TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has announced additional steps to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida.
• Effective March 11, 2020, FDVA is restricting visitor access to its State Veterans’ Nursing Homes and Domiciliary until further notice, with the exception of essential visitors, such as family members of those residents undergoing end-of-life care.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also temporarily restricted access to their nursing and community living center facilities to only essential visitors until further notice.
• All VA Medical Centers in Florida are implementing enhanced screening protocols at their facilities. VA Outpatient Clinics are also implementing enhanced screening protocols. Please plan to arrive at the facility well in advance of your appointment to allow additional time for the screening process.
• Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are encouraged to contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 (toll free). Clinical staff provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage. The service is available at no cost to veterans enrolled for care in the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8).
• All FDVA and VA facilities remain fully operational.
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 20, 2020) — Citing The American Legion’s “historic victory” during an important Supreme Court ruling last year, the head of the nation’s largest veterans organization welcomed another court decision yesterday as a sign that veterans memorials will now have permanent legal protection.
“Last year, The American Legion easily prevailed by a 7-2 ruling protecting a veterans memorial in Bladensburg, Md.,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “We said at the time that the ruling in The American Legion v. American Humanist Association was not simply about one cross. It was about protecting the religious freedom of those wishing to honor and memorialize veterans. Thankfully, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals used our earlier victory to reverse a previous decision that called for the removal of a World War II-era cross at a park in Pensacola. The Bayview cross in Florida will remain in place. The American Legion is grateful to our friends and allies in the veterans and legal community who have helped us in this long struggle to protect these precious memorials.”
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 9, 2020) — American Legion National Commander James W.
“Bill” Oxford released the following statement regarding allegations that senior leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to retaliate against a staff member for reporting a sexual assault.
“Generally, The American Legion does not comment on VA’s internal personnel matters. We invest full faith and credit in the administration, the Inspector General, and department leadership to faithfully execute their duties, serve in a manner that honors their sacred positions, and work to protect the communities they serve. We are not privileged participants in any formal investigations and learn of publicly available reports from the same sources the general public does, and we rely on these reports to inform our membership, our voice, and positions.
In cases where evidence is uncovered of malfeasance or wrongdoing, The American Legion expects that the perpetrator or perpetrators will be held accountable and either disciplined, dismissed or prosecuted accordingly. The allegations that have been reported over the past week at the Department of Veterans Affairs are extremely concerning and bring into question the ethical suitability of the leadership at VA’s highest levels.
The American Legion calls on the administration and Congress to thoroughly investigate the recent allegations of improper employee behavior and report their findings to the American people with complete transparency. We expect that any persons found to have acted outside of their authority and the scope of their duties will be held accountable and dealt with in an appropriate manner. This was one of the core tenets of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 that The American Legion supported, and still supports today.”
Maj. Bill White is the oldest living Marine at 104 years old, a Veteran of World War II and survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. “The fact that I even survived is something. There weren’t too many of us,” White recalled.
White was near the front lines of the battle on March 3, 1945, when a grenade exploded about six inches from, he and his fellow Marines. The injuries he sustained took him off the battlefield, but he recovered and went on to enjoy a long military career. “I spent 30 years active duty and 54 retired,” says White.
Maj. Bill White is “A Veteran Sweetheart” who has a special request this coming Valentine’s Day…. He has many medals and keepsakes from his long military career and life. This year the spirited veteran hopes to grow his collection of keepsakes with Valentine’s Day cards from friends old and new. “I’ll save every one of them…” he told Fox News.
Maj. Bill white is a fellow Veteran, and we would like to honor his request, and encourage all of you to do so as well. Such a simple request, that will have a huge impact on someone who has given so much of himself.
Join in and send a Valentine’s Day card to:
Operation Valentine
ATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)
The Oaks at Inglewood
6725 Inglewood Ave.
Stockton, CA 95207
A huge thank you to Fox News for bringing this story to the public eye.
You can purchase, personalize and send a printed card online through www.postable.com for a small fee. (Postable is not a sponsor or paid advertiser. We do not give any guarantees or claim any liability to the service they provide.)
The American Legion proudly decrees “For God and Country”. Today our Country calls us to unite, to put aside our differences, to put aside our political opinions, to put aside any disdain of our chosen leaders. Today we call on God to watch over our brave Troops, our Country, our Homes and our Families.
The American Legion is non-biased on many issues, but when it comes to the treatment and safety of our Service Members and Our Country, we are one united front and a force to be reckoned with. Today we throw our support behind our Leaders, trusting that God will guide them in the tough decisions to follow. We place our faith and pride in our Service Members, as they bravely leave their homes and their families to risk their lives for our protection and freedoms. Bless this country as we pull from the strength of our great Nation, and May God bless our American troops!
January 3, 2020 our President ordered an airstrike resulting in the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was hailed as a hero in Iran and beloved by Iranian troops. A hero to Americans, he is NOT! The pentagon credits Soleimani with the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. The Defense Department stated that Soleimani was “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.” Soleimani was undoubtedly an enemy to our country and our people, for his decommission we show no remorse.
Iran retaliates, endangering our American troops stationed there to aid in peace and order. They vow further attacks against our country and intend to divide us even more. To them we call their bluff and raise them 300 million plus citizens of the United States ready to protect, defend and support our Country.
What say you? Will we, the American people, unite in support of the protection of the United States of America and all that we hold sacred? Tell us at facebook.com/floridalegion. How do YOU choose to support your country?
Are you interested in supporting our Service Members, Veterans, Communities and Family?
Our Department is experiencing issues with myLegion, the online membership portal. myLegion is ran through the National office and they are closed until Thursday, December 26th. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Please have a wonderful holiday.
(INDIANAPOLIS, December 9, 2019) — In the wake of the apparent terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization called for greater scrutiny of all foreign nationals visiting or training at U.S. military installations.
“Our hearts break for the victims and families of this horrific attack,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “Just like there were signs that U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan adhered to anti-American ideologies before he unleashed his attack at Fort Hood with an army armed with AR-15 rifles 10 years ago, there are disturbing reports that Mohammed Alshamrani revealed extremist views on social media before he engaged in Friday’s killing spree. The American Legion finds it disturbing that a military officer from Saudi Arabia had access to a firearm at a location where our own servicemembers were unarmed. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called for a review of all U.S. military programs that train foreign nationals. The American Legion agrees. We understand the need to train our allies. But we must first ensure that we are not training those who wish us harm.”
Oxford added that the recent anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is a poignant reminder that America must always be vigilant. “In addition to the tragedy in Pensacola, innocent Americans were killed in recent weeks at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story in Virginia and at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. I recognize each case had entirely different circumstances, but servicemembers and civilian employees of our military work in an inherently dangerous profession. They take these risks on behalf of the United States of America. The American Legion believes that every effort must be made to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent such tragedies. This includes learning from each incident and making the necessary adjustments. It also means offering our complete support, compassion and prayers for those impacted.”
Commander’s Message National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford
Dear American Legion Family and Friends,
This is a wonderful time of the year for making special memories with family members, friends and other loved ones with whom we celebrate the holidays. It’s a time to count our blessings, give to others and express our gratitude.
I am thankful for you — the volunteers who make our veterans service organization the largest, strongest and most influential in the nation. We are truly blessed to have selfless volunteers who serve their communities day in and day out.
It’s just one of hundreds of example of American Legion posts bringing holiday cheer to families in their communities, now through the Christmas holiday. Share what your post is doing on our Legiontown website.
There are many other ways to spread cheer and goodwill at this time of the year. I hope that you consider:
Using AmazonSmiles to benefit The American Legion when you make purchases through the online service. When you sign on to AmazonSmiles using your Amazon account, simply choose The American Legion as your charity of choice. Then Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The American Legion — at no cost to you.
Purchasing a collector’s item, The American Legion centennial coins, for yourself or a loved one. Once 2019 turns into 2020, these centennial keepsakes will no longer be available.
All of these opportunities help fund American Legion programs for the coming year and beyond. You have my gratitude for all that you do for The American Legion today, throughout the holiday season and into the new year.
November 8, 2019 update: Last year the combined donations to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation totaled $562,052.59 from The American Legion family. June 1, 2019 started our new awards years and tracking.
Donations for the Awards year end on May 31, 2020. Presently we stand at $177,791.08 in donations for the 2019/20 year.
At the October 2019 Board of Directors meeting we granted $811,282.00 to 22 Children Organizations for the 2020 year.
The following are the present donations from June 1, 2019 to November 8, 2019. Each organization with the highest donation on May 31, 2020 will be awarded the Garland Murphy Shadow Boxaward.
Presently the 8/40 Departmental de Arizona is leading in contribution with $576.00.
The Department of Kentucky Auxiliary is in 1st place with $4,402.00.
Department of Ohio American Legion is leading in donation with $10,100.00.
The SAL Detachment of Florida is in 1st place with $16,270.00 in donations.
Below shows 1st to 3rd place in donations:
1st place 8 & 40 Aux Legion SAL Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida
Donations $576.00 $4,402.00 $10,100.00 $16,270.00
2nd Place Indiana, Florida, Arizona
Donations $469.00 $3,407.00 $2,768.96 $8,900.00
3rd place Texas, New York, Virginia, New York
Donations $295.00 $3,181.94 $2,600.00 $7,503.43
All donations have to be in by May 31, 2020 to qualify for the Garland Murphy and U.S. Udie Grant awards.
Send Checks to: Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Today, those pillars remain at the Legion’s core as the organization continues its commitment to our Nation’s veterans, its servicemembers, their families, the youth of America, and ordinary citizens. The United States Mint is proud to mark The American Legion’s extraordinary milestone—a century of dedication—with a new ensemble of commemorative coins.
Americanism Division
Weekly Report to the National Commander
November 8, 2019
Jill Druskis, Director – (317) 630-1203
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Online application for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship opens on November 15th at www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship designed to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state educational grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been utilized. Children of U.S. military members who died while serving on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and children of post-9/11 veterans having been assigned a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs qualify. Each needs-based scholarship provides up to $20,000 in aid for undergraduate or post-graduate college. Recipients may reapply for additional annual awards up to six times.
Youth Education and Scholarships
During the month of October a total of 15 national-level scholarships totaling $35,403 were disbursed as two-party checks to youth and their academic institutions.
(WASHINGTON, November 8, 2019) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will require certain prominent federal properties to display the POW/MIA Flag every day with the U.S. Flag.
“Yesterday I was humbled to stand with my fellow veterans inside the Oval Office and watch the president of the United States sign this symbolic but important legislation,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “It is important that Americans never forget that there are still more than 82,000 men and women who were taken prisoner or never had a full accounting. The American Legion reveres their memory and will continue to honor them at all of our meetings. I plan to visit the headquarters of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency later this month to observe their work firsthand. DPAA does a remarkable job of identifying and repatriating so many heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The American Legion is eager to explore additional ways to lend our support.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veterans Day.
INDIANAPOLIS (October 17, 2019)—The head of the nation’s largest veterans service organization extended its condolences over today’s passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of this distinguished leader in Congress,” said The American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “He was a lifelong passionate champion of civil rights. He strived every day to make his country a better place and his voice will continue to resonate in congressional halls for decades to come. He will be missed by many.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veteran Day.
(INDIANAPOLIS, October 8, 2019) — American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement regarding the passing of the organization’s national treasurer, George A. Buskirk:
“The American Legion lost more than a national treasurer today. We lost a treasure. George A. Buskirk was the kindest of gentlemen. We will certainly miss his sound financial leadership, but we will mostly miss our time with this affable, decent and smart man. He served his country during the Vietnam War and rose through the ranks of the Indiana National Guard to become its adjutant general. His intellect was without question. A senior executive in the banking industry, we were fortunate to have this great Legionnaire as our national treasurer for 21 years. We were more fortunate to have known him. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are extended to the Buskirk family. We shall miss him.”
This is an exciting time for our American Legion. This year, we passed a milestone that very few organizations ever get to accomplish: a centennial. Although we have a truly remarkable history that no organization can match, I like to remember the title of an old song, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!”
