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Tallahassee, FL – April 2, 2026 The Florida Veterans Foundation will officially launch its new statewide initiative, the Heroes to Washington Grant , on April 4 in Tallahassee, marking the first of ten ceremonial presentations supporting Honor Flight hubs across Florida. The initiative provides funding to local Honor Flight programs that enable veterans to travel to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Through this campaign, the Foundation will present a series of $15,000 grants to Honor Flight hubs throughout the state, beginning with the Tallahassee-area hub. Each presentation will recognize the critical role these organizations play in honoring Florida’s veterans. “This initiative is about more than funding, it’s about gratitude,” says Raymond Miller, Chief Operating Officer of the Florida Veterans Foundation. “The Heroes to Washington Grant reflects our commitment to ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to be recognized for their service in a meaningful and lasting way.” The campaign is being launched in partnership with the Honor Flight Network and participating regional hubs across Florida. Each stop in the statewide tour will be documented and shared publicly to highlight veteran stories and community impact. The Heroes to Washington Grant will include ten stops across Florida, with each event featuring a ceremonial presentation, veteran engagement, and opportunities for community awareness and support. Members of the public are encouraged to follow the campaign online and learn more about local Honor Flight programs and how to support veteran participation. Event Details – Tallahassee Launch: Date: April 4, 2026 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Event: Heroes to Washington Grant Kickoff Presentation For more information about the Florida Veterans Foundation, visit: helpflvets.org Media Contact: Brooke Dennison, Director of Outreach & Strategic Initiatives Florida Veterans Foundation brooke.dennison@fdva.fl.gov

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.  – The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Veterans Dental Program  in 2026, thanks to renewed funding from the Florida Legislature and approval by Governor Ron Desantis. This crucial initiative expands access to vital dental care services for eligible veterans across the state.  Under this program, the FVF will continue to manage a comprehensive network of selected 501(c)(3) organizations to deliver a full range of dental services to qualified veterans. The program emphasizes the importance of oral health and seeks to address the gap in dental care services for veterans not fully covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  "We are honored to continue this initiative, which directly impacts the lives of many veterans across Florida. Our goal remains to ensure that every eligible veteran has access to the dental care they need, improving their quality of life and overall health," says Dr. Pia S. Woodley, DBA, Chair, Florida Veterans Foundation.    Key features of the Veterans Dental Program for 2026 include:   Eligibility and Enrollment:  The program is open to Florida residents who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and meet specific criteria, including income level and service status.   Must have been issued a DD-214, NGB 22, or Certificate of Discharge.  Eligible veterans must reside in Florida.  Must be at 300% Poverty Level or below as defined by the federal government at the time of their application.  Must be less than 100% service-connected disabled.  Veterans must not have a direct service-connected injury impacting their oral health.  Statewide Dental Network:  FVF will continue partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations across Florida to ensure services are accessible to veterans in all regions.  Comprehensive Care:  Services will include routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and other necessary dental procedures.  Outreach and Education:  FVF will continue working closely with veteran service organizations and community partners to promote the program and educate veterans about their eligibility.    Opportunities for Statewide Veteran-Centric Organizations:   Statewide veteran-centric organizations interested in participating in the program can learn more and apply online at helpflvets.org/dentalprogram . Organizations applying to be a Grantee will be required to:  Submit their application to the Florida Veterans Foundation (“FVF”) according to the online instructions.  Demonstrate that they can facilitate dental care services in accordance with the rules within the Statement of Work.    Grantee Workplan Requirements:   Administering the Program:  The Veterans Dental Grant Program Grantees will be required to use awarded grant funds according to the requirements set forth by the FVF by:  Ensuring verification of a veteran's status by reviewing their DD-214, NGB 22, or Military Discharge documents or applicable U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs forms.  Utilizing awarded funds based on the requirements of the FVF-provided contract.  Tracking the dental services provided to veterans by:   Reporting the number of veterans served and other demographics.  Tracking Program expenses.  Maintain accountability of services  for Quality Assurance.  Ensure the protection of veteran information and maintain HIPAA compliance to protect PHI.  For more information, please contact us at fvf@fdva.fl.gov .  The Florida Veterans Foundation is dedicated to providing essential services and support to veterans throughout Florida. Through programs like the Veterans Dental Program, the FVF aims to improve the quality of life for those who have served our nation.

