Children & Youth Golf Tournament
Women Represent
Women represent 15% of U.S. Active-Duty Forces and 2.1 million American Veterans. We, The American Legion, represent women.
Help The American Legion represent you by taking our women veterans survey by August 18, 2016.
Results will be shared with Congress, VA and others who can address issues facing women veterans.
Disability Claim Workshop
All veterans interested in filing or checking the status of a claim or appeal are encouraged to attend.
Assistance will also be available for Vietnam-era Veterans regarding Agent Orange presumptive conditions and related disabilities.
To be held Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office, Atrium, 2nd Floor.
If you have questions, please call 727-319-5900.
Florida Special Olympics Events
We would love to have attendees from the Legion family attend in support of these events and athletes. Here is what’s coming up, more details to come later:
August 27, 2016
State Stand-Up Paddleboard Championships
Nathan Benderson Park
5851 Nathan Benderson Cir
Sarasota, FL
September 2-3, 2016
Golf Championships
Disney Palms Golf Course
1950 W Magnolia Palm Dr
Orlando, FL
September 17, 2016
State Surfing Championships
Alan Shepard Park
Cocoa Beach, FL
Thank you,
William Rick Johnson
3rd Vice Commander
Department of Florida
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
The American Legion has a great opportunity to share with you, inviting all our legionnaires, veteran’s, employees, families and friends to enjoy a Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons pre-season game!
The game will be held at the Camping World Stadium on Thursday, August 25, 2016.
Click on the image below and receive an exclusive discounted ticket opportunity to watch live NFL football in Orlando for the first time in over 20 years! If you’re interested in group tickets or block seating (10+), please contact Thomas Eugene (305) 943-6633 or teugene@dolphins.com.
Exemption for Sales of Food or Drink by Qualified Veteran’s Organizations
Tax Information Publication
No: 16A01-08
Date Issued:
June 24, 2016
Exemption for Sales of Food or Drink by Qualified Veterans’ Organizations
Sales of food or drink in Florida for immediate consumption are subject to sales and use tax, unless a specific exemption applies.
New Sales Tax Exemption
Beginning July 1, 2016, sales of food or drink by qualified veterans’ organizations to members of such organizations are tax exempt when sold in connection with customary veterans’ organization activities. To qualify for the exemption, the veterans’ organization must hold a current Florida Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption (Form DR-14) as a nationally chartered or recognized veterans’ organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code. Qualified veterans’ organizations may apply for an exemption certificate by filing an Application for a Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption (Form DR-5) with the Department. This fillable form is available on the Department’s website at www.myflorida.com/dor under “Forms and Publications.”
Effect of Exemption on Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration
On or after July 1, 2016, a qualified veterans’ organization that is registered as a sales and use tax dealer may cancel its Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration (Form DR-11) if the only reason for holding the certificate is for the sole purpose of collecting and remitting sales tax on sales of food or drink to members of veterans’ organizations. The quickest way to cancel a certificate of registration is to notify us online. Go to the Department’s website, select “TAXES,” and then select “Update Account Information Online.”
References: Chapter 2016-220, Laws of Florida; Section 212.08(7)(n), Florida Statutes
For More Information
This document is intended to alert you to the requirements contained in Florida laws and administrative rules. It does not by its own effect create rights or require compliance.
For forms and other information, visit our website at www.myflorida.com/dor or call Taxpayer Services, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at 800-352-3671.
For a detailed written response to your questions, write the Florida Department of Revenue, Taxpayer Services, MS 3-2000, 5050 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0112.
Want the latest tax information?
Subscribe to our tax publications or sign up
for due date reminders at www.myflorida.com/dor/list Follow us on Twitter @MyFLDOR_TaxInfo
WWAR Alive Ride 2016

Veterans and General Cyclists All Welcome to Help change the lives of our Wounded Military and build a Community Park in Pinellas Park for our heroes by taking part in a fun ride!
Thursday September 1, 2016
From 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2016 State Convention Raffle Winners
Thank you to all those who attended the 98th Annual American Legion, Department of Florida Convention.