Our first century demonstrated the power that a large group of veterans can have in shaping national policy and communities from coast-to-coast and even regions overseas. In the early years, these endeavors succeeded without the use of widespread air travel, universal telephones or even national highways.
As we enter our second century, think of what we can accomplish through the use of social media, telecommunications and technologies in store for us that we cannot even begin to fathom. The theme for my year is a foundation for the future. And the main ingredient in the foundation is our membership.
We fought for passage of the LEGION Act not as a membership tool but because of the millions of veterans who served honorably during periods not recognized by Congress. Approximately 1,600 brave men and women were killed or wounded during hostile operations that occurred during those periods from the end of World War II to the beginning of the Gulf War. They too earned the right to be called “Legionnaires.” We would be foolish not to welcome the estimated 4.2 million living veterans from those periods into our ranks. When you consider all of their relatives, our American Legion Family can grow exponentially.
Even as we build a foundation for the future, our founding pillars and values remain the same. In my own shorthand, I like to refer to these pillars as V-DAY – that’s Veterans, Defense, Americanism and Youth.
V-DAY is what you all do every day when members of your department volunteer at the local VA, advocate for the needs of our military, retire an unserviceable American flag, or sponsor a teenager in one of our great youth programs.
I know that your department will continue to explore ways in which The American Legion will continue to serve America by combining our traditional values with a foundation for the future. Have a great conference.
The American Legion is seeking a qualified and committed individual to supervise the Department Veterans Service Division. The American Legion of Washington is a non-profit Veterans Service Organization chartered by the US Congress in 1919. It is committed to serving veterans and their families, our local communities and the United States of America.
Location:
The primary office is located in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, WA. There are multiple subordinate offices located throughout the state.
Duties:
The Department Service Officer is the Director of The American Legion Service Division responsible for a wide range of professional level work including the supervision and administration of the veterans service program throughout the State of Washington.
Supervise 16 – 25 full time and part time employees working at various locations throughout the state
Develop and administer the Department Service Division annual budget
Represent The American Legion at federal, state and community meetings
Provide advice and assistance to veterans and their family members regarding VA benefits and programs
Research, prepare and present written and oral arguments before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Adjudication Officers in Seattle
Participate in 12 annual District conferences, annual Department Mid-Winter conference, annual Department convention, annual National convention, National training seminars and other meetings/conferences throughout the state and nation
Develop and manage the veterans’ service officer training program
Act as the Department Commander’s representative to the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
Oversee Washington State contracts with the Service Division of The American Legion Department of Washington
Oversee all other contracts between other agencies and the Service Division of The American Legion Department of Washington
Desirable Qualifications:
The successful applicant will possess the knowledge, skills and abilities gained though education and experience to excel in the areas of program administration, personnel supervision, management and budget planning and oversight. Training pertaining to VA case law and VA benefits programs will be provided. The candidate should possess the following attributes.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
Strong leadership abilities
Ability to apply quality standards effectively
Ability to prepare and administer budgets
Excellent presentation skills
Experienced with common word processing, spreadsheet and presentation computer programs including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with executive managers
How to Apply:
Mail, FAX or email resume and letter of interest to The American Legion Department of Washington, PO Box 3917, Lacey, WA 98509-3917; FAX (360) 491-7442 or adjutant@walegion.org.
Final Date to Apply:
Resumes must be received at the Department of Washington office no later than September 20, 2019.
Special Notes:
This is a salaried position that may require occasional work beyond normal office hours and on weekends.
Travel by airplane and automobile is required to fulfill the requirements of this position.
The incumbent serves at the direction of the Department of Washington State Commander
Selection Process:
The Department Commander has appointed a selection committee to review the résumés, select applicants for interview and conduct the interviews of the candidates. Initial interviews will be conducted in Lacey, WA with subsequent interviews in Seattle, WA, as required.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $45,000- $55,000. Benefits include 401K retirement plan and paid vacation and sick leave. Health, dental and life insurance is available with employee contribution.
Veterans Preference:
Only wartime era veterans eligible for membership in The American Legion can be considered for this position. The American Legion is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports diversity in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and persons over 40 years of age are also encouraged to apply.
