LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports April 25, 2024
Raymond “Chuck” Olsen
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Department National Security Chair Raymond “Chuck” Olsen of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Chuck passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the age of 65. He is survived by his longtime partner, Missi Dyess, and his sons, Brian and Sean Olsen.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Post 382, located at 1850 Luneta St., Navarre, FL 32566. The exact time will be determined later. Any updates on the arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Chuck was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Panama-Lebanon-Grenada War Era and was a member of Navarre Post 382. Over 17 continuous years with the American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander from 2011-2013 and 2014-2017, Post Judge Advocate from 2022-2024, 1st District Vice Commander from 2014-2016, 1st District Commander from 2016-2018, Department Americanism Chair from 2018-2019, Western Area Commander from 2018-2019, and Department National Security Chair since 2022. On a National level, Chuck served on the National Legislative Council from 2016-2021 and the National Security Council from 2017-2024.
Condolences can be sent to the Olsen Family C/O Post 382, at 1850 Luneta St., Navarre, FL 32566.
Please keep Chuck’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Weekly Reports April 18, 2024
Weekly Reports April 4, 2024
Francis “Frank” H. Maitland, Jr.
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Past 11th District Commander Francis “Frank” H. Maitland, Jr. of Stuart, Florida. Frank passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, and their children, Sara and Jason.
Details regarding services for Frank have not been finalized. Any updates regarding arrangements will be communicated via email and posted on the Department’s website.
Frank was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Stuart Post 62. Frank was also a retired Fire Lieutenant with the City of Lynn, Massachusetts, and a dedicated member of the American Legion for 21 continuous years. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 2009-2011 and 2012-2018. Additionally, he served as District Vice Commander from 2011-2013, followed by District Commander from 2013-2014.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Jo Ann Maitland, at P.O. Box 1710, Stuart, FL 34995-1710.
Please join us in keeping Frank’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.
Raymond “Ray” A. Perez
Raymond Perez
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Past 16th District Commander Raymond “Ray” A. Perez of Madeira Beach, Florida. Ray passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the age of 70. He is survived by his fiancé, Maryellen Waskiewicz.
Details regarding Ray’s services have not been finalized. Any updates regarding arrangements will be communicated via email and posted on the Department’s website.
Ray served his country proudly for 35 years in the United States Army, spanning from 1971 through 2007. He also served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 15 continuous years and was a member of Madeira Beach Post 273. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 2016-2019, District Commander from 2017-2019, and Department Blood Donor Chair from 2019-2021. On a National level, Ray served on the National Security Council from 2018-2019, the National Legislative Council from 2019-2024, and the National Membership Committee from 2022-2024.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his fiancé, Maryellen Waskiewicz, at 230 Medallion Blvd., Apt. D, Madeira Beach, FL 33708-1958.
Please join us in keeping Ray’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will continue to inspire us, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Weekly Reports April 4, 2024
John P. Bell
With a heavy heart, we inform you of the passing of Past 16th District Commander John P. Bell of St. Pete Beach, Florida. John passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Department Auxiliary President Denise “Dee” Bell, and their children: daughters Renee, Nicole, and Samantha, and son John Jr.
Details regarding John’s services have not been finalized yet. Any updates regarding arrangements will be emailed and posted on the Department’s website.
John proudly served his country as a United States Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran.
John, a member of Treasure Island Post 158, served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 27 continuous years. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 2003-05, 2009-10, and 2012-14. Additionally, he served as District 16 Vice Commander from 2013-15, followed by District 16 Commander from 2015-16.
If you wish to extend your condolences, please do so through his wife, President Dee Bell, at 326 72nd Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706-1913. In lieu of flowers, President Dee is requesting donations be made to Bay Pines Hospice or American Legion Boys State.
Please keep John’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.
***UPDATE***
The Interment Service for Past 16th District Commander John P. Bell will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Bay Pines National Cemetery, located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM at Post 158, located at 111 108th Ave., Treasure Island, FL.
Weekly Reports March 28, 2024
Robert “Bob” S. Jaegers
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Past Department Judge Advocate Robert “Bob” S. Jaegers of Jupiter, Florida. Bob passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, Denise, and their children: daughters Heidi and Kathryn, and sons Robert and Charles.
As of now, details regarding services for Bob have not been finalized. Any updates regarding arrangements will be communicated to you via email and will also be posted on the Department’s website.
Bob dedicated 31 years of service as a Palm Beach County Assistant State Attorney before retiring in 2019. He also served his country proudly for 28 years in the United States Air Force, spanning from 1977 through 2005.
Bob, a member of Tequesta Post 271, served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 34 continuous years. Throughout his membership, he held various leadership positions, including Post Commander from 1993-94, 2004-06, and 2020-23, as well as Post Judge Advocate from 1990-93, 2010-20, and 2023 until the present. Additionally, he served as District Judge Advocate from 2006-17 and 2018-2021, and later as Department Judge Advocate from 2021-2022, followed by Department Assistant Judge Advocate from 2022-2023.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Denise Jaegers, at 12600 189th Ct. N, Jupiter, FL 33478-3787.
Please keep Bob’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.
Weekly Reports March 21, 2024
Weekly Reports March 14, 2024
Weekly Reports March 7, 2024
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (February 14, 2024) – The American Legion is still accepting entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 15, 2024.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in New Orleans. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 29, 2024 at the New Orleans Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact kchrisman@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2023.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, WFTS (Tampa) and the Military Times. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports February 29, 2024
Joseph “Joe” A. Maichle
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of 5th District 1st Vice Commander Joseph “Joe” A. Maichle of Jacksonville, Florida. Joe passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his three daughters, Tricia, Dawn, and Nicole; six grandchildren, Adrianna, Victoria, Kylie, Zoe, Trevor, and Bailey; one great-grandson, Strieder; his mother, Cathline; and five brothers, Ronald, Kenny, Billy, John, and Bruce.
Joe was a dedicated member of the New Castle County Division of Police from 1972 to 1996. Senior Corporal Maichle was highly respected by his colleagues and described as a wonderful friend, always willing to help, incredibly funny, and a great investigator.
In addition to his service in law enforcement, Joe proudly served his country as a United States Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran. He was a member of Jacksonville Post 129, with 17 continuous years of membership. Joe held various leadership positions within the American Legion, including Post Commander from 2017-2024 and 5th District Vice Commander from 2022-2024. He also served as Department Credentials Chair from 2022-2024.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Kathy Maichle, at 12474 Collinswood Dr. S., Jacksonville, FL 32225.
Services to honor Joe’s life are as follows:
Visitation
- Tuesday, March 5th – 5 PM to 7 PM
- Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens
- 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL
Funeral Service
- Wednesday, March 6th – 11:30 AM
- St. Paul’s Catholic Church
- 523 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville Beach, FL
Burial Service
- Wednesday, March 6th – 2 PM
- Jacksonville National Cemetery
- 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL
Celebration of Life
- Saturday, March 16th – 2 PM
- American Legion Post 129
- 1151 4th St. S, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Please keep Joe’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Weekly Reports February 22, 2024
Weekly Reports February 15, 2024
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (February 14, 2024) – The American Legion is still accepting entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 15, 2024.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in New Orleans. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 29, 2024 at the New Orleans Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact kchrisman@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2023.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, WFTS (Tampa) and the Military Times. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.