ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, Senator Ashley Moody spoke with
veterans groups in Central Florida, thanking them for their distinguished
service and giving them an update on her legislative priorities in Washington.
Senator Moody shared remarks at three events today, including: the 95th
Annual Florida Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) convention, the 106th
Annual State Convention for the Florida American Legion and the 97th
Annual Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Florida Convention.
Senator Ashley Moody said, “As Florida’s newest U.S.
Senator, one of my first priorities was cosponsoring legislation that support
our veterans like the VETS Opportunity Act, the Restore VA Accountability Act
and the Major Richard Star Act. Florida is the most veteran friendly state in
the nation, and it is always such an honor to connect with and to thank them
personally for their service in protecting our freedom. Our veterans have
sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, and I will continue fighting for
them up in Washington and here at home in Florida.”
Senator Moody
also discussed some of her legislative priorities with the veterans groups
including:
The Major
Richard Star Act:
- Currently, only veterans with
disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are
eligible to receive the full amount of their Department of Defense (DOD)
retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability
payments—leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees.
The Senators’ Major Richard Star Act will fix this unjust policy for
retired combat veterans—providing them their full VA disability and DOD
retirement payments.
The Veterans
Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act:
- The VETS
Opportunity Act expands educational benefits by allowing veterans to
utilize their GI Bill for skilled trade programs that are presented in a
hybrid format of both in-person and online instruction.
The Restore
VA Accountability Act of 2025:
- This
legislation would hold the VA accountable by strengthening the VA’s
authority to hold poor-performing employees accountable. It would provide
the VA the authority to ensure that only the most dedicated individuals
can serve our nation’s veterans.
Additionally,
Senator Moody laid out successful programs from her time as Florida’s Attorney
General:
The Military
and Veterans Assistance Program:
- MVAP was
created to help educate military members and veterans on the types of
scams that target their communities, what they can do to protect
themselves, and how they can help protect others by reporting scams and
deceptive business practices. In addition, members of the MVAP team work
directly with military servicemembers and veterans who have been targeted,
or their representatives, to help resolve their consumer protection
related issues or find other outside assistance if necessary. - Between
2019, and the time Senator Moody left the Attorney General’s office, left
office, MVAP recovered more than $3.7 million from over 2,300 complaints
for affected military members and their families.
BACKGROUND:
The Veterans
of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Florida is a state-level organization
representing Florida’s members of the national VFW, a congressionally chartered
nonprofit committed to advocating for and supporting U.S. military veterans who
have served in overseas conflicts. With over 16,000 members across nearly 100
Posts statewide, Florida VFW provides vital services such as VA claims
assistance, peer support, community outreach, scholarship programs, and youth
activities. It plays a central role in honoring military service, advancing
veteran legislation, and promoting patriotism throughout the state. The
organization also supports Gold Star families and runs programs for POW/MIA
remembrance, helping Florida veterans’ transition, connect and thrive after
service.
The Florida
American Legion is the state branch of the nation’s largest wartime
veterans service organization, dedicated to serving veterans, military
personnel, their families, and local communities across Florida. With over
100,000 members and 300 local posts, the Florida American Legion actively
promotes patriotism, mentorship, and continued service through youth programs,
veteran advocacy, and community initiatives. It supports veterans with access
to benefits, organizes events like Boys State and American Legion Baseball, and
honors fallen service members through memorial efforts and ceremonies. Guided
by the core pillars of veterans affairs, national security, Americanism, and
youth, the Florida American Legion remains a powerful voice and support system
for those who have served.
The Disabled
American Veterans (DAV) Department of Florida is the state-level branch of the national DAV
organization, dedicated to empowering veterans with service-connected
disabilities and their families. Established in line with the national DAV
mission, founded in 1920, the Florida Department provides free, professional
assistance in helping veterans access the benefits and services they have
earned through military service.
Key
Functions in Florida:
- Claims
Assistance: DAV service officers across
Florida help veterans file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) and ensure they receive their rightful compensation and medical
benefits. - Transportation
Network: DAV Florida operates a volunteer transportation
service, helping veterans with an emphasis on rural or underserved areas
and provide transportation to VA medical appointments. - Legislative
Advocacy: The department works closely
with state lawmakers to promote policies that improve veteran healthcare,
housing, employment, and education opportunities in Florida. - Veteran
Outreach: DAV Florida participates in
job fairs, community events, and disaster relief, while also hosting state
conventions, chapter events, and veteran recognition programs.
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