Active duty, Pensacola-based US Navy Surgical Technologist Robert Rainwater first heard about Home Base Florida one year ago when he called a Veterans support line. At the time, he was struggling to make ends meet due to a recent car accident and was looking for a short-term loan to help with the mounting expenses. The devoted father shared that he was looking to make the holidays a little brighter for his two children while funds were tight. He was referred to several local resources including Home Base Florida and its Adventure Series program which provides Veterans, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen access to free, family-friendly events.

He quickly learned that Home Base Florida was new to Pensacola and couldn’t wait to take advantage of their upcoming events where his family would have the opportunity to enjoy exciting activities and meet peers with shared experiences.

Home Base Florida launched in Pensacola in November 2024 to better serve Veterans and Military Families who live and work in Northwest Florida. With more than six military installations in Northwest Florida there are over 39,117 active-duty military in the region and Veterans represent 12% of the region’s workforce, twice the average US rate – making this area of the state a natural area for Home Base Florida to expand.

One of the first Adventure Series events Robert and his family enjoyed was an evening on the water with Glow Paddle. During this unique, experience Veterans and Military Families hopped on clear-bottom kayaks outfitted with waterproof LED lights for a magical time spent with family checking out marine life under the stars.

“The kids had a lot of fun making memories we will cherish,” said Robert. “The event allowed me time to decompress from work and enjoy my family’s company. It’s hard to pay for things in this economy. Home Base Florida took the hard part of researching, planning and paying for the family-friendly activities that got us out of the house doing activities we may not have tried or had the resources to do on our own.”   

Home Base Florida hosted its first Adventure Series in Pensacola in February 2025. Since that time, it has hosted 10 events including sporting events, volunteer opportunities, holiday events, animal-assisted activities and bowling that have reached more than 360 people.

In addition to the Adventure Series, Home Base Florida offers outpatient clinical care at no cost for Veterans and Military Families for a variety of behavioral health needs including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, anger, grief and loss and co-occurring substance use issues. These services are provided through a strategic partnership with Lakeview Center, the largest, most comprehensive non-profit provider of behavioral health care in Northwest Florida with more 70 years of experience serving children, adults, and families.

“Serving in the military you see difficult things that come with the job,” added Robert. “There are a lot of Veterans in need. It’s nice to know there is a resource like Home Base Florida available for military families in Pensacola.”

Learn more about the services available throughout Florida here.