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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.

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Our VetCV Patriot Employer & Teaming Partners

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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).

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Our VetCV Patriot Employer & Teaming Partners

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TeamVetCV is excited to announce Contacts, our latest feature in the VetCV Vault.

We’ve been working tirelessly to bring you the capabilities and resources you need in one convenient place. Check out our latest release features below.

• Contact Overview – Now you can add, edit, and manage contacts in one easy-to-use dashboard. View all your contacts and manage related records, files, and more!
• Work Experience Reference Contacts – You can now add an existing contact as a reference or create a new one when you enter your professional experience. New reference contacts are automatically added to your contact list along with any related files you upload (letters of recommendation, etc.).
• Family, Emergency, & Provider Contacts – Your Personal, Emergency, and Healthcare Provider contacts can now all be managed in the main Contact Overview dashboard, in addition to their respective sections (My Family, My Health, etc.).
• Dynamic Contact Relationships – Contacts can now be assigned multiple related records—no more duplicate contacts! For example, a family contact can also be listed as a work experience reference. You can also create a general contact with no related records and link them to specific files or relationships at any time.

Future Updates

Here are some features we’ve got in the works:

• User Interface Updates – We will be streamlining the Vault menus and interface based on user feedback to improve your experience.
• Updated Tooltips and Tutorials for New Users – We are in the process of updating the tips and hints in each section to provide you with better assistance as you use your VetCV Vault. We are also creating walkthrough tutorials for new users to help them get the most out of the Vault. These tutorials are optional, and can be accessed at any time if you find yourself getting stuck or unsure of what to do next.
• More Contact Relations – We will be expanding the types of records that can have linked contacts, including My Legal, My Insurance, and more.

Coming Soon: The VetCV Close Contact Network

TeamVetCV is in the planning stage of building the Close Contact Network. This proposed feature would allow VetCV users to share specific information and records with other VetCV users they trust. Each VetCV user will have tight controls on who can access what, with options for granting role-based access or access to individual records. Below are some examples of how the proposed system could be used.

• A VetCV user’s doctor appointments are managed by their spouse. They could give their spouse access to their My Medical section to keep track of medical records and provider contact information.
• A VetCV user is going out of town for a week, and their close friend has offered to care for their dog while they’re gone. They could give their close friend access to their pet’s record in the My Family section so they can view important veterinary history and contact information and their pet’s chip ID number.
• A VetCV user is the primary caregiver for a parent with power of attorney. They could be granted complete access to that parent’s Vault to manage all important documents to ensure that all their information is accessible when they need it.

Privacy First

Your privacy and control over your data are vitally important to us. That’s why we’re taking our time to meticulously develop this feature to avoid any potential issues. The Close Contact Network will be completely optional; you will not be required to add connections, and opting out will not impact your ability to utilize the VetCV Vault.

We’re still in the very early stages of this project, so we’ll keep you posted as we progress!

Let Us Know What You Think!

We are always looking for ways to improve VetCV, and our best roadmap comes from you. If you have any questions, issues, or ideas for features that you’d like to see in VetCV, please feel free to send us a message at info@vetcv.com or fill out one of the contact forms on vetcv.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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TeamVetCV and Our Patriot Teaming Partners Wish You a Merry Christmas and Remind You to Check on Your Friends This Holiday Season

As we near the end of 2025, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude for the people who mean the most to us. It’s understandable that we may overlook the small joys in life when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily tasks. The holiday season provides us with the perfect opportunity to pause and appreciate what truly matters.

We also would like to ask our community members to reach out to any friends and family members who you haven’t spoken to in a while. We want to use this message as a reminder to the veteran community to look out for one another. The holidays can be difficult for many people, and knowing someone cares can make a huge difference to someone who is struggling.

Mental Health During the Holiday Season and Afterward

A common misconception is that the holidays are the most dangerous time for those struggling with their mental health. While this is not necessarily the case statistically, this does not mean that distress itself decreases this time of year. Many veterans feel more isolated or stressed during holidays, so outreach and supports remain crucial.

Additionally, current research shows that mental health crises statistically increase in the months following the holidays. Experts believe this may be due to a rebound effect; after the increased social contact during the holidays ends and people settle back into their post-holiday routine, the risk statistically increases. With this in mind, we recommend using the holiday season as the jumping-off point for staying in touch with those you care about, and keeping this contact going year-round. As veterans, we are often the first line of defense for our buddies—especially those dealing with experiences they feel no one else can understand.

We hope that you’ll take the time to check in and reach out to see how your friends are doing. Keep that contact going, even after the holiday season ends.

Further Information for Veterans and Caregivers:

• https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
• https://maketheconnection.net/
• https://www.vetcv.com/crisis-support
• https://thisweekinpublichealth.com/blog/2025/11/24/the-holiday-suicide-myth-what-the-research-really-shows-about-seasonal-risk/

Our offices will close early on December 24^th and will reopen on January 5^th.

Happy Holidays!

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The VetCV Mission Next Grand Opening and VetCV Foundation Fundraiser Dinner were incredible successes—and it’s all thanks to you.

We’d like to thank our community in Northwest Florida, Pensacola State College, Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman, Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins, our local leadership in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties, and our Patriot Teaming Partner organizations for making this all possible. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Together, we’re building stronger opportunities for veterans and their families.

Below, you can view a special video message from Lt. Governor Jay Collins about the VetCV Mission Next Center, along with select images from both events.

