veterans

Spouses of former military members are now fifth in the priority list to be admitted to state veterans' nursing homes.

A Florida Senate panel has backed a proposal that would allow veterans' spouses and, in some cases, the parents of veterans, to qualify to live in state-run long-term care facilities for veterans.

"Florida veterans will definitely feel that impact in a positive way."

Justin Eggen is an award-winning poet and U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran studying war poetry at Florida Atlantic University. He joins us to talk about using poetry to unravel his war experience.

While new claims can be filed afterward, those who make the cutoff could receive additional benefits or compensation backdated to Aug. 10, 2022, when the act was signed.

The Boca Raton-based Grey Team has worked with more than 700 veterans since its founding seven years ago. The center uses a 90-day program of exercise and high-tech machines to help the veterans.

A Florida Department of Veterans Affairs-sponsored committee looked into the needs of women veterans. It recommended more homeless shelters for women vets with children, changes to make veteran nursing homes women-friendly and a state advisory committee that held its first meeting this month.

DeSantis introduced the program last year as a solution to the state's teacher shortage.

The law expands health care benefits for veterans who may have developed illnesses after toxic exposure during their service. The VA can start processing most claims on Jan. 1.

Army veteran Richard Fierro was enjoying a night out with his family when a gunman opened fire on a gay club in Colorado Springs. Fierro said he went into "combat mode" to take down the shooter.

The VA will begin processing PACT Act claims Jan. 1. The agency also announced a new toxic screening process to check for signs of illness and inform vets of benefits.

Black vets fought overseas but returned home to segregation — which made it harder for them to benefit from the GI Bill. Some in Congress hope to remedy that injustice.