When Fernando (Nando) Roque was born in 1921, the world was reeling from the Spanish Flu pandemic. He was spared from the pandemic then and from the pandemic now, exactly 100 years later. He went on to join the military and was the lone survivor of his battalion – all of whom fell victim to WWII. He is celebrating another blessing from God as he turns 100 years old on April 1st, 2021.

The Florida Veterans Foundation (FVF) unveiled a memorial this week, honoring the growing list of businesses and individuals who support the foundation’s effort to serve veterans.

FVF Board Member Senator Tom Wright participated last week in Wreaths Across America in Daytona Beach. He helped the Florida National Guard and the local Sheriff’s office distribute 500 vaccines to elderly minorities.

As World War II was raging, Lieutenant Barton Weisman enrolled in the ROTC program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and earned his commission in February 1946.

Great meeting with Florida Veterans Foundation, Inc. where Florida Commerce Secretary Jamal Sowell learned more about an important project underway to honor World War II veterans.

Florida State Trooper Curtis Vaughn was recently nominated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to receive the distinguished Veterans Advocate Award, given in partnership with the Florida Veterans Foundation’s (FVF) and Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.

A new initiative from the State of Florida is underway to provide homebound World War II and Korean War Veterans with access to a COVID-19 vaccination at no cost.

Major John Haynes of the United States Marine Corps. He served his country in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Today he continues to serve and support veterans as our Chair Emeritus. Happy Birthday Major Haynes. Oorah!

Veterans looking for career pathways will want to check out GetThere, the Florida Department of Education new career & technical education initiative. Programs specifically geared toward veterans are available and can help you earn valuable credentials to fast track your career.

The FVF is proud to honor the military veterans serving in the 2021 Florida Legislature by kicking off the “Meet the Military Veteran Legislators 2021 – 2022 Florida Legislature Series.” We welcome the twenty-two members.