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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

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. Annuals Reports • FY 2022-2023 • FY 2020-2021 • FY 2019-2020 • FY 2018-2019 • FY 2017-2018 Internal and External Audits • FY 2022-2023 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2021-2022 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2020-2021 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2019-2020 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2018-2019 Independent Audit (External) • FY 2017-2018 Independent Audit (External) • 2020 IG FDVA Statutory Oversight Audit (Internal) • FY 2024 Financial Statement Findings Financial Reports • 990 FY 2022-2023 • 990 FY 2021-2022 • 990 FY 2020-2021 • 990 FY 2019-2020 • 990 FY 2018-2019 • 990 FY 2017-2018 • 501(c)(3) Determination Letter Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Compliance Letter View our Rating ​ Veiw our Code of Ethics The Florida Veterans Foundation was founded in 2008 by the Florida Legislature and is supported by a variety of individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraisers and direct public support to help us faithfully execute our mission of providing a variety of assistance for Veterans and their families across the state of Florida.

Veteran Initiatives Veteran Relief Fund Collaboration with American Legion to Provide Relief Funds for Veterans in Need 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.

Representative Jeff Holcomb United States Navy Reserve, 2006-Present Lieutenant Representative Holcomb is originally from Maryland where he attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County earning a BA in Economics, later continuing his education at American Military University with a MA in Intelligence Studies. After moving to Florida in 2002, Rep. Holcomb and his wife, Stacey have two daughters and have resided in Hernando County for over twenty years. Rep. Holcomb, in addition to being a realtor, serves as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserve since 2006. In 2016 LT Holcomb was called to active duty to fight ISIS in support Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria and Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan. He served on the Master Air Attack Plan team in the Combat Plans Division of the Air Operations Center in Southwest Asia. During his service, he earned a Navy Commendation Medal and a Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal. Prior to his election into the Florida House of Representatives, Rep. Holcomb was elected to the Board of County Commissioners in November 2014 and was re-elected in 2018. In 2019, he served as Chairman of the Commission, and he also served as Chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee from 2018-2020. Rep. Holcomb has many years of community involvement that includes his work with the Hernando County Veterans Council, Hernando County Education Foundation, Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Medical Examiner Board, Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority, along with his support and participation in sixteen different local charities, and his efforts for the improvement of twelve County Parks. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Veteran Assistance Contacts Listed below are the main point of contact for vital veteran crisis and support hotlines. Florida Veteran Get Help Now Crisis Hotline If you or a loved one need support or connections to community resources as a veteran, call the Florida Veterans Support Line. 1-844-693-5838 National VA Homeless Hotline Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can call in where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-877-424-3838 National Veteran Crisis Hotline Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? You're not alone—the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to call. 1-800-273-8255 VA Caregiver Support Line VA's National Caregiver Support Line is a toll-free number for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services. 1-855-260-3274 VA Health Care Hotline If you have questions regarding VA Health Care you can call in to the national hotlines to receive answers. 1-877-222-8387 VA Benefits Hotline For information regarding your federal VA Benefits, contact the VA Benefits Hotline below. 1-800-827-1000 MyVA411 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—simplifies and improves customer access to VA through a single, easy-to-remember phone number. 1-800-698-2411 VA Benefits for Women Veterans Hotline The Women Veterans Call Center will help you navigate VA, point you in the right direction, and connect you with the Women Veterans Program Manager at your local VA medical center. 1-855-829- 6636 GI Bill Hotline Students and School Certifying Officials can contact the VA by phone for questions and answers regarding the GI Bill. 1-888-442- 4551 National VA Homeless Hotline Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can call in where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-877-424-3 838 Florida Homeless Veterans Coordinator Florida’s Homeless Veterans Coordinator can be reached by calling the phone number below. 727-575-8136 Florida Veterans Support Line 1-844-MyFLVet is a toll free number that veterans and their loved one’s can call 24/7 for emotional support and information pertaining to community resources. 1-844-693-5838 To access the online Ask VA (AVA) go to: https://ask.va.gov/

Representative Sam Killebrew United States Navy FVF Current Board Member, Elected 2016 Rep. Killebrew entered the Navy after graduating from Auburndale High School in 1963. He served three years, much of it attached to Naval Aviation, at overseas duty stations included Okinawa. “I was always attached to aviation, so I was never on a ship,” Rep Killebrew said. “I enjoyed my tour — glad I went. After serving in the U.S. Navy, a lifelong Florida and Polk County resident, Rep. Killebrew owned and operated multiple construction and manufacturing companies, including; Killebrew Manufacturing Company, Imperial Trailer Service, Killebrew Inc., and Rotational Molding Company. He is also a former partner of the Florida Strategic Group, LLC. Sam is actively involved in the progress and expansion of New Beginnings High School, aiming to help students who have dropped out to earn a high school diploma. Rep. Killebrew was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and was just elected to a third term. He served as Vice-Chair for the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee and a member of the Florida Veterans and Military Families Caucus. The Representative also sits on numerous boards and civic organizations throughout the state. He regularly sponsors legislation to protect Veterans, animals, and children and families. He has played an influential role in bringing over $10 million to Polk County for various road/highway projects, water quality preservation and restoration, educational programs, and other projects around the district. Notable Veteran legislation that Rep. Killebrew has sponsored or co-sponsored include: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities: Will allow the surviving spouse of a combat-wounded veteran to keep their ad valorem tax discount after the veteran dies; and Enrollment of Dependent Children of Active Duty Military Personnel in the Florida Virtual School: Allows students of active-duty military personnel stationed abroad but claim Florida has their resident state to attend Florida virtual school. He is married to Eileen Killebrew of Lake Wales, and they have five children, seven grandchildren, five dogs, and an avid supporter of Hope Equine Rescue. << Back to Veteran Legislators

