Independence Day fireworks may trigger flashbacks for those who fought for our freedom

Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our freedom, but for those who fought for it, Independence Day can be tough. The sound of fireworks can trigger flashbacks to combat for some veterans living with PTSD.

VA says it lacks adequate medical gear for 2nd virus wave

The Veterans Affairs Department stated they would need a six-month supply in order to battle a potential second wave of the COVID-19 virus. They only have a 30-day supply.

Tarpon Springs veteran memorializes service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice

Many local Memorial Day events were canceled this year but there’s a unique spot in Tarpon Springs that honors fallen service members. It was put together by an army veteran who wants to remind everyone that freedom isn’t free.

Tampa Bay veterans can get help with rent, utilities

Veterans in the Bay Area can get help with utilities and rent through the St. Vincent de Paul "CARES" program. 

No military honors: Sarasota veterans group honors fallen hero in lieu of funeral

As the novel coronavirus pandemic changes the way America does just about everything, including military funerals, but his community did not want Lewis's service and sacrifice to go unrecognized.

YMCA program helps veterans get fit, feel better

Most veterans will probably admit that their years in the service were probably also their most fit. But good health doesn’t have to end when they hang up their uniforms.  

A year and a half later, widow's VA benefits finally come through

When we met Candi Weikert in November, she was a grieving widow who’d been unable to get her VA benefits for more than a year. The bank had already planned to auction her home, and she had given up hope of being able to keep it. 

Supportive bonds formed through Operation Patriot Support

Connected by service, the men and women with Operation Patriot Support share a bond unlike any other. 

Pinellas Marine celebrates 95th birthday with a surprise party

Dozens gathered Monday morning at a Bob Evans restaurant in Clearwater to surprise a special hero for his birthday. 

First-of-its-kind conference focuses on women's role in the military

The first Military Women's Conference at the Tampa Convention Center highlighted challenges and possible solutions for thousands of female veterans, spouses of military members, mothers of military members, and females on active duty. 

Brain injuries in Iraq draw attention to invisible war wounds

Unlike physical wounds, such as burns or the loss of limbs, traumatic brain injuries aren't obvious and can take time to diagnose. The full impact — physically and psychologically — may not be evident for some time, as studies have shown links between TBI and mental health problems.

Second lady attends art workshop for veterans battling PTSD in St. Petersburg

When second lady Karen Pence heard her husband was making a stop in Tampa, she says she came along because she wanted a first-hand look at the work being done inside the Morean Arts Center’s hot shop.

Treasure Island man ticketed for displaying sign thanking veterans

A man is suing the city of Treasure Island, claiming they violated his rights when they refused to allow him to display a sign on his boat during the Veterans Day boat parade.

'Camo Alert' legislation proposed to help find missing veterans in Florida

A proposal filed Monday in the state House would create a “Camo Alert” program to help military veterans who have mental illness or traumatic brain injuries and go missing in Florida.

Texas man who transforms leftover Christmas trees into canes for veterans receives 1,000 donations

A central Texas man was overwhelmed by the response after he put out a call asking his local community to donate their leftover Christmas trees to him instead of throwing them out so that he could turn them into canes for veterans in need.