May Edition of the Forward March Veterans' Newsletter

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs sent this bulletin at 05/31/2023 01:58 PM EDT

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www.FloridaVets.org

May 2023

Welcome to the May edition of the Forward March Veterans’ Newsletter. ‎We ‎‎appreciate you and the more than 49,000 subscribers who look to us for the latest news ‎impacting our State’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors.‎

Our lead story in this issue is good news for Florida’s greater Veteran community. Following the May 5 conclusion of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law last Friday eight military and Veteran-related bills. Most become effective July 1. I’m very appreciative of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their steadfast support of our Nation’s heroes. I’m also grateful for the partnership with Florida’s Veteran Service Organizations for encouraging and advocating for our budget and key legislation to enhance the lives of our Veterans, their family members and survivors. You have made a difference.

Many of you were actively involved in commemorating Memorial Day. I had the honor of presenting a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. It was a great honor to represent you and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs in presenting honors to our fallen warriors. May we never forget those who fell in defense of our freedoms, and always remember our Gold Star Family members both in Florida and around the Nation.

If you need advice or counsel regarding earned services, benefits and support, ‎please ‎‎contact one of our Veterans’ Claims Examiners ‎at (727) ‎‎‎319-‎‎7440 or via their new e-mail address at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV. ‎All services are provided at no charge. ‎

We encourage you to learn more about your earned services, benefits and support by visiting us at www.FloridaVets.org and on our many social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. You may also download our new Mobile App by visiting https://floridavets.org/download-the-fdva-app/

If you need a copy of the 2023 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide, please visit https://floridavets.org/resources/va-benefits-guide/ for options on obtaining a copy.

Working together to ensure a positive future for Florida Veterans and their families, we’ll ensure the Sunshine State continues to be the Nation’s premier State for Veterans, their families and survivors. We are honored to serve you.

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislative Package to Support Florida Veterans and Families

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Ron DeSantis signed eight bills to support Florida’s military members, Veterans and their families. Florida is the most military friendly state in the Nation and is home to nearly 1.5 million Veterans, the third largest Veteran population in the country. Bills signed by the Governor will support Veteran education and training opportunities, expand Veteran benefits, and strengthen long-term care for Florida’s Veterans and their families. To view the bills signed into legislation, click here.

FDVA Executive Director James S. "Hammer" Hartsell, in his role as President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), presents a wreath on behalf of the association at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day 2023.

Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Honor Veterans on Memorial Day

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted over 400 Veterans and their families at the Governor’s Mansion to honor the Memorial Day holiday. Florida is home to nearly 1.5 million Veterans, the third largest Veteran population in the country, and 20 military installations. The Governor also gave remarks at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Ceremony and met with Veterans from across the state. To watch his full remarks, click here.

FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell was part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new VA Clinic in Zephyrhills, May 6. Numerous services provided to Veterans at the new facility include audiology, physical therapy, podiatry, a pharmacy, women’s health, telehealth and others. The symbolic ribbon-cutting took place at the 14,000-square-foot facility at 37827 Eiland Blvd.

Agriculture Commissioner Opens Facility to Provide Recreation for Wounded Veterans

EBRO, Fla. - Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson opened a new Operation Outdoor Freedom facility on April 26. It is solely dedicated to offering wounded Veterans recreational opportunities free of charge. This new facility, located at Pine Log State Forest in Washington County, consists of 620 acres and a fully ADA-complaint building that can house and feed 12 Veterans during outdoor events. To read more, click here.

Veterans Florida Hosting Expo 2023

TAMPA, Fla. - Veterans Florida, a non-profit organization created by the State of Florida to help military members transition to civilian life, is hosting the 2023 Veterans Florida Expo, June 9-10 in Tampa. The two-day event for Veterans and separating servicemembers who are seeking rewarding careers is located at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, 2225 North Lois Ave. To register, click here http://veteransfloridaexpo.org.

If you served in the Vietnam, Gulf War, or Post-9/11 eras, you may be eligible for expanded VA benefits under a new law, known as The PACT Act. Visit http://va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MY-VA-411 to learn more. For assistance, you may contact one of our Florida-based Veterans' Claims Examiners at (727) 319-7440 or via email at FDVA.VSO@fdva.fl.gov.