Free tickets are limited to 2 per veteran and does not include parking.
Hula Bowl 2023 Military Appreciation
Alan Sparks
HM1 Alan Sparks joined Post Everlasting on July 10, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Edie, and sons Ian, Colin and Joshua Field. His cremains will be interred at the American Legion Cemetery located at USS Tampa, Post 5 in Tampa Florida.
Wreaths Across America Community Event – Tampa
Saturday, December 17, 2022 – The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 invites the community to its holiday memorial event, Wreaths Across America. This is a family-friendly event to show support for our military’s sacrifices.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. (arrive early for parking and seating) at the American Legion, “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 located at 3810 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33609. Terry Doan (American Legion member) will be presiding over the ceremony under the coordination of Post Commander Jess “JR” Scogging and Cemetery President Alyse Duffy. All branches of the military will be represented, as well as the remembrance wreaths announcement. Designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA will be placed during the ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 750 participating locations across the Country, including Arlington.
The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors. Sponsor a wreath for $15.00, any donation will be delivered to Wreaths Across America officials. This can be done on the Post 5 website http://www.post5tampa.org/WreathsAcrossAmerica.html or https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17901/Overview/?relatedId=15625
We hope to be included in your holiday event schedules to make the community aware of this event, which provides a venue for all ages to give thanks for our military’s sacrifices. The significance of the cost our soldiers have come to bear to preserve our freedoms granted will never be forgotten.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization whose mission: Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Their mission is to spread the important message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. This event is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding for the project.
For directions or to sponsor a wreath please call (813) 870-0505 or visit www.post5tampa.org
Weekly Reports December 1, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports November 23, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Hurricane Relief Efforts
Please take a few moments to view our Hurricane Relief video, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, donors, and the Legion Family.
Weekly Reports November 10, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Relief Efforts – Update
There are no updates at this time.
Weekly Reports November 3, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports October 28, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports October 13, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Hurricane Relief Planning
Our Disaster Prep Chair Bill Hoppner, organized a meeting today with Department Commander Eunice Butts, Auxiliary President Jane Hardacre, fellow Legionnaires, and Department staff members to plan and organize Hurricane Relief Efforts across the state. Donations have been steadily coming in this week, and other states, such as Ohio, already have supplies en route.
Today’s meeting will decide the logistics and distribution of a combined effort among the Legion Family and other volunteers. We hope to provide “boots on the ground” aid and assistance to those affected by Hurricane Ian in the coming days.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at relief@floridalegion.org. If you’d like to make a monetary donation, please go to www.floridaleigon.org/aid.
If you are in need of assistance, due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, please go to www.floridalegion.org/relief for resources available to you.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued support! Together we will overcome!
Legion Family begins to address Ian’s aftermath
Post 274 in Fort Myers, Fla., after Hurricane Ian.
National ~ In over a decade as the Department of Florida’s disaster preparedness chairman, Bill Hoppner has seen plenty of destructive storms.
“I have never seen devastation and destruction to this degree,” he said in a Facebook post after Hurricane Ian.
More than 100 people died from the storm and damage estimates are in the billions. And there’s still much to do before cleanup and relief efforts can begin in earnest in the state’s hardest hit areas.
“Everyone wants to help which is good,” Hoppner wrote. “But we have to understand the logistics. There are still search and rescue missions going on. Still powerlines down. The gas stations are running out of gas and the stations that do have gas have lines blocks long. I don’t want anybody to come in with supplies and not get out because they have no gas.”
The department’s Disaster Preparedness Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday to assess damage, identify distribution centers, and develop a plan of action. In the meantime, the Department of Florida is collecting donated items at department headquarters, 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810.
The department is collecting:
Water, non-perishables (canned food, dried meats, hard candies, granola or power bars), dry goods (crackers, nuts, dried fruit, trail mix), peanut butter, hand can openers, hygiene items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.), bug spray, sunscreen, infant supplies (diapers, wipes, food, formula), feminine products, pet food, batteries (all sizes), flashlights, solar lights, battery operated fans, pocket juice battery chargers, camping stoves, propane, charcoal grills, cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes, dust rags, dust masks), first aid items (Band-Aids, antibacterial ointment, gauze, medical tape, aspirin, rubbing alcohol, etc.), chain or hand saws, utility gloves, packaged undergarments (all sizes).
Donations can be shipped to or dropped off at Department of Florida headquarters during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until official distribution sites have been designated.
