With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr. of North Port, Florida. Skip passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Felicita, his son, Angelo Felicita III, and his daughters, Stacey Stanley and Lauren Strickland.
Details regarding services are not yet available. Updates on arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Skip was a U.S. Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of Rotonda West Post 113. Throughout his 26 years of continuous membership with The American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander from 2017 to 2018, Post 1st Vice Commander from 2023 to 2024, Post Adjutant since 2020, 8th District Commander from 2019 to 2022, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2022 to 2023.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rhonda Felicita, at 6931 Willow Creek Cir. Apt. 105, North Port, FL 34287.
Please keep Skip’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
If you are interested in the Legislative Process and want to visit with your Legislator in Tallahassee, FL, during the Legislative Session, please plan on attending our Capitol Hill Day on April 2, 2025. This is ALSO, Military Day at the Capitol. More information to follow as details get closer.
Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, Former Commander of Post 62, Passes Away
It is with deep regret that we share the passing of Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, former Commander of Post 62 in Stuart. Jerry passed away late last night after a long illness.
At this time, no arrangements have been made, but I will provide updates as soon as details are available so they can be shared with anyone in the Department who wishes to pay their respects.
(INDIANAPOLIS – January 30, 2025) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning last night’s collision of a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger plane attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
“We don’t know the ‘why’ but the ‘what’ is a heartbreaking tragedy. The American Legion extends its deepest condolences to the families of the souls lost in last night’s horrific crash. We salute the first responders who always rise to such unenviable and difficult challenges. Like nearly all Americans, we call for a full investigation of what occurred.”
Providing a decade of mobility for Florida’s Veterans
Orlando, January 30, 2025 – In an inspiring act of generosity, Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler, philanthropists from Ormond Beach, FL, are making a profound impact on the lives of 15 deserving veterans by donating mobility scooters to those unable to afford or access one through medical care. Florida is home to over 1.4 million veterans, with 32% reporting some level of disability. This donation honors their service while addressing daily mobility challenges.
For the past decade, Jack and Joan have partnered with The American Legion, Department of Florida, to identify deserving veterans and have generously donated a total of 92 life-changing scooters, including this year’s contribution. “Without the military’s influence, discipline, and Esprit de Corps, my life would have likely taken a much less productive path,” shared Jack Kump. The couple believes that every veteran deserves recognition, compassion, and support. This initiative is also a tribute to two WWII veterans who shaped their lives: Joan’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.
The scooters will be presented during a special event hosted by The American Legion, Department of Florida, at its headquarters in Orlando on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Jack and Joan will attend to personally witness their generosity in action and meet the veterans whose lives will be transformed by their donation.
Among the recipients is Nelson Perez, a U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged due to a permanent disability. Upon learning he was selected, Mr. Perez shared, “I’m so happy to be able to get the scooter. Thank you to your organization so much—you don’t know how much this means to me.” Additionally, David Miller, a Purple Heart recipient and long-time member of The American Legion, will attend the event and assist in distributing scooters to other veterans in the Tampa area.
SpinLife, a leading e-commerce retailer of medical equipment in the US for over 25 years, has praised Jack and Joan for their unwavering dedication to veterans. To celebrate this extraordinary effort, SpinLife is providing one of the 15 scooters at no cost and two representatives will make a special trip from up north to attend the event, which further underscores their commitment to supporting communities in need.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Jack and Joan for their compassion and kindness. “It is this type of generosity that demonstrates the deep appreciation we all owe to our veterans,” said Florida’s Department Adjutant, Bruce Comer.
The Florida Mission of Mercy Veterans First Initiative will provide FREE dental care to military veterans beginning on March 20,2025 at Mainland High School (1255 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114). You MUST register for an appointment. Scan the QR code to register or call 800.877.9922.
What is the Florida Mission of Mercy?
Florida Mission of Mercy is a charitable dental clinic that provides free dental care to the underserved and uninsured. Patients are seen on a first-come, first served basis.
Veterans First Attendees will:
Register for an arrival time on Thursday, March 20 to complete paperwork, X-rays and dental exam
Return at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 21 for dental treatment
What services are provided?
Dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and some root canals
Who can receive treatment?
Military veterans willing to wait in line who do not have medically compromising conditions can be treated.
Photo identification, Social Security Number, insurance information or other personal identification/documentation is NOT required.
Interpreters will be available to assist some languages, but please bring an interpreter if you do not speak English.
Sedation and narcotics are NOT available.
If you have dental pain, please do NOT wait to seek care, as this could be a sign of a serious condition.
If dental pain is severe and accompanied by fever or swelling, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
For a list of low-cost dental clinics in the state, please visit fdacares.com.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
Phil was a proud U.S. Marine and a Vietnam War veteran. He joined the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 1956 and served honorably for 30 years, retiring in 1986. A devoted member of Veterans Memorial Post 347, Phil demonstrated 28 continuous years of service and commitment to The American Legion.
Throughout his years of dedication, Phil held numerous leadership roles at various levels within the organization. At the Post level, he served in every capacity, most notably as Post Commander from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2013. At the District level, Phil served as 4th District Vice Commander from 2003 to 2004 and District Commander from 2004 to 2006. His exceptional leadership was recognized during the 2004–2005 term when he was awarded a membership ring for achieving the highest renewal percentage in the District.
