Florida has the second largest veteran population in the nation with 1,379,000 veterans, only behind Texas with 1,534,000 veterans.  Florida's population has increased by 1.9 percent making it the nation's fastest growing state for the first time since 1957, according to the US Government census from 2021-2022. Escambia County is home to the beloved Blue Angels as well as Naval Air Station Pensacola commissioned by the Navy in 1914 commonly referred to as "The Cradle of Naval Aviation." Escambia has a large veteran population as well as active duty communities supporting area installations including NAS Pensacola, Corry Station, NAS Whiting Field, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field.

Escambia County provides Veteran Service Officers who are experienced as well as accredited through the Veterans Administration (VA). They serve as liaisons for local veterans when seeking VA benefits earned through their honorable military service. Escambia County VSOs provide service to residents at no cost and work to ensure veterans and their dependents are aware of and apply for any benefits for which they are eligible. Additionally, they assist veterans with state and local benefits.

The primary focus is to advise and counsel veterans and their dependents of the many benefits available from the VA. Further, the VSO will assist with the submission of claims and applications for the following:

• Increased disability compensation 
• New compensation for illnesses or injuries related to military service
• Enrollment in VA health care
• Death/burial benefits
  
• Pension
• Housing
• Appeals to the BVA
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Discharge upgrade/character of discharge determinations
• Education
  
• Job services 
  
• VA home loan applications
• And many more

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Veteran Services is to advocate with purpose and passion for Escambia County Veterans and link them to superior services, benefits, and support.

 PACT Act facts:

• Signed into law in August 2022.
• PACT stands for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics.
• New law that expands VA benefits for Veterans (and their survivors) who were exposed to agent orange, burn pits and other toxic substances.
• Adds new locations as "presumptive" for exposure to agent orange during the Vietnam war. Now includes: any military base in Thailand thru June 30, 1976; and Guam or American Samoa through July 31, 1980 and more.
• It is NOT too late to file a PACT Act claim.
• For more information about the PACT Act, click here.