LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports – April 9, 2020
Health emergency forces cancellation of American Legion National Convention
The American Legion ~ The American Legion’s 102nd National Convention, originally scheduled for Louisville, Ky., Aug. 28 – Sept. 3, 2020, is canceled due to public-health concerns, ongoing restrictions and uncertainties related to the global coronavirus-COVID-19 pandemic.
“The safety of our members and compliance with state and federal public-health restrictions and guidelines made this decision not only prudent but necessary,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky has taken emergency actions to prevent the spread of infections and to follow federal guidance that restrict public gatherings and urge social distancing. No one can say with any certainty when these measures will be lifted or in what manner.”
The American Legion National Executive Committee approved a resolution Wednesday, April 8, by email to cancel the annual convention of wartime veterans and their families for the first time in history. The 2020 Sons of The American Legion National Convention is also canceled.
“Local American Legion services – such as Buddy Checks, blood drives, meal delivery and volunteer assistance – remain the top priority of the organization as we navigate these challenging waters,” Oxford said. “Community efforts are now under way throughout the country and around the world, while many American Legion state and foreign departments are canceling or postponing their conventions and elections to protect public health in the midst of this pandemic. Normally, national convention delegates are appointed during department conventions. This year is anything but normal.”
The 102nd National Convention is now scheduled for Aug. 27 – Sept. 2, 2021, in Phoenix. Terms of currently serving national officers, including National Commander Oxford, are extended until then, according to the resolution. Nationally appointed American Legion commission and committee chairpersons will also remain in their positions until the Fall 2021 meeting of the National Executive Committee.
The convention cancellation and extension of national officer terms are within the authority of the National Executive Committee, according to The American Legion’s constitution and bylaws.
Also Wednesday, the NEC selected Louisville as the site of the 2026 American Legion National Convention, the first available date.
Post Elections
It is uncertain when we will be able to resume normal business. Therefore, posts should be researching alternative ways to hold Post elections.
Many Posts have not incorporated crisis situations into their Constitution and By-Laws, and may be required to suspend their Constitution and By-Laws for purposes of holding elections.
Your Department Judge Advocate and Assistant Judge Advocates are working on a standardized method for conducting elections, which they will send out soon.
Baseball and Youth Law Cadet Programs Cancelled for 2020
Due to the ongoing and continual changes in State and Federal recommendations and orders concerning the COVID-19 virus, I must announce that the Florida American Legion Baseball program and Youth Law Cadet Program have been cancelled for the year. This has been done for the health and safety of the Legionnaires, program participants, and the families and communities involved with the programs.
I know it can be life changing for the young men and women who participate in these great Americanism programs, but this decision has been made with their futures in mind and it would be a risk to that future should we allow the programs to continue.
We want all the Posts to concentrate getting their homes back in order and the cost, and time to bring everything back will be very costly and time consuming once we get through these rough times.
If you would like to have fun while you are at home, there are games online that will give you a blast of fun, we recommend you to try these out since you will have the opportunity to win incredible prizes.
Thank you for all you have done for the Florida American Legion Baseball program and Youth Law Cadet Program. Thank you doubly for what you are doing now in these uncertain times. Our goal, as always, is to take care of Florida veterans and the communities we live in, and we will get through this together, as a family.
For God and Country,
William “Rick” Johnson
Department Commander
Weekly Reports – April 2, 2020
Virtual Rise and Shine Challenge
During this period of social distancing, America’s heroes – our Veterans – are at risk. We will lose more than 1,000 Veterans to suicide during this quarantine… and that number can be much higher as Veterans young and old have lost access to the activities that keep them going.
The Virtual Rise and Shine Challenge is a great way to show support for at-risk Veterans who are feeling disconnected or discouraged.
On April 11, we ask that you RISE, SHINE, and SHARE and show your support for those heroes who gave so much to keep us safe. They need to know they are NEVER alone.
Rise. Get up on April 11 and choose the right workout for you. Walk, run, bike, hike, lift, or just knockout some pushups and jumping jacks. Do whatever you can to keep yourself healthy.
Shine. Show off your workout and leave a video, picture or note with your workout so we can show our Veterans that you’re thinking of them and that they aren’t alone.
