Hurricane Isaias is now a Category 3 hurricane. Evacuation zones have been ordered across the Gulf Coast. Please check your local news and the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date alerts and evacuation orders.
VetCV has compiled important resources for people impacted by this event to help prepare and recover from this eminent disaster.
As our VetCV, VetCV Foundation, and VetCV Mission Next Center offices are located directly in the path of this hurricane, our offices are closed until Tuesday, October 13th.
Currently, the following bridges are confirmed to be closed to traffic:
The Pensacola Bay Bridge
The Theo Baars bridge
The Bob Sikes Bridge
Note that the bridges close to traffic when sustained winds reach 40 mph or greater. Please check with local authorities for up-to-date road and bridge closures.
Update From the National United Cajun Navy
A message from National Vice President for the United Cajun Navy Brian Trascher.
As the storm unfolds, if you find yourself in need of help you can request assistance from the United Cajun Navy using the link below:
Hurricane Isaias may become as strong as a Category 2 hurricane by the time it makes landfall North West Florida’s Gulf Coast between late Friday and Early Saturday. Please check your local news and the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date alerts and evacuation orders.
VetCV has compiled important resources for people impacted by this event to help prepare and recover from this eminent disaster.
As our VetCV, VetCV Foundation, and VetCV Mission Next Center offices are located directly in the path of this hurricane, our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Today, we pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 25 years later, we honor the lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of our nation in the face of adversity. As we reflect on this day, let us hold close the values of unity, compassion, and service that emerged in the aftermath. May we never forget the sacrifices made and continue to support one another with the strength that defines us.
Respectfully,
TeamVetCV
25th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum on NAS Pensacola.
We at VetCV thank you for trusting us to continue to do our part in supporting our Nation’s active military, Veterans, and their families.
If your organization is hiring – Post your Jobs on VetCV. Email or call us at teamvetcv@vetcv.com, 850.441.2008 – We’ll help get the word out!
Last Friday, U.S. Representative Jimmy Patronis visited the VetCV Mission Next Center to learn more about our mission and initiatives supporting veterans and their families. During his tour of the facility, a spontaneous event became a powerful reminder of the profound impact of our mission and why we do what we do.
It all started earlier this summer when the family of a disabled veteran reached out to us.
The veteran, a 37-year-old former Reconnaissance Marine and sergeant, suffered a serious fall down a ravine during a nighttime training exercise. This fall ultimately resulted in a near-fatal head injury, necessitating two major brain surgeries and leaving him with limited mobility, limited eyesight, and a severely restricted ability to communicate.
His parents, who are now his full-time caregivers, reached out to the VetCV Mission Next Center regarding his VA disability rating after being referred there by Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman’s office. Despite the life-altering injuries incurred during his service, he has only been rated as 30% disabled by VA and has not received any disability rating for the brain injury he suffered. This has caused immense financial and emotional stress for all involved. His family has been locked in a long, arduous struggle to get him the care and support he needs ever since.
Refusing to give up and seeking help wherever they can, the family is now also receiving assistance through the VetCV Mission Next Center as part of a collaborative effort involving Rep. Salzman and her team, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody’s office, local Veteran Service Officer and VetCV Mission Next Patriot Navigator Tim Chandler, and others working alongside the family to help navigate the complex benefits, agencies, and resources available to them.
This collaborative effort reflects exactly what the VetCV Mission Next Center was created to accomplish. We’re bringing Veterans and their families together with Veteran Service Officers, community partners, government agencies, elected leaders, VetCV Patriot Partners, and others who can help—working collectively around the needs of the Veteran.
“It’s an utterly heartbreaking situation,” said VetCV Foundation Board Member Niels Andersen, “but we’re in this fight with them.”
As Rep. Patronis arrived for his meeting, this Marine and his family were at the VetCV Mission Next Center to meet with Patriot Navigator Tim Chandler. Chandler has been working alongside the family and coordinating with Veterans Affairs, Rep. Salzman’s office, and others involved in helping the family navigate the assistance they need and appealing for a disability rating in line with his brain injury.They were just wrapping up when they were introduced to Rep. Patronis.
The congressman could have simply continued with his scheduled visit. But that’s not what he did. He stopped. He took the time to speak directly with the veteran and his parents. He listened. He thanked this veteran for his service and presented him with a congressional coin as a personal expression of gratitude.
You could see in Rep. Patronis’ handshake, in the way he spoke to this veteran, and in the time he spent with him without a moment’s hesitation. There was no rush. His words were sincere, and this Marine and his parents knew it.
The impact of this simple act of kindness is difficult to put into words. For a veteran who has already faced so much, this moment of recognition, of being heard, of being afforded dignity and hope, was valuable beyond measure.
For his parents, it was reassurance that someone was listening and that their son’s service and struggles matter. For the staff, volunteers, Patriot Navigators, public officials, and community partners working together through the VetCV Mission Next Center, it was yet another reminder of exactly why we took on this mission. Helping Veterans and their families through complicated circumstances like these rarely comes down to the work of one person or one organization. It takes people willing to collaborate, make the phone call, open the right door, and remain engaged until the Veteran gets the help they have earned.
