Tunnels to Towers draws hundreds to Altamonte Springs 5K honoring 9/11 first responders
Tunnel to Towers held its annual 5K in Altamonte Springs as a way to honor and remember the legacy of those who lost their lives responding to the tragedies on 9/11.
Vietnam veteran talks revisiting nation, cycling 390 miles on Trooper Steve on Patrol
Serving in the Vietnam War at just 22 years old, Marc Gimbel, now 77, has gone back. Marc recently completed 390 miles in two weeks biking through Vietnam and reliving his past with a new sense of humanity.
Veterans trade volunteer hours for college education at this Orlando nonprofit
The nonprofit gives veterans, who have either exhausted or want to save their VA Educational Benefits, an opportunity to have their college tuition paid for in exchange for volunteering.
Veteran-crafted & Barstool president approved: Pizza shop to open in Ocoee
Award-winning Key Lime pie, a New York WaterMaker and Boar’s Head meat are some of the key ingredients that make Coast to Coast Pizza Company successful.
CareerSource Central Florida helps veterans transition to civilian life and find employment
National Hire a Veteran Day, observed annually on July 25, serves as a poignant reminder to employers nationwide to prioritize hiring individuals who have bravely served our country.
Father reflects on 15 years caring for veteran son injured in combat
A U.S. Army Ranger veteran who was injured in combat back in 2009 is sharing his story alongside his father, who has been his caregiver for the last 15 years.
Purple Heart recipients visit Orlando. Here’s why nation’s bravest are in town
Hundreds of our nation’s bravest men and women are in town for the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s 91st Annual Conference.
Purple Heart recipient joins Trooper Steve on Patrol
The Military Order of the Purple Heart does a lot to support veterans with Purple Hearts, including helping pay rents, help find housing, jobs, support, offering scholarships to Purple Heart recipients and their families.
‘Something magical that happens:’ The equine-assisted therapy program in Osceola helping veterans
The 12-week program helps veterans diagnosed with PTSD reconnect to civilian life and rediscover a sense of purpose.
‘Giving back what I was given:’ Tuskegee Airman teaches teens about legacy, piloting
Students who are part of a summer enrichment program are getting hands-on experience with emerging technologies while also learning lessons about the past.
Author, former Navy sub commander ‘Navy Bob’ carried ‘Nuclear Football’ for President George W. Bush
Robert Ronscka spent 28 years in the Navy leading men and women while being in charge of 10 Los Angeles class nuclear submarines, but he’s on a new mission as a speaker and author.
Orlando Army veteran fights for LGBTQ rights through drag performance
Lake Eola is where the pride parade ends and downtown is home to many LGBTQ+ organizations.Darcel Stevens is an advocate for the gay community, a veteran, and a performer.
This lakefront home will soon provide hope for homeless women veterans
The 4,000-square-foot home is the latest project being built by Villagers For Veterans. Ashley’s House will be a transition home for women veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Male breast cancer among 3 new types added by VA to list of presumptive service connections
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is including three new cancer types to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure.
This Publix in Central Florida has a cemetery in its parking lot. Here’s why
Florida’s ever-popular grocery chain has plenty of interesting features, though one location in particular has an odd sight in store for visitors.
Members of Congress commemorate D-Day with their own parachute jump over Normandy
A contingent of U.S. lawmakers from the House of Representatives has made a commemorative parachute jump at Normandy marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
‘Just glad to get up to age 100:’ Seminole County World War II vet honored with Quilt of Valor
It’s a special honor for a special guy during a special time. Peter Durante is celebrating his 100th birthday this week.
Love of history, appetite to learn drives Marine Corps veteran to earn PhD, start own business
Jodie Sweezey discovered military history in her teens, but waited until after she graduated college to join the military, a decision partly shaped by her father who served in Vietnam.
French children hail D-Day veterans as heroes as they arrive in Normandy for anniversary events
French schoolchildren have greeted dozens of U.S. World War II veterans with a big poster saying ‘’thank you'' as they arrived on Monday in Normandy.
US seeking ‘citizen archivists’ to help transcribe American Revolution pension records
The National Park Service and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) are collaborating on a project to transcribe the pension records of more than 80,000 of America’s first veterans and their widows.
'All-American hero:' Fallen veterans honored on Memorial Day at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday honoring local veterans and their families who attended the somber event.
