The Florida American Legion Riders are once again taking to the road with a powerful purpose: raising awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention.
Riders from across the state recently traveled through Bay County as part of a broader mission to bring attention to the ongoing mental health crisis affecting veterans. The effort is tied to the Florida American Legion Riders’ In-State Unity Ride, an annual multi-day event that combines camaraderie, visibility, and fundraising to support life-saving programs.
Riding with Purpose
The Unity Ride is more than a motorcycle event—it is a coordinated statewide initiative designed to engage communities, honor veterans, and generate critical funding for suicide prevention efforts. Riders make scheduled stops at American Legion posts and community locations, using each opportunity to connect with the public and share resources.
At its core, the ride supports PROJECT: VetRelief’s Suicide Prevention Initiative, which provides funding for programs that assist veterans facing mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress and reintegration difficulties.
Addressing a Critical Issue
Veteran suicide remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the military community. The Unity Ride is part of a larger effort to confront that reality through awareness, outreach, and direct support for proven programs.
Through partnerships and a vetted network of service providers, PROJECT: VetRelief helps ensure veterans have access to counseling, peer support, service animals, and other critical interventions tailored to their needs.
Community Impact
As Riders pass through communities like those in Bay County, their presence serves as both a tribute and a call to action. The initiative encourages local residents, businesses, and organizations to get involved—whether by donating, participating, or simply helping spread awareness.
The American Legion Riders program itself is built on service and community engagement, uniting members who are committed to supporting veterans, their families, and their communities nationwide.
How to Support
The Florida American Legion Riders emphasize that anyone can contribute to the mission:
Participate in future rides or events
Donate to suicide prevention initiatives
Share information and resources within your community
Every mile ridden and every dollar raised helps expand access to programs that can save lives.
The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to announce that the Veterans Museum Kiosk will be featured at our 2026 Department Convention, taking place June 11–14 at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista.
This innovative, interactive kiosk brings Veteran stories to life through streaming digital content, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with the voices and experiences of those who have served. Standing over six feet tall, the kiosk is designed to create an immersive viewing experience, complete with directional speaker technology that delivers clear, focused audio—even in high-traffic, noisy environments.
This means convention attendees will be able to step into a personal listening space right on the convention floor, hearing firsthand accounts from Veterans without distraction from surrounding activity.
The Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Veterans Museum for bringing this impactful exhibit to our convention. Their dedication to preserving and sharing the stories of our nation’s Veterans ensures that these important histories are not lost and continue to educate and inspire future generations.
In addition to the kiosk experience, there will be opportunities for attendees to learn more about the importance of interviewing Veterans and the techniques used to capture meaningful, high-quality oral histories.
We encourage all attendees to take time during the convention to visit the kiosk, explore the stories being shared, and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our fellow Veterans.
The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to recognize and congratulate the outstanding students selected as recipients of the 2026 Department Scholarships. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities.
General Scholarship Winners
1st Place ($2,500): Jasmine Gaines, Clermont
2nd Place ($1,500): Matthew Ngo, Middleton
3rd Place ($1,000): Isaac Smith, Anthony
4th–7th Place ($500 each):
Karen Hoefler, Winter Park
Matthew McDonald, Casselberry
Alexis Cole, Niceville
Nolan Alford, Apalachicola
JROTC Cadet of the Year Scholarship
1st Place ($2,500): Leah VanArsdale, Seminole
2nd Place ($1,500): Misty Sandhosh, Ocala
3rd Place ($1,000): Daniella Cobb, Cooper City
4th Place ($500): Kaiya Peters, Parrish
Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship
1st Place ($2,500): William Churchill, Punta Gorda
2nd Place ($1,500): Hannah Hewett, Riverview
3rd Place ($1,000): Michael Carlin, Merritt Island
4th Place ($500): Alexander Maloof, Winter Park
Medical School Scholarship
1st Place ($2,750): Lillian McBee, Rockledge
Nursing School Scholarship
1st Place ($2,750): Catherine Rowland, Boca Raton
The Department is especially pleased to invite Jasmine Gaines, Matthew Ngo, Leah VanArsdale, William Churchill, Lillian McBee, and Catherine Rowland to attend the Department Convention in June, where they will be formally recognized and presented with their scholarships. All other recipients will receive their awards by mail in the coming weeks.
