(INDIANAPOLIS—December 5, 2021) – American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole:
“Today we not only lost a great Legionnaire, but America has lost an iconic statesman and tireless veterans advocate. Bob Dole distinguished himself in combat long before becoming one of the most respected voices in Congress. His leadership and determination led to the construction and dedication of the National World War II Memorial. America is a better country as a result of this great patriot’s service. The American Legion was proud to present Sen. Dole with our organization’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal in 1997. Our condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, his family and many friends.”
As a presidential candidate in 1996, Dole presented a U.S. Flag to The American Legion as he addressed delegates at the 78th National Convention of The American Legion. “On this past Memorial Day, when I knew I might be leaving the Senate, I asked that about a half dozen flags be flown over the Capitol of the United States in honor of the men and women of The American Legion,” Dole said. “After flying over one of America’s landmarks of freedom, I can’t imagine a better place for it to fly than over another landmark of freedom – The American Legion National Headquarters.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2021 is Veterans Day.
The American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard sent a letter today to the leaders of Congress calling for greater access for constituents to visit their elected senators and representatives.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Department National Cemetery Chairman Jack F. Stanley of Daytona Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Eileen. 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.
Jack was a U.S. Navy Korean War Era Veteran. He was a member of Holly Hill Post 120 with 38 continuous years of membership. Jack served as Department National Cemetery Chairman for 7 years (2013-17 & 2018-21).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Eileen Stanley, at 276 Gala Cir., Daytona Beach, FL 32124-2012.
As a mark of respect upon the death of former U.S. Secretary of State General Colin L. Powell and his life of service to our nation, the White House has directed that the United States flag shall be flown at half-staff until sunset Oct. 22, 2021.
(INDIANAPOLIS—October 18, 2021) – American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard expressed condolences today concerning the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Powell was recognized by The American Legion in 1993, with the organization’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Powell addressed delegates at the 72nd National Convention of The American Legion in 1990.
“While our values have nurtured us, our power has protected us,” Powell told The American Legion. “Purpose and power, it’s an unbeatable combination, one that fascism could not destroy, one that communism could not defeat, one that has always been ready to meet aggression.”
Dillard added today that Powell’s leadership will be missed. “Colin Powell was not only a general, but a statesman and leader in every sense. He was a groundbreaker in so many ways,” Dillard said. “Not only was he the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but he was also America’s National Security Advisor as the Cold War ended. He served with distinction in Republican and Democratic administrations. We extend our condolences to his family and many friends. America is better because of his service.”
The American Legion, Department of Florida is pleased to announce two raffles that are currently underway. We hope that you will show your support in participating for your chance to win $$$.
The “Veterans United Raffle” is Department’s annual Fall raffle, where you have an opportunity to win a grand prize of $10,000 or smaller prizes. Tickets are available online at www.floridalegion.org/enter. No purchase is necessary to enter, donations are always appreciated but not required. All proceeds will go towards sponsoring the Department of Florida for things like our outreach and numerous programs.
Additionally, we are excited to share with you a new opportunity, “Holiday Raffle”, an ambitious fundraising program designed to help our Posts and the Department of Florida meet fundraising objectives to better serve Veterans across the state. Posts may purchase tickets in advance to sell to their veteran families, as well as the general public. Tickets are a suggetted $5 donation for each, and the post keeps $2for every ticket they sell. The remainder is divided with $2 to Department and $1 to the jackpot. Posts may purchase tickets in advance (for $3/ticket) to sell to their membership, as well as the general public.
The deadline for Posts to pre-purchase tickets is November 26, 2021. After the deadline, the Raffle will be made available to the general public for online purchases. Make sure your Post takes advantage of this excellent fundraising opportunity, while there is still time.
The entire month of December, a winner will be drawn each day to win the jackpot raised since the last drawing. Funds raised from Posts pre-sales, will be divided throughout the entire month to up the ante. There will be 31 DAYS OF WINNERS! Visit www.floridalegion.org/win.
We hope that you will join us in making both raffles a success. The more funds raised, the more we can do to help our veterans and our communities across the state of Florida.
Please contact our Fundraising Director, Jennifer Cooper with any questions at donate@floridalegion.org or 407-295-2631.
Remember, the more tickets purchased the more everyone wins!!!
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Luther “Jay” L. Allen, Jr. of Apollo Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Allen; 2 sons: Owen and Jayson; and three daughters: Raquel, Stephanie and Victoria. 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.
Jay was a U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War Era. He was a member of Ruskin Post 389 with 13 continuous years of membership. Jay served as Post Commander (2012-16 & 2018-21), 15th District Vice Commander (2015-16), 15th District Commander (2016-17), and Central Area Commander (2017-19).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rebecca Allen, at 5340 Clover Mist Dr., Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3421.
Please join the Honor Mission on October 7, 2021
For Korean Veteran PVT Albert Hall, and Vietnam Veteran PFC Emanuel Fluker who will be laid to rest, side-by-side, at 2:30 PM Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL. We will depart from the Christopher Cobb American Legion Post 312, 1610 67th Ave E., Bradenton, FL at 1:30 PM. Albert Hall passed away in May 2021, without family. PFC Fluker passed away September 5, 2021, at the time, he was homeless and had had an unknown family. The community support has been amazing! Mayor Brown, the Department of Florida American Legion, the Sheriff’s Department of Bradenton and Sarasota, Browns & Sons and Groover Funeral Home, and many more, are supporting this mission to honor PVT Hall and PFC Fluker. If you have any questions, please call (402) 431-3307, Sandy Gessler, Historian for Christopher Cobb Memorial American Legion Post 312, Bradenton, FL
With deep regret, we report the passing of Bay Pines VAVS Deputy Rep. Anthony R. Rizzo of Inverness, Florida, who passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the age of 74. Anthony is survived by his wife, Kim; sons: Anthony Rizzo, Jr. and Allan Hernandez; and daughter, Nicey Rizzo. A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Chas E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 S. Florida Ave., Inverness, FL. Following the service, full military honors will be rendered by Inverness VFW Post #4337 Honor Guard.
Anthony was a member of Madeira Beach Post 273 with 27 continuous years of membership. He proudly served his country as a member of the 173rd Airborne Division of the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1970, following his military service, he began a career in law enforcement working at Lake County Sherriff’s Office in Lake County, IN and most recently was a Deputy for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Anthony dedicated much of his life to serving his community and his fellow veterans. He is the former Vice President-Director of the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council VAVS Deputy Representative for the Bay Pines Veterans Administration. He also served as Council Representative for the Veterans Congressional Advisory Council with Gus Bilirakis.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Kim Rizzo, at 975 N. Man O War Dr., Inverness, FL 34453.
The American Legion, Department of Florida is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Department Assistant Adjutant.
The Department Assistant Adjutant is responsible for managing staff and assisting to ensure an efficient, effective, and financially sound management protocol of all aspects of the organization. In addition, the Assistant Adjutant supports the Department Adjutant and must be able to step in when the Adjutant is away from the office or otherwise unavailable.
If you think you have what it takes, please email your resume to rcastleberry@floridalegion.org.
