With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Assistant Judge Advocate Robert “Bob” B. Sussan of Saint Johns, Florida. Bob passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 74. He was a proud member of Jacksonville Post 372.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Sussan. Service details are not yet available; updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, Bob was a dedicated Legionnaire with 22 years of continuous membership in The American Legion. His extensive leadership service included contributions to the Department of Virginia, the Department of Florida, and at the National level.
While in Virginia, Bob served as Post Commander (2007–2010), District Commander (2013–2015), Department Historian (2014–2015), and Department Membership Chair (2015–2016). After transferring to the Department of Florida in 2019, he served as Department Assistant Judge Advocate (2019–2020) and as Post Judge Advocate (2024-2025) until his passing.
At the National level, Bob served on the Americanism Council (2011–2016), the 75th Anniversary WWII Commemoration Committee (2016–2019), and the American Legion Riders Advisory Committee (2013–2019), where he was Chair from 2015 to 2019.
Please keep Marilyn and the Sussan family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Paul J. Markonni (Lake Worth, Florida), born in Chicago, Illinois, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Paul left this world on September 17, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving a void in the lives of so many people.
Paul, with 10 years of continuous membership in The American Legion, served as the Sergeant at Arms at Rood-Williams Post 271 in Tequesta. He also volunteered as a Veteran Recovery Team Leader for the Missing in America Project. He was drafted in the 1960’s and served a tour in Vietnam around 1968, as a CID Agent working out of Saigon, and was awarded a Bronze Star recipient. He retired as a Special Agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
In the vast expanse of eternity, Paul shall find rest, cradled in the arms of everlasting peace. And as we bid Paul farewell, his loved ones carry with them the precious gift of his memory, a beacon of hope guiding them through the shadows of sorrow towards the light of a new dawn.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home (250 Center St, Jupiter, FL 33458) with military honors on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the South Florida National Cemetery (6501 S State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449).
For those that wish to honor the memory of Paul, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following: Vietnam Veterans of West Palm Beach https://fovwpb.org; The Shih Tzu Rescue Florida https://shihtzu.rescueme.org; The American Legion Post #271, 775 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, Tequesta, FL, 33469, or a charity of one’s choice.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Finance Chair Arnold F. Makovsky of Port Charlotte, Florida. Arnold passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the age of 85. He was a proud member of Punta Gorda Post 103.
Arnold is survived by his beloved wife, Noel, and two daughters, Ann and Mona. He was preceded in death by his son, Arnold J. Makvosky.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, Arnold was a dedicated Legionnaire with 34 years of continuous membership in The American Legion. His extensive leadership service included serving as Post Judge Advocate from 2021 to 2023, Post 103 Commander from 2008 to 2010, 13th District Commander from 2003 to 2004, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2004 to 2005. At the Department level, he served as Membership Chair from 2005 to 2006, on the Time & Place Committee from 2015 to 2024, and as its Vice Chair from 2019 to 2023. He also served on the Finance Committee from 2008 to 2023 and as Finance Chair from 2016 to 2019. At the National level, Arnold served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2018 and the Legislative Council from 2006 to 2015.
Please keep Arnold’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Update: A Celebration of Life honoring Past Department Finance Chair Arnold Makovsky will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at American Legion Post 103, 2101 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 6th District Commander Peter J. Gregory of Winter Park, Florida. Peter passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the age of 77. He was a proud and active member of Oviedo Post 243. Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his son, Andrew Gregory; and his daughter, Eliza Mohler.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A Vietnam War veteran, Peter proudly served in the United States Navy from 1969 through 1993, dedicating 24 years of honorable service to his country. Beyond his military career, he gave selflessly to his community through his volunteer work with the Masonic Lodge, Shriners Hospital, and The American Legion.
Peter first joined The American Legion in 1976 and held 22 years of continuous membership. At the Post level, he served as Adjutant, Service Officer, Vice Commander, and Commander. At the District level, he held the positions of 6th District Vice Commander (2021–2023) and 6th District Commander (2023–2024). His leadership, commitment, and service left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so through his wife at:
Mary Gregory
1041 Winter Springs Blvd.
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Please keep Peter’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s or American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243.