Representative Tommy Gregory United States Air Force Retired Lieutenant Colonel Representative Tommy Gregory is a native Floridian who served in the Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2014. He began his military career by earning a B.S. in Economics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he graduated with Military Distinction. He also deployed to Southwest Asia for Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Rep. Gregory received his J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law and served as a prosecutor for 14 in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His career included: Serving as staff judge advocate for the 48th Fighter Wing in England. He supervised a 35-person legal office; oversaw the provision of legal services to 15,000 personnel, the drafting of 6,000 estate planning documents, and prepared 3,500 tax returns; and managed the pre-trial advice, prosecution, and appellate review of 50 felony and 270 misdemeanor cases. Serving as a Senior Counsel for the Air Force Space Command legal office in Colorado, where he managed the daily operations of a 15-person office and oversaw the delivery of 4,200 legal opinions to a four-star commander and headquarters staff, as well as the review of all administrative law issues for ten legal offices around the country. ​ After retiring from the military, Rep. Gregory spent ten months doing missionary work in the Dominican Republic as his house was built in Sarasota. He then established a successful private law practice in Sarasota. He is currently with the Williams Parker Law Firm, where he focuses on litigation and advising clients, commanders, and senior leaders in high-profile, high-pressure situations. ​ The Representative has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, St. Martha Catholic School, and the Sarasota Republican Club. His wife, Erica, is also an Air Force retired Lieutenant Colonel and a small business owner. They are raising three sons. ​ Rep. Gregory states, “I consider it a great honor to have served our country in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.” He goes on how his military career helps him in the Florida House, “During my career in the Air Force, I was taught and used a decision-making process called the OODA loop — OODA being an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. This four-step approach to decision-making focuses on rapidly gathering information, putting it in the historical and current context, deciding appropriate actions, and then executing. It is a powerful tool for quickly zeroing in on the best answer to complicated questions and then repeating the steps as the situation changes. OODA can be applied outside the military.” Florida lawmakers are fortunate to have this military experience help shape policymaking in Tallahassee. << Back to Veteran Legislators

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 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

In Memory Of . . . Those who have served this great nation . To submit a Veteran to our page, click here. Dennis Maiocchi National Guard Robert Norem USAF Vietnam Veteran Lewis B Wilson Jr. Sergeant, USMC 1942-1945 4th Marine Division, Pacific Islands Buddy White Lee Alfred Jr. U.S. Army Oscar V. Dye USAF George C Brand Jr. National Guard, Company A 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Brigade Lieutenant Colonel E. Conrad Sittler​ U.S. Army Wayne H. Coloney Tom Chaboudy USMC April 6th, 2023 Harry L. Fake Jr. U.S. Army Vietnam Norman Gail Woods U. S. Navy, Chief Warrant Officer, World War II POW Larry Lattimer Major, USA, USAF (Ret), Vietnam Melbourne Allan Shepard Jr. USN, Vietnam Veteran Donald E. Wright Airman 3rd Class, USAF, Korea Dale Doss U.S. Navy Veteran, Silver Star Recipient Bernard "Bun" O'Connell Sgt, USMC 5th Marine Division, 13th Marines Colonel Harold E. (Hal) Grant Army Air Corps, USAF, WWII & Vietnam Veteran Robert “Bob” Lee Franklin, Sgt 29th Infantry, US Army Thomas Mabry Ervin Ramon Scott Sgt. Ronald Standiford U.S. Army, Co. C, 4th Batt, 31st Infantry. Vietnam, Purple Heart Virginia Woods Department of the Navy Matt Strong USAF Vietnam Vet Nolan L. Bennett U.S. Navy, NATO and Vietnam Passed on 08/27/2023 Myron Duane Kitt, Sr. USMC, Corporal Kitt Transitioned November 2, 2023 in Tampa, FL Memorial Wall George Wilsey, U.S. Army Dr. Harry K. Taylor Ms. Jessie C. Miller, USAF Ryan Elzie O’Leary Lance Corporal, USMC Tom and Christine R eddaway James Eveland John O'Connor Don Gress Misti Kehoe, Kelly Tepper, Kim Kehoe-Brown Jackie Modica Bob Kehoe Jim Camp & Eva Cline William Poe Radioman/Signal Corp, USA Roger Dale McKenzie U.S. Navy Veteran Megan Healy Dade Institute of Technology Jennifer Grier Dick Reddaway James H. Sutphin Rockledge, FL Josephine "Josie" Haynes Jennifer Grier Dick Reddaway Richard E. Tomlin, Jr. Ed Mullinax Mosquito Joe of Tampa Bay Nahlin Yanez George Diggins US Army, 2002-2023, Purple Heart Recipient Ellert A. Dominick US Navy Leyane Salcedo Army, 2-7IN Chandler Jackson Dawson SPC US Army Passed Dec. 29, 2023 Remembering WWII Veteran and Co-Founder of the Florida Veterans Foundation, Major John Haynes Video courtesy of WCTV. Honor A Veteran Your Name (First & Last) Your Veterans Name (First & Last) Email Please include any additional information you would like such as Branch, Date of Passing, etc. Submit Thanks for submitting! Additionally, to submit a photo of your Veteran please email the photo file to fvf@fdva.fl.gov .

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

Past Event Galleries 10th Anniversary Gala Military Legislative Reception 2023