Category Archives: Florida

What veterans need to know about getting vaccine from VA

The American Legion ~ As an influx of veterans seek the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, many want clarity on when and where they will be able to get their vaccines. Under a plan developed by VA in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and federal guidelines, VA is disseminating the vaccine through a phased plan.

According to VA, the phased plan will enable it “to do the most good for the most people” during this time.

Under the current plan, VA health-care personnel, veterans living in VA long-term care facilities and veterans who are at higher risk for serious complications or death due to COVID-19 are able to get their vaccines now. These high-risk veterans include those with chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, in-patient spinal cord injuries and disorders, and those with comorbidities. Additionally, family caregivers who are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible for vaccination when the veteran they care for becomes eligible, according to VA.

For more information and to determine if you’re eligible to receive your COVID-19 vaccine from VA, visit this web page. Additionally, veterans can find their local VA health facility and its current plan by visiting this VA page.

Due to a larger percentage of high-risk patients within the VA health-care system compared to the general public, it may take longer for veterans not at an increased risk to receive their vaccine. In some instances, it may be faster for a veteran to receive a vaccine through their state rather than through VA. You can find information on your state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan here.

“The American Legion has the utmost confidence in VA to balance the vaccine rollout, while prioritizing the most vulnerable veterans and health-care providers,” said Mario Marquez, director of The American Legion’s Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. “VA has assured us they will provide this balance with site-specific resources, needs, availability and local status of the pandemic.”

In order to be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through VA, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health-care system. However, veterans attempting to enroll in VA health care for the first time who fall into category 8g, will not be eligible for the vaccine as they are also not currently eligible for VA health care. This is due to a VA change in policy from 2003 which removed 8g eligibility as these veterans do not have a service-connected disability and their income exceeds the allotted amount to qualify for VA coverage.

The American Legion supports 8g reintegration into VA health care. At the 2016 National Convention, the National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 2 that called for the reinstatement by VA.

“The American Legion stands behind providing access to VA health care to veterans regardless of their economic status,” Jeff Steele, an associate in the National Legislative Division, told the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on Dec. 2, 2020.

The American Legion is also on record in recent testimony, supporting legislation that calls for standing up a bipartisan commission on veterans health-care eligibility and benefits design.

As more vaccines become available, VA plans to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans receiving VA health care who want one. If you are a veteran who is not currently enrolled or receiving health care through VA, visit this web page to apply.

For additional information, contact an American Legion service officer who is specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. To find a service officer near you click here.

Weekly Reports February 4, 2021

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

SAL REPORTS

Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary

Jackpot: Joe Gruters wants bigger payouts for Florida bingo players

Legislation could also allow digital games to be played.

By Jacob Ogleson, January 27, 2021 – The winnings for bingo could soon grow bigger in Florida. And also, playing bingo online is now doable by just using your phone! yes! you read that right! you can now play your favorite bingo using your handphone.

Sen. Joe Gruters filed legislation Tuesday to hike the cap on instant bingo prizes. The bill (SB 840) would also establish regulations for electronic bingo cards in Florida.

As far as winnings go, Florida statute now allows for authorized bingo games with no more than 4,000 instant bingo tickets, with the predetermined prize payout being at least 65% of the total receipts. So if a full 4,000 tickets were sold for $1 a piece, the payout would typically be $2,600 for the winner. Are you a fan of online bingo games? Checkout the top ten bingo you can play now, never miss a chance to get high starting bonus.

Gruters’ bill would hike the cap on tickets to 25,000. That means the payout if that many tickets were sold for $1 would be at least $16,250.

That helps demonstrate how bingo, while considered a low-grade level of gambling loved by fixed-income retirees, could become a more high-stakes game.

The legislation also allows for technological modernization of bingo in Florida, including the use of electronic displays as opposed to physical placards and tickets. The bill as written includes rules to ensure only certified, independently analyzed software can be used to ensure games aren’t fixed.

“This bill updates and modernizes Florida’s bingo law to help our struggling veteran and fraternal organizations raise much needed donations so that they can continue their charitable missions in our communities,” Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, said.

State law only allows charitable organizations, veterans’ groups and nonprofit organizations that have qualified for 501(c) tax exemptions to operate bingo games. Gruters’ bill doesn’t change that.

It does make clear a number of restrictions on who can operate games, including in electronic form, prohibit those who have been convicted of fraud or who were ever a member of an illegal gambling ring from running a bingo game.

It also sets rules on bingo software, an important facet once games can be played electronically. If you want to play at a trusted website, we recommend you to visit 해외축구갤러리.

There has not yet been any companion legislation filed in the House for Gruters’ bill.

Source: Jackpot: Joe Gruters wants bigger payouts for Florida bingo players (floridapolitics.com)

Weekly Reports January 28, 2021

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

SAL REPORTS

Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary

Mission Blue Post Assistance Grant Program

The American Legion National Headquarters has launched the “MISSION BLUE POST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT PROGRAM” which is an opportunity for Posts to receive a $1,000 grant from National HQ.

Grant monies to be used towards:

  • Mortgage or Rent
  • Utilities
  • Insurance Premiums

What the Grant is NOT to be used for:

  • Payroll
  • Funding Post Projects or Programs
  • Taxes/Fines/Fees
  • Lost Revenue
  • Repairs to Post
  • Funding Post

Qualifying criteria:

  • 2020 CPR Submitted
  • IRS 990 is current
  • Florida Secretary of State Business Filing is up to date
  • Financial Need
  • Insurance Declaration Page showing Department and National listed as an additional insured/rider to policy
    • The American Legion (dba) American Legion National Headquarters
    • The American Legion Department of Florida, Inc.
  • Department Adjutant Review and Signature

The Department will review the information from the appropriate agency listed above. We will also verify CPR and Post Certification of Officer forms at Department HQ. The Post is expected to ensure all the information is current and on file or, provide a copy when submitting the application to Department HQ.

