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 FAQs 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 FY26-27 Currently Accepting New Applications! 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. 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. How can we assist you? Click Here to Access our Dental Service Locator for Veterans 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 (PVR), 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? Click Here to Redirect to PVR's Financial Assistance Application I Want To Help Learn More

Rep. Killebrew entered the Navy after graduating from Auburndale High School in 1963. He served three years, much of it attached to Naval Aviation, at overseas duty stations included Okinawa. “I was always attached to aviation, so I was never on a ship,” Rep Killebrew said. “I enjoyed my tour — glad I went. Representative Sam Killebrew United States Navy FVF Current Board Member, Elected 2016 Rep. Killebrew entered the Navy after graduating from Auburndale High School in 1963. He served three years, much of it attached to Naval Aviation, at overseas duty stations included Okinawa. “I was always attached to aviation, so I was never on a ship,” Rep Killebrew said. “I enjoyed my tour — glad I went. After serving in the U.S. Navy, a lifelong Florida and Polk County resident, Rep. Killebrew owned and operated multiple construction and manufacturing companies, including; Killebrew Manufacturing Company, Imperial Trailer Service, Killebrew Inc., and Rotational Molding Company. He is also a former partner of the Florida Strategic Group, LLC. Sam is actively involved in the progress and expansion of New Beginnings High School, aiming to help students who have dropped out to earn a high school diploma. Rep. Killebrew was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and was just elected to a third term. He served as Vice-Chair for the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee and a member of the Florida Veterans and Military Families Caucus. The Representative also sits on numerous boards and civic organizations throughout the state. He regularly sponsors legislation to protect Veterans, animals, and children and families. He has played an influential role in bringing over $10 million to Polk County for various road/highway projects, water quality preservation and restoration, educational programs, and other projects around the district. Notable Veteran legislation that Rep. Killebrew has sponsored or co-sponsored include: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities: Will allow the surviving spouse of a combat-wounded veteran to keep their ad valorem tax discount after the veteran dies; and Enrollment of Dependent Children of Active Duty Military Personnel in the Florida Virtual School: Allows students of active-duty military personnel stationed abroad but claim Florida has their resident state to attend Florida virtual school. He is married to Eileen Killebrew of Lake Wales, and they have five children, seven grandchildren, five dogs, and an avid supporter of Hope Equine Rescue. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Sponsor Benefits Making a Difference By sponsoring the Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF), your contributions will help us connect veterans to life-changing services and support programs around Florida that provide Insert Sponsor "Insert why they sponsor FVF"

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

Our Corporate Sponsors Become a sponsor today The Florida Veterans Foundation is proud to partner with mission-aligned businesses whose generous support and commitment assist FVF in providing essential services to Florida's veterans. Learn More Become a Sponsor - John CEO,XYZ company Sponsor since 2026 "XYZCompany loves to support Florida's Veterans by sponsoring FVF." Visionary AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more Visionary Sponsors donate $X annually or provide services of equivalent value Other ways to help FVF appreciates all of its generous corporate, nonprofit, and community supporters across Florida. If you need more time to consider our sponsorship program, FVF also accepts one-time organization donations. Donate

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.