Celebrating Excellence and Service
Each year, The American Legion, Department of Florida proudly invests in the future of our state by supporting students who exemplify the values of scholarship, leadership, and service. The 2026 recipients represent the very best of Florida’s youth, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication.
Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners—we look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make in your communities and beyond.
Pictured from left, American Legion Department of Florida Commander Jessica Moore, Ocean Beaches Post 129 Commander Jeff Durden, American Legion District 5 Commander Miguel Garcia and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 129 President Cindy Jordan take part in the official unveiling of monuments honoring beaches military service personnel killed in action in undeclared wars, at Ocean Beaches Post 129 in Jacksonville Beach.
New memorials honoring local service members who gave their lives in military conflicts were officially unveiled at American Legion Post 129 in Jacksonville Beach on Dec. 14.
The project, led by the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) at Post 129, marks the first time the Jacksonville Beach community has dedicated monuments recognizing those lost in the Vietnam War, Korean War, and America’s undeclared conflicts.
Funded through nearly $25,000 in donations, the memorials stand as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by members of the Beaches community. The effort began in 2022 when SAL member Brian Haught initiated the project, working with local partners to design and install the monuments.
In addition to the memorial pillars, improvements to the Post 129 grounds included renovations to the bell tower, supported by local volunteers and contractors. The project brought together Legion leadership, SAL members, and community supporters who contributed time, resources, and expertise.
Organizers emphasized the importance of recognizing all who served—especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorials also reflect the broader recognition established by the 2018 LEGION Act, which acknowledges veterans who served during previously undeclared periods of war.
The scale of sacrifice represented by the memorials is significant. More than 40,000 Americans died during the Korean War, over 57,000 during the Vietnam War, and more than 7,000 in post-9/11 conflicts.
American Legion Post 129 continues to serve as a hub for veteran support and community service in the Jacksonville Beaches area, providing assistance to local organizations and promoting initiatives such as veteran suicide prevention.
These new memorials ensure that the legacy of those who served—and those who never returned—will remain visible and honored for generations to come.
U.S. Senator Ashley Moody has been named to serve on the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services, according to a news release issued by her office on March 26, 2026.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is responsible for oversight of the nation’s military, including the Department of Defense, military operations, and national defense policy. The committee plays a key role in shaping legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides funding and guidance for the U.S. Armed Forces.
Florida is home to more than 1.5 million veterans and over 20 military installations, as well as three combatant commands—U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). As such, representation on the Armed Services Committee is particularly relevant to the state’s military and veteran community.
In the release, Senator Moody noted the importance of supporting service members and maintaining a strong national defense. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker also welcomed her appointment to the committee.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Veteran Clifford Charles Williamson of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Clifford passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 57. He was a proud and active member of American Legion Post 181 in Gifford, Florida.
Clifford is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Tosha Williamson; his daughter, Elizabeth Williamson; his stepdaughters, Jasmine Richardson and Zaria Wallace; his son-in-law, Brandon Wallace; and his four cherished grandchildren, Naveah, Afeni, Major, and Legacie. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack Conrad Williamson, Jr. and Jack Conrad Williamson III, and his sisters, Emily McDonald and Misty Jane Concklin.
A United States Army veteran, Clifford served his country with honor and distinction. He was employed by Jacobs Engineering for the past two and a half years and remained committed to service through his continued and devoted membership in The American Legion.
Clifford leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his family, fellow veterans, and community.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may contact his wife at:
Tosha Williamson 772-205-4613
Please keep Clifford’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The American Legion has officially announced the results of the 2026 Big Twelve Competition, with the Department of Florida earning top honors in Category 1 (60,000+ members). Florida secured first place with an impressive 91.36% membership achievement, narrowly surpassing the Department of Pennsylvania, which finished second at 90.42%.
