National wars Florida with the “Culture of Growth Award” for our exemplary efforts in developing and implementing strategies to increase membership within our Department.
Florida Wins “Culture of Growth” Award
Coronavirus Precautions
In an effort to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, our staff is currently working remotely, but we are still here for you! When you call Department Headquarters, please choose the individual or department you would like to talk to from the directory. If you do not receive, an immediate answer, please leave a message. The staff member will return your call as quickly as possible. For even faster service, you can email us.
Please note, the Department Headquarters will not be accepting any visitors during this time.
We hope to make this as painless as possible for our members, while ensuring the safety and health of our staff.
| Name | Phone Extension | Services | |
| PROJECT: VetRelief | 225 or option 1 | veteranservices@floridalegion.org | Emergency assistance program. Learn more at www.projectvetrelief.org |
| JoAnn Collins Membership Director |
228 or option 2 | jcollins@floridalegion.org | All questions relating to Legion and SAL membership |
| Events Coordinator | 232 or option 3 | events@floridalegion.org | Hall rentals and Legion events |
| Rachel Castleberry Executive Assistant |
239 or option 4 | rcastleberry@floridalegion.org | Executive Assistant to the Department Adjutant, Bruce Comer. Administrative, post issues |
| Bekki Boarman Programs Director |
235 or option 5 | bboarman@floridalegion.org | All questions relating to Legion Programs and Department Roster changes |
| Jennifer Cooper Fundraising Director |
222 or option 6 | jcooper@floridalegion.org | Fundraising information and questions |
| Daniel Albert Sr. Staff Accountant |
233 or option 7 | dalbert@floridalegion.org | Finance, accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax information, and officer expenditures |
| Carrie Kolze Creative Services Manager |
229 or option 8 | ckolze@floridalegion.org | Department website updates, calendar submissions, other creative for Department |
| Lois Stachelrodt Receptionist, Emblem Sales |
221 or option 0 | lstachelrodt@floridalegion.org | Receptionist, general inquiries, all Florida Emblem Sales questions |
Service Officers: Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families.
To locate your local service officer, please visit legion.org/serviceofficers.
Find a Post: To locate your local post or find out more information about a post, please visit legion.org.
Flag at half-staff
The president of the United States has issued a proclamation for display of the United States flag at half-staff until sunset on August 30, 2021, as a mark of respect for the U.S. servicemembers and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The American Legion Grieves Loss of American Heroes
PHOENIX (August 26, 2021) – James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion, issued the following statement about today’s terrorist attacks in Afghanistan:
“As an organization of wartime veterans, The American Legion profoundly feels sorrow for the needless loss of life that occurred today. The United States has been blessed by the caliber of the men and women who served there. While we fully support their service, we recognize that nation-building is not the role for the U.S. military. It is time for us to leave and to evacuate all Americans, allies and their families as safely and efficiently as we can. We also support any efforts to strike back hard against those who committed these ruthless acts.”
The American Legion Calls Taliban Return ‘sad event for humanity’
WASHINGTON (August 16, 2021) – James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion, calls “the collapse of the Afghanistan government a sad event for humanity. The fall of Afghanistan in no way denigrates the honorable service of the men and women who served, bled, and died there.”
MISSING: Manuel “Scott” Romero
Have you seen Manuel “Scott” Romero? His family is looking for him.
New Patrol Vehicle Honoring Veterans
PALM BAY, FL-American Legion Posts 117 and 394 along with the Palm Bay Police have selected Officer Tasha Gray to receive a new Patrol Vehicle Honoring Veterans. Officer Gray born in Canada moved to South Florida with her parents at age 12. At age 17, she joined the US Army where she served from 1994 to 2002. During her service Officer Gray was selected as one of the Army’s only Fifteen Flight Stewards. She received several service awards including the Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. After separating from the Army Officer Gray received her Florida Law Enforcement Certification and was later hired by the Palm Bay Police Department. She continues serving her community, state and nation assigned to the Hostage Negotiations Team, Secret Service Task Force. Officer Gray is a Corporal in the Uniformed Service Division responsible for the supervision, training, and mentorship on her shift.
