Welcome to the June edition of the Forward March Veterans' Newsletter
As the impact of COVID-19 continues to decline, we’ve seen our outreach activities and opportunities increase. The majority of our veterans’ claims examiners have returned to serving Veterans in VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics throughout our state. You may also connect with them by calling (727) 319-7440 or by sending them an email at VSO@fdva.state.fl.us. Please check us out.
Friday is Korean War Remembrance Day, commemorating the 71st Anniversary of the start of the Korean War. More than 105,000 of our Veterans in Florida served during this period. To them and the 157 Floridians who remain unaccounted for in that war, we thank you for your selfless service.
On behalf of the men and women of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we appreciate you being one of our subscribers. Please share with a friend.
|
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 by Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access earned services, benefits and support. The agency’s budget resulting from the recently concluded 2021 Florida Legislative Session continues its legacy of excellence.
“I’m very proud of Governor DeSantis and the State Legislature in championing our agency and the 1.5 million veterans of our state,” said retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Working together and building on our previous veteran-directed successes, we’ll ensure Florida continues to be the most sought-after state by veterans in the nation.”
To read more on the Legislative Accomplishments, click here:https://bit.ly/35ztQnh
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis recently 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.
“We appreciate Governor DeSantis for signing these important veteran-related bills, which will create additional employment and advancement opportunities as our servicemembers transition from their uniforms into civilian attire,” said retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Working together to ensure a positive future for Florida veterans and their families, we’ll ensure Florida continues to be the most sought-after state by veterans in the nation.”
To read more, click here: https://bit.ly/3pXuiFn
ORLANDO, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis, a Navy Veteran, addressed a standing room only crowd June 19 at the VFW Department of Florida Annual Convention in Orlando. Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis 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. Click on the graphic above to view the proclamation.
TALLAHASSEE - FDVA Executive Director James S. "Hammer" Hartsell addressed delegates from the 2021 Florida American Legion Boys State in Tallahassee on June 23. The retired Marine Corps Major General presented challenge coins to student leaders and encouraged the civic-minded delegates to consider the military as an option for civic involvement.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida welcomed VA Secretary Denis McDonough on June 18 as he visited the Orlando VA Medical Center. Greeting the new VA Secretary was FDVA Executive Director James S. "Hammer" Hartsell. The two exchanged coins and pledged greater ties between agencies.
TAMPA, Fla. - Retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, was honored June 10 by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the start of Game 4. The Bolts won the playoff game 6-4.
ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. - Family and friends were on hand June 9 as Army Reserve Captain Danny Burgess was promoted to the rank of Major. Administering the oath to Major Burgess, a state senator and former executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, was retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, who currently serves as FDVA executive director.
LARGO, Fla. – Eleven county veteran service officers and veterans’ claims examiners from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs pose for a group picture following their graduation ceremony, June 7. The department trains and accredits annually all county veteran service officers and FDVA Veterans' Claims Examiners. Their role is to connect veterans with earned services, benefits and support at no charge. Joining them in celebration is Retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, FDVA’s Executive Director.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla – The new St. Augustine Veterans Affairs Clinic of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System opened June 22 and was renamed the Leo C. Chase, Jr. VA Clinic. Army Pfc. Leo C. Chase, Jr. was the first man from St. Johns County to be killed during the Vietnam War. The new VA facility is located at 100 Deerfield Preserve Blvd.
|
Veterans' Claims Examiners from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continue to connect veterans and their families with earned benefits, services and support. Call these credentialed wartime veterans at (727) 319-7440 and they'll return your call or email them at VSO@fdva.state.fl.us. There are no fees associated with these services.
|