Here are your Raffle Winners, drawn on Saturday, June 18, 2016:
| 1st | Keith Snow | Tequesta, FL | $10,000 |
| 2nd | Robert Smiley | Clearwater, FL | $2,500 |
| 3rd | Robert Smiley | Clearwater, FL | $1,000 |
| 4th | George Ruxton | Dania Beach, FL | $500 |
| 5th | Douglas Lewis | $100 | |
| 6th | Allen Delamater | New Smyrna Beach, FL | $100 |
| 7th | W.B. Osteen | Orange Park, FL | $100 |
| 8th | Dennis Dube | Murphy, NC | $100 |
| 9th | Terry Ring | Safety Harbor, FL | $100 |
| 10th | Victor Yokin | Port Charlotte, FL | $100 |
| 11th | Dennis Dube | Murphy, NC | $100 |
| 12th | Charles Pitzen | Lakeland, FL | $100 |
| 13th | Arthur Greenwald | Delray Beach, FL | $100 |
| 14th | Harold Fagan | The Villages, FL | $100 |
A Note From Our 3rd Vice Commander – Dianne M. Boland
Greetings –
The year will end with our Department Convention (June 16 – 19) and another year will start with a new 3rd Vice Commander. I want to thank each and every member of our legion family for all the love and support I have been shown this year as your 3rd Vice Commander. You have done amazing work on your programs and came up with some very interesting ways to raise money to support your programs.
I hope by now you have submitted your Consolidated Post Report (CPR) to Department and National. Department also receives your CPR Addendum. You must have these in by convention in order to vote. Our programs are not complete until the paperwork has been done. It’s these numbers that our National Commander takes to Congress that helps us and our veterans.
I look forward to working with you in the future. We belong to a wonderful organization called “The American Legion Family”.
Dianne M. Boland
3rd Vice Commander
Department of Florida
3rdvice@legionmail.org
(561) 315-0679
Veteran & Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Summit
You are cordially invited to participate in the Department of the Navy’s Veteran & Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Summit on Thursday, June 2nd at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Tampa Airport – Westshore, Tampa, FL. The Hiring Fair is from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and will run in conjunction with veteran focused workshops.
REGISTER at: http://www.HireAVet.navy.mil
-Updates and additional information also available on website above.
*WALK-INS are welcome
* Please bring employment support documentation IF ABLE (DD-214, Statement of Service, Schedule A, Disability Rating, Transcripts etc.); not required
The Hiring Fair will be led by the Department of Defense’s Hiring Heroes. The employers’ efforts will be focused on providing career opportunities as well as on-site, interview opportunities for qualified wounded, ill, injured, transitioning Service members, Veterans, their spouses, family members and primary caregivers.
98th Annual Department Convention Program Advertising
Greetings Legionnaires,
The American Legion Department of Florida will be hosting its 98th Annual Statewide Convention June 16 – 19th 2016 at The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando FL, 32821.
We wanted to give each Post the unique opportunity to be recognized by advertising in our Convention Program. This is your chance to send well wishes for a successful convention; announce outstanding membership goals; thank your officers for a great year; announce new officers or pay tribute to a special member of your post!
There are three different advertisement layouts to choose from: full page, half page or quarter page. The following rates are exclusive to our Legionnaires:
Full Page Advertisement (8.5 x 11) $350 Legion Member Discount: $175
Half Page Advertisement (5.5 x 9) $200 Legion Member Discount: $100
Quarter Page Advertisement (5.5 x 4.5) $100 Legion Member Discount: $50
ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MAY 15th 2016
The American Legion appreciates your support of our veterans that have served and continue to serve our great country. We extend our ever-lasting gratitude to our men and women in uniform. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Douglas, Event Coordinator at 407-295-2631 ext. 232 or via email at events@floridalegion.org
Sincerely,
Michael McDaniel
Department Adjutant
Veteran Employment Opportunity – Martin Brower
Martin Brower
Position:
Class A Deliver Driver
Apply by WEB:
www.mbhires.com or call 1-877-624-4737 ext 101
Position Summary:
Responsible for the safe operation of company equipment and timely, courteous delivery of product to our customers.