In the meantime, American Legion posts outside the disaster area have also been collecting supplies.
A team of Legion Riders is scheduled to leave Post 104 in Pinellas Park, Fla., early Oct. 8 to deliver donated items.
Post 382 in Navarre, Fla., is collecting donations of water, non-perishable foods, paper products, tarps and more. Drop-off times are from noon to 7 p.m.
Post 221 in Niceville, Fla., is seeking donations of water, canned goods, non-perishable items, tarps, gloves, generators, diapers, baby food, new clothing, and new blankets and sheets still packaged. Drop-off times are from noon to 6 p.m.
Legion posts are also providing for relief workers.
Post 69 in Avon Park, Fla., provided pizzas, sodas and a break for the National Guard.
Post 103 in Punta Gorda, Fla., is serving as headquarters for Team Rubicon for the next 6-8 weeks as the organization helps demolition and cleanup efforts.
Resources for those impacted by the hurricane and ways to donate to the Department of Florida’s Hurricane Relief Fund are available at floridalegion.org/resources/hurricane-relief/.
The American Legion stands ready to assist eligible Legionnaires, American Legion posts and Sons of The American Legion impacted by these and other natural disasters.
Grants from the National Emergency Fund (NEF) are available — up to $3,000 to Legionnaires and SAL members displaced due to damages to their primary residence from declared natural disasters, and up to $10,000 for Legion posts that have been damaged by a natural disaster and whose programs and activities within the community have been impacted.
Click here for the NEF grant application.
For assistance in completing the application, click here for a video presentation. And this video illustrates how disaster relief teams were set up in Illinois following a tornado outbreak.
NEF grants are made possible from the generosity of donations to the fund. Donate here.
In addition to the requirement that an emergency declaration be made for a natural disaster, applicants must be current on their membership prior to the disaster and at the time of application submission, and must provide photos, receipts, insurance paperwork, and FEMA statements if possible.
The Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program is also available to assist American Legion eligible veterans with minor children in the home who need financial help to pay for shelter, food, utilities, and medical expenses.
For TFA information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit legion.org/financialassistance.
Weekly Reports October 5, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department of Florida mobilizes to help those affected by Hurricane Ian
Wikimedia Commons
Weekly Reports September 22, 2022
Chapter 237 Riders Take Top Honors Again
Members of Post 237 of the Beverly Hills American Legion celebrated on July 23 winning the “Riders Chapter of the Year” award from the state American Legion. Photo by Margo Wilson/For the Chronicle
By MARGO WILSON For the Chronicle Jul 28, 2022 ~ It’s not the first time, nor the second … but for the fifth year in a row, the over 100 motorcycle riders of Beverly Hills Post 237 of the American Legion have earned the title of “Riders Chapter of the Year,” outpacing the state’s other 138 American Legion Riders’ chapters with a total of 10,000 riders.
“It’s phenomenal,” said rider Bo Boden, who was attending a July 23 celebration at the post. “It’s a lot of hard work by our leader, John (Roby).”
Roby, who’s directed the Beverly Hills riders group since it was founded in 2012, told the partygoers, “It’s not about one individual. It’s about all of you.”
He saluted members who have passed away and dedicated the event to them. He also thanked the veterans’ and other community groups and individuals who support the post and vets.
“In April 2012, there were 20 members,” he said. “We were the little kids on the block.
We had to go out and earn respect,” Roby said.
Since then, the riders have logged over 1 million miles for charitable causes.
“We’ve gone out over and over and over again,” Roby said.
Those rides have earned over $350,000 for veterans’ and community projects and racked up over 1 million hours of community service.
Last year, the riders rode over 300,000 miles, raised $48,425, and tallied about 300,000 hours of community service.
Some of the groups and causes to which they donate include the Race for Fallen Veterans, the Special Olympics, Toys for Tots, Project Vet Relief, Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast, Veterans for a Cause, Gold Star Families, the VFW, Am Vets, other American Legions, female veterans, and homeless veterans.
They accompany the Vietnam Traveling Wall.
The riders frequently escort, to Bushnell National Cemetery, veterans who’ve passed away. This past year, they placed 5,000 flags at the cemetery.
On “Red Shirt Fridays,” they ride to other American Legions and VFWs to show their support of their fellow veterans.
On Veterans Day, they visit comrades at assisted living sites.
They support veterans’ suicide awareness projects.
