Category Archives: Florida

URGENT: Tell Congress to Support the Veterans Service Recognition Act

The American Legion has long supported immigrants seeking citizenship through service. We have advocated on behalf of those who seek a legal path toward naturalization through honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Today, we are asking you to reach out to your representatives in Washington, D.C., and ask them to support the Veterans Service Recognition Act.

Take Action Now

As background, the Veterans Service Recognition Act would support more than 24,000 active duty men and women of other nations serving honorably in America. In addition, there are tens of thousands more veterans who have completed their service, yet have not been awarded the citizenship they were promised.

The Veteran Service Recognition Act would allow noncitizen service members to apply for naturalization during basic training, establish a review process for those who are in removal proceedings, and provide an opportunity for noncitizen veterans who have been removed or ordered removed and who have not been convicted of serious crimes to obtain legal permanent resident status.

Please ask Congress to stand with Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and The American Legion on this important legislation!


Claude “Sisco” Deen, Jr.

With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Boys Scout Chair Claude “Sisco” Deen, Jr., of Flagler Beach, Florida, who passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; 3 sons (from a previous marriage), Devin, Brian, and Sisco; their children, Evan, Billy, Sage, Scarlet, Jasper, and Juliana; and Gloria’s sons, Seth and David; their children, Hannah, Tom, and Elsa.

Sisco was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam Era Veteran and a Flagler Post 115 member, with 58 continuous years of membership. Sisco served as Post Commander from 1997-99. At the Department level, he served as Boys Scout Chair from 1986-02 and Scholarship Chair from 2000-02. At the National level, he served on the Legislative Council from 1987-90, 1993-94, and 1999.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Cattleman’s Hall at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Rd., Bunnell, FL 32110.

Condolences may be sent to his family at P.O. Box 637, Flagler Beach, FL 32136.

To view Sisco’s obituary: Claude Sisco Deen Jr. Obituary – Flagler Beach, FL (dignitymemorial.com)


Weekly Reports September 14, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Weekly Reports September 7, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Palou leaves no doubt in Portland

(CoForce photo)

The American Legion ~ Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou needed to only finish third or higher in Sunday’s BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland to clinch his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in three years. But that wasn’t enough for the 26-year-old driver.

“He likes to win,” Ganassi said in a post-race interview. “I told him, ‘Hey, let’s wrap this up today.’ He said, ‘I’m going to wrap it up with a win.’ He called his shot.”

That Palou did, and again in dominant fashion, taking the lead on lap 22 and leading 69 of the final 88 laps, winning by 5.4353 seconds over runner-up Felix Rosenqvist. Driving the No. 10 American Legion Honda featuring the Be the One message, he wrapped up the series championship with one race remaining – the first driver to do so since 2007. CGR teammate Scott Dixon finished third and clinched second in the points race.

“That’s what we wanted,” Palou said. “It was an amazing weekend overall. We had really fast cars. We knew we had to go for it, and we just raced how we’ve been doing all season. Super proud to be here in victory lane and super proud of the second championship.

“And it’s extra special for The American Legion’s Be the One. It’s (Suicide Prevention Awareness Month), so hopefully that helps a lot of people now.”

Palou’s championship was Ganassi’s third in the past four seasons and 15th overall. Palou became just the fifth driver in the history of the sport to win multiple championships at 26 or younger. In addition to his title, Palou and CGR also earned $10,000 for his victory as part of the PeopleReady Force For Good Challenge; $5,000 goes to The American Legion as Palou’s chosen charity.

With one race to go, Palou has an average finish of 3.75 this season and has finished in the top 10 in every race. He is the first Chip Ganassi Racing driver to win five races in a season since 2009.

“I never thought that I would be an INDYCAR champion, and to be a two-time INDYCAR champion feels amazing, like a dream,” Palou said. “Thank you to The American Legion and Parkland for all your support this year. It’s been an amazing year, and we still have one to go.”

Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Marcus Ericsson, who also featured American Legion branding on his No. 8 Huski Ice Spritz, moved up three spots from his starting position to finish the race seventh. Ericsson has 14 top-10 finishes in the season’s 16 races.

“First of all, massive congratulations to all of Chip Ganassi Racing on the championship and then, of course, Alex on his win and his championship,” Ericsson said via CGR media. “He’s been the class of the field all year, and it’s hard to get a more deserving champion than that. I’m really happy for him and the whole team.

