(INDIANAPOLIS, January 6, 2021) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization unequivocally condemned today’s attacks on the U.S. Capitol and called for law and order to be quickly restored in Washington.
“The Capitol is the people’s house. An attack on the Capitol is an attack on all of us,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “Just as The American Legion has condemned prior attacks and riots in other cities, we condemn it here. Regardless of whether the violence is inflicted by right-leaning groups, left-leaning groups or unaffiliated civilians, it is never acceptable. This is not how we do things in America. We believe in civil discourse to resolve our differences. The entire American Legion Family proudly stands with the law enforcement officers and National Guard members who are risking their lives to restore safety.”
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander, Richard “Dick” W. Little, of Tampa, Florida at the age of 88 on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Dick is survived by his wife, Louise. 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.
Dick was a U.S. Navy Korean War Era Veteran and a member of Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138, Port Tampa, FL with 35 continuous years of membership. Dick serviced as Department Blood Donor Chairman (2005-07), 15th District Commander (2000-01, 2004-05 & 2017-18) and Central Area Commander.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Louise Little, at 4851 W. Gandy Blvd., Lot B218, Tampa, FL 33611.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John A. Burroughs, of Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 86 on Friday, December 25, 2020. Burial will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Beaches Memorial Park Cemetery, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach, Florida.
John was a U.S. Air Force Korean War Era Veteran and a member of Ocean Beaches American Legion Post 129, Jacksonville, FL with 40 continuous years of membership. John serviced as Post Commander (1999), 5th District Commander (2002/03), Department Children & Youth Chairman (2005-06) and Department Sgt-at-Arms (2007-09).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
(WASHINGTON—December 23, 2020) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans’ organization called for Congress to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act.
“The American Legion is disappointed that the president vetoed this important legislation, which would benefit our current servicemembers and veterans of previous generations,” James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion said. “The NDAA passed with overwhelming support because Democrats and Republicans agree that it is good for America. The virtues of the NDAA have not changed since the president’s veto. We ask Congress to use the powers granted to it by the U.S. Constitution and override the president’s veto. Our troops deserve a pay raise and our Vietnam veterans continue to suffer the ill-effects of Agent Orange. The NDAA addresses these issues and much more.”
(WASHINGTON—December 23, 2020) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans’ organization called for Congress to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act.
“The American Legion is disappointed that the president vetoed this important legislation, which would benefit our current servicemembers and veterans of previous generations,” James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion said. “The NDAA passed with overwhelming support because Democrats and Republicans agree that it is good for America. The virtues of the NDAA have not changed since the president’s veto. We ask Congress to use the powers granted to it by the U.S. Constitution and override the president’s veto. Our troops deserve a pay raise and our Vietnam veterans continue to suffer the ill-effects of Agent Orange. The NDAA addresses these issues and much more.”
(INDIANAPOLIS, December 12, 2020) — In February, American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford called on Congress to investigate allegations that senior leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to retaliate against a veteran for reporting a sexual assault at the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, the VA’s Inspector General reported that VA leadership did not follow up or ensure the medical center had been implementing VA’s anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault efforts. Oxford issued the following statement concerning the findings of the IG:
“The American Legion has long supported legislation that brings accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs. We have also called for the equal and respectful treatment of women veterans. It is unfair to expect accountability from the nearly 400,000 VA employees and not demand the same from its top executive. It is clear that Secretary Robert Wilkie failed to meet the standard that the veteran who came forward with the complaint deserved. VA’s own website includes a pledge to Stand Up to Stop Harassment Now! The document states that VA is ‘committed to a harassment-free health care environment for everyone and will not tolerate harassment of any kind.’ Clearly, that did not occur in this case. During one of my visits to a VA hospital, I was asked to sign the same pledge and gladly did so. By the promises set forth by his own department, The American Legion believes Secretary Wilkie should resign. Wilkie’s top lieutenants Pam Powers, James Hutton and Curt Cashour should also step down because of their roles in this violation of trust.”
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Michael Patrick Wolohan, Sr. (Mike), 73 of Ormond Beach, Florida on Friday, November 27, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Mike served 26 years in the U.S. Navy as a Petty officer first class and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a member of American Legion Post 267 in Ormond Beach with 53 continuous years of service. Mike served as Post Commander for 5 years, District Commander for 3 years, and Northern Area Commander for 1 year. He earned an Associate degree with a focus in American Sign Language.
Mike was survived by his loving wife Annetta Wolohan of Ormond Beach, sister Joanna Talbert and husband Gary of Mechanicsville, MD, sister Jeanne Lambert of Silver Spring, MD, brother Matthew Wolohan and wife Di of Northport, WA., step-sisters Lois Hoover of Washington, DC and Carol Hoover of San Anselmo, CA, daughter Kelli Mose and husband Paul of Smithsburg, MD, daughter Sarah Ford and husband LCDR Jeremiah of Bluffton, SC, son Michael P. Wolohan, Jr. and girlfriend Phyllis of Gainesville, Va., step-son Jonathan Litmer and wife Christen of Indianapolis, IN, stepdaughter Andrea Papsidero and husband Vincent of N. Tonawanda, NY. Mike is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and several extended family members.
(WASHINGTON—December 9, 2020) – The head of the nation’s largest veteran’s organization called for the White House and Senate to reach an agreement on the proposed National Defense Authorization Act, which contains many provisions that The American Legion strongly supports. The House of Representatives passed the NDAA last night with a veto-proof majority.
“There are many items in the proposed legislation which would improve the quality of life not just for our military members, but for our Vietnam veterans as well,” James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion said. “Moreover, we hope that President Trump agrees that an issue as important as liability for social media companies is important enough to debate on its own merits and should not be part of the NDAA.”
Oxford singled out the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act as “a life-changing provision that is included in the NDAA which will benefit more than 34,000 Vietnam veterans and their families.” The amendment, secured by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., would add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism to the list of service-connected presumptions associated with Agent Orange exposure.
“Additionally, the defense bill increases troop strength and includes a 3 percent pay raise which our military members certainly deserve,” Oxford added. “The American Legion has always advocated for a strong national defense and quality care for our country’s veterans. We believe that the NDAA goes a long way toward strengthening America.”
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.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander, Richard “Dick” W. Little, of Tampa, Florida at the age of 88 on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Dick is survived by his wife, Louise. 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.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John A. Burroughs, of Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 86 on Friday, December 25, 2020. Burial will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Beaches Memorial Park Cemetery, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach, Florida.
