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TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights Florida’s commitment to serving Florida's 1.5 million Veterans through state programs and initiatives that provide resources and opportunities for Veterans and their families. Governor DeSantis set a goal for Florida to be the most military and Veteran friendly state in the nation and Florida continues to set the standard for the rest of the nation in supporting those who have sacrificed to preserve our freedom.
“Florida is the State of choice for our Nation’s Veterans and their families, thanks to the powerful advocacy and heartfelt support of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis,” said retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “As a Navy Veteran, Governor DeSantis leads our effort to ensure Florida is a national leader in honoring and supporting our Veterans. Florida offers unique benefits such as no-cost benefits and disability claims counseling, in-state tuition rates for those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a range of property tax exemptions, expanded Veterans’ Preference for employment, and extensive licensure and fee waivers for many activities and occupations. Working together toward a positive future for Florida Veterans and their families, Florida continues to be the most Veteran friendly and sought after State in the Nation.”
To read more, click here.
TAMPA, Fla. — Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a roundtable highlighting Governor DeSantis’ ongoing investments to support military service members and Veterans in Florida, Oct. 20. Through her initiative ‘LG on Mission,’ the Lt. Governor will meet with Veterans in every corner of the state and discuss how the administration can continue to put their needs at the forefront. To read more, click here.
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced a new partnership with the Department of Defense to increase access to world-class surgical care for approximately 37,000 Gulf Coast-area Veterans. Under the new agreement, these Veterans will now be able to receive same-day, outpatient surgical care at a new VA clinic in Naval Hospital Pensacola — a local DoD hospital.
Ensuring that Veterans have timely access to world-class health care is a top priority for VA. The partnership allows Veterans in the Gulf Coast region to receive ambulatory surgical care from VA clinicians, who will be stationed at the new VA clinic in Naval Hospital Pensacola. Previously, local Veterans traveled to Biloxi VA Medical Center in Mississippi for these surgical procedures — or received their care from community providers. Local Veterans will not have to change their normal processes to access this care; instead, VA will simply schedule their surgical procedures at the new clinic as appropriate. To read more, click here.
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 Nearly 75 Veterans from Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties received free dental care during the annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event at Pasco-Hernando State College, Nov. 3. The event, sponsored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis and the Pasco County Dental Association, is designed to provide comprehensive, pro bono dental services to Veterans who are otherwise ineligible for urgent care from the VA. (Right) FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell and State Sen. Jay Collins thank Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal of the West Pasco Dental Association for giving of his time and expertise.
The Tallahassee Chapter of the Air and Space Force Association unveiled an Air Force Memorial at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Nov. 2. The chapter tapped Master Craftsman Studio, an auxiliary unit of Florida State University Facilities, to design and build the monument, which aims to honor the service and sacrifice of current and former U.S. Air Force members. Standing eight feet tall and four feet wide, the memorial’s four sides each convey a unique sentiment.
Bay Pines VA Healthcare officials, along with community leaders, broke ground Oct. 2 on a new VA clinic in Sebring. The expanded clinic will provide 14,600 square feet of space to serve more than 5,000 Veterans annually. The facility will include accommodations to expand mental health services, a priority for VA nationally, with consult rooms, space for shared group therapy and an area for home-based primary care services. It will be located at the intersection of Fincher Trail and New Life Way, less than one quarter mile from U.S. Highway 27. The grand opening is expected in spring 2025.
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 Twenty Florida Veterans were inducted into the Class of 2023 Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame during ceremonies Nov. 14 at the FSU Alumni Center in Tallahassee. The 20 Veterans made significant civic, business, or public service contributions to the State of Florida. To view the ceremony, click here.
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Nov. 6 that it delivered more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in fiscal year 2023. Many of these accomplishments for Veterans have been made possible by the PACT Act – the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in generations — which was signed into law in August 2022. To read the accomplishments for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors in fiscal year 2023, click here.
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FDVA Veterans’ Claims Examiner Jose Licea greets a World War II Veteran while connecting Veterans and their families with earned services, benefits and support at the Miami VA Caregiver Support Program Resource Fair, Nov 3. Through resource fairs, caregivers and families of Veterans can access information about support, services, and resources targeted to help them and the Veterans in their lives.
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 Veterans’ Claims Examiners from FDVA stand ready to support Florida Veterans and their families. Connect with us today by calling 727-319-7440 or via email at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV.
 Serve our nation’s heroes by joining our team today. With a recent pay raise for all state employees and a new competitive pay structure with sign-on bonuses for our direct care staff, working in one of Florida’s nine state veterans’ homes can be rewarding. Click on the graphic above to visit our position openings or visit https://bit.ly/3AuWCED.
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