The Big Twelve Competition, which concluded on March 11, 2026, challenges departments to meet or exceed membership goals established during the Commanders and Adjutants Conference held the previous fall. Both Florida and Pennsylvania pledged to reach 90%—and both departments successfully met that benchmark. However, Florida’s ability to exceed its goal by a wider margin ultimately secured the win.
This year’s results highlight the strength, commitment, and coordinated effort of Legionnaires across the country. Florida’s achievement reflects a sustained focus on membership growth, retention, and engagement at every level of the organization.
As part of the competition’s recognition, Florida will receive a $2,000 award, while Pennsylvania will receive $1,000 as the runner-up.
National leadership commended all participating departments for their dedication and success in advancing membership initiatives. The close margin between the top two finishers underscores the competitive spirit and shared commitment to strengthening The American Legion’s mission.
Florida’s victory stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through clear goals, teamwork, and persistent outreach—setting a strong example for the year ahead.
We still need your help to ensure funding for Boys State and Girls State remains a priority during the final stages of the legislative process.
Our voice still matters. Emails and phone calls remain among the most effective forms of advocacy, and your outreach directly influences the process.
When contacting legislators, please reference the following appropriations:
• Senate Appropriation 2602 — Senator Tom Leek
• House Appropriation 2799 — Representative Michelle Salzman
We also encourage you to contact the budget leaders overseeing the final negotiations:
• Senate Appropriations Chair — Senator Ed Hooper
• House Budget/Appropriations Chair — Representative Lawrence McClure
Referencing these appropriation numbers helps legislative staff quickly identify the request during conference negotiations and ensures your message is routed appropriately.
Boys State and Girls State provide hands-on civic education and leadership development for high school students across Florida, teaching the principles of government, citizenship, and public service. These programs have shaped generations of community leaders, public servants, and veterans.
Please take a few minutes today to call or email your legislators and respectfully ask them to support these appropriations.
Your advocacy makes a difference.
For God and Country.
Phone Script for Legislators
Introduction
“Hello, my name is ___ and I am a constituent from ___ and a member/supporter of The American Legion. I’m calling to respectfully ask for support of funding for Boys State and Girls State.”
Reference the Appropriations
“I’m specifically asking for support of:
• Senate Appropriation 2602 sponsored by Senator Tom Leek, and
• House Appropriation 2799 sponsored by Representative Michelle Salzman.”
Budget Leadership
“I also respectfully ask that Senator/Representative ___ support these items during conference negotiations and work with Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Ed Hooper and House Budget Chair Representative Lawrence McClure to ensure this funding remains in the final budget.”
Why it Matters
“These programs provide hands-on civic education and leadership training for high school students across Florida and help develop the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.”
Closing
“Thank you for your time and for supporting youth leadership programs in Florida.”
As we close out Week 7 and prepare to enter the final week of “regular” Session, the pace in Tallahassee continues to accelerate.
As we move into what is supposed to be the final week, unless something miraculous happens today, we are likely setting the stage for extra innings on the budget. While that can create some uncertainty, it also opens the door for certain items to possibly see a little more daylight as negotiations continue.
Both chambers have now moved into budget conference, where final negotiations will determine what ultimately makes it into the final appropriations bill. This is a critical phase of the process — and your engagement right now truly matters.
‘As it currently stands, the task over the next week (or weeks) is to close a $1.4 billion gap between the Senate’s $115 billion proposal and the House’s leaner $113.6 billion budget. There is also the $117.4 billion proposal that Governor Ron DeSantis introduced in December, but we would not recommend adding any more variables to the equation — unless you purchased travel insurance.’
Boys State / Girls State Funding – Action Still Needed
We still need your phone calls regarding Boys State and Girls State funding.
Our voice still matters. Emails and phone calls remain one of the most effective forms of advocacy, and your outreach directly influences the process.
When contacting legislators about this funding, please reference the following appropriations:
Senate Appropriation 2602 — Tom Leek
• House Appropriation 2799 — Michelle Salzman
Referencing these numbers helps legislative staff quickly identify the request during conference negotiations and ensure your message is routed appropriately.