The Vehicle Displays the American Flag with the Military Logos of the six branches of service, Dog Tags, Veteran’s affairs logo. On the hood is the Logos of the American Legion Family. The Rear sports the American Legion Department of Florida Logo and A Thank You to all Veterans for their service.
Children & Youth Cruise Announced
A Cruise has been set up for our Legion Family for November 13 – 18, 2021. Cabins are on a first come first served basis, so make your reservations soon. Please call Ernesto Romeo, who is filling for Maureen Williams (Past Department Commander Rick Johnson’s wife) as soon as possible. Prices can change at any time.
Deposits can be made until August 30th, at which time the full payment will be due. Booking after August 30, 2021 will be required a full payment.
Ernesto Romeo, Vacation Planner Carnival Cruise Line
800-819-8902 ex 83026 OFFICE
305-439-3325 FAX
The American Legion – Ceremonial First Lap at Nashville Music City Grand Prix
Following a two week break in the schedule, the INDYCAR season rolls into the final half of the season with a very unique street course venue in the streets of Nashville, TN. Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team are on an even playing-field (so to speak) this weekend as he and the other 27 drivers in the field are experiencing the twist and turns of this new circuit all for the very first time. If you are interested in music, you might be interested in reading about this article about How Does Music Affect Your Brain?
I’m reaching out this morning to share with you a very special event that took place on Friday morning at the track that Mary Jo Dial brokered between the NTT Data INDYCAR Series and the race promoters in Nashville.
One of the most iconic sections of this street circuit is Korean War Memorial Bridge in downtown Nashville. The American Legion worked with all parties in Nashville to create a ceremonial “First Lap” around the circuit and we were able to include Korean War Veteran and Tennessee Legionnaire Jim Markham in the ceremony. Jim had the opportunity to ride in the pace car driven by four-time INDYCAR Champion and former Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti. As you can see from the video link below, the ceremony garnered and incredible amount of media attention with a specific spotlight on Jim Markham and The American Legion.
Link to video from NBC affiliate — https://www.wsmv.com/video/special-guest-got-to-ride-in-grand-prix-pace-car/video_e34f432e-97bd-5a76-aebb-7c0d8ba72d57.html
As for the race weekend schedule, practice begins at 1:00 p.m. EST with qualifying starting at 4:30 p.m. broadcasted on NBC’s streaming platform – Peacock. The Music City Grand Prix will is Sunday beginning at 5:30 p.m. on NBC.
Florida Honors Purple Heart Recipients
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation.
The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing Aug. 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize recipients of our nation’s oldest award given to combat-wounded veterans.
American Legion hails start of Operation Allies Refuge, Calls for Evacuations to Pick Up Pace
WASHINGTON (July 30, 2021) – American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford called the safe evacuation of Afghan allies from danger “a truly welcome sight,” but added that his organization would like to see the pace pick-up dramatically as American forces leave that country.
“We certainly welcome the evacuation of approximately 2,500 Afghan allies and family members that comprise the first priority group of Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants,” Oxford said. “But we have also made clear to the Biden administration that far more still needs to be done. The American Legion believes that approximately 70,000 Afghan nationals face severe retribution by the Taliban because of assistance that they provided to U.S. troops. Many U.S. veterans tell us that their interpreters fought shoulder-to-shoulder with them and in many cases actually saved American lives. They have already been screened and have proven that they can be trusted. We must remember their loyalty and not abandon them to a ruthless and merciless enemy. We believe in Operation Allies Refuge and hope the pace can be picked up to match the levels we saw at the end of the Vietnam War.”
The American Legion passed a national resolution in 2018 asking for the president and Congress to prioritize the processing of SIVs for Afghan and Iraq interpreters and other allies.
