuskegee Airmen Inc. are meeting Aug. 8-10 in Orlando for their 48th National Convention. Welcome to the Sunshine State and enjoy your stay.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation designating Aug. 7, 2019, as Florida Purple Heart Day. We salute all Purple Heart recipients for their courage and sacrifice. … READ MORE »
FDVA salutes Barbara Klein, a health care professional at the Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte. Klein was named the Florida Health Care Association’s 2019 Long Term Care Rising Star in Nursing Award winner. … READ MORE »
PENSACOLA – The sixth annual Women Veterans’ Conference will be held June 10-11 at the University of West Florida Conference Center. All women who have served or are serving are invited to attend. To register for this event: 2019floridawomenveteranconference2.eventbrite.com … READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess provided the following statement in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State Address today. “Florida is a national champion in supporting our more than 1.5 million veterans. We offer unique benefits such as in-state tuition rates for veterans and their families… 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 – 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 — 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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »