On June 30, 2014, I was honored with receiving the Florida Veterans Service Medal from Governor Rick Scott with many other veterans. I was deeply touched with some of the stories shared of sacrifices made so each of us could remain free and grateful I could have been just a small portion of our countries beam of freedom to our world. In attendance were Lee Commissioners Cecil Pendergrass, Brian Hamman, State Senator, District Lizbeth Benacquisto, Candidate for State Senator, District 30, Michael Dreikorn, State Representative Dane Eagle, and many other veterans and supporters. Governor Scott shared his personal history of his father who was with the 82nd Airborne Division during WW 2 at D-Day and expressed his appreciation of veterans who served our country. Vote Rick Scott, November 2014. He also shared a story of one veteran in attendance who was at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Governor Scott discussed his recent contributions in legislation that makes Florida a State that supports its Veterans such as the Florida GI Bill and exempt from out of state college tuition for veterans. I personally handed him a letter which he accepted asking for an amendment to FS 338.155 to exempt 100% disabled veterans from state highway tolls, This very little known law already exempts 100% disabled veterans already from highway tolls, however, the veteran has to be aware and file an application and also be missing limbs to be given this exemption. I am asking the all disabled veterans be exempt from highway tolls including the Cape Coral and Sanibel bridge tolls. I also asked the Governor to exempt disabled veterans from FS 320.04 which is a $7.00 vehicle registration tax and county fee $3.00 added to the Free DV license plate for 100% disable veterans. In addition, I asked the Govenor to increase the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs budget at the county level so counselors can be more proactive to decrease the lead time for veterans getting their benefits from years to few months. I also asked for the Florida Attorney General to sue the VA for criminal negligence because of the malicious behavior of delaying veterans benefits. This was an outstanding event that honored our soldiers for the sacrifices made so each of us can remain free. For those within our society that say the disabled veteran gets too much already, I say we raised our hands to defend our country and yours. We left our body parts, minds, and some gave their lives so our families and you would not have to experience the insanity of war on your door step. This benefits are just a small price for soldiers still struggling in life and some who will struggle their entire life. May Lee County continue to support Green Beret, Special Forces Retired, John Ebling, who is our State Veterans Affairs only counselor and the Veterans Foundation, Ralph Santillo and all the Veterans organizations. VA Surge, De Oppresso Liber.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:31:01 +0000
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