About Martin Brower:
Martin Brower is committed to being the world’s leading logistics services provider for the quick-service restaurant industry. We operate out of 55 Distribution centers across 17 countries around the world providing consistency for our suppliers operations and vast career opportunities for our employees. We are a world-class company whose success is directly attributed to our world-class people empowered by training and development plans and augmented by the best technology in the industry. Our customers are the heart of our business because our business is protecting their business with tips you can get if you navigate here. This commitment and leadership has been recognized by our supply chain partners through a Strategic Partner Award, Supplier of the Year Award, President’s Award and most recently the People First Award.
Martin Brower is a division of Reyes Holdings, L.L.C. Aligned with leading brewers and foodservice providers, the companies that comprise Reyes Holdings deliver the best-known brands and widest variety of food and beverage items to restaurants and retailers around the world.
Positions Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering products to our customer utilizing various methodologies that may include manual conveyors, carts or pallets in a multi-temperature environment
- Effectively maneuver equipment on lots with obstacles and limited space
- Provide exceptional customer service to each customer
- Accurately complete necessary paperwork
- Utilize on-board computer program (XATA)
- Understand and abide by all Company policies, government regulations, and safe work processes at all times
- Any other duties as assigned
- Required Skills and Experience:
- 21 years of age
- Class A CDL
- Have and maintain an acceptable MVR in compliance with DOT requirements
- Minimum 1 year of commercial driving experience or equivalent military experience
- Willing to work any schedule, including weekends and holidays, due to our 24/7 environment
- Customer-focused, team-player attitude
- Demonstrated safety behavior
- This position must pass post-offer background, pre-employment screening, DOT Physical and drug test
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Prior foodservice distribution/delivery experience
- Frequently stand, walk, reach with hands and arms
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds
- Multi-temperature environment
- Post-offer assessment will be given to determine if the applicant meets the ergonomic requirements for the position with or without reasonable accommodation
Benefits:
Martin-Brower knows our employees work hard, so we offer competitive wages and a generous benefits package that contributes a significant amount to your total compensation and your personal well-being. Additionally, there are many opportunities for you to distinguish yourself and move up in our stable company through excellent work performance.
Benefits include:
- Various health, dental, vision and prescription drug insurance options
- Life insurance, dependent and supplemental options available
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance, supplemental and dependent options available
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
- 401(K) plan with company matching
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Wellness programs
- Home/Auto insurance
- Roadside assistance coverage
- Legal aid
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the nature of our business in regard to such things as delivery schedules, order inputs, selection, and Department of Transportation Hours of Service, overtime, attendance and punctuality are essential job functions. Should an individual in this classification not be able to adhere to this requirement due to a disability, they should contact their Human Resources department to see what, if any, reasonable accommodation may be made if there are ever involved in an accident and how insurance can cover for those situations. For those who need legal assistance after an accident, then consider getting help from an auto accident attorney.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Drug Free Workplace..
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
How to Apply
To apply, visit www.mbhires.com or 1-877-MB HIRES
Universal Technical Institute Unveils Student Veterans’ Centers at both Orlando Campus Locations
Dedicated Locations Added to List of Student Veteran Resources at UTI’s Orlando Campuses

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 12, 2016) – Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI), the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, car accidents or collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, today unveiled new onsite student veterans’ centers at its two Orlando campuses. The centers, located at both the Universal Technical Institute campus and the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute campus, are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for some the school’s most- honored students to unwind.
UTI veteran students can access the centers and any veteran-specific materials relating to campus resources, educational benefits, scholarships, grants, career opportunities, campus/community events and veterans’ hospital services. Veteran work/study personnel are also on hand everyday to meet the specific needs of UTI’s student veterans.
“We recognize that veterans face unique challenges as they transition to civilian careers and share strong bonds with others who have served,” said Steve McElfresh, president of Universal Technical Institute and its sister campuses, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute, in Orlando. “These new, dedicated centers offer our veteran students social opportunities that will enhance their connectedness to one another and optimize the learning environment.”