May 16, 2025 – The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) is proud to announce a major milestone in its mission to serve those who served us. FVF has awarded its first-ever grant under the Veterans Dental Program  to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) —marking a significant step forward in providing vital dental care to Florida’s veterans. As the driving force behind this initiative, FVF is leading the charge to address one of the most overlooked healthcare gaps among veterans: dental care. With many veterans not qualifying for VA dental benefits, this new program is set to change lives by offering essential services that restore health, dignity, and quality of life. Through the support of FVF, WVRF will begin offering dental services to qualified veterans in their coverage area. Veterans can now visit www.helpflvets.org/dentalservicelocator  to access an interactive map  that connects them with local participating dental providers. Simply click on your county’s name to view provider contact information and follow the dedicated link to begin the application process for care. To stay informed on program updates, eligibility information, and future announcements, follow FVF online at www.helpflvets.org  and on social media platforms including Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and X . To access all our accounts in one place, visit our LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/helpflvets . About Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF): Established in 2008 by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Veterans Foundation is the state’s leading organization advocating for veterans and their families. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Direct Support Organization of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, FVF is dedicated to serving those who served through programs, services, and strategic partnerships that meet veterans’ evolving needs. About Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF): Founded in 2009, WVRF is a Florida-based, veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free, life-changing dental care and urgent financial assistance to wounded and disabled veterans. Through a network of over 300 dental professionals, WVRF offers services that help veterans regain their health and stability during difficult times. Together, FVF and WVRF  are taking bold action to improve the lives of Florida’s veterans— one smile at a time . Thank you to the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for making this possible.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) will host a press conference on Thursday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Florida Capitol, 4th Floor House side . Senator Danny Burgess will be joined by officials from the Florida Veterans Foundation and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, along with local Veteran service organization leaders, to launch the statewide Veterans Dental Program which will expand access to vital dental care services for eligible Veterans across Florida. Under the program, FVF’s comprehensive network of selected 501c3 nonprofit organizations will deliver no-cost services to qualifying Veterans, including routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and other necessary dental procedures.     WHAT:   Press Conference on Florida Veterans Dental Program  WHO:   Senator Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills              Major General James S. Hartsell (Ret), Executive Director, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs              Dr. Pia Woodley, United States Navy (Ret), Chair, Florida Veterans Foundation             Dr. Zack Kalarickal, United States Navy Veteran, Stars, Stripes and Smiles             Paul Kimbel, United States Army Veteran, Florida Veterans Foundation Lead Dental Analyst   WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 2025-10:00 a.m.  WHERE:   4th Floor – House Side, Florida Capitol      ABOUT THE FLORIDA VETERANS FOUNDATION The Florida Veterans Foundation is dedicated to providing essential services and support to Veterans throughout Florida. Through programs like the Veterans Dental Program, the FVF aims to improve the quality of life for those who have served our nation. Learn more at www.helpflvets.org .

March 21 - 22, 2025 | Daytona Beach, FL Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM)  is the state's largest dental clinic that provides dental care to any patient at no cost to them, with the goal of serving the under-served and uninsured in Florida - those who would otherwise go without care.

