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TALLAHASSEE, FLA.  – The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Veterans Dental Program  in 2026, thanks to renewed funding from the Florida Legislature and approval by Governor Ron Desantis. This crucial initiative expands access to vital dental care services for eligible veterans across the state.  Under this program, the FVF will continue to manage a comprehensive network of selected 501(c)(3) organizations to deliver a full range of dental services to qualified veterans. The program emphasizes the importance of oral health and seeks to address the gap in dental care services for veterans not fully covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  "We are honored to continue this initiative, which directly impacts the lives of many veterans across Florida. Our goal remains to ensure that every eligible veteran has access to the dental care they need, improving their quality of life and overall health," says Dr. Pia S. Woodley, DBA, Chair, Florida Veterans Foundation.    Key features of the Veterans Dental Program for 2026 include:   Eligibility and Enrollment:  The program is open to Florida residents who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and meet specific criteria, including income level and service status.   Must have been issued a DD-214, NGB 22, or Certificate of Discharge.  Eligible veterans must reside in Florida.  Must be at 300% Poverty Level or below as defined by the federal government at the time of their application.  Must be less than 100% service-connected disabled.  Veterans must not have a direct service-connected injury impacting their oral health.  Statewide Dental Network:  FVF will continue partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations across Florida to ensure services are accessible to veterans in all regions.  Comprehensive Care:  Services will include routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and other necessary dental procedures.  Outreach and Education:  FVF will continue working closely with veteran service organizations and community partners to promote the program and educate veterans about their eligibility.    Opportunities for Statewide Veteran-Centric Organizations:   Statewide veteran-centric organizations interested in participating in the program can learn more and apply online at helpflvets.org/dentalprogram . Organizations applying to be a Grantee will be required to:  Submit their application to the Florida Veterans Foundation (“FVF”) according to the online instructions.  Demonstrate that they can facilitate dental care services in accordance with the rules within the Statement of Work.    Grantee Workplan Requirements:   Administering the Program:  The Veterans Dental Grant Program Grantees will be required to use awarded grant funds according to the requirements set forth by the FVF by:  Ensuring verification of a veteran's status by reviewing their DD-214, NGB 22, or Military Discharge documents or applicable U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs forms.  Utilizing awarded funds based on the requirements of the FVF-provided contract.  Tracking the dental services provided to veterans by:   Reporting the number of veterans served and other demographics.  Tracking Program expenses.  Maintain accountability of services  for Quality Assurance.  Ensure the protection of veteran information and maintain HIPAA compliance to protect PHI.  For more information, please contact us at fvf@fdva.fl.gov .  The Florida Veterans Foundation is dedicated to providing essential services and support to veterans throughout Florida. Through programs like the Veterans Dental Program, the FVF aims to improve the quality of life for those who have served our nation.

May 16, 2025 – The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) is proud to announce a major milestone in its mission to serve those who served us. FVF has awarded its first-ever grant under the Veterans Dental Program  to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) —marking a significant step forward in providing vital dental care to Florida’s veterans. As the driving force behind this initiative, FVF is leading the charge to address one of the most overlooked healthcare gaps among veterans: dental care. With many veterans not qualifying for VA dental benefits, this new program is set to change lives by offering essential services that restore health, dignity, and quality of life. Through the support of FVF, WVRF will begin offering dental services to qualified veterans in their coverage area. Veterans can now visit www.helpflvets.org/dentalservicelocator  to access an interactive map  that connects them with local participating dental providers. Simply click on your county’s name to view provider contact information and follow the dedicated link to begin the application process for care. To stay informed on program updates, eligibility information, and future announcements, follow FVF online at www.helpflvets.org  and on social media platforms including Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and X . To access all our accounts in one place, visit our LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/helpflvets . About Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF): Established in 2008 by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Veterans Foundation is the state’s leading organization advocating for veterans and their families. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Direct Support Organization of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, FVF is dedicated to serving those who served through programs, services, and strategic partnerships that meet veterans’ evolving needs. About Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF): Founded in 2009, WVRF is a Florida-based, veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free, life-changing dental care and urgent financial assistance to wounded and disabled veterans. Through a network of over 300 dental professionals, WVRF offers services that help veterans regain their health and stability during difficult times. Together, FVF and WVRF  are taking bold action to improve the lives of Florida’s veterans— one smile at a time . Thank you to the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for making this possible.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) will host a press conference on Thursday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Florida Capitol, 4th Floor House side . Senator Danny Burgess will be joined by officials from the Florida Veterans Foundation and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, along with local Veteran service organization leaders, to launch the statewide Veterans Dental Program which will expand access to vital dental care services for eligible Veterans across Florida. Under the program, FVF’s comprehensive network of selected 501c3 nonprofit organizations will deliver no-cost services to qualifying Veterans, including routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and other necessary dental procedures.     WHAT:   Press Conference on Florida Veterans Dental Program  WHO:   Senator Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills              Major General James S. Hartsell (Ret), Executive Director, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs              Dr. Pia Woodley, United States Navy (Ret), Chair, Florida Veterans Foundation             Dr. Zack Kalarickal, United States Navy Veteran, Stars, Stripes and Smiles             Paul Kimbel, United States Army Veteran, Florida Veterans Foundation Lead Dental Analyst   WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 2025-10:00 a.m.  WHERE:   4th Floor – House Side, Florida Capitol      ABOUT THE FLORIDA VETERANS FOUNDATION The Florida Veterans Foundation is dedicated to providing essential services and support to Veterans throughout Florida. Through programs like the Veterans Dental Program, the FVF aims to improve the quality of life for those who have served our nation. Learn more at www.helpflvets.org .