Share. Ask others to join the challenge. This is easy to do and will bring smiles to so many during this difficult time.
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#riseandshinechallenge #engage22 #thankyouvets #floridalegion
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
March, 26, 2020
Members of The American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, The American Legion Riders & The American Legion Auxiliary,
At this time no one can predict where the current Covid-19 crisis is going or how long we will be in this government mandated quarantine situation. We do know that short term our Posts, Squadrons, Chapters and Units will remain closed for all activities, except take-out food.
All Post, Squadron, Chapter and Unit Meetings, Celebrations of Life, ALL SCHEDULED EVENTS, and anything else scheduled except maintenance by a group not larger than 10 at a Post Home are cancelled until further notice.
We realize each Post, Squadron, Chapter or Unit has their own guiding documents that require elections at specific times. These guiding documents in all cases are superseded by State Law so elections will have to wait, except in the case of The American Legion Auxiliary who have already have set a procedure in place for dealing with this crisis. For Post, Squadrons and Chapters that have held nominations, the actual elections can wait. Those Posts, Squadrons and Chapters that haven’t started nominations, at this time do not worry about it. You will get some direction once we have some idea of when things can return to normal.
As to the District Constitutional Conferences (DCC’s), at best the schedule is now very tentative. Again, you will get some direction once we have some idea of when things can return to normal.
The American Legion
- Headquarters will remain closed. Calls are being directed to voicemail and employees are answering voicemails and emails. If you have a pressing situation please contact either the Department Adjutant Mike McDaniel or the Assistant Department Adjutant Bruce Comer.
- All Post Commanders and Post Adjutants are advised to get the National Consolidated Post Reports (CPR) and Department Addendum completed online or and mailed into Department Headquarters.
- Also, please submit any members paperwork that are eligible for awards.
The Sons of The American Legion
- All Squadron Commanders and Adjutants need to focus on the Squadron Officer Report Form, Detachment Consolidated Report Form, and the SAL National Consolidated Report Form.
- The Squadron Officer Report form and the Detachment Consolidated Report forms are available on the Detachment website www.floridasons.org Follow the mailing and due date instructions on these reports.
- The National Consolidated Report can be found on the National website www.SonsoftheAmericanLegion.org
The American Legion Riders
- ALR Directors, please forward your chapter’s year end totals of hours, and cash donations to your Post Commanders.
- Directors, please also advise your Post Commander the number of Legionnaires, Sons and Auxiliary members that make up your Chapter.
The American Legion Auxiliary
- The American Legion Auxiliary has already notified their units of their required reports and due dates.
During these uncertain times we have to now, more than ever be concerned and focused on our Mission and giving as we know that many of our fellow Veterans, their families and members of our local communities are in need of our help. We all want to make sure that all monies that our collective groups raise through all of our various channels within The Department of Florida ONLY BENEFITS our Veterans and their families and OUR communities IN FLORIDA. You have OUR pledge that all monies we raise will only be used to benefit our Veterans, their families and in OUR communities.
For God and Country,
William “Rick” Johnson
Commander
The American Legion
Department of Florida
James “Jim” Wineland
Chair American Legion Riders
The American Legion
Department of Florida
Thomas V. Klinger
Commander
Sons of The American Legion
Detachment of Florida
Ann-King Smith
President
The American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Florida
Weekly Reports – March 26, 2020
COVID-19 Project Relief Fund to Help Florida Veterans
Tallahassee, FL – The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, is impacting many Floridians as well as Florida’s veterans, active duty military members and their families. As many sdvosb businesses and organizations are being forced to close their doors, our veterans are unable to work and provide an income to support their families.
The Florida Veterans Foundation has teamed up with the American Legion of Florida to create the COVID-19 Project Vet Relief Fund. This will help with emergency assistance for those veterans who are affected by this pandemic around the state of Florida with the help of educational assistance for military personnel to help those who desire to continue their education.
“It is anticipated that we will receive a substantial increase in the number of applications requesting assistance over the next few months, says Lew Wilson, President of the Florida Veterans Foundation, and we are committed to do what we can to support our veterans, but resources are limited.”
