Veterans for Rick Scott
Today, Senator Rick Scott was joined by Florida veterans to roll out the “Veterans for Rick Scott” coalition, which is made up of more than 250 military members and veterans who support the work Senator Scott has done – and will continue to do – on behalf of the millions of Florida service members, veterans, and their families. As Governor and now as Senator, Rick Scott has worked tirelessly to make Florida a state where our military members, veterans, and their families can succeed.
The “Veterans for Rick Scott” coalition is co-chaired by:
- U.S. Army Veteran and Florida Congressman Cory Mills
- U.S. Army Veteran and Florida State Senator Jay Collins
- U.S. Army Veteran and Florida State Representative Danny Alvarez
- U.S. Navy Veteran and Jacksonville City Councilman Nick Howland
Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s a great honor to have the support of so many incredible Florida military members and veterans. As a Navy veteran and the son of a WWII veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. First as Florida’s Governor, and now as Senator and member of the Armed Services Committee, my mission has always been to ensure Florida is the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation.
“While we’ve secured big wins for our veterans, military and their families, so much work has to be done to clean up the mess caused by President Biden and the Democrats. As I travel the state, I constantly hear how fed-up people are with Joe Biden and the Democrats failing our veterans, injecting their woke agenda into our military and creating an economy that is a burden to those who have given so much for our freedoms. It’s time to end Biden’s disrespectful and disastrous agenda, and together we will continue fighting on behalf of Florida’s heroes and their families, win big in November and turn our country around.”
Tampa Bay Region
Florida State Senator, U.S. Army Veteran and Co-Chair of the “Veteran’s for Rick Scott” coalition Jay Collins said, “I’m proud to support fellow veteran Senator Rick Scott. He understands the sacrifices our military members and their families make to keep Americans safe. Rick Scott has and always will prioritize meeting with military leadership in the state to make sure Florida service members and their families are taken care of. In the Senate, he sits on the Armed Services Committee, where he has been able to secure big wins for the millions of Floridians who are active-duty military and veterans. A win for Rick Scott is a win for America’s military and our military families!”
Florida State Representative, U.S. Army Veteran, and Co-Chair of the “Veteran’s for Rick Scott” coalition Danny Alvarez said, “When I worked for Rick Scott, I got an intimate snapshot of his make-up and character. I saw a man who truly cared about Florida, veterans and more importantly…doing the right thing. No matter his title today, I believe he values the title veteran the most and that’s why he works tirelessly at making Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the union. His love for our country and those who defend her is a shining example of what leadership is supposed to look like.”
Naples – Fort Myers Region
Congressman and U.S. Army Veteran Greg Steube said, “I am honored to endorse Senator Rick Scott’s re-election to the U.S. Senate. Senator Scott has always been a staunch supporter of our military, veterans, and their families. As Governor, he invested billions in Florida military members and veterans to expand their access to much needed services. In the Senate, he serves on the Armed Services Committee where he fights for our veterans to ensure they have access to the care that they deserve. I have no doubt that he will continue to support us when he’s re-elected.”
Florida State Representative and U.S. Army Veteran Mike Giallombardo said, “As United States Army veteran who was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I fully support Rick Scott for re-election. Senator Scott is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and he is fighting for enhanced benefits, improved access for veterans’ services, and working to ensure our military members have resources available for a smooth transition to civilian life. I also had the honor of working with him to assist some of our interpreters in Afghanistan during Biden’s failed exit strategy. This country needs more veterans like Rick Scott in the Senate who truly understand what it means to serve this great country.”
U.S. Air Force Captain Wayne Smith said, “Senator Rick Scott has always been a strong ally of our military and veterans. As a veteran himself, he knows what it takes to serve our country and live the American dream. In the Senate, he’s fighting to ensure our veterans have access to the benefits we earned. I am proud to endorse Senator Scott’s re-election campaign.”
Miami Region
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and Mayor of Weston Margaret “Peggy” Brown said, “I support Senator Rick Scott because of his unwavering commitment to veterans during his tenure as both Senator and Governor of Florida. His strong economic policies, healthcare expertise, fiscal conservatism, and pro-business stance are exactly what we need in the U.S. Senate.
“Senator Scott’s experience in the Navy gives him a profound understanding of military and veterans issues, which is integral to his background and informs his decisions every day. Florida’s veterans need someone who truly understands them like Senator Scott. He is one of us, and we will re-elect him in November!”