Charitable Gaming Legislation
While the momentum of the charitable fundraising efforts has slowed, the legislation targeting charitable gaming between the chambers is not currently aligned. However, there is still time for these measures to merge. We are actively working with bill sponsors to come to an agreeable landing and position ourselves as favorably as possible before the final days.
Washington, D.C. Advocacy Success
Now let me take a moment to brag on our recent Washington, D.C. trip.
We had a delegation of 22 members representing The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion, and the Auxiliary travel to Washington to advocate on behalf of our organization and our veterans.
During that trip, our team personally met all of Florida’s 28 congressional offices. That level of engagement is a tremendous accomplishment and a strong reflection of the dedication within our Department. These meetings ensured that the voice of Florida’s veterans was heard directly by those representing us at the federal level.
I want to personally thank everyone who took the time to travel, participate, and represent our organization with professionalism and purpose.
Looking Ahead
While I may watch the weatherman every morning, I still do my own research — and I cannot say with certainty how this year will conclude. However, I do have a prediction.
Be prepared for extra innings again this year.
As always, thank you for staying engaged, making the calls, and continuing to advocate for our veterans, our youth programs, and the communities we proudly serve.
The American Legion will host a Veterans Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 240, located at 8666 Gulf Beach Highway in Pensacola, Florida. The event will provide local veterans with an opportunity to speak directly about their experiences with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ask questions, and learn more about available support services.
The town hall will be hosted by Post Commander Cathy Butler, USAF (Ret.), and is part of The American Legion’s nationwide effort to gather feedback from veterans regarding their VA health care and benefits. These town hall meetings are an important way for veterans to ensure their voices are heard and to help identify areas where services can be improved.
The American Legion works closely with the VA to advocate for the best possible care and resources for America’s veterans. Feedback gathered during town hall meetings helps the organization better understand the challenges veterans face and strengthens its ability to advocate for meaningful improvements.
Veterans attending the meeting will have the opportunity to share their personal experiences with VA services, ask questions about benefits and care, and learn more about the work of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation program. This program focuses on supporting veterans through health care access, benefits assistance, and rehabilitation services.
All veterans in the Pensacola area are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Community input plays a vital role in shaping how services are delivered and ensuring veterans receive the support they have earned through their service.
Event Details
Event: American Legion Veterans Town Hall Meeting
Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post 240
8666 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, FL 32507
Host: Post Commander Cathy Butler, USAF (Ret.)
Veterans interested in sharing their experiences or learning more about VA services are encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation.
(INDIANAPOLIS—March 4, 2026) – American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley issued the following statement today concerning the passing of Lou Holtz:
“Lou Holtz was not only a champion college football coach, but he was an even better patriot and role model. At our 2019 national convention, The American Legion honored Coach Holtz with a prestigious award for his charity work. He spent considerable time visiting with wounded warriors who were invited to the event as special guests. He made each one feel special. After the award was presented to him, Coach Holtz made a financial contribution to The American Legion which was completely unexpected by us. It was just another reflection of his enormous generosity. Our condolences to his family, the many athletes who benefited from his leadership and his legion of friends and fans.”
Holtz, an Army veteran, received The American Legion Past Department Commander Club James V. Day “Good Guy” award during the organization’s 101st National Convention held in Indianapolis.
In a 2018 letter to The American Legion, the University of Notre Dame legend wrote, “Every couple of years I go abroad speaking to the armed services in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, etc. Not many people know that I was an officer in the Army, and I learned more in the military than I ever learned in a college classroom.”
As The American Legion prepares to commemorate its 107th birthday on March 15, 2026, a prepared speech is now available for Posts and Districts to use during their local observances.
Developed by the National Headquarters Media & Communications Division, the speech reflects on the Legion’s founding in 1919 and its enduring commitment to the principle of “service first.” It highlights the organization’s historic advocacy for veterans, including the creation of the GI Bill and the foundation of what became the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as its continued leadership in youth programs, Americanism and community service.
Posts are encouraged to incorporate the speech into birthday dinners, ceremonies and public events as we celebrate 107 years of strengthening America through service to veterans, families and communities. The full text is available for download to assist in planning your March 15 celebration.
