BREAKING NEWS
Gov. DeSantis signs 3 bills supporting Florida’s nearly 1.5 million veterans
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs 3 bills supporting Florida’s nearly 1.5 million veteransGov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Friday at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte.
‘Freedom certainly is not free’: Hundreds of American flags line Jacksonville’s Memorial Park to honor community heroes
Read full article: ‘Freedom certainly is not free’: Hundreds of American flags line Jacksonville’s Memorial Park to honor community heroesIn Jacksonville, several groups came together to honor those who have served on this Memorial Day. The Memorial Park Association and the city hosted their annual concert and picnic, attracting hundreds to the park.
Veterans gather in Fernandina Beach to pay tribute to the community’s fallen heroes
Read full article: Veterans gather in Fernandina Beach to pay tribute to the community’s fallen heroesNassau County veterans led a Memorial Day gathering in Fernandina Beach on Monday morning to pay tribute to the community’s fallen heroes.
Nonprofit honors veterans with flag and cross display along a Baker County highway for Memorial Day
Read full article: Nonprofit honors veterans with flag and cross display along a Baker County highway for Memorial DayFlags and crosses can be seen along parts of US 90 and Highway 125 in Baker County to honor those who served our country.
North Florida veterans win Secretary’s Cup, promote PGA HOPE program
Read full article: North Florida veterans win Secretary’s Cup, promote PGA HOPE programThe North Florida chapter of PGA HOPE is one of 12 teams competing in the Secretary's Cup, a nine-hole golf match set for Monday to kick off PGA Championship week.
Golf as therapy: North Florida veterans prepare for Secretary’s Cup, promote PGA HOPE program
Read full article: Golf as therapy: North Florida veterans prepare for Secretary’s Cup, promote PGA HOPE programThe North Florida chapter of PGA HOPE is one of 12 teams competing in the Secretary's Cup, a nine-hole golf match set for Monday to kick off PGA Championship week.
St. Johns County launching program giving veterans access to discounts at restaurants, shops, and more
Read full article: St. Johns County launching program giving veterans access to discounts at restaurants, shops, and moreSt. Johns County announced Monday that it is launching a new program to honor the brave men and women who have served in the military.
101-year-old World War II veteran visits Field of Dreams in St. Johns County to watch kids play baseball
Read full article: 101-year-old World War II veteran visits Field of Dreams in St. Johns County to watch kids play baseballA 101-year-old World War II veteran goes to the Field of Dreams every Saturday in St. Johns County to watch the kids play baseball.
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall arrives in Callahan, offering healing and closure for veterans and families
Read full article: Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall arrives in Callahan, offering healing and closure for veterans and familiesA memorial commemorating the Vietnam War will arrive in Callahan on Thursday. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, also known as “The Wall that Heals,” is a three-fifths scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Veterans, formerly incarcerated ready to find a fresh start at this year’s Second Chance Job Fair in Jacksonville
Read full article: Veterans, formerly incarcerated ready to find a fresh start at this year’s Second Chance Job Fair in JacksonvilleFor many people with a criminal record, finding a job after prison can feel nearly impossible. But one event in Jacksonville aims to change that.
22 veterans were in Washington D.C. as part of the First Coast Honor Flight program, including 2 married couples
Read full article: 22 veterans were in Washington D.C. as part of the First Coast Honor Flight program, including 2 married couplesTwenty-two veterans spent the day in the nation’s capital as part of the First Coast Honor Flight Program to share service stories and visit war memorials.
Two Florida congressmen call out Defense Health Agency for delayed TRICARE benefits for military families
Read full article: Two Florida congressmen call out Defense Health Agency for delayed TRICARE benefits for military familiesTwo Florida congressmen wrote a letter to the Defense Health Agency asking why there are reimbursement failures for local community care for veterans.
‘Count your blessings every day’: Organizer of 2.2-mile walk for veteran suicide prevention says he’s driven to help
Read full article: ‘Count your blessings every day’: Organizer of 2.2-mile walk for veteran suicide prevention says he’s driven to helpThe fifth annual 2.2-mile walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Seawalk Pavilion at 75 1st St. North.
How one woman veteran found her saving grace through her service dog Bobbi
Read full article: How one woman veteran found her saving grace through her service dog BobbiWomen are becoming the fastest-growing demographic of the veteran population and are struggling to find the resources they need to deal with the invisible wounds of PTSD.
