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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

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 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 Latest News 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 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 FLORIDA VETERANS FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Email: fvf@fdva.fl.gov Phone: 850-782-4305

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. VA Pension Aid & Attendance VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify. VA Aid and Attendance Eligibility You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of these requirements. At least one of these must be true: You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or You have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness, or You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less) Housebound Benefits Eligibility You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability (a disability that doesn’t go away). Note: You can’t get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time. Resources The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs : Visit the FDVA webpage at https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ for more information regarding how to obtain these benefits. NAVF : Visit the NAVF webpage at https://www.navf.org/ to recieve a free consultation.

Representative Michelle Salzman is a Wounded Warrior and full-time community volunteer who began her philanthropy journey while attending the University of Western Florida over a decade ago Representative Michelle Salzman United States Army Vetera n Specialist Representative Michelle Salzman is a Wounded Warrior and full-time community volunteer who began her philanthropy journey while attending the University of Western Florida over a decade ago. She served in the U.S. Army for five years and transitioned into the civilian community by completing a degree in Computer Analytics and a degree in Business Administration. She served on the March of Dimes Committee for two years and moved on to help her fellow veterans as a volunteer with the V.A.’s local Vocational Rehabilitation office. She was elected to the Florida House of Representatives after defeating the incumbent representative on her first run for office. Her parents settled into her family home in Pensacola when she was in elementary school. In 1995, she graduated from High School and joined the U.S. Army at age seventeen. She entered basic training as the youngest in her class and then attended advanced individual training. After graduation, she left for Hanau, Germany, joining a unit already preparing for deployment. Four weeks later, she shared a former SCUD missile barracks in Kaposvar, Hungary, with the other soldiers in her battalion. U.S. Army supply clerk, Pvt. Michelle Hisle (her maiden name) spent her first journey away from home in a six-person advance party rolling into Tuzla Valley, Bosnia. The trip by convoy to Tuzla took two days. Pvt. Hisle drove the whole way, intrigued by the war’s impact on the region. She was tasked with helping set up a forward operating base (FOB), Comanche Base, for other American soldiers serving as part of the NATO Force. For three weeks, she shared a four-person tent with five other soldiers at a site that lacked latrines and only getting an occasional cold shower. Her duties included stringing concertina wire around the camp’s perimeter and distributing the contents of crates five times her size. The FOB was in a combat zone, so she could not safely leave the flight line because of snipers in the surrounding area and landmines that saturated the area. She was awarded numerous commendations for developing and implementing inventory control systems that saved the 1st Armored Division millions of dollars. Commendations included: an ARCOM (Army Commendation Medal), several AAMs (Army Achievement Medal), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, among others. After serving her country, Rep. Salzman came back to Pensacola, where she used her leadership experiences and her Army College Fund to gain education and excel as a leader for her business and a leader in service to the Pensacola community. She has served on boards for various local PTAs, county-level PTA President, as well as the State of Florida PTA Board of Directors. She has been a full-time volunteer for several years now and received many awards and recognitions for her community service. The Representative has followed her heart and passion for helping those who cannot help themselves. This passion led her to focus on children, families in poverty, and her fellow wounded veterans. When she is not serving her community, she manages her photography business, Salz Studio, serving the gulf coast community for over ten years. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Senator Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr., is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York City. His lifetime of service began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harren High School in 1966. Senator Victor Torres United States Marine Corps FVF Current Board Member, Sergeant Senator Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr., is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York City. His lifetime of service began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harren High School in 1966. He joined as the Vietnam War was raging. During his four-year enlistment, Senator Torres was stationed in Okinawa Japan, rose to Sergeant, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. In 2019 Senator Torres wrote: “It was not until I served in the Marine Corps, though, that I fully understood what makes America truly great.” He went on, “The Marine Corps taught me, and exemplified, that America stands up for the oppressed. We are the guiding light for freedom lovers across the globe to look toward in times of despair. Above all, we defend the defenseless. I carried these values with me as I continued my career of service as a member of law enforcement. It was in this job that I kept my neighbors safe, protecting back at home all we hold dear. I carried with me to the Florida House and subsequently to the Senate these same sacred values.” Once completing his service in the Marine Corps, he ensured safety and order in his community as a police officer for the New York City Transit Police. After twenty years, Senator Torres retired from the New York City Transit Police as 2nd Grade Detective. In 1993, Senator Torres relocated his family to Florida and continued his community service as a volunteer and leader for several community organizations, the labor movement, and grassroots efforts. He has established a strong reputation as a committed political activist and an effective leader. In 2012, Vic Torres was elected as a State Representative for Florida House District 48 in Orange County; and for the 2014-2016 legislative cycle, he was tapped to be the Democratic Deputy Whip. He has served on numerous Senate committees, including the Military and Veterans Affairs and Space Committee. Senator Torres has been married to Carmen L. Torres for over twenty-five years. Carmen is also a committed community leader and volunteer. She is a past member of the Executive Board of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Past Vice-Chair of the DNC Southern Caucus, and past Florida Elector for President Barack Obama. Vic and Carmen are the proud parents of five children and eleven grandchildren. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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 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 FY2026 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 300% 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