McElfresh was joined at the dedication ceremony by Fla. Rep Victor Torres, Jr., and Dennis Latta, Central Florida Supervisor for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Both Torres, a Marine Corps veteran himself, and Latta toured the school’s state-of-the-industry campus and met with current UTI student veterans.
For five straight years, UTI has been named a Military Friendly School®, a designation given to the top 15% of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that deliver the best experience for military students.
The Invictus Games opening ceremony producers are STILL accepting vocal/singing auditions!
This is an opportunity for active duty, veteran, spouses to be a part of an international program right here in Orlando Florida.
If you are an individual or part of a group and want to showcase your singing talent, contact the CAMMO organization – let them know you want to audition – and they well help you audition remotely –
C*A*M*M*O
Center for American Military Music Opportunities
(888) 562-6220
www.cammomusic.org
The open ceremony will be broadcast live around the world! Pass the word to all your military/veteran friends & families and get them involved too.
We have included an article link (below) from the Military Times that will update you on some of the program and the celebrity personalities involved. You DON’T want to miss out on this unique opportunity to be involved with wounded warriors from around the world.
See YOU in Orlando for the Invictus Games! Have a Great Day!
Here is a bit more info about the games if you know of anyone in the area that has not yet auditioned please let them know http://militari.ly/1S6t4k8!
Warrior Cane Project
Providing custom canes & training, improving physical therapy and morale for our wounded and veterans worldwide.
3 Hour Free cane seminar for disabled veterans. Includes a FREE Cane for participant ($225 value)
The Warrior’s Cane Project has trained hundreds of recently returning, middle-aged, and Senior Veterans from coast-to-coast in the past 8 years. The Project is a registered 501C3 non-profit and is designed for Veterans and is 100% no-cost for Veterans.
The only requirement for participation is that the individual receiving the tools and training is a Veteran of the U. S. Armed Forces.
The Warrior Cane Project and Cane Masters International will be holding no-cost Special Event for Veterans in the Tampa Area this June. Participants will receive a $225 custom Warrior Combat Cane plus training at no cost, no strings attached.
This Special Event will be held in the Tampa Bay area at:
Sheraton Suites / Tampa Airport
4400 West Cypress Street
Tampa, Florida 33607
(813) 873-8675
We here at the Warrior’s Cane Project and Cane Masters would like to conduct the event for a total of 60 Veterans on Friday, June 8, 2016. There will be two sessions, one from 0900-1200 hours and one from 1300 until 1600 hours (two sessions and we would like to have 30 Veterans per session).
We would respectfully request that all interested Veterans pre-register with Cane Masters International by calling (800) 422-2263 so that we can keep track of attendance and which session they wish to attend.
For more information or to schedule an event, please contact: Cane Masters (800) 422-2263 or email info@canemasters.com.
Veteran Employment Opportunity – Envoy Mortgage
Envoy Mortgage
Functional Title of Position:
Loan Originator
Reports to:
Branch Manager
Department / Branch:
Field
Location:
Field
General Summary:
(Full-time) – Obtains purchase and refinance mortgage loans in accordance with established policies and procedures and appropriate guidelines by calling upon realtors; builders; past clients and referral partners; provides strong communication and support to management, underwriting, processors, and customers to clear stipulations needed. Reviews loans in process daily and determines which loans must be processed immediately. Performs document audit to approve or reject each loan package for funding. Resolves any exceptions with customer prior to funding. Administers the timely daily disbursement and receipt of funds. Enters data from new loan applications and other documents into computer system. Orders credit reports, appraisals, flood certifications, and title work. Refers loans that do not meet basic standards to staff underwriter. Provides follow-up on a consistent basis with internal staff, borrowers, and agents to complete processing. Analyzes loan files and submits completed loans for approval. Responds to inquiries from agents/referral partners and borrowers regarding status of loans in process. Completes loan sheets and conversion logs. Collects fees. Ensures regulatory compliance. Creates and maintains loan files. Processes approval and denial letters. Maintains status of all files in process and updates as needed; keeps abreast of all FHA, VA, and conventional guidelines and changes that may affect loan status. Completes all required paperwork and forms in a timely and accurate manner; prepares all required reports.
