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Rep. Spencer Roach is a retired Coast Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer who spent his first ten years in service as an enlisted man, serving as a search and rescue coxswain and counter-narcotics officer before earning an officer’s commission. Representative Spencer Roach United States Coast Guard Retired Commissioned Officer Rep. Spencer Roach is a retired Coast Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer who spent his first ten years in service as an enlisted man, serving as a search and rescue coxswain and counter-narcotics officer before earning an officer’s commission. He grew up in a proud blue-collar household, working with his father and uncles in a 4th-generation family-owned plumbing company. From an early age, he gained an appreciation for the trades and an unwavering belief that a superior personal work ethic is the great equalizer in pursuit of upward mobility. Rep. Roach enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1996. During his two decades of service, Spencer’s assignments included tours of duty in Alaska, a six-month combat deployment to the Middle East enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq, and service in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. He was selected for the prestigious Judge Advocate General Program and attended the University of Miami School of Law on a military scholarship. His most recent assignment as a JAG was representing returning soldiers and sailors injured in the line of duty to ensure they received the medical care they deserved. He retired from the Coast Guard in 2016. His actions earned him the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, all with Operational Distinguishing Device. While serving on active duty, Rep. Roach attended Edison Community College and Florida Gulf Coast University, earning a degree in Political Science and graduating summa cum laude from FGCU. He is licensed to practice law in Florida and Texas. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he returned to Lee County, where he had been a resident since his assignment to Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach in 2000. The Representative has always had a passion for public service and served as the District Director for Congressman Francis Rooney. He is a certified ESL teacher and has been active in various volunteer work for well over a decade, although his passion is helping children in foster care. While in law school, Spencer managed a program that provided Financial Literacy classes to children aging out of foster care, and currently, he serves as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Representative Roach said: “My career in the Coast Guard, first as an enlisted man, then as a junior officer, and finally, as a JAG shaped my character and developed my work ethic. I traveled the world & experienced different cultures. It paid for both my undergraduate degree & a law degree at a private, tier-one law school. I made lifelong friends who endured emotional and traumatic experiences alongside me. The Coast Guard gave me a commitment to public service and the leadership skills to be an effective advocate for our community…Semper Paratus.” << Back to Veteran Legislators

Representative Duggan was born in Jacksonville and is a fifth-generation Floridian. He has been married for twenty-four years to his college sweetheart, and they have three children. He received his undergraduate degree from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and his law degree from William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Representative Wyman Duggan United States Marine Corps Reserve Commissioned Officer Representative Duggan was born in Jacksonville and is a fifth-generation Floridian. He has been married for twenty-four years to his college sweetheart, and they have three children. He received his undergraduate degree from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and his law degree from William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Rep. Duggan is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and served as a commissioned Marine Corps officer. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1993 until 1995. He is a shareholder and member of the governing board of Rogers Towers, P.A., one of the oldest private businesses in Northeast Florida, founded in 1905. He serves as a business lawyer focusing on land use, private property rights, and economic development. He represents individuals, businesses, and non-profits struggling against government regulations and taxation in their pursuit of the American Dream. The Representative has been active in professional, civic, and non-profit activities at the state and local level for many years, including service as the Chair of the City of Jacksonville’s 2009-2010 Charter Revision Commission; as Vice-Chair of the City’s 2013 Task Force on Consolidated Government; as Vice-Chair of the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan Local Major Issues Committee; as a two-time Chair of the Commercial/ Industrial Development Task Force of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce; as a Board member and President of NAIOP of Northeast Florida, the commercial real estate development association; on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville; on the Board of Directors of Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.; on the Board of Directors and President of Emergency Pregnancy Services, Inc.; on the Troop Committee of BSA Troop 2 (Great Muskogee District, North Florida Council); and on the Vestry (board of trustees) of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2009; Leadership Florida Class XXXII; the inaugural class of the Jacksonville Regional Political Leadership Institute; and the American Enterprise Institute’s National Leadership Network (Spring, 2016 Summit). << Back to Veteran Legislators