After Trump halted funding for Afghans who helped the US, this group stepped in to help
Read full article: After Trump halted funding for Afghans who helped the US, this group stepped in to helpAn organization of American veterans, Afghans who fled their country and other volunteers has stepped up to help Afghans at risk of being stranded overseas.
Veterans urged to be vigilant against scams targeting benefits
Read full article: Veterans urged to be vigilant against scams targeting benefitsVeterans who rely on pension and disability benefits should be on high alert for scams targeting their hard-earned support. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are contacting veterans through phone calls, emails, and messages, pretending to offer assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits applications.
New parking policy at Jacksonville International Airport leaves disabled veterans frustrated
Read full article: New parking policy at Jacksonville International Airport leaves disabled veterans frustratedAs the Jacksonville International Airport undergoes garage construction, a new parking policy has raised concerns among disabled veterans.
Local roofing companies come together to give disabled veteran a new roof for the holidays
Read full article: Local roofing companies come together to give disabled veteran a new roof for the holidaysA Middleburg veteran received a brand new roof for free thanks to a collaboration between local businesses.
St. Augustine veterans receive eco-friendly holiday gift from FPL elves
Read full article: St. Augustine veterans receive eco-friendly holiday gift from FPL elvesA bright holiday makeover awaited 18 local veterans on Wednesday, as Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) “elves” transformed the Veteran’s Village in St. Augustine into a dazzling holiday wonderland.
‘Simply blown away’: Veterans community comes together to honor life of man many of them never knew
Read full article: ‘Simply blown away’: Veterans community comes together to honor life of man many of them never knewRobert Watkins and Gisela Bell thought they would be the only ones at their family member's funeral. Then, the dozens showed up to honor Richard Watkins.
‘Certain times of year just hit you harder’: Helping veterans with PTSD during the holidays
Read full article: ‘Certain times of year just hit you harder’: Helping veterans with PTSD during the holidaysThe holiday season can trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness for military veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. Family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers are encouraged to be supportive.
Officials thank veterans for serving as poll workers this election, encourage them to serve again in the future
Read full article: Officials thank veterans for serving as poll workers this election, encourage them to serve again in the futureOfficials gathered Thursday morning outside the USS Orleck Pier to thank veterans and their families for their volunteer service as poll workers.
‘They have saved my life’: Thousands gather for Carry Forward 5K to honor those who sacrificed for their country
Read full article: ‘They have saved my life’: Thousands gather for Carry Forward 5K to honor those who sacrificed for their countryOn Saturday morning, over 2,000 members, volunteers and community members participated in the Wounded Warrior Project's Carry Forward 5K.
‘I was going to be six feet under’: Veterans Treatment Court program helps veterans reclaim their lives after service
Read full article: ‘I was going to be six feet under’: Veterans Treatment Court program helps veterans reclaim their lives after serviceThe Veterans Treatment Court is a program within the Duval County Court system to help veterans with substance abuse and mental health treatment. It’s an extensive process with weekly meetings and one-on-one mentors.
‘A friend to us all’: Local D-Day veteran who shared story of service, survival dies at 99
Read full article: ‘A friend to us all’: Local D-Day veteran who shared story of service, survival dies at 99Herbert Griffin, the local D-Day veteran who shared his story of service and survival with News4AX and other media outlets died Wednesday, according to Doug Myers, president of Jax Home Health, Inc.
Jacksonville community gathers at Cecil Field for day of celebration, remembrance for POW/MIA Recognition Day
Read full article: Jacksonville community gathers at Cecil Field for day of celebration, remembrance for POW/MIA Recognition DayFriday is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a day to remember Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. Events are planned around our area over the next two days to honor them.
Events planned Friday, Saturday to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Jacksonville
Read full article: Events planned Friday, Saturday to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day in JacksonvilleFriday is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a day to remember Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. Events are planned around our area over the next two days to honor them.
This man wanted to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2005. Now he and the officer who saved him help others in crisis
Read full article: This man wanted to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2005. Now he and the officer who saved him help others in crisisMarch 11, 2005, is a date Kevin Berthia will never forget. He was only 22 years old when he attempted to take his life.
‘It’s so empowering’: AARP hosts ‘A Tribute to American Servicewomen’ in Jacksonville
Read full article: ‘It’s so empowering’: AARP hosts ‘A Tribute to American Servicewomen’ in JacksonvilleAARP hosted “A Tribute to America’s Servicewomen.” Dozens of servicewomen gathered for discussion panels, guest speakers and special presentation.
