Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam Veterans Day in Florida proclamation.
Vietnam Veterans Day in Florida
Inside the American Legion Post 71’s new home
Together We Can Make an Impact
In the wake of the government shutdown, The American Legion went public to assist active duty Coast Guard members through National’s Temporary Financial Assistance program. This program requires families with minor children. The Department of Florida utilized it’s program, Project: VetRelief, to provide assistance to those that did not have qualifying children.
Through both programs, the Department Staff processed nearly 400 applications received from Coast Guard members.
The wave of US Coast Guard member applications has been overwhelming, but we are happy to report that all cases in which there was not a minor child in the home have been provided with a $250 gift card to Publix from PROJECT: VetRelief. To date, there have been 29 Coast Guard members funded for a total of $7,250. Additionally, of the 302 applications submitted to National’s TFA program, 231 families were provided support for a total of $130,000.
In the event that the government shuts down in a couple of weeks, the Department Staff would like to keep providing support for those effected for as long as we can; however, funds for both programs are limited. We ask that you, along with the members of your Post, take a minute to realize the impact a donation can have on someone defending your coastline and not receiving a paycheck.
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO BOTH PROGRAMS:
National Commander to Visit
National Commander Brett Reistad is set to visit Florida February 1 – 7, 2019. He will be accompanied by his aide, Ken Knight. Let’s give them both a warm welcome. Please remember to invite the Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion to attend.
Please note: The National Commander, has an emergency in Washington D.C. and has to cut his trip to Florida short. Please download the revised itinerary below.
Revised: 2/1/19
Congratulations
The following 100% Posts 2-11-15-20-46-49-51-62-76-84-96-102-108-130-166-172-181-187-234-248-249-268-308-314-358-378-389-411
Districts @ 85% or Higher 2-6-12-16
The 84 Posts who are @ 85% or more
I would also like to thank the 124 posts who are on the new system it is making a difference for the Department of Florida. Using these numbers, I estimate that we are at 83% as of this morning. Our next Department goal is 90% and the National goal is 85% let’s make the 90%.
Thank you for Continuing to Serve
RENEW-REINSTATE-RECRUIT
Bruce Thurber, Membership Chairman
Department of Florida
Membership Renewal Post Cards
ATTENTION POSTS:
Past Due – Membership Renewals post cards are in. Please email Irene Graham, Membership Director at igraham@floridalegion.org and let her know how many you need.
Legion Family Cruise
Last years cruise was a great success. We had 22 cabins booked and everyone had a great time.
This will be 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.
It’s time to do it again. This will be first come first serve, so make your reservations ASAP as cabin space might fill up quickly. My wife works for Carnival, so we will be taken care of.
At least 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 will see you aboard.
William R Johnson
1st Vice Commander
American Legion
Department Of Florida
954-242-4496 rickjtank@hotmail.com
Questions, Tickets, Reservations
Maureen Williams, Vacation Planner
Carnival Cruise Line
800-819-3902 EXT 85931
305-406-6183 FAX
MON – THU 11:00 AM – 8:00PM EST
FRI 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
mwilliams2@carnival.com
Download flyer for full details.
Opportunity for Mortgage-Free Homeownership
Homes for Independence and Abilities of Florida, a part of ServiceSource, have an initiative that is being developed to give a qualified person or persons with a disability or active-military, veterans, and surviving spouses, an opportunity for homeownership.
Crestview Villas Mortgage-Free Property Donation Program Eligibility
Property Address: 800 North Fiske Blvd Cocoa, FL
Veterans with a service related disability will be given preference, wounded warrior, veteran, surviving spouse, surviving parent, qualified active-military or a qualified person or persons with a disability
- Must provide a copy of your DD214 or a verification of a disability
- Must have been honorably discharged or active military
- Must complete application and the home must be primary residence
- All participants must have current verifiable income for utilities, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, Homeowner Association fees, living expenses, and savings account contribution
- Excellent rental history; paying rent on time and taking care of your unit
- Must consent to a current credit and criminal background check
- Must provide two (2) letters of recommendation
- New owner will be responsible for taxes and insurance after time of transfer and condo association fees 1 year after time of transfer. Condo fees are $327 annually.
- A three-year deed restriction from the date of recordation will be placed on title to ensure successful completion of financial mentorship program, successful home ownership, and restricts a title transfer or rental of the property to a third party
Participation is required on the ceremony day of giveaway and a dress code policy will be enforced.
