Veterans Issues

Carlos Moreira spent more than 15 years on active duty in the U.S Marine Corps and three years as a reservist before enrolling in college at USF. He now works as USF's Military and Veterans Success Center's veterans service administrator. FPL honored him for his service by turning his home into an energy-efficient winter wonderland.

To bring their lives back together, the couple decided to go to counseling. Through a referral at the VA, they found “the Camaraderie Foundation,” a Florida-based non-profit that provides counseling, emotional, and spiritual support for all branches of military service members for free.

On the northwest corner of the Ikea parking lot in Tampa, a holiday mission to serve those who served our country was underway Thursday morning. 

Each month, a group of injured veterans are invited to a special dinner in Tampa. It's a way to say, "thank you" and to let them know they're not forgotten and with Thanksgiving one week away, this one was extra special. 

Tim Virgilio is the founder of Signatures for Soldiers, a non-profit based out of his home in St. Petersburg. He started in 2014 with a simple idea: Ask athletes to sign items, knowing that he would sell those items with 100% of the proceeds going to help homeless and disabled veterans.

Boulton, who is a World War II Navy veteran, will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 10. He was gifted a special quilt at a Palm Harbor ceremony ahead of the big day.

It's not always easy to get veterans to open up about mental health issues, but a Pasco County detective and her four-legged companion help start the conversation. 

Scoop Soldiers, has donated at least more than $50,000 to Valor Service Dogs, a non-profit training and placing dogs with combat wounded veterans. The president of Scoop Soldiers said supporting the mission was a no-brainer.

A local non-profit is hoping Veterans Day also serves as a reminder of the struggle veterans face and the need to support them every day.

A group of local veterans never lets the Marine Corps birthday pass without marking the occasion. They celebrated the 247th birthday like they've done every year since 2003 — by meeting at Marina Jack Restaurant in Sarasota.

After her son Corey was killed in Afghanistan while serving our country, Kelly Kowall created "My Warrior's Place." It's a waterfront retreat in Ruskin that is dedicated to helping veterans, active duty military, first responders, their families and families of fallen heroes.

For decades, New Beginnings of Tampa has provided housing, dental care, and other services to veterans in need. This week, three veterans are graduating from the program and getting apartments of their very own.

One week ahead of Veterans Day, dozens of military veterans sat down Friday at a dental clinic for free dental cleanings, tooth extractions, and fillings.

Six local veterans were honored during the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation ceremony, which was established by Congressman Vern Buchanan.

A replica of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial has been set up at Tampa's Julian B. Lane Park. The wall is part of a series of events to celebrate and honor American veterans and first responders. 

On average, more than 20 American veterans take their own lives every day. Combating the veteran suicide crisis is SOF Missions. 

The Tunnel To Towers Foundation is building homes for more than 100 military and first responder families in a newly developed Land O' Lakes community, "Let Us Do Good Village."