“For me, it was a tough race. A lot of pushing and shoving and getting pushed off, pushing people off. But in the end, we fought all the way through and ended up at a P7 finish. I think we did well to get there after a tough race. We wanted more, but a good day for the team and I’m happy for everyone.”

In the INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland, CGR developmental driver Kyffin Simpson started the race in the second row, but contact between two cars right behind him caused what would be a nine-car accident. Simpson would end up 13th in the race.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will wrap up the 2023 season with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Sept. 8-10.


Weekly Reports August 31, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Photo by Hilary Ott/The American Legion

Navy Veteran from Beaver Dam, Wis., Elected National Commander of The American Legion

Photo by Hilary Ott/The American Legion

Photo by Hilary Ott/The American Legion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2023)– Daniel J. Seehafer was elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization today in Charlotte, N.C., during The American Legion’s 104th National Convention. Seehafer likes to say, “It’s personal,” when it comes to The American Legion’s mission of serving veterans and their families. He is continuing the theme of “Be the One,” The American Legion’s initiative to prevent veteran suicide.

An ordained minister from Wisconsin, he earned his American Legion eligibility through service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, where he served as a military chaplain. A member of American Legion Post 157 in Horicon, Wis., Seehafer served in a number of American Legion offices at every level, including national chaplain and commander of the Department of Wisconsin.

Born and raised in Merrill, Wis., he lettered in cross-country while in high school and later received a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Concordia University and a Master of Divinity at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Seehafer was installed as assistant pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon in 1997 and continues to serve as administrative pastor of the church and its school. His American Legion post was recognized for “100 percent” and “All-Time High” in membership during his terms as commander and adjutant. Other honors include district commander’s new post achievement award, Silver Brigade, and Post 157 Legionnaire of the Year.

In 2023, Seehafer earned an Outstanding Heroism Award for administering the Heimlich Maneuver to a choking victim at an American Legion dinner.

Seehafer and his wife, Stacey, who is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, live in Beaver Dam, Wis. Dan’s son, Jacob, and daughter, Emma, are also members of the Post 157 family.


Weekly Reports August 24, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Legacy Run Day 3: Stage 4 pancreatic cancer doesn’t stop Florida Legion Rider from being on ride

Photo by Hilary Ott /The American Legion

During The American Legion Department of Florida convention in June, Legionnaire Tim Morris remembers a couple coming up to him and asking him if he was OK. Morris had been physically active and had lost some weight, so he didn’t think much of it.

But then jaundice started to kick in. “I saw it in my eyes, and I started seeing it show up in my palms and in my feet,” said Morris, a member of American Legion Post 117 in Palm Bay, and the Department of Florida’s ALR sergeant-at-arms. “So as soon as I got back from convention … I went to the doctor and did labs at the VA.”

After getting results, Morris said the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare provider called him right away and told him to go straight to the hospital. That’s when Morris got the news: he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to his liver. After his condition slightly improved, he was able to do his first chemotherapy treatment in August. And he’ll do the next one, though it will have to be the first week of September, after the Legacy Run veteran completes this year’s ride.

Morris had participated in six previous Legacy Runs and had registered for this year’s ride. Though he knew he couldn’t ride it, both for himself and the safety of others around him, he still wanted to be a part of it. That’s when Department of Florida Commander Michael “Gambler” Raymond offered his commander’s vehicle to Morris to drive with the ride.

“It’s just life itself. It’s just me,” Morris said. “This is my family. Everyone here, I look forward to seeing just as much as I look forward to seeing my kids. I miss them the whole time we’re gone. When we get back together and see each other, it’s the most awesome feeling.

“(Before the ride) I was really questioning myself if this was a great idea. Michael Raymond … offered me to drive his car … which made it all possible. Without that, I’d have been stuck. But that gave me motivation, when he told me the news that I could do that. That picked up my spirits. Then I was, ‘Oh yeah, let’s go for it.’”

Morris wasn’t sure how he’d fit in with the ride while driving an SUV. But Legacy Run Chief Road Captain Mark Clark made arrangements for Morris to travel with the ride’s advance team. But that wasn’t enough for Morris.

