With a heavy heart, I announce my formal resignation as your Department Adjutant for the Department of Florida American Legion effective July 2, 2021. After 14 years in this role, I feel it is the right time to move aside and allow younger veterans to steer us toward the future.
I am proud of the work we have done together to refocus our energies on our veterans by creating Project Vet Relief, the American Legion License plate, and now the medical program for our families.
Thanks to the passion of our incredible team of dedicated and talented Department Staff, Legion Family Members, our committed DEC, and the hundreds of volunteers in local American Legion Posts, we are taking giant leaps together to grow a powerful Florida Legion that is rededicated to service at the individual, community, and state level.
will always love Florida Legion and all of you who have touched my heart. I look forward to working side by side with you as a volunteer to accomplish this first great mission of our second one hundred years of service.
Commander Rick Johnson is appointing a Search Committee for screening and recommending to the Department Executive a candidate for the position of Department Adjutant. Individuals interested in submitting a resume, please see the attached job posting for qualification requirements and details on how to submit.
(INDIANAPOLIS—December 8, 2020) – American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement today concerning the death of legendary pilot Chuck Yeager:
“America lost a great veteran last night but heaven gained a great pilot. Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager was as brave as he was fast. He was not only the first to break the sound barrier but he was a World War II fighter ace. The one-time private in the Army Air Forces lived to see the creation of the U.S. Space Force. The history of America’s aviation success simply could not be told without including significant space to Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, one of the greatest pilots that ever lived. We extend our condolences to his family. He was a real American hero.”
As we prepare to give Thanks this week, I would like to say, “Thanks for your Giving”. You have given of yourself, sacrificed, and pushed forward to leave a legacy of a safer and greater America. Even in these troubled and uncertain times, your hard work, determination, and dedication have helped us to navigate these unchartered territories.
Despite the difficulties that lie ahead, we have so much to be thankful for. However, The American Legion, Department of Florida is most thankful for YOU. We want you to know how much you are appreciated as a member of our American Legion, Department of Florida Family and how much we value YOU. Without your support, your countless volunteer hours, and your donations, thousands of veterans and their families across the state would continue to suffer. Through your selflessness, you have made an impact! But we still have a long journey ahead and promise you that we will continue to charge forward.
A few things to think about these next couple of weeks:
The week of November 22-28, 2020 is National Family Week, a week meant to promote, encourage, and celebrate healthy families and communities.
Florida Flag & Emblem Salesis having a large sale with up to 80% off through the month of December and offering free shipping November 24-30, 2020. All profits earned stay with the Department of Florida, in support of our Florida Veterans and programs.
Our Holiday Blood Drive begins November 26 – December 31, 2020. Take this time to give a gift that will save a life. Posts, remember to schedule your own blood drives and encourage others to participate.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020, is also known as #GivingTuesday. The Department of Florida will be running an online fundraising campaign. Please consider donating and sharing the page with your friends and families.
Again, “Thanks for your Giving”. My wife and I would like to wish you a wonderful, safe, and bountiful holiday with your family and loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
With Gratitude,
William “Rick” Johnson Department of Florida Commander
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) fulfills its mission of “providing benefits and services to Veterans, their families, and survivors in a responsive, timely, and compassionate manner in recognition of their service to the Nation.”
Due to the pandemic, VBA discontinued all in-person disability exams on April 3, 2020. The exams allow VBA to determine the severity of veterans’ service-related illnesses or injuries, which in turn determines the monthly benefits VBA pays disabled veterans. To continue
providing some exams, VBA relied on telemental health and reviews of acceptable clinical evidence (ACE).
ACE exams are based on a review of medical records and history without an in-person clinical exam or testing but may include a telephone or video interview.
The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to assess
How VBA scheduled and conducted exams during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit veterans’ exposure, minimize claims-processing delays, and ensure claims are not prematurely denied due to missed or canceled in-person exams; and
VBA’s strategy for addressing the inventory of disability exams delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posts across the country step up veteran-to-veteran outreach to support those at high risk around Veterans Day
INDIANAPOLIS (October 29, 2020) — As COVID-19 cases rise and the holidays approach, The American Legion is activating its Buddy Check program to save veteran lives through peer support check-in calls. The nation’s largest veterans organization is also urging Congress to pass the Buddy Check Bill which will make wellness checks a national priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs. With military suicides up 20% over this time last year, Legionnaires will make thousands of check-in calls to at-risk veterans across the nation, to offer support and access to health and wellness programs in the week surrounding Veterans Day and into the weeks ahead.
“The American Legion knows from 100 years of experience that it’s veteran-to-veteran contact that can make the difference for someone in a crisis situation,” says James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “So, we’re putting some muscle behind this effort and giving our members the tools they need to reach out to fellow veterans in their hometowns who may be hard hit by the triple whammy of the pandemic, isolation and the holidays.”
