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

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. 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 For additional resources visit: https://floridavets.org/resources/ 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 Get There- Florida's Workforce Education Initiative Locating Veterans for VA Benefits

Jarrid “Jay” Collins is a highly-decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient with over two decades of service following in the footsteps of his WWII veteran adoptive father. Adopted and raised by his grandparents, Rep. Collins spent his early years on his family’s farm in Montana where he later started college before enlisting in the Army. Senator Jarrid "Jay" Collins Army Special Forces Combat Veteran Special Forces Jarrid “Jay” Collins is a highly-decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient with over two decades of service following in the footsteps of his WWII veteran adoptive father. Adopted and raised by his grandparents, Rep. Collins spent his early years on his family’s farm in Montana where he later started college before enlisting in the Army. Senator Collins attended American Military University earning a B.S. in Health Sciences, and later a graduate degree from Norwhich University in 2012. While attending Airborne School, our nation was attacked on 9/11. This harsh reality, coupled with hearing stories about Special Forces soldiers who were on the forward edge of the War on Terror, Rep. Collins was inspired to attend Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS). He was selected to become a Special Force Medic, rescuing a hypothermic classmate in the middle of an ice storm, and earned the leadership award at his Special Forces Graduation. As a Green Beret, Rep. Collins deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and twice to South America. In his 2007 Afghanistan deployment, he was hit in the arm, continued fighting, and later helped perform surgery on himself in the field of battle. Staying in country, he returned to full combat operations after just thirty days of recovery. Rep. Collins would overcome his chronic injuries to be selected for US Army Special Operations Command, but ultimately had to have his leg amputated due to the severity of his condition. Following his amputation, he requalified as a fully deployable Green Beret and served over five more years on active duty. Following twenty-three years of service, Rep. Collins took a position with a nonprofit, overseeing the distribution of millions of meals to veterans, first responders, and those in need. As a committed family man, Rep. Collins is married to his wife of twenty-one years Layla, a retired veteran with twenty years of service herself, and a father to two young sons, Gabe and Colt. Having chosen Tampa as the place to raise their family, proud Floridians Jay and Layla are dedicated to serving their community. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Veteran Assistance Contacts | Listed below are the main point of contact for vital veteran crisis and support hotlines. Veteran Assistance Contacts Listed below are the main point of contact for vital veteran crisis and support hotlines. Florida Veteran Get Help Now Crisis Hotline If you or a loved one need support or connections to community resources as a veteran, call the Florida Veterans Support Line. 1-844-693-5838 National VA Homeless Hotline Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can call in where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-877-424-3838 National Veteran Crisis Hotline Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? You're not alone—the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to call. 1-800-273-8255 VA Caregiver Support Line VA's National Caregiver Support Line is a toll-free number for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services. 1-855-260-3274 VA Health Care Hotline If you have questions regarding VA Health Care you can call in to the national hotlines to receive answers. 1-877-222-8387 VA Benefits Hotline For information regarding your federal VA Benefits, contact the VA Benefits Hotline below. 1-800-827-1000 MyVA411 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—simplifies and improves customer access to VA through a single, easy-to-remember phone number. 1-800-698-2411 VA Benefits for Women Veterans Hotline The Women Veterans Call Center will help you navigate VA, point you in the right direction, and connect you with the Women Veterans Program Manager at your local VA medical center. 1-855-829- 6636 GI Bill Hotline Students and School Certifying Officials can contact the VA by phone for questions and answers regarding the GI Bill. 1-888-442- 4551 National VA Homeless Hotline Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can call in where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-877-424-3 838 Florida Homeless Veterans Coordinator Florida’s Homeless Veterans Coordinator can be reached by calling the phone number below. 727-575-8136 Florida Veterans Support Line 1-844-MyFLVet is a toll free number that veterans and their loved one’s can call 24/7 for emotional support and information pertaining to community resources. 1-844-693-5838 To access the online Ask VA (AVA) go to: https://ask.va.gov/

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 400% 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

Representative John Snyder is a Martin County native with deep roots in the community and a public service passion. He grew up in Stuart and graduated from Hobe Sound Christian Academy in 2007. Representative John Synder United States Marine Corps Corporal Representative John Snyder is a Martin County native with deep roots in the community and a public service passion. He grew up in Stuart and graduated from Hobe Sound Christian Academy in 2007. Afterward, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in February 2008. In 2011, Rep. Snyder deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After five years of honorable service, he returned to the Treasure Coast, where he worked full time while completing his degree. Today, Rep. Snyder owns a national recruiting and staffing company that he built from the ground up. As a business owner, he knows what it takes to protect, defend, and expand our business-friendly climate. As a third-generation Floridian, the Representative knows the precious value of clean water and its importance to our economy. He will fight tirelessly for veterans funding, the protection of first responders, and ways to combat the opioid crisis. We can count on him to cut taxes, empower families with options in education, stand up for the rights of the unborn, and defend the second amendment. Rep. Snyder states that his service taught him that “America will always be a nation worth fighting for! Now more than ever, we can’t lose faith in her greatness, and must be resolved to answer the call to protect liberty and freedom, no matter the cost.” Rep. Snyder and his wife Brittany have been married for over ten years and live in Palm City, raising their eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. His mother, Keren, is a small business owner, and his father, William Snyder, is the Sheriff of Martin County. His siblings, David and Laura, work in law enforcement and education. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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

