Join in the fun and give LegionQuest – Puzzle Scramble Edition a try, during this year’s Fall Conference! It’s FREE to play and fun to win cool prizes.
Complete your mission and get your choice of one of two Legion Quest prizes, and a chance to win a $50 SHOPPING SPREE in the Florida Flag & Emblem Sales store!
This year’s Puzzle Scramble edition will require you to gather intel from each of our Legion vendors, during The American Legion, Department of Florida Fall Conference. Each vendor you meet will provide you with the missing pieces. Collect all the pieces to solve the puzzle. Your mission will begin at theNeptune Society booth!
Upon completion, report to Department Headquarters HQ. We will evaluate your work upon completion, and reward you accordingly.
If you are attending the Department Fall Conference November 1-3, the Renaissance SeaWorld would like you to know that all balconies will be LOCKED.
The hotel is currently working on a project to re-seal the windows and balcony doors. The doors that lead to the balconies are locked, and guests will not be able to access them.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Southern Area Commander, Joseph A.R. Thibault, of West Palm Beach, FL on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the age of 76. Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 11, 2019 at Lake Wales Cemetery, use lane 3, 630 US-27, Lake Wales, FL at 2:00 pm
Joseph was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran and a member of Memorial Post 141, with 33 years of continuous membership.
Joseph served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. He served as Post Commander (1997-2003 & 2005-07 & 2013-14); 11th District Commander (2000-01); Southern Area Commander (2003-04), and Department Blood Donor Chairman (2004-05).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief.
Former paratrooper, John Conrath, invites you their show coming to Lauderhill Performing Arts Center this Saturday. Veterans receive free tickets to Pig Floyd’s shows, asking absolutely nothing in return. Please help them spread the word.
“PIG FLOYD” has a dedicated passion to honor all veterans… those in active service, those of you who protected us by your service & sadly, those who unfortunately did not make it home.
In doing so, Pig Floyd proudly gives the veterans tickets at absolutely NO CHARGE! Hoping they will attend and have a great time!!
Pig Floyd is performing at 7:30pm this Saturday, October 5th, 2019 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
Pig Floyd consists of 8 multitalented INCREDIBLE musicians & vocalists & are known for their remarkable performances.
Thank you very much & above all, on behalf of all of “Pig Floyd”, we thank you for your service.
“It was my honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to nominate Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper for consideration to the Florida Veteran’s Hall of Fame. When I heard the news that “Kat” was chosen for induction into the Veteran’s Hall of Fame, I was very happy for her and her family and I know all her many friends in Florida and around America were glad to hear of this event as well!
“Kat” was a pioneer during her service with the U.S. Marine Corps. She was among the first to serve as a woman in combat training. She served with valor and chose to become the first woman to enlist in Combat Operations and helped train Kuwaiti Women Soldiers during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Simply put, “Kat” helped pave the way for other women to serve our nation through her outstanding example of bravery, leadership and dedication.
During her U.S. Marine Corps career, “Kat” earned various awards including: Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SW Asia Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Military Ribbon, The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award, State of Florida Governor’s Veteran Award, American Legion Veteran of the Year Award, and many other Awards and Letters of Appreciation.
After a productive career with the U.S. Marine Corps “Kat” dedicated her life to assisting national and state level issues that affect our Veteran population. Starting as a volunteer for the Concerned Veterans of America, she eventually rose to become their Central Florida Field Service Director. As a result of her leadership “Kat” was able to participate at forums held in Washington, DC which helped pave the way for passage of the VA Accountability Act of 2014. As a Veterans Advocate, Kat continues to develop Veterans Clubs in her community and does what is necessary to support local Veterans.
Her induction is a well-deserved reward for a lifetime of work dedicated to protecting America and assisting Veterans and her Community. Her role in protecting and promoting the interests of Florida Veterans is remarkable. Thank you “Kat” for all you do, we appreciate your hard work and countless hours of dedicated service. Enjoy your reward; it is great to see the State of Florida recognize you with this honor.”
This is an exciting time for our American Legion. This year, we passed a milestone that very few organizations ever get to accomplish: a centennial. Although we have a truly remarkable history that no organization can match, I like to remember the title of an old song, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!”
Our first century demonstrated the power that a large group of veterans can have in shaping national policy and communities from coast-to-coast and even regions overseas. In the early years, these endeavors succeeded without the use of widespread air travel, universal telephones or even national highways.
As we enter our second century, think of what we can accomplish through the use of social media, telecommunications and technologies in store for us that we cannot even begin to fathom. The theme for my year is a foundation for the future. And the main ingredient in the foundation is our membership.
We fought for passage of the LEGION Act not as a membership tool but because of the millions of veterans who served honorably during periods not recognized by Congress. Approximately 1,600 brave men and women were killed or wounded during hostile operations that occurred during those periods from the end of World War II to the beginning of the Gulf War. They too earned the right to be called “Legionnaires.” We would be foolish not to welcome the estimated 4.2 million living veterans from those periods into our ranks. When you consider all of their relatives, our American Legion Family can grow exponentially.
Even as we build a foundation for the future, our founding pillars and values remain the same. In my own shorthand, I like to refer to these pillars as V-DAY – that’s Veterans, Defense, Americanism and Youth.
