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Visit our gallery showcasing our 2023 Legislative Reception! Military Legislative Reception 2023 Load More >> Back to Galleries

Like her Grandfather did in 1938, Representative Fiona McFarland graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, where she majored in Political Science, was captain of the crew team, and First Lieutenant of the Brigade of Midshipmen. She was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy and spent eight years on active duty. Representative Fiona McFarland United States Navy Reserve Lieutenant, Drilling Reservist Like her Grandfather did in 1938, Representative Fiona McFarland graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, where she majored in Political Science, was captain of the crew team, and First Lieutenant of the Brigade of Midshipmen. She was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy and spent eight years on active duty. She served as a Surface Warfare Officer, completing tours of duty as an engineering officer on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), as an inaugural crewmember on Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), as well as in the Navy Office of Information in the Pentagon. While on active duty, she also completed her Master of Business Administration from the University of Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler business school in 2013. In 2016, Fiona transitioned to the US Navy Reserves and married a Naval Academy classmate and native Floridian, Matthew Melton. In the Reserves, she participated in multinational antisubmarine warfare exercises above the Arctic circle with the US European Command and the US Africa Command to promote cooperation and understanding among regional African allies and partner nations. Fiona has received two Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals. In her civilian capacity, Fiona worked as a consultant with the global business management consulting firm McKinsey and Company, where she served clients across media, consumer goods, manufacturing, and advanced technology industry, among others, consulting directly with senior executives of Fortune 500 to help them solve business and operations challenges. During the campaign, she told a reporter, Andrew Meacham, the following story: In 2008 at Naval Base San Diego, Ensign Fiona McFarland took the longest walk of her life across the 500-foot steel alloy deck of the USS Preble, a guided-missile destroyer. She would be responsible for the “main propulsion division,” the gas turbine engines that powered the four-year-old ship to its destinations, which had already included supporting troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. A group of sailors waited for McFarland to deliver her first orders as a commissioned officer. “I look at this group of 30 sailors who all have more experience in the Navy and on the equipment end that we were responsible for,” McFarland said. “And they’re standing in formation, and the noncommissioned officer, the chief, looks at me and says, ‘OK, ma’am, what should we do today?’ “Not that was my first difficult decision,” she said. “But it really was my first moment of being faced with responsibility that I maybe didn’t necessarily feel ready for.” Rep. McFarland will draw on that same Navy training when she walks across the Capitol Rotunda into the House Chamber on March 4. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Rep. Killebrew entered the Navy after graduating from Auburndale High School in 1963. He served three years, much of it attached to Naval Aviation, at overseas duty stations included Okinawa. “I was always attached to aviation, so I was never on a ship,” Rep Killebrew said. “I enjoyed my tour — glad I went. Representative Sam Killebrew United States Navy FVF Current Board Member, Elected 2016 Rep. Killebrew entered the Navy after graduating from Auburndale High School in 1963. He served three years, much of it attached to Naval Aviation, at overseas duty stations included Okinawa. “I was always attached to aviation, so I was never on a ship,” Rep Killebrew said. “I enjoyed my tour — glad I went. After serving in the U.S. Navy, a lifelong Florida and Polk County resident, Rep. Killebrew owned and operated multiple construction and manufacturing companies, including; Killebrew Manufacturing Company, Imperial Trailer Service, Killebrew Inc., and Rotational Molding Company. He is also a former partner of the Florida Strategic Group, LLC. Sam is actively involved in the progress and expansion of New Beginnings High School, aiming to help students who have dropped out to earn a high school diploma. Rep. Killebrew was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and was just elected to a third term. He served as Vice-Chair for the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee and a member of the Florida Veterans and Military Families Caucus. The Representative also sits on numerous boards and civic organizations throughout the state. He regularly sponsors legislation to protect Veterans, animals, and children and families. He has played an influential role in bringing over $10 million to Polk County for various road/highway projects, water quality preservation and restoration, educational programs, and other projects around the district. Notable Veteran legislation that Rep. Killebrew has sponsored or co-sponsored include: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities: Will allow the surviving spouse of a combat-wounded veteran to keep their ad valorem tax discount after the veteran dies; and Enrollment of Dependent Children of Active Duty Military Personnel in the Florida Virtual School: Allows students of active-duty military personnel stationed abroad but claim Florida has their resident state to attend Florida virtual school. He is married to Eileen Killebrew of Lake Wales, and they have five children, seven grandchildren, five dogs, and an avid supporter of Hope Equine Rescue. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Senator Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr., is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York City. His lifetime of service began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harren High School in 1966. Senator Victor Torres United States Marine Corps FVF Current Board Member, Sergeant Senator Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr., is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York City. His lifetime of service began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harren High School in 1966. He joined as the Vietnam War was raging. During his four-year enlistment, Senator Torres was stationed in Okinawa Japan, rose to Sergeant, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. In 2019 Senator Torres wrote: “It was not until I served in the Marine Corps, though, that I fully understood what makes America truly great.” He went on, “The Marine Corps taught me, and exemplified, that America stands up for the oppressed. We are the guiding light for freedom lovers across the globe to look toward in times of despair. Above all, we defend the defenseless. I carried these values with me as I continued my career of service as a member of law enforcement. It was in this job that I kept my neighbors safe, protecting back at home all we hold dear. I carried with me to the Florida House and subsequently to the Senate these same sacred values.” Once completing his service in the Marine Corps, he ensured safety and order in his community as a police officer for the New York City Transit Police. After twenty years, Senator Torres retired from the New York City Transit Police as 2nd Grade Detective. In 1993, Senator Torres relocated his family to Florida and continued his community service as a volunteer and leader for several community organizations, the labor movement, and grassroots efforts. He has established a strong reputation as a committed political activist and an effective leader. In 2012, Vic Torres was elected as a State Representative for Florida House District 48 in Orange County; and for the 2014-2016 legislative cycle, he was tapped to be the Democratic Deputy Whip. He has served on numerous Senate committees, including the Military and Veterans Affairs and Space Committee. Senator Torres has been married to Carmen L. Torres for over twenty-five years. Carmen is also a committed community leader and volunteer. She is a past member of the Executive Board of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Past Vice-Chair of the DNC Southern Caucus, and past Florida Elector for President Barack Obama. Vic and Carmen are the proud parents of five children and eleven grandchildren. << Back to Veteran Legislators

