LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports – May 9, 2019
Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 held its third 100th Anniversary Pistol Match
(R) 1st Place David Youngclaus, (C) 2nd Place Dan Roberts, (L) 3rd Place Jerry Ham
Bradenton ~ On April 17, 2019 the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 held its third 100th Anniversary Pistol Match at the Shoot Straight Range in Sarasota, FL. Six members participated in this iron sights only match for pistols and revolvers shooting three stages consisting of Slow, Timed and Rapid Fire. The top three shooters received awards at the May 3nd Post Meeting. First Place went to David Youngclaus, 2nd Place to Dan Roberts and 3rd Place to Jerry Ham, Chairman of Pistol Competitions.
Our next competition is open to Legion Family Members and will be held after Memorial Day on May 28th at the Shoot Straight Range in Sarasota. Anyone interested in shooting should contact Jerry Ham at the email address indicated below. We are also interested in friendly low pressure competition shooting against other veterans organizations in the Manatee County area. If interested, please contact us at the email address below.
For God and Country,
Jerry Ham, Chairman Pistol Competitions
Post 24 Bradenton, FL
thecommish1672@verizon.net
Weekly Reports – May 2, 2019
Phil Hearlson
We are sorry to report that Past Department Commander, Phil Hearlson, was admitted into the hospital on Saturday, April 27th. He was admitted after sustaining injuries from a car accident earlier in the week. Phil is currently in ICU. Any new information will be shared through email and on our website.
Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.
Get well wishes can be sent to 14050 SE 53rd Ave., Summerfield, FL 34491-3121.
***UPDATE 5/1/2019*** PDC Phil Hearlson is improving, but will remain in ICU at Advent Hospital of Ocala. Please check back here for any updates.
Get Ready for the 2019 Dept Convention
Are you ready?
The American Legion, Department of Florida is gearing up for its 101ST Annual Statewide Convention to be held June 27-30, 2019 at the World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL.
We hope that you will be joining us this year for this four-day event of learning, comradery, and fun. Here are a few things to help you get prepared:
VENUE
The main venue, the World Center Marriott, is now completely sold out. We hope you have already made your reservations, but if not, we do have two overflow hotels very close to the main venue:
The Caribe Royale Orlando is offering their standard rooms for $139 plus tax, per night and villas for $314 plus tax, per night. To book now, call (888) 258-7501, and be sure to ask for The American Legion, Department of Florida room block. A mandatory $12.50 resort fee per night is also required. All reservations require a non-refundable first night room and tax deposit, which MUST be paid by credit card.
Buena Vista Suites is offering their standard rooms for $129 plus tax, per night and villas for $304 plus tax, per night. To book now, call (800) 537-7737, and be sure to ask for The American Legion, Department of Florida room block. A mandatory $14.95 resort fee per night is also required. All reservations require a non-refundable first night room and tax deposit, which MUST be paid by credit card.
Click here for more information, including parking information.
AGENDA
A tentative Agenda is available online. We strongly recommend that you wait closer to the event before printing this agenda, as there are likely to be minor changes. View our tentative agenda by clicking here.
CLASSES
Each year the state convention offers a wide variety of leadership trainings available to all members for the development and betterment of their local American Legion Post.
The pre-registration form for Post Service Officer Training School is now available online. This is a two-day, informative VA&R class that covers all veteran benefits. A certificate and certification card are provided upon completion. To attend you must pre-register, attend both days (Thursday/Friday), and be appointed Post Service Officer by your Post Commander. The course is filled based off first come, first served interest. Click here for additional information.
Online pre-registration is also available for PROJECT: VetRelief Advocate Training. Attendees can expect a closer look into the VetRelief Advocate role, and not just an overview of the program. Be sure to pre-register as space is limited. Click here for additional information.
All other classes do not require registration and are open to attend as space is available.
The American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders will also conduct their own series of courses.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION RAFFLE
The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to announce its upcoming Centennial Celebration Raffle where you could win OVER $15,000 in awesome prizes; including the *BONUS RAFFLE* drawing for a chance to win an American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Three-Coin Set.
In the next 2 to 3 weeks, a select group of members will receive the Centennial Celebration Raffle packet. To participate, complete and return the enclosed tickets for your chances to win these exciting prizes!
Didn’t get a packet? No worries, just complete our online form before May 31, 2019 and we will mail one to you. After May 31st, you will only be able to purchase tickets at our Department Convention, June 27-29, 2019.
DEPARTMENT CONVENTION BOOK
Advertise in the 2019 101st Annual Florida Convention Book! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to advertise your business or Post, send well wishes, special recognition, special announcements and more. Legion Members get half off all advertisements.
We provide our attendees, free of charge, with an annual convention book, very similar to a yearbook. This book would be a great resource to advertise your products and services to interested veterans and patriots, as well as support The American Legion.