Presentation by Colonel Ben Findley, USAF-Retired December 14, 2024 Thank you Captain Newman, Buster, and my other Wreaths Across America friends. It is my privilege to be here today for this Wreaths Across America Ceremony and to lay wreaths here to honor our heroes. Thank you both for what you do. It has been 55 years since I volunteered for my 30 years of military service and took the Commissioning Oath: · to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign & domestic, and · to bear true faith & allegiance to the same. This Oath of Allegiance is more than a formality for commissioning or a promotion ceremony, it provides the foundation of our military and our nation as a whole... and our freedom. Those laid at rest here took that Oath and made the ultimate sacrifice to DEFEND OUR COUNTRY against all enemies, as they promised. Sadly, some of my friends and yours in arms took this Oath and sacrificed their lives for our great country and this Oath and our freedoms, like so many here did as well. If I could put today's ceremony in ONLY 3 WORDS, it would be REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH. Today, not only here in Pensacola, but all across our United States of America, we show national unity as we Remember the Fallen, Honor those Who Serve, and Teach our children and others The Value of Freedom. This is also the MISSION of Wreaths Across America TO: 1) Remember the FALLEN, 2) Honor those WHO SERVE, and 3) Teach the NEXT GENERATION the value of freedom. Like some of you, I have visited Newark, OH, Galveston, TX, Stillwater, OK, Prescott Valley, AZ, Ft. Pierce, FL, and even here in Pensacola. All of these cities have about 50,000 net civilian population. Can you imagine if each of these cities and their citizens were gone? What a terrible tragedy! Well here are some facts for you. There are well over 50,000 INTERMENTS of heroes on the 95+ ACRES here at Barrancas, including 4 MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS (one each from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air force), about 700 UNION and CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS, the WIFE OF APACHE CHIEF GERONIMO from 1887, and several casualties from the Second Seminole War of 1835. Plus so many more brave men & women from many wars & conflicts. Here at Barrancas for this NATIONAL Wreaths Across America Day, we join the almost THREE MILLION VOLUNTEERS and SUPPORTERS who will gather today to Remember, Honor & Teach at about 5,000 participating locations, Cemeteries, and Memorials IN ALL 50 STATES, at sea & abroad. This program has been granted permission to place Wreaths at Normandy in France to honor those who died during World War II's D-Day invasion. We place Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes, in memory of those who served and serve in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Reserve components, and servicemen and women whose last known status was as a prisoner of war or missing in action. THANK YOU for attending and participating in this honorable, respectful, and patriotic event. Quoting our 40TH UNITED STATES PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.” MOMENT OF SILENCE My fellow Americans, please join me in a MOMENT OF SILENCE to Remember the fallen, the prisoners of war, the missing in action, and to Honor those who have served and are serving our great nation’s armed services. THINK ABOUT THE MESSAGE A WREATH PROVIDES The traditional and simple message for a Wreath, like in a memorial ceremony, is: · May your HEART & SOUL FIND PEACE AND COMFORT, · May you REST IN PEACE & IN OUR LOVING MEMORY, and · GONE FROM OUR SIGHT, BUT NEVER FROM OUR HEARTS. FREEDOMS WE ENJOY COME WITH A PRICE The precious freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout our nation are men and women who GAVE THEIR LIVES SO THAT WE CAN ENJOY OUR LIBERTY, LIVE IN FREEDOM, and WITHOUT FEAR. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE: Such Simple Words, But so honorable and very meaningful. Many of you here are veterans of wars and conflicts that America has had to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed. America has always been the first nation to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world. Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well. You have VOLUNTEERED TO REPRESENT ALL OF US and left loved ones for various periods of time for a greater good, our nation and its freedoms. We are here today to say “Thank You” and we are honored to know you. Such simple words, but they carry a grateful message and a deep meaning of honor and respect. When you see or meet a veteran or an active duty member of the armed services, take a moment to say "Thank You." I know myself as a retired military veteran that it means a lot to me. And the simple gesture of wearing an American Flag pin proudly communicates so much to veterans... the respect and honor to those who have served. Our heroes at rest here served under that flag with pride & honor. When I get a thanks, I always respond with "YOU ARE WORTH IT." Remember, that wreaths and flag pins are tangible symbols of gratitude, honor, and respect... and a visible public reminder of freedom and liberty for Americans. They recognize all military lives lost in defense of our national freedoms... and all those who NOW serve our country. They are real Americans with families, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, rather than just statistics. These heroes have and are VOLUNTARILY standing in your shoes to represent you. Let this ceremony remind us of the TRUE COST OF FREEDOM and how FOREVER FRAGILE it is... and inspire us to live in a way that honors the memory of these heroes and MAINTAINS OUR CONSTANT VIGILANCE and COMMITMENT to preserve it. I have been a member of the Sons of the American Revolution for 58 years and at every meeting we say the AMERICAN'S CREED: It is our duty to those heroes and to our country: 1) To Love it 2) To Support our Constitution 3) To Obey its Laws 4) To Respect our Flag, and 5) To Defend it against all Enemies. Let us never allow the memory of their service to fade and our commitment to waiver. To all those who attend today, volunteer their time, efforts and money to Wreaths Across America, its Mission, and all the Veterans' causes to help preserve the freedoms of our nation, WE AND OUR GRATEFUL NATION THANK YOU! AND SALUTE YOU! (Hand Salute rendered.) Dr. Ben Findley, Colonel, USAF- Ret Colonel Ben is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force with 30 years of service, including experience as the Reserve Provost at Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he taught at Air War College and other schools there. He is the author of the first Air Force Supervisor's Course at Air University. As a Psychological Operations Staff Officer with HQ, U.S. Special Operations Command, Ben wrote the Department of Defense book "Psychological Operations," used by all military departments. Colonel Ben received a teaching excellence award as a PSYOP instructor at the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School at Hurlburt Field, FL. Ben was selected by Florida's Governor and Cabinet for the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame in 2023. He was awarded the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Outstanding Counselor award for Academy liaison officers where he served as Deputy Commander for NW FL & AL. He was also awarded the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Tallman Outstanding Leadership/Service Award & the Department of Defense's Legion of Merit medal. He is a Vietnam Era, Persian Gulf War Era, Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosov War Era veteran. Ben helps veterans by serving on the FL Department of Veterans Affairs' Ambassador Council, the Florida Veterans Foundation Board, the FL Veterans' Hall of Fame Society Board as President, the Sons of the American Revolution Pensacola Chapter as President, the Veterans Memorial Park, Pensacola, Board- 2023, and other veterans' organizations. Ben's doctorate degree is in Business and Education. He taught financial and human resources management, serving as Dean of the College of Business and Professor of Management at the University of Sarasota. He retired from Pensacola State College FL where he served as Dean of the School of Business, Human Resources Director, & Director of Legal Affairs & Risk Management.

