U.S. Attorney Announces Release Of Servicemembers And Veterans Legal Resource Manual

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the release of the Servicemembers and Veterans Manual. The Manual, located online at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/servicemembers-and-veterans-working-group, is a comprehensive guide to the unique legal issues facing the servicemember and veterans community, including legal protections in the areas of housing, employment, consumer protection, disability rights, financial assistance, and mental health. The Manual also identifies organizations throughout Florida focused on helping servicemembers and veterans with these matters.

The Manual is the result of a successful collaboration between federal and state military branches, federal and state agencies, legal aid organizations, and others who serve the military within the Middle District of Florida and throughout the state. In addition to members from the United States Attorney’s Office, it includes members from the following organizations: Florida’s Army National Guard; U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; U.S. Department of Labor VETS Office; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Florida Attorney General’s Office; Florida Department of Veterans Affairs; Florida Commission on Human Relations; Bay Area Legal Services; Community Legal Services; Jacksonville Area Legal Aid; University of Florida Levin College of Law Veterans and Servicemembers Clinic; National Veterans Legal Services Program; the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors or TAPS; and counseling services within the Middle District of Florida. 

“As we honor our veterans, we reflect on their sacrifice and the freedoms they’ve secured for us all. Florida, one of the most veteran-populated states, is home to countless heroes whose service inspires us. Veterans have given us more than freedom; they’ve given us the responsibility to build a just and inclusive society in their honor,” stated Cheyanne Costilla, Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. “At the Florida Commission on Human Relations, we’re committed to ensuring that their legacy lives on through our work to foster fairness, inclusion, and respect for all, and this agency is proud to have participated in the development of this useful reference guide for servicemembers, veterans, and their families.”

“Region Legal Service Office Southeast is proud to join the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida in the creation of a collaborative online manual touching on countless topics critical to the support and representation of servicemembers and veterans,” said Captain Katherine S. Pasieta, Commanding Officer at the U.S. Navy Regional Legal Service Office Southeast. “Legal Assistance Attorneys across the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps and Region Legal Service Office Southeast are committed to providing timely, expert advice to servicemembers and their families on consumer affairs, estate planning, and family law matters. The release of this new online resource will launch a user-friendly guide to navigate the often-complex legal landscape affecting our military members, veterans, and their dependents. I am grateful to our local experts and their ability to provide countless manhours of guidance and support to the Consumer Law Subcommittee and creation of Consumer Law materials for the manual.  This collaborative effort underscores our shared commitment with other public agencies to support those who are now serving or have previously served our nation.”

“Our goal was to create a comprehensive, accessible guide to legal rights and resources that addresses the unique challenges faced by our veterans,” said CEO & President of Bay Area Legal Services Joan Cain Boles. With Florida home to the third-largest veteran population in the nation, it was critical for us all to enhance the health, safety, and quality of life for Florida’s veterans. This guide stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering those who have served.”

"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proud to work alongside our federal and state partners to safeguard the rights of servicemembers in the Middle District of Florida," said James S. Rice, the CFPB's Assistant Director for the Office of Servicemember Affairs.

Members of the Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic at the University of Florida Levin College of Law are also actively participating in the area of financial assistance. Professor Judy Clausen, who leads the clinic, explained, “in working with the attorneys in our committee in drafting the Financial Assistance chapter of the Manual, our team members collaborated to identify and find solutions to address the financial issues that most affect service members, veterans, and military families, ensuring that the manual is most useful and easily accessible.”

Organizations interested in joining the Working Group or anyone who would like outreach from Working Group participants can send an email to:  USAFLM-SVWG@usdoj.gov. 

Video message from U.S. Attorney Handberg on the rollout of the Servicemembers and Veterans Working Group Manual.

Press conference hosted by Community Legal Services.