Giveaway November 6, 2019
For application information or questions, please contact Glenda Probst at (321) 632-4542 glendaprobst@servicesource.org or Lisa Ciccolelli at 727-600-8922 lisa.ciccolelli@servicesource.org.
Creating Mobility for Veterans
13 Scooters Donated for Florida Veterans
Orlando, January 2, 2019 – Jack Kump (Port Orange, FL) and his wife, Joan Wheeler, continue to impact the Florida veteran community and having recently donated twelve (12) brand new mobility handicap scooters to The American Legion, Department of Florida. Inspired by their commitment to our veterans, SpinLife has also added an additional scooter, free of charge, for a total of thirteen (13) brand new mobility scooters to be given away to Florida Veterans.
This marks the third year Jack and Joan have generously donated new mobility scooters for travel to Florida’s veterans. We asked Jack and Joan what prompted such a noble act. According to Jack, “Without the military influence, discipline, Espirit de Corps, and direction, my life would have probably taken a much less productive path”. Jack and Joan believe that all vets are very special people and should be recognized, shown compassion, and never overlooked or forgotten. “The scooters are being donated in memory of two WWII vets very special in our lives, Joan’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.”
On Friday, January 4th, Jack and Joan arrived at The American Legion, Department of Florida’s State Headquarters office. David Miller, Purple Heart recipient and long-time member of the American Legion, was also in attendance to show his appreciation. David will distribute three (3) scooters within the Tampa area to deserving veterans who are affiliated with the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in Pinellas Park.
Florida is home to more than 1.6 million veterans, 22% of those veterans have claimed some level of disability. Jack and Joan have asked that these mobility scooters be distributed to disabled veterans who are in need and lack the funds or insurance to cover the costs on their own. They have entrusted The American Legion, Department of Florida with the distribution of this remarkable act of kindness.
The American Legion, Department of Florida would like to extend a debt of gratitude to Jack and Joan, on behalf of all Florida Veterans. It is this type of compassion and kindness that we wish for all of our veterans.
Also featured in:
Larry D. Sheets
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Judge Advocate, Larry D. Sheets, of Miami, FL on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the age of 72. Larry is survived by his sister, Nancy Carroll, of Hampton, Georgia, and his brother, John Sheets, of Plymouth, Indiana. 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.
Larry was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Sullivan-Babcock Post 32, with 51 continuous years of membership. Larry served as an aircraft mechanic while in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked for Eastern Airlines for 21 years and retired Executive Airlines (American Eagle) in Miami.
Larry joined The American Legion in 1968 at Nappanee, Indiana Post 154, and transferred to Hialeah, Florida Post 32 in 1972. He served in many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion including 14 terms as Post Commander. On a Department level, Larry, served as Department Internal Affairs Chairman (1994-2002 & 2006-15); 10th District Commander (1980-81); Department Sgt-at-Arms (1987-89); Vice Commander – Southern Area (1985-86); and Department Commander (1989-90). On a National level, Larry, served on the National Internal Affairs Committee (1987-19); National Legislative Council (1993-94 & 1999-19); and was elected National Vice Commander (2011-12).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through Post 32 Commander, Sly Fowler.
Family of PDC Larry Sheets
C/O Sly Fowler
6720 Crooked Palm Ter.
Miami Lakes, FL 33014-2918
UPDATE: Urn Committal Service with Military Honors will take place on Thursday, January 24, 2019, 11:30 AM at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South SR 7, Lake Worth, FL.
Free Scoutbook on Jan 1, 2019
Scoutbook free for everyone beginning Jan. 1, 2019
It seems too good to be true, but you will absolutely take it.
The BSA announced today that it will make Scoutbook subscriptions free to all BSA units beginning Jan. 1, 2019. Units that already use Scoutbook won’t be charged when they renew their subscription on or after Sept. 1, 2018.
Scoutbook is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail.
How will my unit be affected?
- Units with a current Scoutbook account: When they need to renew their subscription this fall, they will not pay any renewal fees, effective Sept. 1, 2018.
- Councils that provide Scoutbook accounts for their units: When they need to renew these unit subscriptions this fall, they will not pay any renewal fees, effective Sept. 1, 2018.
- (Essentially, units — or councils paying for their units — can renew Scoutbook subscriptions in September, October, November or December 2018 at no cost.)
- Units without a current Scoutbook account: They can begin their free Scoutbook unit subscription on Jan. 1, 2019.