This why it is vitally important that Veterans never feel forgotten when they need someone in their corner.
Rep. Patronis demonstrated last week that supporting veterans goes beyond legislation, programs, or policy. True leadership means stopping what you’re doing, looking people in the eye, taking the time to genuinely listen, and choosing to engage. In those privat moments, he let this Veteran and his family know that his service matters. That he still matters.
The ongoing collaboration between our elected officials’ teams, the VetCV Mission Next team, and everyone working alongside this family demonstrates a vital truth: when we place the Veteran at the center of our efforts, our united impact far exceeds what any of us could achieve alone.
Today, in honor of National Purple Heart Recognition Day, four Purple Heart recipients were recognized in a ceremony held at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Among the honorees was VetCV Foundation board member Pete McKanna, alongside Jason Crawford, Dustin Tuller, and Doug Doughty. The ceremony was organized by U.S. Senator Ashley Moody with help from National Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Dr. Andrew Del Gaudio, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, and state Representative Michelle Salzman.
VetCV Foundation Board Member Pete McKanna
The Purple Heart
National Purple Heart Day is observed every year on August 7th to honor U.S. Service Members who were wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart Medal (originally designated the Badge of Military Merit) was established under the order of George Washington in 1782 and is the United States’ oldest military decoration. It is considered by many to be among the nation’s highest honors, despite many recipients often calling it “the medal that nobody wants.”
The Honorees
SGT Jason Crawford and SSG Dustin Tuller were serving in the Florida Army National Guard when they were both wounded during combat operations in Iraq in 2003. Crawford suffered a gunshot wound to his jaw, while Tuller was shot multiple times in the legs and back. Tuller’s injuries resulted in the amputation of both legs and a weeks-long coma.
“There are a lot of men and women who served our country that didn’t get that type of recognition,” Crawford told WEAR 3 News of the ceremony.
Also in attendance this morning was three-time Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran Chris Lambert. He and honoree Doug Doughty (CDR, US Navy ret.) served together in 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines in Vietnam. Doughty was a Corpsman at that time.
“It’s events like these where you see how strong our camaraderie is,” Lambert said. “We never forget each other no matter where we live, or if it’s been 40 years. Get us in a room together and it’s like we’re 18-year-olds again.”
Sen. Moody later released a statement to WEAR 3 News about the event:
“On Purple Heart Recognition Day, we honor our nation’s wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country. No one ever serves hoping to receive this medal; it is not an honor anyone sets out to earn—it is given because an American stood his or her ground against an enemy. It’s a privilege to introduce a resolution in Congress honoring these patriots’ sacrifice, as well as spotlight four brave Floridians by including their stories in the Congressional Record.”
Team VetCV would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy 4th of July. We hope that you will enjoy the company of friends and family as you reflect on the people and places all around us that make our nation great.
Our offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd and will reopen Monday, July 6th.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, we are promoting select job opportunities to the VetCV community.
This July marks 250 years since our nation’s founding, and we are proud to bring these rewarding employment and volunteer opportunities to Veterans and their families in Northwest Florida. These employers are highly interested in hiring veterans for these positions, so we encourage you to apply.
Call to Service: Escambia County Taps Veteran Community to be Election Workers for 2026 Midterms
As Veterans who have fought and served to uphold our nation’s founding principles, we hold a place of integrity within our community. Because of this, we are uniquely qualified to help uphold our democratic process and ensure that every eligible voter has a fair opportunity to be heard. Now, Escambia County needs your help to ensure this year’s elections run smoothly. There are several temporary election worker positions open across a variety of roles. View the full listings and apply on VetCV with the links below.
Qualified Veteran Service Officer Needed at the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center
The VetCV Mission Next Center is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and service-minded part-time Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to join our growing team. If you are passionate about helping Veterans, service members, and their families navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, then we are looking for you! Use the link below to view the full job description and apply on VetCV.
Veteran Service Officer – VetCV Mission Next Center Milton
Volunteer Opportunities for Veterans at Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Hope Florida
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is seeking Veterans to volunteer for their outreach and support programs. As part of Hope Florida, volunteers will reach out to fellow Veterans and provide support and encouragement. Learn more and apply on VetCV using the link below.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Volunteer Program
As National Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, Team VetCV looks back at the ways we’ve supported Veterans and Service Members in 2026.
Throughout the first half of this year, Team VetCV has been working hard to support those who’ve served. Whether by organizing support events, hosting education and training workshops, or helping Veterans find the resources they need, we’ve taken our commitment to our nation’s heroes seriously.
Making a Positive Impact at the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center Through Community Events
So far this year, the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center has had a strong start in improving the lives of Veterans in Northwest Florida. Since opening the Center, Team VetCV has already held several successful Veteran support events, as well as participated in other Veteran-focused community events. Some of the events hosted at the VetCV Mission Next Center include the Veterans Resource Fair, the Watch Standers Veteran Crisis Response and Prevention Training, the Veterans Financial Literacy Workshop, and more. Team VetCV also took part in community-led events, such as Pensacola Navy Days, the Hunter Girdner Homecoming Motorcade and Ceremony, the Marine Corps League Pensacola Chapter’s Heroes Among Us Speaker Series, and many others.