FLA-MOM is a first come, first served clinic.  We can ONLY take pre-registration appointments for the Veterans Dental Event (Veterans’ First Initiative) during the afternoon of Thursday, May 30, 2024 beginning at 2pm.  Veterans can register via the QR code listed on the Save the Date Veterans Dental Clinic Flyer, or by calling 800-877-9922.  Patients at the Veterans’ First Initiative will arrive at their appointment time and begin the registration process at the clinic but they will NOT receive treatment at this appointment.  The appointment will allow the veteran to complete all necessary paperwork and visit with the following departments: Medical triage Radiology Dental triage Routing – a dental treatment will be presented at this time Veterans will need to return at 6:30am on Friday, May 31 to begin treatment. If a veteran is not able to attend the Veterans’ First Initiative during the afternoon of May 30, they may still receive dental treatment at the clinic, but they will need to arrive with the general public and will be seen on a first come, first served basis on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, June 1.  The clinic doors will open at 7am on May 30 and June 1.  The clinic will treat patients until capacity is met.  Patients are encouraged to arrive early and plan on being at the clinic for several hours.  Complete information can be found at www.FLAMOM.org  Patients are encouraged to click on the blue “Patients FAQs” button.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 800-877-9922.

Saturday, February 24, 2024 8:00 a.m. | Lake Leon Pavilion at Tom Brown Park Proceeds benefit the Florida Veterans Foundation. Join Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez for the Race for Our Heroes 5K on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. EST at Tom Brown Park. Start and Finish Line Activities will take place at the Lake Leon Playground Pavilion in Tom Brown Park (off Conner Boulevard). Bring the family and your four-legged friends to run, walk or ruck with us and help honor Florida's military Veterans, first responders and their K-9s! Registration Pre-registration closes Friday, February 23, at 5:59 p.m. EST The first 100 registrants are guaranteed a T-shirt. - $25: Pre-registration with T-shirt (First 100 registrants are guaranteed shirt) - $35: Onsite Registration Challenge Coins will be awarded to the top three male/female runners, walkers, ruckers and K-9s. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Florida Veterans Foundation, which serves Florida Veterans and their families.