Ponte Vedra Beach teen raises over $10,000 for veterans through lemonade stand, yard sale
Read full article: Ponte Vedra Beach teen raises over $10,000 for veterans through lemonade stand, yard saleOver the course of 13 months, Kay organized a variety of events, such as yard sales, lemonade stands, and dinners, in order to raise funds.
New IPA hopes to bring awareness to veteran suicide prevention efforts in Northeast Florida
Read full article: New IPA hopes to bring awareness to veteran suicide prevention efforts in Northeast FloridaThe Fire Watch and Veterans United are teaming up two make a “hazy,” “New England” style IPA, branded with resources meant to help veterans who are struggling.
Local active-duty military, veterans enrolled in transition training program celebrate graduation
Read full article: Local active-duty military, veterans enrolled in transition training program celebrate graduationA classroom full of active-duty military and veterans enrolled in the Operation New Uniform’s (ONU) transition training program will graduate Friday morning.
Urgent call for service: Beaches Honor Guard seeking military volunteers to help fulfill requests across Jacksonville
Read full article: Urgent call for service: Beaches Honor Guard seeking military volunteers to help fulfill requests across JacksonvilleThe Beaches Honor Guard needs more active duty military members or veterans to help fulfill different requests.
‘We’re his family today’: Hundreds gather at Jacksonville National Cemetery to lay veteran with no known family to rest
Read full article: ‘We’re his family today’: Hundreds gather at Jacksonville National Cemetery to lay veteran with no known family to restHundreds of people across the region answered a call to help lay a local veteran with no known family to rest.
‘Just enjoy life’: WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and Navy sailors
Read full article: ‘Just enjoy life’: WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and Navy sailorsFamily, friends, and U.S. Navy sailors surprised a World War II veteran with a 100th birthday celebration at his home in Fleming Island Sunday afternoon.
Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association launches virtual museum to preserve veterans’ stories
Read full article: Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association launches virtual museum to preserve veterans’ storiesThe Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association recently launched a Veterans Museum to make sure important information is never lost.
Nonprofit to host job fair at NAS Jacksonville to help veterans transition out of military, into workforce
Read full article: Nonprofit to host job fair at NAS Jacksonville to help veterans transition out of military, into workforceA national nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans transition out of the military and into the workforce will host a career fair at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
880 crosses honoring veterans, fallen heroes line Baker County streets ahead of Memorial Day
Read full article: 880 crosses honoring veterans, fallen heroes line Baker County streets ahead of Memorial DayFrom one side of U.S. 90 near Lowder Street to the other, it's impossible to miss the touching display of crosses and flags lining that stretch of road in honor of local military heroes for Memorial Day.
Volunteers help place thousands of flags on graves at Jacksonville National Cemetery for Memorial Day ceremony
Read full article: Volunteers help place thousands of flags on graves at Jacksonville National Cemetery for Memorial Day ceremonyVolunteers are needed Thursday to help place thousands of flags on graves at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Veterans soar to new heights with drone pilot training program
Read full article: Veterans soar to new heights with drone pilot training programVeterans with the Wounded Warrior Project are learning on how to become drone pilots as part of a collaboration with CSX Railroad Transportation to diversify job opportunities and employ more veterans.
K9s for Warriors to add a Veterinary Clinic for its service dogs
Read full article: K9s for Warriors to add a Veterinary Clinic for its service dogsK9s for Warriors will soon be able to give their service dogs top-of-the-line medical care on their Ponte Vedra campus. On Wednesday, the group broke ground on the state-of-the-art Duffield Veterinary Clinic.
‘One big happy family’: Local veterans embark on special trip to visit war memorials in Washington
Read full article: ‘One big happy family’: Local veterans embark on special trip to visit war memorials in WashingtonNearly two dozen veterans flew to the nation’s capital Saturday morning as a part of the First Coast Honor Flight.
From being spit on to being honored: Vietnam War veterans recognized in Jacksonville ceremony
Read full article: From being spit on to being honored: Vietnam War veterans recognized in Jacksonville ceremonyThe Jacksonville National Cemetery hosted its annual ceremony to commend many for their courage and sacrifice in the Vietnam War.
Jacksonville U.S. Navy veteran receives new roof as part of national project
Read full article: Jacksonville U.S. Navy veteran receives new roof as part of national projectOn Monday, a Jacksonville U.S. Navy veteran received a new roof from Reliant Roofing as part of the Owens Coming Roof Deployment Project (OCRDP) according to a press release.
