Due to Hurricane Matthew storm projections the Orlando VA Medical Center is closing its Viera and Daytona Beach-based VA clinics effective Thursday, Oct. 6 through Saturday, Oct. 8.
The closure means VA medical services will not be available at those locations until Tuesday, Oct. 11, due to the Columbus Day federal holiday Oct. 10. The decision also closes the Port Orange Psychosocial Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (PRRC) on South Clyde Morris Blvd.
The Orange City VA Clinic will close on Friday, Oct. 7 and remain closed until Tuesday, Oct. 11.
The closures will occur as an abundance of caution in preparing for the potential effects of Hurricane Matthew. Veterans needing emergency medical services are encouraged to visit the Orlando VAMC’s Urgent Care facility at 13800 Veterans Way in Lake Nona. The facility is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
For more information contact the Orlando VAMC Public Affairs office at (407) 631-4436, or via e-mail at vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov
You can use the link below to receive mobile phone & email alerts from us in the event of a hurricane or emergency:
By Redtail.org ~ The CAF Red Tail Squadron has many special relationships with original Tuskegee Airmen, and we absolutely treasure them. These American heroes are unique, continuing to inspire us as much today as when they fought fascism abroad and racism back home in the era of WWII. We are honored to stand beside these great role models at many of our outreach events around the country. Leo Gray, an original Tuskegee Airmen and pilot, continues to share his experience with our audiences, inspiring the next generation to RISE ABOVE.
Gray, born in Boston, volunteered for service in 1943. He went to flight school at Tuskegee Army Airfield where he qualified for single-engine fighters. He was then assigned to Ramitelli, Italy where he flew 15 combat missions in the P-51 Mustang, logging 750 flight hours. He served 3 years and seven months active duty, and remained in the United States Air Force Reserves until 1984. He retired after 41 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
“The Tuskegee Airmen are a classic example of overcoming adversity, and people in our country should know about it,” said Gray. “It is worthwhile for everyone.”
During his military career, Gray was awarded the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, a Presidential Unit Citation and the Mediterranean Theatre of Operation Ribbon with three Battle Stars. The Tuskegee Airmen collectively were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by Congress in 2007 to recognize their “unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.”
After the war, Gray earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Massachusetts and a Masters degree at the University of Nebraska, both in agricultural economics. For 30 years, Gray coordinated research for the USDA. He credits his military service as the catalyst that helped his civilian career by giving him the skill and perseverance to be successful.
Gray has played a leading role in the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. organization, serving as president of the Miami and East Coast chapters. He also helped to form a new chapter in Walterboro, South Carolina, the location of advanced combat training for Tuskegee-trained pilots before being shipped overseas to combat from 1943 to 1945.
He is also a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Club of America – of which he was a member himself in his youth – and is a co-founder of the organization’s Ionosphere Club in Broward County, Florida. This unique group gives members the opportunity to learn about all aspects of flying, including science and mechanics.
“There are many young people, especially in urban areas, who have not been exposed to aviation,” remarks Gray. “They need to understand what’s available for them. Aviation is a field with many openings. Pilots and support personnel are in demand because of many retirements. People need to understand the impact that aviation has on different areas of the country.”
Gray has been gracious enough to help make our outreach visits even more impactful and inspiring by appearing at several of our events. For example, earlier this year, Gray joined us in Florida to speak directly to school groups about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, and how students can utilize the Squadron’s Six Principles in their own lives – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit, Expect to Win.
“The CAF Red Tail Squadron is one of the few organizations that has a hands-on approach to opening peoples’ eyes to aviation and the history of the Tuskegee Airmen,” he says. “The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit gives young people the opportunity to find out things that might never have been exposed to.”
Thanks to the ongoing hard work and perseverance of Tuskegee Airmen, including Lt Col (Ret) Gray, younger generations are learning not only about an important piece of American history, but about what grit, determination and strength of character really means.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Learn more at www.redtail.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is with deep regret we report the passing of Leo R. Gray, a beloved Charter Member of Post 365. Leo will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
By Henry Howard ~ In their first face-to-face debate, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump traded barbs and touted their experiences on jobs and the economy, tax cuts, race relations and other issues on Sept. 26.
Toward the end of the 90-minute nationally televised debate, the Republican and Democratic nominees turned to the Islamic State and national security.
Clinton called for more airstrikes on ISIS and to work with other nations to eliminate the militant group. “We have to make this the top priority and take out their top leadership,” she said. “We have to take out ISIS and do everything we can to take them out online.”
Trump also vowed to take out the Islamic State. “The way President Obama and Secretary Clinton got out of Iraq was a disaster,” he said. “That’s why ISIS was formed.”
Through all the heated exchanges, neither candidate addressed issues facing our nation’s veterans such as health-care access, claims appeals and lack of lifetime electronic medical records.