If you or a loved one is thinking about self-harm or feeling hopeless, reach out now. We understand that the challenges you've faced during your service can sometimes weigh heavily on your mind, and it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this struggle, and together we can navigate the darkest times and rediscover the strength and purpose that lies within you. Veterans Suicide Prevention & Crisis Care Network If you or a loved one is thinking about self-harm or feeling hopeless, reach out now. We understand that the challenges you've faced during your service can sometimes weigh heavily on your mind, and it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this struggle, and together we can navigate the darkest times and rediscover the strength and purpose that lies within you. 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call 988 and press 1 or reach out via chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/ Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. Use this button to learn more about the Veteran Suicide Crisis. CLICK HERE Joining Forces to Prevent Veteran Suicide in Rural Florida Counties The Florida Veterans Foundation has launched an impactful mail-out campaign aimed at raising awareness for Veteran Suicide Prevention in five rural counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa. This initiative, conducted under the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, seeks to bring attention to the pressing issue of veteran suicide and provide vital resources and support to those who have served our nation. To learn more click here. County Veteran Service Officers Use this link to find a local Veteran Service Officer near you. CLICK HERE Resource Locators First Lady Casey DeSantis has spearheaded the development of an internet-based database known as Hope for Healing that offers an array of mental health and substance abuse resources exclusively designed for service members, Veterans, and their families. Visit https://www.hopeforhealingfl.com/ to find help near you. FindHelp.org is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to connecting individuals with a wide range of mental health and substance abuse resources. The website provides a vast directory of mental health and substance abuse resources, including counseling services, support groups, treatment centers, helplines, and other relevant organizations. Additional Resources In Crisis 211 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Crisis Center of Tampa Bay DCF Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention – Military Vets Mobile Response Crisis Teams Navigating a Mental Health Crisis Stop Soldier Suicide Hope for Healing Florida Peer Support Hold My Guns Centerstone Military Services K9 Partners for Patriots Making the Connection VA Coaching Into Care – Family Support Veteran Spouse Network – Spouse Support Vets4Warriors Home Base Family Support Family Watch Model Helping Military Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Parents NAMI Homefront The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Others Booklet Addressing Family Needs Booklet Invisible Wounds (Mental Health and Traumatic Brain Injury) Endeavors (The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic) – Veteran Support Gary Sinise Foundation – Veteran Support Give an Hour inTransition – Active-Duty Support Objective Zero Foundation VA Mental Health Support Walk The Talk America Wounded Warrior Project – Veteran Support Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Benefits, Housing, Financial Assistance, & Health Employ Florida Vets – Veteran Support eBenefits: My Gateway to Benefit Information – Veteran Support Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide – Veteran Support Veterans Benefit Administration – Veteran Support Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) – Veteran Support MyFloridaMyFamily Apply for VA Health Care PTSD Coach App with Digital Safety Plan

