The “March on Tallahassee” continues still. Legionnaires stopped in to speak with Florida Representative Patricia H. Williams, District 92.
March on Tallahassee: Patricia H. Williams
March on Tallahassee: Senator George Gainer
The “March on Tallahassee” has produced some great discussions on current Veteran Legislative Issues. Below Legionnaires (Steve Mears, Randy Holeyfield, and Dianne Boland) visit District 2 Senator George Gainer’s office.
March on Tallahassee: Representative Daisy Morales
The “March on Tallahassee” still underway as Legionnaires speak with Florida Representative Daisy Morales, District 48.
L to R: (Front) Larry Roberts, Bruce Comer, Representative Daisy Morales, (Back) Jerry Brandt, Dan Eldridge, Stuart Scott, Barry Roberts
March on Tallahassee: Senator Cruz
The “March on Tallahassee” continues. Legionnaires meet with District 18 Senator Janet Cruz.
L to R: Stuart Scott, Barry Roberts, Jerry Brandt, Senator Janet Cruz, Dan Eldridge, Bruce Comer, and Larry Roberts
March on Tallahassee: Representative Latvala
The “March on Tallahassee” continues as Legionnaires meet with Florida Representative Chris Latvala on current veteran legislative issues.
L to R Group: Dianne Boland, Steve Mears, Representative Christ Latvala, Randy Holeyfield, Dennis Boland, and Bill O’Hara.
March on Tallahassee: Representative Overdorf
Florida Legionnaires’ “March on Tallahassee” is underway. Legionnaires meet with legislators to discuss current veteran issues.
L to R: Stuart Scott, Bruce Comer, FL Representative Toby Overdorf, Dan Eldridge, Jerry Brandt, and Larry Roberts.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020.
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Weekly Reports January 14, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Flag at Half Staff
As a mark of respect for former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the United States flag is to be displayed at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, January 13, 2022, in accordance with the White House proclamation calling for half-staff on the day of his interment.
Weekly Reports January 7, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
American Legion Members Set to March
2022 MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE ON BEHALF OF VETERANS
The American Legion, Department of Florida has organized a “March on Tallahassee” to take place on January 19, 2022. Members will meet with political representatives to discuss and lobby on behalf of Florida veterans.
A meeting prior to the march will be held at Tallahassee Post 13, at 0800. At Post 13, teams will be assigned based on the number of participants. A “know before you go” briefing, will inform members on the current issues regarding our Florida Veterans, and what we hope to accomplish.
Members will then regroup at the Capitol Building to attend several meetings and a possibility of some hearings, in which we may testify depending on scheduling.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us at legislative@legionmail.org. We hope that you will be an important part of standing up for the rights of Veterans.
Sincerely,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chairman
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in print, broadcast and online media
INDIANAPOLIS (January 4, 2022) – The American Legion has announced its call for 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 1, 2022.
The American Legion awards multiple prizes to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print, broadcast and web-based media. 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 Milwaukee. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on Sept. 1, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact pr@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 2021.
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, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports December 30, 2021
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports December 23, 2021
The American Legion Mourns Passing of Sen. Johnny Isakson
(INDIANAPOLIS—December 20, 2021) – American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson:
“A proud Legionnaire from Post 130 in Loganville, Ga., Sen. Isakson was a champion for veterans. Thanks largely to his leadership in the Senate, the Department of Veterans Affairs underwent serious and meaningful reforms that will benefit veterans for generations. The MISSION Act, accountability and appeals modernization are all part of his legacy. In 2016, The American Legion presented Sen. Isakson with a well-deserved Distinguished Public Service Award. Sen. Isakson represented the best in public service. Our condolences to his wife, Diane, their family and many friends.”
2021 Florida Legion College
Congratulations to our December 2021 Florida Legion College graduates! We are proud of you and look forward to witnessing a promising future.
Special thank you to our instructors and all who made this session a success.
The American Legion Praises Congress for NDAA Provisions
(INDIANAPOLIS—December 16, 2021) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization praised Congress for several provisions passed yesterday in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022.