Weekly Reports June 30, 2021
Final Reports June 30, 2021
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
*Final reports for 2020-2021 membership year.
SAL REPORTS
*SAL reports are not available at this time.
58TH Annual National Membership Workshop
Virtual Through Microsoft Teams
July 26-29, 2021
Growing and Retaining Membership
MONDAY, July 26, 2021
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- GREETINGS FROM NATIONAL COMMANDER – Bill Oxford (NC)
- GREETINGS FROM THE NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND POST ACTIVIVITES CHAIRMAN – John W. “Jay” Bowen (CO)
- GREETINGS FROM LEADING CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL COMMANDER – Paul Dillard (TX)
MEMBERSHIP AWARDS FOR POST/DISTRICT/DEPARTMENTS – Nick Arnett (IN) Member Engagement Coordinator - VETERANS EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT – Joe Sharpe (DC), Director
- VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION – Mario Marquez, (DC) Director
- EMBLEM SALES – Kevin Carothers, Marketing Manager (SAL-IN)
- AMERICANISM – Jeff Hendricks, Deputy Director (IN)
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Monday, July 26, 2021
TUESDAY, July 27, 2021
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- DISTRICT COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES – Ken George (CA) SAL/ALR Liaison
- POST ADMINISTRATION – Russell Myers (MD), Adjutant, Department of Maryland
- NATIONAL WEBSITE TRAINING MATERIALS – Michele Emery, (ALA-IN) Training/Member Engagement Coordinator
- MEMBERSHIP RETENTION – Ron Neff (IN), Member Engagement Coordinator
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Tuesday, July 27, 2021
WEDNESDAY, July 28, 2021
3:00 PM – 5 PM
- MYLEGION MEMBERSHIP PROCESSING – Libby Vickers, (ALA OH) MyLegion/AIM Support Services, IT Division
- DISTRICT/POST REVITALIZATION – Michele Steinmetz, (CA) Member Engagement Coordinator
- CONSOLIDATED POST REPORTING – Kevin Mook (MD), Member Engagement Coordinator
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Wednesday, July 28, 2021
THURSDAY, July 29, 2021
3:00 – 5 PM
- NATIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS – Dean Kessel, Executive Director, Marketing Division
- RECONNECT/TRANSITION CENTERS – Doug Chace, (IN), Member Engagement Coordinator
- VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA – Jeff Stoffer, (SAL-ID), Director, Media & Communications Division
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Thursday, July 29, 2021
The American Legion to Congress: ‘Pay the Guard’
(INDIANAPOLIS—July 19, 2021) –The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization warned Congress that the American people will “be furious,” if partisan gridlock causes a shutdown of the National Guard and delayed paychecks for its soldiers.
“Congress and the White House need to act immediately to ensure that our National Guard is fully funded and its members compensated for all of their drills, missions and deployments. Have they already forgotten the thousands of National Guard members who protected the Capitol during civil unrest just a few months ago? Or the crucial role of our National Guard members in America’s response to COVID-19?” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford asked. “The American Legion spoke loudly two years ago when partisan bickering led to an in interruption of the Coast Guard being paid. We stepped up and provided more than $1 million of grants to help hundreds of Coast Guard families, but Congress still has failed to pass the Pay Our Coast Guard Act. Moreover, it isn’t the job of private nonprofit organizations to pay the military. As Americans, we should all demand that Congress never repeats that mistake.
“We are not simply talking about bureaucracies,” Oxford continued. “We are talking about families. The men and women of the National Guard have living expenses, bills due and other financial obligations that cannot be put on hold while politicians argue. The volunteers who defend America deserve better.”
The American Legion Calls Biden’s Plan to Evacuate Afghan Allies a ‘Deep Disappointment’
WASHINGTON (July 8, 2021) – Calling the Taliban “the enemy of all human rights,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford expressed his organization’s “deep disappointment” that the White House isn’t offering a better plan to evacuate interpreters, family members and other Afghan allies who closely assisted U.S. military troops during the war.