In between these events, the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center has been helping Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, and their loved ones access critical resources from Patriot Navigators. This year, we’ve had the privilege to help families in need receive community assistance to pay their rent and utility bills, assist new Veterans in enrolling for VA benefits, provide employment guidance to Veterans searching for their next career, and much more. We’ve been honored to serve the Veteran community in-person Monday through Friday, every week since we opened this past November.
To find out how the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center can help you or a loved one, go to missionnext.vetcvfoundation.org or come visit us onboard the Pensacola State College Milton Campus, Building 4200, Room 4241, anytime Monday to Friday, 9 am – 3 pm.
As well as being National Military Appreciation Month, May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a powerful opportunity to look at the emotional journeys of the Veteran community as well as the unique issues brought about by the very nature of military service. For instance, now is a great time to look at the many programs instituted by government agencies and Veteran Service Organizations to provide services and promote mental health awareness specifically to Veterans and Service Members.
One such program is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Make the Connection campaign. This initiative is built on the reality that healing often begins when Veterans connect with one another. It features firsthand video accounts from former service members who have navigated the difficult transition to civilian life, managed invisible wounds, and confronted challenges like isolation or feeling on edge. The core message of the shared stories from VA’s Make the Connection campaign is simple but life-changing: reaching out for help is a profound act of strength, not a sign of weakness.
Visit MakeTheConnection.net/mental-health-month to watch these stories of resilience, locate local support options, and discover that a healthier path forward is always within reach.
Similarly, VetCV’s Crisis Support & Healing initiative includes resources, stories, and direct lines to support organizations for Veterans and their families to help them know what to do when a Veteran is in crisis. Go to vetcv.com/crisis-support to access VetCV’s crisis support resources.
In addition to our online support tools, the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center holds crisis response training seminars in partnership with the Florida Fire Watch Project, the first of which was held this past February. Modeled after CPR, the Watch Stander Veteran Crisis Response and Prevention Training teaches families and community members how to identify the warning signs of Veterans in crisis and to direct them to the help they need.
Cantonment Veteran Injured During Operation Epic Fury Welcomed Home by a Grateful Northwest Florida Community
Last week, Pensacola honored Hunter Girdner as he returned after being seriously injured while working as a military contractor supporting the US Army during Operation Epic Fury. TeamVetCV and staff from the VetCV Mission Next Center had the opportunity to take part in the ceremony and support this Hometown Hero.
Girdner, who served in the US Army for six years before receiving medical retirement in 2024, was the leader of a civilian contractor engineering team for an air defense system supporting the US Army in the region during Operation Epic Fury. During this deployment, Girdner and his team came under indirect fire from Iranian cruise missiles and drones. While moving to cover in a bunker, Girdner turned back to help one of his teammates who had fallen behind. During his rescue attempt, a drone struck nearby, grievously wounding Girdner with shrapnel while his teammate suffered a shoulder injury.
Girdner was treated at a field hospital and other facilities before being transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland. He underwent several operations, including the removal of a kidney and surgeries to repair his spleen and liver, among other procedures. Girdner is currently healing at his childhood home in Cantonment and is expected to make a full recovery. All five of his team members survived the incident.
The event, organized by Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman with support from Lt. Governor Jay Collins and other local leaders, included a motorcade in which Girdner was escorted by Florida State Troopers, Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputies, Veteran Motorcycle Associations, and patriotic community members. The motorcade traveled to the UWF Conference Center, where a crowd had gathered to greet Girdner and hear him speak. Alongside Girdner, Rep. Salzman, Lt. Governor Collins, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, and others took the podium and addressed the community.
See the Full Image Gallery From the Event at the Link Below
UWF Main Campus Bldg 22 – Upstairs Conference Center 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32514
General Admission is FREE and Open to the Public!
Come join us in welcoming home a veteran injured in Iran
Cantonment veteran Hunter Girdner, who was seriously injured during Operation Epic Fury while working as a contractor, will be welcomed home Saturday evening at the University of West Florida. Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman and Lt. Governor Jay Collins are asking the Pensacola community to line the streets and gather at the UWF Conference Center to welcome Hunter home.
During this deployment, his team was located in a targeted area and was attacked. While relocating, Hunter noticed one of his squadmates was left behind. As he ran back to rescue his teammate, he was hit by shrapnel and critically wounded.
He underwent several operations, including the removal of a kidney, spleen repair, and more at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“He is heading back home now and I am asking for YOU to spread the word and come line the streets, fill the room and simply share a prayer as we welcome him back to Northwest Florida,” Rep. Michelle Salzman said.
The team at the VetCV Mission Next Center will be in attendance and encourages you to join us. Let’s make sure Hunter knows that his community supports him in his recovery. We will be joined by Rep. Salzman, Lt. Governor Collins, Sen. Don Gaetz, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, and others to welcome him home along with prayer from U.S. Marine Corps League Chaplain and VetCV Mission Next Patriot Navigator Tim Chandler.
The welcome home event will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday in the UWF Conference Center (Building 22).
