Welcome
Established in 2016, we have a patriotic mission to support our veteran members as well as local veteran organizations
Tampa Bay AirFest 2024
FRIDAY - SATURDAY
MARCH 29 - 30, 2024
FRIDAY - SATURDAY
MARCH 29 - 30, 2024
Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 promises to be packed with heart-pounding aerial performances and family-friendly activities showcasing all five branches of the United States military as well as our first responder agencies. This two-day event (Friday/Saturday) is your chance to get up close and personal with military/civilian aircraft and pilots!
Vietnam War
Last Troops Depart
Mar 29, 1973
This day in history, March 29, 1973 (51 years ago), the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam as Hanoi freed the remaining American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam, just two months after the Vietnam peace agreement was signed.
In January 1973, representatives of the United States, North and South Vietnam, and the Vietcong signed a peace agreement in Paris, ending the direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. The provisions included a cease-fire throughout Vietnam, the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the release of prisoners of war, and the reunification of North and South Vietnam.
On April 30, 1975, the final Americans still in South Vietnam were airlifted out of the country as South Vietnam fell to communist forces. The Vietnam War cost 58,000 American lives and as many as two million Vietnamese soldiers and civilians were killed.
Interesting, yet sad, fact regarding Vietnam U.S. soldiers KIA:
997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam .. 1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam. 31 sets of brothers are on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. 31 sets of parents lost two of their sons.
997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam .. 1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam. 31 sets of brothers are on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. 31 sets of parents lost two of their sons.
Video Detailing Troop Withdrawal from Vietnam
Vietnam Era Timeline
Sep 1, 1950 - Nov 13, 1982
Sep 1, 1950 - Nov 13, 1982
The hot button below will bring you to a full timeline of the American experience regarding Vietnam, starting with Sep 1, 1950 (President Truman sends advisory group to Vietnam) to Nov 13, 1982 (Vietnam Memorial Dedication). Between these two significant dates, there are 32 years' worth of significant events within the timeline that many of our GLVFA veterans who lived within the timeline (or were actively involved in Vietnam) will certainly remember.
St Patrick's Day 2024
Garden of Honor
Virtual Brick Lookup
Now Active
The memorial garden of honor virtual brick lookup feature here on our website is now active. All bricks installed in the garden for round 1 and round 2 brick orders (which have been completed and installed in the garden) are accounted for in ther virtual brick lookup.
Click on the hot button below to proceed to the virtual brick lookup page and select the appropriate group button in which the first letter of your last name (or organization first letter) is shown for the appropriate group.
Click on the hot button below to proceed to the virtual brick lookup page and select the appropriate group button in which the first letter of your last name (or organization first letter) is shown for the appropriate group.
"Lost" WWI Veteran Found For GLVFA Member
Though not technically lost, our fellow member Susan Starrett had long known about her veteran great uncle (her father's uncle) having served, died and being buried somewhere in France during World War I. But given that his passing was in 1918, the 105+ years since then had blurred the knowledge of where he was actually interned and other specifics. Susan had a few mementos including an old, faded 2x3 black and white photo of his gravestone, a bracelet, and a note written by her mother that mentioned "Bony, France", Susan safely kept the few mementos in a small box, which for the most part, was all she knew of her great uncle who had served in World War I, aside from the fact he had died and was buried somewhere in France. No date, no location, just a small, faded picture of a cross-shaped headstone. This is often the case for many of us who have heard of a relative who served in long ago wars.
