Florida Boys State: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Teamwork and Dedication

Let’s be real! Boys State is not a one- or even two-month program. This program’s success includes several legionnaires and Sons’ supporters from across the state. We have so much knowledge within our ranks, including Mike Flannigan, Rebecca Sewell, Bill Trainor, Steve Vilgats, and Randy Holeyfield. On behalf of our Department Chair, Sonny Decker, and me, we thank you all for your unwavering support for the premier leadership program in Florida.

This program’s post or district chairs are not for individuals who like to work alone. It is successful when a teamwork-oriented individual engages with his or her district/post, including the schools and community, for support. As you are disbursing your applications to eligible delegates, know you are about to change a young man’s life forever. As the interviews are being conducted, please do NOT focus on GPA solely as a compass for his ability. Rather, use it as a gauge to measure his individual capability versus his ability to work and rely on others to triumph. His eagerness to engage with like-minded or diverse opinions regarding various matters and evolve a potentially new ideal—or strengthen his own view through conversation—is “KEY” to a delegate’s success.

Look at their ability to be in unfamiliar situations by simply assigning seats at your interview. This means they are sitting by a potentially awkward stranger rather than a friend. We grow and evolve at Boys State through our failures and through motivation and support for “strangers” from their cities who become brothers. That is why the chairs at the Boys District and Post levels are so important. While we would love for every boy in the state to experience “Boys State,” it simply is NOT for the young man who fails and quits or is unteachable. This program contributes to this generation’s future leaders, not participants.

If you are eager to know or share more tricks and tips, please join us at the Fall Conference on Friday, November 21, from 1–2 p.m. in the Grand Sierra G Room in Orlando.

Last month, we had the first-ever Boys State Zoom meeting, and 30 members attended. I think we had great engagement and look forward to January, when we plan on holding our next one. At that time, we hope that if you are a post or district chair, you have registered with the Department to ensure you are included in the communication process. If you have NOT received your Boys State chair information packet from Bekki Boarman, that means you need to please register with her ASAP. We had over 99 posts throughout the Department that participated in the 81st session that do NOT have the chairs listed as of the October 5, 2025, Zoom meeting.

Next month, on December 2, 2025, we will once again be participating in the “Giving Tuesday” event to collect money for Boys State. You can send a check to Bekki Boarman, and in the memo line write “BOYS STATE DONATION.” If you would like to donate online, go to Givebutter and look for Florida American Legion Boys State. These donations are tax write-offs, and if you need a receipt, the Givebutter website will be able to provide one.

Also, mark your calendars for the May 9, 2025, dinner at the Department that is scheduled to have a past Florida alumnus and senator as the guest speaker. Your support for Florida’s premier leadership program is so appreciated and comes through so many avenues—from delegates sent to assistance in funds for transportation, including enhancements that the $495 per delegate fee does not cover. You are making a difference in our youth, within the Department of Florida communities, in our armed forces, and across the nation. Thank you for your continued support and service.

Darcy Bockman-Wright
Boys State Program