By combining the efforts and resources of both organizations, this project will help to raise the funds needed from corporations and individuals and equip them to support the expected demand of the veteran community.
Veterans in need of assistance will find the application form, requirements and guidelines listed on the website at www.HelpFLVets.org. Due to limited personnel access, they are not taking phone calls and will accept online/email applications only.
How You Can Help. Funds need to be raised to accommodate the increased needs of our veteran community, so please donate so that together we can assist all those who need our support. Visit www.HelpFLVets.org to donate and learn more.
The Florida Veterans Foundation is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit public charity formed by the Florida Legislature in 2008 and is the direct services organization for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They are located at The Capitol, Suite 2107, 400 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001.
Weekly Reports – March 19, 2020
Children & Youth Events Cancelled
We regret to announce that the Children & Youth Picnic and Golf Tournament have been cancelled due to safety precautions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, we still need your support. Please donate to support the program.
State of Florida (Emergency Management – COVID-19)
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 20-68
(Emergency Management – COVID-19)
WHEREAS, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory illness that can spread among humans through respiratory transmission and presents with
symptoms similar to those of influenza; and
WHEREAS, on March I, 2020, I issued Executive Order number 20-51 directing the Florida Department of Health to issue a Public Health Emergency; and
WHEREAS, on March I, 2020, the State Surgeon General and State Health Officer
declared a Public Health Emergency exists in the State of Florida as a result of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-52 declaring a state of emergency for the entire State of Florida as a result of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, President Donald J. Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) issued the 15 Days to Slow the Spread guidance advising individuals to adopt far-reaching social distancing measures, such as working from home and avoiding gatherings of more than IO people; and
WHEREAS, as Governor, I am responsible for meeting the dangers presented to this state and its people by this emergency.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section (I )(a) of the Florida Constitution, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order to take immediate effect:
Section 1. Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs
A. Pursuant to sections 252.36(5)(g)-(h), Florida Statutes, any licensee authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises that derive more than 50% of its gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall suspend all sale of alcoholic beverages for thirty days from the date of this order, effective at 5 p.m. today, March 17, 2020.
B. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall utilize its authorities under Florida law to further implement and enforce the provisions of this Section and shall take additional measures with respect to bars, pubs and nightclubs as necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
Section 2. Beaches
Pursuant to section 252.36(5)(k), Florida Statutes, I direct parties accessing public beaches
in the State of Florida to follow the CDC guidance by limiting theirs gatherings to no more than O persons, distance themselves from other parties by 6 feet, and support beach closures at the discretion of local authorities.
Section 3. Restaurants
A. Pursuant to section 252.36(5)(g), Florida Statutes, a restaurant shall immediately limit its occupancy to 50% of its current building occupancy.
B. Pursuant to section 252.36(5)(g), Florida Statutes, a restaurant shall follow the CDC guidance by ensuring, at minimum, a 6-foot distance between any group of patrons and limiting parties to no more than IO individuals.
C. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall ensure all restaurants implement employee screening and prohibit any employee from entering the restaurant premises if they meet any of the criteria listed below:
I)Any person infected with COVID-19 who has not had two consecutive negative test results separated by 24 hours;
2)Any person showing, presenting signs or symptoms of, or disclosing the presence of a respiratory infection, including cough, fever, shortness of breath or sore throat;
3)Any person who has been in contact with any person(s) known to be infected with COVID-19, who has not yet tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 14 days;
4) Any person who traveled through any airport within the past 14 days; or
5) Any person who traveled on a cruise ship within the past 14 days.
D.The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall utilize its authorities under Florida law to further implement and enforce the provisions of this Section and shall take additional measures with respect to bars, pubs and nightclubs as necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
For purposes of this section, “restaurant” shall include any Food Service Establishment, licensed under Chapter 500, Florida Statutes, and Public Food Service Establishment, licensed under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes.
Section 4. This Executive Order shall expire thirty days from this date unless extended.
Memorandum from Helmich Consulting, Inc.
2020 Session Report
The 2020 Legislative Session has ended except for the final passage of the budget which is currently in its 72 hour cooldown period on the members desks.
Below is a list of veteran related bills an what their current status is.