V-DAY is what you all do every day when members of your department volunteer at the local VA, advocate for the needs of our military, retire an unserviceable American flag, or sponsor a teenager in one of our great youth programs.
I know that your department will continue to explore ways in which The American Legion will continue to serve America by combining our traditional values with a foundation for the future. Have a great conference.
Paul Edward Vincent Wilson, of Winter Park Florida, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday, September 19th, 2019.
Col. Wilson is predeceased by his first love, Catherine Mary Wilson. He is survived by his wife Carmen. Daughters Kathleen and Cricket. Stepson Jim and wife Sue. Grandchildren Jason, Kathrine, Marcie, Vanessa and Jessica. Seven great grandchildren, who were apples of his eye. He was also blessed with two angels to help care for him, Camila and Yves.
Born to Fran and Earl Wilson, on May 19th, 1925, Paul was the youngest of four siblings. Even as a youngster Paul was a gifted athlete, writer and singer. His fondest dream was to wear the uniform of the United States Marine Corp. Not long after graduating from high school he joined the Corps, and wore that title proudly for the rest of his days. He served with honor for 34 years. Among his many commendations , Paul served as the head of the color guard in the wedding of Grace Kelly to the Prince Rainier of Monaco. His time upon the USS Intrepid also held a special place in his heart. Paul served in WWll, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. His commendations and awards were abundant, and too numerous to include.
After retiring from the USMC, Paul earned a Master of Arts and a PHD in Education. He went on to become a professor at several universities.
It was during this time that he also completed his novel, “A China Marine”.
Paul championed many causes, both monetarily and through volunteerism. Among them were Veterans rights, senior advocacy, catholic charities, and Saint Jude’s Hospital.
Ever the Renaissance man, Paul was always ready to learn about new ideas in order to broaden his horizons. He always took the time to get to know people from all walks of life, and find out more about them. In turn people were always charmed by his graciousness and easy laugh.
Viewing will be held at 6:30pm-8:00pm Friday September 27 at St Margaret Mary Catholic Church ( Chapel), 526 North Park Ave. Winter Park, Florida 32789
The Wake/ Service will be held at 11:00 am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church ( Chapel), 526 North Park Ave., Winter Park, Florida, 32789
There will be a reception following the service.
Although he will be sorely missed this is a celebration of a life well lived. Traditional somber attire is not required.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions in Paul’s name to
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Baseball Chairman, Andrew F. Burkett, of Lehigh Acres, FL on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the age of 70. Andrew is survived by his wife, Jeanie. 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.
Andrew was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran. and a member of Lehigh Acres Post 323.
Andrew joined The American Legion in North Carolina while on active duty in 1970. He served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. Andrew served as Post Commander (2013-15 & 2018-19); 13th District Commander (2014-15); Department Americanism Chairman (2016-17); and Southwestern Area Commander (2016-17). On a National level, Andrew, served on the Americanism Council (2013-19).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Jeanie, at 1623 Lee Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33972.
There will be a Memorial Service for Andy Burkett at 12:00pm on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Post 323, 1124 Ashlar Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.
UPDATE: Funeral Services for Mike Addis, Past Department Sargent at Arms, Past Asst. Department Judge Advocate, Past Central Area Commander,Past District 16 Commander, and Past Post Commander of Post 252, Seminole will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Service will commence at 11 am with a celebration of life to follow at American Legion Post 104, Pinellas Park. Mike was not only a staunch supporter of the 4 Pillars of the American Legion but a mentor to many that took positions within the American Legion. Please attend if possible.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John Michael “Mike” Addis, of Seminole, FL on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the age of 75. Mike is survived by his wife, Caron, and a brother, Pat. 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.
Mike was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Pinellas Park Post 104.
Mike joined The American Legion in 1969 in his hometown Galesburg, Illinois. He served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. Mike served as Post Commander (2005-08); 16th District Commander (2007-08); Department Americanism Chairman (2008-09); Central Area Commander (2009-10); Department Sgt-at-Arms (2009-11); Department Blood Donor Chairman (2011-12); Department Finance Committee (2018-19). On a National level, Mike, served on the Foreign Relations Council (2009-12); National Security Council (2014-16); Veteran Affairs & Rehab Council (2016-18); Legislative Council (2016-19); and Marketing Commission (2018-19).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Caron, at 11372 75th Ave., Seminole, FL 33772.
Join in the fun and give LegionQuest – Puzzle Scramble Edition a try, during this year’s Fall Conference! It’s FREE to play and fun to win cool prizes.
“It was my honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to nominate Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper for consideration to the Florida Veteran’s Hall of Fame. When I heard the news that “Kat” was chosen for induction into the Veteran’s Hall of Fame, I was very happy for her and her family and I know all her many friends in Florida and around America were glad to hear of this event as well!
During her U.S. Marine Corps career, “Kat” earned various awards including: Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SW Asia Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Military Ribbon, The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award, State of Florida Governor’s Veteran Award, American Legion Veteran of the Year Award, and many other Awards and Letters of Appreciation.
To my fellow Legionnaires in Florida,
Paul Edward Vincent Wilson, of Winter Park Florida, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday, September 19th, 2019.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Baseball Chairman, Andrew F. Burkett, of Lehigh Acres, FL on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the age of 70. Andrew is survived by his wife, Jeanie. 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.