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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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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