Hurry and get your advertisements in now, the deadline of May 1st, has been extended to May 15, 2019. Click here to purchase online.
HISTORY BOOK
We’re also pleased to announce the upcoming release of The American Legion, Department of Florida- Our History – 1919-2019 book. This book details the first 100 years of the Department of Florida, with fascinating facts for each decade and lots of photos depicting some of our greatest accomplishments.
This book will be a limited edition, one time run only, with limited quantities. Available in paperback or hardcover. Pre-order your piece of history now, and get the Department of Florida Centennial lapel pin FREE. Reserve your copy now at floridalegionstore.org.
*This book is different from the History and Directory book sold previously. It includes a more comprehensive Department History and does not include the member directory.
2018-2019 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION T-SHIRTS
Get your Official Convention T-Shirts showcasing the 2018-2019 year. This year’s shirt will be red in Gildan soft style; available in Men and Women’s crewneck. Sizes tend to run a size small; extended sizes, 2x -5x, brand and style may vary. Pre-order now at floridaleigonstore.org.
COMMANDER’S AND PRESIDENT’S BANQUET
The Commander’s and President’s Banquet will take place Friday, June 28, 2019 at the World Center Marriott, Orlando in the Canary Ballroom. A farewell to outgoing Department Commander, Dianne Boland and outgoing Department President, Michele Degennaro. The Banquet will feature a German Dinner Buffet and entertainment by Not Quite Fab (a popular Beatles Cover Band) A cocktail hour will be served prior to the banquet, tickets are required to attend and are available online for purchase. Tickets must be pre-purchased and are limited.
TEXT ALERTS
Sign-up now for Florida Legion Text Alerts, by clicking here or texting FLCON to 41372. You’ll get important announcements, reminders, exclusive Emblem Sales Discounts, a chance to win prizes and interactive fun! Activities include: Legion Quest and Lost Lectures.
VENDORS AND SPONSORS
Approximately 3,000 American Legion members will be in attendance at Department Convention, making this an excellent opportunity for vendors to showcase their products and services. Our vendors are vital to the success of our events. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or know someone who may be interested, please click here to learn more.
DISTRICT CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCES
District Constitutional Conferences will begin starting May 4, 2019. Your District Conferences are important to attend. Please view a complete schedule by clicking here.
DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEADLINES
Department Convention deadlines are fast approaching for Posts and delegates. Please click here for more information.
Dept of Florida Centennial Celebration Raffle
The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to announce its upcoming Centennial Celebration Raffle where you could win OVER $15,000 in awesome prizes; including the *BONUS RAFFLE* drawing for a chance to win an American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Three-Coin Set.
In the next 2 to 3 weeks, a select group of members will receive the Centennial Celebration Raffle packet. To participate, complete and return the enclosed tickets for your chances to win these exciting prizes!
Didn’t get a packet? No worries, just complete our online form before May 31, 2019 and we will mail one to you. After May 31st, you will only be able to purchase tickets at our Department Convention, June 27-29, 2019.
On June 29, 2019, ten (10) CASH winners and one (1) BONUS winner will be chosen for the following Centennial Celebration Raffle prizes:
BONUS DRAWING PRIZE:
American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Three-Coin Set with authenticity certificate
Enter to win these great prizes by sending in your tickets along with a suggested donation of $5 per ticket, six tickets for $20 or all twelve tickets for $30! For a chance to win a remarkable piece of history, include your gold ticket with an additional $5 donation.
By mailing in your tickets with your gift, you play and important part in our programs that serve our brave service members, their families and honor the legacy of the 1.6 million Veterans in Florida. We are making a difference one Veteran at a time!
The Golden Ticket
Centennial BONUS Raffle
Return your enclosed golden ticket with an additional suggested donation of $5 for a chance to win the LIMTED EDITION Centennial American Legion Coin Set with US Mint certificate of authenticity: includes $5 Gold Coin, Silver Dollar and Clad Half Dollar.
Golden tickets are independent from Centennial Celebration Raffle and will be kept separate. Winner will be drawn on Saturday, June 29, 2019 during the Annual Convention and streamed live on Facebook.
WANT MORE CHANCES? Contact Jennifer Cooper at (407) 295-2631 or by email.
Dept of Florida Membership Drive Event
The Department of Florida will be holding a Membership Drive at Florida’s 32nd Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion at Wickham Park in Melbourne, FL. This is the Nation’s largest veterans reunion to be held May 9th – 12th. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will also be on display May 5th – 12th. The Public is invited to attend.
The Department of Florida is asking for volunteers to assist in our Largest Membership Drive. If you are a Legion, Auxiliary or SAL member, we need you! Volunteers are needed to work a couple hours Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon – 6:00PM.