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

Rep. Smith’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972 while his extended family still lives in the Merritt Island area. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Representative David Smith United States Marine Corps, Retired Colonel Rep. Smith’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972 while his extended family still lives in the Merritt Island area. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Growing up and throughout high school, David was very active in sports. He played on both community and school baseball, basketball, football, and tennis teams. Additionally, he acted in multiple community theater productions, including roles in Inherit the Wind, Guys & Dolls, Harvey, The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Lion in Winter, Macbeth, As You Like It, and Jesus Christ Superstar. David attended vocational training in high school and earned a certification in welding. David attended Texas A&M University on a military scholarship and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. David earned his wings of gold at NAS Pensacola, launching his career as a UH-1N helicopter pilot. He flew more than 4,500 accident-free flight hours during his career and was a designated Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He made six extended deployments overseas or aboard ship, including a combat tour flying in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to his flying duties, David also had multiple assignments as a Program Manager overseeing military procurement contracts. After graduating from the Defense Acquisition University, he was selected by the Marine Corps as one of their first Acquisition Professionals. David also holds a Master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in Business Management. He had Command assignments or Program Management responsibility for three separate billion-dollar programs, and his final Marine Corps assignment was leading a military and civilian workforce at the Central Florida Research Park that managed $1.4 billion worth of Simulation & Training projects. After 30 years of service, David retired at the rank of Colonel. He has worked in the private sector of Central Florida’s Simulation & Training industry for the last seven years. He currently owns a business consulting company. Colonel David Smith lives in Winter Springs and is very active in community affairs. He is a Paul Harris Fellow at the Winter Springs Rotary Club, a member of the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, VFW Post 5405, and multiple other Veterans organizations and local non-profit groups. Additionally, Rep. Smith is a member of Leadership Orlando class #78 and Leadership Seminole class #26, and the CrossLife Church in Oviedo. He is one of the few combat veterans in the Legislature. << Back to Veteran Legislators

This once in a lifetime opportunity will honor a Veteran’s legacy in the new documentary A State at War: Florida During WWII, which will be cherished forever. Feature a Veteran in an Upcoming PBS Film This once in a lifetime opportunity will honor a Veteran’s legacy in the new documentary A State at War: Florida During WWII, which will be cherished forever. 3 Donation Levels – your Veteran’s name in the film credits – your Veteran’s name in the film credits with rank, and branch of service or more – your Veteran’s name and photo in the film credits with their name, rank, branch, and years of service Donate Today, and we will include your Veteran’s Legacy in this historical and memorable film, and on the Florida Veterans Foundation Memorial webpage. Millions of people around the world will view the program on PBS stations and other venues in the years to come. Memorial recognition in the film is limited. Honor your Veteran’s legacy through Your donation and help to support Veterans in need through a variety of programs and services provided by the Florida Veterans Foundation. The film is scheduled to be released on Veterans Day 2023 on PBS. $500 $1000 $2000 Preserve Your Veteran’s Legacy In This Historical Film Today 3 Donation Levels – your Veteran’s name in the film credits – your Veteran’s name in the film credits with rank, and branch of service or more – your Veteran’s name and photo in the film credits with their name, rank, branch, and years of service Note: Only a $2000 or more donation is granted a photo submission $500 $1000 $2000 Memorial Day Video Donation Form First name Last name Email Rank Service Organization Enter the amount you wish to pay: $ Donate Thank you for helping us make a difference! Memorial Video Photo Upload If you are donating a total of $2000 or more please upload your photo submission here:

Representative 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

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 2023-2024 Legislature who have 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