|
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Forward March Veterans’ Newsletter. We appreciate the more than 63,000 subscribers who look to us for the latest news impacting our State’s 1.4 million Veterans, their families and survivors. Serving as the premier point of entry for Florida Veterans, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates a network of nine State Veterans’ Homes and provides statewide outreach to connect our Veterans with their earned services, benefits and support.
Saturday is Vietnam War Veterans Day in Florida. Various observances are taking place this week throughout our State to honor Florida’s 423,000 Vietnam Veterans and I thank Governor DeSantis for his proclamation to commemorate the day. The governor and I welcome you home and honor your selfless service to our Nation. We also remember those who never returned home.
We also observed Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Florida on March 27. In addition to their combat exploits during World War II, many of these distinguished aviators trained in Florida.
The 2025 Florida Legislative Session is underway, and we are actively working to advocate on your behalf with our legislators and their staff members. You can find the status of proposed Veteran-related legislation in the current session by visiting our website at https://floridavets.org and clicking on “Veteran Legislation.” We update the list each Friday.
If you’re in Tallahassee on April 2, please visit us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Capitol’s second floor rotunda for Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the Capitol. Hosted by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the annual event brings together more than 20 Veteran Service Organizations to salute Florida’s Veterans and connect transitioning servicemembers, Veterans, and their families with earned benefits, services and support at no cost.
If you seek no-cost advice or counseling regarding Veterans’ issues, please contact one of our State Veterans’ Service Officer at (727) 319-7440 or via email at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV. Our team of Hope Navigators is also hard at work connecting Veterans and their families with information and resources to improve their quality of life. You’ll see in this issue they reached an important milestone this month in helping Veterans and their families. Contact one of our Hope Navigators today at HopeNavigators@fdva.fl.gov or call (833) GET-HOPE.
You can also learn more about Veterans’ issues in Florida by following us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and LinkedIn. A free Mobile App is also available by visiting https://app.floridavets.org.
Thank you for making Florida the most Veteran-friendly, appreciated, and sought after State in the Nation. Please share this newsletter with others. We are honored to serve you.
|
|
|
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs announces its Hope Florida: A Pathway for Patriots initiative has served more than 1,000 Florida Veterans and their families since the program was established in the state agency in late 2023.
The innovative program created by First Lady Casey DeSantis leverages Hope Navigators to guide Floridians through personalized paths to prosperity and economic self-sufficiency. By fostering collaboration between private sector, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and government entities, the initiative breaks down traditional community barriers to maximize support and uncover opportunities.
|
 |
|
Army Veteran William Gee and his wife, Renee, pause in the lobby of the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie as they celebrate a milestone as the first couple to reside together in a Florida State Veterans’ Home. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 725 into law on June 24, 2024, which expands the eligibility for admissions to a Veterans’ long-term care facility to include spouses or surviving spouses of qualifying Veterans. |
 Mike Kolejka, Senior Living Partner for Orcutt | Winslow, discusses details of the proposed Collier County State Veterans’ Nursing Home with FDVA Executive Director James S. Hartsell on March 3 at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs midwinter conference in Crystal City, Va.
 The Mainland High School gymnasium in Daytona Beach became home to a Veterans dental clinic on March 20, as part of the Florida Mission of Mercy. The Florida Mission of Mercy event is sponsored by the Florida Dental Association Foundation and, in conjunction with the Florida Veterans Foundation, is held with the premise of providing relief from pain and infection of untreated dental diseases at no cost.
 Retired Army Col. and FDVA Chief of Staff Al Carter (lower right) attends the 4th Annual Manasota Military, Veterans and First Responders Ball in Bradenton, March 22, where he recognized attending Veterans for their selfless service. Colonel Carter honored special guest retired Staff Sgt. Jose Pequeño for his incredible sacrifice and service with the Florida Veterans Foundation Service Medal.
 |
|
FDVA Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos greets Veterans at the Pensacola VA Joint Ambulatory Care Clinic on Feb. 22, as part of the clinic’s outreach event to former service members. More than 750 attendees, including two World War II Veterans and a Medal of Honor recipient, received updates on VA programs and services. |
 |
|
FDVA State Veterans' Service Officer Sheldon Mills connects Veterans with earned services and benefits at the Nassau County Military and Veterans Resource Fair at the American Legion in Fernandina Beach, March 15. To contact a State Veterans’ Service Officer, call (727) 319-7440 or send an email to FDVA.VSO@FDVA/FL.GOV.
|
|
|
 Veterans Florida Director Joe Marino, right, shared information on supporting Florida Veterans with more than 1,000 visitors at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg from Feb. 27 to March 1. Veteran Layla Collins of Tampa was honored as part of the race's Salute to Service. She was joined by her family including her husband, Veterans Florida Board Member and State Senator Jay Collins.
|
|
 FDVA Chief of Staff Al Carter, in the red shirt, participates in a Veteran Disability Podcast on Tampa’s WTBV 101.5 The VIBE, March 9. The podcast focused on Veterans’ issues with submitting claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
 Senior leaders from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs participate in the 10th Annual Volunteer Florida Suits for Session in Tallahassee, March 26. Suits for Session engages legislators and staff, state agency employees and other local professionals to collect business attire that will help prepare Florida job-seekers in need. Since the project’s inception, Volunteer Florida and its partners have donated and distributed tens of thousands of pieces of professional attire across the Sunshine State.
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) urges all Floridians to be proactive in preparing for and staying informed on what potential hazards may impact their area in the event of a storm.
“As we count down to the start of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, I strongly encourage all Floridians to take the necessary steps to prepare now,” said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Be proactive by stocking up on crucial emergency supplies, securing your home, and going over your family’s disaster plan. Preparedness saves lives and protects property, so don’t wait—use these next 100 days to get ready for the season ahead.”
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the historical peak of the season beginning in September.
For more information on how to prepare for the approaching 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and follow FDEM on Facebook, Instagram and X for weather updates and preparedness tips.
 FDVA Emergency Coordinating Officer Steve Murray, center, reviews a table of disaster preparedness literature during Emergency Management Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee, March 11. FDVA uses social media to communicate with Florida Veterans and their families during each hurricane season.
 The 2025 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available for shipping. Order your individual or bulk copies today! For details, visit: https://floridavets.org/resources/va-benefits-guide/
|
|
Serving our nation’s heroes in one of Florida’s nine state veterans’ homes can be very rewarding. Click on the graphic above to visit specific position openings in health care or support services or visit bit.ly/48g5lLy. |
|
|
|
|