If you can volunteer, please email membership@legionmail.org with your availability.
Weekly Reports – April 25, 2019
Thank You to Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT)
Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) has been a long-time partner to the American Legion, Department of Florida. We are grateful of their support and service to our veterans and their families.
Weekly Reports – April 4, 2019
Weekly Reports – March 28, 2019
Weekly Reports – March 21, 2019
Weekly Reports – March 14, 2019
16th District Update
So far, it has been an exciting year for the 16th District.
As the largest District in the Department, membership is always a challenge but the Posts in the 16th District have welcomed the challenge and are on their way to meet and exceed their numbers for 2018-2019. I would like to give special mention to a couple Posts that have taken the membership challenge and have performed above and beyond expectations.
First, I would like to thank Post 46 who is at 187% as of February 14th. They have exceeded my expectation in growth, not only in membership but throughout the entire Tarpon Springs community by reaching out to the city government, churches, social groups, and schools. Post 46 has put their old nickname of “Ghost Post” behind them and transformed to a Post that is now considering expanding by creating both Sons of the American Legion and Auxiliary Charters. During this time of expansion, they have also started a Boys Scout Program.
Congratulations are also due to Dunedin Post 275 and Commander Sid Damsgard. Post 275 continues to grow, and they recently passed 101% membership this year while representing and promoting the Four Pillars in their community. Job well done Post 275!
Currently, the 16th District is in 3rd place in the Department. I am proud of all the hard work the Posts of the 16th District are doing in membership.
We are working hard to communicate with our Sons and Auxiliary on a monthly basis. The District staff has worked hard, participating in Staff Huddles at least once a month and meeting on Fridays for “Social Hours” at different Posts within the District. These events provide an opportunity for coordination of calendar events and fellowship. Our District Oratorical Winner is Joseph Corley from Post 79 and will be in the Central Area Contest on the 23rd of February at Cross Bayou Post 252.
The District has also been recognized in Social media on the Department and National stages. Our social media presence has increased by over 300% in the last eight months and is averaging 2,000 unique visitors each week.
In closing, it is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Commander Walter Hartshorne, long time Post Commander of Post 343 in New Port Richey, FL. Walter “Wally” Hartshorne was born in New York on January 23, 1930. He was an 89-year-old Korean War Army veteran and a 61-year member of the American Legion. He transferred from Post 1011 in New York City on October 23, 1993. RIP Wally!!
For God and Country,
Ray Perez
16th District Commander
Governor DeSantis Proclaims Women Veterans Recognition Week in Florida
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated the week of March 10-16, 2019 as Women Veterans Recognition Week in Florida. Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veterans’ population. There are more than 144,000 women veterans in the Sunshine State.
For more information and resources for women veterans, visit http://floridavets.org/our-veterans/women-veterans/.
Weekly Reports – March 7, 2019
Attention: Don’t Lose Your Charter
In order to maintain a charter, each Post in the Department of Florida shall participate in at least one recognized program of The American Legion each year, Article X, Section 10c.
All post must complete a National CPR and the Department Addendum, or will be subject to review and possible revocation of charter.
Florida Legion History
In celebration of our 100th Birthday, The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to announce “Our History,” a full color book of Florida Legion’s history from 1919 to 2019.
More information will be available soon. Pre-Order your book starting March 15, 2019.
**Please note, this is a Florida Legion publication, and not the directory book sold previously.**
March Legion Link
Your March 2019 edition of the Legion Link is now available.
Barbara Smith
It is with a sad and heavy heart, we announce the passing of Barbara Smith, the Post 186 First Vice Commander. This was her second time in that position, and her first time she held the position, she was able to get 100% membership at the Post. Barbara has served 35 years in the American Legion, beginning her long career in Kansas, where she was a Post and District Adjutant, and also served on some National committees. Barbara and her husband Chris moved to Florida in 2015, and she became the Adjutant at the first meeting she attended in July. She also served one year as the 15th District Adjutant.
Barbara was also a member of the American Legion Riders, the Bingo Chairperson, 20/4, was also in the Honor Guard. She was a member of the Harley owners group for over twenty years. She also loved doing arts and crafts. Her biggest passion was the Legion, and doing whatever she could for our youth and Veteran’s. Barbara will be greatly missed both at our Post, and where she previously served in Kansas, as well as her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, her husband has requested any donations be made on her behalf to Project Vet Relief, The Children’s Welfare Foundation, or the Humane Society.
Memorial service and viewing will be on Wednesday, March 6th from 5 pm – 7 pm at Downing Funeral Home 1214 Wendy Court, Spring Hill,FL
She will be interred on Friday March 8th, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. There will be an escort leaving the funeral home at 11 am to go the cemetery. If you would like to attend the service at the cemetery, please be there by 1230 pm.