Community partners and veteran organizations came together Dec. 9 to host the inaugural Military Financial Wellness Summit at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
The focus of the summit was to assist our active military, as well as our veteran community, in learning how to make informed financial decisions and avoid certain financial pitfalls.
The program covered a variety of financial topics including bankruptcy and consumer law, budgeting and credit management and information for first-time home buyers.
“Just one seemingly small financial mistake can lead to lots of stress, health issues and the bankruptcy court,” said U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jay Brown, who helped to plan the Jacksonville event.
“We want to arm our veterans with the knowledge and skills necessary to make solid financial decisions that promote their financial stability and well-being.”
Emceed by Melissa Ross, director of strategic initiatives for Mayor Donna Deegan, the program began with brief presentations from several local veteran affiliates.
Attendees heard from Harrison Conyers, director of the city Military Affairs and Veterans Department; Tiffany Cummins Nick, assistant U.S attorney, Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division; David Walton, senior vice president of VyStar Commercial Services; Patty Dodson, chief of staff and general counsel at K9s For Warriors; and Judge Brown.
“At VyStar, our military community has a special place in our business. Providing heroes and their families guidance and support in personal and business is what we do. The Military Financial Wellness Summit will provide another outlet that professionals in finance, legal, accounting and others can meet in one place to provide free advice. We are proud to be a part of the event and look to support in the future as it grows,” Walton said.
The program included video messages by Major General and U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Chuck Walker and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean.
After the presentations, attendees had lunch and were able to meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys and financial advisers.
More than 30 pro bono attorneys, several financial advisers and many volunteers took time out of their Saturday to assist with the summit.
In addition, local veteran organizations were present at the event and provided information.
More than 150 people attended the summit and given its success, it will certainly be an annual event to support our local military and veteran community.
This event would not have been possible without the support of the city of Jacksonville, VyStar Credit Union, the Veterans Council of Duval County and the Bankruptcy Law Educational Series Foundation Inc.
Other partners include Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, the Jacksonville Bar Association, the Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association, the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar, Florida Blue and the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court.