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Alan P. Hall

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander Alan P. Hall of Lakeland, FL, on Friday, January 22, 2021, at the age of 74. Alan is survived by his wife, Joy Hall, and his daughter, Shelley. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 26th at Seigler Funeral Home, 1300 E. Canal St., Mulberry, FL, time TBD. The service will be held at the gravesite on Wednesday, January 27th, time and location TBD. Any new details regarding services will be communicated to you through email and posted on our website.

Alan was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Era Veteran (1966-69) and a member of Mulberry Memorial Post 72, with 50 continuous years of membership. Alan joined the Legion shortly after being honorably discharged from service. He served in every capacity within the Post, most predominately having served as Post Commander for five consecutive years from 1986 through 1990. During his five years as Post Commander, Alan achieved five consecutive all-time highs, and post membership more than doubled. Under his leadership Post 72 was named the Most Improved Post in the Department in 1986. He would again serve as Post Commander in 2003-05. Alan served as 7th District Commander in 1989-90. He led the 7th District to 100% membership and established an all-time high. He served as Central Area Vice Commander in 1990-91. During 1991-92, Alan served as Department Membership Chairman. Under his leadership, the Department attained the earliest 100% membership in its history and was awarded the General Henri Gouraud Trophy for being the first Category 1 (Departments over 100,000 in membership) Department in the National Organization to reach 100%. Most importantly, Alan led the Department to its 27th All-Time High. In April of 1991, Mulberry Memorial Post 172 Instituted “The Alan P. Hall Legionnaire of the Year Award” in honor of Alan’s dedication and service to his Post, community, state and nation. Alan served as Department Commander in 1993-94.

If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Joy Hall, 6479 Bristol Oaks Drive, Lakeland, FL 33811.

Weekly Reports January 21, 2021

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

SAL REPORTS

We have experienced a technical issue on MyLegion which caused the SAL reports to include incorrect data. We understand that this is a target date, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Weekly Reports January 14, 2021

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

SAL REPORTS

Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary

Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith, of Lewiston, New York at the age of 96 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Betty is survived by her children, Alfred M. (Paula) Hunt, Jr., Robert L. Hunt, Philip E. (Rose) Hunt, Sandra Granieri; her sister, Colleen (Dennis) Dey; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, September 30th in Lewiston, New York.

Betty was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran and a member of American Legion LaSalle Post 1142, Niagara Falls, NY with 48 continuous years of membership. Betty joined The American Legion in 1972 at Portage Post 1465, Niagara Falls, NY, where she became the first woman to serve as Niagara Co. Commander in 1981. She moved to Florida in 1984 and became a member of Holly Hill Post 120 and then Ormond Beach Post 267. Betty served as 17th District Commander (1988-1989) and Northern Area Commander (1994-1995). Betty returned to Niagara Falls in 1999 and became the first woman Commander of the LaSalle Post 1142 in 2001.

Please keep her 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 her son, Alfred M. Hunt, Jr., at 736 Powell Ln., Lewiston, NY 14092-1132.

The American Legion to White House: ‘Lower the flag’

(INDIANAPOLIS, January 10, 2021) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization called on President Trump to order the lowering of U.S. flags at the White House and all federal buildings in honor of a Capitol police officer who was killed in Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Brian Sicknick was an Iraq war veteran and an American hero,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “I was pleased to learn that the U.S. Capitol lowered the flag above it on Friday. The governor of New Jersey also ordered the lowering of flags in Mr. Sicknick’s home state. Mr. President, do the right thing and lower the flags that are under your authority to half-staff in honor of this hero who gave his life defending the house of the people.”

The American Legion mourns passing of baseball great Tommy Lasorda

(INDIANAPOLIS, January 7, 2021) — The nation’s largest veterans organization paid tribute today to Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Hall of Fame manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Army veteran and Legionnaire who died Jan. 7 at 93.

“Tommy Lasorda didn’t just bleed Dodger blue – he bled red, white and blue,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “As a faithful ally in our efforts to protect the U.S. flag from desecration, Tommy always summed it up the best: ‘Speech is when you talk.’ He will be remembered as one of the greatest personalities in baseball, as well as a patriot. We are grateful to have had him among the Legion’s ranks.”
During his 20 years as manager of the Dodgers, Lasorda won two World Championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

In 1998, Lasorda testified in support of a proposed constitutional amendment that would return to Congress the right to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag.

A member of American Legion Post 227 in Tustin, Calif., Lasorda served in the Army from 1945 to 1947, putting his baseball career on hold. He received The American Legion Past Department Commander’s Club James V. Day “Good Guy” award in 1999.

Weekly Reports January 7, 2021

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

SAL REPORTS

Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary

The American Legion condemns violence in U.S. Capitol

(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.”

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Richard “Dick” W. Little

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.

John A. Burroughs

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.

Weekly Reports December 31, 2020

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

SAL REPORTS

Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary

Final membership reports for 2020. (Reports corrected: 1/7/21)

‘Congress should override veto,’ American Legion says

(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.”

‘Congress should override veto,’ American Legion says

(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.”