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

If you or a loved one is thinking about self-harm or feeling hopeless, reach out now. We understand that the challenges you've faced during your service can sometimes weigh heavily on your mind, and it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this struggle, and together we can navigate the darkest times and rediscover the strength and purpose that lies within you. FVF Dental Grant Program Are you a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Florida's veterans? Do you have a passion for providing essential dental care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country? The Florida Veterans Foundation is now accepting grant applications to support organizations that offer vital dental services to veterans in need. We understand the challenges many veterans face in accessing quality dental care and are committed to making a positive impact on their lives. Grant funding will be used to: · Provide dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions · Support dental dentures · Assist with specialized dental procedures To qualify for a grant, your organization must: · Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Florida · Have a proven track record of serving veterans · Demonstrate a clear need for funding to support dental services TO APPLY: Please fill out the form below. Once this is submitted an application packet will be sent to the contact listed. Sorry, but this form is now closed. We are currently evaluating the submitted applications for the Veterans Dental Grant Program. Once the evaluations are complete, we will post the awardees and the service areas covered. Should there be gaps in the service areas, we may reopen the application process for certain areas. Apply Here Organization's Name* Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)* Contact First Name* Contact Last Name* Contact Email* Contact Phone Number Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)* How did you hear about us? Apply Now Please note the following: 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. Veteran Eligibility: Qualifying veterans must also meet the following requirements: · Been issued a DD-214, NGB 22 or Certificate of Discharge. · Residency requirement - eligible veterans must reside in Florida. · Be at a 300% Poverty Level or below as defined by the federal government at the time of their application. · Be less than 100% service-connected disabled. Dental Rules For more information please contact us at fvf@fdva.fl.gov

Gadsden Flag License Plate | Supporting the Gadsden Flag License Plate means supporting our Veterans. The proceeds from sales contribute to the foundation's efforts in assisting our Florida Veterans! Veteran Initiatives Veterans Relief Fund FVF partners with Project VetRelief to provide Emergency Financial Assistance. Mission of Mercy Teamed with Florida Dental Association and Mission of Mercy in a “Veterans First” event to provide dental services to over 166 Veterans, giving $1,100 worth of services to each Veteran. In all $182,000 worth of services were provided to Veterans first under the services and guidance of 1,800 Dental professionals. Gadsden Flag License Plate Supporting the Gadsden Flag License Plate means supporting our Veterans. The proceeds from sales contribute to the foundation's efforts in assisting our Florida Veterans! Raising Awareness The Florida Veterans Foundation is actively working on raising awareness through a remodeling of our website to provide a better online presence and engaging social media campaigns to reach a wider audience. We also work with creating mail-outs for mass distribution to our rural areas to ensure our Veterans know what resources are available to them. This includes the foundations involvement in the Florida Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign. Ashley's Cottage Teamed wi th Villager for Vet erans to provide homeless female Veterans with transitional housing. The cottage offers a soft-lau nch into civilian life by providing 90-day safe shelter and resources. Veterans Treatment Courts On-going Support – Florida Veterans Legal Help Hotline – 1-866-486-6161 Serving Florida Veterans with consistent standards and structure throughout the state, which provides “best practices” and an infrastructure of proven Veteran Treatment Court operations in Florida.

