Stay Connected: FCoC MOAA Area Events Across Florida
July 2026 News
This Week’s Focus: The VA Disability Rating Matrix
Every Veteran and transitioning service member needs to understand this. Your VA disability rating is not your personal value. It’s the system ensuring you get the compensation and benefits you’ve earned through your service.
For 2026, hereโs a simplified breakdown of the VA rating structure. Pay attention to what applies to you:
๐ฌ% ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
– No monthly money.
– Federal hiring preference possible.
– VA care for service-connected conditions.
– Commissary, Exchange, MWR access.
– Travel reimbursement for appointments.
๐ญ๐ฌ%-๐ฎ๐ฌ% ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
– Monthly compensation starts.
– Full VA healthcare access.
– VA home loan funding fee waiver.
– Federal hiring preference continues.
– Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) eligibility.
– Burial benefits possible.
๐ฏ๐ฌ%-๐ฐ๐ฌ% ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
– Higher monthly compensation.
– Dependent compensation begins.
– Continuous VA healthcare.
– More VR&E support.
– Expanded travel reimbursement.
๐ฑ๐ฌ% ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
– Significant compensation jump.
– No-cost VA healthcare & prescriptions.
– Higher priority health services.
– More dependent compensation.
– Expanded employment & rehab options.
๐ฒ๐ฌ%-๐ต๐ฌ% ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
– Much higher monthly compensation.
– Robust dependent compensation.
– Enhanced employment support.
– Individual Unemployability (IU) consideration.
– Possible dependent education or health benefits if a permanent condition.
๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฌ% ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
– Maximum monthly compensation.
– No-cost VA healthcare & prescriptions.
– VA dental care.
– Optimal dependent compensation.
– Potential state-specific benefits.
๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฌ% ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น (๐ฃ&๐ง)
– All 100% benefits.
– CHAMPVA for eligible dependents.
– Dependentsโ Educational Assistance (DEA).
– Strongest long-term benefit protection.
๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ:
– Benefits vary by state.
– Not every benefit is universal.
– Your rating measures impact, not pride.
Do NOT file alone if unsure. Get expert help. Our best resource is the Seminole County Veterans Service Office, 520 W.Lake Mary Blvd, Suite 102,
Sanford, FL 32773. A representative of that office is usually at our post on the first and third Wednesday of each month during our Coffee & Chat, from 10 a.m. – noon.
Visit their site for more information: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/community-services/veterans-services/ or call to make an appointment: 407-665-2347
Seek guidance before you submit or appeal.
These benefits are a direct result of your sacrifice. You earned them.
Understand what’s available. Use every single one of your earned benefits.
Video of the Week:
2026 COLA Update: New VA Disability Pay Rates Revealed | Update VA Dependents | theSITREP
Mike Ungerman
mikeu18@protonmail.com
407-674-9312
American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243
491 W. Broadway St., Oviedo, Florida
“Veterans Strengthening America”
Website: www.OviedoLegion.org – Facebook: American Legion Oviedo – Instagram: AmericanLegionPost243
PSO Dispatch
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
This Week’s Focus: The Missing in America Project โ Florida Update
This week, I want to talk about something that should sit heavy with every one of us.
Right now, in funeral homes and crematoriums across Florida โ and across this entire country โ there are veterans sitting on shelves. Unclaimed. Forgotten. Men and women who wore the uniform, who swore the same oath we did, and who deserve better than a storage closet in the back of a mortuary.
That’s where the Missing in America Project (MIAP) comes in.
What MIAP Does
MIAP is a joint effort between private, state, and federal organizations with one mission: locate, identify, and inter the unclaimed cremains of American veterans. Once identified, these forgotten heroes receive full military honors and a dignified burial they earned through their service.
The project kicked off in November 2006 when the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery interred 21 forgotten veterans with the honor they’d been denied. Since then, the scope has only grown. At one state hospital alone, roughly 3,500 cremains were found on shelves spanning from the 1890s to 1971 โ with an estimated 1,000 of those believed to be veterans. And that’s just one facility in one state.
This is happening everywhere. Including right here in Florida.
