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Our Mission
To advocate with purpose and passion for Florida veterans and link them to superior services, benefits and support.
From Executive Director Danny Burgess:
Welcome to the Memorial Day edition of the Forward March Veterans' Newsletter.
Although we may not be able to come together to honor and remember those we lost in service to our great nation this Memorial Day, there are many ways we can reflect on the selfless sacrifice of our fallen heroes. A gesture as simple as flying a flag in your front yard symbolizes our shared love for our servicemembers and Gold Star families. If you have little children like me, take a moment to talk to them about the significance of selfless service.
Florida is proudly home to 1.5 million of our nation's veterans. But did you know that nearly that amount has died in defense of our freedom in our short two hundred and forty-four year existence? Think about that. We owe everything to those who never made it home.
May has also been a month to honor our health care professionals. Those on the front lines need to know we stand with them and appreciate all that they are doing.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest information on how we’re preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please share with your friends and family.
Visit:
www.FloridaVets.org
Twitter @FLVetsAffairs
Facebook
LinkedIn
Forward March!
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess have released a video message in honor of Memorial Day 2020. https://youtu.be/78X9T4O-sVs
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 Families, who themselves, embody selfless service and sacrifice.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 25.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced May 7 a three-phase plan for resuming normal operations at its medical centers, benefit offices and national cemeteries in a post-COVID-19 setting. Click here to read more. https://www.floridavets.org/va-releases-three-phase-plan-for-post-covid-19-operations-that-maximizes-veterans-safety/.
The Florida Veterans Foundation announced May 18 its partnership with Uber to create the ‘Veterans Ride Program’ for Florida veterans who may have limited transportation options when trying to keep medical appointments as a result of COVID-19. The program will be overseen by the Foundation, who has partnered with the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network. Click here to read more. www.VeteransRideFree.com
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched 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. Click here to read more. https://www.floridavets.org/va-releases-new-covid-coach-mobile-app/
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FNC Ceremony Goes Virtual
FDVA Deputy Executive Director and Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. "Hammer " Hartsell will deliver a Memorial Day keynote address, streamed live on Florida National Cemetery's Facebook Page, beginning Monday at 11 a.m.
https://bit.ly/2Xh5EBz
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Domiciliary Hits 30-Year Milestone
Congratulations to the residents and staff at the Robert Jenkins Jr. Veterans' Domiciliary Home in Lake City on the occasion of the home's 30th anniversary.
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Veterans' Benefits Guide Available
The 2020 edition Is now available online at http://FloridaVets.org. It highlights earned benefits and services for Florida veterans and their families.
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FDVA Sponsors National Memorial Day Concert on PBS
The 2020 National Memorial Day Concert will air live on Sunday, May 24, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The 90-minute concert, hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, will air live on all nine PBS markets in the state of Florida, and pay tribute to the men and women who are doing so much for all of us in the current fight against COVID-19, and continue, for the 31st year, to honor and remember our troops, veterans, wounded warriors, all those who have given their lives for freedom, and their families. The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is a proud sponsor of this event.
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Construction Continues on Treasure Coast Veterans' Home
Final construction continues on the interior and grounds of the 120-bed Ardie R. Copas State Veterans' Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie. A summer 2020 opening is scheduled. A list of health care and administrative vacancies will be listed on People First, Florida's online hiring portal. To view available positions, visit https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/peoplefirst.
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Veterans Florida Virtual Expo
Careers, Entrepreneurship and Resources - The 2020 Veterans Florida Expo brings you everything that makes Florida the No. 1 state for veterans and their families. For more information and register, visit https://veteransfloridaexpo.org/.
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Connecting veterans with earned benefits, services and support is the top priority of Florida's teleworking veterans' claims examiners. For assistance on any veteran-related issue, call (727) 319-7440 and they'll return your call within 24 hours. You may also email them at VSO@fdva.state.fl.us.
Many veteran-related events scheduled for the months of May and June have been cancelled or postponed. Consult your local news for specific closures and announcements.
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