With a hand-written note on the back of the picture that read "Bony", online research helped to rediscover Susan's great uncle "Harry" and amazingly, more details regarding his date of death, his military rank and unit assignment, specific cemetery in France along with the exact plot location was discovered for her. Captain Harry C. Starrett, who originally entered military service from Brooklyn, New York, is located in Somme American Cemetery, Plot B Row 6 Grave 6, approx. 36 miles northeast of Paris, France. More amazingly, a certificate of honor for his service in France was found via the Somme online site. Below is an image of Captain Harry C. Starrett and his certificate:
With a hand-written note on the back of the picture that read "Bony", online research helped to rediscover Susan's great uncle "Harry" and amazingly, more details regarding his date of death, his military rank and unit assignment, specific cemetery in France along with the exact plot location was discovered for her. Captain Harry C. Starrett, who originally entered military service from Brooklyn, New York, is located in Somme American Cemetery, Plot B Row 6 Grave 6, approx. 36 miles northeast of Paris, France. More amazingly, a certificate of honor for his service in France was found via the Somme online site. Below is an image of Captain Harry C. Starrett and his certificate:
And an even more incredible discovery was the fact that Captain Starrett served, and survived, the hardships of the war in France but succumbed to the Spanish Flu only 2 days after the official end of the war. He was awarded the Victory Medal for his service, as shown here:
Somme American Cemetery and Memorial - France
The World War I Somme American Cemetery and Memorial in France is sited on a gentle slope typical of the open, rolling Picardie countryside. The 14.3-acre cemetery contains the graves of 1,844 of our military dead. Most lost their lives while serving in American units attached to British armies, or in operations near Cantigny. The headstones, set in regular rows, are separated into four plots by paths that intersect at the flagpole near the top of the slope. The longer axis leads to the chapel at the eastern end of the cemetery.
Below is a You Tube video that highlights Somme American Cemetery where Captain Starrett is resting in peace alongside his fellow "Doughboys" that served in "The Great War" (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918)
Recognition Day / R&R
Mar 2024
Mar 2, 2024: GLVFA held its annual member/sponsor appreciation night at the GlenLakes Country Club Ballroom. Many of our organization sponsors were in attendance alongside numerous members. In addition to having an enjoyable evening of comradeship, food and drink.
Special Guest Speaker
Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Special Guest Speaker: The Honorable Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Florida 12th District Representative, honored our organization by attending our Appreciation Day event.
2024 Grants
GLVFA presented grant awards to the following recipients:
Baldomaro Lopez Veterans Nursing Home
DAV Chapter 67
American Legion Post #186
Polish League #196
Marine Corps League
FW Springstead HS JROTC
Veterans Depot
Veterans HEAT Factory
Baldomaro Lopez Veterans Nursing Home
DAV Chapter 67
American Legion Post #186
Polish League #196
Marine Corps League
FW Springstead HS JROTC
Veterans Depot
Veterans HEAT Factory
2024 Member Awards
GLVFA leadership recognized members who have gone "above and beyond" in their efforts to support the organization. The following members were recognized:
Denny Blum
Wayne Millington
Mike Cummings
Dicky Keane
Cori Lombardo
Mike Fulford
GLVFA appreciation plaques were presented to each of these members for their unwavering commitment to the organization and its members.
Denny Blum
Wayne Millington
Mike Cummings
Dicky Keane
Cori Lombardo
Mike Fulford
GLVFA appreciation plaques were presented to each of these members for their unwavering commitment to the organization and its members.
Special Recognition
GLVFA honored Christain and Tabitha Lugo of Lugo's Stone Works (rt 19, Spring Hill, FL) for their fantastic contributions in helping our veteran's memorial become a complete experience! The Lugo's donated the beautiful granite benches seen at the memorial, of which all members of the organization are grateful for. Lugo's are also in the process of creating new granite planters for the memorial which they are also donating.
GLVFA Appreciation Day Photos
For fun, click on the picture above (or button below) to download a complete word search for military terms (complete word search with words in PDF printable format).
VA Healthcare News
Mar 5 2024
The VA announced that all veterans who have served in a combat zone since the Vietnam War, as well as those who participated in training or operations and came into contact with hazardous materials, will be able to enroll in VA healthcare starting March 5. 2024. Veterans are not required to have a service-connected disability or file a compensation claim to be eligible for VA care.
You are encouraged to apply for VA health care starting March 5, 2024, if any of these descriptions are true for you:
For many of out GLVFA members who served in Vietnam or other wars mentioned above, and/or worked around toxins in or outside of war zones, can qualify to enroll for VA Healthcare starting Mar 5th. Even if you are enrolled in Medicare, simultaneously being enrolled in VA Healthcare gives you options such as no co-pay prescriptions, including prescriptions mailed to your home from the VA, free mental health care, VA primary and specialty care in Brooksville, New Port Ritchy, Tampa and other VA healthcare facilities, and much more.
