TALLAHASSEE, FL - On November 11 2024, on Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the second annual ‘Holiday Letters to Heroes’ to encourage Florida’s K–8 students to write holiday letters to the men and women who are deployed or on state active duty in the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard this holiday season. Through her initiative, LG on Mission, the Lieutenant Governor is partnering with the Florida Department of Education to collect and send letters to support our military service members. Letters will be accepted from November 11 through December 11, 2024.

“The men and women in the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard courageously serve our state every day, sacrificing time away from their families and loved ones, even during the holidays,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “This year alone, our Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard soldiers have bravely stepped up to support Floridians during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, and ensured Florida remains ready and prepared to get through difficult times. My initiative, LG on Mission, focuses on honoring the courage and bravery of our military and service members and it is my hope that these letters from our students will not only spread holiday cheer, but share our gratitude and appreciation, from one Floridian to another.”

“The Florida National Guard is tremendously proud to support the citizens of Florida. We train year-round so that we can be there when Florida needs us most,” said Major General John D. Haas. “Tokens of gratitude, like letters from students, are always appreciated and remind us of why we serve.”

“Our veteran soldiers, those who first served their nation as part of the Department of Defense and now serve their state in the Florida State Guard, embody the very essence of commitment and sacrifice,” said Florida State Guard Executive Director Mark Thieme. “These veterans gave every part of themselves to serve a greater cause – ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of their fellow citizens. Our veterans have endured countless days, weeks, and months away from their families, communities, and civilian employers, repeatedly and unhesitantly responding to calls for help from those in need. I am humbled to stand and serve alongside these magnificent and virtuous veterans.”

“Our service members and the Florida State Guard have worked especially hard over the last few months to help Floridians following hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “I encourage all students to send a letter of thanks to the men and women that serve our state and wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”

Each student will submit a handwritten letter to the Florida Department of Education with a message of support and appreciation for our active duty military men and women. Students are also encouraged to include drawings that share the holiday spirit in their letter.

ATTN: Holiday Letters to Heroes
325 W Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399

All letters must be received by Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation. The Florida National Guard is comprised of nearly 12,000 members.

The Governor’s Focus on Florida’s Future Budget allocated record funding to the Florida National Guard to elevate Florida’s force readiness and reduce our dependence on federal resources. Additionally, the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget provided an additional $57 million to support the Florida State Guard, a civilian volunteer force, to aid during emergencies.