UPDATE:
Past 6th District Commander Peter Gregory will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Oviedo Memorial Post 243, 491 West Broadway St, Oviedo, FL 32765.
TAMPA, Florida – (Aug. 6) – The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are conducting a special claims clinic for all veterans at no cost at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, Florida 33602.
Please review the following information carefully, as logistical information has changed last-minute.
Friday the 22nd through Tuesday the 26th, American Legion service officers will be available to process claims on-site. Veterans should proceed to the Hospitality Office near the South East entrance of the Tampa Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to file their claims. Claims will no longer be processed in the initial West Hall location.
*ONLY* on Monday, Aug. 25th – Tuesday, Aug. 26th, staff from the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office will be on site between 8:30am and 3:00pm conducting examinations related to veteran claims Please see American Legion national staff for directions to the MDEO office.
Veterans attending should bring their ID, pen and paper, and their DD-214, as well as any documents related to their service treatment record.
Veterans do not need to sign up in advance. However, due to expected high attendance, veterans intending to file a new claim or file an increase, are encouraged to contact American Legion veteran service officers Kevin Buckner or Eric Taylor in advance to complete a power of attorney. Buckner can be reached at kbuckner@legion.org or 202-263-5766; Taylor can be reached at etaylor@legion.org or 202-263-5765
About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with more than 1.4 million members in roughly 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Learn more at legion.org.
Points of contact:
Onsite
Brandon McClain, Benefits Policy Analyst, The American Legion or Kevin Buckner
The 2025 American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team was announced during the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C., on Sunday. The team is sponsored by Diamond Sports, a leading manufacturer in baseball merchandise and the official baseball used during American Legion Baseball national tournaments. As the official sponsor, Diamond Sports provides $25,000 in scholarships to the nine players on the All-Academic Team.
Before a player can be considered for the All-Academic Team, he or she must be nominated by their team manager or head coach. Each department baseball committee reviews submitted applications and selects their overall state winner, who receives a $500 scholarship from The American Legion.
Each regional winner named to the All-Academic Team receives a $2,500 scholarship, while the overall top academic player is named the team captain and receives a $5,000 scholarship.
The 2025 American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team is:
All-Academic Team Captain: Tylar Hanley, Post 868, New Kensington, Pa.
Northeast Region: Luca Finton, Post 188, Sandwich, Mass.
Mid-Atlantic Region: Landon Kettles, Post 273, Poquoson, Va.
Southeast Region: Jacob McClintic, Post 250, Middleburg, Fla.
Mid-South Region: Ezekiel Wall, Post 15, Crowley, La.
Great Lakes Region: Benjamin Sullivan, Post 502, Valparaiso, Ind.
Central Plains Region: Tyler Olson, Post 55, Pender, Neb.
Northwest Region: Landon McAnelly, Post 6, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Western Region: McCoy Rippentrop, Post 22, Rapid City, S.D.
I am writing on behalf of The American Legion, Department of Florida to express our strong support for the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, specifically H.R. 2605 in the House and S. 1441 in the Senate.
As a resolution-based organization that channels the advocacy of more than 3 million veterans and their families, The American Legion has long recognized the profound therapeutic and life-changing impact of service dogs for veterans struggling with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and related conditions. These critical benefits align directly with our Resolution No. 134: Service Dogs for Injured Service Personnel and Veterans with Mental Health ConditionsVoterVoice.
On June 12, 2025, our Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Cole T. Lyle, testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, where he highlighted the mental health and suicide prevention advantages of pairing veterans with service dogs. He shared personal testimony of his own service dog, Kaya, and conveyed how those human-animal bonds not only aid in recovery but often provide the will to survive during individuals’ darkest moments: “When fingers meet fur, magic happens.” The American Legion
By supporting the SAVES Act, The American Legion reaffirms our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for veterans through innovative, compassionate, and practical support. We encourage Congress to pass this legislation swiftly to enable nonprofit, ADI-accredited organizations to expand access to service dogs—without barriers—for those who need them most.
Thank you for your attention to this vital matter. We stand ready to continue our advocacy and urge swift legislative action to deliver healing, independence, and hope to our veterans.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Division), in partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), has issued an important compliance reminder to all license holders.
