Vietnam veteran earns Silver Star for helping save lives during the Battle of Hue City
The United States Department of Defense awards top honors to recognize "acts of valor performed by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines."
'It deserves respect': McKay Bay plant workers honored for properly burning unserviceable American flags
The American Legion Post 139 in Tampa honored workers at McKay Bay Waste to Energy Plant for helping properly and honorably burning more than 1,000 unserviceable flags in February.
Local Vietnam Veteran awarded four Silver Stars during 22 years of service
During the first week of ‘Military May," FOX 13 is highlighting service members who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Retired Colonel Sam Martin, of Tierra Verde, received a total of four Silver Star awards during his career.
Polk County WWII, Korea, Vietnam veterans visit war memorials in Washington DC
More than 80 Lakeland area veterans touched down in the nation's capital to spend the day touring their war memorials.
Apollo Beach veteran awarded Silver Star for 'bold leadership' during Operation Iraqi Freedom
During the first week of ‘Military May," FOX 13 is highlighting service members who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Corporal Evan Stafford of Apollo Beach was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on April 7, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Veteran-owned brewery based in Tarpon Springs supports military community
Craft beer enthusiasts Ramey Simpson and Jerry Brown launched the business in 2019. Simpson retired from the Air Force in 2021 after 24 years of service. Brown is a 27-year veteran of the Army and still currently serving.
Remains of Korean War veteran finally come home after being MIA for 71 years
Cpl. David B. Milano went missing in action after a battle near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea on Dec. 2, 1950.
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital breaks ground on new Polk County clinic
The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital held a groundbreaking for its newest clinic in Polk County on Thursday. The Lakeland Consolidated Clinic will be centrally located just off Polk Parkway and Lakeland Highlands Road.
99-year-old war hero, educator, trailblazer honored by Polk County school
J.J. Corbett's name is now on the media center at Union Academy Middle School, serving as a reminder for future generations to live a life of service and heroism.
Hillsborough County offers free pickleball lessons for veterans
Pickleball is simultaneously very popular and fairly unknown. For those new to pickleball, see how it's played and how it's helping veterans live better lives.
House passes bill to boost benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits
Veterans exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan would have a dramatic boost in health care services and disability benefits under the legislation.
Community honors veterans during Freedom Float
A veteran hosted others who served for a day on the water in Sun City Center.
Old Manatee County jail could become home of program to help homeless veterans
Manatee County leaders are considering a plan that would help homeless military veterans while breathing life into an old jail facility that has been vacant for more than a decade.
Troops home for holidays after 20 years of war
From 'imaginative' Christmas trees made of mortars to spending Christmas Eve under the stars in the desert of Afghanistan, veterans who spent the holidays fighting the war on terror learned how to celebrate remotely long before the rest of us.
VA denies veteran's claim, says heart attack is not an ‘emergency’
Seven years after Congress passed a law reforming the scandal-plagued Veterans' Healthcare Administration, the VA appears to have made a great deal of progress. But there are still many veterans getting caught in a bind.
Pay special attention to veterans and their mental health during the holidays, doctor says
A U.S. veteran shared his struggle with mental health after losing both legs while serving in Afghanistan. His hope is that his story will help other veterans who might be struggling during the holidays.
Tampa's Vila Brothers Park to get 'totally red white and blue' makeover namesakes always wanted
After bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor, Tampa brothers Joe and Willie Vila told their parents they were going to fight for America. All 7 Vila brothers ended up fighting in the war and the park that bears their name is getting an upgrade worthy of their service.
Biden signs 4 bills aimed at supporting veterans and their families
President Joe Biden signed four bills into law that aim to assist U.S. veterans and their families, including additional funding and support for maternity care.
Life in the foxhole: 97-year-old Villages veteran reflects on D-Day, Battle of the Bulge
Serving in the second world war at age 20, living in a fox hole was Irving Locker’s reality. At 97, he says he’s just lucky he’s still around to tell the stories.
Veteran guitar instructor creating memorial instrument for fallen service members
A Tampa guitar instructor who designs incredible handmade guitars has been working on an extra special project. He's building a custom guitar for one of his students who lost two brothers in Afghanistan. It's been an emotional journey as he crafts this musical memorial.