News
News
May 28 marks Memorial Day, the most solemn of patriotic holidays and The American Legion is preparing for the observance in several ways. All are welcome to join your local post and state headquarters as we take the time to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, all our nations veterans, and their loved ones.The following list are some of the events taking place in the Orange Osceola and Seminole County areas provided by Mrs. Cathy Haynes. To find an American Legion Post near you and inquire about their upcoming events please visit http://www.floridalegion.org/post-locator. Please feel free…
Friday, 25 May 2012 14:01
Legion Supports End To Student-Veteran Victimization
Written by American Legion National Press Release
A longstanding campaign by The American Legion to end the victimization of military veterans and families by some for-profit schools has culminated in an order by President Obama to halt the questionable practices. On April 27, President Barack Obama signed an executive order to help protect students and prospective students using their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits from aggressive and deceptive targeting by educational institutions, particularly for-profit career colleges. The American Legion was instrumental in the execution of the presidential order. “This is an important victory on behalf of our young servicemembers and veterans who, in seeking to better themselves…
Friday, 25 May 2012 13:59
National Commander Fang Wong praises Army for review of PTSD cases
Written by American Legion National Press Release
WASHINGTON (May 17, 2012) -- The nation’s largest wartime veterans organization is applauding the U.S. Army’s decision to launch a service-wide review of mental health cases dating back to 2001 to ensure that any soldiers suffering from behavioral health illnesses weren’t denied appropriate medical retirement benefits. The decision, made by Army Secretary John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno, comes after several post-traumatic stress diagnoses at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord outside Seattle were wrongly reduced to lesser illnesses during medical retirement evaluations. “We are pleased that the Army has chosen to right these…
Friday, 25 May 2012 13:52
Fisher House in Gainesville
Written by The American Legion Department of Florida
The Gainesville Fisher House Foundation depends on public donations to continue the important work begun by the Fisher House Foundation. Each gift is used to build a Fisher House which will be available for families whose loved ones are receiving medical attention at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville Florida. Recently members of The Florida American Legion presented a donation of $1,000 dollars to the Fisher House Foundation in support of their efforts to assist America's military in their time of need. For more information on how you can become involved with Fisher House CLICK HERE.From Left to Right on…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:21
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
Written by Department of Veterans Affairs
Congress passed, and the President has signed into law, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). VRAP offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012.The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who: Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old. Are unemployed Received an other than dishonorable discharge Are not be eligible…
Tuesday, 08 May 2012 08:51
Hiring Our Heroes Convention Career Fair
Written by The American Legion Dept of Florida and The US Chamber of Commerce
Date Event: June 07, 2012 | CLICK HERE for Event Flyer Join us June 7, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, for a job fair catered to veteran job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members, as well as military spouses, in the Atrium of the Renaissance SeaWorld Orlando, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive. This event will be held in conjunction with the 94th Annual American Legion Department of Florida Convention and will be a one-of-a-kind FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers. This Hero2Hired (H2H), GE, and Fedex-sponsored hiring event is being conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and…
To my fellow Legionnaires, SAL, Auxiliary and Riders, you have all been such an important part of my recovery and I cannot thank you enough for all the support you have shown to Ruth and I during this difficult time. I have cherished every letter, card, phone call and visit through these times of sickness and strength. It was in your words and in your prayers that I found strength and my family found comfort.Thank you to all the Legionnaires that have stepped up to assist me with the duties and responsibilities of my position throughout this time. I look…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 14:20
Presentation of appreciation to the 4th District American Legion Family
Written by Story & Photo By: Jerry Montgomery
At the 4th District Constitutional Conference held at American Legion Post 284, on Saturday April 28 2012. Dennis Boland (President of the National Child Welfare Foundation) Presented to the 4th District American Legion Family, Certificates for their participation in the CENTS FOR KIDS. The 4th District raised close to $4000.00. Pictured from left to right:Alice Brumitt 4th District President—Dennis Boland Dept of Florida Alternate NECA& President of the National Child Welfare Foundation—Larry Deal Commander Post 284—Joann Deal President Auxiliary Unit 284—John Rose Commander 4th District, Sons of American Legion —Commander Squadron 284-- Jay Conti, 4th District Commander.Story & Photo By:…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 14:05
Scott Sends Vets to Head of the Line
Written by Citrus County Chronicle, Nancy Kennedy, May 1 2012
Bill provides priority course registration Beginning July 1, veterans and their dependents who want to attend a Florida college or university will get to go to the head of the line when it comes to registering for classes.On Friday, April 27, Gov. Rick Scott signed HB 45 Relating to Postsecondary Course Registration for Veterans into law.The bill offers priority course registration for veterans and their dependents who use the GI Bill at Florida colleges and universities that offer priority course registration for other students such as athletes or honor students.“Realizing that those veterans and their dependents who receive the GI…