LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports for October 2, 2025
David McMannen
It is with profound saddens I report the death of one of our members -David McMannen. Although only a member for a short period of time he found his way into the hearts of all that met him.
David P. McMannen, 67 of Mascotte, FL passed away from a tragic motorcycle accident Monday, September 15th at ORMC Orlando, FL surrounded by his three children.
David was born July 2, 1958, in Verdun, France. He is the son of Archibald D. McMannen and the late Patricia A. (Bowman) McMannen. He was the proud father of three children.
David was an attractions mechanic at Walt Disney World where he worked for the last 28 years. He was looking forward to retiring and being able to travel. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, building cars, and gathering with friends and family.
He is survived by his three children, Trina McWilliams (Larry, Jr.) of Winter Garden, Kristin O’Hara (Seth) of Clermont, John (Bethany) McMannen of Minneola; eight grandchildren, MacKenzie (Logan), Skyler, Riley, Kendall, Molly, Carly, Abby, and Millie; one great-grandchild MacKinley. Father Archibald D. McMannen Siblings Steve “Mac” McMannen (Julie) of Winter Garden, Kaye Ward of TN and numerous nieces & nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia and great-grandson TJ.
David did not want a funeral he wanted a party. The family will have a private event, and the public event will be held on October 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the VFW Post 2093 located at 4444 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.
Robert “Bob” B. Sussan
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Assistant Judge Advocate Robert “Bob” B. Sussan of Saint Johns, Florida. Bob passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 74. He was a proud member of Jacksonville Post 372.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Sussan. Service details are not yet available; updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, Bob was a dedicated Legionnaire with 22 years of continuous membership in The American Legion. His extensive leadership service included contributions to the Department of Virginia, the Department of Florida, and at the National level.
While in Virginia, Bob served as Post Commander (2007–2010), District Commander (2013–2015), Department Historian (2014–2015), and Department Membership Chair (2015–2016). After transferring to the Department of Florida in 2019, he served as Department Assistant Judge Advocate (2019–2020) and as Post Judge Advocate (2024-2025) until his passing.
At the National level, Bob served on the Americanism Council (2011–2016), the 75th Anniversary WWII Commemoration Committee (2016–2019), and the American Legion Riders Advisory Committee (2013–2019), where he was Chair from 2015 to 2019.
Please keep Marilyn and the Sussan family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Update: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 am Service, with reception immediately following at the church.
- St. Marks Lutheran Church
3967 Hendricks Ave.
Jacksonville, Florida
Paul J. Markonni
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Paul J. Markonni (Lake Worth, Florida), born in Chicago, Illinois, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Paul left this world on September 17, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving a void in the lives of so many people.
Paul, with 10 years of continuous membership in The American Legion, served as the Sergeant at Arms at Rood-Williams Post 271 in Tequesta. He also volunteered as a Veteran Recovery Team Leader for the Missing in America Project. He was drafted in the 1960’s and served a tour in Vietnam around 1968, as a CID Agent working out of Saigon, and was awarded a Bronze Star recipient. He retired as a Special Agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
In the vast expanse of eternity, Paul shall find rest, cradled in the arms of everlasting peace. And as we bid Paul farewell, his loved ones carry with them the precious gift of his memory, a beacon of hope guiding them through the shadows of sorrow towards the light of a new dawn.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home (250 Center St, Jupiter, FL 33458) with military honors on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the South Florida National Cemetery (6501 S State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449).
For those that wish to honor the memory of Paul, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following: Vietnam Veterans of West Palm Beach https://fovwpb.org; The Shih Tzu Rescue Florida https://shihtzu.rescueme.org; The American Legion Post #271, 775 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, Tequesta, FL, 33469, or a charity of one’s choice.
Online tributes to and memories of Paul may be left at Paul J. Markonni Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information.
Weekly Reports for September 25, 2025
Arnold F. Makovsky
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Finance Chair Arnold F. Makovsky of Port Charlotte, Florida. Arnold passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the age of 85. He was a proud member of Punta Gorda Post 103.
Arnold is survived by his beloved wife, Noel, and two daughters, Ann and Mona. He was preceded in death by his son, Arnold J. Makvosky.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, Arnold was a dedicated Legionnaire with 34 years of continuous membership in The American Legion. His extensive leadership service included serving as Post Judge Advocate from 2021 to 2023, Post 103 Commander from 2008 to 2010, 13th District Commander from 2003 to 2004, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2004 to 2005. At the Department level, he served as Membership Chair from 2005 to 2006, on the Time & Place Committee from 2015 to 2024, and as its Vice Chair from 2019 to 2023. He also served on the Finance Committee from 2008 to 2023 and as Finance Chair from 2016 to 2019. At the National level, Arnold served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2018 and the Legislative Council from 2006 to 2015.
