Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary
Post 273 hits a Home Run again, celebrating 100 years of American Legion Baseball. Today’s Tampa Bay 10 News Great Day Live Interview with Sons Squadron Commander & Southern District Commissioner Tom Beck, and Jaden White, Coach & Player for the Madeira Beach Team.
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 2nd District Commander Ralph W. Camp, Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida. Ralph passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 78. He was a proud and active member of Cape Coral Post 90. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, his son Ralph, and three daughters: Christine, Brianna, and Heather.
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, Ralph served in the United States Navy from 1964 through 1992, dedicating 28 years to his country with honor and distinction. Following his military retirement, he continued his lifelong commitment to service through 26 continuous years of devoted membership in The American Legion.
Over the years, Ralph held numerous leadership roles at the Post level, including Judge Advocate, Vice Commander, and Finance Officer. At the District level, he served as 2nd District Vice Commander from 2009 through 2010, and 2nd District Commander from 2010 through 2011. At the Department level, he served as Law & Order Chair from 2022 through 2023.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his family, fellow veterans, and community.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by contacting his wife at:
Barbara Camp
1302 SE 34th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Please keep Ralph’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Warren Post, of Lady Lake, Florida, who passed away at the age of 86 on July 12, 2025.
Warren was preceded in death by his beloved wife, DeLoris Post, who passed away in 2024, and their son, Michael Post. At this time, there are no details available regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
A proud U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran, Warren answered the call of duty immediately after graduating from high school in 1957. He served honorably for 20 years, retiring from the Air Force in 1977. Following his military service, he continued to serve in civilian life, working as a Controller for a corporate hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1985 to 2001.
Warren was a devoted member of Fruitland Park Post 219, demonstrating 54 continuous years of service to The American Legion, having joined in 1971. His dedication and leadership were felt across several Departments—Idaho, New York, and Florida—and also at the national level.
Leadership & Service Highlights
Department of Idaho (1971–1974)
Department of New York (1975–1986)
Department of Florida (1986–2025)
National Level
Warren Post leaves behind a legacy of honor, leadership, and service. His enduring contributions to The American Legion and to his fellow veterans will be long remembered. He will be deeply missed by his Legion Family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The funeral for Past Department Commander Warren Post will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 PM at Bushnell Florida National Cemetery, located at:
6202 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL.
Condolences may be sent to his stepdaughter, Dedra DiNicola, and stepson, William Dyer,
c/o Post 219
P.O. Box 1
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Dear Legionnaires,
This morning, I worked alongside Zahra, and Brandi and Patsey from the Auxiliary, to address the ongoing challenges with our Department Convention hotel accommodations.
The issue stems from another group occupying a significant portion of the hotel through Wednesday night, departing Thursday morning. This overlap has directly affected our reserved room block for Wednesday, resulting in several of our members receiving notices about being relocated to nearby hotels for that night.
The Hilton acknowledges the disruption and has committed to covering the full cost of any room moved to another property for Wednesday night. These reassignments began at the same time we were first notified of the situation—just yesterday.
Although the relocations for Wednesday night could not be reversed, Hilton has expressed sincere regret and is attempting to make amends. In addition to covering lodging expenses, they have offered a series of concessions to support our Department Convention—and potentially the National Convention as well—including hotel gift certificates that can be used as door prizes or raffles. Additional benefits have been extended to the Department, Detachment, and Auxiliary to help us continue delivering a meaningful convention experience.
If you were affected by the relocation notice, please rest assured that:
We appreciate your patience and flexibility. We are doing everything possible to ensure your experience remains positive, and we look forward to welcoming each of you next weekend.
Respectfully,
Bruce Comer
Department Adjutant
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Dear Legionnaires,
This morning, we were notified of an unexpected issue concerning accommodations at our Department Convention venue, the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. The hotel has significantly overbooked rooms and some of the convention space for Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
If you received a phone call or email from the hotel regarding your Wednesday reservation, it is related to this overbooking. After the fact, hotel staff stated that The American Legion had reserved more rooms than the guaranteed minimum outlined in our contract. As a result, some members have been reassigned to nearby hotels for Wednesday night.
Please note that if the hotel rebooked you at another location, they will cover the cost of your Wednesday night stay as a result of this error.
We want to emphasize that this situation is due entirely to a hotel oversight. While it is currently unclear whether any reassignments can be reversed, I have scheduled a meeting with hotel management on Thursday morning to address the matter directly.
This is the same agreement we’ve successfully operated under for the past three years, and this is the first time we’ve encountered such an issue. My immediate focus is to recover as much meeting space and lodging as possible for this year and to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent a recurrence in 2026.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Respectfully,
Bruce Comer
Department Adjutant
The Florida American Legion needs your support to ensure vital programs are fully funded in the 2025 state budget. With session extended for budget negotiations, now is the time to act.
We’re asking you to contact key legislators and voice your support for:
Request: $200,000 (Non-Recurring, Higher Education Budget)
✅ Funded in House | ❌ Not in Senate
Ask Senator Gayle Harrell (Senate Higher Ed Chair) to fully fund this life-changing youth program.
(772) 221-4019 or (850) 487-5031
Thank Rep. Demi Busatta (House Higher Ed Chair) for House support and urge protection during negotiations.
(305) 442-6808 or (850) 717-5114
Request: $250,000 (Non-Recurring)
✅ Funded at $125,000 in House | ❌ Not in Senate
Ask Senator Nick DiCeglie (Transportation Chair) to support full funding.
(727) 563-1910 or (850) 487-5018
Thank Rep. Jason Shoaf (House Transportation Chair) for current support and ask for full funding.
(850) 295-5680 or (850) 717-5007
Boys State and Girls State shape future leaders. The 2025 National Convention in Tampa will unite thousands of veterans and community advocates, but transportation funding is essential for accessibility and success.
Make a Call. Make a Difference.
Your voice helps protect these impactful programs.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s 2025 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. In accordance with the proclamation, the United States and Florida flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26.
This year marks the 157th Anniversary of Memorial Day, a time not only to remember our fallen heroes but also to honor Gold Star Families. The Honor and Remember Flag will be displayed to symbolize Florida’s deep respect and gratitude for those who have lost a loved one in military service.
Let us come together to reflect, remember, and give thanks.
The 2025 Florida Legislative Session has been extended to finalize the state budget—and your voice is urgently needed to protect critical funding for two of our top American Legion programs.
These initiatives are vital to the continued success of our mission, and with your help, we can ensure they receive the support they deserve.
Please review the flyers below for detailed program information and take just a few moments today to call or email the key decision-makers listed below. Your outreach could make all the difference in the final budget outcome.
Funding Request: $200,000 in Non-Recurring Funding (Higher Education Budget)
Take Action:
Call Senator Gayle Harrell (Senate Higher Ed Chair)
(772) 221-4019 or (850) 487-5031
➤ Urge her to include full funding for Boys State.
Call Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera (House Higher Ed Chair)
(305) 442-6808 or (850) 717-5114
➤ Thank her for the House support and encourage her to defend it in negotiations.
Funding Request: $250,000 in Non-Recurring Funding
Take Action:
Call Senator Nick DiCeglie (Transportation Budget Chair)
(727) 563-1910 or (850) 487-5018
➤ Urge full funding for convention transportation.
Call Representative Jason Shoaf (House Transportation Budget Chair)
(850) 295-5680 or (850) 717-5007
➤ Thank him for the House funding and ask for full support in negotiations.
Your calls and emails can tip the scale. This is our moment to ensure Florida’s veterans, youth, and Legion family are fully supported. Let’s make our voices heard!
