About this Event
Jay Collins is appearing as a Featured Speaker only. All solicitation of funds in association with this event is by The Argus Foundation and not by Jay Collins.
Argus Members $70
Non-Members $85
11:30 - Registration and Networking
Noon - Welcome, Lunch, Program followed by Q&A
Featured Speaker, Lietenant Governor, Jay Collins, Florida Governor Candidate
About our featured speaker:
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins was raised and adopted by his grandparents on a small, family farm where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. This instilled in Jay life lessons like perseverance and strength under pressure that would later propel him to serve our great nation in some of the toughest fights.
When 9/11 happened, Jay was attending Airborne School. He knew then that he needed to step up and take the fight to our enemy. Hearing about heroes in the Special Forces and the role that they were playing in the fight on terror, Jay quickly signed up for Special Forces Assessment and Selection. This marked the beginning of his commitment to service.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins was selected to serve as a special forces medic. During a training mission, his strength under pressure became evident as Jay saved a fellow classmate who was going through a hypothermic episode in the middle of an ice storm. His desire to protect others would show up time and time again during his special forces career.
After going through Special Forces Assessment and Selection and becoming a Green Beret, Collins deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and South America. During his 2007 deployment to Afghanistan, Jay was shot in the arm, but continued to fight and later performed surgery on himself in the midst of a firefight. He would go on to stay in country and fight again just thirty days later.
Shortly after, he sustained injuries that would lead to the loss of his leg years later. Despite chronic pain from these injuries, Jay continued to serve his country and was selected to the United States Army Special Operations Command. However, the injury to his leg eventually required amputation, but he did not let that end his career.
Following the amputation of his leg, Jay requalified as a fully deployable Green Beret and served five more years on active duty. His determination and strength under pressure stood as a testament to his natural ability to lead and overcome the toughest of challenges.
After 23 years of service in the armed forces, Jay joined a nonprofit that oversaw the distribution of millions of meals to veterans, our first responders, and families that were in need. Through this different type of service to his country, he learned that Americans shared the same goals he has – to make life more affordable, our communities safer and more secure, and that our future generations have the opportunity to succeed.
Jay and his wife Layla have been married for over 25 years. They have two children together, Gabe and Colt. Layla is a retired veteran with over 20 years of service. As long-time Floridians, Jay and Layla want the best and brightest future for the next generation. That’s why they’ve committed their lives to serving their country and state.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has spent over 25 years of his life committed to protecting and serving others. Jay has led in combat, and now it’s time for him to lead our great State of Florida. Jay will always put Florida first. He is ready to answer this next challenge with the same strength under pressure mentality and desire to serve as he has done his entire life.
For Sponorship Opportunities, please contact [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Michael's on East Ballroom, 1212 South East Avenue, Sarasota, United States
USD 76.54 to USD 92.55