Member Alan Oscarson, a Vietnam veteran, said the award and the riders’ group and Post 237 “mean the world to me. When I came home from Vietnam in 1971, I got spit on at the airport. There were protestors outside. … I felt it was a waste of my time being in the service until I came down here.”
Oscarson said after he moved to the area, he was out for a motorcycle ride one day and Post 237 riders cruised past.
“I followed them,” he said.
He pulled up to Ray Roby, who was commander of the post, and asked him what was going on.
“We’re doing a ride for charity,” Roby said. “It’s a veterans’ ride, too.”
“I’m a Vietnam vet,” Oscarson said. Then, Roby reached over, shook Oscarson’s hand, and said, “Thank you for your service and welcome home.”
Oscarson joined the post that same day.
Greg Olynyk, the assistant director of the riders group, said he participates because “I do it for the vets. And I like to ride.”
Danny Elsass, of S&S Electric, donated $500 toward the celebration and has supported the post financially many times, according to John Roby.
Elsass said, “I love this group.”
David Herrington, who met his wife at the post and married her June 27, said, “It’s a nice, small group, a fun group. They do a lot for the community.”
Herrington’s wife, Sgt. Maj. Rose E. Gonzalez-Herrington, who has volunteered with Vets for Vets and other groups in Ocala, not only praised Post 237, but her spouse.
“My husband has a big heart,” she said.
She was not the only spouse singing the praises of his or her significant other.
John Roby praised his wife, Karon, who is treasurer and membership chair of the post’s 210-member Auxiliary. She also designed the cake served at the celebration.
And Karon praised John, as well as the members.
“It’s about dedication and camaraderie,” she said.
Bucky Palmer said winning the award “is a great amount of work for the commander and post. … You’ve got to be good.”
Marie Jones said she would echo what Palmer had said, but added, “It’s the friendliest American Legion. It’s very family-oriented.”
Kathleen Moran, the riders’ secretary, said, “No one supports vets like we do. This post is a family.”
Andrea Bolden, an Auxiliary member, whose father, mother, and brother are veterans, said about the award, “It’s fantastic when you think about our little town, and there is Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. It’s great.”
Veteran John Ferris said, “The people are so fantastic. I’m very proud to belong.”
Ralph Hanks, who served in the Army in Germany from 1966-69, said he loves riding his motorcycle and supports the causes of the riders’ chapter.
“I wish I could do more,” he said. He mentioned the riders have supported hospice programs. Hanks’ wife died in hospice. He credited John Roby for his leadership and said Roby “is probably one of the biggest reasons” for the riders’ success.
David Fredericks, a Vietnam-era Marine, said the riders and post “do a lot of public service for the community.”
Robin Fredericks said the work the post does is “for God and country. … We’re small but mighty.”
Dee Collins said, “We love our country.”
Her husband, Ron, who served in Germany with the Army, said, “We’ve been doing hard work.”
But in the end, as Director John Roby said, “Awards don’t make us any better. We’re just committed to our mission.”
For information about the post or riders’ group, call 352-897-4776, or stop by the post, 6726 N. Lecanto Highway. The post is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Talk to the bartender, and he or she will put you in touch with Roby.
Florida Legion Riders received the Child Welfare Foundation’s Garland Murphy Jr. Award
Florida Legion Riders received the Child Welfare Foundation’s Garland Murphy Jr. Award
During the 103rd National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Florida Legion Riders received the Child Welfare Foundation’s Garland Murphy Jr. Award. Joe Marcheggiani received the award on behalf of the Florida Legion Riders.
The Child Welfare Foundation presents awards annually for significant contributions to the foundation. The American Legion Riders are strong supporters of the Foundation, which grants to nonprofits that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children.
To qualify for the Garland Murphy Jr. Award, the department must be the most active in the nation, based on actual contributions received during the year. One department from each of the Family organizations is recognized.
Congratulations and a huge “Thank You” to the American Legion Riders for their dedication and never-ending support of our programs. A special mention to Chapter 110, who pushed us over the top for the win.
Weekly Reports September 15, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
American Legion National Commander Expresses Condolences to United Kingdom for Loss of ‘Legendary Queen’
(INDIANAPOLIS—September 8, 2022) – – American Legion National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola issued the following statement regarding the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has often been characterized as ‘special.’ The strength, grace and class that Elizabeth II exhibited as a princess during World War II and later as queen, has only deepened the affection that our veterans have for our allies in the United Kingdom. The passing of this legendary queen saddens The American Legion but we will always be inspired by her many decades of service to humanity and her commitment to freedom for all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Great Britain.”