“We are glad to see the candidates address national security issues,” American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt said. “But at the same time, we need the next commander in chief to address real solutions to our most critical challenges as a nation. We’re hopeful that we will hear those in the upcoming debates.”
There are hundreds of thousands of veterans awaiting decisions on their claims appeals, Schmidt cited as an example. “The House has approved Legion-supported appeals modernization,” he said. “If that does not become law before the new president is sworn in and the new Congress seated, it must be a priority in 2017. We owe it to our veterans who deserve timely decisions on their health care. And the presidential candidates owe our constituents real solutions to their problems.”
The nominees also discussed cyber warfare and recent high-profile cases of hacking.
Clinton called cyber warfare one of the next major challenges facing the next president. “We are seeing cyberattacks coming from states, the most troubling of these is from Russia,” she said, noting that both government and private citizens’ records have been hacked. “I am deeply concerned about this. We will defend the citizens of this country and the Russians need to understand this.”
Trump insisted that it was unclear who conducted the cyberattacks. “We don’t know that it was Russia that broke into the files,” he said. “It could have been Russia. It could have been China. It could have been a 400-pound guy sitting on his couch. When you look at what ISIS is doing with the Internet, they are beating us at our own game. There are many things we have to do better and one of them is cyber.”
There will be two more presidential debates before the election in November.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued the following resolution recognizing Gold Star families.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Today, I am honored to recognize the gold star families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and our freedoms. We can never fully express our gratitude for the selfless actions of our American heroes but we will continue to honor their service and bravery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those fallen in service.”
The following gold star families were recognized:
Craig and Toni Gross, parents of Army Corporal Frank R. Gross, killed July 16, 2011. (Afghanistan)
Gary King, father and Porsche Knight, sister of Army Private First Class Brandon M. King, killed July 14, 2010. (Afghanistan)
Meredith McMackin, mother of Marine Corps Corporal Julian McMackin Woodall, killed May 22, 2007. (Iraq)
Alberta Simmons, mother of Army Master Sergeant Shawn E. Simmons, killed June 29, 2008. (Afghanistan)
R E S O L U T I O N
State of Florida
WHEREAS, Florida owes a lasting debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to secure the blessings of liberty; and
WHEREAS, a debt of gratitude is also owed to our Gold Star Families: parents, spouses, siblings and children who have lost a loved one who made the greatest sacrifice of all in protecting our way of life; and
WHEREAS, these families once experienced the anxiety of watching their loved ones go off to military service, not knowing whether they would return; and
WHEREAS, these families will always feel the deep grief of losing that spouse, sibling, son or daughter in both combat and non-combat environments; and
WHEREAS, as Floridians today enjoy the peace and security our Nation and State have achieved through the sacrifices of American citizens, Florida’s Gold Star Families can take solace in knowing that their loved ones left all humanity a legacy of invaluable meaning; and
WHEREAS, in respect and recognition of the sacrifices our Gold Star Mothers have made, the United States Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 on June 23, 1936, designated the last Sunday in September as “Gold Star Mother’s Day” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that not only mothers but families make sacrifices as spouses, siblings, sons, and daughters now join our Armed Forces and so we in Florida believe that it is the whole family who is due our unwavering support and admiration for the tremendous sacrifices made.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby proclaim the last Sunday in September each year as
GOLD STAR FAMILY DAY
in Florida and call upon communities across our State to honor all those families and join together in a fitting salute to our Gold Star Families. We also call upon local government officials to display the United States Flag on government buildings on this solemn day. We additionally urge Floridians to display the flag and to hold appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, or other suitable places, as public expression of the sympathy and respect that our State holds for its Gold Star Families.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 20th day of September, 2016.
The American Legion’s first generation was heavily involved with – if not fully responsible for – design, construction and dedication of hundreds of monuments and memorials to honor those who served, fought and died in World War I.
Over the decades, many of these sacred landmarks have become weathered and aged, if not forgotten altogether, and are in need of restoration. That is why The American Legion’s National Executive Committee passed a resolution in May to promote and participate in a joint venture with the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library: “100 Cities/100 Memorials.”
Legion posts are encouraged to apply for funds through the program, which is designed to foster a sense of heritage in local communities, recognize local stories and people who were involved in the war, and create a way for community members to participate in the national World War I centennial.
Matching grants of up to $2,000 per applicant are available for the restoration of sacred places to honor those who served in the Great War.
Videos on the World War One Centennial Commission website at www.ww1cc.org/100memorials will explain how to conserve memorials, research a memorial’s history and create a project plan for submission. The application deadline is June 15, 2017. Memorials need to be located in the 50 states or U.S. territories, and the preservation work must be completed (or have been completed) between Jan. 1, 2014, and Nov. 11, 2018.
Governor Scott has signed the 2016 POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. September 16, 2016 is proclaimed as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine, many are left devastated across the region. We would like to remind you of The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund for situations, just like this. If you have been affected, the information link below will help you learn more about the program and apply for assistance.