(Part-time) – Obtains purchase and refinance mortgage loans in accordance with established policies and procedures and appropriate guidelines by calling upon realtors; builders; past clients and referral partners; provides strong communication and support to management, underwriting, processors, and customers to clear stipulations needed. Reviews loans in process daily and determines which loans must be processed immediately. Performs document audit to approve or reject each loan package for funding. Resolves any exceptions with customer prior to funding. Administers the timely daily disbursement and receipt of funds. Enters data from new loan applications and other documents into computer system. Orders credit reports, appraisals, flood certifications, and title work. Refers loans that do not meet basic standards to staff underwriter. Provides follow-up on a consistent basis with internal staff, borrowers, and agents to complete processing. Analyzes loan files and submits completed loans for approval. Responds to inquiries from agents/referrals partners and borrowers regarding status of loans in process. Completes loan sheets and conversion logs. Collects fees. Ensures regulatory compliance. Creates and maintains loan files. Processes approval and denial letters. Maintains status of all files in process and updates as needed; keeps abreast of all FHA, VA, and conventional guidelines and changes that may affect loan status. Completes all required paperwork and forms in a timely and accurate manner; prepares all required reports.
Principal Functional Responsibilities
- Promote Envoy’s products to Real Estate Agents, Home Buyers, other lead sources and allreferral sources.
- Procure new loan applications that result in funded loans.
- Request and gather relevant information/documents from the borrower to complete the application, its structure and all loan disclosures. This must be done in coordination with processing as well as underwriting.
- Adhere to all Envoy standards, including, but not limited to production minimums and customer service.
- Educate borrowers on current offerings and programs for which they qualify
- Stay current on personal finance principles in order to offer comprehensive mortgage advice to clients
- Monitor the process and communicate effectively with the borrower and all other parties to the transaction on the status of the loan
- Present complete and accurate files to the Processor
- Coordinate the flow of information to all concerned parties
- Prospect for new loan applications by meeting with and presenting products to
- potential referral sources such as realtors, CPAs, financial planners and past clients
- Stay current with required continuing education, new products, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae guidelines, Envoy guidelines and overlays, and HUD guidelines
- Maintain contact with past clients to promote Envoy’s products
- Ensure all marketing is performed in a manner that is compliant
- Ensure maintenance of a current license to perform Loan Originator duties within their assigned branch
- Comply with local, state and federal laws regarding position
- Conduct business in an ethical manner and in the best interest of Envoy, with Envoy’s
- core values in mind
- Any additional duties that may be assigned by the Branch Manager
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL-INCLUSIVE. THE INCUMBENT WILL ALSO PERFORM OTHER REASONABLY RELATED BUSINESS DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY MANAGEMENT.
- Must hold State NMLS or obtain applicable State license within XXX days of employment or employment will be terminated
- Satisfactorily pass background check
Physical Requirements
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Specific vision ability required by this job include close vision
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
- The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl
How to Apply
Send all eligible resumes to Albert Diaz, Veterans Services Director with PROJECT: VetRelief.
Veteran Employment Opportunity – Envoy Mortgage
Envoy Mortgage
Functional Title of Position:
Loan Originator Assistant – Unlicensed
Reports to:
Branch Manager
Department / Branch:
Field
General Summary:
This position may be used for unlicensed Loan Originators working towards or waiting for approval from the state regarding licensing. They will be responsible for providing administrative support to loan originators within assigned branch.
Principal Functional Responsibilities
- Primary duty may be to become a licensed loan originator for assigned branch.
- Assist in gathering loan material for assigned loans files.
- Responsible for the development of leads for a specific loan originator.
- Become familiar with Envoy’s process, policies and procedures.
- Ability to learn, or have past in-depth experience, in mortgage banking process, with a preference in residential mortgage banking.
