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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