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- ABOUT US | 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
- SPONSORSHIPS | FVF
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
- VETERAN EVENTS | FVF
Visit our events page to get a look at veteran events across the state. Calendar of Events October 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
- Bryan Avila | FVF
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
- RESOURCES | FVF
Military personnel records can include DD 214s/Separation Documents, service personnel records found within the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and Medical Records. Military personnel records can be used for proving military service or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Please note: that NPRC holds historical Military Personnel Records of nearly 100 million veterans. The vast majority of these records are paper-based and not available online. Florida Veteran Resources Get My Military Records/DD214 Use this service if you want to request: DD 214/Separation Documents Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) Replacement Medals Medical Records Burial and Emergency Requests Military personnel records can include DD 214s/Separation Documents, service personnel records found within the Official Military Pe rsonnel File (OMPF) , and Medical Records . Military personnel records can be used for proving military service or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Please note: that NPRC holds historical Military Personnel Records of nearly 100 million veterans. The vast majority of these records are paper-based and not available online. MilConnect: VA Benef it and Record Management Porta l DoD affiliates including: Active Military, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans and beneficiaries can manage their benefits and records through milConnect, a convenient self-service portal. Integrated applications provide secure access to many of their personal and personnel records held in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The milConnect FAQ provides the most up-to-date policies, procedures, and resources for making the most of their entitlements and benefits. FLHSMV Veterans who have reported using this website said they have received requested documents within hours of submitting the request! T he Military Caregiver Resource Direc tory Includes the most commonly referenced resources, organizations, agencies, and programs that provide support to the caregivers of wounded, ill, or injured Service members. The concept of the Caregiver Resource Directory is to connect communities with caregivers, building public awareness and support for caregivers. The resources, organizations, agencies, and programs included in the Caregiver Resource Directory have been reviewed and vetted in accordance with the National Resource Directory’s participation policy, which can be found at www.nrd.gov . No product endorsements or preferential treatment is given to any organization, agency, or program that is listed in the Caregiver Resource Directory. This Caregiver Resource Directory is a dynamic directory that will be refined on a regular basis. We encourage you to access the digital version of the Caregiver Resource Directory at https://nrd.gov/misc/crdDownload C ounty Veteran Service Officers Use this link to find a local Veteran Service Officer near you. Florida Veterans Benefits Guide Use this link to read the latest edition of the Florida Veterans Benefits Guide. VA Survivo rs and Burial Benefits Kit Use this link for VA survivors and burial benefits kit. Get There – Florida’s Workforce Education Initiative Connecting Veterans with College Education Benefits L o c ating Veterans for VA Benefits Getting Veterans Signed Up for Benefits For additional resources visit: https://floridavets.org/resources/ Get My Military Records/DD214 Enter milConnect Portal Military Caregiver Directory County Veteran Service Officers Florida Veterans Benefit Guide VA Survivors and Burial Benefits Kit Get There- Florida's Workforce Education Initiative Locating Veterans for VA Benefits
- Lisa Dunkley | FVF
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
- Thomas Patt Maney | 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
- Wyman Duggan | FVF
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
- Florida Veterans' Foundation
The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida Veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their overall well-being. About Our Foundation Our team at the Florida Veterans Foundation is passionate about serving Florida Veterans and their families. We are committed to the mission, and all funds received are used to support our five initiatives to serve our Veteran community. Read More Donate 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
- CONTACT US | FVF
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
- Spencer Roach | FVF
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
- SPECIAL PROJECTS | FVF
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.
