The American Legion Department of Florida is now accepting interest from qualified Legionnaires for appointment as Department Assistant Judge Advocate for the 2026–2027 term.
Attorneys (active or retired) are preferred.
If you are interested, please submit the following information:
Name
Post number
Brief summary of qualifications
Send responses to the current Department Assistant Judge Advocate, R. Curtis McNeil (incoming Department Judge Advocate), at: assistantja@legionmail.org
Thank you for your continued dedication and support of Florida’s veterans!
As we head into the weekend, I want to provide a brief Friday Update, particularly for those of you who will be coming into Tallahassee next week. Much of my time over the coming days will be focused on preparing for your arrival and coordinating meetings to ensure our efforts at the Capitol are effective and organized.
Several bills continue to move across committee calendars—some raising areas of concern, while many others deserve our sincere gratitude. Overall, momentum is building, and engagement remains critical as we advance through Session.
VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER
If you plan on attending Capitol Days in Tallahassee, you must RSVP with me in advance. (Stuartscottfl@gmail.com)
Once the week begins, we will be a body in full motion. Stopping to accommodate individuals who did not RSVP ahead of time is counterproductive and unfair to those who properly notified us of their participation. Please be respectful of the time, planning, and effort put forth by your fellow Legionnaires.
Attached to this update is the current bill tracker, outlining the veteran-related legislation we are monitoring and the status of each measure.
During Capitol Days:
Some participants will be assigned to specific meetings with key legislators
Others will be part of canvassing teams, meeting with legislative offices throughout the Capitol
Please be aware that the week of February 2nd is Military Week at the Capitol, with numerous VSOs and military installations hosting displays and events. The Capitol will be active and busy throughout the week.
For those who have already RSVP’d, you will receive a separate email from me with meeting times, locations, and additional details.
Unable to Attend in Person?
Your voice still matters. Emails and phone calls to your legislators remain an extremely effective form of advocacy.
For those wishing to contact legislators specifically regarding Boys State and Girls State funding, please reference the following appropriations when making contact:
Senate Appropriation 2602 – Senator Leek
House Appropriation 2799 – Representative Salzman
Thank you for your continued engagement, professionalism, and dedication to advocating for Florida’s veterans, our Posts, and the communities we serve.
Stay engaged.
Stay informed.
And as always—thank you for answering the call.
Thank you for your continued engagement as we move deeper into the 2026 Legislative Session. As bills begin moving through the committee process—some gaining momentum, others facing resistance—it is clear that time is not on our side. We are now approaching the close of the first two weeks of Session, and the window for effective grassroots advocacy is narrowing.
So, what does that mean for you?
It means our opportunity to make our voices heard is like sand in an hourglass—slowly running out. But it also means we have a powerful opportunity in front of us.
Florida Capitol Days – February 3rd & 4th
On February 3rd and 4th, we will be at the Florida Capitol meeting directly with key legislators to discuss The American Legion’s priorities. Teams will be formed and assigned to specific House and Senate offices to ensure our message is delivered clearly, professionally, and with strength.
If you are interested in being part of this grassroots effort, now is the time to begin making your arrangements.
This will allow us to begin forming teams and keep you informed of any pre-meetings or coordination briefings.
Not Able to Attend in Person?
Grassroots advocacy takes many forms. If traveling to Tallahassee is not possible, you can still make a tremendous impact by contacting your local legislators through emails and phone calls and letting them know where you stand on our priorities.
Attached to this update is our current Veterans Legislative Bill Tracker, outlining the measures we are monitoring and our position on each.
Stay engaged. Stay informed.
And thank you for making your voice heard on behalf of Florida’s veterans, our Posts, and the communities we proudly serve.
The American Legion is gearing up for the 107th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, taking place August 28 – September 3, 2026.
If your Post or community has a band, color guard, and/or JROTC unit that may be interested in participating, National encourages you to share the contest details below with them.
Contest Schedule & Location (Kentucky International Convention Center)
All contests will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) in Hall D, Upper Concourse:
National Color Guard Contest:Friday, August 28, 2026 – 10:30 AM
National JROTC Competition:Friday, August 28, 2026 – 2:30 PM
National Band Contest:Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Applications, Rules, and Forms
National advises that application forms, updated rules, and the W-9 form are available via the contest information page:
If your Post sponsors or supports a youth unit, band program, or color guard, please share this information with them as soon as possible so they have time to prepare their application materials.
Tomorrow, The American Legion, Department of Florida will proudly host a Mobility Scooter Distribution Ceremony for our deserving veterans—made possible through the remarkable generosity of Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler. This milestone marks more than a decade of unwavering support, with Jack and Joan having donated 108 mobility scooters to veterans across Florida.
