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- AID & ATTENDANCE | FVF
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. VA Pension Aid & Attendance VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify. VA Aid and Attendance Eligibility You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of these requirements. At least one of these must be true: You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or You have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness, or You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less) Housebound Benefits Eligibility You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability (a disability that doesn’t go away). Note: You can’t get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time. Resources The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs : Visit the FDVA webpage at https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ for more information regarding how to obtain these benefits. NAVF : Visit the NAVF webpage at https://www.navf.org/ to recieve a free consultation.
- GET INVOLVED | FVF
Volunteer opportunities With Veterans: Servers4Heroes, clinical opportunities, local nonprofits, and more. Volunteer Opportunities With Veterans Servers4Heroe s 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 i n preparation or serve meals to the heroes w ho reside in Florida’s Veterans Nursing Homes. Servers4Heroes is a program run through the state' s nursing home facilities. Click Here for more information State Veterans' Homes, National Cemeteries, and VA Hospital + Clinic Volunteer Opportunities Below is a map of the state nursing homes, national cemeteries, and VA medical centers in the state of Florida. If you are interested in volunteering type in your zip code below to view possible locations near you, and access the infor mation for your chosen facilities Volunteer C oordinat or. The VA State Veterans' Homes are the locations for the Servers4Hero es Program previously mentioned. To learn more see above or click h e re. VA Clinic/Hospital Main Line Contact Information and Addresses: 2021 VISN 8 Service Area Map (va.gov) Please note: The email and phone number linked to each marker connect s interested volunteers to the facilities designated Volunteer Coordinator, NOT to the facilities main line s for health care, burial, or ho using purpose s. To access the contact information for the facilities main lines, please view their linked websites. Local Organization Opportunities To access volunteer opportunities at local o rganizations in your area, please visit Volu nteerFlorida OR VolunteerMatch.org and enter your zip-code. To pinpoint veteran-related volunteer opportunities, input "veteran" in the "Search by Keyword" filed. Additional Volunteer Opportuniti es Florida State Parks To access a full list of all the available volunteer oppor tunities in the Florida State Parks please visit their Volunteer Portal . Make a difference by assisting with park maint enance, management, and hospitality. Keep Florida Beautiful Keep Florida Beautiful works with 40 county and city affiliates— All who are dedicated to impr oving Florida through litter prevention, increased recyc ling, education, and beautification efforts. Visit their v olunteer page to find out about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities near you . Green Your Routine Explore volunteer opportunities with our Florida sea turtles. May include release, nest monitoring, etc. To learn more visit their volunteer page. American Red Cross The American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers! Positions will vary based on locatio n and experience. Visit their v olunteer page to view their most-needed Volunteer opportunities. If none of these volunteer opportunities interest you, you may enter your zip-code to find more, and even take a short quiz to find which position you may be best suited for.
- HONOR FLIGHT | FVF
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
- FREE DENTAL PROGRAM | FVF
Coverage is provided in the underlined counties: Alachua Baker Bay Bradford Brevard Broward Calhoun Charlotte Citrus Clay Collier Columbia DeSoto Dixie Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist Glades Gulf Hamilton Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Hillsborough Holmes Indian River Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Okeechobee Orange Osceola Palm Beach Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota Seminole St. Johns St. Lucie Sumter Suwannee Taylor Union Volusia Wakulla Walton Washington
- David Smith | FVF
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
- GET INVOLVED | FVF
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.
