Military affairs and veterans department

About jacksonville Largest military presence and veteran population 1 in 4 have a direct tie to the military Annual economic impact of $14 billion

What we do 1. Veterans Services 2. Social Services 3. Outreach/Advocacy Goal: “Most Military and Veteran-Friendly City in the World”

Veterans services Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) assist veterans, widows and surviving children with filing a VA claim Identify benefits Provide free expert advice Complete and file paperwork Advocate on the veteran’s behalf All 5 days a week. Free of charge. No appointment necessary.

Social services Thanks to the Jaguars Foundation, MAVD helps Vets keep a roof over their head and lights on. No-interest loans $200-400 grants Budget counseling Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) puts Vets to work.

Lesser known services Free monthly legal services Free yearly tax filing VSOs visit different library and HOF each month Holiday food baskets

Special events Purple Heart Observance Homeless Veteran Stand Down Military Spouse Night Out

Special events Memorial Day Observance Veterans Day Parade Celebration of Valor (previously Week of Valor) Veterans Day Parade

Outreach Jobs4Vets initiative Career fairs +480 Veteran-friendly employers Career fairs Community partnership grants Interact with +250,000 annually through website, phone or office visits

Advocacy Increased military investment Infrastructure Personnel Jobs MAVD manages more than $2.0 million in local, state and federal grants BRAC protection +1,200 protected acres

results During Mayor Curry’s administration, COJ MAVD has directly served 34356 area Veterans ~$103 million in compensation from the VA More NEFL Vets are getting their VA benefits under Mayor Lenny Curry than ever before