Please read carefully:
The Division is requesting that all licensees ensure any gaming machines or gambling activities located on your licensed premises are not in violation of Chapter 849, Florida Statutes.
Gambling in Florida is limited to lawfully designated locations.
Violations may result in criminal and civil penalties, as well as administrative action by the Division, up to and including license revocation.
If you are uncertain about the legality of any gaming or gambling activity at your Post, it is strongly recommended you seek legal guidance immediately.
Enforcement Notice:
During routine inspections, any licensee found to have illegal gaming machines or other forms of unlawful gambling on their premises will be referred to the FGCC for appropriate action.
Action Steps:
Review your premises immediately to ensure compliance.
Contact your amusement vendor for further guidance regarding the legality of any machines in your Post.
If uncertainty remains, seek legal advice.
For additional information or clarification, you may contact the FGCC directly at:
(850) 880-3433 ContactUs@flgaming.gov
Legislative Update:
Please be advised that your American Legion Legislative Team is actively seeking further information regarding any potential future legislation that may provide relief or exemptions for Posts. We will update you as soon as new developments occur.
Please ensure this information is shared with your Post leadership and that immediate action is taken to address any potential issues.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping protect our organization’s integrity and licensing.
Respectfully,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chair
The American Legion, Department of Florida
TAMPA, Florida – (Aug. 6) – The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are conducting a special claims clinic for all veterans at no cost.
Accredited veteran service officers will be available to provide claims support in the West Hall exhibit of the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, Florida 33602, when it is open. Exhibit hall hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 22 to Aug. 26, except on Sunday and Tuesday when it closes at 2 p.m. Additionally, staff from the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office will be on site to conduct the claims clinic from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the convention center.
The American Legion and VA will be on site to provide free assistance with filing benefits claims. Veterans attending should bring their ID, pen and paper, and their DD-214, as well as any documents related to their service treatment record.
Veterans do not need to sign up in advance. However, due to expected high attendance, veterans intending to file a new claim or file an increase, are encouraged to contact American Legion veteran service officers Kevin Buckner or Eric Taylor in advance to complete a power of attorney. Buckner can be reached at kbuckner@legion.org or 202-263-5766; Taylor can be reached at etaylor@legion.org or 202-263-5765
Please note that the membership goals listed in this report are tentativeand based on a projected 3% increase from last year’s total number of paid cards. Final membership goals are expected to be released in the August 14th report.
Please note that the membership goals listed in this report are tentativeand based on a projected 3% increase from last year’s total number of paid cards. Final membership goals are expected to be released in the August 14th report.
Mariner High School Air Rifle teammates Zoe Enslin and Jakobe Changasie competed in the 2025 American Legion Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship in Hillsdale, Mich. Photo by Chet Strange
Post 90 in Cape Coral and the Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team formed a partnership that’s resulted in time, talent and treasure.
American Legion Post 90 in Cape Coral, Fla., and the nearby Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team formed a relationship three years ago that has resulted in the post supporting three Ts – time, talent and treasure – to the young marksmen, as well as a post-sponsored air rifle tournament for five high schools.
“It’s really formed this incredible partnership,” said retired Army Maj. Bryan Williams, senior army instructor and department head for the Mariner High School JROTC Leadership Academy. “We very quickly got integrated with the Legion that got both the (post) tournament and our program off the ground.”
Post 90 Legion Family supports the Mariner High School JROTC cadets by attending practices and tournaments, providing mentorship and coaching skills, presenting colors at air rifle matches, funding travel to tournaments not covered by the high school, or purchasing equipment like rifles, stands, kneeling rolls and special ribbons “that help incentivize the kids and helps us with retention of our athletes,” Williams said. And it’s not just the Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team that Post 90 sponsors – there are four other area high schools.
“They sponsor all of the teams equally, which is really cool,” said Williams, a member of Post 90, who has sought out talent from the post to help with the team.
“There’s a lot of talent that exist from veterans of the military because almost all veterans have done some type of marksman shooting. We found a couple of guys (from Post 90) that were snipers and had a lot of extensive shooting, and we found a gentleman that used to be part of the Army Marksmanship Unit. They gave us a little bit of mentorship to get us going, some coaching ideas, some training drills and tips to get us moving.
