With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Luther “Jay” L. Allen, Jr. of Apollo Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Allen; 2 sons: Owen and Jayson; and three daughters: Raquel, Stephanie and Victoria. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Jay was a U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War Era. He was a member of Ruskin Post 389 with 13 continuous years of membership. Jay served as Post Commander (2012-16 & 2018-21), 15th District Vice Commander (2015-16), 15th District Commander (2016-17), and Central Area Commander (2017-19).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rebecca Allen, at 5340 Clover Mist Dr., Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3421.
Please join the Honor Mission on October 7, 2021
For Korean Veteran PVT Albert Hall, and Vietnam Veteran PFC Emanuel Fluker who will be laid to rest, side-by-side, at 2:30 PM Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL. We will depart from the Christopher Cobb American Legion Post 312, 1610 67th Ave E., Bradenton, FL at 1:30 PM. Albert Hall passed away in May 2021, without family. PFC Fluker passed away September 5, 2021, at the time, he was homeless and had had an unknown family. The community support has been amazing! Mayor Brown, the Department of Florida American Legion, the Sheriff’s Department of Bradenton and Sarasota, Browns & Sons and Groover Funeral Home, and many more, are supporting this mission to honor PVT Hall and PFC Fluker. If you have any questions, please call (402) 431-3307, Sandy Gessler, Historian for Christopher Cobb Memorial American Legion Post 312, Bradenton, FL
With deep regret, we report the passing of Bay Pines VAVS Deputy Rep. Anthony R. Rizzo of Inverness, Florida, who passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the age of 74. Anthony is survived by his wife, Kim; sons: Anthony Rizzo, Jr. and Allan Hernandez; and daughter, Nicey Rizzo. A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Chas E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 S. Florida Ave., Inverness, FL. Following the service, full military honors will be rendered by Inverness VFW Post #4337 Honor Guard.
Anthony was a member of Madeira Beach Post 273 with 27 continuous years of membership. He proudly served his country as a member of the 173rd Airborne Division of the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1970, following his military service, he began a career in law enforcement working at Lake County Sherriff’s Office in Lake County, IN and most recently was a Deputy for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Anthony dedicated much of his life to serving his community and his fellow veterans. He is the former Vice President-Director of the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council VAVS Deputy Representative for the Bay Pines Veterans Administration. He also served as Council Representative for the Veterans Congressional Advisory Council with Gus Bilirakis.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Kim Rizzo, at 975 N. Man O War Dr., Inverness, FL 34453.
The American Legion, Department of Florida is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Department Assistant Adjutant.
The Department Assistant Adjutant is responsible for managing staff and assisting to ensure an efficient, effective, and financially sound management protocol of all aspects of the organization. In addition, the Assistant Adjutant supports the Department Adjutant and must be able to step in when the Adjutant is away from the office or otherwise unavailable.
If you think you have what it takes, please email your resume to rcastleberry@floridalegion.org.
The Constitution and By-Laws Review Committee, established by the authority of the Department Executive Committee on July 4, 2021. This committee is tasked with reviewing Florida’s Department Constitution and By-Laws for recommended changes.
Members: PDC Gene Smith (Chairman), PNC Clarence Hill, NEC Dennis Boland, Dept. JA Bob Jaegers, PDC Jay Conti, Sr., Kurt Gies, Cherie Korn, Bob Sussan
Others: Dept Commander Jerry Brandt, Dept Adjutant Bruce Comer
Formal American Legion meeting normally include a reference to U.S. servicemembers either consider prisoners of war or missing in action, as noted in Resolution 288.
And they should, says Atlantic Beach, Fla., Post 316 Commander Denny Luke. But the American Legion Rider also believes the POW/MIA issue needs to be shared outside of The American Legion community as often as possible.
That’s why Luke helped organize the Florida American Legion Riders’ first POW/MIA Remembrance Ride on Sept. 18, one day after National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Around 160 motorcycles and more than 200 participants took part in the ride.
Referencing the POW/MIA table and flag “is kind of like preaching to the choir,” Luke said. “But a lot of the general public doesn’t even know there’s a national POW/MIA Recognition Day. So I said ‘let’s take it out into the streets and just try to get it publicized.’ So there’s what we did.”
Two years ago during a state ALR leadership meeting, it was discussed riding to Andersonville, the former site of the Camp Sumter military prison – one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War – to observe POW/MIA Recognition Day. At that time Luke pointed out that a POW/MIA memorial was being built at the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville, so the decision was made to ride there instead.
“I stood up and said ‘why do we want to go out of state when we can stay in-state and promote the ride for the state of Florida,’” said Luke, who previously served as Florida’s District 5 ALR chairman. “The response was overwhelming. Everyone there said ‘absolutely.’”
The pandemic pushed the ride back to 2021; planning started around nine months ago and included promoting the ride via social media, traditional media and by reaching out to department districts throughout the state; and working with local law enforcement and staff at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum.
Costs were covered by the Department of Florida’s ALR, but Department ALR Chairman Jim Wineland credited Luke with making the ride the success it was. “(Luke) gets 99 percent of the credit,” he said. “He’s the one that went out and beat all the bushes. He’s the one that jumped over the political fences to get this all together.”