The American Legion Constitution and Bylaws has been updated to replace the word “wife” with “spouse,” related to the membership criteria for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). To understand more about the legal background, check with an expert like Bob Bratt.
Here are some common questions and answers to what this means going forward:
Question: Why change ALA membership eligibility? Answer: In 1920, veterans were almost 100 percent male so the ALA was formed as the organization for the spouses of the veteran — those spouses just happened to be women.
Today, an estimated 16 percent of enlisted people and 18 percent of officers are women, who may be married to a non-veteran. To keep the ALA as the organization that supports spouses of the veteran, we need to change the ALA’s definition from wives to spouses, thereby updating the organization to represent the changing makeup of the military.
Q: How can this change help ALA membership? A: Think about female spouses who are alone as their husband is deployed. They have the ALA to lean on. Who can the male spouse rely on? With this eligibility change, now male spouses who are ALA members can receive the same support while their wives are deployed.
Q: Would this change need to be approved by Congress? A: No, because the American Legion Auxiliary is not chartered by Congress. The American Legion, which was chartered by Congress, created the ALA. The Legion approved the ALA to operate as a separate corporation; however, The American Legion has always set the eligibility requirements of the ALA in their bylaws.
Q: What about the previous communications issued by former ALA leadership claiming this change could not happen? Why is that information inaccurate? A: Previously released messaging could have been interpreted by members to mean ALA needs congressional approval for this change to happen. That information is inaccurate. The American Legion Auxiliary is not chartered by Congress.
Q: ALA refers to itself as the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. How can we allow men to join? A: Now that the resolution has been adopted by The American Legion, the Auxiliary will no longer call itself the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization.
Q: How would this change affect the American Legion Auxiliary membership application or signing up new members? A: We anticipate taking applications on Sept. 1.
During The American Legion’s 101st National Convention, delegates approved changes to the Constitution and Bylaws to replace the word “wife” with “spouse,” related to the membership criteria for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA).
The American Legion, which was chartered by Congress, created the ALA. For that reason, the ALA operates as a separate corporation and does not need congressional approval for an eligibility change. The American Legion’s bylaws have always set the eligibility requirements of the ALA.
“We are happy to welcome eligible male spouses of veterans and servicemembers to the American Legion Family,” ALA National President Nicole Clapp said. “This is consistent with our longstanding legacy of embracing military families and supporting them any way we can.”
The ALA expects to begin taking applications for new potential members Sept. 1.
The change to Article XIII now reads as such:
The American Legion recognizes an auxiliary organization, known as The American Legion Auxiliary.
Membership in The American Legion Auxiliary shall be limited to the:
(1) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion; and
(2) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who served in either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918, and any time after December 7, 1941, who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge;
(3) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941 who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and
(4) to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
INDIANAPOLIS,( August 19, 2019)—The head of The American Legion called on Congress to address a tax that unfairly penalizes Gold Star families once lawmakers return to Washington.
“There is a real problem with this provision of the tax reform but the Senate and the House already passed different solutions to fix it,” National Commander Brett P. Reistad said of the measure. “For many Gold Star family members the tax penalty has become unbearable. In some cases the taxes on the survivor’s benefits received after a military member’s death have increased from $1,000 a year in 2018 to nearly $4,500 in 2019. It re-defines certain benefits for children as ‘unearned income,’ subjecting them to higher rates. Increasing the tax burden on these families who lost a loved one is unconscionable.”
The law, which is often referred to as “the kiddie tax,” increases the marginal tax rate for some to as much as 37 percent.
“It’s outrageous to hammer these families with such an unjust tax hike. Haven’t they already sacrificed enough? How can a family plan its financial future for such things as rent, food or the basic necessities of life when the tax rate on the important benefits they received is held up in limbo? In addition to the ‘kiddie tax,’ there is a ‘widow’s tax’ that The American Legion has long opposed.” Reistad said. “The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act includes the elimination of the widow’s tax and The American Legion has called on the Senate conferees to adopt the same language and pass it as part of the budget deal as soon as they return from recess.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veteran Day.