We are also honored to welcome SpinLife, one of the nation’s leading mobility product providers, as a partner in this effort. SpinLife has generously donated an additional mobility scooter and will be attending in person to share a special announcement during the event.
Special Presentation
During the ceremony, ten veterans will receive mobility scooters—restoring independence and helping improve quality of life.
You’re Invited
Legionnaires are strongly encouraged to attend. Please join us as we recognize Jack and Joan’s extraordinary generosity and show our donors and community partners how much their support means to Florida’s veteran community.
Event Details
📅 When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 ⏰ Time: 11:00 a.m. 📍 Where: American Legion, Department of Florida 1912 Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810
Three Scooters Still Available
We currently have three scooters unclaimed. If you know a veteran in need, please have them contact me as soon as possible so they can be considered.
For questions or additional details, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Nicholas Bazan passed away on January 14, 2026. Nick was a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force and a proud member of Babcock Ranch Post 415.
Today marks the opening day of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, and as we begin, it appears we may once again be in for extra innings.
With Property Tax reform and the possibility of Redistricting being added to the agenda, much of the Legislature’s initial focus will center on these high-profile issues. While those matters take priority in the Capitol, we will remain fully engaged and vigilant on all veteran-related legislation and the bills that directly impact our Posts and the communities we support.
Of particular importance this Session are the companion bills addressing charitable bingo “Dispenser” machines — HB 609 and SB 1282. These measures are critical to modernizing charitable gaming and protecting the fundraising tools our Posts rely upon to serve veterans and their families. An article appearing in today’s Orlando Sentinel recognizes and shows appreciation to the sponsors of this legislation, and we are grateful for their leadership and support of the veteran community.
As always, the pace of Session can be fast and unpredictable. When opportunities arise to move key bills forward, we may have as little as 72 hours’ notice. When we issue A Call for Action, your immediate involvement will be essential.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Legislative Updates so you can stay informed on the bills we are tracking and be ready when your voice is needed.
Together, we will continue to advocate for Florida’s veterans, protect our Posts, and strengthen the communities we serve.
Bay Pines, FL — Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will host a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nursing Assistant, and Health Care Technician Recruitment Fair and invites qualified candidates to learn more about career opportunities serving America’s Veterans.
The hiring event will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Building 100, J.C. Cobb Room (1D-127).
Qualified applicants will have the opportunity for on-the-spot interviews.
What to Bring
Applicants should come prepared with:
Three (3) copies of a current resume
A copy of education transcripts
A copy of professional license (LPN applicants)
Three (3) professional references (current or former supervisors)
Providing over a decade of mobility for Florida’s Veterans
Orlando, January 21, 2026 – In an inspiring act of generosity, Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler, philanthropists from Ormond Beach, Florida, are transforming the lives of deserving Florida veterans through the donation of 16 mobility scooters to those unable to afford or access one through traditional medical channels.
Florida is home to more than 1.4 million veterans, with nearly 32 percent reporting some level of disability. This donation not only honors their service but also helps address the daily mobility challenges many veterans face.
For more than a decade, Jack and Joan have partnered with The American Legion, Department of Florida, to identify veterans in need. Through this partnership, they have donated a total of 109 life-changing mobility scooters, including this year’s contribution.
Their generosity has inspired even greater support. Through their influence and longstanding commitment to Florida’s veterans, Jack and Joan secured six additional scooters, bringing the total to 22 scooters to be awarded to deserving veterans. The additional scooters were made possible with support from SpinLife, McLaren of Orlando, Pride Mobility Products Corporation, and the couple’s personal financial advisor, John Downey.
“Without the military’s influence, discipline, and esprit de corps, my life would have likely taken a much less productive path,” said Jack Kump. “This is our way of giving back to those who served.”
Their commitment is deeply personal. This initiative honors two World War II veterans who profoundly shaped their lives: Joan Wheeler’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack Kump’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.
During last year’s distribution event, Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler announced their long-term commitment to this cause, sharing that they have made arrangements to ensure the mobility scooter program will continue well into the future through their estate.
The scooters will be presented during a special distribution ceremony hosted by The American Legion, Department of Florida, at its headquarters in Orlando. Mr. Kump and Ms. Wheeler will attend the event to personally meet the veterans and witness the impact of their generosity.
Among last year’s recipients was Nelson Perez, a U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged due to a permanent disability. Upon learning he had been selected, Perez shared, “I’m incredibly grateful to receive this scooter. You don’t know how much this means to me. It will truly change my life!”
Building on the success of this program, SpinLife, a leading national retailer of mobility and medical equipment for more than 25 years, has expanded its involvement after witnessing the direct impact these scooters have on veterans’ daily lives. During this year’s event, SpinLife representatives will make a special announcement regarding their increased level of support for The American Legion, Department of Florida, further reinforcing their commitment to veterans and communities in need.