​​ The Veterans Day event held for Point Brittany V:eterans was the first official event for this retirement community. They are an association but have not received their full certification so they are operating under the Lakewood Ranch Association of Veteran and Military Supporters charter. There are roughly between 60-70 Veterans living within this community from WWII era thru Vietnam era Veterans. We presented eight medals during the ceremony: 2 Korean War Vets; 1 WWII Vet; and 5 Vietnam Vets. Their names are: Airmen 1st Class Michael Bonavia, Captain John Davison, Seaman 3rd Class Fonseca, Staff Sgt Robert Francis, Dr. John Lanigan, Seaman 1st Class Schwartz, 1LT John Stoeffler, and Airman Bill Thompson. I presented 14 coins to Veterans that were from conflicts after the Vietnam War after the formal ceremony. Also gave a coin to Ms. Rebecca Westfall and her husband for their work on putting together this event and for their support to the Point Brittany Veterans. Sequence of events are below: 1. Wait for everyone to arrive & be seated. “Thank you everyone for coming to today’s event. We are grateful to have all of you here today to help celebrate the Veterans of Point Brittany. Can we have everyone silence their phones and stand for the posting of the colors & the National Anthem which will be sung today by Mr. Terri Orr.” 2. Color Guard march in prior to song. with military flags & stand at position of attention. Terri Orr will sing Nat’l Anthem. CG positions flags, goes to seats. 3. “Please take your seats. Thank Mr. Orr for singing one of the most patriotic songs in history.” 4. “And now I would like to introduce Rev. Margaret Rountree. She is the associate minister at St. Petersburg 1st United Methodist Church and studied at both the University of Florida and Emory University. She will be providing today’s invocation.” 5. Afterwards—"Thank you Rev. Margaret for being with us here today.” 6. “Our guest speaker today is here to talk about SERVICE and HONOR. Alfred (“Al”) Carter is Chief of Staff of the FL Dept of Veterans’ Affairs. He’s a Retired Army Colonel currently appointed as Agency CoS following his retirement of 28 years of military service. He served in U.S. Army command and leadership positions as a Military Police Officer with assignments in over 40 countries including combat tours in Qatar, Afghanistan and Iraq and received over 30 individual, joint and unit medals during his Army career. AL is married to LT. COL. (Retired) Marlené Carter who is sitting up front and they have two children. Thank you for being here today.” 7. Mr. Carter will begin subtext about the Veteran’s Medal and its significance. He will cue me to call members names to come to the front to be awarded. 8. “Now we would like to recognize the individuals who have served, etc. Will the following individuals please report to the stage? Airmen 1st Class Michael Bonavia, Captain John Davison, Seaman 3rd Class Fonseca, Staff SGT Robert Francis, Dr. John Lanigan, Seaman 1st Class Schwartz, 1LT John Stoneffler, and Airman Bill Thompson.” 9. Afterwards presentation, everyone claps. 10. “Gentleman, please remain standing as we want to recognize our other Point Brittany Veterans for their military service. Please stand as I call your name: Read from list. 11. After Vets stand: “Let’s give a hand to ALL THOSE STANDING who’ve made sacrifices to our country.” (Applause). 12. Please be seated as we watch A SHORT VIDEO RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS WHO HAVE STOOD HERE TODAY. (Dave turns off lights and plays video while music plays). 13. Lights on.

Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Littrell supports the Florida Governor’s Challenge to prevent suicide among service members, Veterans, and their families. Former MLB Player and Marine Reservist Rick Monday supports the Florida Governor’s Challenge to prevent suicide among service members, Veterans, and their families. To succeed, we need everyone to join us and spread the word. Help Save FL Vets!

The Florida Veterans Foundation Service Medal is a small, medallion-like token, adorned with the organization’s name and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Its design, is both classic and simplistic and gives reverence to both the Services and the United States. The front of the medallion, struck on gold metallurgy, shows a waving flag encircle by an intertwined rope. The wavering flag symbolizes the commitment and dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy. The intertwined rope symbolizes the tight knit bond that each individual and each brand of service holds for one another. Emblazoned on the back of the medallion, also encircled by intertwined rope, is the emblem of the six services that comprise our Armed Forces. The two large stars mounted vertically on opposite sides of the coin are symbols of the protection, comfort, and hope our nation reflects across the globe. The nine smaller stars encircling the Armed Forces emblem have dual symbology. Its numerology based, and denotes the spiritual growth, universal love, and compassion the Florida Veterans Foundation shows to Veterans and their Family Members and the Armed Forces radiates or projects as it supports operations and causes across the World. There is a red, white, and blue ribbon that harnesses the medallion. Just like the American flag, according to custom and tradition, white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Service Medals, alike Challenge coins serve as a symbol of membership, belonging, and camaraderie, forging a strong bond among those who possess them. Know that in receiving the Florida Veterans Foundation’s Veteran Service Medal, you are among a brotherhood of arms, who served selflessly and valiantly in the Armed Forces of the United States. -Al Carter

Hello Veterans, Reminder that the deadline to file for PACT ACT benefits ends today, August 9th, 2023. The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act will bring these changes: Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures If you’re a Veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits. Learn more at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ or visit https://www.va.gov/res.../the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ to sign up.