At the Department level, Phil’s contributions were vast. He served as Department Sgt-at-Arms from 2006 to 2007, Northern Area Commander from 2007 to 2008, Department Vice Commander from 2008 to 2009, and Department Commander from 2009 to 2010. Phil also held several committee roles, including serving on the Department Time & Place Committee from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2015, chairing the committee from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, he served on the Department Finance Committee from 2010 to 2015 and as Department National Security Chair from 2019 to 2022.
Phil’s influence extended to the national level, where he served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 2011 to 2019 and the National Security Commission from 2020 to 2022.
Phil’s unwavering commitment to The American Legion, his community, and his country will be deeply missed. His legacy of service and dedication will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Peggy Hearlson, at:
14050 SE 53rd Ave.
Summerfield, FL 34491
The arrangements for Past Department Commander Phil Hearlson’s funeral are as follows:
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Location: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Service: 11:00 AM
Interment: Following the service at Bushnell National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL
Following the interment, there will be a Celebration of Life held at Veterans Memorial Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL.
An obituary will be available on the Hiers-Baxley website in the coming days. Please visit: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
About 100 motorcycles escorted The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall on Friday morning to the 10th Annual Veterans Expo at the Avon Park American Legion Post 69.
They received a patriotic welcome with folks young and old, waving American flags in hand, lining West Bell Street to watch and video the procession. The City of Avon Park Fire Department hoisted a giant American flag with its ladder truck.
Eric Ryan Anderson, of Spirit Equine Therapy in Webster, held an American flag as he road his horse when the motorcyclists departed to meet the Traveling Memorial Wall near Lake Wales and Anderson was in the saddle to greet them upon their return.
The Global War on Terror Memorial Wall is also present at the Veterans Expo, which has free admission and is open to the public.
The Veterans Expo continues today starting at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony. At 11 a.m. there is a 2.2-mile walk in remembrance of the 22 veteran suicides daily.
The awards ceremony starts at noon followed by live music.
Veterans services are available all day with representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Highlands County Veterans Services.
Other organizations that provide services to veterans and first responders will have people on hand, including people from Best Behavioral Solutions; Dr. J. Royster Semper Motis, LLC; Spirit Equine Therapy; Hands for Homeless; Heartland Horses; Hernando Beach Diving with Heroes; K-9 Line; Sea 2 Sea 4 PTSD, and the South Florida State College veterans counselor, among many others.
After that, the event will have all the information booths open and food on hand. Saturday, Jan. 4, will feature more of the same along with live music all afternoon.
There are raffles, a silent auction food trucks and more.
The Expo serves as a fundraiser for American Legion Department of Florida’s Project Vet Relief (Project: Vet Relief), which provides a legion of support for service men and women as they transition from military to civilian lives.
The end goal is to have a nation in which no service member stands alone or feels that they must. Help is available for active-duty military and veterans, organizers said, and the Expo is designed to reinforce that fact. In addition to their immediate family members, whether spouse or child, all services provided by Project Vet Relief are at no cost to those who have served.
Roy Tefft, one of the Expo’s organizers, said he estimated about 100 riders participated in the escort.
“We want the public to come and if they know a veteran, tell them to come see us,” he said. “We have lots of good stuff going for veterans.”
Project Vet Relief is a statewide American Legion program, which focuses on suicide prevention and emergency assistance for veterans that are in a sudden dire need, Tefft explained.
County Commissioner Kevin Roberts said the Veterans Expo is a good thing and he tries to attend it every year.
(INDIANAPOLIS – December 29, 2024) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:
“President Carter was a Legionnaire, a distinguished Navy veteran and a devout Christian. His commitment to human rights and community service was respected worldwide. He lived longer than any president in American history and made the most of his post-presidential years by strongly advocating for world peace and improving the lives of the disadvantaged. His energy, integrity and humility were admired by people across the political spectrum. President Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, was a leader in mental health awareness. They will both be missed. Our condolences to the entire Carter family and the many lives that they have touched, especially in their home state of Georgia.”
During an address to The American Legion’s 1980 national convention, President Carter described his vision for America on the world stage. “We do not maintain our power in order to seize power from others. Our goal is to strengthen our own freedom and the freedom of others, to advance the dignity of the individual and the right of all people to justice, to a good life, and to a future secure from tyranny. In choosing our course in the world, America’s strength serves American values,” he said.
(INDIANAPOLIS – December 21, 2024) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr. issued the following statement today concerning passage of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government into March:
“The American Legion is glad that sanity has prevailed in Congress and our troops no longer must worry about their pay being delayed, veterans can be confident that their benefits will not be cut, and the American people can receive the government services that their taxes fund. It never should have come to this point. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to fund our government. It should not come down to the final hours. This does not send an image of responsible governance to our adversaries. During the last prolonged shutdown, members of the Coast Guard had their pay delayed. This was a disgrace, and Congress needs to pass legislation ensuring that this never happens again. Continuing resolutions, though better than a shutdown, do not solve the bigger problems of uncertainty and paralysis. Congress needs to put the American people above partisan politics and pass a budget!”
With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr. of North Port, Florida. Skip passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Felicita, his son, Angelo Felicita III, and his daughters, Stacey Stanley and Lauren Strickland.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
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