Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary
Mariner High School Air Rifle teammates Zoe Enslin and Jakobe Changasie competed in the 2025 American Legion Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship in Hillsdale, Mich. Photo by Chet Strange
American Legion Post 90 in Cape Coral, Fla., and the nearby Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team formed a relationship three years ago that has resulted in the post supporting three Ts – time, talent and treasure – to the young marksmen, as well as a post-sponsored air rifle tournament for five high schools.
“It’s really formed this incredible partnership,” said retired Army Maj. Bryan Williams, senior army instructor and department head for the Mariner High School JROTC Leadership Academy. “We very quickly got integrated with the Legion that got both the (post) tournament and our program off the ground.”
Post 90 Legion Family supports the Mariner High School JROTC cadets by attending practices and tournaments, providing mentorship and coaching skills, presenting colors at air rifle matches, funding travel to tournaments not covered by the high school, or purchasing equipment like rifles, stands, kneeling rolls and special ribbons “that help incentivize the kids and helps us with retention of our athletes,” Williams said. And it’s not just the Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team that Post 90 sponsors – there are four other area high schools.
“They sponsor all of the teams equally, which is really cool,” said Williams, a member of Post 90, who has sought out talent from the post to help with the team.
“There’s a lot of talent that exist from veterans of the military because almost all veterans have done some type of marksman shooting. We found a couple of guys (from Post 90) that were snipers and had a lot of extensive shooting, and we found a gentleman that used to be part of the Army Marksmanship Unit. They gave us a little bit of mentorship to get us going, some coaching ideas, some training drills and tips to get us moving.
“Coaching youth wasn’t really our issue,” said Williams, whose wife and Army veteran Marybeth also coaches the Mariner High School JROTC marksmanship team. “It was, ‘What are some creative ways to teach shooting sports?’ We got some of that experience from the Legion and those same veterans would come over to meet with the kids, build some confidence in the kids with sports psychology, mental prep, things like that.”
King of the Cape. The air rifle tournament that Post 90 sponsors is called King of the Cape. During the five-week tournament, each of the five schools that the post supports host the other schools for a three-position, shoulder-to-shoulder, match. A traveling trophy with the winning team’s name engraved is brought to each competition and stays with the winning team until the following year.
“It’s presented on a table for everyone to look at and admire,” Williams said. “And it gives them something to sought after that they’re trying to achieve for the year.”
Points are earned each week for the teams that are then accumulated at the end. The top team is the King of the Cape.
Prior to the King of the Cape, Post 90 hosts a coach’s dinner that gives everyone a chance to talk about the tournament schedule and needs the high school teams might have, as well as the needs of the post. The cadets help post members with veteran-related events, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, by providing color guard support, helping with parking, etc.
“It gives our kids a chance to come and give back so that it’s not a one-way street,” Williams said. “The kids, they love it. They go out and volunteer, put on their cadet uniforms. They’re helping veterans which they love to do. It truly is a partnership.”
Mariner High School JROTC cadet Zoe Enslin enjoys the volunteer opportunity with Post 90.
“I love giving to people. I really love going out and just being hands on with things and taking charge, and that’s what The American Legion gives us a chance to do,” she said.
Shooting Sports and Beyond. The partnership between Mariner High School JROTC and Post 90 has also enabled Williams to learn about the other American Legion youth programs. “It’s gone way beyond just shooting sports,” Williams said. He has sent several cadets to Florida Boys State and Girls State over the past five years. “It’s a game changer for their leadership and self-confidence.”
Williams has also entered cadets in The American Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports postal match for the past three years that has resulted in several attending the Legion’s Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship held in July.
Enslin and Jakobe Changasie, both rising seniors at Mariner High School, competed in the Legion’s Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship in Hillsdale, Mich., last weekend for sporter class. Enslin and Changasie never picked up an air rifle prior to their high school freshman year when they made the team.
“The sport has helped me so much by just getting out of my comfort zone and knowing how to handle my anxiety and stuff,” Enslin said. “Because if you’re going to shoot and your heartbeat is going really fast, you’re not going to have a good outcome. So it’s really helped me to learn how to calm myself down and just help with my stress and my anxiety a lot.”
Enslin and Changasie appreciate the support from Post 90 both on and off the range.
“It’s great to see that there’s still people out there in the world who want to see the youth develop and that’s great for us to see as the youth because it means that still people care and want to see us reach higher goals than we’ve already achieved,” Changasie said.