“There are a number of important initiatives in the NDAA that The American Legion supports,” said American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard. “First, no military servicemember will receive a dishonorable discharge solely on the basis of COVID-19 vaccine refusal. While we are supportive of the vaccines, we do not believe a veteran’s military service should be characterized as ‘dishonorable’ simply because he or she disagrees.
“The NDAA will also provide for a robust national defense and establish the long overdue Global War on Terrorism Memorial,” Dillard added. “There is renewed funding for the Troops for Teachers program, which is not only a win for our transitioning veterans but for students in classrooms across the country. The legislation also makes strides in fighting military sexual assault and establish a commission that will examine every aspect of the Afghanistan war. We are also pleased that this law makes it easier to preserve and update Arlington National Cemetery memorials to military chaplains. The NDAA is a bipartisan example of lawmakers coming together and putting our country first. The American Legion is looking forward to the president signing it into law.”
The American Legion to Render Assistance to Tornado Areas
An American flag hangs from a damaged tree Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
(INDIANAPOLIS—December 14, 2021) – American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard issued the following statement concerning last week’s outbreak of tornadoes that impacted eight states:
“Christmas is normally a season of joy for millions of Americans. This year, however, it is a time of heartbreak and tragedy for towns across the Midwest that have been devastated by these horrific tornadoes. American Legion posts and departments from around the world are already rendering assistance to impacted areas. It is times like these that we truly appreciate the efforts of our first responders, who continue rescue and recovery operations. Post 26 in Mayfield, Ky., is working on clean-up efforts and food distribution. In addition to our heartfelt prayers, The American Legion has national programs that can also help. Please visit www.legion.org to see how The American Legion can assist. We are also accepting donations that can be used for American Legion Family members affected in declared disaster areas.”
Weekly Reports December 9, 2021
Florida district continues support for Toys for Tots
Shelly Blevins said she grew up in a less-than-ideal financial situation. That’s one of the reasons why the Marine Toys for Tots program is so near and dear to her heart – and why what started as her own personal fundraiser has grown into one taken on by the American Legion Department of Florida’s 5th District.
Blevins, a member of Auxiliary Unit 283 and the sergeant-at-arms for American Legion Riders Chapter 283 in Jacksonville, Fla., started fundraising for the program out of her home 12 years ago. Soon after that, Post 283 got involved, as did American Legion Post 129 in Jacksonville Beach.
Blevins said other American Legion posts started to get involved, and by 2019, the fundraiser was a 5th District program. Seeing it grow has been special for Blevins – as is Toys for Tots itself.
“I grew up very poor,” Blevins said. “When I got involved with the Legion, it just kind of made sense. I became friends with several Marines at the different posts. And this is easy. It’s children. It’s the Marines. To me, it was an easy fit.”
The most recent show of support took place this holiday season, when the district was able to purchase nearly $17,000 worth of toys and bicycles to donate to Toys for Tots. Marines from Blount Island Command in Jacksonville come to Post 283 to pick up the toys and typically are given an escort back to their base by American Legion Riders.
“I was not going to do escorts anymore,” Blevins said. “I called the Marines to touch base with them. The person I was talking to said, ‘you’re the Legion motorcycle people.’ I laughed and went ‘yeah.’ And he goes, ‘we can’t wait for our escort.’”
Blevins immediately reached out to ALR Chapter 283 Director John Lang, who “immediately started sending out emails to the 5th District,” Blevins said. “And the turnout was amazing. These people had five days’ notice. That’s what made this year so special. It was probably my favorite year of all the 12.”
Blevins said 97 motorcycles from 5th District Legion Riders and at least one other district showed up at Post 283 on Dec. 4 to escort the Marines back to base. The Sons of The American Legion Squadron 283 cooked hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone who came to the post.
The program has gotten so successful that toys continue to be donated after Christmas. Blevins said those items are taken to the Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville to be distributed there.
“It went from being a neighborhood charity to kind of a Legion one,” Blevins said. “And now it’s kind of a 5th District thing. It’s evolved over 12 years.”