Will existing users get a refund?
No. There are no plans to reimburse anyone who has previously paid for a Scoutbook subscription. This change applies only to any new Scoutbook subscriptions effective Jan. 1, 2019, or later — and to any renewing Scoutbook subscriptions that would normally be paid between Sept. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2018.
What if a current Scoutbook unit needs to add more Scouts this fall?
Let’s say your pack has a 75-Scout subscription with 15 open slots. You expect to recruit well over that number this fall. Can you add Scouts to your subscription when/if that happens?
Yes, if you have a current Scoutbook subscription, after Sept. 1, 2018, you can renew your subscription (if needed) or add more youth to Scoutbook at no cost.
What should units that don’t currently have Scoutbook do this fall?
Scoutbook will be free to all units beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
In the meantime, watch for the release of Scoutbook Lite for all units later in 2018. This free online tool will provide a slightly different user experience from the full Scoutbook, but it will help your unit track advancements for all your youth members.
How will subscriptions/renewals work in 2019 and beyond?
The need to “subscribe” or “renew” annually will become unnecessary. Once your unit is on Scoutbook, you’ll be set for as long as your unit would like to continue using this free tool.
How will making Scoutbook free affect its performance?
Scoutbook will only continue to improve. The BSA IT and Member Care teams will continue to support Scoutbook with their timely service and quality resources. Scoutbook performance enhancements have been implemented regularly over the years, and its performance is continually monitored.
Where can I get more information about this change in Scoutbook?
First, consult the latest FAQs, available in this PDF.
Contact Scoutbook.support@scouting.org
Source: Scouting Wire, Dec 26, 2018
Wreaths Across America at Bay Pines 2018
American Legion Post 273 Madeira Beach
“WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT BAY PINES 2018”
Photos by 16th District Historian Edward Lewis
Saturday, December 15th
Members of Post 273 and the 16th District participated in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Bay Pines National Cemetery. A total of 4,800 wreaths were distributed by close to 100 volunteers. Here is a video summary of the day’s event. Thank you Ed Lewis for another superb effort!
Anthony Torregrossa
2nd Vice Commander
Post 24 Celebrates with Pistol Competition
At the range from L to R – Scott Perando, Jerry Ham, David Youngclaus, Dan Roberts, Peter Letsky
On Friday, November 16, 2018 Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton, FL helped to celebrate its 100th Anniversary as well as the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion by holding its first pistol competition for American Legion Family Members at the Bullseye Pistol Range in Palmetto, FL.
Fourteen members signed up to shoot in this “once in a lifetime” event. Unfortunately only five members were able to participate in this iron sight match at 50 feet, shooting 10 rounds slow fire in 10 minutes, then 5 rounds in 20 seconds x 2 timed fire, and then 5 rounds in 10 seconds x 2 rapid fire, for a total of 30 shots. All shooters had an enjoyable time in this low pressure event.
1st Place Trophy to Dan Roberts (L) by Jerry Ham, Match Director (R)
The idea was to have a unique event to celebrate our 100th Anniversary and get our members to shoot some of those pistols they had at home in nightstands that they haven’t shot in many years. The event seemed to work since everyone is asking for another match, possibly early next year while we are still celebration our 100th Anniversary.
The competition was organized by Jerry Ham, Match Director and trophies were presented to the five winners at the Post Riders meeting and the Post Legion meeting this week.
For additional information contact:
Jerry Ham, Match Director 941-713-3074
Raymond “Ray” M. Weaver
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander, Raymond “Ray” M. Weaver, of Waynesville, NC on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the age of 87. Ray is survived by his wife, Joyce, and by his son, Joel Weaver, and daughter, Nancy Del Rosal. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Crawford/Ray Funeral Home, 1 North Main Street, Canton, NC at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Green Hill Cemetery, 129 Legion Dr., Waynesville, NC. The local American Legion post will be performing military honors.
Ray is a U.S. Air Force Korean war veteran and a member of Post 8, with 38 years of membership. He served many roles during his impressive career in The American Legion. Ray was former Department Oratorical Chairman (1985-99); 15th District Commander (1992-93); Department Vice Commander Central Area (1994-95); and Department Commander (1996-97).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief. Condolences you may do so through his son, Joel Weaver, at 122 Margaret Lane, Waynesville, NC 28785
Update: The date of Ray Weaver’s funeral service has been changed to Friday, December 7th due to inclement weather. Same time and place, 1- 2 at funeral home and 2:30 at cemetery.