- DENTAL SERVICE LOCATOR | FVF
Dental Service Locator Welcome to the Florida Veteran's Foundation's Dental Service Locator! This tool provides a comprehensive map of dental service providers across various counties. Simply select your county's name from either the interactive map or the list below to locate dental assistance near you. If your county is not listed, please select the highlighted county closest to you. *CLICK ON YOUR COUNTY'S NAME TO VIEW DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN YOUR AREA* Holmes Escambia Santa Rosa Okaloosa Walton Washington Bay Gilchrist Jackson Calhoun Liberty Gadsden Leon Wakulla Madison Taylor Jefferson Hamilton Suwannee Baker Colombia Gulf Franklin Lafayette Nassau Duval Union Bradford Clay St.Johns Dixie Alachua Putnam Levy Marion Flagler KEY Counties with Coverage Citrus Sumter Hernando Pasco Hillsborough Pinellas Lake Volusia Seminole Orange Polk Osceola Brevard Indian River Manatee Sarasota Hardee DeSoto Highlands St. Lucie Okeechobee Martin Charlotte Lee Glades Hendry Palm Beach Collier Broward Monroe Miami-Dade *CLICK ON YOUR COUNTY'S NAME TO VIEW DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN YOUR AREA* Coverage is provided in the underlined counties: Alachua Baker Bay Bradford Brevard Broward Calhoun Charlotte Citrus Clay Collier Columbia DeSoto Dixie Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist Glades Gulf Hamilton Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Hillsborough Holmes Indian River Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Okeechobee Orange Osceola Palm Beach Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota Seminole St. Johns St. Lucie Sumter Suwannee Taylor Union Volusia Wakulla Walton Washington Our Dental Partners Anchor 1 Community Smiles CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE COMMUNITY SMILES DENTAL PROGRAM Homeless Empowerment Project CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE HOMELESS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT DENTAL PROGRAM Premier CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE PREMIER DENTAL PROGRAM Wounded Veteran Relief Fund CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE WOUNDED VETERAN RELIEF FUND DENTAL PROGRAM TESTMONIALS VETERAN I found out that she could possibly help me get my smile back and I was afraid of getting my hopes up. I'm a widow and it would have taken me years to pay off the bill! VETERAN I just wanted to cry when I found out that I was approved! Now I am awaiting my first surgical appointment and wanted to let you know how much this means to me. VETERAN I know you worked very hard to help me and know I'm being blessed with this gift!
- OUR FINANCIALS | FVF
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. 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. Annuals Reports • FY 2023-2024 • FY 2022-2023 • FY 2020-2021 • FY 2019-2020 • FY 2018-2019 • FY 2017-2018 Internal and External Audits • FY 2025 Financial Statement Findings • FY 2024 Financial Statement Findings • FY 2023-2024 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2022-2023 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2021-2022 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2020-2021 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2019-2020 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2018-2019 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2017-2018 Independent Audit (External) • 2020 IG FDVA Statutory Oversight Audit (Internal) Financial Reports • 990 FY 2024-2025 • 990 FY 2023-2024 • 990 FY 2022-2023 • 990 FY 2021-2022 • 990 FY 2020-2021 • 990 FY 2019-2020 • 990 FY 2018-2019 • 990 FY 2017-2018 • 501(c)(3) Determination Letter Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Compliance Letter 2024 Compliance Letter 2025 View our Rating Veiw our Code of Ethics The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by a variety of individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing a variety of assistance for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida.
- Florida Veterans' Foundation
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 overall well-being. About Our Foundation Our team at the Florida Veterans Foundation is passionate about serving Florida Veterans and their families. We are committed to the mission, and all funds received are used to support our five initiatives to serve our Veteran community. Read More Donate About Our Foundation Our team at the Florida Veterans Foundation is passionate about serving Florida Veterans and their families. We are committed to the mission, and all funds received are used to support our five initiatives to serve our Veteran community. Read More Donate Support Us Support the Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) and help us make a difference in the lives of Florida’s veterans! You can show your support by: Purchasing a Gadsden Flag License Plate – Available at your local Florida DMV, a portion of the proceeds directly funds programs that assist veterans in need. Making a Donation – Every contribution helps provide emergency financial assistance, dental care, and other vital services to veterans. Following & Sharing on Social Media – Stay updated on our initiatives and spread awareness by following FVF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your support ensures that we can continue