- Complete knowledge of Envoy’s products, systems and competitive advantages.
- Superior ability with required communication, organizational and computer skills.
Under no circumstances will the Marketing Representative engage in any of the following tasks:
- Quoting rates;
- Offering or negotiating the terms of a mortgage loan;
- Taking a mortgage loan application;
- Any other activities that require a Loan Originator License.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL-INCLUSIVE. THE INCUMBENT WILL ALSO PERFORM OTHER REASONABLY RELATED BUSINESS DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY MANAGEMENT.
Minimum Qualifications
- 3-5 Years of experience in similar setting
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
- A Bachelor’s degree is preferred
- Excellent customer service skills and working in a team environment
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills are a must
- Must be a self-starter who is reliable, detail oriented and the ability to resolve issues
- Strong relationship building a must, along with strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to analyze issues and create effective resolutions, while managing multiple projects at one time.
Physical Requirements
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
- The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
How to Apply
Send all eligible resumes to Albert Diaz, Veterans Services Director with PROJECT: VetRelief.
Memo from Department NEC Dennis Boland
2016 GARLAND MURPHY AWARD
Last year the Department of Florida won the Garland Murphy Award based on total contributions of $31,883.00 from June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015.
With May 31st being approximately 7 weeks away, I am again asking for your support and contribution to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
So far as of April 7th Florida American Legion has contributed $14,015.00 to the Foundation.
We are presently in third (3rd) place in donations as of April 7th. Below is the donations by Departments
STATE DONATIONS
Pennsylvania $21,988.55
Iowa $14,581.70
Florida $14,015.00
As you can see we are behind the Department of Pennsylvania by $7,973.55. I know things are tuff, but if you can afford to make a donation to Foundation, we could possibly bring home The Garland Murphy Award again this year.
I will be leaving for Indianapolis on April 28th for the National Executive Committee meetings. If you would like for me to present your check at the Board of Directors meeting on May 1st, you can send the check to me at
314 Lake Ave
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Please have it arrive before April 28th. Or you can send your check to
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
PO Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
I am thanking you in advance for your consideration and support of the Foundation.
Dennis R. Boland
President
The American Legion
Child Welfare Foundation
Press Release – Governor Rick Scott
Governor Scott Names Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin as Interim Executive Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced his nomination for the interim appointment to fill the vacancy at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs created by the resignation of Mike Prendergast. Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin is named as the interim appointment subject to the approval by the three members of the Cabinet. The Florida Cabinet will meet on April 26th to vote on Lieutenant Colonel Sutphin becoming the interim appointment.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Glenn has done a great job at the Department of Military Affairs advocating for all of Florida’s National Guardsmen for almost 20 years. He served alongside the brave men and women of our state in the Florida National Guard and has dedicated his career to not only making sure all Floridians are safe, but also making Florida the most veteran friendly state in the nation. As a disabled veteran, I am confident he will provide great leadership while continuing to advocate for all of Florida’s veterans.
Sutphin has served as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Affairs Director of the Department of Military Affairs since 1999. Prior to that he served in the Florida National Guard as a U.S. Army Officer and Field Artillery Officer for over 30 years. He also worked as the Desoto County Development Director while serving as a guardsman. He has been awarded over 50 medals including the Legion of Merit and the Florida Cross, the highest award in Florida, for exceptional performance in outstanding service and achievement. He was also awarded the Order of Saint Barbara and the Bronze Order of Mercury for outstanding innovation in programming.
The Cabinet Governance Guidelines (link) adopted by the Governor and Cabinet call for the Governor to name an interim appointee to temporarily fill a vacancy, subject to the approval by the Cabinet. The process of making a permanent appointment will also be governed by the Cabinet Governance Guidelines.
To view the letter Governor Scott sent to Cabinet members please click HERE.
Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
2016 Spirit of ’45
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, August 14, 2016.
Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive and join us as we celebrate Lee County’s National Spirit of ’45 Day in For Myers on August 14, 2016. For full details please visit www.spiritof45.org.