U.S. Army Veteran Jairo Restrepo said, “As a U.S. Army combat veteran, I proudly endorse Senator Rick Scott for re-election. His unwavering support for those who have served our country is unmatched. Senator Scott’s leadership, rooted in his service as a Navy veteran and his tenure as a public servant, underscores his deep commitment to securing the support our military, veterans, and their families need. His proven advocacy on military and veterans issues, coupled with his understanding of our specific challenges, make him the clear choice for the U.S. Senate. We have full confidence in Senator Scott to continue championing our interests!”
Orlando Region
U.S. Representative, U.S. Army Veteran, and Co-Chair of the “Veteran’s for Rick Scott” coalition Cory Mills said, “As an Army veteran and co-chair of the ‘Veterans for Rick Scott’ coalition, I wholeheartedly support Senator Rick Scott for re-election. His unwavering commitment to veterans issues, both as Governor of Florida and on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has made a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. While many in our government have left our vets behind, Rick Scott has always been with us, and I’m proud to work with him in Congress on behalf of veterans. His leadership and dedication to our community are truly commendable and we need six more years of Rick in the Senate.”
Jacksonville Region
Councilman At-Large – Group 3 Nick Howland said “Having seen Senator Rick Scott’s work firsthand, I can confidently say that he has always put us veterans first. From enhancing educational opportunities to ensuring better access to healthcare, his contributions have significantly improved the quality of life for Florida’s veterans. We need his continued leadership in the Senate, and I look forward to ensuring he wins again in November.”
Retired Naval Captain and CEO of K9s for Warriors, Daniel Bean said “Before Rick Scott ever was a successful businessman or politician, he was first serving our country in the Navy. He’s never forgotten where he started and ensuring those who served beside him have been taken care of. His initiatives as governor to create job opportunities for veterans and his proactive role on the Senate Armed Services Committee show his dedication to our cause. I proudly endorse him for re-election, and wish we had 99 more senators like him.”
Pensacola Region
Florida State Representative and U.S. Army Veteran Patt Maney said, “Rick Scott’s tenure as governor brought significant improvements to veteran services across Florida, and his continued work in the U.S. Senate is bringing that same dedication to the rest of our nation. As a fellow veteran, his understanding of military issues, and unwavering support for our veterans and their families, make him an invaluable advocate in Washington. He has my full support for re-election.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Frohlich said, “A fellow veteran, Senator Rick Scott served in the Navy as a radarman aboard the USS Glover. He understands how much our service members and their families sacrifice to keep our country free. He also knows how important it is to take care of our military members after they leave the service and transition into civilian life. In the Senate, he has been fighting to ensure our veterans receive timely care, have access to important mental health resources and supports legislation vital to our veteran community. I proudly endorse Senator Rick Scott for re-election and look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of all Florida veterans.”
As Florida’s Senator serving on the Senate Armed Service Committee, Senator Scott has secured big wins for Florida in the National Defense Authorization Act, including:
- Secured billions in defense spending.
- Secured multiple pay raises for military personnel and civilian U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) employees.
- Secured more than $1.2 billion to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base after Hurricane Michael nearly destroyed it.
- Passed the Military Widow Tax Elimination Act, which allows military and veteran spouses to receive full survivor benefits from the VA and DoD.
- Secured billions in funding for construction, childcare, and training facilities on American military bases, including many bases in Florida.
- Passed legislation to prevent the DoD from doing business with our adversaries.
Senator Scott is also fighting to expand veterans’ access to critical benefits and programs. He is:
- Fighting to pass the SCHEDULES for Veterans Act that would establish an overall timeliness standard for the time between when a veteran’s appointment is scheduled to when the appointment happens.
- Fighting to pass the Veterans Accessibility Act to establish a Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access at Veterans Affairs. This committee would issue regular reports on VA’s compliance with federal disability laws.
- Fighting to pass the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act that expands community-based services for aging veterans and improves VA support for veterans and caregivers.
- Fighting to pass the Protecting Veteran Community Care Act that addresses the issue of mental health care access for veterans.
- Fighting to pass the Major Richard Star Act that would provide medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of service full retirement and disability benefits.
As Florida’s Governor, Senator Scott fought to ensure that Florida is a state where military members, veterans, and their families can thrive. He:
- Secured more than $1.3 billion in funding for active-duty military, veterans, and their families.
- Recognized more than 15,000 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veteran Service Medal.
- Passed the Florida GI Bill and created the Education Dollars for Duty program that covers up to 100% of Florida Guard and airmen’s tuition while they are serving the state.
- We waived out-of-state tuition fees for veterans so they can receive a high-quality education here in Florida.
- Implemented the Paychecks for Patriots program to connect veterans and their spouses with businesses looking to hire employees.
- Provided more than 500 veterans and their spouses with expedited healthcare professional licenses to ensure a smooth transition to civilian life.
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