State Senator Danny Burgess Joins Tampa General in Celebration of Veterans’ Service and Contributions to Community

More than 200 team members at Tampa General serve or have served in the U.S. military; Tampa General honors their service and sacrifice this Veterans Day.

Tampa, FL (Nov. 10, 2026) - Tampa General Hospital (TGH) welcomed U.S. Army Reserve Major and Florida State Senator Danny Burgess to its Davis Islands campus Tuesday to honor veterans across the country, including the many service members and veterans who care for patients at Florida’s premier academic health system.

“We’re incredibly proud of the veterans, reservists and active-duty military members who are part of the Tampa General family,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General. “Their courage and commitment to service inspire us, and the leadership, experience and teamwork they bring make Tampa General and our community stronger.”

The Veterans Day Celebration recognized all Tampa General team members who are veterans or active-duty military. The ceremony featured remarks from Senator Burgess, an honor guard by Riverview High School JROTC and the national anthem sung by Tampa General team member and veteran Tiffany Aceituno.

Addressing the veterans in the room, Senator Burgess said, “Thank you for serving our country in uniform. Thank you for serving our state in healthcare. We’re better for it. Keep being the tip of the spear in healthcare.”

A member of the Florida Senate since 2020, Senator Burgess championed legislation and pilot programs targeting PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicide prevention for combat veterans and families. Before his election to the Senate, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to serve as executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Senator Burgess also served in the Florida House, as Mayor of Zephyrhills, and on the Zephyrhills City Council.

Senator Burgess is a Major and former Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and has served in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps since 2012.

“Our veterans have given so much of themselves in service to our country, and we are incredibly fortunate that many have chosen to continue that spirit of service as part of the Tampa General family,” said Doug Leonardo, TGH Behavioral Health Service Line Leader, CEO of TGH Behavioral Health Hospital and executive sponsor of the TGH Veterans Team Member Resource Group. “Their courage, compassion, and commitment to others make us a stronger organization and enrich the care we provide every day. Senator Burgess’ continued dedication to those who have served, particularly his recognition of the mental health challenges many veterans face, means a great deal to all of us. Our veterans deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve our unwavering commitment to their health, well-being and quality of life.”

Tampa General’s Veterans Team Member Resource Group organized the event, a volunteer-led initiative that promotes inclusion among veterans, active military, and supportive team members.