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

Visit our events page to get a look at veteran events across the state. Calendar of Events October 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Meet one of our 2023-2024 Military Legislator's Bryan Avila! Representative Bryan Avila Florida Army National Guard, Currently Serving First Lieutenant Representative Bryan Avila was born andraised in Hialeah, Florida. Bryan’s parents, Bryan and Rosa Maria came to the United States seeking freedom from Cuba’s communist regime. His parents instilled in him the same principles that allowed them to become proud homeowners and successful citizens in the U.S. In April of 2016, Rep. Avila joined the Florida Army National Guard and is currently serving as a First Lieutenant. He distinguished himself by completing the Adjutant General Basic Officer Leader Course as an Honor Graduate and serving as a Human Resources Officer. He has earned a place on the Commandant’s List and is a Leadership Award Recipient. Additionally, he has, over his four years, earned the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Florida Commendation Medal, Florida State Active Duty Ribbon, Florida Retention Ribbon, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Rep. Avila graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School in 2002. He has since earned an Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Miami, and two Masters Degrees from Florida International University. He was an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College from 2009 until 2014. Since then, he has taught at Broward College. First elected in 2014 to represent the district that includes Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Springs, and Virginia Gardens, Rep. Avila has been a champion for veterans’ issues. He most recently sponsored a bill making it unlawful to use uniforms, medals, or insignia to misrepresent military service. During the 2019-2020 Legislative sessions, he chaired the powerful Ways & Means Committee and served on the Appropriations Committee and Gaming Control Subcommittee. In November, he was sworn in as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Florida House of Representatives. An editorial in the Miami Herald noted: “Bryan Avila is probably the only South Florida legislator who was unable to campaign, not because of COVID-19, but because he was deployed by the Florida National Guard to take part in the pandemic response effort.” << Back to Veteran Legislators