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

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

Submit a photo of your Veteran family and friends to honor them on our page. In Memory Of . . . Those who have served this great nation . To submit a Veteran to our page, click here. Dennis Maiocchi National Guard Robert Norem USAF Vietnam Veteran Lewis B Wilson Jr. Sergeant, USMC 1942-1945 4th Marine Division, Pacific Islands Buddy White Lee Alfred Jr. U.S. Army Oscar V. Dye USAF George C Brand Jr. National Guard, Company A 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Brigade Lieutenant Colonel E. Conrad Sittler U.S. Army Wayne H. Coloney Tom Chaboudy USMC April 6th, 2023 Harry L. Fake Jr. U.S. Army Vietnam Norman Gail Woods U. S. Navy, Chief Warrant Officer, World War II POW Larry Lattimer Major, USA, USAF (Ret), Vietnam Melbourne Allan Shepard Jr. USN, Vietnam Veteran Donald E. Wright Airman 3rd Class, USAF, Korea Dale Doss U.S. Navy Veteran, Silver Star Recipient Bernard "Bun" O'Connell Sgt, USMC 5th Marine Division, 13th Marines Colonel Harold E. (Hal) Grant Army Air Corps, USAF, WWII & Vietnam Veteran Robert “Bob” Lee Franklin, Sgt 29th Infantry, US Army Thomas Mabry Ervin Ramon Scott Sgt. Ronald Standiford U.S. Army, Co. C, 4th Batt, 31st Infantry. Vietnam, Purple Heart Virginia Woods Department of the Navy Matt Strong USAF Vietnam Vet Nolan L. Bennett U.S. Navy, NATO and Vietnam Passed on 08/27/2023 Myron Duane Kitt, Sr. USMC, Corporal Kitt Transitioned November 2, 2023 in Tampa, FL Memorial Wall George Wilsey, U.S. Army Dr. Harry K. Taylor Ms. Jessie C. Miller, USAF Ryan Elzie O’Leary Lance Corporal, USMC Tom and Christine R eddaway James Eveland John O'Connor Don Gress Misti Kehoe, Kelly Tepper, Kim Kehoe-Brown Jackie Modica Bob Kehoe Jim Camp & Eva Cline William Poe Radioman/Signal Corp, USA Roger Dale McKenzie U.S. Navy Veteran Megan Healy Dade Institute of Technology Jennifer Grier Dick Reddaway James H. Sutphin Rockledge, FL Josephine "Josie" Haynes Jennifer Grier Dick Reddaway Richard E. Tomlin, Jr. Ed Mullinax Mosquito Joe of Tampa Bay Nahlin Yanez George Diggins US Army, 2002-2023, Purple Heart Recipient Ellert A. Dominick US Navy Leyane Salcedo Army, 2-7IN Chandler Jackson Dawson SPC US Army Passed Dec. 29, 2023 Remembering WWII Veteran and Co-Founder of the Florida Veterans Foundation, Major John Haynes Video courtesy of WCTV. Honor A Veteran Your Name (First & Last) Your Veterans Name (First & Last) Email Please include any additional information you would like such as Branch, Date of Passing, etc. Submit Thanks for submitting! Additionally, to submit a photo of your Veteran please email the photo file to fvf@fdva.fl.gov .

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

Our Corporate Sponsors Become a partner today The Florida Veterans Foundation is proud to partner with mission-aligned businesses whose generous support and commitment assist FVF in providing essential services to Florida's veterans. Learn More Become a Sponsor Bob's Construction Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature. Learn More View More Bob's Construction Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature. Learn More View More Bob's Construction Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature. Learn More View More AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. They support causes like the Florida Veterans Foundation through their corporate giving program and partnerships, helping fund services that benefit veterans and their families AJAX Paving Industries AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more AJAX Paving Industries Read More Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is a long-standing asphalt and infrastructure contractor known for delivering projects across Florida since 1981, with a strong focus on community engagement. Learn more

Gadsden Flag License Plate | Supporting the Gadsden Flag License Plate means supporting our Veterans. The proceeds from sales contribute to the foundation's efforts in assisting our Florida Veterans! Veteran Initiatives Veterans Relief Fund FVF partners with Project VetRelief to provide Emergency Financial Assistance. Mission of Mercy Teamed with Florida Dental Association and Mission of Mercy in a “Veterans First” event to provide dental services to over 166 Veterans, giving $1,100 worth of services to each Veteran. In all $182,000 worth of services were provided to Veterans first under the services and guidance of 1,800 Dental professionals. Gadsden Flag License Plate Supporting the Gadsden Flag License Plate means supporting our Veterans. The proceeds from sales contribute to the foundation's efforts in assisting our Florida Veterans! Raising Awareness The Florida Veterans Foundation is actively working on raising awareness through a remodeling of our website to provide a better online presence and engaging social media campaigns to reach a wider audience. We also work with creating mail-outs for mass distribution to our rural areas to ensure our Veterans know what resources are available to them. This includes the foundations involvement in the Florida Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign. Ashley's Cottage Teamed wi th Villager for Vet erans to provide homeless female Veterans with transitional housing. The cottage offers a soft-lau nch into civilian life by providing 90-day safe shelter and resources. Veterans Treatment Courts On-going Support – Florida Veterans Legal Help Hotline – 1-866-486-6161 Serving Florida Veterans with consistent standards and structure throughout the state, which provides “best practices” and an infrastructure of proven Veteran Treatment Court operations in Florida.