Please keep Arnold’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Update: A Celebration of Life honoring Past Department Finance Chair Arnold Makovsky will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at American Legion Post 103, 2101 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
Peter J. Gregory
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 6th District Commander Peter J. Gregory of Winter Park, Florida. Peter passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the age of 77. He was a proud and active member of Oviedo Post 243. Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his son, Andrew Gregory; and his daughter, Eliza Mohler.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
A Vietnam War veteran, Peter proudly served in the United States Navy from 1969 through 1993, dedicating 24 years of honorable service to his country. Beyond his military career, he gave selflessly to his community through his volunteer work with the Masonic Lodge, Shriners Hospital, and The American Legion.
Peter first joined The American Legion in 1976 and held 22 years of continuous membership. At the Post level, he served as Adjutant, Service Officer, Vice Commander, and Commander. At the District level, he held the positions of 6th District Vice Commander (2021–2023) and 6th District Commander (2023–2024). His leadership, commitment, and service left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so through his wife at:
Mary Gregory
1041 Winter Springs Blvd.
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Please keep Peter’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s or American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243.
UPDATE:
Past 6th District Commander Peter Gregory will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Oviedo Memorial Post 243, 491 West Broadway St, Oviedo, FL 32765.
Weekly Reports for September 18, 2025
Weekly Reports for September 11, 2025
Weekly Reports for September 4, 2025
Weekly Reports for August 28, 2025
American Legion and VA partnering on special claims clinic for veterans
TAMPA, Florida – (Aug. 6) – The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are conducting a special claims clinic for all veterans at no cost at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, Florida 33602.
Please review the following information carefully, as logistical information has changed last-minute.
Friday the 22nd through Tuesday the 26th, American Legion service officers will be available to process claims on-site. Veterans should proceed to the Hospitality Office near the South East entrance of the Tampa Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to file their claims. Claims will no longer be processed in the initial West Hall location.
*ONLY* on Monday, Aug. 25th – Tuesday, Aug. 26th, staff from the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office will be on site between 8:30am and 3:00pm conducting examinations related to veteran claims Please see American Legion national staff for directions to the MDEO office.
Veterans attending should bring their ID, pen and paper, and their DD-214, as well as any documents related to their service treatment record.
Veterans do not need to sign up in advance. However, due to expected high attendance, veterans intending to file a new claim or file an increase, are encouraged to contact American Legion veteran service officers Kevin Buckner or Eric Taylor in advance to complete a power of attorney. Buckner can be reached at kbuckner@legion.org or 202-263-5766; Taylor can be reached at etaylor@legion.org or 202-263-5765
About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with more than 1.4 million members in roughly 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Learn more at legion.org.
Points of contact:
Onsite
Brandon McClain, Benefits Policy Analyst, The American Legion or Kevin Buckner
Cell: (202) 263-2996 or (202) 263-5766 Email: bmcclain@legion.org or kbuckner@legion.org
Weekly Reports for August 22, 2025
2025 ALB All-Academic Team announced
The team is sponsored by Diamond Sports.
The 2025 American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team was announced during the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C., on Sunday. The team is sponsored by Diamond Sports, a leading manufacturer in baseball merchandise and the official baseball used during American Legion Baseball national tournaments. As the official sponsor, Diamond Sports provides $25,000 in scholarships to the nine players on the All-Academic Team.
Before a player can be considered for the All-Academic Team, he or she must be nominated by their team manager or head coach. Each department baseball committee reviews submitted applications and selects their overall state winner, who receives a $500 scholarship from The American Legion.
Each regional winner named to the All-Academic Team receives a $2,500 scholarship, while the overall top academic player is named the team captain and receives a $5,000 scholarship.
The 2025 American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team is:
All-Academic Team Captain: Tylar Hanley, Post 868, New Kensington, Pa.
Northeast Region: Luca Finton, Post 188, Sandwich, Mass.
Mid-Atlantic Region: Landon Kettles, Post 273, Poquoson, Va.
Southeast Region: Jacob McClintic, Post 250, Middleburg, Fla.
Mid-South Region: Ezekiel Wall, Post 15, Crowley, La.
Great Lakes Region: Benjamin Sullivan, Post 502, Valparaiso, Ind.
Central Plains Region: Tyler Olson, Post 55, Pender, Neb.
Northwest Region: Landon McAnelly, Post 6, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Western Region: McCoy Rippentrop, Post 22, Rapid City, S.D.