Special Message from Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins

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VetCV Mission Next Grand Opening

Learn more about the VetCV Mission Next Center at missionnext.vetcvfoundation.org

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2025 VetCV Foundation Fundraiser Dinner

Event Speakers CAPT. Chandra Newman (USN) and Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger.

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Our VetCV Patriot Employer & Teaming Partners

TeamVetCV is pleased to share Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman’s public statement on the VetCV Mission Next Center Grand Opening. We’d like to take this time to express our immense gratitude to Rep. Salzman and to the elected leaders of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for helping make the Mission Next Center a reality.

We would also like to thank Florida’s statewide elected officials for supporting our mission to improve the lives of veterans and their families. Finally, we’re deeply grateful to Pensacola State College, our Patriot Partners, and the many local organizations and businesses across the Panhandle who offer services, resources, and guidance to both us and VetCV Community Members.

Read Rep. Salzman’s statement below.

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November 21, 2025

Salzman & State Partners Welcome First-Of-Its-Kind Veteran Resource Center to Santa Rosa County

MILTON, Fla. — State Representative Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia County), in partnership with VetCV Mission Next Center, Florida Department of Veteran Affairs, and Pensacola State College, celebrated the grand opening of the Mission Next Center in Santa Rosa County. This will be the first military and veteran resource center of its kind in the state of Florida.

Located on the Pensacola State College Milton campus, the VetCV Mission Next Center is a free, one-stop hub that supports veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in Santa Rosa County. It offers in-person guidance through Patriot Navigators who help identify needs, remove barriers, and connect people with resources such as VA benefits, career preparation, job placement, financial assistance, and housing referrals.

“For the first time, our community has a place where you can walk in, speak with a real person, and leave with a clear plan for accessing essential life resources,” said Rep. Salzman. “I’m grateful that we can meet a vital need for our Panhandle-area heroes. This center is just the beginning for veterans’ resources across the state.”

Working with various public & private partners, the center will also craft personalized plans and host informational events for veterans. Its goal is to help veterans and service members transition smoothly from military to civilian life without having to travel outside the county for support.

“This isn’t just a building,” said Niels Anderson, U.S. Navy Veteran and Founder of VetCV & VetCV Foundation, “It is a promise kept by leaders like Rep. Michelle Salzman and our Patriot Funding Partners. A place where a Patriot Navigator looks you in the eye and says, ‘We’ve got your six, now let’s figure out your next mission.’ Bring your family. Bring your dreams. When you need us, we’re ready for you.”

“The Mission Next Veterans Resource Center is not just for Santa Rosa, not just for our veterans and military families across the state, but frankly for everybody across the state,” said Lt. Governor Jay Collins. “It is a lifeline for our heroes. Navigating life after service is not easy. This center will provide real support, real guidance, and real opportunities, and the State of Florida is proud to stand behind it.”

“Northwest Florida enjoys a large active duty and veteran community, so this new Mission Next center is filling a vital need for them and their families,” said James Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs. “Army veteran Representative Michelle Salzman’s exceptional efforts have brought together the people and resources necessary to make the transition from military service to veteran status as user-friendly and as seamless as possible. We’re going to continue this mission for our veterans with passion and purpose.”

For more information, check out the VetCV Mission Next Center, or visit the VetCV online Web App.

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Our VetCV Patriot Employer & Teaming Partners

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SAVE-THE-DATE! Come join us for the grand opening of the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center – we’re cutting the ribbon and celebrating!

VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting

Come join us for the grand opening of the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center at Pensacola State College – Milton Campus! Witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony, get a tour of the facility, and be a part of this exciting event. Meet distinguished speakers and guests, fellow supporters, and veterans as we celebrate the launch of this new resource center for active military, veterans, and their families. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to show your support and be a part of something special. We can’t wait to see you there!

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Learn More at missionnext.vetcvfoundation.org

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Our VetCV Patriot Employer & Teaming Partners

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The VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center is honored to support Pensacola State College’s Lumberjack Festival 2025!

Join us for some fun outdoors at the Pensacola State College Milton Campus! Enjoy friendly competitions, local vendors and craftsmen, food trucks, prizes, and more! General admission for this community festival is completely free, so bring the whole family for a day of woodsy fun.

For More Information, Please Email: LumberJackFestival@PensacolaState.edu

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Our VetCV Patriot Employer & Teaming Partners

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Join TeamVetCV and Marine Corps League Pensacola in Honoring Our Fallen Warfighters.

We are honored to announce our participation in Wreaths Across America 2025. VetCV, including the VetCV Foundation and the VetCV Mission Next Center, have partnered with the Marine Corps League, Cpl J. R. Spears Detachment 066, to join hundreds of community volunteers in laying wreaths on gravesites at Barrancas National Cemetery on December 13, 2025.

We invite you to sponsor a wreath or volunteer your time to ensure that those memorialized at Barrancas are remembered and venerated for their service and sacrifice to our great nation. Sponsorships and contributions made to Wreaths Across America pay for the wreaths themselves and help support the continued operation of the program, as well as organizations serving our nation’s veterans.

Wreath placement begins at 7:30 AM CST on December 13, 2025, at:

Barrancas National Cemetery
1 Cemetery Rd
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Pensacola, FL 32508

Family and designated placement wreaths will be placed from 8:00 AM–9:00 AM. General placement will follow from 9:00 AM–10:30 AM, with a formal ceremony at 11:00 AM at the Memorial Plaza.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/FL0915P

If you are not in the Pensacola area but would like to find a wreath-laying event near you, please go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

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