If you were spared, we also encourage you to think of the countless others who were not, and donate to this valuable program.
Saturday, October 15, 2016 is our Military Appreciation football game vs University of Dayton at 12:00 pm.
Please come out and support our football team during this special event, there will be memorable custom coins from Coincious. Admission is free for all active duty military and veterans.
If you have a unit patch that you would like to donate for our players to wear on their uniform that day, please get those to me along with a short write up about your unit no later than September 2, 2016 so that I’m able to get those to the team with enough time to get them sewn on their uniforms.
As an American, maybe the most important thing you should know about all of these conditions is that they are among the most prevalent disabilities among U.S. veterans. They represent a fraction of the sacrifices made by the men and women in our U.S. Armed Forces. May is National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), and Allsup salutes all veterans, active duty personnel and their families.
“It all began as a simple idea-to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving and to know the history behind it all,” said NMAM founder and executive director Alice Wax.
“Our military represents the highest caliber of professionalism and technology. We ask them to willingly risk their lives in a moment’s notice; should we not willingly and openly recognize their contributions and their sacrifices as well?”
Designated by Congress and now in its 14th year, NMAM recognizes the more than 90 million Americans who are active duty military members, or in the National Guard and Reserves, and includes retirees, veterans, and their families. Important dates during the month include Loyalty Day (May 1), VE Day (May 8), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 10), Armed Forces Day (May 18), and Memorial Day (May 30).
Let’s show our team how strong our military community is!!!
Our Department 1st Vice Commander, Steve Shuga underwent a total right hip replacement on Wednesday morning, August 24, at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
He remains in good spirits and is expected to be discharged sometime Thursday afternoon. Rehabilitation will begin on Friday at his home over the next 6 weeks.
If you desire to send cards, notes, etc to our Department 1st Vice Commander, his mailing address is: 3355 Bellingham Drive Orlando, FL 32825.
*****We would like to give you advance notice that on this Monday, August 22nd, our office will be upgrading its data services to increase efficiency and reliability of our network. During this time, our staff will not have access to email, internet or the membership database.
We will have phone service, however we will be unable to look up information for membership, programs, etc. We will only be able to answer general questions.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, if you need immediate assistance please call us at 407-295-2631. Otherwise, we will respond to your email as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience during this time.*****
Past Department Legislative Chairman, Stanley Gold, underwent triple bypass heart surgery on Wednesday, August 10, 2016. He is currently in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.
We are happy to announce that Stanley’s surgery went well, and we received the attached photo from him this past Saturday. Please keep Stanley in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover.
You can send your get well wishes to 12601 SW 13th Street, Apt. 112, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027.
During 2015-2016, Department of Florida American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary joined together in a fundraising project for the Fisher House Foundation.
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated #320 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
The Department of Florida American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary raised over $124,000. Checks were presented to Fisher House Foundation Southeast Division Vice President Brian G Gawne at the American Legion Department of Florida Headquarters.
All monies raised stay in Florida for Veterans and their families.
Depicted is a check from The American Legion Department of Florida in the amount $66,869.75. The Auxiliary and other Legion entities will also present checks to the Fisher House Foundation.
The members of the American Legion Veterans Memorial Post 347, now over 8,200 strong, are planning our 28th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, September 30th at Mallory Hill C.C.. This tournament has been a great success in the past and we expect to continue that tradition this year.
It’s important that you don’t build up some rounds or tournaments as being “bigger” or more important than others. I spoke with a new student last night who told me that he has his “biggest tournament of the season” coming up next week. The golf ball doesn’t know whether it’s a “big tournament” or a friendly game with your buddies. They are all just rounds of golf and it’s important that you do your best to treat them as such. The more you build up a round or tournament as being more important than others, the more pressure you put on yourself to do well.
Many of our behaviors and actions are predetermined by what’s already in our subconscious mind (your “belief system”). With the subconscious mind not being able to reason or know the difference between what’s real or imagined, you can shape it by using visualization. Spend 5-10 mins before each round, imagining yourself hitting the shots you’d like to in the round. E.g. See yourself on the first tee, shaking hands with your playing partners, going through your routine and confidently striking your drive down the middle of the fairway. By seeing this success before you play, you’ll give your subconscious mind a “green light” that it’s something to move towards and not be fearful of. To be able to take all the gear you need with you, check out the best golf travel bags at the link.
The members of the Legion hope they can count on your support for our tournament. This event is one of our major fundraisers of the year we will donating all of our proceeds to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. We are soliciting for hole Sponsorships for each of the 27 holes at the Mallory Hill Country Club. Your business will be seen by every golfer. There are four different levels of sponsorship for you to consider. Click the link below for a flyer outlining the benefits of each sponsorship level, as well as a golf regisrtation form.
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
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.