Margaritaville at Sea debuts new ship, offers free cruises for military, first responders and more
Read full article: Margaritaville at Sea debuts new ship, offers free cruises for military, first responders and moreMargaritaville at Sea is saluting military members, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators once again.
Icemen Warriors using hockey as suicide prevention for veterans
Read full article: Icemen Warriors using hockey as suicide prevention for veteransThe Jacksonville Icemen Warriors is a suicide prevention program for veterans. For the first time, the team is taking a trip up north to compete in the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series Veteran's Showcase.
3 companies work together to help veteran couple complete project abandoned by Staycation pools
Read full article: 3 companies work together to help veteran couple complete project abandoned by Staycation poolsThe News4JAX I-TEAM has been telling you about a pool company accused of taking customers' money, and not finishing the work. A local veteran couple was affected, and after seeing our story on them, three Jacksonville companies came together to help them out.
‘Never forgotten’: New monument for fallen heroes unveiled outside Veterans Memorial Arena
Read full article: ‘Never forgotten’: New monument for fallen heroes unveiled outside Veterans Memorial ArenaDespite the rainy weather, dozens gathered at the main entrance to the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena for the unveiling of the Fallen Soldiers Monument on Friday.
Brunswick family of late Army staff sergeant receives mortgage-free home in honor of Veterans Day
Read full article: Brunswick family of late Army staff sergeant receives mortgage-free home in honor of Veterans DayThe family of a late U.S. Army staff sergeant was surprised with the news that their mortgage was paid in full by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of Veterans Day.
UNF to give Flagler County veterans fitness trackers, help them reach wellness, health goals
Read full article: UNF to give Flagler County veterans fitness trackers, help them reach wellness, health goalsThe University of North Florida’s initiative, MedNexus, is launching a pilot virtual program to help veterans in Flagler County reach their fitness and wellness goals by using a Fitbit device.
This Army veteran was living on the streets. Now he works in the mayor’s office
Read full article: This Army veteran was living on the streets. Now he works in the mayor’s officeMayor Donna Deegan and Harrison Conyers, Director of Military Affairs and Veterans Services for the City of Jacksonville, will highlight the work of the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) and recognize two of its participants, on Thursday, November 9.
Armed Forces 10K Tribridge Challenge & Freedom 5K
Read full article: Armed Forces 10K Tribridge Challenge & Freedom 5KFive Star Veterans Center is a transitional home for veterans in crisis. We have 40 private bedrooms with private or semi-private bathrooms for veterans dealing with the hidden scars of battle such as PTSD, TBI, and other mental and emotional challenges.
VA giving veterans a chance to get help with PACT Act, claims, benefits, and more
Read full article: VA giving veterans a chance to get help with PACT Act, claims, benefits, and moreSave the date! Veterans with questions about benefits, claims, PACT Act, and more, can get the answers next week in person.
After conquering Atlantic, local rowers now take on Pacific Ocean in weeks-long trek for charity
Read full article: After conquering Atlantic, local rowers now take on Pacific Ocean in weeks-long trek for charityU.S. Marine veteran Paul Lore, 60 of Fernandina Beach, and Mat Steinlin, 44 of St. Augustine, have teamed up again. This time for a 2,800-mile trek across the Pacific Ocean to Kauai to raise awareness and funds for K9s For Warriors and the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Job interviews, job offers possible at veterans hiring event at TIAA Bank Field
Read full article: Job interviews, job offers possible at veterans hiring event at TIAA Bank FieldRecruitMilitary is holding the hiring event at TIAA Bank Field’s East Club Thursday to help veterans transition out of the military and into the workforce.
Number of imprisoned veterans concerns former defense chiefs
Read full article: Number of imprisoned veterans concerns former defense chiefsTwo former Iraq and Afghanistan War-era defense secretaries are recommending that the government consider new ways to ensure that military service is taken into account when courts prosecute former service members.
‘Out of the darkness into the light’: American Legion couple works to educate Northside community on health care
Read full article: ‘Out of the darkness into the light’: American Legion couple works to educate Northside community on health careAn American Legion post on the Northside is helping its veteran and non-veteran community members gain access to health care and knowledge about their health.