You are encouraged to apply for VA health care starting March 5, 2024, if any of these descriptions are true for you:
- You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, or
- You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, or
- You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service
For many of out GLVFA members who served in Vietnam or other wars mentioned above, and/or worked around toxins in or outside of war zones, can qualify to enroll for VA Healthcare starting Mar 5th. Even if you are enrolled in Medicare, simultaneously being enrolled in VA Healthcare gives you options such as no co-pay prescriptions, including prescriptions mailed to your home from the VA, free mental health care, VA primary and specialty care in Brooksville, New Port Ritchy, Tampa and other VA healthcare facilities, and much more.
Desert Storm
Ground Invasion Anniversary
Feb 24, 1991
At 4:30 p.m. EST on January 16, 1991, Operation Desert Storm, U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led a massive 22-nation coalition offensive against Iraq, which begam with fighter aircraft lunching from Saudi Arabia and off U.S. and British aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf. During the next six weeks, the allied force engaged in a massive air war against Iraq’s military and civil infrastructure, encountering little effective resistance from the Iraqi air force.
On February 24, a massive coalition ground offensive began, and Iraq’s outdated and poorly supplied armed forces were rapidly overwhelmed. By the end of the day, the Iraqi army had effectively folded, 10,000 of its troops were held as prisoners, and a U.S. air base had been established deep inside Iraq. After less than four days, Kuwait was liberated, and a majority of Iraq’s armed forces had either been destroyed or had surrendered or retreated to Iraq. On February 28, U.S. President George Bush declared a cease-fire, and Iraq pledged to honor future coalition and U.N. peace terms. One hundred and twenty-five American soldiers were killed in the Persian Gulf War, with another 21 regarded as missing in action.
On February 24, a massive coalition ground offensive began, and Iraq’s outdated and poorly supplied armed forces were rapidly overwhelmed. By the end of the day, the Iraqi army had effectively folded, 10,000 of its troops were held as prisoners, and a U.S. air base had been established deep inside Iraq. After less than four days, Kuwait was liberated, and a majority of Iraq’s armed forces had either been destroyed or had surrendered or retreated to Iraq. On February 28, U.S. President George Bush declared a cease-fire, and Iraq pledged to honor future coalition and U.N. peace terms. One hundred and twenty-five American soldiers were killed in the Persian Gulf War, with another 21 regarded as missing in action.
VA Disability
What can VA disability compensation do for you?
Many Veterans may not be aware of life-changing benefits they’ve earned—and deserve—through military service. The VA's outreach kit includes flyers, social media graphics and suggested corresponding language, radio public service announcements (PSA), newsletter content and a sample blog post to help you spread the word about VA disability compensation benefits. Please share this information broadly with your networks, family and friends.
Many Veterans may not be aware of life-changing benefits they’ve earned—and deserve—through military service. The VA's outreach kit includes flyers, social media graphics and suggested corresponding language, radio public service announcements (PSA), newsletter content and a sample blog post to help you spread the word about VA disability compensation benefits. Please share this information broadly with your networks, family and friends.
Naval Aviation Museum
Pensacola FL
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum and one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida! And admission is now free...
The Florida World War II Heritage Trail, a 72-page guidebook, includes color and archival photographs of Florida sites related to World War II, and biographical sketches of many men and women who played a significant role during the war. Produced by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources in association with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs World War II Memorial Project, Florida World War II Heritage Trail features more than 150 Florida World War II-related sites and military assets in 74 Florida cities from Pensacola to Key West.
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is proud to announce that a new upgraded Mobile App is here! Save time with the official FDVA mobile app. Use the app to manage common tasks like applying for benefits, finding support, locating your local office, and more.
The application will allow users quick access to:
The application will allow users quick access to:
- Crisis Assistance
- Veterans Benefits and Services
- Healthcare Information
- Employment Opportunities
- Education Information
- Upcoming Events
- Connecting with FDVA on Social Media
Veteran Legislature / Jan-Mar 2024
The 2024 Florida Legislative Session began Jan. 9, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on March 8, 2024.
To view the most recent veteran-related bills, click here.
To view the most recent veteran-related bills, click here.