HB 877 / SB 1076 Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities – These bills and their related bills Proposes an amendment to State Constitution to authorize surviving spouse of deceased veteran to carry over certain discounts on ad valorem taxes on homestead property until surviving spouse remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of property, if, upon veteran’s death, veteran had permanent, combat-related disabilities; authorizes discount to be transferred to another permanent residence if surviving spouse has not remarried. PASSED and will be on the 2020 ballot
HB 741 / SB 1582 Asbestos Trust Claims – These bills are not identical but do Require plaintiff to provide certain materials after filing asbestos claim; authorizes defendant to seek discovery from asbestos trust; prohibits plaintiff from barring discovery or claiming privilege or confidentiality. These bills were successfully killed.
HB 167 / SB 294 Offenses Against Veterans – These bills provides that person commits aggravated white collar crime if committed against specified number of veteran. PASSED and sent to the Governor.
HB 205 / SB 352 Unlawful Use of Uniforms, Medals, or Insignia – Prohibits certain misrepresentations concerning military service when made for specified purposes. PASSED and sent to the Governor.
HB 171 / SB 372 Postsecondary Education for Certain Military Personnel – The Bills Require BOG & SBE to create uniform process for award of postsecondary credit & clock hours to certain servicemembers & veterans; provides process for award of postsecondary credit & clock hours for military experience & credentials; requires specified postsecondary institutions to waive transcript fee for active duty members, certain veterans, & their spouses & dependents. PASSED and sent to the Governor.
HB 61 / SB 136 Adoption Benefits – The bills provide eligibility to certain veterans & servicemembers for specified adoption benefits, specifically if a veteran adopts a child from the child welfare system, they will be paid a lump sum. This program already existed for state employees. PASSED and sent to the Governor.
HB 593 / SB 936 Disability Retirement Benefits – The bills allow members receiving care at federal Veterans Health Administration facilities to use certification by a specified number of physicians working at such facilities as proof of total and permanent disability for purposes of establishing eligibility for benefits. PASSED and sent to the Governor.
HB 1249 / SB 1662 Transfer of Tax Exemption for Veterans – These bills provide that certain veterans & their surviving spouses receiving homestead tax exemption may apply for & receive prorated refund of property taxes paid on new homestead property acquired during certain timeframe; requires property appraiser to immediately make certain entries upon tax rolls to allow prorated refund. While the legislature did not increase this tax exemption this year they did make portability of the current exemption easier. PASSED and sent to the Governor.
HB 155 / SB 420 VA MISSION Act of 2018 – The bills urge Congress and the department to ensure that the VA MISSION Act of 2018 is implemented in a manner consistent with the legislative intent and purpose of the act. Died because House bill was never heard.
HB 543 / SB 98 Medical Marijuana Identification Cards for Service-disabled Veterans – These bills prohibits the DOH from charging fee for issuance, replacement, or renewal of medical marijuana identification card for service-disabled veteran or his or her caregiver if specified form is included with application for such card. Neither of these bills were ever been heard in committee and they are Dead.
HB 687 / SB 104 Services for Veterans and Their Families – These bills Requires DVA to establish Florida Veterans’ Care Coordination Program to provide behavioral health care referral & care coordination services for veterans & their families; requires DVA to contract with certain nonprofit entity to enter into agreements with Florida 211 Network participants to provide such services; provides program goals; provides for statewide delivery of specified services by program teams; requires Florida 211 Network participants to collect program implementation data & to submit such data to DVA; requires DVA to submit report to Governor & Legislature. These bills died in the final budget negotiations.
Budget: Section 2 line 150 of the budget contains $100,000 for Florida State University Boys & Girls State. Its is important that we get our members to reach out to the Governor’s office to encourage him to not veto this project. A letter from the commander as well as letters from other leadership to the Governor would help too.
Please always feel free to call or email me at any time if you have any questions or comments.
Announcement from Governor Desantis
We have an announcement to make that you should be interested in. Since our Florida Legion Posts have a liquor license issued by the State of Florida, they must comply with the following order:
Under the guidance of the Department of Health (DOH), using his authority under the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration order, Governor Desantis today ordered all all bars and nightclubs closed as of 5:00 pm today for 30 days. He also ordered all restaurants to cut their capacity by 50% and follow social distancing. The state will continue to monitor COVID-19 and at the end of 14 days will reevaluate and decide whether continued mitigation is needed. Governor Desantis has ordered all bars to cease operations for 30 days when the current situation will be reevaluated.
