Tampa, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) to announce Forward March, an initiative which aims to unite the combined energy and resources of Florida’s state agencies, veterans’ service organizations, private partners and local communities. The new initiative will work to ensure the state of Florida is providing the very best services and support for our veterans.“As a veteran myself, I am proud to be Governor of the most veteran-friendly state in the country,” said Governor DeSantis. “I look forward to working with Director Burgess, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and partners across our state to ensure those who have served our country are receiving the care they need and deserve.”
The kickoff event featured breakout sessions focusing on housing, mental health, emergency assistance and legal matters to help Florida’s 1.5 million veterans receive the best resources and tools they so rightly deserve.
“Forward March is the start of an ongoing effort to determine best practices and ensure the state of Florida sets the national standard for veteran services and support,” said FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess. “I look forward to teaming up with Governor DeSantis, various agencies and veterans’ organizations in this important work to boldly serve Florida’s Veterans.”
Over the following months, Forward March will meet with veterans throughout Florida’s communities to hear their stories and address the issues facing our nation’s heroes while focusing on finding ways to eliminate redundancy for effective delivery of veteran services.