“We welcome an end to ‘forever wars,’ but withdrawal must be conducted in an orderly and honorable manner. This falls short on both counts. Abandonment of those who assisted us is literally an issue of life or death,” Oxford said. “Any veteran who has worked with Afghan interpreters will tell you how valuable these brave heroes were to our mission there. It is precisely because of their dedication to our cause that they are primary targets for barbaric retribution by Taliban terrorists. Their families are also targets. They have already undergone extensive security screening and further processing can occur in Guam or other region safely out of harm’s way. It is a moral imperative that we offer them immediate and safe passage away from the enemy and to the United States. If we abandon such friends, how could we expect any assistance by potential allies in future missions?
“The president said today that his administration approved 2,500 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals since January 20,” Oxford said. “Yet estimates of the backlog run as high as 18,000. If you include close family members, the administration should be prepared to quickly evacuate as many as 70,000. We saved many more lives when we left Vietnam, and even that wasn’t enough when you consider how many were left behind and slaughtered after our departure. A great nation such as the United States does not abandon its friends.”
Oxford also lamented that time is running out, in spite of the letters that he sent to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in April which raised alarms about the dangers faced.
“The American Legion passed a national resolution in 2018 asking the president and Congress to prioritize SIVs for our Afghan and Iraqi allies,” Oxford said. “This is not a new or recent issue. The American Legion is calling on the White House to immediately institute a better plan and evacuate our friends now. Delay means death for many of these brave people.”
PDC Rick Johnson Update
PDC Rick Johnson is responding well with all treatments, and the doctors anticipate his release on Thursday, July 8th. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover.
Get well wishes can be sent to 211 Dickinson St. NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907.
Robert C. Schmidt
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Vice Commander Robert C. Schmidt of Citrus Springs, Florida, who passed away on June 22, 2021 at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters Mary (Ron) Brown of Nashville, IL; Ruth (Ron) Wilton of Carlinville; Nancy (Norman) Shade of Chesterfield, IL; Carol (Billy) Rivers of Bolton, MS; Sandra Thacker of Carlinville; Clara Hicks of Citrus Springs, FL and son Robert T (Lori) Schmidt of Ocala, FL; 17 grandchildren especially his granddaughter, Heather Fritz; 42 great grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren; brothers Rev. Carl Schmidt of Effingham, IL, Joseph Schmidt of Quincy, IL and sister Virginia Drew of Quincy, IL; several nieces, nephews, and many other relatives. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Robert was a U.S. Army WWII Era Veteran and a member of Dunnellon Post 58 with 51 continuous years of membership. Robert served as Post 58 Commander (1973-1978 & 1993-1997), 4th District Commander (1981-1982 & 1993-1994) and Northern Area Vice Commander (1996-1997).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Veteran’s organization of your choice. Condolences for the family can be left at www.robertsofdunnellon.com.
The Main Event – Mike Take III
Join us July 3, 2021 at the Orlando World Center Marriott when “Old School McDaniel” squares off with “New School Comer“. The Main Event will take place following General Session on Saturday, at approximately 2:ishpm. You don’t want to miss this!
Place your wagers (aka Donations) now on who you think will reign supreme. https://www.floridalegion.org/mainevent
DISCLAIMER: Match is for entertainment purposes only. No one will be harmed during this mockery….or at least we hope not.
Weekly Reports June 24, 2021
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
*Currently these are the only SAL Reports available through the new MyLegion.
The Main Event – Bruce Take I
Sorry, Bruce, but nothing is “off the record” !
Join us July 3, 2021 at the Orlando World Center Marriott when “Old School McDaniel” squares off with “New School Comer“. The Main Event will take place following General Session on Saturday, at approximately 2:ishpm. You don’t want to miss this!
Place your wagers (aka Donations) now on who you think will reign supreme. https://www.floridalegion.org/mainevent
DISCLAIMER: Match is for entertainment purposes only. No one will be harmed during this mockery….or at least we hope not.