The Florida Picture
Florida has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. That also means we have a disproportionate number of unclaimed veteran cremains sitting in funeral homes, storage facilities, and crematoriums across the state. The MIAP Florida team is actively working to identify these individuals, verify their service records, and arrange proper interment at state and national veterans cemeteries.
But they can’t do it alone.
How we Can Step Up
This is where we come in. Here’s what you can do:
- Spread the word.ย If you know anyone who works at or owns a funeral home, crematorium, or cemetery โ let them know about MIAP. Many facilities don’t even realize they’re holding veterans. They need to know there’s a program ready to claim them.
- Volunteer.ย MIAP needs boots on the ground. People to visit funeral homes, review records, and help with the identification process. You don’t need special training โ just a willingness to serve your fellow veterans one last time.
- Donate.ย The project runs on thin margins. Every dollar helps cover the costs of identification, transport, and interment.
- Attend a service.ย When MIAP does inter a veteran, they need Legion members there. An honor guard. A salute. A show of respect. These veterans had no family to claim them โ so we become their family.
The Bottom Line
These men and women served our great nation. Without them, we don’t have the freedoms we enjoy today. And right now, they’re sitting on a shelf waiting for someone โ anyone โ to come claim them.
They need America to step forward. They need us to step forward.
That’s what the American Legion is about. Veterans serving veterans. From the battlefield to the funeral home โ we don’t leave our own behind.
Learn More
Visit miap.us for full details on the program, how to volunteer, and who to contact for the Florida chapter specifically.
If you’re interested in getting actively involved โ whether that’s forming a volunteer team, organizing a donation drive, or coordinating with MIAP Florida directly โ come find me at the next Coffee & Chat or send an email to mikeu18@pm.me. Let’s make this happen.
Video of the Week: ‘Missing In America’ Project Secures Proper Burials For Forgotten Veterans
https://youtu.be/wBYGOMQXEyY?si=sW9cTprEGCs17cNl
“To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen. To be forgotten is the worst.” – – Pierre Claeyssens, a Belgian-born American philanthropist and veteran advocate. He was a major supporter of the Missing in America Project and other veterans’ causes.
Until next week โ keep serving.
Your Post 243 PSO Team – Mike, Jerry & Shannon 
Mike Ungerman
mikeu18@protonmail.com
407-674-9312
American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243491 W. Broadway St., Oviedo, Florida
June 2026 News
Join Us for FAVOB Orlandoโs Salute to Sisters in Service On June 17th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
A Women Veterans Day event celebrating the contribution of our sisters in arms and their accomplishments in business.
In recognition of Women Veterans Day, join us for an inspiring evening honoring the women who have servedโand continue to lead in business, community, and beyond. Dubsdread Event Center
$28.52 FAVOB Members and $33.85 Non-FAVOB Member.
******Purchase Tickets on Eventbrite Salute to Sisters in Service (Orlando) Tickets, Wednesday, June 17 โข 5:30 PM – 8 PM | Scan the QR code or Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salute-to-sisters-in-service-orlando-tickets-1987147978095?msockid=0a80242165c06557370d334c646564f2
๐ Why You Should Attend
- Connect with women veterans, leaders, and professionals
- Hear powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and service
- Enjoy hors dโoeuvres, refreshments, and meaningful conversations
- Celebrate the impact of women who continue to break barriers
๐ค Featured Speaker
Weโre honored to welcome Shirley Baez โ a 20-year Special Operations Army Veteran, leadership coach, real estate investor, and founder of LeadHERship Academy.
Shirley is a published author and dynamic speaker dedicated to helping professionals and business owners build resilient leadership and personal wealth. Her mission is to empower others to lead with purpose and create lasting impact.
๐ Grand Door Prizes
Donโt miss your chance to win:
- ๐ด Cruise Voucher for Two from Margaritaville at Sea
- ๐ซ Basic Drill Experience from Decision Tactical
๐๏ธ Event Flow
- Networking & Refreshments
- Featured Speaker
- Community Connections
- Door Prize Drawings
Letโs come together to celebrate Women Veterans Day and honor the extraordinary women who continue to lead the way.
