We are dedicated to providing a homelike atmosphere to Veterans who have proven their loyalty and patriotism by serving our country in foreign lands during time of war. Our guiding principle is to provide affordable, independent living accommodations to our Veterans of Foreign Wars and their spouses, Men’s Auxiliary and Ladies Auxiliary and their spouses.

The VFW Home located in Fort McCoy, Florida is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit veterans organization and is owned outright and operated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Florida located in Ocala. It is the only facility of its kind anywhere in the world! We are not subsidized by any governmental, federal, state or local agencies. Cost of operations is met by rent income; an estimated revenue of 5% received in donations and another estimated 5% in fundraisers.

The doors to the VFW Home opened in October, 1991, is spread out over 42 acres, and rests among tranquil oaks and palms towering with age and dignity, just like our veterans residing there. The 34 rooms were rented and life at the VFW Home continued to grow. Due to a high demand for independent living accommodations for veterans, in March 2006 we opened a second addition of 19 rooms. The Home maintains a self-contained fresh water plant and waste system. In addition they have a generator that powers the Home during power outages.

Since the opening of the Home’s new covered pavilion in March 2006, we have held, sponsored and/or hosted numerous events, community programs and fundraisers, i.e., our Easter Sunrise Service, Annual Country BBQ Picnic, Veterans National Honor Society Pow Wow, Armed Forces Weekend Patriotic “Concert in the Forest”, Bluegrass Fest, September 9-11 Remembrance Tribute, Veterans Day programs, Christmas in Ft. McCoy, flea markets and more. We anticipate many new events, functions, as well as opportunities for the public to utilize the new pavilion for holiday gatherings, music concerts, weddings, graduations, expos, family reunions, picnics and more.

On October 1, 2008, LTC Alcides Lugo, JR., Army (ret) became the Home’s new Director. Over the past few months various renovations, along with improvements have come to fruition and the Home is getting a basic, badly needed face lift inside and out.

The cost to live at the Home currently ranges from $1615.00 couple, $1415.00 single and $807.50 per shared per room. The monthly rent includes television with cable, telephone service with free long distance, internet, housekeeping, nourishing, homemade meals prepared daily, and fresh fruits, homemade bakery, snacks and food items available 24/7.  We offer cook to order breakfast from 3am – 8am and after that cold breakfast foods available. An A LA Carte salad bar is available before lunch and dinner. Transportation is provided to local Veterans medical facilities, local medical doctors and treatment centers. Several times a week the van takes residents to a local Wal-Mart and Dollar General Store where they purchase personal items. The vans are also utilized for off site outings and events for residents to participate in.

We continue to strive to become an integral part of the community by being proactive in searching for partnerships. It is a most challenging and rewarding stewardship, that of helping your neighbor as you help those you are ordained to serve, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and their dependents.

To qualify to live at the Veterans Home you must be a veteran who served in combat (proof of overseas service stated on your DD-214) and or is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We have now included spouses of qualified veterans, women who qualify for membership in a VFW Ladies Auxiliary and men who qualify for membership in the VFW Men’s Auxiliary.

To learn more about the “Veterans Home” please call us at 352-236-0823 or visit us at 12801 N.E. 139th Place, Fort McCoy, FL, 32134.