Weekly Reports for August 14, 2025
Legislative Update (Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act)
Dear Fellow Advocate(s),
I am writing on behalf of The American Legion, Department of Florida to express our strong support for the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, specifically H.R. 2605 in the House and S. 1441 in the Senate.
As a resolution-based organization that channels the advocacy of more than 3 million veterans and their families, The American Legion has long recognized the profound therapeutic and life-changing impact of service dogs for veterans struggling with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and related conditions. These critical benefits align directly with our Resolution No. 134: Service Dogs for Injured Service Personnel and Veterans with Mental Health Conditions VoterVoice.
On June 12, 2025, our Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Cole T. Lyle, testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, where he highlighted the mental health and suicide prevention advantages of pairing veterans with service dogs. He shared personal testimony of his own service dog, Kaya, and conveyed how those human-animal bonds not only aid in recovery but often provide the will to survive during individuals’ darkest moments: “When fingers meet fur, magic happens.” The American Legion
By supporting the SAVES Act, The American Legion reaffirms our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for veterans through innovative, compassionate, and practical support. We encourage Congress to pass this legislation swiftly to enable nonprofit, ADI-accredited organizations to expand access to service dogs—without barriers—for those who need them most.
Thank you for your attention to this vital matter. We stand ready to continue our advocacy and urge swift legislative action to deliver healing, independence, and hope to our veterans.
For God & Country,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chair
The American Legion, Department of Florida
legislative@legionmail.org
Important Compliance Notice – Gaming and Gambling on Licensed Premises
Dear Post Commanders and Adjutants,
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Division), in partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), has issued an important compliance reminder to all license holders.
Please read carefully:
The Division is requesting that all licensees ensure any gaming machines or gambling activities located on your licensed premises are not in violation of Chapter 849, Florida Statutes.
- Gambling in Florida is limited to lawfully designated locations.
- Violations may result in criminal and civil penalties, as well as administrative action by the Division, up to and including license revocation.
- If you are uncertain about the legality of any gaming or gambling activity at your Post, it is strongly recommended you seek legal guidance immediately.
Enforcement Notice:
During routine inspections, any licensee found to have illegal gaming machines or other forms of unlawful gambling on their premises will be referred to the FGCC for appropriate action.
Action Steps:
- Review your premises immediately to ensure compliance.
- Contact your amusement vendor for further guidance regarding the legality of any machines in your Post.
- If uncertainty remains, seek legal advice.
For additional information or clarification, you may contact the FGCC directly at:
(850) 880-3433
ContactUs@flgaming.gov
Legislative Update:
Please be advised that your American Legion Legislative Team is actively seeking further information regarding any potential future legislation that may provide relief or exemptions for Posts. We will update you as soon as new developments occur.
Please ensure this information is shared with your Post leadership and that immediate action is taken to address any potential issues.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping protect our organization’s integrity and licensing.
Respectfully,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chair
The American Legion, Department of Florida
Weekly Reports for August 7, 2025 (With Goals)
LEGION REPORTS
American Legion and VA partnering on special claims clinic for veterans
TAMPA, Florida – (Aug. 6) – The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are conducting a special claims clinic for all veterans at no cost.
Accredited veteran service officers will be available to provide claims support in the West Hall exhibit of the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, Florida 33602, when it is open. Exhibit hall hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 22 to Aug. 26, except on Sunday and Tuesday when it closes at 2 p.m. Additionally, staff from the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office will be on site to conduct the claims clinic from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the convention center.
The American Legion and VA will be on site to provide free assistance with filing benefits claims. Veterans attending should bring their ID, pen and paper, and their DD-214, as well as any documents related to their service treatment record.
Veterans do not need to sign up in advance. However, due to expected high attendance, veterans intending to file a new claim or file an increase, are encouraged to contact American Legion veteran service officers Kevin Buckner or Eric Taylor in advance to complete a power of attorney. Buckner can be reached at kbuckner@legion.org or 202-263-5766; Taylor can be reached at etaylor@legion.org or 202-263-5765
The American Legion Salutes Heroes, Expresses Condolences to Fort Stewart Shooting Victims
(INDIANAPOLIS – August 7, 2025) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s shooting at Fort Stewart, Ga:
“There are heroes among us. I refer to the brave soldiers who subdued and restrained a gunman that shot five of their fellow servicemembers who were injured in a violent and heinous attack on Aug. 6. Thankfully, all the wounded servicemembers have reportedly been treated and are expected to survive. We pray for their full recovery. Without the heroism and quick thinking of soldiers on the scene, the outcome could have been far more tragic. We are pleased that the Army secretary has already presented medals to those who stopped the attack.”