Olga “OT” B. Terrell
It is with sad heart that we have to announce that Past Department President, Olga “OT” B. Terrell, age 98, of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018 at her residence. She was born October 12, 1920 in Fort Deposit, AL to the late Gerald and Rosalee (Sullivan) Bush.
Olga married Lee R. Terrell on May 8, 1941 in Forest, MS. She was heavily involved with the American Legion Auxiliary from the national level down to her unit at Rogers-Hinson Post #235.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee R. Terrell and five siblings.
Survivors include her children, Roslyn “Lyn” Terrell of Fort Walton Beach, FL and Joan Schade of Hay Market, VA; her grandchildren, Michael (Melinda) Hicks, Michelle (David) Kerwood, all of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Gwen (Pete) Schade of Orlando, FL; her great granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Brian) Shermer of Iwakuni, Japan.
If you would like to send a card please send to: Lyn Terrell at 40 Hemlock Dr, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. 32548-4751
FUNERAL SERVICE INFORMATION IS BELOW:
VISITATION
Monday
December 3, 2018
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
161 Racetrack Road North West
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
SERVICE
Tuesday
December 4, 2018
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
161 Racetrack Road North West
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Commander Boland Serves Meals
Each year Cross Bayou Post 252, in Seminole, invites the Department Commander to visit and help prepare and serve meals to patients from Bay Pines. Our Department Commander Dianne Boland, was happy to accept the invitation.
They served two bus loads this year, serving between 100-125. There were 20-30 volunteers, four of whom were in uniform.
A huge thanks to our Department Commander Dianne Boland, Post 252, and all the volunteers who made this event possible.
A Message From Our Disaster Preparedness Chair
I hope that all our fellow Legionnaires and family are safe following the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. We want you to be aware of The American Legion programs that are available to assist you during this time of recovery.
The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF) provides immediate financial assistance to Legion Family members and posts affected by Hurricane Michael. The fund provides up to $3,000 for qualified members and up to $10,000 for posts.
NEF grants do not cover costs of items which should be covered by insurance. It is strictly for assisting Legionnaires with emergency travel, lodging and meals while under mandatory evacuation from their homes. These are considered emergency, out of pocket, living expenses.
In order to qualify for an NEF grant, an applicant must:
- Have been displaced from his or her primary residence due to a declared natural disaster.
- Must have sustained damage to their primary residence as a result of the declared natural disaster.
- Provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs, such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.
- Provide evidence of damage sustained to their residence.
- Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.
- Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster and substantiating documentation must provide that The American Legion post will cease to perform the duties and activities in the community due to losses sustained.
While the NEF provides immediate assistance to Legion and SAL members, qualified children of Legion-eligible veterans may receive assistance through the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program.
The TFA grants do not cover costs of items which should be covered by insurance. It is strictly for temporary food, shelter, utilities, and clothing.
Payout from the funds are currently capped at $2,500 per veteran with minor children (17 years or younger) living at home. Legion membership is not required.
In addition, Department of Florida is also taking applications for the Department’s Hurricane Relief Fund. This fund is similar to NEF; however, for a good restoration resource there is no need to have sustained damage to be eligible for funding. Also, the Department fund will support, any veteran regardless of membership status. Legionnaires will have first consideration and the program will be active until funds are depleted.
For more information or to apply for NEF, TFA or Department of Florida’s Hurricane Relief Fund, contact Department Headquarters at 407-295-2631, or visit www.foridalegion.org.
VFW, Legion National Commanders Demand Immediate Action
VA Rates 70 Percent of its Nursing Homes as Failures
VFW, Legion national commanders demand immediate action
WASHINGTON (November 14, 2018) — The national commanders of the nation’s two largest veterans organizations are demanding that Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie bring immediate attention to his nursing home program that currently has 70 percent of its 132 homes receiving failing grades by the VA’s own rating system.
The call by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. National Commander B.J. Lawrence and American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad is in response to a series of scathing articles by two USA Today and Boston Globe reporters who documented substandard and negligent care at the VA nursing home in Brockton, Mass., which is one of 45 nursing homes that received the VA’s lowest rating of one star. Forty-seven homes received two stars, 16 homes three stars, and 15 homes four stars. Only nine nursing homes received the VA’s top five-star rating.
