The American Legion will host a Veterans Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 240, located at 8666 Gulf Beach Highway in Pensacola, Florida. The event will provide local veterans with an opportunity to speak directly about their experiences with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ask questions, and learn more about available support services.
The town hall will be hosted by Post Commander Cathy Butler, USAF (Ret.), and is part of The American Legion’s nationwide effort to gather feedback from veterans regarding their VA health care and benefits. These town hall meetings are an important way for veterans to ensure their voices are heard and to help identify areas where services can be improved.
The American Legion works closely with the VA to advocate for the best possible care and resources for America’s veterans. Feedback gathered during town hall meetings helps the organization better understand the challenges veterans face and strengthens its ability to advocate for meaningful improvements.
Veterans attending the meeting will have the opportunity to share their personal experiences with VA services, ask questions about benefits and care, and learn more about the work of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation program. This program focuses on supporting veterans through health care access, benefits assistance, and rehabilitation services.
All veterans in the Pensacola area are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Community input plays a vital role in shaping how services are delivered and ensuring veterans receive the support they have earned through their service.
Event Details
Event: American Legion Veterans Town Hall Meeting
Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post 240
8666 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, FL 32507
Host: Post Commander Cathy Butler, USAF (Ret.)
Veterans interested in sharing their experiences or learning more about VA services are encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation.
As The American Legion prepares to commemorate its 107th birthday on March 15, 2026, a prepared speech is now available for Posts and Districts to use during their local observances.
Developed by the National Headquarters Media & Communications Division, the speech reflects on the Legion’s founding in 1919 and its enduring commitment to the principle of “service first.” It highlights the organization’s historic advocacy for veterans, including the creation of the GI Bill and the foundation of what became the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as its continued leadership in youth programs, Americanism and community service.
Posts are encouraged to incorporate the speech into birthday dinners, ceremonies and public events as we celebrate 107 years of strengthening America through service to veterans, families and communities. The full text is available for download to assist in planning your March 15 celebration.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the American Legion Family is encouraging communities to “Celebrate & Educate” through a wide range of youth programs focused on civics, leadership and responsible citizenship.
From interactive books and educational materials about the U.S. flag, veterans and America’s founding values to hands-on leadership experiences, these initiatives reach students of all ages. Signature programs include the American Legion Oratorical Contest, awarding more than $200,000 in scholarships each year; Boys State and Boys Nation; Girls State and Girls Nation; the Americanism Essay and Poppy Poster contests; American Legion Baseball; and Junior Shooting Sports.
Together, these programs equip young people with a deeper understanding of the Constitution, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and the leadership skills needed to serve their communities—now and beyond America’s 250th birthday.
Department Adjutant Bruce E. Comer has announced his retirement effective September 4, 2026.
In preparation for this transition, the Department of Florida is now accepting applications for the position of Department Adjutant. Attached please find the official job posting for your reference. The announcement includes details regarding the application deadline, anticipated interview timeline, and estimated start date.
The Department anticipates providing a transition period to allow the selected candidate to train alongside Adjutant Comer prior to his retirement to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of responsibilities.
We respectfully request that you share this announcement with your members to assist us in reaching qualified candidates who may be interested in this opportunity.
Thank you for your assistance and continued support.
We have rounded the corner and are now in Week 7, with only 13 full days remaining in regular Session.
Both chambers have now moved into budget conference, where final negotiations will determine what ultimately makes it into the final appropriations bill. This is a critical phase of the process — and your engagement right now truly matters.
We still need your phone calls regarding Boys State and Girls State funding.
Our voice still matters. Emails and phone calls remain one of the most effective forms of advocacy, and your outreach directly influences the process.
When contacting legislators about this funding, please reference the following appropriations:
Senate Appropriation 2602 — Tom Leek
• House Appropriation 2799 — Michelle Salzman
Referencing these numbers helps legislative staff quickly identify the request during conference negotiations and ensures your message is routed appropriately.
Regarding the bills targeting charitable gaming, the measures are not currently aligned between the chambers. However, there is still time for them to merge. We are actively working with bill sponsors to come to an agreeable landing and position ourselves as favorably as possible before the final days.
While I may watch the weatherman every morning, I still do my own research — and I cannot say with certainty how this year will conclude. However, I do have a prediction.
And for those who read between the lines… yes, I said regular Session.
Be prepared for extra innings again this year.
As always, thank you for staying engaged, making the calls, and continuing to advocate for our veterans, our youth programs, and the communities we proudly serve.
Because of your swift action and strong response, your voices have been heard.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it is halting enforcement of the interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication, effective immediately. While the VA maintains that the rule was intended to clarify policy, it acknowledged the serious concerns raised by veterans and stakeholders nationwide and has confirmed the rule will not be enforced at any time in the future.