“Coaching youth wasn’t really our issue,” said Williams, whose wife and Army veteran Marybeth also coaches the Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team. “It was, ‘What are some creative ways to teach shooting sports?’ We got some of that experience from the Legion and those same veterans would come over to meet with the kids, build some confidence in the kids with sports psychology, mental prep, things like that.”
King of the Cape. The air rifle tournament that Post 90 sponsors is called King of the Cape. During the five-week tournament, each of the five schools that the post supports host the other schools for a three-position, shoulder-to-shoulder, match. A traveling trophy with the winning team’s name engraved is brought to each competition and stays with the winning team until the following year.
“It’s presented on a table for everyone to look at and admire,” Williams said. “And it gives them something to sought after that they’re trying to achieve for the year.”
Points are earned each week for the teams that are then accumulated at the end. The top team is the King of the Cape.
Prior to the King of the Cape, Post 90 hosts a coach’s dinner that gives everyone a chance to talk about the tournament schedule and needs the high school teams might have, as well as the needs of the post. The cadets help post members with veteran-related events, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, by providing color guard support, helping with parking, etc.
“It gives our kids a chance to come and give back so that it’s not a one-way street,” Williams said. “The kids, they love it. They go out and volunteer, put on their cadet uniforms. They’re helping veterans which they love to do. It truly is a partnership.”
Mariner High School JROTC cadet Zoe Enslin enjoys the volunteer opportunity with Post 90.
“I love giving to people. I really love going out and just being hands on with things and taking charge, and that’s what The American Legion gives us a chance to do,” she said.
Shooting Sports and Beyond. The partnership between Mariner High School JROTC and Post 90 has also enabled Williams to learn about the other American Legion youth programs. “It’s gone way beyond just shooting sports,” Williams said. He has sent several cadets to Florida Boys State and Girls State over the past five years. “It’s a game changer for their leadership and self-confidence.”
Williams has also entered cadets in The American Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports postal match for the past three years that has resulted in several attending the Legion’s Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship held in July.
Enslin and Jakobe Changasie, both rising seniors at Mariner High School, competed in the Legion’s Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship in Hillsdale, Mich., last weekend for sporter class. Enslin and Changasie never picked up an air rifle prior to their high school freshman year when they made the team.
“The sport has helped me so much by just getting out of my comfort zone and knowing how to handle my anxiety and stuff,” Enslin said. “Because if you’re going to shoot and your heartbeat is going really fast, you’re not going to have a good outcome. So it’s really helped me to learn how to calm myself down and just help with my stress and my anxiety a lot.”
Enslin and Changasie appreciate the support from Post 90 both on and off the range.
“It’s great to see that there’s still people out there in the world who want to see the youth develop and that’s great for us to see as the youth because it means that still people care and want to see us reach higher goals than we’ve already achieved,” Changasie said.
Enslin agreed.
“It definitely gives us a sense of people are still believing in us,” she said. “And that’s a really big, motivation thing and a confidence booster for sure.”
Get Involved. Williams encourages other American Legion posts wanting to support the shooting sports program to connect with a high school JROTC, 4-H or local club team for sponsorship.
“There’s expertise and resources in the Legion and in those local clubs to work together and enhance one another to grow,” he said. “Time, treasure and talent are the three Ts that anybody can offer. And often with resources in the Legion, there’s guaranteed to be some expertise in shooting that might help a coach that doesn’t have the experience or the know-how to train in the sport of shooting, or the skill of shooting. That expertise is really what it helps get a team off the ground.”
Williams believes Post 90’s why for supporting the Junior Shooting Sports Program is “self-evident – they’re all about investing in the youth who are our future,” he said. “And that may sound cliche, but it really is the mission of the Legion. And because with JROTC our mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens, the mission statements marry up really well. So that’s their motive is just to be that extra part of these kids’ village as they build up and get ready to be our future.”
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Assistant Judge Advocate Robert “Bob” B. Sussan of Saint Johns, Florida. Bob passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 74. He was a proud member of Jacksonville Post 372.