The ride was able to coincide with Jacksonville’s POW/MIA ceremony and started at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall, traveling over the city’s seven bridges and crossing the St. Johns River before ending at the National POW/MIA Memorial near the Chapel of the High Speed Pass at the former Cecil Field.
Wineland said the goal of the ride was to keep the POW/MIA issue in the minds of the nation. “We don’t want it to get lost. We don’t it to be forgotten,” he said. “The only way you can keep it going is to keep it in front of people. We figured this was the best way to do it.
“There are a lot of people out there who don’t have closure with one of their relatives. We can just never forget what this all means.”
Hundreds of photos and videos of the ride were shared on social media. Click here to watch a video of the ride and here to see more photos.
“We had a wonderful event. Everyone had a good time,” Luke said. “Next year we hope to get it publicized a little bit more and double our attendance. We want to make this a premiere Southeast USA event.”
By a joint resolution approved Dec. 18, 2001, Public Law 107-89 designates Sept. 11 as “Patriot Day” and requests the United States president issue a proclamation each year calling for display of the United States flag at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year Patriot Day is observed on Saturday, Sept. 11, marking the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
A section of the law is below:
”§ 144. Patriot Day”(a) DESIGNATION.-September 11 is Patriot Day.”(b) PROCLAMATION.-The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on- (1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities; (2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and’ (3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.”
*CORRECTED QUOTAS WILL CHANGE SOME POSTS SLIGHTLY ONCE RECEIVED FROM NATIONAL. YOUR 2022 QUOTA IS YOUR FINAL TOTAL CARDS FROM LAST YEAR PLUS 3% (ROUNDED UP).
PHOENIX (Sept. 2, 2021) – Paul E. Dillard was elected national commander of the nearly two-million member American Legion today in Phoenix, during the organization’s 102nd national convention. He first joined the nation’s largest veterans organization in 1969.
A native Texan, Dillard graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1965 before joining the U.S. Navy and serving in Vietnam through four campaigns including the Tet offensive. He later received an honorable discharge as a radarman second class petty officer from the Navy Reserve before attending Grayson County Junior College and East Texas State University.
Dillard worked several years in the manufacturing business as an Engineer, Plant Manager and Director of Manufacturing in Tennessee. Upon returning to Texas, he accepted a sales representative position with Sherman Foundry and became its airplane pilot. A career change was made when he and his wife, Donna, began their family and he entered into the insurance business specializing in Employee Benefits and later forming Dillard & Gann Insurance.
As a paid-up-for-life member of Post 265, Lake Kiowa, Texas, Dillard served as post commander, vice commander, adjutant and judge advocate. He coached American Legion Baseball for more than 10 years and served as his post’s Boys State chairman.
He served the 4th District as commander and vice commander and served the department as sergeant-at-arms, Membership & Organization chairman, National Security chairman, Uniformed Organization chairman, Board of Trustees chairman, and he served on the Finance Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee. He was elected as Department of Texas (state) commander in 2007. His theme as national commander is “No Veteran Left Behind.”
On the national level, Paul has served as Alternate National Executive Committeeman, consultant to the Insurance Committee, Distinguished Guest Committee, Children and Youth Committee, Media and Communications Council. He has served as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, chairman of the Veterans Employment & Education Commission and chairman of the Legislative Commission. He was elected as national vice commander in 2013.
He married Donna in 1983. They have two sons, William and his wife Allison, and Jonathon and his wife Karri and two grandsons Jarrett and Lukas. All are members of the American Legion Family. Donna has been an active and dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary for several years and has served in numerous positions of leadership at all levels of the organization, including department president in 2017 – 2018.
National wars Florida with the “Culture of Growth Award” for our exemplary efforts in developing and implementing strategies to increase membership within our Department.
In an effort to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, our staff is currently working remotely, but we are still here for you! When you call Department Headquarters, please choose the individual or department you would like to talk to from the directory. If you do not receive, an immediate answer, please leave a message. The staff member will return your call as quickly as possible. For even faster service, you can email us.
Please note, the Department Headquarters will not be accepting any visitors during this time.
We hope to make this as painless as possible for our members, while ensuring the safety and health of our staff.
Receptionist, general inquiries, all Florida Emblem Sales questions
Service Officers: Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families.
The president of the United States has issued a proclamation for display of the United States flag at half-staff until sunset on August 30, 2021, as a mark of respect for the U.S. servicemembers and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.
PHOENIX (August 26, 2021) – James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion, issued the following statement about today’s terrorist attacks in Afghanistan:
“As an organization of wartime veterans, The American Legion profoundly feels sorrow for the needless loss of life that occurred today. The United States has been blessed by the caliber of the men and women who served there. While we fully support their service, we recognize that nation-building is not the role for the U.S. military. It is time for us to leave and to evacuate all Americans, allies and their families as safely and efficiently as we can. We also support any efforts to strike back hard against those who committed these ruthless acts.”
(Please note speakers, times and events on this agenda are subject to change without notice)
Thursday, August 26
2:45 pm – Legacy Run Arrival / Closing Ceremony. American Legion Post 58, 16837 E. Parkview Ave., Fountain Hills, Ariz., 85268.