This outcome did not happen by chance.
Veterans across Florida answered the call to action. You submitted public comments, shared information, and stood united in defense of earned disability benefits. Your engagement sent a clear message: veterans must never be penalized for responsibly managing their service-connected conditions.
The VA has stated it will continue to collect public comments, but enforcement of the rule has been stopped. This demonstrates the power of organized, informed advocacy — and the impact that committed Legionnaires can make when we act together.
Thank you for standing watch. Thank you for protecting veterans’ benefits. And thank you for proving once again that when The American Legion speaks with one voice, it matters.
Dear Department of Florida American Legion Members,
I am asking for your immediate attention and action regarding a rule proposal that could negatively impact veterans’ disability compensation.
On February 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published an interim final rule titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” (RIN 2900-AS49). This rule changes how disability ratings are evaluated by directing examiners to assess a veteran’s level of functioning while on medication, rather than considering the severity of the underlying service-connected condition itself.
Under this new standard, veterans who responsibly manage their disabilities through prescribed medication could receive lower disability ratings and reduced compensation — even though their underlying condition has not improved or been cured.
The VA is accepting public comments through April 20, 2026. It is critical that we make our voices heard.
You can submit your public comment directly at the link below:
When submitting your comment, please confirm the docket number VA-2026-VBA-0067 / RIN 2900-AS49 and clearly state your opposition to this rule.
Suggested points you may consider including:
Veterans should not be penalized for properly managing their service-connected conditions with medication.
Medication often controls symptoms but does not cure the underlying disability.
Disability ratings should reflect the true severity and long-term impact of service-connected conditions.
This rule could unfairly reduce earned benefits for veterans nationwide.
Every individual comment matters. The VA is required to review and consider all submissions received during the comment period. A strong response from Legionnaires across Florida will send a clear and unified message.
Please take a few minutes to submit your comment today.
As we close out Week 5 of Session, several important developments have come to light.
The House introduced its first budget proposal, and I’m pleased to report that our request for $200,000 is halfway there. Now is the time for action — and the sooner the better. We need your help making phone calls immediately.
Please contact your House and Senate members and ask them to support full funding for Boys State and Girls State. In addition, we ask that you directly contact the Budget Chairs:
• Senator Hooper — (850) 487-5021
• Representative McClure — (850) 717-5068
Let them know you support Boys State and Girls State being funded at the full $200,000 level.
Your voice still matters. Emails and phone calls remain one of the most effective forms of advocacy, and your outreach truly influences the process. When contacting legislators about this funding, please reference the following appropriations:
• Senate Appropriation 2602 — Tom Leek
• House Appropriation 2799 — Michelle Salzman
Mentioning these appropriations helps legislative staff quickly identify the funding request and route your message appropriately.
Meanwhile, the Veterans Treatment Court measure has cleared the House and is awaiting final action in the Senate. The Dental Program continues moving in a positive direction. Charitable Fundraising and our Dispenser legislation appear to have stalled for now, but we are actively working with bill sponsors on related items and remain hopeful for a favorable posture.
Please take a few minutes to complete the advocacy action below so your voice is heard:
As we close out Week 4 of the 2026 Legislative Session, I can say without hesitation — it has been a busy and productive time in Tallahassee. From participating in Military Week at the Capitol to testifying in committee and holding meetings with legislative members, your advocacy efforts are being seen and felt.
During this past week, our Department Commander, along with portions of her executive team, conducted numerous meetings on behalf of The American Legion. Their presence and engagement reinforced our priorities and demonstrated the strength of our organization. The Commander also attended the Florida Veterans Council meeting, where she had the opportunity to observe our Legislative team in action — a strong example of coordinated advocacy working exactly as intended.
I’m pleased to report that the Veterans Treatment Court bill has already passed the House floor, and the Senate version remains in a strong position. This is a meaningful step forward in ensuring veterans across Florida have access to the support systems they deserve.
We do, however, still have work ahead of us on the charitable bingo Dispenser bills — HB 609 and SB 1282. A great deal of groundwork is underway as we continue clarifying language and addressing concerns alongside bill sponsors. These conversations are critical to protecting fundraising tools that support our Posts and the communities we serve.
For those tracking HB 429 and SB 536, adjustments were made to the bill language to ensure charitable rides are not negatively impacted. With that clarification in place, continue your mission work — and as we like to say, keep the rubber side down.
Looking ahead, next week will be another active stretch of Session, and we need your help on the Dispenser bills. Please take a few minutes to complete the advocacy action below so your voice is heard:
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.