Supporting Florida's State Veterans' Nursing Homes through $10,000 Impact Grants The Noble Endeavors Program provides $10,000 grants to each of Florida's State Veterans' Nursing Homes to fund facility improvements, enrichment activities, and quality of life enhancements for our Florida veterans. Explore the projects below to see how each facility is using their grant to make a difference. Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary Home in Lake City The domiciliary is a 150-bed assisted living facility opened in 1990 that provides housing, supportive services, and primary medical care for eligible veterans, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home The Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Daytona Beach is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility that opened in 1993 and provides care for eligible veterans, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 1999 that also includes 60 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Augustine The Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Augustine is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 2010 that also includes 60 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 2022 that also includes 60 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orlando The Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orlando is a 112-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 2022 that also includes 32 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Alexander “Sandy” Nininger Veterans’ Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines The Alexander “Sandy” Nininger State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 2001 that also includes 60 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City The Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 2003 that also includes 60 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte The Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility opened in 2004 that also includes 60 memory care beds for eligible residents, with spouses eligible on a space-available basis. Visit https://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/ to learn more about Florida's State Veteran's Nursing Home.

Thank you for supporting us! The Florida Veterans Foundation’s mission is to serve, support, and advocate for veterans in need.​ Thank you for supporting us! The Florida Veterans Foundati on’s mission is to serve, support, and advocate for veterans in need. Donate Help us make a difference. First Name Last Name Email Street Address City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip Code & Country Donate in the name of: Enter the amount you wish to donate: $ Donate Thank you for your donation to help our veterans in need! Make checks payable to: Florida Veterans Foundation, 2601 S. Blairestone Rd C300, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Honor A Veteran

Ambassadors for Veterans Council Continuing the March for Veterans in Need | Council of individuals and organizations who are resolute in helping veterans and titled as our forward march support advocates for the advancement and sustainability of the Florida Veterans Foundation and its mission. Shop To Donate Click on the below websites to shop and they will donate a percentage to the foundation. Ambassadors for Veterans Council Continuing the March for Veterans in Need Other Donations Council of individuals and organizations who are resolute in helping veterans and titled as our forward march support advocates for the advancement and sustainability of the Florida Veterans Foundation and its mission. BE AN AMBASSADOR Mail in Donations Gifts, Wills, Trusts Corporatie Giving Grants Event Fundraising In-Kind Donations For more information contact: fvf@fdva.fl.gov 850-488-4181 Volunteer Special Thanks American Legion of Florida National Association of Veterans & Families Walmarts of Florida WALMART STORE #1081, GAINESVILLE WALMART SUPERCENTE R #1224, PENSACOLA WALMART SUPERCENTER #3307, CRAWFORDVILLE WALMART SUPERCENTER #4520, TALLAHASSEE WALMART STORE #4427, TALLAHASSEE WALMART MARKET STORE #6531, PENSACOLA Tallahassee Dodge Claude Pepper Foundation MoPar Muscle Freedom Car Show Hamptons Gold & Country Club Elks Club of Florida National League of Cities American Patriot Service Corp UBER Technologies, Inc. Your outreach helps prevent Veterans from falling into crises and give them hope for a better future. Types of Volunteers Outreach Fundraising Events Ways To Give Please use our print-friendly form and mail your donation to: Florida Veterans Foundation The Capitol, 400 S Monroe St UNIT 2107, Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, FL 32399 Gifts – Wills, Trusts & Life Insurance Bequests are donations that are made through a will or a living trust. You can name the Florida Veterans Foundation as a beneficiary in your will/estate for a specific amount or a percentage (see form below) or designate the foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. The Florida Veterans Foundation suggests consulting a legal professional before drafting a will. The Florida Veterans Foundation must be named as the owner and beneficiary of the insurance policy for it to be tax-deductible. Download the Gift Form Corporate Giving We welcome inquiries from companies that support our mission. Contact us at: fvf@fdva.fl.gov to learn more or call the Florida Vet erans Foundation offices at (850) 488-4181 ; ext : 1. In-Kind Donations In-kind donations are very important to the Florida Veterans Foundation’s outreach. Individuals and companies provide valuable resources. If you are interested in making an in-kind donation, please contact us at (850) 488-4181; ext: 1. Grant Donations Public and private charity foundations are encouraged to participate with the Florida Veterans Foundation’s outreach to serve Pre- and Post-911 Florida veterans. Opportunities to help educate and public awareness outreach are the key elements of our desire to seek grants, as well as our stated initiatives. If you are interested in sharing grant opportunities, Please contact our President at us fvf@fdva.fl.gov or contact our Foundation offices at (850) 488-4181 ; ext: 1. Event Fundraising We encourage you to support the Florida Veterans Foundation by engaging your community through individual efforts. Previous examples include runs, golf tournaments and faith-based group events. For questions and more information, please contact our Development Office at fvf@fdva.fl.gov or (850) 488-418 1 ; ext: 1 between 9am and 4pm EST. Volunteers For those who are interested in volunteering for the mission of the Florida Veterans Organization, please visit our Volunteer page, or as a District or Deputy Chairperson, please contact our offices at 850-488-4181 ; ext: 1 for more information. REMEMBER: When donating to a charitable organization, refrain from providing or verifying personal information via e-mail, text message or social media. Do not post, direct message, email, or provide over the phone any sensitive information to any organization or individual unless you have initiated the interaction via the contact information provided on the organization’s website. Be wary of individuals representing themselves as members of any charitable organization asking for donations via social networking sites or personal email addresses. Malicious individuals can mislead victims using copycat names that are similar to but not exactly the same as individuals and charitable organizations. If you are unsure as to whether or not a communication is legitimate, contact the organization directly.