“I decided if I was going to travel with the advance team, I was going to work with the advance team,” said Morris, who has assisted with directing the motorcycles when they park or pull in for a gas stop. “And I feel better every single day because I’m doing it.”

Morris said working with the advance team has given him “a whole new perspective and respect for the guys and gals that are the advance team. People don’t realize that when we ride up, they’re standing at the pumps … setting all that up takes a lot of work. (Advance team leader Devin Bright) does a fantastic job getting there and scoping the project out.

“That team is fantastic. They all work together. Everybody covers each other’s back.”

Morris said it’s always difficult to say goodbye to his fellow Riders at the conclusion of the ride. This year it may be a little tougher. “It’s going to suck. It’s going to suck,” he said. “It’s going to be a hard day, because I also know I may never see them again. I don’t feel that’s going to happen, but I know that’s the perception in my mind that this may be the last time I get to see everybody. So, I’m making every day the best that I can. Every day’s a blessing.”

Leaving Ohio on a Generous Note. At the stop at American Legion Post 371 in Wellston, Ohio, more than $6,000 was donated to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, bringing the total to the half-million-dollar mark. Of that, $4,760 came from the hosts — $2,000 in a donation, and another $2,760 when the post donated back to the ride the check it had received to provide lunch.

“It’s just giving back, paying it forward,” Post 377 Commander Bruce Conley said. “This is what we’re about here in Wellston.”

Conley said being asked to host a stop on the ride was “at first a bit overwhelming. And then they came rolling in this morning, and it was overwhelming. But it is an honor and a privilege. We couldn’t be happier. As long as we can do for our fellow veterans, we’re happy to do it. That’s what our thing is here.”

During the stop, Clark also relayed a story one of the Riders had shared with him. One of the workers at a hotel hosting the ride had presented the Rider with a donation. The reason: that worker’s child was a Legacy Scholarship recipient and had earned a degree in engineering.

“It’s a small world,” Clark said. “We don’t know the lives that we are touching or dreams that we are helping make come true.”

Welcome to West Virginia. The Riders made a grand entrance into the Mountain State in grand fashion, crossing the Ohio River on the 2,800-feet Silver Memorial Bridge into the state. Construction of the bridge started in 1968 downstream from the former Silver Bridge, which collapsed in 1967 under the weight of rush-hour traffic and took the lives of 46 people.

The Riders then made multiple elevation changes in route to American Legion Post 177, where pizza, wings and swag bags were waiting for them. A letter from Sen. Joe Manchin was read, while Department of West Virginia Commander Matt Sampson was on hand to greet the ride.

“We arranged for the most pleasant riding weather possible,” Sampson told the Riders. “Thank you all for making this trip in support of The American Legion Legacy Scholarship (Fund). This means a lot to all those students out there.”

During the stop at Post 177, nearly $10,000 was donated, bringing the total into Day 4 to $510,139 – what Chief Road Captain Mark Clark said was a three-day Legacy Run record. A donation of $6,000 was made by Fairfax, Va., American Legion Post 177, Chapter 177 and an individual donor.


Weekly Reports August 17, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Virtual Veteran Orientation

During this event, you will be provided with information and resources that will help you learn how to navigate our healthcare system with ease. At the end of the presentation, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback. To attend the orientation, please scan the QR code or click the link below.

Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 252 178 405 183
Passcode: 46iVSn
Download Teams | Join on the web


Weekly Reports August 11, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Global Green Beret Gathering

SFA Legacy Initiatives has signed a contract with Carnival Cruise Lines to charter an entire ship for a SF, Family, and friends The Carnival Paradise will provide an exclusive cruise experience departing from Tampa, FL on October 19, 2024. The current planning/itinerary will include the following events that will also support many SF small businesses during this epic event:

October 2024

  • October 17-18 – Pre-cruise gatherings, USSOCOM events?, golf tournament(s), poker run, supporting local SF businesses with Scuba dives, off-shore fishing, boat trips, and more
  • October 19 – Board the ship, SF Swag, Regimental Colors flying from the mast, sail away party with Nationally known music artist(?)
  • October 20 – Day at Sea, SF beer and wine tasting from SF owned breweries and wineries
  • October 21 – Bimini
  • October 22 – Nassau with a shore party at the SF owned “The Bearded Clam Sports Bar”, support other SF businesses with shore excursion
  • October 23 – Day at Sea, SF bourbon, whiskey, and liquor tasting from SF owned distilleries
  • October 24 – Return to Tampa with more activities planned like football games, hockey games, etc…

We have over 1,000 passengers already registered during the pre-registration phase. Please tell your teammates to sign up before all the rooms are booked. This is a family friendly cruise. We look forward to seeing you.