Military personnel records can include DD 214s/Separation Documents, service personnel records found within the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and Medical Records. Military personnel records can be used for proving military service or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. ​ Please note: that NPRC holds historical Military Personnel Records of nearly 100 million veterans. The vast majority of these records are paper-based and not available online. Florida Veteran Resources Get My Military Records/DD214 Use this service if you want to request: DD 214/Separation Documents Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) Replacement Medals Medical Records Burial and Emergency Requests Military personnel records can include DD 214s/Separation Documents, service personnel records found within the Official Military Pe rsonnel File (OMPF) , and Medical Records . Military personnel records can be used for proving military service or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Please note: that NPRC holds historical Military Personnel Records of nearly 100 million veterans. The vast majority of these records are paper-based and not available online. MilConnect: VA Benef it and Record Management Porta l DoD affiliates including: Active Military, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans and beneficiaries can manage their benefits and records through milConnect, a convenient self-service portal. Integrated applications provide secure access to many of their personal and personnel records held in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The milConnect FAQ provides the most up-to-date policies, procedures, and resources for making the most of their entitlements and benefits. FLHSMV Veterans who have reported using this website said they have received requested documents within hours of submitting the request! T he Military Caregiver Resource Direc tory Includes the most commonly referenced resources, organizations, agencies, and programs that provide support to the caregivers of wounded, ill, or injured Service members. The concept of the Caregiver Resource Directory is to connect communities with caregivers, building public awareness and support for caregivers. The resources, organizations, agencies, and programs included in the Caregiver Resource Directory have been reviewed and vetted in accordance with the National Resource Directory’s participation policy, which can be found at www.nrd.gov . No product endorsements or preferential treatment is given to any organization, agency, or program that is listed in the Caregiver Resource Directory. This Caregiver Resource Directory is a dynamic directory that will be refined on a regular basis. We encourage you to access the digital version of the Caregiver Resource Directory at https://nrd.gov/misc/crdDownload C ounty Veteran Service Officers Use this link to find a local Veteran Service Officer near you. Florida Veterans Benefits Guide Use this link to read the latest edition of the Florida Veterans Benefits Guide. VA Survivo rs and Burial Benefits Kit Use this link for VA survivors and burial benefits kit. Aging Wartime Veterans & Survivors Seminars Long Term Care – Aid & Attendance Benefits (Sponsored by Nat’l Assoc. of Veterans & Families – FVF Ambassador) Get There – Florida’s Workforce Education Initiative Connecting Veterans with College Education Benefits L o c ating Veterans for VA Benefits Getting Veterans Signed Up for Benefits VA Benefits Update Statewide campaign to share important upda tes about VA Benefits on Social Media and on the FVF Website Get My Military Records/DD214 Enter milConnect Portal Military Caregiver Directory County Veteran Service Officers Florida Veterans Benefit Guide VA Survivors and Burial Benefits Kit VA Pension Aid & Attendance VA Pension Aid & Attendance Get There- Florida's Workforce Education Initiative Locating Veterans for VA Benefits