Hundreds of American Legion Riders arrive ending a 5-day scenic ride that began in Rogers, Ark., on Aug. 22. The American Legion Riders raised funds for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.
Friday, August 27, 2021
9-11 am – Media Availability, National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford, By appointment only, 15-minute slots, email kchrisman@legion.org or call (317) 630-1298.
1 pm – TBI/PTSD/Suicide Prevention Task Committee, Phoenix Convention Center, North Bldg., Rm. 225, 100 Level.
Saturday, August 28, 2021
8:30 am – Veterans Employment & Education Commission. Issues pertaining to Veterans
Preference, veterans education, homelessness and benefits. Sheraton Valley of the
Sun Ballroom, C, Second Level.
8:30 am – Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission. Issues pertaining to health
administration, national cemeteries and veterans benefits. Phoenix Convention Ctr., South Bldg, Ballroom.
9 am – National Security Commission, Issues pertaining to POW/MIA, foreign relations, law & order, homeland security, aerospace, conventional armed forces, military benefits & quality of life, National Guard & Reserve, unconventional forces & intelligence. Phoenix Convention Center, South Bldg., Exhibit Hall F.
Sunday, Aug. 25
9 am – Veterans Employment & Education Commission. Issues pertaining to Veterans
Preference, veterans education, homelessness and benefits. Sheraton, Encanto, Second Level.
9 am – Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission. Issues pertaining to health
administration, national cemeteries and veterans benefits. Phoenix Convention Ctr., South Bldg, Ballroom.
9 am – National Security Commission, Issues pertaining to POW/MIA, foreign relations, law & order, homeland security, aerospace, conventional armed forces, military benefits & quality of life, National Guard & Reserve, unconventional forces & intelligence. Phoenix Convention Center, South Bldg., Exhibit Hall F.
11 a.m. – Patriotic Memorial Service, Phoenix Convention Ctr., North Bldg., Exhibition Hall, A-E, 300 Level.
General Sessions: – Phoenix Convention Center, North Building, Exhibit Hall A-E, 300 Level
Tuesday, Aug. 31
8:30 a.m. – Call to Order / Opening Ceremony
James W. Oxford (NC)
National Commander
National Anthem
Craig Morgan
Country Music Artist and Army Veteran
10:05 a.m. – Address
Bruce Crandall
Medal of Honor recipient
10:25 a.m. – Address Larry P. Arnn, President
Hillsdale College
10:40 a.m. – Chip Ganassi Racing – Fireside Chat featuring Chip Ganassi, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Kanaan.
11:15 a.m. – Address
The Honorable Denis McDonough
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
11:35 a.m. – Distinguished Service Medal
To: Diane Carlson Evans, Veterans Advocate and Founder,
Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation
12:30m. – Presentation The American Legion Riders present American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund donations to National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford.
2:10 p.m. – National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford’s Report to Convention
Wednesday, Sept. 1
9 a.m. 2021 – National Law Enforcement Officer of Year Presentation
To: Daniel Martin
Omaha, Neb. Police Department
2021 National Firefighter of Year
To: Robert Nagle ,Gallitzin, PA. Fire Department
10:10 a.m. – Address
Matt Wetenkamp,
Veteran Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment
11:30 a.m. – Address
Terry Hamby, Chairman
WWI Centennial Commission
12:30 p.m. – Philip Onderdonk Religious Liberty Award
Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO
First Liberty Institute
12:45 p.m. – Address
The Honorable Mark Takano, Chairman
House Committee on Veterans Affairs
Thursday, Sept. 2
8:35 a.m. – The American Legion Fourth Estate Award Presentations
9:10 a.m. – Address
The Honorable Mark Kelly
United States Senate
WASHINGTON (August 16, 2021) – James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion, calls “the collapse of the Afghanistan government a sad event for humanity. The fall of Afghanistan in no way denigrates the honorable service of the men and women who served, bled, and died there.”
PALM BAY, FL-American Legion Posts 117 and 394 along with the Palm Bay Police have selected Officer Tasha Gray to receive a new Patrol Vehicle Honoring Veterans. Officer Gray born in Canada moved to South Florida with her parents at age 12. At age 17, she joined the US Army where she served from 1994 to 2002. During her service Officer Gray was selected as one of the Army’s only Fifteen Flight Stewards. She received several service awards including the Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. After separating from the Army Officer Gray received her Florida Law Enforcement Certification and was later hired by the Palm Bay Police Department. She continues serving her community, state and nation assigned to the Hostage Negotiations Team, Secret Service Task Force. Officer Gray is a Corporal in the Uniformed Service Division responsible for the supervision, training, and mentorship on her shift.
The Vehicle Displays the American Flag with the Military Logos of the six branches of service, Dog Tags, Veteran’s affairs logo. On the hood is the Logos of the American Legion Family. The Rear sports the American Legion Department of Florida Logo and A Thank You to all Veterans for their service.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Luther “Jay” L. Allen, Jr. of Apollo Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Allen; 2 sons: Owen and Jayson; and three daughters: Raquel, Stephanie and Victoria. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