Senator Danny Burgess is a father, husband, soldier, lawyer, and public servant. He is a life-long resident of the Tampa Bay area and grew up in Pasco County. Born and raised in Zephyrhills, Danny attended Zephyrhills High School and the University of South Florida. At the age of 18, he was elected the youngest City Council Member in Zephyrhills’s history and the youngest elected official in the State. Senator Danny Burgess Florida Army National Guard Currently Serving Captain Senator Danny Burgess is a father, husband, soldier, lawyer, and public servant. He is a life-long resident of the Tampa Bay area and grew up in Pasco County. Born and raised in Zephyrhills, Danny attended Zephyrhills High School and the University of South Florida. At the age of 18, he was elected the youngest City Council Member in Zephyrhills’s history and the youngest elected official in the State. He served two terms on City Council before going to Barry University School of Law to get his law degree. Senator Burgess served as Mayor of Zephyrhills from 2013-2014 before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014. In 2016 he was re-elected without opposition. He served as Chair of the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee in the Florida House. He was selected by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2018 to serve as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and led the agency until June 2020, when he announced his run for the State Senate. The Senator joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2012 and currently serves as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He is married to Courtney Burgess, originally of Lithia, Florida, and they are the proud parents of three beautiful children: Adeline (6), Daniel III (4), and Eleanor (1). He has attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, located in Zephyrhills, his entire life and is actively involved in various community organizations and local charities. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Rep. Smith’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972 while his extended family still lives in the Merritt Island area. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Representative David Smith United States Marine Corps, Retired Colonel Rep. Smith’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972 while his extended family still lives in the Merritt Island area. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Growing up and throughout high school, David was very active in sports. He played on both community and school baseball, basketball, football, and tennis teams. Additionally, he acted in multiple community theater productions, including roles in Inherit the Wind, Guys & Dolls, Harvey, The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Lion in Winter, Macbeth, As You Like It, and Jesus Christ Superstar. David attended vocational training in high school and earned a certification in welding. David attended Texas A&M University on a military scholarship and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. David earned his wings of gold at NAS Pensacola, launching his career as a UH-1N helicopter pilot. He flew more than 4,500 accident-free flight hours during his career and was a designated Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He made six extended deployments overseas or aboard ship, including a combat tour flying in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to his flying duties, David also had multiple assignments as a Program Manager overseeing military procurement contracts. After graduating from the Defense Acquisition University, he was selected by the Marine Corps as one of their first Acquisition Professionals. David also holds a Master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in Business Management. He had Command assignments or Program Management responsibility for three separate billion-dollar programs, and his final Marine Corps assignment was leading a military and civilian workforce at the Central Florida Research Park that managed $1.4 billion worth of Simulation & Training projects. After 30 years of service, David retired at the rank of Colonel. He has worked in the private sector of Central Florida’s Simulation & Training industry for the last seven years. He currently owns a business consulting company. Colonel David Smith lives in Winter Springs and is very active in community affairs. He is a Paul Harris Fellow at the Winter Springs Rotary Club, a member of the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, VFW Post 5405, and multiple other Veterans organizations and local non-profit groups. Additionally, Rep. Smith is a member of Leadership Orlando class #78 and Leadership Seminole class #26, and the CrossLife Church in Oviedo. He is one of the few combat veterans in the Legislature. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Originally from Massachusetts, Representative Joe Casello and his wife Josephine reside in Boynton Beach. A lifelong public servant, he served as a Boynton Beach City Commissioner from 2013 through 2018 for District 4. He was appointed as the Vice-Mayor and then elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. Representative Joesph A. Casello United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Originally from Massachusetts, Representative Joe Casello and his wife Josephine reside in Boynton Beach. A lifelong public servant, he served as a Boynton Beach City Commissioner from 2013 through 2018 for District 4. He was appointed as the Vice-Mayor and then elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. Born in Worcester, Rep. Casello attended public schools in his community. He graduated from Worcester Industrial Technical Institute in 1972 and Quinsigamond Community College in 2002, where he earned an Associate in Science. The son of a Navy World War II veteran, Rep. Casello honorably served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force in the early 1970s. Assigned to the 212th ANG Unit, he was responsible for installing radio transmission sites throughout the country. In 1974, he was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department and promoted to Lieutenant in 1984. Within the Fire Department, he served in many capacities, including arson investigator, working closely with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Rep. Casello is a business owner and licensed electrical contractor. He operated Casello Electrical Services, specializing in residential and commercial electrical design and installation. His civic engagement includes time spent on the Board of Directors of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, as President of the Knollwood Homeowners Association, and as a member of the Palm Beach Sober Home Task Force as well as the Municipal Retirees Association. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for JFK Hospital and has volunteered with Feeding South Florida during the pandemic. Drawing on his past experiences as a firefighter and service in the Air Force, Joe has been a strong and vocal champion for first responders, police, and firefighters, as well as military veterans. He has sponsored legislation strengthening medical benefits for firefighters who contract cancer in the line of duty. He also worked with his colleagues to pass a joint resolution allowing the surviving spouses of deceased, disabled veterans to continue claiming the same tax credits to which their families were entitled before death. Rep. Casello is married and has one daughter. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Become an FVF Ambassador Today As an FVF Ambassador, you serve as a bridge between the Florida Veterans Foundation and the community. Whether supporting events, sharing resources, or connecting with veterans and partners, ambassadors help ensure that those who served our country have access to the support they need. Get Resources