SFACON 2024
The Special Forces Association will be holding its annual Convention (SFACON) during the cruise, with special events planned in the Tampa area for a few days prior to sailing. Visit the SFACON 2024 website for the latest information and to see a list of those who’ve registered for the cruise.

Visit the SFACON 2024 Website

Download Flyer

 


Weekly Reports August 3, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Florida veteran who had to leave apartment due to rent hike trying to avoid homelessness


Florida Legion Riders help bring early Christmas to boy with terminal cancer

Gabriel Bostwick, a 12-year-old who is in home hospice care while battling terminal cancer, wanted a chance to see Santa Claus and feel the holiday spirit one more time. His community, including multiple American Legion Riders, were more than happy to accommodate his wish.

On July 21, more than 70 motorcyclists joined with more than 200 other area residents to bring Christmas to Gabriel and his parents at their home in Navarre, Fla. Legion Family members from American Legion Post 382 in Navarre and Post 378 in Gulf Breeze were among the contingent, which sang Christmas carols, delivered presents, and provided a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as some other North Pole inhabitants.

Ashley Correa, who works at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart and is a member of the American Legion Family at Post 378, learned about Gabriel’s wish and that an event had been planned. She contacted Post 382 Commander Jason Skobel, the past ALR director at the post, to share what was planned.

“He knows we do the ‘Ride for the Claus’ during Christmas, and she said this family was wanting to do a Christmas in July for (Gabriel),” said Skobel, who also serves as District 1 first vice commander and Department of Florida Western Area ALR chairman. “I put the word out there in our district with our Riders, and … we had overwhelming support for this kid.”

Skobel said there were around seven different motorcycle organizations involved, including at least four American Legion Riders chapters. “When we arrived there, there already were some members of the community and neighbors lined up along the street,” he said. “But when they saw 75, 100 motorcycles pull up in front of their house, just seeing the look on the parents’ faces and that kids face, just goosebumps, hair standing up all over. It was just, there were really no words to describe it.

“Just seeing that little kid smile and his dad pushing his wheelchair just to take a look at all the bikes lined up on the street – I just kind of stood in the back for awhile and was watching all the riders. It’s funny to see all these older, big gentlemen – the burly riders – flipping their sunglasses down so you can’t see the tears coming out of their eyes.”


Tampa Bay Rays, VA Partner for VetFest Event at the Trop

In-person event takes place Saturday, August 5

  1. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, will host a VetFest event, Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Veterans and families do not need to sign up or register for this event ahead of time.

VetFest is being held to educate and inform Veterans about the PACT Act and to provide onsite services to include VA health care enrollment, toxic exposure screenings, VA claims assistance, VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center, women’s health, mental health, whole health, Vet Center and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enter drawings for free game tickets and branded items, compliments of the Rays.

Representing VA at the event will be personnel from the St. Petersburg Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office, along with teams from the VISN 8 Network Office, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Vet Center.

“When we think of partnership, community, and Veteran support, no one does it better than the Rays,” said David B. Isaacks, FACHE, Director, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8). “We’re honored to have Tropicana Field host this event, and just like the Rays have done all season, we’re looking to make some noise and put some large numbers on the scoreboard.”

VA is making a big push as the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act approaches on August 9. VA and Tampa Bay Rays leaders alike are hopeful the VetFest event at Tropicana Field will rally Veterans and families to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll for VA health care, submit claims related to toxic exposures, and benefit from other services.

“The Tampa Bay Rays are grateful to the many active duty service members, Veterans and their loved ones for their commitment to serving our nation,” said Tampa Bay Rays President Matt Silverman. “We are honored to host this event in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help share information about the PACT Act and help provide access to health care resources.”

