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Like her Grandfather did in 1938, Representative Fiona McFarland graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, where she majored in Political Science, was captain of the crew team, and First Lieutenant of the Brigade of Midshipmen. She was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy and spent eight years on active duty. Representative Fiona McFarland United States Navy Reserve Lieutenant, Drilling Reservist Like her Grandfather did in 1938, Representative Fiona McFarland graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, where she majored in Political Science, was captain of the crew team, and First Lieutenant of the Brigade of Midshipmen. She was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy and spent eight years on active duty. She served as a Surface Warfare Officer, completing tours of duty as an engineering officer on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), as an inaugural crewmember on Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), as well as in the Navy Office of Information in the Pentagon. While on active duty, she also completed her Master of Business Administration from the University of Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler business school in 2013. In 2016, Fiona transitioned to the US Navy Reserves and married a Naval Academy classmate and native Floridian, Matthew Melton. In the Reserves, she participated in multinational antisubmarine warfare exercises above the Arctic circle with the US European Command and the US Africa Command to promote cooperation and understanding among regional African allies and partner nations. Fiona has received two Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals. In her civilian capacity, Fiona worked as a consultant with the global business management consulting firm McKinsey and Company, where she served clients across media, consumer goods, manufacturing, and advanced technology industry, among others, consulting directly with senior executives of Fortune 500 to help them solve business and operations challenges. During the campaign, she told a reporter, Andrew Meacham, the following story: In 2008 at Naval Base San Diego, Ensign Fiona McFarland took the longest walk of her life across the 500-foot steel alloy deck of the USS Preble, a guided-missile destroyer. She would be responsible for the “main propulsion division,” the gas turbine engines that powered the four-year-old ship to its destinations, which had already included supporting troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. A group of sailors waited for McFarland to deliver her first orders as a commissioned officer. “I look at this group of 30 sailors who all have more experience in the Navy and on the equipment end that we were responsible for,” McFarland said. “And they’re standing in formation, and the noncommissioned officer, the chief, looks at me and says, ‘OK, ma’am, what should we do today?’ “Not that was my first difficult decision,” she said. “But it really was my first moment of being faced with responsibility that I maybe didn’t necessarily feel ready for.” Rep. McFarland will draw on that same Navy training when she walks across the Capitol Rotunda into the House Chamber on March 4. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Become an FVF Ambassador Today As an FVF Ambassador, you serve as a bridge between the Florida Veterans Foundation and the community. Whether supporting events, sharing resources, or connecting with veterans and partners, ambassadors help ensure that those who served our country have access to the support they need. Get Resources

The Military and Veterans Assistance Program (“MVAP”) was created to help educate military members and veterans on the types of scams that target their communities, what they can do to protect themselves, and how they can help protect others by reporting scams and deceptive business practices. In addition, members of the MVAP team work directly with military service members and veterans who have been targeted... Veterans Resource Center Fraud Prevention, Charity Registry & VetSource Military & Veterans Assistance Prog ram >> Fraud Protection & Prevention The Military and Veterans Assistance Program (“MVAP”) was created to help educate military members and veterans on the types of scams that target their communities, what they can do to protect themselves, and how they can help protect others by reporting scams and deceptive business practices. In addition, members of the MVAP team work directly with military servicemembers and veterans who have been targeted, or their representatives, to help resolve their consumer protection related issues or find other outside assistance if necessary. FRAUD PREVENTION GUIDE If you are aware of a scam targeting our service members or veterans, or you have been affected by a scam or deceptive business practice, please file a complaint with my office by clicking the link below or by calling my consumer protection division directly at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) Veterans Charity Registry & Check A Charity All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or use our online Check-A-Charity tool to find out if a charity is properly registered. You can also find out how much the charity is spending on administration and fundraising and how much money goes to actual programming CHECK A CHARITY The Veterans Resource Center Coming soon a place to research products, services and other military organizations and resources who have registered with the Foundation. Click here to file a complaint

The Florida Veterans Foundation is taking a crucial step forward in raising awareness for Veteran Suicide Prevention in five rural counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa. As part of the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, the foundation has initiated a targeted mail-out to spread vital information and resources to veterans residing in these areas. Joining Forces to Prevent Veteran Suicide in Rural Florida Counties The Florida Veterans Foundation is taking a crucial step forward in raising awareness for Veteran Suicide Prevention in five rural counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa. As part of the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, the foundation has initiated a targeted mail-out to spread vital information and resources to veterans residing in these areas. By reaching out directly to these communities, the mail-out aims to raise awareness, provide support, and ultimately save lives. Together, let's join forces to combat veteran suicide and ensure that no hero is left behind. The mail-out is designed to reach veterans residing in these rural communities, ensuring they have access to the necessary information, tools, and assistance they need. By delivering comprehensive resources, including helpline numbers, counseling services, and local support groups, the Florida Veterans Foundation aims to create a safety net of support for those facing mental health challenges. The significance of targeting rural areas should not be understated. Often, these communities face unique barriers, such as limited access to healthcare services and fewer available mental health resources. By directly engaging veterans in these counties, the foundation hopes to bridge these gaps and ensure that no veteran is left without the help they deserve. The mail-out campaign is an opportunity to highlight the importance of early intervention, de-stigmatize seeking help, and promote support within the veteran community. By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health, the Florida Veterans Foundation hopes to foster an environment where veterans feel comfortable seeking assistance when needed. This initiative is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Florida Veterans Foundation to protect and support those who have bravely served our country. By amplifying the Governor's Challenge Suicide Prevention Campaign, the foundation is actively working towards reducing veteran suicide rates and improving the overall well-being of veterans in these rural Florida counties. The Florida Veterans Foundation's mail-out campaign serves as a beacon of hope, reaching out to veterans in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa counties to let them know they are not alone. It is a powerful reminder that as a community, we stand together, ready to provide the support, resources, and understanding needed to prevent veteran suicide. Let's come together and ensure that every veteran in these rural counties receives the care and assistance they deserve.

