The Constitution and By-Laws Review Committee, established by the authority of the Department Executive Committee on July 4, 2021. This committee is tasked with reviewing Florida’s Department Constitution and By-Laws for recommended changes.
Members: PDC Gene Smith (Chairman), PNC Clarence Hill, NEC Dennis Boland, Dept. JA Bob Jaegers, PDC Jay Conti, Sr., Kurt Gies, Cherie Korn, Bob Sussan
Others: Dept Commander Jerry Brandt, Dept Adjutant Bruce Comer
Formal American Legion meeting normally include a reference to U.S. servicemembers either consider prisoners of war or missing in action, as noted in Resolution 288.
And they should, says Atlantic Beach, Fla., Post 316 Commander Denny Luke. But the American Legion Rider also believes the POW/MIA issue needs to be shared outside of The American Legion community as often as possible.
That’s why Luke helped organize the Florida American Legion Riders’ first POW/MIA Remembrance Ride on Sept. 18, one day after National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Around 160 motorcycles and more than 200 participants took part in the ride.
Referencing the POW/MIA table and flag “is kind of like preaching to the choir,” Luke said. “But a lot of the general public doesn’t even know there’s a national POW/MIA Recognition Day. So I said ‘let’s take it out into the streets and just try to get it publicized.’ So there’s what we did.”
Two years ago during a state ALR leadership meeting, it was discussed riding to Andersonville, the former site of the Camp Sumter military prison – one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War – to observe POW/MIA Recognition Day. At that time Luke pointed out that a POW/MIA memorial was being built at the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville, so the decision was made to ride there instead.
“I stood up and said ‘why do we want to go out of state when we can stay in-state and promote the ride for the state of Florida,’” said Luke, who previously served as Florida’s District 5 ALR chairman. “The response was overwhelming. Everyone there said ‘absolutely.’”
The pandemic pushed the ride back to 2021; planning started around nine months ago and included promoting the ride via social media, traditional media and by reaching out to department districts throughout the state; and working with local law enforcement and staff at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum.
Costs were covered by the Department of Florida’s ALR, but Department ALR Chairman Jim Wineland credited Luke with making the ride the success it was. “(Luke) gets 99 percent of the credit,” he said. “He’s the one that went out and beat all the bushes. He’s the one that jumped over the political fences to get this all together.”
The ride was able to coincide with Jacksonville’s POW/MIA ceremony and started at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall, traveling over the city’s seven bridges and crossing the St. Johns River before ending at the National POW/MIA Memorial near the Chapel of the High Speed Pass at the former Cecil Field.
Wineland said the goal of the ride was to keep the POW/MIA issue in the minds of the nation. “We don’t want it to get lost. We don’t it to be forgotten,” he said. “The only way you can keep it going is to keep it in front of people. We figured this was the best way to do it.
“There are a lot of people out there who don’t have closure with one of their relatives. We can just never forget what this all means.”
Hundreds of photos and videos of the ride were shared on social media. Click here to watch a video of the ride and here to see more photos.
“We had a wonderful event. Everyone had a good time,” Luke said. “Next year we hope to get it publicized a little bit more and double our attendance. We want to make this a premiere Southeast USA event.”
[foogallery id=”34309″]By a joint resolution approved Dec. 18, 2001, Public Law 107-89 designates Sept. 11 as “Patriot Day” and requests the United States president issue a proclamation each year calling for display of the United States flag at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year Patriot Day is observed on Saturday, Sept. 11, marking the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
A section of the law is below:
”§ 144. Patriot Day”(a) DESIGNATION.-September 11 is Patriot Day.”(b) PROCLAMATION.-The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on-
(1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;
(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and’
(3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.”
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
*CORRECTED QUOTAS WILL CHANGE SOME POSTS SLIGHTLY ONCE RECEIVED FROM NATIONAL. YOUR 2022 QUOTA IS YOUR FINAL TOTAL CARDS FROM LAST YEAR PLUS 3% (ROUNDED UP).
*SAL reports are not available at this time.
National Commander
Vice Commanders
PHOENIX (Sept. 2, 2021) – Paul E. Dillard was elected national commander of the nearly two-million member American Legion today in Phoenix, during the organization’s 102nd national convention. He first joined the nation’s largest veterans organization in 1969.
A native Texan, Dillard graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1965 before joining the U.S. Navy and serving in Vietnam through four campaigns including the Tet offensive. He later received an honorable discharge as a radarman second class petty officer from the Navy Reserve before attending Grayson County Junior College and East Texas State University.
Dillard worked several years in the manufacturing business as an Engineer, Plant Manager and Director of Manufacturing in Tennessee. Upon returning to Texas, he accepted a sales representative position with Sherman Foundry and became its airplane pilot. A career change was made when he and his wife, Donna, began their family and he entered into the insurance business specializing in Employee Benefits and later forming Dillard & Gann Insurance.
As a paid-up-for-life member of Post 265, Lake Kiowa, Texas, Dillard served as post commander, vice commander, adjutant and judge advocate. He coached American Legion Baseball for more than 10 years and served as his post’s Boys State chairman.
He served the 4th District as commander and vice commander and served the department as sergeant-at-arms, Membership & Organization chairman, National Security chairman, Uniformed Organization chairman, Board of Trustees chairman, and he served on the Finance Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee. He was elected as Department of Texas (state) commander in 2007. His theme as national commander is “No Veteran Left Behind.”
On the national level, Paul has served as Alternate National Executive Committeeman, consultant to the Insurance Committee, Distinguished Guest Committee, Children and Youth Committee, Media and Communications Council. He has served as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, chairman of the Veterans Employment & Education Commission and chairman of the Legislative Commission. He was elected as national vice commander in 2013.
He married Donna in 1983. They have two sons, William and his wife Allison, and Jonathon and his wife Karri and two grandsons Jarrett and Lukas. All are members of the American Legion Family. Donna has been an active and dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary for several years and has served in numerous positions of leadership at all levels of the organization, including department president in 2017 – 2018.
National awards Florida with the J O’Connor Americanism Trophy, The Garland D. Murphy Jr. Award, and the U.S. “Udie” Grant Legacy Award.
National wars Florida with the “Culture of Growth Award” for our exemplary efforts in developing and implementing strategies to increase membership within our Department.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Have you seen Manuel “Scott” Romero? His family is looking for him.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
*Final reports for 2020-2021 membership year.
*SAL reports are not available at this time.
Virtual Through Microsoft Teams
July 26-29, 2021
Growing and Retaining Membership
MONDAY, July 26, 2021
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Monday, July 26, 2021
TUESDAY, July 27, 2021
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Tuesday, July 27, 2021
WEDNESDAY, July 28, 2021
3:00 PM – 5 PM
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Wednesday, July 28, 2021
THURSDAY, July 29, 2021
3:00 – 5 PM
ATTENDEE LINK: NMW Thursday, July 29, 2021