“Ensuring the health and safety of Floridians is the highest priority….it is in the best interest of the public to encourage social distancing in our restaurants and anywhere people congregate.
COVID-19 Information
The American Legion Department of Florida wants to ensure you that we are here for you. In these uncertain times, our staff is working diligently to keep our organization running smoothly and support you with any issues that arise. We are also working to keep you up-to-date on any important information regarding the current Coronavirus pandemic and how it affects you, our Posts and our Department. Please utilize the resources below.
Northern Area Ball Cancelled
Hello Fellow Legionnaires,
Due to the recent circumstances with the Corona-virus 2019 (COVID-19) the Northern Area Ball is hereby canceled. We had over 100 Legion Family members who were going to attend, including the Department Commander; Department ALA President as well as the SAL Detachment Commander. I want to thank American Legion Post #155 Family for their dedication and hard work in preparing for the Northern Area Ball.
I would like to thank those who participated in the 2020 Northern Area Ball Program and those who already donated to the “Basket of Cheer” Raffle as this was one of the ways the Northern Area Commander raises funds for the ongoing “Northern Area Boys State Scholarship FUND” as well as other American Legion Family and Department Commander Charities.
Yes, expenses have already been occurred for the preparation of the Northern Area Ball that was just a week away, However, I will refund those who would want a Full or Partial Refund. Those who would like to donate to the expenses; tickets with your name on it will be placed in the Basket of Cheer which American Legion Post #155 had already started to sell tickets for that is loaded with many of your favorite bottles.
Again, it tears my Heart to cancel this Ball as it would of been a solemn event as my Father John “Jack” Kraemer was the Northern Area Commander 1988-1989 and his Ball was also held at American Legion Post #155. I feel this year my Father was with me as I traveled around the Northern Area as well as the rest of the State helping our Veterans, Children & Youth, Communities and our VA Hospitals.
If you had made a Hotel Reservation at the Hampton Inn please call them at 352-564-6464 to cancel your Reservation so you will NOT be charged. As of right now, American Legion Post #155 will still be open conducting business as usual with a few events canceled.
Please call (352-287-1400) or email (jconti3547@gmail.com) my Husband PDC Jay Conti Sr, on your Refund Request and he will get it processed in the upcoming days. I have attached a copy of the 2020 Northern Area Ball Program as you can see those who have sponsored the Ball and who is running for office. Please everyone be safe and enjoy “Family-Time” with this slight down time we will be having.
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
Marie K. Conti
Northern Area Commander
2019-2020
Situation Update – Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
03/06/2020 02:15 PM EST
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve in our local communities and across the country, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is taking additional steps to limited the spread of this virus or other respiratory illnesses.
All Veterans who have symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath) should call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 for triage and instruction prior to coming to the medical center or clinics. The safest place for you, unless you may require hospitalization, is home.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are implementing enhanced screening protocols at all of our facilities. This includes the primary medical center and all outpatient clinics. We understand this may be an inconvenience to some, but it is important that we quickly identify individuals who have these symptoms and direct them to a location for further triage and treatment.
Please plan to arrive at the facility at least 20 minutes in advance of your appointment to allow additional time for the screening process.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Visitor Access to State Veterans’ Homes Suspended
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has announced additional steps to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida.
• Effective March 11, 2020, FDVA is restricting visitor access to its State Veterans’ Nursing Homes and Domiciliary until further notice, with the exception of essential visitors, such as family members of those residents undergoing end-of-life care.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also temporarily restricted access to their nursing and community living center facilities to only essential visitors until further notice.
• All VA Medical Centers in Florida are implementing enhanced screening protocols at their facilities. VA Outpatient Clinics are also implementing enhanced screening protocols. Please plan to arrive at the facility well in advance of your appointment to allow additional time for the screening process.
• Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are encouraged to contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 (toll free). Clinical staff provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage. The service is available at no cost to veterans enrolled for care in the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8).
• All FDVA and VA facilities remain fully operational.