We’re counting down with our elf, Luther, in his 10 Days of Mischief ❄! Here is a little Holiday 🎄fun to brighten your day! Tune in each day through the 25th for more entertainment. We hope you enjoy! Thank you for supporting our Florida Veterans!
10 Day of Mischief – Day 3
10 Day of Mischief – Day 2 Continued
What do you get when you put a USAF Veteran, USMC Veteran, Army Veteran, and Luther the Elf in the same room together? You get a good laugh!
Enjoy our shorts for a little Holiday Cheer!
The Department of Florida wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please keep our troops and their families in your thoughts this season!
10 Day of Mischief – Day 2
We’re counting down with our elf, Luther, in his 10 Days of Mischief ❄! Here is a little Holiday 🎄fun to brighten your day! Tune in each day through the 25th for more entertainment. We hope you enjoy! Thank you for supporting our Florida Veterans!
10 Day of Mischief – Day 1 Continued
What do you get when you put a USAF Veteran, USMC Veteran, Army Veteran, and Luther the Elf in the same room together? You get a good laugh!
Enjoy our shorts for a little Holiday Cheer!
The Department of Florida wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please keep our troops and their families in your thoughts this season!
10 Day of Mischief – Day 1
We’re counting down with our elf, Luther, in his 10 Days of Mischief ❄! Here is a little Holiday 🎄fun to brighten your day! Tune in each day through the 25th for more entertainment. We hope you enjoy! Thank you for supporting our Florida Veterans!
Weekly Reports December 14, 2023
Weekly Reports December 7, 2023
Wreaths Across America Community Event – Tampa
Saturday, December 16, 2023 – The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 invites the community to its holiday memorial event, Wreaths Across America. This is a family-friendly event to show support for our military’s sacrifices.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. (arrive early for parking and seating) at the American Legion, “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 located at 3810 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33609. Terry Doan (American Legion member) will be presiding over the ceremony under the coordination of Post Commander Chris Man-Son-Hing and Cemetery President Alyse Duffy. All branches of the military will be represented, as well as the remembrance wreaths announcement. Designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA will be placed during the ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 4,000 participating locations across the Country (including Arlington) and abroad.
The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors. Sponsor a wreath for $17.00, any donation will be delivered to Wreaths Across America officials. This can be done on the Post 5 website http://www.post5tampa.org/WreathsAcrossAmerica.html or https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17901/Overview/?relatedId=15625
We hope to be included in your holiday event schedules to make the community aware of this event, which provides a venue for all ages to give thanks for our military’s sacrifices. The significance of the cost our soldiers have come to bear to preserve our freedoms granted will never be forgotten.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization whose mission: Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and abroad. Their mission is to spread the important message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. This event is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding for the project.
For directions or to sponsor a wreath please call (813) 870-0505 or visit www.post5tampa.org
Weekly Reports November 30, 2023
Weekly Reports November 23, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports November 16, 2023
Weekly Reports November 9, 2023
Weekly Reports November 2, 2023
Weekly Reports October 26, 2023
60 Continuous Year Legionnaire Honored by Post
The Department of Florida sends a weekly Florida Legion News email in an attempt to inform our membership about important topics and events. As a response to that effort, David W. Goodwin, a long-time Legionnaire, reached out to inquire about an honorary membership. What transpired next is a true testament to the true American Legion values set forth over 100 years ago.
The Department contacted the Post Commander and Adjutant of Paul W. Airey American Legion Post 392 in Panama City. Adjutant Gregg Pennington quickly took action and requested an Honorary Membership and recognition award from the Post’s Executive Board. On October 21, 2023, Post 392 held a special celebration in honor of Mr. Goodwin’s 60 years of continuous membership and presented him with an honorary membership to the Post.
During the event, Mr. Goodwin shared about his time serving in the Army and the different positions he held within the American Legion over the years. He originally joined Broad Street Park American Legion Post 313 in Trenton, New Jersey, and served as the Post Commander and Department Baseball Chairman. He eventually transferred his membership to Post 392 in January 2021.
Mr. Goodwin joined the United States Army in 1951 and became a part of the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Program. He later entered the Army Reserves to teach reading and writing to new Army basic recruits at Fort Dix in New Jersey. At the age of 57, Mr. Goodwin was reactivated and deployed to the Middle East to serve in Desert Shield and Desert Storm and eventually retired as a Master Sergeant.
The Department would like to applaud the efforts of Post 392 in taking the time to recognize and honor Mr. Goodwin’s service to our country and great organization. It is because of moments like this that we get to witness the true beauty of The American Legion and are reminded that the extra mile we often go for our veterans means a lot to them.
Robert Hughes
Post 163 Commander Robert Hughes passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 83. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, Florida. The viewing will be from 9:30 AM – 11 AM.
Weekly Reports October 19, 2023
Weekly Reports October 13, 2023
Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr
The Department of Florida Headquarters was just notified of the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr., of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL). Charlie passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 69. Please see Charlie’s obituary below. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Debra Shoudy Adams, at 14 Ash St., Waterville, ME 04901.
Charles F. Shoudy, Jr., “Charlie,” 69, of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL), passed away peacefully on September 07, 2022 surrounded by the love, strength, and support of loved ones at Central Maine Medical Center.
