Welcome to the September 2021 edition of the Forward March Veterans’ Newsletter.
Looking back at the month of September, it’s extraordinary the number of key events tied to our Veteran community.
First was the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our nation. None of us will forget where we were when the first tower was struck, and how many of us witnessed through the television the second tower being struck. As a result, many of you reading this today participated in the Global War on Terror. As a nation, we honor your service and are here to help connect you with earned services, benefits and support. Let us hear from you if you’ve never contacted us in the past.
Second, we commemorated POW/MIA Remembrance Day in a number of statewide observances. I had the honor of reading Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proclamation for the annual observance at the dedication ceremony of the POW/MIA Vietnam Veterans’ Bracelet Memorial in Tallahassee and the following day at Jacksonville’s well-attended POW/MIA Remembrance Day observance. Don’t forget the more than 1,100 Floridians still missing since World War II, next time you see the POW/MIA flag flying over our Capitol, rest areas along Interstate Highways, and at Florida’s State Parks.
We also commemorated Gold Star Family Day in Florida on Sept. 26. Gold Star Family Day gave us another opportunity to keep the memory of our deceased service members alive. Never forget our Gold Star Families when you hear the heartwarming stories of their loved ones. A more patriotic group you will never meet. A Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Please help us honor Florida’s Gold Star Families at this public ceremony.
Our expanded outreach to Florida’s more than 160,000 Women Veterans was also on display with the first of four town hall meetings taking place Sept. 23 in Orlando. Three other meetings, which are also available online, are scheduled in October for Jacksonville, Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale. (See this issue for details.)
September was also Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month. My team and I participated in several events scattered throughout the state to extend our knowledge and outreach. We encourage Veterans in need to call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or the National Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1). You can find out more about Florida’s Veteran Suicide Prevention efforts by visiting www.SaveFLVets.org.
In between these observances, FDVA Communications and External Affairs Director Steve Murray and I had the honor of representing Florida at the annual training conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. Senior representatives from 43 states and territories gathered in Reno, Nevada to hear the latest in VA policy, learn from national veterans’ advocates and share best practices. I proudly briefed the delegates on our state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as it related to our network of state veterans’ homes. Frequent testing of residents and staff, proper isolation when warranted and enhanced cleaning protocols have helped stem the tide. Advocating for vaccines for our residents and staff members has also been a big contributor to our successes. At present, there are no residents in any of our seven state veterans’ homes with an active case of COVID-19.
We also managed to pay tribute to our Airmen on Sept. 18 as we observed the 74th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.
As always, if you want to contact us, our Veterans’ Claims Examiners are available at (727) 319-7440 or via e-mail at VSO@fdva.state.fl.us. Our team of accredited counselors, all wartime Veterans, is also working again from most VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics. All services are free to the Veteran.
Thanks for reading. Please share with a friend.
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