Enslin agreed.
“It definitely gives us a sense of people are still believing in us,” she said. “And that’s a really big, motivation thing and a confidence booster for sure.”
Get Involved. Williams encourages other American Legion posts wanting to support the shooting sports program to connect with a high school JROTC, 4-H or local club team for sponsorship.
“There’s expertise and resources in the Legion and in those local clubs to work together and enhance one another to grow,” he said. “Time, treasure and talent are the three Ts that anybody can offer. And often with resources in the Legion, there’s guaranteed to be some expertise in shooting that might help a coach that doesn’t have the experience or the know-how to train in the sport of shooting, or the skill of shooting. That expertise is really what it helps get a team off the ground.”
Williams believes Post 90’s why for supporting the Junior Shooting Sports Program is “self-evident – they’re all about investing in the youth who are our future,” he said. “And that may sound cliche, but it really is the mission of the Legion. And because with JROTC our mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens, the mission statements marry up really well. So that’s their motive is just to be that extra part of these kids’ village as they build up and get ready to be our future.”
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary
Post 273 hits a Home Run again, celebrating 100 years of American Legion Baseball. Today’s Tampa Bay 10 News Great Day Live Interview with Sons Squadron Commander & Southern District Commissioner Tom Beck, and Jaden White, Coach & Player for the Madeira Beach Team.
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past 2nd District Commander Ralph W. Camp, Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida. Ralph passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 78. He was a proud and active member of Cape Coral Post 90. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, his son Ralph, and three daughters: Christine, Brianna, and Heather.
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, Ralph served in the United States Navy from 1964 through 1992, dedicating 28 years to his country with honor and distinction. Following his military retirement, he continued his lifelong commitment to service through 26 continuous years of devoted membership in The American Legion.
Over the years, Ralph held numerous leadership roles at the Post level, including Judge Advocate, Vice Commander, and Finance Officer. At the District level, he served as 2nd District Vice Commander from 2009 through 2010, and 2nd District Commander from 2010 through 2011. At the Department level, he served as Law & Order Chair from 2022 through 2023.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his family, fellow veterans, and community.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by contacting his wife at:
Barbara Camp
1302 SE 34th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Please keep Ralph’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Warren Post, of Lady Lake, Florida, who passed away at the age of 86 on July 12, 2025.
Warren was preceded in death by his beloved wife, DeLoris Post, who passed away in 2024, and their son, Michael Post. At this time, there are no details available regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
A proud U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran, Warren answered the call of duty immediately after graduating from high school in 1957. He served honorably for 20 years, retiring from the Air Force in 1977. Following his military service, he continued to serve in civilian life, working as a Controller for a corporate hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1985 to 2001.
Warren was a devoted member of Fruitland Park Post 219, demonstrating 54 continuous years of service to The American Legion, having joined in 1971. His dedication and leadership were felt across several Departments—Idaho, New York, and Florida—and also at the national level.
Leadership & Service Highlights
Department of Idaho (1971–1974)
Department of New York (1975–1986)
Department of Florida (1986–2025)
National Level
Warren Post leaves behind a legacy of honor, leadership, and service. His enduring contributions to The American Legion and to his fellow veterans will be long remembered. He will be deeply missed by his Legion Family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The funeral for Past Department Commander Warren Post will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 PM at Bushnell Florida National Cemetery, located at:
6202 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL.
Condolences may be sent to his stepdaughter, Dedra DiNicola, and stepson, William Dyer,
c/o Post 219
P.O. Box 1
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Dear Legionnaires,
This morning, I worked alongside Zahra, and Brandi and Patsey from the Auxiliary, to address the ongoing challenges with our Department Convention hotel accommodations.
The issue stems from another group occupying a significant portion of the hotel through Wednesday night, departing Thursday morning. This overlap has directly affected our reserved room block for Wednesday, resulting in several of our members receiving notices about being relocated to nearby hotels for that night.
The Hilton acknowledges the disruption and has committed to covering the full cost of any room moved to another property for Wednesday night. These reassignments began at the same time we were first notified of the situation—just yesterday.
Although the relocations for Wednesday night could not be reversed, Hilton has expressed sincere regret and is attempting to make amends. In addition to covering lodging expenses, they have offered a series of concessions to support our Department Convention—and potentially the National Convention as well—including hotel gift certificates that can be used as door prizes or raffles. Additional benefits have been extended to the Department, Detachment, and Auxiliary to help us continue delivering a meaningful convention experience.
