CLEARWATER, Fla. — For the 21st year, dozens gathered at the Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza to honor veterans and their families at Clearwater Patriot Fest. 

What You Need To Know

Robby Groover said the first 12 months post-service is the most challenging time for veterans

The Florida Veterans Coalition has partnered with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Cares

State Senator Nick Diceglie said he’s planning to appropriate $500,000 from the state legislature to the program

With a theme of “Service after Sacrifice,” service members spoke to attendees, highlighting the bravery of veterans, as well as ongoing contributions to vets.

The event brings veterans, organizations and community leaders together.

Robby Groover, the CEO and president of the Florida Veterans Coalition, said that with the “Military to Veterans Support Program- Operation Safe Landing,” they can help veterans at one of their most vulnerable times.

“That first 12 months post-service is the most difficult time,” he said. “You know, you lose your camaraderie, you lose that mission orientation, you lose kind of what your drive is.”

From issues with finding housing, education support, employment and more, Groover said these issues happen around the same time vets leave the military.

Ronald Lillard, an operations manager for St. Vincent de Paul Cares, said they see much of the same.

“In the military, their rent, their food, all their expenses have been taken care of,” he said. “And then in that transition period of time, it takes a little bit of a learning curve for the veterans to figure those things out.”

Lillard said that’s why they’ve partnered with the coalition.

As the largest homeless veteran provider in Florida, operating in 22 counties, he said they’re already helping many vets statewide.

“They’ve identified this gap in service,” Lillard said. “This past year, SSVF program with St. Vincent de Paul has housed over 1200 veterans, and specifically here in Pinellas County, we’ve housed over 384 veterans to help them in their homelessness.” 

Among Saturday’s speakers was State Sen. Nick Diceglie.

He said the work the Florida Veterans Coalition is doing is great and is planning to appropriate $500,000 from the state legislature to the program.

“Not only are we going to get them off the streets, we’re going to create housing, create jobs, and really make sure that they’re able to live the American dream,” Diceglie said.

Diceglie is confident that the legislature will approve the money.

For Groover, this is just another step in helping veterans in need of some extra support.

“We’re helping to keep driving our military, our veterans, and our veteran families toward success,” he said.