TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. Sept. 16, 2022 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Florida commends and affirms that our Nation is not deterred from pursuing missions to account as fully as possible for our service members who are still missing… READ MORE »
Continue the Mission recruits veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers to serve as CPIs, APIs, DCF case managers and mentors TALLAHASSEE — First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted today the success of her Continue the Mission initiative, which launched in June 2022 to recruit veterans, military spouses and former… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to induct 10 Veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2022 were presented for a formal vote during the Aug. 23 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell. The… READ MORE »
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced Aug. 16 three proposals for the 2023 Legislative Session that will help support and grow Florida’s teaching workforce and leverage the talents of Florida’s retired veterans and first responders. The proposals include a recruitment initiative targeted to bring retired first responders and… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Aug. 11 the launch of a new webpage to help recruit qualified military veterans to join schools across the state. On August 17th, the State Board of Education will consider a rule to formally implement a program for veterans to receive a five-year temporary… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Biden signed into law today new legislation that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Known as the PACT Act, the legislation empowers the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide much-needed benefits and care to millions of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation, honoring our state’s Purple Heart recipients. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing August 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — To recognize Military Consumer Protection Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting the plethora of resources available for service members through the Florida Attorney General’s Office. More than 1.5 million veterans, 100,000 service members and their families call Florida home. Unfortunately, there are scammers who focus on members of… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced July 5 the launch of a new Military Consumer Protection page on the FDACS website, joining the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Defense, and the Consumer Financial Protection… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation, commemorating the start of the Korean War in 1950. More than 93,000 Korean War Veterans currently reside in the Sunshine State.… READ MORE »
PENSACOLA, Fla. – First Lady Casey DeSantis announced June 22 the launch of the Continue the Mission initiative, which will recruit veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers to be child protective investigators and Department of Children and Families (DCF) case managers, as well as mentors to children in… READ MORE »
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed six bills June 9 to support veterans, military members, and their families in finding employment and educational opportunities in Florida. These pieces of legislation build on funding provided in the Freedom First Budget signed by Governor DeSantis last week to support… READ MORE »
State Veterans’ Homes Receive Critical Funding to Recruit and Retain Key Health Care Professionals and Expand Access to Eligible Veteran Residents TALLAHASSEE – Thanks to a budget signed into law June 2 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of entry for… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2022 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 154th Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor our… READ MORE »
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today the June 1, 2022 launch of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program to help Floridians in over 50 critical professions purchase their first home. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program will be available to Floridians including law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees,… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Fifteen Florida Veterans were inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame before a capacity crowd at the Florida Capitol on April 27. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell presided over the ceremony for the members of the Class of 2021. The class was the… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is celebrating April as Military Saves Month by 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 community… READ MORE »
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orlando, scheduled to open to residents later in 2022, will be renamed in honor of the late Sgt. First Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient who grew up in nearby Oviedo. The announcement was made… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to induct 15 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2021 were presented for a formal vote during the March 29 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell. The… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. Approximately one in three Florida Veterans served during the Vietnam War era. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released its Asset and Infrastructure Review report, March 14, that includes recommendations by the VA Secretary to cement the department as the primary, world-class provider and coordinator of Veterans health care for generations to come. The VA MISSION Act requires Secretary Denis McDonough to… READ MORE »
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) is accepting nominations for the renaming of the Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home, scheduled to open later in 2022. The 112-bed facility, a former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center on the VA’s Lake Baldwin campus, is… READ MORE »
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Officials with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs are actively preparing for the May 2022 opening of a new state veterans’ home in Port St. Lucie.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are highlighting a number of policies and initiatives that are providing critical support to the state’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors. FDVA is a 1,500-member constitutionally created State Veterans’ Affairs department responsible for serving the nation’s… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2021 marks the 77th 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 – Governor Ron DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget provides timely and vital support to the state’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said: “I’m thankful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast support of FDVA. As a Navy combat… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th 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 »
WASHINGTON — Due to supply chain and staffing shortages, the vendor contracted by the Government Publishing Office to provide printing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing delays in printing and mailing notification letters to Veterans and claimants. The disruption may impact the ability of some claimants to meet… READ MORE »
Each year more than 6,000 U.S. Veterans take their own lives, including more than 500 here in Florida. Veterans are dying by suicide at a rate nearly 1.5 times higher that of their civilian counterparts. This tragedy covers all age groups and demographics. It is time to take a new… 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, 2021 is Veterans Day. … READ MORE »
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 — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation honoring our state’s Purple Heart recipients, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we hold so dear. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing Aug. 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize recipients of… READ MORE »
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – First Lady Casey DeSantis announced July 14 an expanded Hope for Healing website that makes it easier for Floridians to access help for mental health and substance abuse. The new site is an aggregator of federal, state, local, private sector, faith-based and non-profit mental health resources,… 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 »
Cabinet Members Unanimously Approve TALLAHASSEE – Retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by Gov. Ron DeSantis during the May 4, 2021 Cabinet Meeting. Florida’s three Cabinet Officers unanimously approved the appointment. “We appreciate you and thank… 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 »
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities in Florida can now provide COVID-19 vaccines to all Veterans, regardless of discharge, their spouses and adult caregivers at no cost. Check out their websites or give them a call to learn how you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Bay Pines VA Healthcare… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. One out of every three veterans in Florida is a Vietnam-era veteran. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida.… READ MORE »
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to identify veterans of World War II and the Korean War who are unable to travel to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Governor will continue to… 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 »