Man on mission to share World War II hero stories visits 100-year-old Central Florida veteran
Rishi Sharma runs a non-profit and YouTube channel called “Remember World War II with Rishi Sharma”
Seminole County Supervisor of Elections launching new initiative to honor veterans
The supervisor of elections in Seminole County is launching an initiative to honor those who have served in the military.
‘Basic geometry:’ How this Central Florida Army veteran became a self-taught origami artist
Rodriquez Benjamin, 40, spent 6 years in the U.S. Army, including two deployments in Iraq – the first for 15 months and the second for 14 months.
Volusia County Fairgrounds hosting event to help veterans. Here’s what you need to know
Volusia County is holding an event this weekend to help veterans in need. The Veterans Stand Down is Friday and Saturday at the Volusia County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Cold case solved in 1968 killing of World War II veteran in Florida
Hiram "Ross’" Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran who saw action at the Battle of the Bulge, was shot dead in Indian River County in April 1968.
Stars and Stripes flying again at Titusville veterans center where man stole US flag
The U.S. flag is flying once again in front of the Disabled American Veterans chapter in Titusville where a man stole a flag last week.
New grill gifted to Titusville veterans center after police arrest alleged vandal, flag thief
A Mims man accused of stealing the U.S. flag and damaging a grill at the Disabled American Veterans chapter in Titusville earlier this week was arrested Friday, according to police.
Central Florida Navy veteran searches world’s waters to recover remains of lost service members
John Marsack isn’t in the military anymore, but this U.S. Navy veteran continues to serve his country in a heroic way.
Lou Conter, last survivor of USS Arizona from Pearl Harbor attack, dies at 102
Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona battleship that exploded and sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has died.
Winter Park hosts Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day
On Thursday evening inside the Winter Park Library, people came together to recognize Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. The state will officially recognize the day next year on the fourth Thursday of March.
From major to mogul: How one woman took lessons from the Army to build her business
Sonja Stribling talks about her 21-year military career, transforming her life and helping thousands of women do the same.
UCF organization provides space to serve women veterans on campus
Founded by senior business management major Alexandria Marcellus, the Women Veterans Association is dedicated to empowering female veterans and fostering a supportive network on campus.
‘There’s no disability on that ice:’ Army veteran is one of the best para bobsledders in the world
“Once I gave my life to God, I started to show up to things,” Will Castillo said. “I kept showing up and kept showing up and eventually, I ended up going to the top of the track. Now I compete throughout the world representing the U.S.A.”
95-year-old Orange County educator recounts history of segregation, integration
An Orange County educator who broke barriers and became the first black president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association is sharing his story about teaching when schools were segregated and become integrated.
Central Florida veterans find camaraderie through USTA’s Military Tennis Program
Marc Spittler and Henry Pruitt served their country at different times, and in different branches of services, but both have found that military camaraderie again through the Military Tennis Program.
Leesburg WWII soldier buried Sunday 80 years after his death
A World War II soldier for Leesburg will get a hero’s welcome home procession and be buried with full military honors Sunday, 80 years after he was killed in action.
‘Here’s Hope:’ K9s For Warriors helps husband, wife Air Force veterans find themselves again
Ashley and Daniel McCaffrey are both U.S. Air Force veterans who not only share the bond of marriage, but the understanding of the trauma that can sometimes come with defending our country.
Christmas tree coming down? This Eustis man will turn it into a cane for a veteran
Christmas is over, the ornaments have been taken down and put away, but the trees can enjoy a new life as a cane for a veteran at Oscar Morris’ workshop in Eustis.
Veteran promotes Christmas cheer with holiday display in Winter Garden
During the holiday season, seeing a festive display is nothing new — but for one combat veteran, he is looking to get results for mental health while spreading a bit of Christmas cheer.
Friends of Oviedo airman killed after crash in Japan grieve over his death
News 6 has learned a U.S. Air Force sergeant who enlisted out of Oviedo more than a decade ago was among the service members killed in a military aircraft last week in Japan.
Gary Sinise Foundation hosts more than 700 families of fallen military heroes at Disney World
More than 700 families of fallen military heroes are being honored at Walt Disney World Resort ahead of the holiday season.
‘Fell in love with this place:’ Navy veteran finds his place helping students, veterans at UCF
Not sure what to do after high school, Matt Winstel and a friend joined the U.S. Navy on the buddy program and “the rest was 26 years of Naval lore.”
