The president of the United States has issued a proclamation for display of the United States flag at half-staff until sunset on March 27, 2021, as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. White House proclamations are available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/
Flag at half-staff
Orlando VA Healthcare System Offering COVID-19 Vaccines for Enrolled Veterans who receive care at VA
The Orlando VA Healthcare Center is offering COVID-19 vaccines for all Veterans who receive care at VA regardless of age at certain VA clinics (see below for details). The vaccine is being offered at five sites of care this week through a combination of appointments and walk-ins until supply is exhausted. Location specific information:
- Lake Nona:
All Ages. March 23-27: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments and Walk-Ins
Orlando VA Medical Center, Lake Nona Campus, 4th Floor Auditorium
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
Pfizer Vaccine - Lake Nona:
Janssen (Very Limited Supply) Vaccine
All ages. March 27: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments Only
Orlando VA Medical Center, Lake Nona Campus,
Drive Through: West Side of Medical Center just past West Parking Garage
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827 - Lake Baldwin:
All ages. March 23-26: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Appointments and Walk-Ins until 1 p.m.
Lake Baldwin VA Medical Center, Auditoriums B
5201 Raymond St.
Orlando, FL 32803
Pfizer Vaccine - Daytona Beach VA Clinic:
All ages.
March 23-26: 8:30 a.m. -4 p.m.
Appointments only.
Moderna Vaccine. - Viera VA:
Appointments only for 65+, frontline essential workers, and Veterans with underlying medical conditions, as determined by the CDC. The list of underlying medical conditions can be found here. Moderna Vaccine. - Palm Bay Janssen Vaccine:
Appointments only for 65 and older
(Very Limited Supply)
March 27: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments Only
Palm Bay VA CBOC
5200 Babcock St NE
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Veterans must be enrolled and eligible for VA health care benefits. Veterans must be able to return to clinic they received their first shot at for a second dose.
Veterans will receive either the Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen vaccine at no cost.
To schedule an appointment call 407.631.0499 (Available Monday- Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.)
Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA’s Eligibility web page to learn more: Eligibility For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs.
For information contact the Orlando VA Healthcare System’s Public Affairs Office at vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov
Weekly Reports March 18, 2021
Weekly Reports March 11, 2021
Weekly Reports March 4, 2021
The American Legion calls for fast-tracking citizenship for military members, veterans
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2021) – The nation’s largest veteran service organization, The American Legion, is pushing to strengthen military naturalization programs in support of non-citizens who honorably serve, for at least a year, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
On behalf of its nearly two million members, the organization sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting an executive order authorizing the reinstitution of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative and reopening all USCIS field offices abroad for servicemembers and deported veterans.
“The American Legion believes that non-citizen veterans who are honorably discharged and have not been charged or convicted with felonious or heinous crimes should be guaranteed the promise they were made of citizenship,” said James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “We would like to see the reinstitution of the USCIS Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative to provide onsite immigration resources and staff to support recruits beginning the naturalization process.”
The American Legion also recommends requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs assess the barriers to care and benefits that deported veterans face. “Our appeal is for President Biden to remove the barriers to VA benefits which these veterans have earned through their service to this country. These veterans took an oath to defend the United States with their lives. Awarding them with citizenship is the right thing to do,” said Oxford.
Through two organizational resolutions, The American Legion supports the implementation of measures to ensure the process of naturalization is complete prior to discharge for those who have served honorably. In addition, the organization calls on the federal government to grant expedited citizenship applications to deported veterans who were honorably discharged and have no felony convictions.
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2021) – The nation’s largest veteran service organization, The American Legion, is pushing to strengthen military naturalization programs in support of non-citizens who honorably serve, for at least a year, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
On behalf of its nearly two million members, the organization sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting an executive order authorizing the reinstitution of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative and reopening all USCIS field offices abroad for servicemembers and deported veterans.
“The American Legion believes that non-citizen veterans who are honorably discharged and have not been charged or convicted with felonious or heinous crimes should be guaranteed the promise they were made of citizenship,” said James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “We would like to see the reinstitution of the USCIS Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative to provide onsite immigration resources and staff to support recruits beginning the naturalization process.”
The American Legion also recommends requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs assess the barriers to care and benefits that deported veterans face. “Our appeal is for President Biden to remove the barriers to VA benefits which these veterans have earned through their service to this country. These veterans took an oath to defend the United States with their lives. Awarding them with citizenship is the right thing to do,” said Oxford.
