TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating Sept. 26, 2021 as Gold Star Family Day in Florida. Gold Star Family Day grants Floridians the opportunity to show abiding gratitude and keep the memory of deceased service members alive. A Gold Star Family Monument Dedication Ceremony is scheduled… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, reminding Floridians of the state’s pledge to offer support and resources for those who have ensured our nation remains free. Florida encourages Veterans in need to call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838)… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. The observance, commemorated annually on the third Friday in September, is an opportunity to honor and recognize our nation’s service members who are classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. More than 1,100… READ MORE »
You Are Not Alone Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs If you have questions about your service or whether it was worth the sacrifices you made, you are not alone. You may feel frustrated, sad, and helpless, or filled with grief and distressed. If you have questions or… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed three additional Veteran-related bills on June 29 that were sent to him following the 2021 Florida Legislative Session. House Bill 231 – Services for Veterans and Their Families As part of the state’s focus on mental health care and Veteran suicide prevention with the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed June 12, 2021, as Women Veterans Day in Florida. The Sunshine State has the second highest population of women Veterans in the nation. The proclamation salutes and honors Florida’s more than 162,000 women Veterans. In addition, the City of Jacksonville and the Northeast Florida Women… READ MORE »
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed three military- and veteran-related bills into law to establish a “Purple Star Campus Program,” help transitioning servicemembers gain workforce training, and enhance veterans’ preference in hiring. “Florida is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation,” said Governor Ron… READ MORE »
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Budget Highlighting Strong Support for Florida’s 1.5 Million Veterans, Their Families, and Survivors TALLAHASSEE – Thanks to a budget signed into law today by Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2021 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring our nation’s fallen service members. The U.S. and Florida flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day in their memory. The 153rd Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor our… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual 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, with 1.5 million veterans and more than 130,000 service members stationed in the Sunshine State. Armed… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON— All U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and clinics that administer COVID-19 vaccines are accepting walk-ins for eligible Veterans, spouses and caregivers. This walk-in service ensures all Veterans enrolled in VA health care and those authorized under the SAVE LIVES Act… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – The Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Young-jun Kim, donated 10 boxes of protective masks to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs during a televised ceremony at the Capitol, April 22. The masks will be used in Florida’s network of state veterans’ homes. During the visit, Consul… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — In recognition of April as Military Saves Month, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Florida’s active military members and veterans to pay off debt and prepare for the future by creating an achievable savings plan. Military Saves Month is a month-long national effort to encourage the military… 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 2021 is open until May 30, 2021. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Leads budget provides critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans, their families and survivors. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said: “I’m very proud of Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast support of FDVA, ensuring Florida remains the most… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, issued the following statements supporting Senate Bill 586 by Senator Tom Wright. SB 586 creates a statewide awareness and employment program… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and officials from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are pointing to a string of policies and initiatives that were providing critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans in 2020. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said:… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Dec. 16, the formal launch of 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), a single access point to all VA contact centers. The number is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to serve Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Responding to Veteran feedback on the challenges of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2020 marks the 76th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2020 marks the 79th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, has received a three-year, $745,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in partnership with the University… READ MORE »
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it published an interim final rule affirming VA’s current policy allowing VA health care professionals to practice across state lines in accordance with the scope and requirements of their VA employment,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2020 is Veterans Day. … READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an official proclamation to recognize the launch of Florida’s annual Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs, taking place virtually and statewide through Nov. 21, 2020. Coordinated by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the CareerSource Florida network, Paychecks for Patriots career fairs connect veterans and… READ MORE »
Opinion Amendment 6 helps fulfill the promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” Florida is home to 1.5 million veterans, making it the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. We offer veterans access to important programs and seek out… READ MORE »
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a VA Benefits Tele-Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the third VBA tele-town hall meeting for Florida veterans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul Lawrence, VA Under Secretary for Benefits, will… READ MORE »
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 »