Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Launches "Salute to Smiles" Event to Deliver Free Dental Care for Florida Veterans

PMI U.S. sponsors event and donates $105,000, funding WVRF's mission to provide veterans with financial assistance, mental health support and critical dental care

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), a veteran-led nonprofit dedicated to supporting Florida veterans with essential care and services, today announced "Salute to Smiles," a one-time-only community dental-care event on November 21^st, expected to provide free treatment to up to 50 veterans in Port Richey, Florida. The effort is sponsored by long-time partner Philip Morris International U.S. (PMI U.S.) and delivered in partnership with Dentology Solutions. Dentology Solutions will serve as the host location for the event, providing clinical space and volunteer support to treat eligible veterans with cleanings, fillings and extractions. Interested veterans must provide required proof of eligibility and contact Dentology Solutions directly at 727-274-9988 to schedule an appointment in advance. Any corporate sponsors who'd like to participate and help support can visit: https://wvrf.org/salute-to-smiles/.

Dental care remains one of the most significant unmet healthcare needs facing veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 85% of enrolled veterans do not qualify for VA dental benefits, leaving many to delay treatment due to cost. Through its Critical Dental Assistance Program, WVRF works to bridge that gap by connecting veterans with providers who can address urgent oral health needs before they become larger health challenges.

"This event represents what can happen when businesses, nonprofits and local providers come together around a shared mission," said Nick Cannon, Director of Operations, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. "Dental pain and untreated oral health issues can affect every aspect of a veteran's life. The generosity of PMI U.S. and the commitment of the Dentology Solutions team will help us provide immediate care while strengthening our ability to serve veterans long after today's event concludes."

WVRF works with a statewide network of dental providers to connect eligible veterans with timely care, helping address issues ranging from preventive treatment and cleanings to fillings, extractions and more comprehensive dental needs. Through its dental assistance program, the organization helps veterans access care that can improve health outcomes, relieve pain and restore confidence.

"Far too many veterans face barriers to receiving essential dental care, despite the significant impact oral health has on overall well-being, confidence and quality of life," said Lisa Rechsteiner, Director, Civil Society at PMI U.S. "Through our partnership with Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, we're proud to support an organization that is delivering meaningful, lasting impact for veterans and their families."

The 'Salute to Smiles' event builds on growing partnership between PMI U.S. and WVRF, focused on improving veterans' access to dental care and other support services. Since 2025, PMI U.S. has donated over $200,000 to WVRF, helping the organization reach more veterans across Florida with life-changing healthcare and emergency resources.

About Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a veteran-led nonprofit organization dedicated to providing urgent financial assistance, mental health support and critical dental care to Florida's qualified wounded and disabled veterans. Founded in 2009, WVRF works to ensure veterans receive the resources and support they need to overcome hardship and build brighter futures. Since 2021, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund has supported over ten thousand veterans and their families across Florida. To learn how you can support, visit https://wvrf.org/.

About Dentology Solutions 
Dentology Solutions proudly provides dental care in Port Richey and serves patients from New Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Spring Hill, Trinity, and surrounding Pasco County communities. To learn more about Dentology Solutions, Dr. Amir Boules, DMD, MBA., visit https://www.dentologysolutions.com/.

PMI U.S.: Invested in America
Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses are invested in America's future and advancing a smoke-free nation. The businesses are committed to providing the approximately 25 million legal-age consumers who smoke cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives and to ensuring the products are marketed responsibly. From PMI's global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, and other locations nationwide, PMI U.S. contributes leadership, jobs, investment, and innovation in the U.S. The U.S. businesses employ more than 3,000 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Aurora, Colorado; Owensboro, Kentucky; and Wilson, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.uspmi.com.

References to "PMI" mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. "PMI U.S.," "we," "our," and "us" refer to one or more PMI U.S. businesses.

SOURCE Wounded Veterans Relief Fund