Governor Rick Scott has signed the State of Florida 2016 POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. Friday, September 16 is POW/MIA Recognition Day.
September 15, 2016
2016 POW MIA Recognition Day… 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 »
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 »