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.
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.
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.
Congratulations to Thomas Reisinger, Sarasota Military Academy, received the highest score in the Sporter discipline and is our State Champion in The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports National Postal Tournament.
Reisinger is affiliated with Post 266. We congratulate him on this achievement!
We regret to inform you that Dennis Thompson passed away February 15th, 2020 in hospice. Dennis obtained his membership in The American Legion as a US Army Combat Engineer serving a year in Vietnam.
He served several years as American Legion Lakeshore Post 137 Service Officer, Post Adjutant for three years and was selected as Department of Florida Adjutant of the Year 2013. He was elected Post Commander 2006-2008 that included Lakeshore Post 137 being selected The Most Outstanding Post in the Department of Florida in 2008. At FL. 5th District Dennis was appointed District Adjutant several years. At The Department of Florida, he served several years as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee. Dennis was awarded an Honorary Life Member at American Legion Lakeshore Post 137. He was also a member and supporter of the Sons of The American Legion and the American Legion Riders at Post 137.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 15th District Commander, George “Bill” Hamblin, of Tampa, Florida on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the age of 73. Bill is survived by his wife, Rosemarie. 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.
Bill was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of U.S.S. Tampa Post 5, Tampa, FL with 18 continuous years of membership. Bill served as Post Commander (2006-2020) and District Commander (2015-2016).
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, Rosemarie, at 4405 W. Vasconia Street, Tampa, FL 33629.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Post 5 Commander and Past 15th District Commander George “Bill” Hamblin on Sunday, March 29th from 12pm to 5pm at Post 5, 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL.
More lives are lost every year to home fires than to all major disasters.
Through our Home Fire Campaign, volunteers and other community partners canvass neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms and providing fire prevention and safety education.
If you need a smoke alarm installed, or want to get involved in this campaign, please call 352-415-4636.
Last years cruise was a blast, and we are ready to go again.
This will be a first come first serve, so make your reservations ASAP as cabin space might fill up quickly. Please call to reserve your room as prices change all the time. My wife works for Carnival, so we will be taken care of.
Put your deposit down quickly and she will try to have us as close together as possible. Remember, this will be a FUN cruise and time to enjoy each other’s company and to recharge for the year.
I will have hotel information as we get closer for the night before the cruise. Everyone have a great time and we’ll see you aboard.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or vacation planner, Maureen Williams.
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Senator Wright introducing his bill related to crimes against Veterans to the Senate Criminal Justice Subcommittee. The American Legion proudly waived in support of this bill.
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Appropriation Subcommittee is getting started, in which we will be supporting bill HB 593 Disability Retirement Benefits for Veterans.
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Meeting with State Representative Anthony Sabatini who was very supportive in discussing all Veterans issues currently in Legislation.