Positively Jax: Mom and veteran gifted a vehicle for the holidays
Read full article: Positively Jax: Mom and veteran gifted a vehicle for the holidaysLocal veteran, Csanine Gross, is the owner of a new Dodge minivan, thanks to the Northeast Florida Women’s Veterans, Jacksonville Military Affairs and 1A Auto.
Nonprofit helping veterans gets surprise donation from The Players Championship
Read full article: Nonprofit helping veterans gets surprise donation from The Players ChampionshipA local charity helping veterans transition back into society got a big boost from The Players Championship golf tournament. Five Star Veterans Center on Friday received a grant.
Results of survey to assess needs of Jacksonville-area veterans, their families released
Read full article: Results of survey to assess needs of Jacksonville-area veterans, their families releasedA national group conducted a survey in Northeast Florida to let city leaders know what next steps need to be taken to help veterans.
‘Timely access to care and benefits’: VA department makes promise to military veterans battling cancer due to exposure
Read full article: ‘Timely access to care and benefits’: VA department makes promise to military veterans battling cancer due to exposureMilitary veterans battling cancer because they were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, will have their benefits claims expedited to ensure they get “timely access to care and benefits.”
Lounge for traveling military members, their families abruptly closes at Jacksonville International Airport
Read full article: Lounge for traveling military members, their families abruptly closes at Jacksonville International AirportA well-known resource for traveling military members and their families has closed at Jacksonville International Airport — abruptly.
Resources like Ponte Vedra-based K9s For Warriors helping to lower veteran suicide rate
Read full article: Resources like Ponte Vedra-based K9s For Warriors helping to lower veteran suicide rateAgencies and nonprofits providing resources to veterans to prevent suicide say a lower suicide rate is an encouraging trend but believe there is still more work to be done.
Local veteran experiencing delays in benefits upon retirement from military
Read full article: Local veteran experiencing delays in benefits upon retirement from militarySeveral local veterans have reached out to News4JAX about delays in receiving their benefits upon retirement… leaving them in limbo. They say the issue lies with a backlog of paperwork.
City, UNF still seeking veterans, their families to take part in survey for wellness center
Read full article: City, UNF still seeking veterans, their families to take part in survey for wellness centerThe University of North Florida and a national service organization are collaborating with the city to help conduct a survey to learn what service gaps need to be filled.
City of Jacksonville, national service organization conducting survey to assess needs of veterans, their families
Read full article: City of Jacksonville, national service organization conducting survey to assess needs of veterans, their familiesThe city of Jacksonville and a national service organization want to hear from local veterans.
‘Huge relief’: Locals applaud bill that expands health care for 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans
Read full article: ‘Huge relief’: Locals applaud bill that expands health care for 3.5 million toxic-exposed veteransVeterans in Northeast Florida are breathing a sigh of relief after the U.S. Senate voted 86-11 to pass a bipartisan bill to expand health care benefits for nearly 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their military service.
‘It must be terrifying’: Recent inflations have local veterans worried they won’t find housing
Read full article: ‘It must be terrifying’: Recent inflations have local veterans worried they won’t find housingSome shelters in Jacksonville are booked. People staying in those shelters say it’s because of rent inflation -- and having nowhere else to turn.
Fireworks can trigger combat veterans with PTSD
Read full article: Fireworks can trigger combat veterans with PTSDPeople across Northeast Florida are getting ready to shoot off fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July. For military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, they can be triggering.
Jacksonville veteran mental health clinic marks 2 years serving our community
Read full article: Jacksonville veteran mental health clinic marks 2 years serving our communityPTSD is prevalent in the Jacksonville area as a heavily military based town. A local branch to a national mental health outreach center for PTSD survivors is available in Jacksonville.
Casey DeSantis launches program to recruit veterans to become DCF investigators
Read full article: Casey DeSantis launches program to recruit veterans to become DCF investigatorsFirst Lady Casey DeSantis on Wednesday morning announced a new state initiative to recruit military veterans to work for the Florida Department of Children and Families.
K9s For Warriors recognizes veterans who rowed 3,000 miles to raise awareness about veteran suicide, PTSD
Read full article: K9s For Warriors recognizes veterans who rowed 3,000 miles to raise awareness about veteran suicide, PTSDVeterans from Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach raised more than $850,000 in their 51-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
City continues 2-day event to help Jacksonville’s homeless veterans
Read full article: City continues 2-day event to help Jacksonville’s homeless veteransHelping around 200 to 250 veterans, the city kicked off a two-day event Friday at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds aimed at helping homeless veterans get back on their feet.