Charles was born on July 23, 1953 to Charles F. Shoudy, Sr. and Margaret Shoudy in Mount Holly, New Jersey. After graduation, Charlie went on to be a lifelong proud Army man, specializing in Field Artillery, including being stationed overseas in Germany for multiple years. He also enjoyed his time as an Army Recruiter. Charlie married the love of his life, Debra (Adams) Shoudy, on July 23, 1994. Charlie and Debbie moved from Maine to Florida and back home to Maine again; welcomed many beautiful grandchildren and made a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Charlie was a determined, charismatic, force of nature who loved his family. During his military years he was also a competitive bowler, often scoring a perfect 300. He loved to make people laugh, continuing right up to the end, even cracking jokes with the life flight pilot that transported him to CMMC. This charm made him a favorite among participants when he was calling bingo, an activity he loved to do. Charlie was unendingly proud of his service in the military and passionate about the United States of America. He never saw an American flag without taking a moment for a salute. The only thing he was more proud of than his military service was his family. He loved to brag about his children and grandchildren.
Charlie was a lifelong American Legion member, including time spent as Post Commander at Post 51 in Oakland, ME, Post Commander at Post 312 in Oneco, FL, and 2nd Vice Commander at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 2015 at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. Every year for as long as he was capable, you would find Charlie proudly marching in many Veterans Day parades wearing his dress blues. He was invited to speak at a local school’s Veterans Day celebration as well, making his attending grandchildren proud.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents Charles Sr. and Margaret Shoudy; mother-in-law Sally Adams; Sister Catherine Folk and her son; and brother Mike Wasserman. He is survived by his wife Debra Shoudy and their children Trenton Dyer, Kirsten Dyer, Brysenn Dyer; son Jason Stevens with wife Lydia Stevens and their children Caimbree and Callum; daughter Nikole Fowler with husband Branden Fowler and their children Noah, Sophia, Reed, and Quinn; daughter Jennifer Stanfill and her sons Chandler and Gavin; son Aaron Shoudy; daughter Hallie Stevens; brother Chris Shoudy with wife Tami-Lynn; Nephew Matthew Shoudy with wife Amber and their kids Mason, Madison, Dustin; brother Joey Wasserman and family, sister Carol Wasserman and family, father-in-law & partner in crime “Oopee” Jim Adams, sister-in-law Brenda Athy with husband Greg, and many other loved family and friends.
Thomas C. “TC” Biddle
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle of Fruitland Park, Florida, who passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Leonora Biddle. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
TC was a U.S. Army Vietnam Era Veteran and a Lady Lake Post 347 member with 32 continuous years of membership. TC served as Post Commander from 2006-07. At the Department level, he served as 6th District Commander from 2013-15, Law & Order Chair from 2017-18, and Eastern Area Commander from 2015-16 & 2019-21. At the National level, he served on the National Security Council from 2014-16.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Leonora Biddle, at 3434 Trout Ave., Fruitland Park, FL 34731-6318.
Committal Service
The committal service for Past Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle, will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Florida, with full Military Honors from American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service at American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL
Family and friends will be gathering at the post at 9:30 AM on Friday to process down to the cemetery.
Obituary for Thomas C Biddle
In Loving Memory: Thomas “TC” Biddle (May 17, 1943 – October 6, 2023)
Thomas “TC” Biddle, born on May 17, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully departed this life on October 6, 2023, at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Leonora; his sister, Barbara Hall; his step-brother, Ray Toney; his nephew, Rob West, and niece, Lisa Shapiro.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Biddle; his mother, Frances Toney; his brothers, Jack, Robert, and Charles III; and his sister, Janice.
Throughout his lifetime, TC dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving his nation and community. As a valiant combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he proudly served in the US Army 173rd Airborne. Following his distinguished military service, TC embarked on a career as a boat captain, navigating the waters of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, aboard the Jungle Queen and the America, renowned as the World’s Largest Catamaran from the Port of Miami.
Subsequently, he transitioned to a career in law enforcement, serving with honor in the Florida Department of Corrections, Metro Dade Department of Corrections, and the Miami Dade Schools Police. TC’s commitment to service extended to his volunteer work with unwavering dedication for The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the Moose Lodge. In 2003, TC retired from the Miami Dade Schools police, culminating a fulfilling career of unending service.
As a proud veteran, TC assumed various leadership roles within The American Legion, progressing from local Post offices to the positions of Commander of Post 219, 6th District Commander, Law and Order Chair, Eastern Area Commander for the Department of Florida, and served on the National Security Council. His unwavering dedication and 32 years of membership was recognized when he was named Legionnaire of the Year for Post 347 in 2017-2018. At the time of his passing, TC was faithfully serving as the Assistant Judge Advocate for American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, Florida, an esteemed distinction within the largest American Legion Post in the world.
Thomas “TC” Biddle’s enduring legacy of service, camaraderie, and resolute commitment to his country and community will forever be cherished and remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. He stood as a remarkable friend and mentor, offering a helping hand in times of need and embodying resilience and bravery throughout his life’s journey.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2631 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY.10306 in memory of Thomas “TC” Biddle.