“While much of the media’s attention has been on the proper implementation of VA healthcare legislation, we cannot forget about 46,000 mostly senior veterans who reside in these nursing homes,” said the two national commanders, who collectively speak for more than 4.6 million members and their auxiliaries.
“The media reports about sub-par care, patient neglect and safety violations at VA nursing homes are more than just disturbing,” said the Legion’s national commander. “Legionnaires, our friends in the VFW, and anybody who respects veterans should be angered by this,” said Reistad. “These are not just patients in a home, these are people who in the prime of their lives risked their lives, and made enormous sacrifices on behalf of our country. America’s veterans deserve better. We not only expect VA to fix these problems immediately, but we want transparency. Those who sleep on the job and ignore the best interests of their patients need to find a different employer.”
Echoing his counterpart, the VFW national commander said “These veterans earned the right to receive high quality care in a fully-staffed and well-managed facility. Their families deserve to know that their loved ones — their heroes — are not being abandoned or abused, and America needs to be reassured that the VA is honoring our nation’s promise to those who have borne the battle,” said Lawrence. “The VA must improve its delivery of quality care at these facilities. It must recruit and retain only the best healthcare professionals and support staff, and it must hold all employees accountable for their actions or inactions. It is not a right but a privilege to work for America’s veterans, and anything less is unacceptable.”
Media Contacts: VFW: Joe Davis, 202-608-8357, JDavis@vfw.org , The American Legion: John Raughter, 317-441-8847 jraughter@legion.org
Post 16 Prepares to Celebrate 100 Years
Submitted by: Jim Ramos
Press: WCJB 20
Its been one hundred years since the World War One armistice, which means the American Legion will soon celebrate their hundredth year.
The American Legion has been serving the North Central Florida and verteran communities across the nation since 1919.
The Legion opperates on four pillars: veteran’s affairs and rehabilitation, national security, americanism, and children and youth.
The Legion holds multiple events throughout the year, including the Medal of Honor ceremony.
The Legion invites all veterans and their families.
Link to original article: https://www.wcjb.com/content/news/American-Legion-Post-16-prepares-to-celebrate-100-years-499984741.html
Post 144 Miami Lakes Co-hosts Benefit
Submission by: Gary E Cardenas, Post 144 Commander
Submitted on: October 30, 2018
On Saturday, October 20 our Post co-hosted with the US Coast Guard Air Base in Opa Locka, for the third year in a row a Veterans Benefits Fair and Meals with Memories. The first one in 2016 only attracted about 720 Veterans due to space limitations. Last November, we attracted almost 1,200 Veterans and their families, as we were allowed to us part of the hangar at the Base. This time our goal was 2,000 and guess what, we did it!! Even thou we ended up not getting half of the hangar as they were repairing airplanes that were being used for support missions in the panhandle (thanks to Hurricane Michael). See link for some photos from the Coast Guard.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/215c45a#.W9OxtyuyN5E.email
Our guest of honor was Gold Star Mother Ms. Georgie Carter, mother of the late USMC, PFC Bruce Wayne Carter, CMOH recipient. As you may already know, the Miami VA Hospital bears his name. By the way, he is buried at Vista Memorial Cemetery in Miami Lakes, where last year on Memorial Day we placed 2,000+ Flags with the help of 7 Boy Scouts Troops/Packs Our Post hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony, where we unveiled the improvements made to the four veterans burial sections by a Boy Scout who did this project for his Eagle. This past Saturday I attended his Eagle Scout Court of Honor where I spoke and presented him with the Legion’s Eagle Scout Pin and a Certificate.
The next Eagle Scout Project is to place a headstone on the tomb of PFC Carter-CMOH; is the least he deserves. I am now working with mom to get her permission.
At the Veterans Benefits Fair event our Post was recognized by a Proclamation from Miami Dade County, declaring Oct 20, 2018 as “American Legion Post 144 Day.” for our work in support of our Veterans. It was presented by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, a Vietnam Veteran Marine. See photo attached.
At this event, in addition to the 2,000 Veterans, and free food ,we had employers, nearly 100 Benefits vendors, the DOV truck issuing drivers licenses with the V designation at no charge, the Department of Labor, the FDVA, the Miami VA, Hair for Heroes, full color guard from SOUTHCOM, Veterans Motorcycle Riders, The Salvation Army, and much more.
See some attached photos (you can see me (bald head my District Cap on chest) on one of them during the opening prayers. By the way, the young lady singing the National Anthem is a contestant on this season of the Voice.