We look forward to seeing you there!
For questions about Featured Business opportunities, please contact:Jen Pollock โ jen.pollock@amerisbank.comTrish Murphy โ trish@marketingsmartypants.com
Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI) Veteran Business Summit 2026 May 14th at 1pm
The VEI Veteran Business Summit 2026 is a premier event designed to educate, empower, and support veteran-led businesses. Scheduled for May 14, 2026, at the GuideWell Innovation Center in Lake Nona, located at 6555 Sanger Road, Orlando, FL 32827.
The summit will kick off at 1 PM and conclude with a networking reception at 6:30 PM. Attendees can expect to learn from successful veteran business owners, connect with organizations that provide access to capital, and gain inspiration from successful stories. The summit aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the military veteran business community, further empowering veterans in entrepreneurship.
Registration https://veteranbusinesssummit.com/
Jane Hertz
Email jane@vei.center
Program Coordinator
Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)
520-390-5442
VEI Web Page
www.vei.center
Decision Tactical Veteran Meet-Up on May 19th, 2026 5-10pm
Decision Tactical is hosting their Veteran Meet-Up every third Tuesday of the month (May 19th) at the Vets@Decision Tactical DTAC Battalion event you might find interesting and enjoyable veteran commadore at a commercial virtual simulation firing range in Sanford Mall.
Decision Tactical โ North Orlando, Florida https://decisiontactical.com/venue/decision-tactical/
Decision Tactical has immersive one-of-a-kind gaming experiences that include simulated shooting ranges and scenarios that are fun for the entire family featuring a full bar and kitchen with elevated gastropub eats. Eat, Play & Train at Decision Tactical!
430 Towne Center Circle Sanford, FL 32771 United States + Google Map
Work Phone 407-205-2045 Best, Derek Pullen 407-228-2663
SAVE THE DATE: July 25th, 2026 Decision Tactical is joining forces with Operation Barnabas for a fundraising event starting at 8 a.m. Please scan the QR code for more information.
Attached is the Flyer for the event on Saturday, July 25th, at 8 a.m. at Decision Tactical: Operation Barnabas.
If you guys have not heard of Operation Barnabas – Making Veterans Whole Again, they do amazing things for Veterans. I’m glad I was able to do the small part of helping them out to get them an event here so we can raise awareness and funding for them. Also the most important part is giving Veterans a place to come have fun and share in the community and camaraderie!
If anyone has any questions feel free to reach out to me via email or phone.
Best
Derek Pullen
Veteran Relations Specialist
407-228-2663
Save Lives – Bridge Divides
Note: Decision Tactical is only bound by signers listed at this link when signing.
Hart Memorial Library Veteran Resource Fair on May 21st.
I would like to invite you to participate in our signature second annual Hart Memorial Library Veteran Resource Fair on May 21st.
This event brings together organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners who provide valuable services, resources, and support to veterans, military families, and the local community. Hart Memorial Library was the first library excited to open its doors for this initiative, and with the success of this event, we believe other libraries will also open their doors to our veteran community.
Come and participate. Come and connect. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet veterans and families directly, share your services, and be part of a growing community resource initiative.
Event Details:
Hart Memorial Library Veteran Resource Fair
Date: May 21st
Event Time: 10:00 AM โ 2:00 PM
Participant Table Setup: 9:00 AM
Location: Hart Memorial Library
211 E Dakin Avenue
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Tables, tablecloths, and chairs will be provided.
Please let me know how many tables and chairs your organization will need so we can plan the layout accordingly.
Please confirm your participation at your earliest convenience.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Warm Regards,
Agnes Fray, MRP, FMS
Licensed Real Estate Broker | Owner
Intermix Real Estate Inc.
121 S Orange Ave, Suite 1500, Orlando, FL 32801
407-717-0776 | 
agnes@intermixrealestate.com
intermixrealestate.com
Vice Chair, Board of Directors | Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses
Chair, Sponsorship Committee | City of Orlando Mayorโs Veterans Advisory Council
Vice Chair, Military Advisory Council | Orlando Regional Realtor Association
Halifax Area Chapter MOAA 