Tampa General Hospital Celebrates American Veterans With Special Visit From Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, Decorated Army Special Forces Combat Veteran and Green Beret

Published: Nov 11, 2025
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) welcomes Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins — a decorated Army Special Forces veteran — for a Veterans Day celebration honoring American veterans, active military and their families. The event includes an honor guard, musical tribute and recognition of TGH team members who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. military. Collins, TGH President and CEO John Couris and TGH Behavioral Health Hospital CEO Doug Leonardo will each share remarks during the celebration.

Tampa, FL (Nov. 11, 2025) — Tampa General Hospital (TGH) welcomed Florida’s Lt. Governor Jay Collins to TGH’s main campus this afternoon as part of a systemwide celebration of American veterans, active military and their families.

“American veterans embody selflessness and sacrifice. They protect and defend our country so that we may live free. This tribute to our veterans is just a small token of our appreciation for those who answered the call to duty. I am so proud to have many veterans, active military and military families as part of our TGH team,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General. “We’re especially grateful to Lt. Governor Jay Collins for joining us on this Veterans Day and for his patriotism.”

Lt. Governor Collins was a first sergeant in the U.S. Army who served in the Special Forces unit. He sustained debilitating injuries during combat that led to the amputation of his leg. After the loss of his leg, Lt. Governor Collins requalified as a Green Beret and served for an additional five years. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge and numerous other personal, unit and service awards. He is also a recipient of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command's Major General John K. Singlaub/Jedburgh Award.

In 2018, Lt. Governor Collins retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years in service to our nation. He served in the Florida Senate, representing Florida’s 14th district, which contains parts of Hillsborough County. In August, he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve in his current role.

“When I think about America, I often think of our veteran population. Veterans have been at the forefront of every challenge we have faced as a nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Collins. “I believe that when veterans come together, just as you did here, amazing things happen.” 

The Veterans Day celebration included an honor guard, a musical tribute and recognition of Tampa General team members who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

“Today’s tribute was an incredible opportunity for Tampa General to celebrate our team members who have served, their contributions to our organization and their service to our nation,” said Doug Leonardo, co-executive sponsor of the TGH Veterans Team Member Resource Group. “Their loyalty, honor and courage is felt across the organization and serves as an inspiration to us all.”

The event was organized by Tampa General’s Veterans Team Member Resource Group, a volunteer-led initiative that promotes inclusion among veterans, active military, and supportive team members. Tampa General’s Salute to Veterans is one of many ways in which the Team Member Resource Group celebrates veterans, offers support and networking opportunities.