If you were affected by the relocation notice, please rest assured that:
We appreciate your patience and flexibility. We are doing everything possible to ensure your experience remains positive, and we look forward to welcoming each of you next weekend.
Respectfully,
Bruce Comer
Department Adjutant
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Dear Legionnaires,
This morning, we were notified of an unexpected issue concerning accommodations at our Department Convention venue, the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. The hotel has significantly overbooked rooms and some of the convention space for Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
If you received a phone call or email from the hotel regarding your Wednesday reservation, it is related to this overbooking. After the fact, hotel staff stated that The American Legion had reserved more rooms than the guaranteed minimum outlined in our contract. As a result, some members have been reassigned to nearby hotels for Wednesday night.
Please note that if the hotel rebooked you at another location, they will cover the cost of your Wednesday night stay as a result of this error.
We want to emphasize that this situation is due entirely to a hotel oversight. While it is currently unclear whether any reassignments can be reversed, I have scheduled a meeting with hotel management on Thursday morning to address the matter directly.
This is the same agreement we’ve successfully operated under for the past three years, and this is the first time we’ve encountered such an issue. My immediate focus is to recover as much meeting space and lodging as possible for this year and to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent a recurrence in 2026.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Respectfully,
Bruce Comer
Department Adjutant
The Florida American Legion needs your support to ensure vital programs are fully funded in the 2025 state budget. With session extended for budget negotiations, now is the time to act.
We’re asking you to contact key legislators and voice your support for:
Request: $200,000 (Non-Recurring, Higher Education Budget)
✅ Funded in House | ❌ Not in Senate
Ask Senator Gayle Harrell (Senate Higher Ed Chair) to fully fund this life-changing youth program.
(772) 221-4019 or (850) 487-5031
Thank Rep. Demi Busatta (House Higher Ed Chair) for House support and urge protection during negotiations.
(305) 442-6808 or (850) 717-5114
Request: $250,000 (Non-Recurring)
✅ Funded at $125,000 in House | ❌ Not in Senate
Ask Senator Nick DiCeglie (Transportation Chair) to support full funding.
(727) 563-1910 or (850) 487-5018
Thank Rep. Jason Shoaf (House Transportation Chair) for current support and ask for full funding.
(850) 295-5680 or (850) 717-5007
Boys State and Girls State shape future leaders. The 2025 National Convention in Tampa will unite thousands of veterans and community advocates, but transportation funding is essential for accessibility and success.
Make a Call. Make a Difference.
Your voice helps protect these impactful programs.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s 2025 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. In accordance with the proclamation, the United States and Florida flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26.
This year marks the 157th Anniversary of Memorial Day, a time not only to remember our fallen heroes but also to honor Gold Star Families. The Honor and Remember Flag will be displayed to symbolize Florida’s deep respect and gratitude for those who have lost a loved one in military service.
Let us come together to reflect, remember, and give thanks.
HILLSDALE. Mich. (May 18, 2025) – A high school senior from Gatlinburg, Tenn., capped a busy weekend of competition by earning a $25,000 college scholarship and first place in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” Gina Raj Harjani’s winning prepared oration was titled “The Constitution in the Digital Age.”
Harjani started the weekend as one of 50 state or department champions in the 86th annual contest. She advanced to the championship through three rounds of intense competition. She was sponsored by American Legion Post 202 in Gatlinburg.
Mary Payton Crosby, a home-schooled junior from Burlington, Wash., earned a $22,500 college scholarship with a second-place finish, while Elena May Andrews, a 12th grader from Beresford, S.D., earned $20,000 and third place in the competition. The scholarships account for a small portion of post-secondary scholarships that The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, awards annually.
In her prepared oration, Harjani said that while social media postings are protected by the Constitution, “opaque algorithms” decide which voices get heard.
“The founders may not have foreseen the Internet, but they understood a universal truth: threats to liberty remain constant, even as their forms evolve,” she said. “Our U.S. Constitution is not an artifact of history. It is a living, breathing document that guides us through current challenges.”
In each round of the weekend competition, orators delivered a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The 1.5-million-member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution. The American Legion awarded more than $8 million in youth scholarships at the post, state and national levels in 2024.