Representative Keith Truenow is the founder of Lake Jem Farms based in Mount Dora, in addition to being a farmer and rancher who focuses on producing sod sold throughout the State of Florida. Representative Keith Truenow United States Air Force Airman Representative Keith Truenow is the founder of Lake Jem Farms based in Mount Dora, in addition to being a farmer and rancher who focuses on producing sod sold throughout the State of Florida. Following graduation from high school, Keith, at 17 and with parental consent, enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country from 1987 until honorably discharged in 1991. Following his military service, he returned home to Lake County and his agricultural roots. After being well-schooled in agri-business, he later founded Lake Jem Farms, based in Mount Dora. He is a farmer and rancher who focuses on producing sod sold throughout Florida. Rep Truenow serves on several local and statewide boards, including; Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Lake County Farm Bureau, and the Lake County Fair Association. He also serves on the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, appointed by Governor Rick Scott. He is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. As a longtime businessman and resident of the district, he clearly understands the challenges that constituents face and will take with him to Tallahassee a commonsense approach to problem-solving. Rep Truenow reflected on his military service, “I bring a devotion to duty that was instilled in me first by my parents and then by the United States Air Force. Regarding my value to the legislative process, at a time when Florida’s economy and natural resources are at a critical stage. I believe my background will prove to be invaluable.” Keith’s devotion to his wife of twenty years and their two sons serves as the foundation for his commitment to putting Florida families first. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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

Volunteer opportunities With Veterans: Servers4Heroes, clinical opportunities, local nonprofits, and more. Volunteer Opportunities With Veterans 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.

If you or a loved one is thinking about self-harm or feeling hopeless, reach out now. We understand that the challenges you've faced during your service can sometimes weigh heavily on your mind, and it's crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this struggle, and together we can navigate the darkest times and rediscover the strength and purpose that lies within you. FVF Dental Grant Program Are you a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Florida's veterans? Do you have a passion for providing essential dental care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country? The Florida Veterans Foundation is now accepting grant applications to support organizations that offer vital dental services to veterans in need. We understand the challenges many veterans face in accessing quality dental care and are committed to making a positive impact on their lives. Grant funding will be used to: · Provide dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions · Support dental dentures · Assist with specialized dental procedures To qualify for a grant, your organization must: · Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Florida · Have a proven track record of serving veterans · Demonstrate a clear need for funding to support dental services TO APPLY: Please fill out the form below. Once this is submitted an application packet will be sent to the contact listed. Sorry, but this form is now closed. We are currently evaluating the submitted applications for the Veterans Dental Grant Program. Once the evaluations are complete, we will post the awardees and the service areas covered. Should there be gaps in the service areas, we may reopen the application process for certain areas. Apply Here Organization's Name* Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)* Contact First Name* Contact Last Name* Contact Email* Contact Phone Number Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)* How did you hear about us? Apply Now Please note the following: Definition of Veteran: According to Chapter 1.01 of the 2023 Florida Statues, “the term ‘veteran’ means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges. The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions. Veteran Eligibility: Qualifying veterans must also meet the following requirements: · Been issued a DD-214, NGB 22 or Certificate of Discharge. · Residency requirement - eligible veterans must reside in Florida. · Be at a 400% Poverty Level or below as defined by the federal government at the time of their application. · Be less than 100% service-connected disabled. Dental Rules For more information please contact us at fvf@fdva.fl.gov

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

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

State Representative Christopher Benjamin was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. As a young teenager, Representative Benjamin began his working experience as a door-to-door salesman for the Miami Herald. Representative Christopher Benjamin United States Army Reserve D-Miami Gardens State Representative Christopher Benjamin was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. As a young teenager, Representative Benjamin began his working experience as a door-to-door salesman for the Miami Herald. In 1991, as a Senior in high school, he watched the Desert Storm War unfold and made the decision to join the United States Army. He served honorably as an enlisted soldier for three years. His service included, being selected for his command’s Soldier of the Month while a Private First Class. He returned home and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Florida Memorial University in 1998 and a Juris Doctor from the St. Thomas University School of Law in 2001. After graduating from law school, Representative Benjamin worked as an attorney in the Case Management Division (Family Division) of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County. In 2002, he opened his law practice, now known as the Barrister Firm where he has provided affordable legal services to clients in the areas of Business Formation, Business Litigation, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Child Support, Criminal Defense, Commercial Litigation, Consumer Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Law, Guardianship, Probate, Real Estate and Real Estate Closings w/Title Insurance (Residential and Commercial). In 2007, Representative Benjamin obtained his first certifications in Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation and Arbitration) and for over a decade he has actively practiced with the prestigious mediation firm of Salmon and Dulberg and has also been an independent contractor with the 17th Judicial Circuit of Broward County and the FL Department of Financial Services. In 2011, he was appointed as a Traffic Hearing Officer with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Miami-Dade County; he as also been appointed Special Magistrate for municipalities throughout South Florida. In his community, Benjamin has served on several committees and boards such as: Florida’s Local Advocacy Council, Miami Garden’s Nuisance Abatement Board, Miami-Dade County’s Citizen’s Independent Transportation Trust, Parks and Recreation, Small Business/Minority Certification and the Human Rights Commission, Dade Public School’s Small Business/Minority Certifications, Attendance & Boundary Committee and the Save Our Future Advisory Committee. Of his military service, Representative Benjamine states, “The skills and experience I gained during this short time remain with me to this day. It was then that I learned the meaning of service. I have done my best to continue to make my life one of service. << Back to Veteran Legislators