Veterans - Rick's Blog

Feeding the Gulf Coast Expands Food Access Amid Federal Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of federal employees and contractors across South Alabama, South Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle have now gone without…

National Naval Aviation Museum to Unveil Return with Honor Exhibit on Sept. 19

On Friday, Sept. 19, the National Naval Aviation Museum will honor the unwavering spirit of U.S. prisoners of war from the Vietnam War with the…

Daily Outtakes: Chappie James Memorial Plaza in Limbo

The proposed memorial plaza honoring General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. continues to face hurdles, with Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves outlining the ongoing challenges during his…

UWF establishes Office of Military Services

The University of West Florida established the Office of Military Services (OMS), bringing together the University’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs and the Military…

‘Military Talent: Mission-Ready Veterans, Business-Ready Results’ initiative

The University of West Florida Haas Center has provided research driving a new regional campaign launched by Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW). The “Military Talent: Mission-Ready…

Blue Angels to get more funds for hangar repairs

On July 17, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026 (H.R. 4016), authorizing more than $851 billion in…

Daily Outtakes: What’s next for Chappie James Monument?

Has the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation lost its right to build a memorial plaza at the foot of the Chappie James Bridge?…

Returning Aviation Officer Candidate School to NAS Pensacola

The U.S. Naval Institute is amplifying a compelling argument from Ensign Davis J. Threlkeld to reestablish Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) at Naval Air Station…

Commander Stephanie Biehle named NAS Whiting XO

Naval Air Station Whiting Field has welcomed a new Executive Officer who brings both extensive aviation experience and unwavering dedication to one of the Navy’s…

NETC names Pensacola native Sailor of the Year

The Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) has announced Master-at-Arms First Class (MA1) Patrick Hill as its fiscal year 2024 Sailor of the Year (SOY)…

Daily Outtakes: VA Mental Health Crisis in Pensacola, too

The New York Times reports that President Trump’s decision to end remote work for federal employees has forced VA (Veterans Affairs) mental health clinicians into…

Remembering Operation Eagle Claw: 45 Years Later

Yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw, the ill-fated mission to rescue American hostages held in Tehran, Iran. At Hurlburt Field, members of…

Pensacola Navy Days Celebrates Military Heritage

Pensacola Navy Days, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union and the Pensacola Ice Flyers, returns this spring to honor the rich military heritage of the…

City has right to inspect Chappie James Memorial finances

Under its stewardship agreement with the City of Pensacola, the General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Memorial Foundation had to send the city an annual report…

Pensacola native named senior enlisted advisor at Army hospital

General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital held a change of responsibility ceremony, welcoming Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny D. Thompson, a Pensacola native, as the new…

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity helps veteran firefighter

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity recently completed essential home repairs for Christopher, a disabled veteran firefighter struggling with mobility challenges in his own home. DETAILS Christopher,…

Daily Outtakes: Economic Impact of Chappie James construction minimal

Escambia County and Clerk Pam Childers need to do more research to find where else TDT funds have been used to build an “open-air” museum. We couldn’t find one.