Representative Patt Maney is a veteran, a father, a respected retired judge, and a longtime resident of Okaloosa County. After being commissioned in the United States Army Reserve in 1970, Rep Maney served his country for over 36 years, retiring as a brigadier general in 2007. Representative Thomas Patterson Maney United States Army Brigadier General R epresentative Patt Maney is a veteran, a father, a respected retired judge, and a longtime resident of Okaloosa County. After being commissioned in the United States Army Reserve in 1970, Rep Maney served his country for over 36 years, retiring as a brigadier general in 2007. He served as an Okaloosa County Judge for almost 29 years. During that time, he fought for justice in our community and was influential in bringing more quality healthcare to our veterans. Commissioned as an Army Infantry Second Lieutenant upon graduating from college, he saw service in Panama, Haiti, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. A defining moment in Patt Maney’s military career came in 2005. While deployed to Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device detonated, throwing his vehicle into the air and causing significant injuries. Although he would survive this attack, he was wounded and would spend almost 20 months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After regaining his health, Rep. Maney returned to the bench with a renewed passion for helping veterans and their families. In 2008, he led local efforts to establish a community-based Homeless Veterans “Stand Down” and a Veterans Treatment Court. In 2012, the Florida Legislature passed the “T. Patt Maney Veterans Treatment Intervention Act.” The Representative was honored as the national 2019 DAV Outstanding Disabled American Veteran and named Military Order of the Purple Heart National Patriot of the Year in 2010. He was also given the United States Army War College Outstanding Alumni Award (2019) for his community service after military retirement. Rep. Maney was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame (2018) and appointed to serve on the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council (2019) for making significant contributions to the State of Florida after military service. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Patt Maney grew up with a strong work ethic. His first jobs were cutting grass and delivering newspapers. He worked his way through college and law school. By 18, his devotion to service saw him earn the Boy Scout Eagle Scout Award, Boy Scout God and Country Award, and the British Duke of Edinburgh Award. After marrying his college sweetheart, Caroline, he set off for law school, at times working two part-time jobs. The Maneys are married for over 48 years and are blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. They attend Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin and have been Okaloosa County residents for 44 years. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Veterans know that good chow makes any mission better. If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran, we are looking for you to volunteer in our Servers4Heroes Program where you get to assist in preparation or serve meals to the heroes who reside in Florida’s Veterans Nursing Homes. The program is simple. Volunteers will complete an initial screening and training before signing up for meal shifts, which can be either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Veterans know that good chow makes any mission better. If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran, we are looking for you to volunteer in our Servers4Heroes Program where you get to assist in preparation or serve meals to the heroes who reside in Florida’s Veterans Nursing Homes. The program is simple. Volunteers will complete an initial screening and training before signing up for meal shifts, which can be either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sign up for as many or as few shifts as you would like. Assistance is especially needed on weekends. Volunteer servers will work under the direct supervision of our dietary staff. Jobs you can participate in are to: prepare pre-planned meals, portion and place meals on carts, deliver them to our resident’s dining areas or their rooms and assist residents with eating their meals. To join, fill out an application for the Servers4Heroes Program found on the Florida Veterans Foundation website at helpflvets.org. You will then need to: Pass a criminal background check and one-time drug test; Complete a one-day orientation at the nursing home; Receive training from the dietary staff; and Servers who wish to feed residents must complete a 12 hour Feeding Assistant program All training will be provided by the nursing home staff at no cost to you. Once you complete the training you can help bring joy into the lives of our heroes. Food Preparer Food Delivery Food Server Meal Assistant Kitchen Duty Volunteer Application First name Last name Address Preferred State Nursing Home Location Branch of Service Phone Number Email Do you currently possess a Active Florida Food Handler license? No Yes Do you have prior experience as a food handler/server in a public restaurant, hotel or hospital? No Yes If so, please provide a copy of your certificate and your certificate number: The State of Florida requires a criminal background check for volunteer positions and can use the results to determine your acceptance and placement. All volunteers must complete orientation and training to participate in the Servers4Heroes Program. Servers who wish to feed residents must complete a 12 hour Feeding Assistant program. What is your desired positon? Food Prep Server Feeder Kitchen Duties I declare that the info I’ve provided is accurate & complete Please include your desired hours (open 7 days a week, breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Submit Thanks for submitting!