Pentagon Virtual Tour
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Department of Defense and the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration created a permanent exhibit on the 3rd Floor, A-Ring, corridors 3-2 in the Pentagon as a way to thank and honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families. This award-winning exhibit tells the story of the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War through a timeline of events, artifacts, historic photographs, and video footage.
Enjoy this interactive virtual tour of the Pentagon Vietnam War Exhibit!
Virtual Vietnam Memorial Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC honors those who died in the Vietnam War. Their relatives and friends leave letters, poems, and photographs at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and on the virtual wall web site. Use the button below to bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to your home and browse around virtually.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War this year, please remember the sacrifices of the fallen and their families.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War this year, please remember the sacrifices of the fallen and their families.
Below: Real example of an individual's information given via the virtual wall, when one clicks on a wall name or looks up a wall name (by individual or by unit).
Memorial Brick Program
"Garden of Honor"
GLVFA Memorial Team has begun the next phase of the memorial project by adding in a new area of the veteran's memorial designated to hold individual memorial bricks. This area will hold 450 bricks when fully completed. The first round of bricks, as seen in the picture below, have been installed.
The second round of brick orders have been placed and are being produced.
The third round of brick orders are underway. Don't wait, if members desire to purchase a brick for their beloved veteran, please go to the brick program page by using the button below.
Download the brick purchase form and submit your completed form via mail or drop off the form at one of the GLVFA monthly meetings.
The second round of brick orders have been placed and are being produced.
The third round of brick orders are underway. Don't wait, if members desire to purchase a brick for their beloved veteran, please go to the brick program page by using the button below.
Download the brick purchase form and submit your completed form via mail or drop off the form at one of the GLVFA monthly meetings.
Veterans Living Memorial
VLM is an online memorial that honors nearly 10 million Veterans interred in VA National Cemeteries, VA grant-funded cemeteries, DoD-managed cemeteries (including Arlington National Cemetery); U.S. Park Service National Cemeteries, and thousands of private cemeteries where Veterans have received a VA-provided gravesite marker since 1996.
On Nov 2, 2023, the VA announced that nearly 5 million Veterans and service members have been added to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the nation’s first digital platform dedicated to the memory of Veterans and service members.
With this expansion, nearly 10 million of the nation’s heroes now have individual pages on VLM — allowing family, friends, and others to post tributes, upload images and documents, and commemorate them. More than 72,000 tributes have been posted to Veterans’ profile pages since the site launched in 2019.
The VLM now honors the memory of Veterans interred in VA’s national cemeteries, VA-grant funded cemeteries, 27 Department of Defense-managed cemeteries, two National Park Service national cemeteries, and thousands of private and other non-VA cemeteries.
On Nov 2, 2023, the VA announced that nearly 5 million Veterans and service members have been added to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the nation’s first digital platform dedicated to the memory of Veterans and service members.
With this expansion, nearly 10 million of the nation’s heroes now have individual pages on VLM — allowing family, friends, and others to post tributes, upload images and documents, and commemorate them. More than 72,000 tributes have been posted to Veterans’ profile pages since the site launched in 2019.
The VLM now honors the memory of Veterans interred in VA’s national cemeteries, VA-grant funded cemeteries, 27 Department of Defense-managed cemeteries, two National Park Service national cemeteries, and thousands of private and other non-VA cemeteries.
For information about VA burial benefits, visit one of VA’s National Cemetery Locations in-person, visit online at VA burial benefits and memorial items, or call toll free at 800-827-1000. To plan ahead for you and your family, visit NCA’s pre-need eligibility website.
Services History
GLVFA Charities
Partner With Us
Be an integral part of these efforts to honor and aid veterans by making a gift on our DONATE page. Current fund-raising initiatives include GLVFA Veterans SAVES, maintenance for the new Veterans Memorial, and several sponsorship levels of our Veterans Day Nature Coast Golf Scramble.
Please Review GLVFA
on Google!
Do you enjoy GLVFA membership? Do you believe in the great causes of the group and the veterans that are supported by the tremendous efforts of the organization? If so, please take a moment to review the organization on Google! Your review on Google will help us with exposure to those that seek out veteran support groups such as ours. Your positive review is appreciated.