How could this have happened? All the Christmas cards we sent out are stamped “Returned to Sender”! Keep watching daily to see what happens in Luther’s 10 Days of Mischief Christmas Countdown!
Part 4: Christmas Cards Returned
American Legion National Commander Welcomes 2023 Boost in Military Housing Allowances
(INDIANAPOLIS—December 16, 2022) – – American Legion National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola today praised the 2023 planned increases in military housing allowances for U.S. troops.
“The Department of Defense just announced that Basic Allowance for Housing rates will increase an average of 12.1 percent next year depending on location,” Troiola said. “Just this month I’ve had the honor of visiting military personnel in Hawaii and overseas. A common concern expressed by troops living off-base is the cost of rent and real estate. The American Legion has long believed that providing a high quality of life for our military personnel is a moral imperative. During a period of high inflation, it is important that the men and women defending this nation have access to safe and affordable housing. Whether a servicemember lives on base or off-base, I want all military families to know that they have no stronger advocate than The American Legion.”
Luther Missing?
Oh, no! Looks like Luther should be here! Where is he?
Weekly Reports December 15, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
We haven’t seen Luther the Elf this year….
Isn’t Luther usually here by now, creating mischief? Hmmm…..
Governor Signs Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the 2022 Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation, commemorating the 78th anniversary of the last major campaign on the Western Front during World War II. Friday, Dec. 16 is Battle of the Bulge Day.
Weekly Reports December 8, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Hula Bowl 2023 Military Appreciation
Alan Sparks
HM1 Alan Sparks joined Post Everlasting on July 10, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Edie, and sons Ian, Colin and Joshua Field. His cremains will be interred at the American Legion Cemetery located at USS Tampa, Post 5 in Tampa Florida.
Wreaths Across America Community Event – Tampa
Saturday, December 17, 2022 – The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 invites the community to its holiday memorial event, Wreaths Across America. This is a family-friendly event to show support for our military’s sacrifices.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. (arrive early for parking and seating) at the American Legion, “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 located at 3810 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33609. Terry Doan (American Legion member) will be presiding over the ceremony under the coordination of Post Commander Jess “JR” Scogging and Cemetery President Alyse Duffy. All branches of the military will be represented, as well as the remembrance wreaths announcement. Designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA will be placed during the ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 750 participating locations across the Country, including Arlington.
The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors. Sponsor a wreath for $15.00, any donation will be delivered to Wreaths Across America officials. This can be done on the Post 5 website http://www.post5tampa.org/WreathsAcrossAmerica.html or https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17901/Overview/?relatedId=15625
We hope to be included in your holiday event schedules to make the community aware of this event, which provides a venue for all ages to give thanks for our military’s sacrifices. The significance of the cost our soldiers have come to bear to preserve our freedoms granted will never be forgotten.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization whose mission: Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Their mission is to spread the important message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. This event is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding for the project.
For directions or to sponsor a wreath please call (813) 870-0505 or visit www.post5tampa.org
Weekly Reports December 1, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports November 23, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Hurricane Relief Efforts
Please take a few moments to view our Hurricane Relief video, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, donors, and the Legion Family.
Weekly Reports November 10, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Relief Efforts – Update
There are no updates at this time.
Weekly Reports November 3, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports October 28, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports October 20, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports October 13, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Hurricane Relief Planning
Our Disaster Prep Chair Bill Hoppner, organized a meeting today with Department Commander Eunice Butts, Auxiliary President Jane Hardacre, fellow Legionnaires, and Department staff members to plan and organize Hurricane Relief Efforts across the state. Donations have been steadily coming in this week, and other states, such as Ohio, already have supplies en route.
Today’s meeting will decide the logistics and distribution of a combined effort among the Legion Family and other volunteers. We hope to provide “boots on the ground” aid and assistance to those affected by Hurricane Ian in the coming days.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at relief@floridalegion.org. If you’d like to make a monetary donation, please go to www.floridaleigon.org/aid.
If you are in need of assistance, due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, please go to www.floridalegion.org/relief for resources available to you.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued support! Together we will overcome!