Through two organizational resolutions, The American Legion supports the implementation of measures to ensure the process of naturalization is complete prior to discharge for those who have served honorably. In addition, the organization calls on the federal government to grant expedited citizenship applications to deported veterans who were honorably discharged and have no felony convictions.
Weekly Reports February 25, 2021
The American Legion to State Veterans Homes: ‘Obey the Law, Cooperate with VA’
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 25, 2021) – Alarmed by a report that 35 state veterans homes across the country have not shared coronavirus data with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the head of the nation’s largest veterans organization called on the facilities to “obey the law.”
“A federal law requires VA to post information about coronavirus cases and deaths that occur at state-run veteran homes,” National Commander of The American Legion James W. “Bill” Oxford explained. “Stars & Stripes reported that 35 of 158 state veterans homes have not provided the data that VA requires. This is completely unacceptable. In June, I spoke about the tragic deaths that occurred at the state home in Holyoke, Massachusetts due to the comingling of coronavirus patients with asymptomatic residents and personal protective equipment shortages. VA doesn’t run state homes but the department plays an important oversight role. In order to assist these facilities and prevent similar tragedies, these state facilities must be transparent and share the data with VA and the public. Veterans and their loved ones need assurances that their homes have the resources that are needed and are following appropriate protocols to keep all residents safe.”
Oxford added that 123 state veterans homes are reporting the information to VA but that it is not good enough. “A veteran is a veteran no matter where he or she lives,” he said. “The American Legion believes every facility that claims to serve veterans must be top-notch. We expect full compliance with the law.”
Weekly Reports February 18, 2021
Weekly Reports February 11, 2021
The American Legion Congratulates VA Secretary Largest VSO Offers Support in Serving Veterans
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 8, 2021) –The nation’s pre-eminent veterans organization congratulated Denis McDonough for his confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as the 11th secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The honor given to you today is matched by the solemn obligation that we all have in fulfilling Lincoln’s promise to ‘care for him who shall have borne the battle’ and to equally advocate for women veterans and the families of all who have served as well,” The American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “There are many great challenges today facing America’s veterans. Whether it’s the efficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccines or legislation addressing toxic exposures, the VA will always find an informed and eager ally in The American Legion. Though we have and will continue to confront VA policies when we believe they fall short, The American Legion also believes that VA is a system worth preserving for America’s veterans. Congratulations, Secretary McDonough. The American Legion is rooting for your success in enhancing the quality of life for America’s veterans.”
Resolution No. 35 – Insurance Requirements
On October 14-15, 2020, the National Executive Committee adopted Resolution No. 35, titled “Insurance Requirements”.
Resolution No. 35 specifies additional insurance requirements for EVERY POST of The American Legion. It is anticipated that the additional requirements regarding Department will also take effect in the near future and it is recommended that each post consider this when contacting your insurance agents.
Click below to download a copy of Resolution 35 – Insurance Requirements, a memo published by the National Judge Advocate, a copy of the December Florida Legion Link Article submitted by the Department Judge Advocate, and a Certificate of Liability Insurance Example. These documents will provide additional information related to the resolution and answer most of your questions.
Please direct any questions regarding the insurance requirements to Department Judge Advocate Clarence Hill at Judgeadvocate@legionmail.org.
Children & Youth Call for Help
Post Commanders/Adjutants,
Your help is needed. As you are aware, our two fundraisers for 2020 were cancelled due to the pandemic. Because of this we were only able to raise a small amount of funds (donations) to help the youth of Florida. Also, due to the pandemic, there are more youth and families with children that are in need of our assistance.
This year, due to the S.A.L. holding a golf tournament on the date that we were to hold our Department of Florida Children & Youth golf tournament and their proceeds going to C.O.T.A., we only have our Children & Youth Picnic and Coin sales to provide the necessary donations needed for the Children & Youth Programs. Therefore, this is a plea to all of our Posts for help. We need all of our Posts to participate in the Annual Children & Youth Picnic that is being held at Post 1 in Titusville, on April 3, 2021.
How can you participate? You can participate by attending the picnic, enjoying a great lunch and comradery. You can also help by sending or bringing a basket of cheer or other items that can be raffled off. Posts that cannot attend or send a basket, please consider sending in a check for $100 to $500. With nearly 300 Posts in Florida, we should have a successful year and make up for some of last year’s loss. (Make checks payable to Dept. of Florida American Legion. In the memo put Children & Youth Picnic and mail to the address below.
Thank you in advance for your participation and remember, the Fourth Pillar of The American Legion is CHILDREN AND YOUTH.
Oratorical Competition COVID Notice
Due to current health guidelines, we will be conducting the Department contest with only contestants, their parents/guardians, and the bare minimum of volunteers necessary to run the competition to allow for social distancing.
