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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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:

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

To serve, support, and advocate for Florida veterans to improve their quality of Life! The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their physical, financial, mental, emotional, and social well-being. About The Florida Veterans Foundatio n Misson Statement To serve, support, and advocate for Florida veterans to improve their quality of Life! The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their physical, financial, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Supports the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs’ mission of advocacy; and, advocates for Florida veterans through local and statewide outreach to educate the public and governmental entities, increasing awareness on veteran-related issues. CODE OF ETHICS BYLAWS TEAMWORK The Florida Veterans Foundation team is one of the hardest working veteran advocate teams in the state of Florida. We are composed of a volunteer Chairman and Board of Directors. The majority of the Foundation Directors are retired, military disabled veterans who donate over 40 hours per week of their time to assist and help guide Florida’s veterans through a myriad of issues veterans face today. Whether it’s access to healthcare, education, jobs, VA benefits or the like, our Directors are here to help. Several Directors are trained Veteran Service Officers who know the extent, the meaning and the application of laws that have been passed by Congress in the interests of veterans and their dependents. Our Directors know the rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to clarify and implement those laws. Chief Operating Officer – Raymond Miller USMC Veteran MEET THE TEAM FINANCIALS The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing emergency and support services and programs for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida. VIEW REPORTS Latest News PSA: Florida Veterans Dental Grant Program FY 26-27 Florida Veterans Foundation Launches “Heroes to Washington Grant” with Statewide Honor Flight Support Initiative Public Service Announcement: Dental Program for Florida Veterans Florida Veterans Foundation Continues Statewide Veterans Dental Program in 2026 Public Service Announcement: Florida Veterans Foundation Launches Dental Program with First Grant Award to Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Dental Grant Program Public Service Announcement FLORIDA VETERANS FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Email: fvf@fdva.fl.gov Phone: 850-782-4305

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

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