More about the PACT Act

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act, signed into law in Aug. 2022, expanded Department of Veterans Affairs health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. To learn more, please visit: www.va.gov/pact


Nathan Krokstrom

Legion names 2023 precision, sporter air rifle champions

The 2023 precision and sporter winners of The American Legion Junior 3-Position Air Rifle Championships were named Saturday, July 22, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

First, the top eight sporter shooters lined up shoulder-to-shoulder on the firing line in the basement of the USA Shooting Range at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Each competitor fired 10 shots, aiming for a perfect 10.9 score for each one with a 50-second time limit. Even with the cheering from American Legion Family members, coaches and family members, Charles Bratton of Clover, S.C., held on to his first-place position to win the sporter championship.

“Finals are always fun but also really intense. It’s a lot of relief (that it’s done) but also bittersweet because this is the last time I’ll shoot this kind of match,” said Bratton, who will be attending Harvard University this fall with hopes to become a brain surgeon. “It was a good ending. And my local (American Legion) Post 54 is awesome. I have family members that are veterans and members of The American Legion. I just think it’s a really great organization, and I love what they’re doing for the youth.”

When Gracie Dinh and Jacob Wisman walked to the firing line to compete in their first and second-place positions, Dinh had only a one-point lead over Wisman. Their scores remained close until the final shot – Wisman shot a 10.7 over Dinh’s 10.2 to take the lead and win the precision championship.

“I went in to today with some doubts since I was a point behind, but I’m happy I was able to keep calm and do what I could do,” said Wisman, 17 years old and a rising senior who hopes to shoot air rifle in college. “I want say thank you to The American Legion. This was a great opportunity, and I’m very grateful.”

Dinh is happy with her second-place finish and the growth she has experienced in air rifle since placing 15th during the 2021 American Legion Junior 3-Position Air Rifle Championship.

There was a lot of growing in the two years in-between. “(This time around) I tapered my training, I shot less and I got more ready mentally,” Dinh said. “Thank you, American Legion, for holding this. It’s always a fun match; it’s a great experience.”

As the precision and sporter champions, Wisman and Bratton will each receive a $5,000 scholarship provided by The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion. They too will receive a trip to The American Legion’s 104th National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., in August to be honored alongside other American Legion youth program champions. Bratton said he lives 45 minutes from Charlotte and is looking forward to attending the national convention and hopes to purchase a computer with the scholarship.

For their second-place finish, Dinh and sporter competitor Nathan Krokstrom of Cape Coral, Fla., will receive a $1,000 scholarship provided by The American Legion Auxiliary.

The top eight precision shooters aggregate scores:

  1. 2,481.4 – Jacob Wisman of Independence, W.Va
  2. 2,481.1 – Gracie Dinh of Huntsville, Ark.
  3. 2,477.1 – Griffin Lake of Emmaus, Pa.
  4. 2,476.6 – Caroline Martin of Nemo, Texas
  5. 2,476.2 – Megan Jaros of Roseville, Minn.
  6. 2,471.5 – Jack Ogoreuc of Grove City, Pa.
  7. 2,470.6 – Bremen Butler of Fort Wayne, Ind.
  8. 2,468.7 – Claudia Muzik of Green Springs, Ohio

The top eight sporter shooters aggregate scores:

  1. 2,318.4 – Charles Bratton of Clover, S.C.
  2. 2,300.1 – Nathan Krokstrom of Cape Coral, Fla.
  3. 2,285.8 – Hope Dobek of Des Moines, Iowa.
  4. 2,285.4 – Abril DeCastro of Fort Mill, S.C.
  5. 2,276.6 – Kees Vadergriff of Fort Mill, S.C.
  6. 2,261.5 – Ashley Carr of Alliance, Neb.
  7. 2,259.1 – Jennifer Zermeno of Fort Mill, S.C.
  8. 2,257.5 – Rylie Stoeser of Ft. Pierre, S.D.

Weekly Reports July 27, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


John “Michael” Speck

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Past Department Comptroller, John “Michael” Speck, of Winter Springs, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at the age of 74. Michael is survived by his son, Jason Michael Speck. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated through email and posted on our website.

Michael was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Era Veteran and an Orlando Memorial Post 19 member, with 34 continuous years of membership. He served as Department Comptroller from 1988-2022. Michael was awarded for his 34 years of dedication and service as Department Comptroller during the 104th Department Convention (see the photo below).

Condolences may be sent to Jason Michael Speck, C/O The American Legion, Department of Florida, P.O. Box 547859, Orlando, FL 32854.