Unfortunately, this means we are unable to invite prestigious guests, Legion family members and friends to attend as normal. Videos of each contestant’s prepared speech and assigned topic oration will be available on the Department of Florida’s website after the completion of the National Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis, IN April 9-11, 2021/
Assisting with COVID-19 vaccine effort ‘a no-brainer’ for Florida Legion post
Fortunately, also located in nearby Lady Lake is the world’s largest American Legion post, Veterans Memorial Post 347. With both a large meeting room and parking lot, the post looked like a perfect location for the clinic to expand its vaccination operation.
So the clinic reached out to the post, which spent little time debating how to respond.
“To us, this was a no-brainer. Not one member of the executive committee said no when we brought it to them,” Post 347 First Commander Joan Suelter said. “The (Villages Outpatient Clinic) is a good-sized facility, but in order to handle the vaccine, they would have to shut down other portions of the medical portion of it. They do MRIs up there, bloodwork, for all our veterans. So some of those services would have to have been curtailed. And parking is very limited up there.”
By chance, Suelter said she was approached in Post 347’s parking lot by Dr. Brian Pinkston, The Villages Chief Medical Officer and a member of Post 347, about the clinic’s shortage of space for the vaccinations. Suelter immediately reached out to Post Commander Al Varrone, a member of The American Legion’s National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission, and Post Adjutant Mike Seidel to let them know about Pinkston’s dilemma and a possible solution.
“Al jumped all over it,” Suelter said. “The train left the station immediately when Al got it. He’s been the runner of this program, and I’ve been backing him up 100 percent because I believe in what we’re doing.”
Via VA press release, Pinkston said joining up with Post 347 “began out of necessity. Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, our capacity inside the clinic has been reduced to allow for social distancing, which has created some new challenges for us.”
With both a meeting room encompassing thousands of square feet, as well as a parking lot large enough to serve as the starting point for hundreds of motorcycles on the 2019 American Legion Legacy Run, Post 347 was a perfect fit for VA.
“Collaboration with our community partners allows us to remain agile, receptive, and relevant to the veterans we serve across our catchment area,” Florida/South Georgia Health System Director Thomas Wisnieski said via press release. “We are very fortunate to be partnering with American Legion Post 347.”
VA staff came to set up Post 347 for the vaccination effort, working through the logistics of social distancing protocols. Post leadership met with VA staff via phone calls and Zoom meetings to work out the details.
The first batch of 80 vaccines were distributed on Jan. 28 at the post. Suelter said the hope was for two more vaccination sessions Feb. 4 and 5 before possibly transitioning to daily, including Saturdays, provided there are enough vaccines.
“This is one of our Four Pillars,” Suelter said. “And the relationship we have with (VA staff) is unbelievable. What better way for us to take care of veterans but through this program? This is exciting stuff.”
While Post 347 is serving as a vaccine site, two Missouri American Legion posts have opened up their facilities to provide COVID-19 testing.
Starting Feb. 1, American Legion Post 397 in Creve Coeur, Mo., will be a testing site for a collaboration between Visit Healthcare and the Kaufman Fund. The site will be open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All forms of insurance are accepted, but uninsured individuals will be accepted and tested at no charge. No appointment is necessary but it is recommended to sign up in advance at visithealthcare.com.
And Roscoe Enloe Post 5 in Jefferson City, Mo., is providing free testing through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Cole County. Testing dates are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 17, March 3 and March 19. To register for testing, visit health.mo.gov/communitytest or call (919) 351-6256.
What veterans need to know about getting vaccine from VA
According to VA, the phased plan will enable it “to do the most good for the most people” during this time.
Under the current plan, VA health-care personnel, veterans living in VA long-term care facilities and veterans who are at higher risk for serious complications or death due to COVID-19 are able to get their vaccines now. These high-risk veterans include those with chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, in-patient spinal cord injuries and disorders, and those with comorbidities. Additionally, family caregivers who are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible for vaccination when the veteran they care for becomes eligible, according to VA.
For more information and to determine if you’re eligible to receive your COVID-19 vaccine from VA, visit this web page. Additionally, veterans can find their local VA health facility and its current plan by visiting this VA page.
Due to a larger percentage of high-risk patients within the VA health-care system compared to the general public, it may take longer for veterans not at an increased risk to receive their vaccine. In some instances, it may be faster for a veteran to receive a vaccine through their state rather than through VA. You can find information on your state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan here.