The American Legion is also urging Congress to unanimously pass the Buddy Check Bill introduced with bi-partisan support from Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Doug Jones, D-Ala.; and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. The legislation will require VA to establish a “Buddy Check Week,” as well as provide educational opportunities, materials and references for veterans to learn how to conduct personal wellness checks. The bill also compels VA to expand resources for the Veterans Crisis Line to handle any potential increased volume during the designated week.
“Veterans are in crisis, and we need Congress’ help to take this program to the next level and stem the tide of suicide among our nation’s veterans,” Oxford said. “We need all hands on deck and all boots on the ground to fight for our nation’s veterans, just like they fought for us.”
The Buddy Check program encourages Legionnaires to make contact, lend a listening ear, and direct their peers to critical services. For Buddy Check information, visit legion.org/buddycheck. For urgent help, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.
Carlos Solis is a friend of The American Legion, Department of Florida, and we are proud to introduce you to his new single written and sung by Solis. We hope that you enjoy and will share with other Patriots.
Genre:
Jazz, Big Band, Swing, Bossanova, Pop,, Latin Jazz
Members:
Carlos Solis – Acoustic Guitar/Singer Songwriter, Richard Bravo – Drums, Jackson King – Keyboard/Vocals, Charlie Santiago – Percussion, Michael Levine – Piano, Pedro Navarro – Electric Guitar, Camilo Valencia – Saxophone/Ewi, Jorge Dobal – Horns/Trombone, Julio Diaz – Horns/Trumpet
About Carlos Solis
Born in Havana Cuba, Carlos Solis arrived in Miami with his family in 1961 at the age of 6 fleeing the Communist regime in his home country. He grew up in the Little Havana area of Miami, in a very rough neighborhood and went to five different schools. Things changed for him through music and the influence of several police officers. He started writing playing and recorded at several studios in Miami and also appeared on several TV Shows. In 1977 he married and decided to put down the guitar, go to work and try to start his own business. They wound up owning several successful businesses. In 2007 his wife Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer. They sold their business and he stayed with her 24/7. They purchased an RV and did some traveling to keep her in good spirits as she was going through surgery, chemo and radiation. This inspired him to start writing again and he reunited with some old friends, most Grammy and Emmy winners. The main song on the first CD he wrote for her is called “You’re Not Alone”. The second CD Sailing was released and Pandora gave him his own station the Solisbravo band radio.
His new single USA was written for the love and appreciation he has for this country.
David C Miller | USMC | Disabled Vietnam | Combat Veteran | American Legion Hospital Representative Bay Pines VAMC | National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Council for Florida
Congratulations to Dave Miller on his special recognition from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on October 3, 2020. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented Miller with a certificate in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to his Neighborhood Watch Community.
Miller was very concerned about the youth and elderly in his community, especially with recent storms, the COVID pandemic and rising crime rates. Being a man of action, Miller enlisted a few veterans to start patrolling the neighborhood, exchanging contact information among them, and partnering with the local Sheriff’s Department to perform safety checks during the night.
Miller went a step further by also setting up protocols for those who may need medical assistance or help obtaining food and supplies or even getting to stores. Miller says, “it’s almost like our buddy system in the military when I served in the United States Marine Corps.”
Miller and residents of his neighborhood can now relax with more confidence that they are prepared for any disastrous events, emergencies, or social injustices.
Miller has been helping veterans at the VA and in his community for more than thirty years. “I took an OATH in the military to protect my Country from ALL ENEMIES both FOREIGN and DOMESTIC as long as I live. God Bless our Country and ALL Americans”, states Miller.
Congratulations, Dave Miller, we thank you for your continued service and dedication. You are a shining example among us.
Congratulations to Department Historian, Edward Lewis, for winning first place in the 2020 contest of The American Media Alliance, in the “Visual Media Campaign-Department” category.
Lewis was selected out of nearly 100 entries in this year’s contest. Judging was initially set to take place at the National Spring Meetings, National Convention or Fall Meetings, but with the current pandemic, National Headquarters staff served as judges, approved by a three-member TALMA task force and by the full commission at the last virtual commission meet.
It is with great sadness as we mourn the loss of our brother and friend, Ernie Florig. Ernie played a vital role in The America Legion, Department of Florida 5th District for many years and for that we are forever grateful and will never forget his faithful service and sacrifice.
VIEWING:
October 13, 2020 – 6-8pm at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, 3600 3rd St S Jacksonville Beach, FL (904) 249-1100
FUNERAL MASS:
October 14, 2020 – 11am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church located at 435 1st Ave N Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (904) 249-2600
INTERMENT:
Interment Ceremony 1:30pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery – 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL (904) 766-5222
The American Legion, Department of Florida is please to offer an online Post Service Officer course on Friday, October 30, 2020, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The class is a one (1) day course, to be held through Zoom, led by qualified instructors from The American Legion and Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
To attend, you must pre-register, no later than Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The course has limited availability, and attendance is free of charge, to those interested in becoming a Post Service Officer.
This is one in a series of virtual courses being held by the Department of Florida, please follow us at facebook.com/floridalegion and visit our website at floridalegion.org to stay informed.