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

PROUD PARTNERS IN HONOR Heroes to Washington Grant Proudly partnering with Honor Flight to send Florida's veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. VIEW LAST PRESENTATION LEARN ABOUT THE GRANT Airplane STRONGER TOGETHER Honoring Service. Supporting Veterans. Honor Flight's mission is simple but powerful: transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. so they can experience the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Through the Heroes to Washington Grant, the Florida Veterans Foundation is proud to support 10 Honor Flight hubs across Florida with a $15,000 grant to each location. Together we are making a lasting impact and saying thank you to our nation's heroes. THE HEROES TO WASHINGTON GRANT What Does the Grant Do? Provides Funding Support $15,000 grants to 10 Honor Flight hubs across Florida. Sends Veterans to Washington, D.C. Helps cover the costs of flights, transportation, meals, and more. Recognizes Their Service Gives veterans a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experience of honor and appreciation. OUR IMPACT 10 Honor Flight Hubs Supported $150,000 Invested in Florida Veterans Hundreds of Heroes Impacted UPCOMING CHECK PRESENTATIONS Honor Flight Hubs We're hitting the road to present $15,000 grants to 10 Honor Flight Hubs across Florida. Follow along and see where we're going next! Stop # Date Honor Flight Hub Website Status 1 April 4th, 2026 Tallahassee Honor Flight https://honorflighttallahassee.org/ COMPLETED 2 April 11th, 2026 First Coast Honor Flight https://firstcoasthonorflight.org/ COMPLETED 3 April 18th, 2026 Collier-Lee Honor Flight https://www.collierhonorflight.org/ COMPLETED 4 May 7th, 2026 Villages Honor Flight https://www.villageshonorflight.org/ COMPLETED 5 TBD Southeast Florida Honor Flight https://honorflightsefl.org/ UPCOMING 6 TBD Space Coast Honor Flight https://spacecoasthonorflight.org/ UPCOMING 7 TBD Central Florida Honor Flight https://honorflightcentralflorida.org/ UPCOMING 8 TBD Honor Flight South Florida https://www.honorflightsouthflorida.org/ UPCOMING 9 TBD Southwest Honor Flight https://www.swflhonorflight.org/ UPCOMING 10 TBD Honor Flight of West Central Florida https://www.honorflightwcf.org/ UPCOMING

Representative Keith Truenow is the founder of Lake Jem Farms based in Mount Dora, in addition to being a farmer and rancher who focuses on producing sod sold throughout the State of Florida. Representative Keith Truenow United States Air Force Airman Representative Keith Truenow is the founder of Lake Jem Farms based in Mount Dora, in addition to being a farmer and rancher who focuses on producing sod sold throughout the State of Florida. Following graduation from high school, Keith, at 17 and with parental consent, enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country from 1987 until honorably discharged in 1991. Following his military service, he returned home to Lake County and his agricultural roots. After being well-schooled in agri-business, he later founded Lake Jem Farms, based in Mount Dora. He is a farmer and rancher who focuses on producing sod sold throughout Florida. Rep Truenow serves on several local and statewide boards, including; Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Lake County Farm Bureau, and the Lake County Fair Association. He also serves on the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, appointed by Governor Rick Scott. He is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. As a longtime businessman and resident of the district, he clearly understands the challenges that constituents face and will take with him to Tallahassee a commonsense approach to problem-solving. Rep Truenow reflected on his military service, “I bring a devotion to duty that was instilled in me first by my parents and then by the United States Air Force. Regarding my value to the legislative process, at a time when Florida’s economy and natural resources are at a critical stage. I believe my background will prove to be invaluable.” Keith’s devotion to his wife of twenty years and their two sons serves as the foundation for his commitment to putting Florida families first. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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

Frequently Asked Questions How do I apply for Financial Assistance? We partner with Project:VetRelief to provide emergency financial assistance for veterans in need. To apply for assistance and verify eligibility, click "More Info" and you will be taken to Project:VetRelief's application page. More Info How do I apply for the Veterans Dental Program? We have a user-friendly dental service locator that allows you to see the provider closest to you. Once your county is selected, you will be directed to the service application. To find your provider, click "More info" More info Do you take physical donations? Currently, we only accept monetary donations and do not take physical donations of clothing, food, supplies, etc. We recommend going to your local American Legion post to ensure your donation goes to veterans in need. More info How do I order VA Benefits Guides? For less than 50 guides: Contact Mary.Frazier@fdva.fl.gov For more than 50 guides: Contact LeeAnn.Sferrazzarios@fdva.fl.gov To view a digital PDF of the benefit guide, click here More Info How do I acquire my DD214 online? To get your DD214, you must request it from the National Archives website. To submit a request or learn more, click "More info" More info Do you have a mailing list or online newsletter? Currently, FVF does not maintain an active newsletter. We recommend the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs newsletter, the Forward March. For current and past editions, click "More info" More info Contact us