“The American Legion has the utmost confidence in VA to balance the vaccine rollout, while prioritizing the most vulnerable veterans and health-care providers,” said Mario Marquez, director of The American Legion’s Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. “VA has assured us they will provide this balance with site-specific resources, needs, availability and local status of the pandemic.”
In order to be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through VA, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health-care system. However, veterans attempting to enroll in VA health care for the first time who fall into category 8g, will not be eligible for the vaccine as they are also not currently eligible for VA health care. This is due to a VA change in policy from 2003 which removed 8g eligibility as these veterans do not have a service-connected disability and their income exceeds the allotted amount to qualify for VA coverage.
The American Legion supports 8g reintegration into VA health care. At the 2016 National Convention, the National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 2 that called for the reinstatement by VA.
“The American Legion stands behind providing access to VA health care to veterans regardless of their economic status,” Jeff Steele, an associate in the National Legislative Division, told the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on Dec. 2, 2020.
The American Legion is also on record in recent testimony, supporting legislation that calls for standing up a bipartisan commission on veterans health-care eligibility and benefits design.
As more vaccines become available, VA plans to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans receiving VA health care who want one. If you are a veteran who is not currently enrolled or receiving health care through VA, visit this web page to apply.
For additional information, contact an American Legion service officer who is specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. To find a service officer near you click here.
Weekly Reports February 4, 2021
Jackpot: Joe Gruters wants bigger payouts for Florida bingo players
Legislation could also allow digital games to be played.
By Jacob Ogleson, January 27, 2021 – The winnings for bingo could soon grow bigger in Florida. And also, playing bingo online is now doable by just using your phone! yes! you read that right! you can now play your favorite bingo using your handphone.
Sen. Joe Gruters filed legislation Tuesday to hike the cap on instant bingo prizes. The bill (SB 840) would also establish regulations for electronic bingo cards in Florida.
As far as winnings go, Florida statute now allows for authorized bingo games with no more than 4,000 instant bingo tickets, with the predetermined prize payout being at least 65% of the total receipts. So if a full 4,000 tickets were sold for $1 a piece, the payout would typically be $2,600 for the winner. Are you a fan of online bingo games? Checkout the top ten bingo you can play now, never miss a chance to get high starting bonus.
Gruters’ bill would hike the cap on tickets to 25,000. That means the payout if that many tickets were sold for $1 would be at least $16,250.
That helps demonstrate how bingo, while considered a low-grade level of gambling loved by fixed-income retirees, could become a more high-stakes game.
The legislation also allows for technological modernization of bingo in Florida, including the use of electronic displays as opposed to physical placards and tickets. The bill as written includes rules to ensure only certified, independently analyzed software can be used to ensure games aren’t fixed.
“This bill updates and modernizes Florida’s bingo law to help our struggling veteran and fraternal organizations raise much needed donations so that they can continue their charitable missions in our communities,” Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, said.
State law only allows charitable organizations, veterans’ groups and nonprofit organizations that have qualified for 501(c) tax exemptions to operate bingo games. Gruters’ bill doesn’t change that.
It does make clear a number of restrictions on who can operate games, including in electronic form, prohibit those who have been convicted of fraud or who were ever a member of an illegal gambling ring from running a bingo game.
It also sets rules on bingo software, an important facet once games can be played electronically. If you want to play at a trusted website, we recommend you to visit 해외축구갤러리.
There has not yet been any companion legislation filed in the House for Gruters’ bill.
Source: Jackpot: Joe Gruters wants bigger payouts for Florida bingo players (floridapolitics.com)
Weekly Reports January 28, 2021
Mission Blue Post Assistance Grant Program
The American Legion National Headquarters has launched the “MISSION BLUE POST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT PROGRAM” which is an opportunity for Posts to receive a $1,000 grant from National HQ.
Grant monies to be used towards:
- Mortgage or Rent
- Utilities
- Insurance Premiums
What the Grant is NOT to be used for:
- Payroll
- Funding Post Projects or Programs
- Taxes/Fines/Fees
- Lost Revenue
- Repairs to Post
- Funding Post
Qualifying criteria:
- 2020 CPR Submitted
- IRS 990 is current
- Florida Secretary of State Business Filing is up to date
- Financial Need
- Insurance Declaration Page showing Department and National listed as an additional insured/rider to policy
- The American Legion (dba) American Legion National Headquarters
- The American Legion Department of Florida, Inc.
- Department Adjutant Review and Signature
The Department will review the information from the appropriate agency listed above. We will also verify CPR and Post Certification of Officer forms at Department HQ. The Post is expected to ensure all the information is current and on file or, provide a copy when submitting the application to Department HQ.