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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 also approved the appointment.
“We appreciate you and thank you for your service to our country,” said Governor DeSantis in offering his congratulations.
FDVA is a 1,500-member constitutionally chartered State Veterans’ Affairs department with a $160 million annual budget responsible for serving the nation’s third largest veteran population. Operating as the premier point of entry for Florida’s 1.5 million veterans, FDVA operates a network of seven state veterans’ homes and provides outreach to connect veterans with their earned services, benefits and support. Two additional state veterans’ homes will open in the second half of 2021.
“There is no higher calling than veterans serving veterans. I’m very honored to receive this appointment and thank Governor DeSantis and the Cabinet for their faith in me,” said General Hartsell. “Working together and building on our previous successes, we’ll ensure Florida continues to be the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
The general served with honor for 37 years of active and reserve duty, beginning as an enlisted Marine in 1981 and completing a distinguished and highly decorated military career as a Major General.
His 22-year civilian career in the Healthcare Industry included serving in Marketing, Product Management, U.S. and Global Business Development, Hospital Administration and Healthcare Leadership. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, he moved back to his home state of Florida and joined the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, where he stood up the Future Operations Division.
Appointed as deputy executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs in April 2019, he had been performing the duties of Agency Head since June 2020.
 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 Gold Star Families and display the Honor and Remember Flag to embody the respect and gratitude our state has for these families. Memorial Day is Monday, May 31. Click on the graphic above to view the proclamation.
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding COVID-19 vaccinations for some 12- to 17-year-olds as part of the SAVE LIVES Act.
It will be available to Veteran caregivers and those who qualify as beneficiaries under VA’s Civilian Health and Medical Program. The expansion is in line with recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration. Previously, VA was only vaccinating adults age 18 and older.
Veterans can contact their local VA medical facility for more information or sign up their adolescent to receive a vaccine by visiting the COVID-19 webpage.
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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.
The effort is in support of the president’s goal of administering at least one vaccine shot to 70% of the U.S. adult population by July 4. The urgency to vaccinate as many eligible individuals as quickly as possible remains a top priority for VA.
VA vaccination clinics are not open 24 hours. Face Masks are mandatory for all and physical distancing measures will be in place.
The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) is hosting several public virtual listening sessions the second week of June to hear from Veterans on how to design a health care system of the future and grow services for Veterans in a way that reinforces VA’s role as a leader in the U.S. health care system. For more information and to register, please click here https://bit.ly/3yAwI0l
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The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) will host a Virtual Veterans town hall meeting on June 4 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. During the town hall, NF/SGVHS leaders will provide updates on VA operations and improvement initiatives regarding VA health care.
To join the virtual Veterans town hall, access Webex by clicking here.
To join the virtual Veterans town hall by phone dial: 1-404-397-1596, then enter the access code: 199 849 6452 followed by the # key.
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