Florida, home to more than 1.6 million veterans, has provided a number of tax and related benefits to veterans and their families, in an effort to become the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. To celebrate Veterans Day, the nonpartisan Florida TaxWatch compiled a list of Florida's veteran-friendly policies.

"Florida is proud of the brave servicemen and women who have chosen to build their lives and raise their families in the Sunshine State," said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, the privately supported government watchdog. "Our Legislature and Florida's Governor have recognized the importance of giving back to those who have sacrificed for us, and their commitment has resulted in Florida becoming the most veteran-friendly state in America."

The 2014 Legislature passed Florida's "G.I. Bill" to implement many of these reforms, including property tax and professional license fee exemptions, education and employment assistance, and drivers license extensions for Florida veterans.

Veterans Day is November 11, and began as Armistice Day, celebrating the first anniversary of the end of World War I. The United States has celebrated Veterans Day as a national holiday since 1938.

Here's a list of Florida's veteran-friendly policies>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here's why Florida's the most veteran-friendly state

Air Force Airman 1st Class Kayleigh E. Jones graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Jones' parents are Anita and Joseph Jones of Crestview; her grandmother is Anna Jones of Tellico Plains, Tenn. Her aunt and uncles are Deborah Hogan, Austin Hogan, and Jay Moore of Tellico Plains; and her cousin is Helene Rea of Potsville, Pa.

The airman graduated in 2010 from Crestview Senior High School in Crestview, and earned an associate degree in 2013 from Pensacola State College in Pensacola.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Jones completes basic military training

CRESTVIEW — The Main Street Crestview Association's Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday.

Brig. Gen. David A. Harris, commander of the 9th Test Wing, the Emerald Coast Young Marines' VIP guest, is the grand marshal, according to Cal Zethmayr, parade director and Main Street member.

Mayor David Cadle, each Crestview City Council member and City Clerk Betsy Roy will ride with a veteran in a golf cart during the parade. This year's theme is “Here’s to Our Nation’s Heroes."

Tossing anything from floats or vehicles is prohibited due to insurance requirements, but adult walkers can hand out treats alongside their organization’s float or vehicle, Zethmayr said.

Event organizers are returning to the tradition of presenting the parade the Saturday before Veterans Day.

“When you have the parade midweek (like last year), the crowds are pretty small, and you have to have it early enough to take the barricades down so people can get to the wall ceremony,” Zethmayr said.

Residents can reflect on service members' sacrifice at the 11 a.m. Nov. 11 Wall Ceremony at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial at Main Street and Courthouse Terrace.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:Main Street Crestview Association Veterans Day Parade

WHEN:10 a.m. Saturday

WHERE:Main Street, Crestview

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's Veterans Day Parade is Saturday

NICEVILLE — Northwest Florida State College’s Learning Resource Center will present “Eglin & Vietnam," an exhibit from the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida.

All are welcome to the exhibit opening, scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 5 upstairs in the center. A local historian will explain the exhibition's dramatic images and help attendees understand the Vietnam era.

Light refreshments will be served. NWFSC students who present a college ID will receive a free gift while supplies last, and all guests will have a chance to win a gift certificate to one of two Niceville-Valparaiso restaurants. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Eglin & Vietnam' exhibit opening at NWF State

CRESTVIEW — Division Three of the Young Marines' Drug Demand Reduction Program has earned a prestigious honor.

The division, which includes Crestview's Emerald Coast unit, won the Department of Defense's 2014 Annual Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence in Youth Anti-Drug Education.

The Young Marines, supervised by adult volunteers, are responsible for creating, designing and executing viable anti-drug programs tailored to each community. Members decide the best strategies for peer education while considering drug abuse trends in each town or city.

Unit commanders throughout the division agreed to combine efforts into one drug awareness program. Division Three encompasses 55 Young Marines units in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

More than 600 Division Three Young Marines volunteered more than 3,670 hours, reaching 3,775 local organizations including schools, scouting organizations, church groups and youth organizations. In addition, 260 registered adults volunteered more than 2,680 hours.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Young Marines' 3rd Division recognized for anti-drug programs

Air Force Airman 1st Class Shane D. Simms graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Simms is a 2011 graduate of Crestview High School, Crestview.

His parents are Chong and Tom Simms of Crestview. His brother is Thomas Simms of Panama City.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Simms finishes basic U.S. Air Force training

DESTIN  – Building Homes for Heroes is proud to announce a homecoming celebration to welcome U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers, his wife Lisa, and their son Cameron to their  mortgage-free new home in Destin.

The event begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at 1337 Emerald Bay Drive.  Public parking will be at the Lowe’s in Destin, with shuttles to the celebration.

Randy Wise Homes, Inc. built the home from the ground up to meet the needs of  Master Sgt. Deslauriers, a triple-amputee who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and also served in Iraq.

He has been awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service and U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal, US Air Force Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, and others.

For more information on this celebration, please call 516-684-9220 or visit http://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Homecoming celebration planned Saturday for Deslauriers family