Representative Holcomb is originally from Maryland where he attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County earning a BA in Economics, later continuing his education at American Military University with a MA in Intelligence Studies. After moving to Florida in 2002, Rep. Holcomb and his wife, Stacey have two daughters and have resided in Hernando County for over twenty years. Representative Jeff Holcomb United States Navy Reserve, 2006-Present Lieutenant Representative Holcomb is originally from Maryland where he attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County earning a BA in Economics, later continuing his education at American Military University with a MA in Intelligence Studies. After moving to Florida in 2002, Rep. Holcomb and his wife, Stacey have two daughters and have resided in Hernando County for over twenty years. Rep. Holcomb, in addition to being a realtor, serves as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserve since 2006. In 2016 LT Holcomb was called to active duty to fight ISIS in support Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria and Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan. He served on the Master Air Attack Plan team in the Combat Plans Division of the Air Operations Center in Southwest Asia. During his service, he earned a Navy Commendation Medal and a Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal. Prior to his election into the Florida House of Representatives, Rep. Holcomb was elected to the Board of County Commissioners in November 2014 and was re-elected in 2018. In 2019, he served as Chairman of the Commission, and he also served as Chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee from 2018-2020. Rep. Holcomb has many years of community involvement that includes his work with the Hernando County Veterans Council, Hernando County Education Foundation, Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Medical Examiner Board, Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority, along with his support and participation in sixteen different local charities, and his efforts for the improvement of twelve County Parks. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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: Dental Program for Florida Veterans Florida Veterans Foundation Continues Statewide Veterans Dental Program in 2026 Public Service Announcement: Florida Veterans Foundation Launches Dental Program with First Grant Award to Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Dental Grant Program Public Service Announcement 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

The Florida Veterans Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala with Bobby Bowden. 10th Anniversary Gala with Bobby Bowden Load More >> Back to Galleries

Representative Michelle Salzman is a Wounded Warrior and full-time community volunteer who began her philanthropy journey while attending the University of Western Florida over a decade ago Representative Michelle Salzman United States Army Vetera n Specialist Representative Michelle Salzman is a Wounded Warrior and full-time community volunteer who began her philanthropy journey while attending the University of Western Florida over a decade ago. She served in the U.S. Army for five years and transitioned into the civilian community by completing a degree in Computer Analytics and a degree in Business Administration. She served on the March of Dimes Committee for two years and moved on to help her fellow veterans as a volunteer with the V.A.’s local Vocational Rehabilitation office. She was elected to the Florida House of Representatives after defeating the incumbent representative on her first run for office. Her parents settled into her family home in Pensacola when she was in elementary school. In 1995, she graduated from High School and joined the U.S. Army at age seventeen. She entered basic training as the youngest in her class and then attended advanced individual training. After graduation, she left for Hanau, Germany, joining a unit already preparing for deployment. Four weeks later, she shared a former SCUD missile barracks in Kaposvar, Hungary, with the other soldiers in her battalion. U.S. Army supply clerk, Pvt. Michelle Hisle (her maiden name) spent her first journey away from home in a six-person advance party rolling into Tuzla Valley, Bosnia. The trip by convoy to Tuzla took two days. Pvt. Hisle drove the whole way, intrigued by the war’s impact on the region. She was tasked with helping set up a forward operating base (FOB), Comanche Base, for other American soldiers serving as part of the NATO Force. For three weeks, she shared a four-person tent with five other soldiers at a site that lacked latrines and only getting an occasional cold shower. Her duties included stringing concertina wire around the camp’s perimeter and distributing the contents of crates five times her size. The FOB was in a combat zone, so she could not safely leave the flight line because of snipers in the surrounding area and landmines that saturated the area. She was awarded numerous commendations for developing and implementing inventory control systems that saved the 1st Armored Division millions of dollars. Commendations included: an ARCOM (Army Commendation Medal), several AAMs (Army Achievement Medal), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, among others. After serving her country, Rep. Salzman came back to Pensacola, where she used her leadership experiences and her Army College Fund to gain education and excel as a leader for her business and a leader in service to the Pensacola community. She has served on boards for various local PTAs, county-level PTA President, as well as the State of Florida PTA Board of Directors. She has been a full-time volunteer for several years now and received many awards and recognitions for her community service. The Representative has followed her heart and passion for helping those who cannot help themselves. This passion led her to focus on children, families in poverty, and her fellow wounded veterans. When she is not serving her community, she manages her photography business, Salz Studio, serving the gulf coast community for over ten years. << Back to Veteran Legislators