February 2023 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

With the addition of eight new counties to our district, my team and I are excited to serve our ever-growing veterans community this year. In January, we celebrated a momentous win for both our district and our veterans with the establishment of the A.K. Baker VA Clinic in Middleburg, Florida. It was an honor to see this project through after years of working with Ms. Tina Baker, Chief Baker's widow, and we're excited to see all the new clinic will do for our FL-03 veterans. You can read more about this project below.

Although we are only one month into the new year, my veterans' team has been actively listening and collecting thoughts throughout the veterans community as to how we and the VA can better serve you. It is my vision that my team will actively serve the people and advocate your needs effectively and, hopefully, exceed your expectations.

As always, we welcome your feedback about what you read here, and if there are any events or announcements you’d like to see featured, reach out to us by clicking here. You can also check our website for new updates on our Veterans' Services tab. And as always, if you’re a veteran in FL-03 in need of assistance with any veterans-related issues, please call our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838.

With all that’s happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

In Liberty,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District
 

Middleburg VA Clinic Officially Designated Andrew K. Baker Department Of Veterans Affairs Clinic

January was a momentous month for Florida's Third because the Middleburg VA Clinic was officially designated the Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. It was truly incredible to see this project finally come to fruition after years of work and I’m honored to have worked so closely with Ms. Tina Baker, the widow of Chief Baker, while striving to carry on her husband’s distinguished legacy.

Thank you to all who helped make this dream a reality, and a very special thanks to Andrew K. Baker Jr., Chief Baker's son, for delivering such special remarks during the ceremony. This month, he will deploy overseas where he will carry on the family legacy of distinguished service to our nation. 

You can watch a short video of the ceremony here.

Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)

Florida Housing administers the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP), which provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to serve very low, low, and moderate income families.

SHIP funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and 52 Community Development Block Grant entitlement cities in Florida. The minimum allocation is $350,000.

You can learn more the SHIP program here or by clicking the button below.

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)

Veterans and servicemembers may receive Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) services to help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist veterans and servicemembers in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. 

You can learn more about VR&E here or by clicking the button below.

Top 10 VetResources Of 2022 & Login.Gov

Login.gov is a U.S. government service that provides seamless access to government websites. A Login.gov account allows you to use the same email and password to access VA.gov, My HealtheVet, VA/DoD EBenefits and the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. Plus, you can securely sign in to USAJOBS and TSA pre-check, and apply for SBA small business loans and disaster aid.

You can learn more Login.gov and VetResources here.

Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) Appointment Scheduler

The Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) Appointment Scheduler system allows veterans real time access to a VA employee at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office Public Contact Section. By using the system you can schedule a 30-minute live, virtual appointment to discuss your claims folder, pending issues, obtain clarification on VA correspondence, and much more. Most importantly you can avoid long wait times encountered by using the toll free line and the information according to some is more timely and accurate.

You can access the system and schedule an appointment here or by clicking the button below.

Free Lifetime Pass To National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, And Other Public Lands For Veterans

The National Park Service is now offering lifetime passes, providing free entrance to national parks for veterans and their families. Veterans and their families have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle—from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more.

You can learn more about eligibility and getting your interagency pass here or by clicking the button below.

The Military Museum Of North Florida

The Military Museum of North Florida honors all service men and women from evert branch of the service. The museum has many special events including displays of military art from noted artist John Shaw. Among other events are Military History Day, D-Day Commemoration, National Holidays, and other memorable days in military history.

Admission to the museum is free and open to the public during visiting hours. You can learn more about the Military Museum of North Florida here or by clicking the button below.

Veterans' Services Tab On Rep. Cammack's Website

The Veterans' Services tab of Rep. Cammack's website has information on a wide variety of topics, including news from the VA, resources for veterans, and more. These pages are consistently updated so our FL-03 veterans have the most updated information. Additionally, should you need assistance with the VA, our team can help you by opening a case and contacting the VA on your behalf.