‘A big job’: Nephew reacts after remains of missing Leesburg WWII soldier are ID’d
Staff Sgt. Franklin Hall was 21 years old when he died. His remains were identified earlier this year — around 80 years after his death.
‘I wanted to fill up the room,’ Disabled veteran, family helps foster kids have merry Christmas
An Orange County veteran has spent the past year buying toys, leading up to Giving Tuesday. Her goal is to help foster families this holiday season.
Volusia County veteran remembers time providing security for former first lady Rosalynn Carter
A retired Air Force veteran now living in Volusia County reminisces on his time providing security for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
Remains of a WWII heavy bomber gunner from Central Florida identified nearly 80 years after his death
Miliary officials say a U.S. Army Air Force gunner’s remains have been accounted for nearly eight decades after the heavy bomber he was flying in was shot down over France during World War II.
Winter Springs to honor veteran with ‘Hometown Hero’ award for Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, Capt. Laurel Ross will be awarded the city of Winter Springs’ Hometown Hero award after she was nominated by a fellow servicemember and friend.
‘I lost it all’: Fire destroys Volusia County veteran’s home, kills service dogs
Wednesday, Kerry Sprague's life changed in an instant. The Coast Guard veteran was at work when she got a devastating phone call from her neighbor.
Disney volunteers help get results for veterans ahead of the holidays
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Orlando Fisher House in Lake Nona. From Christmas trees to wreaths, all of it was donated by Walt Disney World.
‘Life-changing event:’ Navy veteran went from studying music to rocketing into outer space
Veteran Winston E. Scott served over 26 years in the U.S. Navy, with seven of those years spent as a NASA astronaut.
‘You’re never alone:’ How Wounded Warrior Project helped Army veteran find her way again
When Yomari Cruz returned home after serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, she found herself struggling with adjusting back to civilian life.
‘Really glad they are doing this for me:’ Army veteran receives free repairs for his Orlando home
From landscaping to painting, repairs were done to the home belonging to U.S. Army veteran Paul Sampson.
Longwood-based First Responder’s Coffee Company supports those who serve their communities
Brent Tucker, the owner of First Responder’s Coffee Company, dedicated much of his adult life to serving his country.
Deadline extended for veterans to apply for PACT Act retroactive benefits
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has extended the deadline for veterans and survivors to apply for retroactive benefits through the PACT Act.
Veterans trade volunteer hours for college education at this Orlando nonprofit
The nonprofit gives veterans, who have either exhausted or want to save their VA Educational Benefits, an opportunity to have their college tuition paid for in exchange for volunteering.
‘Art has been my main medicine:’ Marine veteran rediscovers herself through her paint brush
After spending time in the Navy ROTC program at Boone High School, Veronika Tuskowski joined the Marines in July 2001 after her senior year.
PACT Act retroactive benefits: Why more veterans may be eligible for more money than they think
A major deadline for veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras is fast approaching, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is urging more veterans to file claims for health issues potentially caused by their service.
Cocoa Beach residents party to help homeless vets
National Veterans Homeless Support is co-hosting the event, which will take crawlers through five different bars in downtown Cocoa Beach while raising money to support America’s homeless veterans.
‘The greatest thing that I ever did:’ 102-year-old Navy veteran is kind of a big deal
In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Navy Women’s Reserve Act into law which created what was commonly known as the WAVES – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.
Meet the trapper who removed a 10-foot alligator from a Jacksonville elementary school
A Jacksonville man is getting the spotlight for wrangling a massive alligator in an elementary school parking lot.
‘Amazing how much God did for me’: 94-year-old Korean War veteran reflects on struggles, triumphs
He may be 94 years old, but Korean War veteran Johnnie Kelly’s memory is sharper than most people half his age.
Veterans find housing, jobs and medical help in Orlando’s Parramore community
Dozens of veterans, many who said they’re facing homelessness, came out Wednesday to a resource event in Orlando’s Parramore community that provided housing help, job workshops, medical assistance and so much more.
Volunteers help with landscaping at Army veteran’s free new home in Kissimmee
Dozens of people set out Saturday to help a severely-injured Army veteran as he and his family prepare to move into their new home in Kissimmee.
Biking for charity: Former Jaguars player riding for veterans and hurricane relief
Don Davey, Jaguars defensive tackle in the '90s, is biking across the state of Florida to raise money for veterans and hurricane relief.