our mission of honoring and assisting those who served. Thank you for standing with Florida’s veterans! Gadsden Plate Donate Socials Florida Veterans Dental Grant Program FY2026 FVF introduces the new Florida Veteran Dental Grant Program. The Florida Veterans Dental Program provides critical dental care to Florida veterans who lack access to affordable treatment. Funded by a $1 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature, the program partners with dental providers and organizations to offer services such as extractions, dentures, and restorative care. By addressing urgent and preventative dental needs, the initiative improves veterans' overall health and quality of life. How can we assist you? I Am A Veteran I Am A 501(c)(3) Learn More NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND Emergency Financial Assistance The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) Emergency Financial Assistance Program, in partnership with Project VetRelief, provides crucial financial support to Florida veterans facing urgent hardships. This program assists with essential needs such as rent, utilities, transportation, and other unexpected expenses to help prevent homelessness and financial instability. Eligible veterans can apply for assistance through Project VetRelief, ensuring they receive timely support during difficult times. Through this initiative, FVF remains committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. How can we assist you? I Am A Veteran I Want To Help Learn More
- PBS FILM | FVF
This once in a lifetime opportunity will honor a Veteran’s legacy in the new documentary A State at War: Florida During WWII, which will be cherished forever. Feature a Veteran in an Upcoming PBS Film This once in a lifetime opportunity will honor a Veteran’s legacy in the new documentary A State at War: Florida During WWII, which will be cherished forever. 3 Donation Levels – your Veteran’s name in the film credits – your Veteran’s name in the film credits with rank, and branch of service or more – your Veteran’s name and photo in the film credits with their name, rank, branch, and years of service Donate Today, and we will include your Veteran’s Legacy in this historical and memorable film, and on the Florida Veterans Foundation Memorial webpage. Millions of people around the world will view the program on PBS stations and other venues in the years to come. Memorial recognition in the film is limited. Honor your Veteran’s legacy through Your donation and help to support Veterans in need through a variety of programs and services provided by the Florida Veterans Foundation. The film is scheduled to be released on Veterans Day 2023 on PBS. $500 $1000 $2000 Preserve Your Veteran’s Legacy In This Historical Film Today 3 Donation Levels – your Veteran’s name in the film credits – your Veteran’s name in the film credits with rank, and branch of service or more – your Veteran’s name and photo in the film credits with their name, rank, branch, and years of service Note: Only a $2000 or more donation is granted a photo submission $500 $1000 $2000 Memorial Day Video Donation Form First name Last name Email Rank Service Organization Enter the amount you wish to pay: $ Donate Thank you for helping us make a difference! Memorial Video Photo Upload If you are donating a total of $2000 or more please upload your photo submission here:
- OUR MILITARY LEGISLATORS | FVF
Meet the Florida Veterans' Foundation's Military Legislators of 2023 to 2024. Meet the Military Veteran Legislators 2025 – 2026 Florida Legislature Series The FVF is proud to honor the military veterans serving in the 2025 Florida Legislature by kicking off the “Meet the Military Veteran Legislators 2025-2026 Florida Legislature Series.” We welcome the members of the 2024-2026 Legislature who have served, or are currently serving, in the United State Military. We are especially gratified that six members are currently serving in uniform as Reservists or members of the Florida National Guard. We encourage you to share this background so that Floridians know the military heritage that exists in the Legislature and how some legislators are serving their country in two ways, by being a legislator and a service member. Bryan Av ila Florida Army National Guard, Currently Serving First Lieutenant READ BIO Danny Alvarez BIO COMING SOON READ BIO Dean Black United States Air Force 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard READ BIO Danny Burgess Florida Army National Guard Currently Serving Major READ BIO John Snyder United States Marine Corps Corporal READ BIO Keith Truenow United States Air Force Airman READ BIO Wyman Duggan United States Marine Corps Commissioned Office r READ BIO Lisa Dunkley United States Army Veteran READ BIO Mike Giallombardo Florida Army National Guard, Currently Serving Warrant Officer READ BIO John Albert BIO COMING SOON READ BIO Jeff Holcomb United States Navy Reserve, 2006-Present Lieutenant READ BIO Bill Conerly BIO COMING SOON READ BIO Thomas Patterson "Pat" Maney United States Army Brigadier General READ BIO Fiona McFarland United States Navy Reserve Lieutenant, Drilling Reservist READ BIO Yvette Bennarroch BIO COMING SOON READ BIO Tom Keen United States Navy Naval Flight Officer READ BIO Michelle Salzman United States Army Specialist READ BIO David Smith United States Marine Corps (Retired) Colonel READ BIO