“The generosity shown by Jack and Joan exemplifies the gratitude our veterans deserve,” said Bruce Comer, Adjutant of The American Legion, Department of Florida. “Their compassion and continued support make a lasting difference in the lives of Florida’s veterans.”
About SpinLife
SpinLife, a division of Numotion, is the nation’s leading provider of mobility products and services, empowering individuals with personal independence and improved quality of life. SpinLife is proud to support initiatives like this, which make a meaningful difference in communities across the country.
The American Legion’s National Commander, Dan K. Wiley, accompanied by his aide, Carl “Doug” Hensley, will visit Florida from January 26 through February 1, 2026, as part of an official tour of Districts 6 and 12.
The visit will commence on January 26 at American Legion Post 1 in Titusville and conclude on February 1 at American Legion Post 35 in Mount Dora. During this week-long tour, Commander Wiley will have the opportunity to meet with Legionnaires, participate in scheduled events, and gain firsthand insight into the programs, initiatives, and community impact of The American Legion throughout Florida.
This visitation underscores the importance of collaboration between national leadership and department-, area-, and district- level members, while highlighting the continued strength and service of Florida Legionnaires in support of veterans, families, and communities.
All members are encouraged to extend a warm Sunshine State welcome to Commander Wiley and his aide during their time in Florida.
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Past National Chaplain Robert A. “Bob” Vick, III of New Port Richey, Florida. Bob passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 90.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Vick; their four sons, Robert, Carl, Aaron, and Dale; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At this time, service details are not yet available. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as soon as they are received.
Bob was a proud U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War era and a devoted member of New Port Richey Post 79. He faithfully served The American Legion for 44 continuous years.
An ordained minister, Bob served as Department Chaplain from 2009 through 2013 and as National Chaplain from 2017 through 2018. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to his calling as a Chaplain, offering guidance, comfort, and spiritual support to Legionnaires and their families.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by writing to his wife at:
Marion Vick
6905 Florida Elm Dr.
New Port Richey, FL 34653
As we prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session, which begins on January 13th, it is important that we begin focusing our attention on veteran-related issues and legislation that directly affects our Posts and the communities we serve.
Over the past several weeks, we have already begun District-level training in preparation for the work ahead—particularly our efforts surrounding Charitable Fundraising legislation. The groundwork is being laid now so that, once Session is underway, we are positioned to respond quickly and effectively.
Please find attached a document outlining the bills we are currently tracking for the upcoming Session. These measures include issues related to charitable gaming and fundraising, tax exemptions, Veteran Treatment Courts, and other proposals that may impact veterans, veteran organizations, and community-based programs.
As a reminder, the legislative process moves quickly. At times, we may have as little as 72 hours’ notice before action is needed. When we issue A Call for Action, your timely engagement—emails, phone calls, and outreach to legislators—can make a decisive difference.
Your awareness and involvement are essential to our success this Session. Thank you for staying engaged and for your continued commitment to advocating on behalf of Florida’s veterans and The American Legion.
More updates will follow as we move closer to the opening gavel.
DUNEDIN, Fla. — The American Legion Veterans Technology Program helps veterans get the computers they need for school. It was created by Post 275 in Dunedin in 2021.
They’re currently providing, on average, a laptop a month to local veterans.
What You Need To Know
The American Legion Veterans Technology Program provides, on average, a laptop a month to local veterans
Luke Olson said the laptop has helped him as he pursues a degree in cybersecurity
The program was created to help veterans overcome the cost of buying a laptop
Army veteran Luke Olson is one of the recipients. He is a student at Kaiser University studying cybersecurity and married with two children.
With his major, he knew a good computer was essential, but the cost created a challenge.
“I tried to use a Chromebook, but it’s basically a web browser with a Gmail account,” he said. “I got a MacBook that I repaired, but it was on the older side as a 2014, and unfortunately, the software and the updates don’t come in anymore because it’s 11 years old.”
David Hahn said it’s these types of issues that led to his post creating the program.
They have a committee that goes through applications before choosing people like Olson.
“We’re really trying to identify those veterans and active-duty military members who really have something going on, where this is really going to bless their lives and make a difference,” Hahn said.
Hahn is happy they’re able to help veterans, and Olson is grateful for the program.
However, both said the cost of a computer is a roadblock for veterans across the country.
“I’m just one person, and I know if I have the problem, thousands of others in different schools across the country probably have the same problem where they have to get specific equipment for their major,” Olson said.
Spectrum News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs and asked about the options veterans have to purchase laptops.
They said, “Post 9-11 GI Bill beneficiaries receive a monthly housing allowance and an annual $1,000 stipend for books and supplies, which can be used at their discretion, including for the purchase of a laptop.”
The GI Bill currently covers tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, books and a supply stipend up to $1,000 a year for approved education.
