Site Search
Search our Veteran news and events, all in one place, with key terms such as location or topic.

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) is pleased to announce the anticipated continuation of its Veterans Dental Program in Fiscal Year 2026–2027, pending the renewal of funding by the Florida Legislature and final 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 FY 2026-2027 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 the designated Poverty Level (Pending) 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. Definition of Veteran According to Chapter 1.01 of the 2023 Florida Statues, “the term ‘veteran’ means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges. The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions. 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. Once the application has been completed you will receive an application packet via email for our Lead Dental Director. Organizations applying to be a Grantee will be required to: Submit their application to the Florida Veterans Foundation (“FVF”) according to the application packet 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. Definition of Veteran According to Chapter 1.01 of the 2023 Florida Statues, “the term ‘veteran’ means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges. The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions. 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.

Tallahassee, FL – April 2, 2026 The Florida Veterans Foundation will officially launch its new statewide initiative, the Heroes to Washington Grant , on April 4 in Tallahassee, marking the first of ten ceremonial presentations supporting Honor Flight hubs across Florida. The initiative provides funding to local Honor Flight programs that enable veterans to travel to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Through this campaign, the Foundation will present a series of $15,000 grants to Honor Flight hubs throughout the state, beginning with the Tallahassee-area hub. Each presentation will recognize the critical role these organizations play in honoring Florida’s veterans. “This initiative is about more than funding, it’s about gratitude,” says Raymond Miller, Chief Operating Officer of the Florida Veterans Foundation. “The Heroes to Washington Grant reflects our commitment to ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to be recognized for their service in a meaningful and lasting way.” The campaign is being launched in partnership with the Honor Flight Network and participating regional hubs across Florida. Each stop in the statewide tour will be documented and shared publicly to highlight veteran stories and community impact. The Heroes to Washington Grant will include ten stops across Florida, with each event featuring a ceremonial presentation, veteran engagement, and opportunities for community awareness and support. Members of the public are encouraged to follow the campaign online and learn more about local Honor Flight programs and how to support veteran participation. Event Details – Tallahassee Launch: Date: April 4, 2026 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Event: Heroes to Washington Grant Kickoff Presentation For more information about the Florida Veterans Foundation, visit: helpflvets.org Media Contact: Brooke Dennison, Director of Outreach & Strategic Initiatives Florida Veterans Foundation brooke.dennison@fdva.fl.gov

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.

Submit a photo of your Veteran family and friends to honor them on our page. In Memory Of . . . Those who have served this great nation . To submit a Veteran to our page, click here. Dennis Maiocchi National Guard Robert Norem USAF Vietnam Veteran Lewis B Wilson Jr. Sergeant, USMC 1942-1945 4th Marine Division, Pacific Islands Buddy White Lee Alfred Jr. U.S. Army Oscar V. Dye USAF George C Brand Jr. National Guard, Company A 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Brigade Lieutenant Colonel E. Conrad Sittler U.S. Army Wayne H. Coloney Tom Chaboudy USMC April 6th, 2023 Harry L. Fake Jr. U.S. Army Vietnam Norman Gail Woods U. S. Navy, Chief Warrant Officer, World War II POW Larry Lattimer Major, USA, USAF (Ret), Vietnam Melbourne Allan Shepard Jr. USN, Vietnam Veteran Donald E. Wright Airman 3rd Class, USAF, Korea Dale Doss U.S. Navy Veteran, Silver Star Recipient Bernard "Bun" O'Connell Sgt, USMC 5th Marine Division, 13th Marines Colonel Harold E. (Hal) Grant Army Air Corps, USAF, WWII & Vietnam Veteran Robert “Bob” Lee Franklin, Sgt 29th Infantry, US Army Thomas Mabry Ervin Ramon Scott Sgt. Ronald Standiford U.S. Army, Co. C, 4th Batt, 31st Infantry. Vietnam, Purple Heart Virginia Woods Department of the Navy Matt Strong USAF Vietnam Vet Nolan L. Bennett U.S. Navy, NATO and Vietnam Passed on 08/27/2023 Myron Duane Kitt, Sr. USMC, Corporal Kitt Transitioned November 2, 2023 in Tampa, FL Memorial Wall George Wilsey, U.S. Army Dr. Harry K. Taylor Ms. Jessie C. Miller, USAF Ryan Elzie O’Leary Lance Corporal, USMC Tom and Christine R eddaway James Eveland John O'Connor Don Gress Misti Kehoe, Kelly Tepper, Kim Kehoe-Brown Jackie Modica Bob Kehoe Jim Camp & Eva Cline William Poe Radioman/Signal Corp, USA Roger Dale McKenzie U.S. Navy Veteran Megan Healy Dade Institute of Technology Jennifer Grier Dick Reddaway James H. Sutphin Rockledge, FL Josephine "Josie" Haynes Jennifer Grier Dick Reddaway Richard E. Tomlin, Jr. Ed Mullinax Mosquito Joe of Tampa Bay Nahlin Yanez George Diggins US Army, 2002-2023, Purple Heart Recipient Ellert A. Dominick US Navy Leyane Salcedo Army, 2-7IN Chandler Jackson Dawson SPC US Army Passed Dec. 29, 2023 Remembering WWII Veteran and Co-Founder of the Florida Veterans Foundation, Major John Haynes Video courtesy of WCTV. Honor A Veteran Your Name (First & Last) Your Veterans Name (First & Last) Email Please include any additional information you would like such as Branch, Date of Passing, etc. Submit Thanks for submitting! Additionally, to submit a photo of your Veteran please email the photo file to fvf@fdva.fl.gov .

The best way to contact us is via our email fvf@fdva.fl.gov. Contact Us First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send Office Location 2601 S. Blairstone Rd C300, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Phone: (850) 782-4305 fvf@fdva.fl.gov

Our Corporate Sponsors Become a sponsor today The Florida Veterans Foundation is proud to partner with mission-aligned businesses whose generous support and commitment assist FVF in providing essential services to Florida's veterans. Learn More Become a Sponsor - John CEO,XYZ company Sponsor since 2026 "XYZCompany loves to support Florida's Veterans by sponsoring FVF." Visionary AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more Visionary Sponsors donate $X annually or provide services of equivalent value Other ways to help FVF appreciates all of its generous corporate, nonprofit, and community supporters across Florida. If you need more time to consider our sponsorship program, FVF also accepts one-time organization donations. Donate