To serve, support, and advocate for Florida veterans to improve their quality of Life! The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their physical, financial, mental, emotional, and social well-being. About Florida Veterans Foundatio n Misson Statement To serve, support, and advocate for Florida veterans to improve their quality of Life! The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their physical, financial, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Supports the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs’ mission of advocacy; and, advocates for Florida veterans through local and statewide outreach to educate the public and governmental entities, increasing awareness on veteran-related issues. CODE OF ETHICS TEAMWORK The Florida Veterans Foundation team is one of the hardest working veteran advocate teams in the state of Florida. We are composed of a volunteer Chairman and Board of Directors. The majority of the Foundation Directors are retired, military disabled veterans who donate over 40 hours per week of their time to assist and help guide Florida’s veterans through a myriad of issues veterans face today. Whether it’s access to healthcare, education, jobs, VA benefits or the like, our Directors are here to help. Several Directors are trained Veteran Service Officers who know the extent, the meaning and the application of laws that have been passed by Congress in the interests of veterans and their dependents. Our Directors know the rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to clarify and implement those laws. Chief Operating Officer – Raymond Miller USMC Veteran Latest News Public Service Announcement: Florida Veterans Foundation Launches Dental Program with First Grant Award to Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Dental Grant Program Public Service Announcement April 17th, 2025: Florida Veterans Foundation to Launch Statewide Veterans Dental Program to Address Gap in Veterans’ Dental Services FINANCIALS The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing emergency and support services and programs for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida. VIEW REPORTS FLORIDA VETERANS FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Email: fvf@fdva.fl.gov Phone: 850-782-4305

State Representative Christopher Benjamin was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. As a young teenager, Representative Benjamin began his working experience as a door-to-door salesman for the Miami Herald. Representative Christopher Benjamin United States Army Reserve D-Miami Gardens State Representative Christopher Benjamin was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. As a young teenager, Representative Benjamin began his working experience as a door-to-door salesman for the Miami Herald. In 1991, as a Senior in high school, he watched the Desert Storm War unfold and made the decision to join the United States Army. He served honorably as an enlisted soldier for three years. His service included, being selected for his command’s Soldier of the Month while a Private First Class. He returned home and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Florida Memorial University in 1998 and a Juris Doctor from the St. Thomas University School of Law in 2001. After graduating from law school, Representative Benjamin worked as an attorney in the Case Management Division (Family Division) of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County. In 2002, he opened his law practice, now known as the Barrister Firm where he has provided affordable legal services to clients in the areas of Business Formation, Business Litigation, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Child Support, Criminal Defense, Commercial Litigation, Consumer Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Law, Guardianship, Probate, Real Estate and Real Estate Closings w/Title Insurance (Residential and Commercial). In 2007, Representative Benjamin obtained his first certifications in Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation and Arbitration) and for over a decade he has actively practiced with the prestigious mediation firm of Salmon and Dulberg and has also been an independent contractor with the 17th Judicial Circuit of Broward County and the FL Department of Financial Services. In 2011, he was appointed as a Traffic Hearing Officer with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Miami-Dade County; he as also been appointed Special Magistrate for municipalities throughout South Florida. In his community, Benjamin has served on several committees and boards such as: Florida’s Local Advocacy Council, Miami Garden’s Nuisance Abatement Board, Miami-Dade County’s Citizen’s Independent Transportation Trust, Parks and Recreation, Small Business/Minority Certification and the Human Rights Commission, Dade Public School’s Small Business/Minority Certifications, Attendance & Boundary Committee and the Save Our Future Advisory Committee. Of his military service, Representative Benjamine states, “The skills and experience I gained during this short time remain with me to this day. It was then that I learned the meaning of service. I have done my best to continue to make my life one of service. << Back to Veteran Legislators

The license plate has reached its required voucher sales, and are now available for purchase at your local DMV. Floridians who purchased presale vouchers for the specialty plate are able to redeem them at their local tax collector office or license plate agency, and those who wish to purchase the new plate are advised to contact their local office prior to visiting to ensure stock is available. Order Your Gadsden Flag License Plate The license plate has reached its required voucher sales, and are now available for purchase at your local DMV. Floridians who purchased presale vouchers for the specialty plate are able to redeem them at their local tax collector office or license plate agency, and those who wish to purchase the new plate are advised to contact their local office prior to visiting to ensure stock is available. Follow the link below to be redirected to The Florida Dept. of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Speciality License Plate portal. CLICK HERE Plate sales go to supporting Veterans in need. The license plate has reached its required voucher sales limit and is now in stock near you. You will receive a letter from FLHSMV with redemption instructions once the license plate ships to tax collector locations. Specialty license plates cost a set fee (annually) above the standard Florida license plate. The fees vary based on the type of license plate. These additional funds go to support the cause for which the specialty license plate was designed. There are no additional fees when paying by eCheck. When paying with debit or credit card, a service fee will apply. An agent will contact you within three business days to complete your purchase . Please be prepared to make payment when our agent contacts you. FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY & MOTOR VEHICLE LOCATIONS