FDACS Joins UCF Community Veterans History Project

Tallahassee, Fla.— This Veterans Day, Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are announcing they are joining the University of Central Florida’s Community Veterans History Project to honor and memorialize the personal accounts of Florida veterans who are members of Florida’s agriculture community.  

“Florida’s veterans have always been a proud part of our state’s agriculture community. Unfortunately, there are few records that substantially describe the lives and contributions of these veterans,” shared Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We are honored to partner with UCF and participate in the UCF Community Veterans History Project — FDACS will ensure that the agricultural contributions of Florida’s veterans are not forgotten. We owe it to our veterans to provide them the benefits that they have earned after their years of military service, and that includes ensuring that we preserve their personal histories and the contributions that they have made to our state and nation.”

Click here to watch a video of Commissioner Nikki Fried announcing FDACS’ participation in the UCF Community Veterans History Project.

Since the UCF Community Veterans History Project began in 2010, more than 600 Central Florida veterans have volunteered to participate. Students in UCF’s History Department record video interviews with the veterans and compile a digital history that highlights their personal story and military service. The histories are retained at UCF’s library and many are submitted to the Library of Congress. The veterans featured served in conflicts from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and represent all branches of the military.

“Florida’s farming and agricultural veterans are an integral part of our state’s history and growth, and they bring a unique and valuable perspective,” said UCF interim Provost Michael Johnson. “Our students are looking forward to learning about the lives of these servicemen and women and to sharing their stories with our community and our nation.”  

Background: Since taking office in 2019, Commissioner Fried has worked to improve access of FDACS resources and expand agriculture opportunities for Florida veterans. This includes appointing a Veterans Affairs Director to establish FDACS veterans initiatives and build stronger relationships with Florida’s veteran communities, strengthening veteran agriculture programs in Florida, and improving how the FDACS Consumer Services Division addresses veterans related cases pertaining to fraud, waste, and abuse.

Media interested in learning more about the UCF Community Veterans History Project should contact Heather Smith by email at Heather.Smith@ucf.edu or by phone at (407) 823-5828.

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