Deloitte, Cell Phones for Soldiers and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs team up to donate devices
Image via Deloitte.

Deloitte Device Day Cell Phones for Soldiers
State legislators and community members are donating devices to support military families.

To support Cell Phones for Soldiers and in collaboration with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), Deloitte hosted its first Device Day at the Florida State Capitol on March 20.

As part of the event, legislators and staff, state employees, community members and Deloitte employees donated cell phones and other electronic devices to active-duty military members and veterans.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit organization committed to bridging the communication gap for military families. Since its founding in 2004, the organization has provided more than 400 million minutes of free talk time.

“As a veteran and a public servant, I know firsthand the power of a simple phone call to lift spirits and strengthen resolve. In hard times, a familiar voice is priceless,” said Sen. Jay Collins, United States Army Special Forces combat veteran, Green Beret and Purple Heart recipient.

“This program ensures that no service member has to go without that lifeline. Many thanks to Deloitte for the excellent work they do through the Cell Phones for Soldiers program.”

Devices collected during Deloitte Device Day will be shipped to Cell Phones for Soldiers where they will be refurbished for resale or responsibly recycled. The proceeds will fund free cell phones and 12 months of free talk and text service for veterans and active-duty military members.

Rep. Yvette Benarroch, a United States Air Force veteran who served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and received the National Defense Service Medal, reflected on her own experiences.

“During my time in the service, being separated from my loved ones was one of the most challenging aspects of deployment. Deloitte Device Day is a crucial initiative that helps service members and veterans stay connected with their families, no matter the distance.”

“As a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I know firsthand the dedication and sacrifice it takes to serve,” said Sen. Keith Truenow. “Keeping deployed personnel and veterans connected with their loved ones is an incredible cause. I hope we see Deloitte Device Day become an annual tradition at the Capitol.”

“Initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that our veterans stay connected with their families and loved ones,” said Bob Asztalos, Deputy Executive Director of the FDVA. “We are grateful to Deloitte and Cell Phones for Soldiers for their partnership in supporting our veterans, and we look forward to continued collaboration to enhance the services we provide to those who have served our country.”

“What started as an idea by a couple of kids has since evolved into a nationwide effort to keep military families connected,” said Rob Bergquist, founder and director of Cell Phones for Soldiers. “We are grateful to Deloitte and FDVA for their collaboration in expanding our mission here in Florida.”

“Deloitte is proud to be part of this important initiative because it enables us to show our appreciation to those who answered the call to serve and those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said David Friedman, principal, Deloitte Consulting, LLP, and the leader of Deloitte’s work with the State of Florida.

To learn more about how the donation process works or to find additional ways to support Cell Phones for Soldiers, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/how-it-works.

Peter Schorsch

Peter Schorsch is the President of Extensive Enterprises Media and is the publisher of FloridaPolitics.com, INFLUENCE Magazine, and Sunburn, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. Previous to his publishing efforts, Peter was a political consultant to dozens of congressional and state campaigns, as well as several of the state’s largest governmental affairs and public relations firms. Peter lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Ella. Follow Peter on Twitter @PeterSchorschFL.


2 comments

  • Theodore delapaz

    March 28, 2025 at 3:45 am

    I live in CHICAGO ILLINOIS CAN I APPLY FOR / CELL PHONE FOR VETERAN PROGRAM MY NAME; DELAPAZ THEODORE ADDRESS 9740 SOUTH HOUSTON AVENUE CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60617

    Reply

  • Mike

    March 28, 2025 at 11:44 am

    The FDVA runs scam after scam. The governors challenge program should be investigated along with this new scam. Bob Asztalos is not a good person and does not care about veterans. He cares about recouping money from veterans at nursing homes. This organization literally prays on Veterans and puts out a false narrative that they help veterans. Troops deployed have phone service that is free and has been for as long as there’s been phones deployed. There’s a procedure that’s supposed to be followed for security reasons. Using your personal cell phone during operations is a violation of policy.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, Liam Fineout, A.G. Gancarski, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Andrew Powell, Jesse Scheckner, Janelle Taylor, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704