Plant High wrestling coach brings in unique experience after Army Special Forces career
Plant High School's wrestling coach has special experience that took him to dangerous places, but that experience also taught him a lot about building a team.
Tampa Bay area volunteers to place wreaths at Tampa Bay area national cemeteries
A sea of wreaths will cloak local national cemeteries in honor of the veterans buried there. Volunteers will begin placing thousands of wreaths on the gravestone of each veteran who served our country.
100-year-old WWII veteran gets honorary promotion to brigadier general
Retired Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson was given the honorary rank during a ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force’s establishment as a military service.
FPL surprises Sarasota veteran with energy-efficient home decorations for the holidays
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.
Florida-based non-profit helps save local military couple's marriage
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.
Court program for veterans in Hillsborough County delivers Thanksgiving to those who served
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.
For 18 years, Tampa non-profit gives thanks to injured vets with monthly dinners
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.
'Signatures for Soldiers' founder uses athlete autographs to help homeless, disabled veterans
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.
World War II Navy veteran gifted 'Quilt of Valor' ahead of his 100th birthday
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.
Pasco County detective, therapy dog provides assistance to struggling veterans
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.
Pet care business give boost to local non-profit serving heroes through service dogs
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.
‘We need to support them’: 24/7 statewide line works to help veterans
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.
Local veterans celebrate 247th birthday of the US Marine Corps
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.
Mother creates ‘My Warrior’s Place’ in Ruskin after he son was killed while serving in the military
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.
'New Beginnings' program gives homeless veterans opportunity to rebuild their lives
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.
Veterans receive free dental cleanings, tooth extractions and fillings in Pasco County ahead of holiday
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 honored during inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation ceremony
Six local veterans were honored during the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation ceremony, which was established by Congressman Vern Buchanan.
Idaho man and US Army veteran killed while fighting in Ukraine, family says: 'I know his soul has found peace'
Dane Partridge went into a coma after he was struck by a Russian tank round, his father said
Replica of Vietnam Veterans War Memorial set up at Julian B. Lane Park in Tampa
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.
Local non-profit combating veteran suicide crisis with free wellness program
On average, more than 20 American veterans take their own lives every day. Combating the veteran suicide crisis is SOF Missions.