Representative Tommy Gregory is a native Floridian who served in the Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2014. He began his military career by earning a B.S. in Economics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he graduated with Military Distinction. He also deployed to Southwest Asia for Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Representative Tommy Gregory United States Air Force Retired Lieutenant Colonel Representative Tommy Gregory is a native Floridian who served in the Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2014. He began his military career by earning a B.S. in Economics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he graduated with Military Distinction. He also deployed to Southwest Asia for Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Rep. Gregory received his J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law and served as a prosecutor for 14 in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His career included: Serving as staff judge advocate for the 48th Fighter Wing in England. He supervised a 35-person legal office; oversaw the provision of legal services to 15,000 personnel, the drafting of 6,000 estate planning documents, and prepared 3,500 tax returns; and managed the pre-trial advice, prosecution, and appellate review of 50 felony and 270 misdemeanor cases. Serving as a Senior Counsel for the Air Force Space Command legal office in Colorado, where he managed the daily operations of a 15-person office and oversaw the delivery of 4,200 legal opinions to a four-star commander and headquarters staff, as well as the review of all administrative law issues for ten legal offices around the country. After retiring from the military, Rep. Gregory spent ten months doing missionary work in the Dominican Republic as his house was built in Sarasota. He then established a successful private law practice in Sarasota. He is currently with the Williams Parker Law Firm, where he focuses on litigation and advising clients, commanders, and senior leaders in high-profile, high-pressure situations. The Representative has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, St. Martha Catholic School, and the Sarasota Republican Club. His wife, Erica, is also an Air Force retired Lieutenant Colonel and a small business owner. They are raising three sons. Rep. Gregory states, “I consider it a great honor to have served our country in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.” He goes on how his military career helps him in the Florida House, “During my career in the Air Force, I was taught and used a decision-making process called the OODA loop — OODA being an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. This four-step approach to decision-making focuses on rapidly gathering information, putting it in the historical and current context, deciding appropriate actions, and then executing. It is a powerful tool for quickly zeroing in on the best answer to complicated questions and then repeating the steps as the situation changes. OODA can be applied outside the military.” Florida lawmakers are fortunate to have this military experience help shape policymaking in Tallahassee. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Representative Dunkley was born and raised in Jamaica, moving to Florida in 1995 with her daughter. She has resided in Broward County for over twenty-five years, where she now represents District 97. Rep. Dunkley earned a BBA from Florida Atlantic University, is currently a consultant and has a diverse background including her work at the Florida Department of Transpiration, a former youth director and Middle School PTA president. Representative Lisa Dunkley United States Army Veteran Representative Dunkley was born and raised in Jamaica, moving to Florida in 1995 with her daughter. She has resided in Broward County for over twenty-five years, where she now represents District 97. Rep. Dunkley earned a BBA from Florida Atlantic University, is currently a consultant and has a diverse background including her work at the Florida Department of Transpiration, a former youth director and Middle School PTA president. Additionally, Rep. Dunkley is an Army Veteran having served in Operation Enduring Freedom and in Iraq. She works tirelessly to meet and connect Veterans to the resources and information available to them, strongly believing that no one who has made the incredible sacrifice to serve his or her country should be without the resources they need to live and survive when they return home. As a Board member of the City of Sunrise veterans Advisory Board, a member of American Legion post # 365 and now a Florida Representative she will continue to ensure that the veterans in District 97 are getting the information they need to help them use and apply for their benefits. Rep. Dunkley has been active in part of her community for many years including service as the Vice President of Dunoon Technical High School NE Chapter Alumni Association, a Board Member of the City of Sunrise Veterans Advisory Board, a Consulting Member on the Lights on Girls, Inc. (Non-Profit), a Board Chair for the Caribbean American Veterans Association, a Member of American Legion Post #365, the Chair of the Saints Netball & Cultural Club, Youth Director at New Life Fellowship Center, Board Member at the New Life Child Care & Educational Center and Executive Council Member & Administrator at the New Life Fellowship Center. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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

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

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The Florida Veterans Foundation is taking a crucial step forward in raising awareness for Veteran Suicide Prevention in five rural counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa. As part of the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, the foundation has initiated a targeted mail-out to spread vital information and resources to veterans residing in these areas. Joining Forces to Prevent Veteran Suicide in Rural Florida Counties The Florida Veterans Foundation is taking a crucial step forward in raising awareness for Veteran Suicide Prevention in five rural counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa. As part of the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, the foundation has initiated a targeted mail-out to spread vital information and resources to veterans residing in these areas. By reaching out directly to these communities, the mail-out aims to raise awareness, provide support, and ultimately save lives. Together, let's join forces to combat veteran suicide and ensure that no hero is left behind. The mail-out is designed to reach veterans residing in these rural communities, ensuring they have access to the necessary information, tools, and assistance they need. By delivering comprehensive resources, including helpline numbers, counseling services, and local support groups, the Florida Veterans Foundation aims to create a safety net of support for those facing mental health challenges. The significance of targeting rural areas should not be understated. Often, these communities face unique barriers, such as limited access to healthcare services and fewer available mental health resources. By directly engaging veterans in these counties, the foundation hopes to bridge these gaps and ensure that no veteran is left without the help they deserve. The mail-out campaign is an opportunity to highlight the importance of early intervention, de-stigmatize seeking help, and promote support within the veteran community. By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health, the Florida Veterans Foundation hopes to foster an environment where veterans feel comfortable seeking assistance when needed. This initiative is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Florida Veterans Foundation to protect and support those who have bravely served our country. By amplifying the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, the foundation is actively working towards reducing veteran suicide rates and improving the overall well-being of veterans in these rural Florida counties. The Florida Veterans Foundation's mail-out campaign serves as a beacon of hope, reaching out to veterans in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa counties to let them know they are not alone. It is a powerful reminder that as a community, we stand together, ready to provide the support, resources, and understanding needed to prevent veteran suicide. Let's come together and ensure that every veteran in these rural counties receives the care and assistance they deserve.

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