Category Archives: News

10 Day of Mischief – Day 1

We’re counting down with our elf, Luther, in his 10 Days of Mischief ❄! Here is a little Holiday 🎄fun to brighten your day! Tune in each day through the 25th for more entertainment. We hope you enjoy! Thank you for supporting our Florida Veterans!


Weekly Reports December 14, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Wreaths Across America Community Event – Tampa

Saturday, December 16, 2023 – 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 Chris Man-Son-Hing 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 4,000 participating locations across the Country (including Arlington) and abroad.

The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors.  Sponsor a wreath for $17.00, 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 abroad. 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 November 30, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Weekly Reports November 23, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Weekly Reports November 16, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Weekly Reports November 9, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Weekly Reports November 2, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

 


Weekly Reports October 26, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


60 Continuous Year Legionnaire Honored by Post

The Department of Florida sends a weekly Florida Legion News email in an attempt to inform our membership about important topics and events. As a response to that effort, David W. Goodwin, a long-time Legionnaire, reached out to inquire about an honorary membership. What transpired next is a true testament to the true American Legion values set forth over 100 years ago.

The Department contacted the Post Commander and Adjutant of Paul W. Airey American Legion Post 392 in Panama City. Adjutant Gregg Pennington quickly took action and requested an Honorary Membership and recognition award from the Post’s Executive Board. On October 21, 2023, Post 392 held a special celebration in honor of Mr. Goodwin’s 60 years of continuous membership and presented him with an honorary membership to the Post.

During the event, Mr. Goodwin shared about his time serving in the Army and the different positions he held within the American Legion over the years. He originally joined Broad Street Park American Legion Post 313 in Trenton, New Jersey, and served as the Post Commander and Department Baseball Chairman.  He eventually transferred his membership to Post 392 in January 2021.

Mr. Goodwin joined the United States Army in 1951 and became a part of the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Program. He later entered the Army Reserves to teach reading and writing to new Army basic recruits at Fort Dix in New Jersey. At the age of 57, Mr. Goodwin was reactivated and deployed to the Middle East to serve in Desert Shield and Desert Storm and eventually retired as a Master Sergeant.

The Department would like to applaud the efforts of Post 392 in taking the time to recognize and honor Mr. Goodwin’s service to our country and great organization. It is because of moments like this that we get to witness the true beauty of The American Legion and are reminded that the extra mile we often go for our veterans means a lot to them.


Robert Hughes

Post 163 Commander Robert Hughes passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 83. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, Florida. The viewing will be from 9:30 AM – 11 AM.


Weekly Reports October 19, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Weekly Reports October 13, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr

The Department of Florida Headquarters was just notified of the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr., of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL).  Charlie passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 69.  Please see Charlie’s obituary below. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Debra Shoudy Adams, at 14 Ash St., Waterville, ME 04901.

Charles F. Shoudy, Jr., “Charlie,” 69, of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL), passed away peacefully on September 07, 2022 surrounded by the love, strength, and support of loved ones at Central Maine Medical Center.

Charles was born on July 23, 1953 to Charles F. Shoudy, Sr. and Margaret Shoudy in Mount Holly, New Jersey. After graduation, Charlie went on to be a lifelong proud Army man, specializing in Field Artillery, including being stationed overseas in Germany for multiple years. He also enjoyed his time as an Army Recruiter. Charlie married the love of his life, Debra (Adams) Shoudy, on July 23, 1994. Charlie and Debbie moved from Maine to Florida and back home to Maine again; welcomed many beautiful grandchildren and made a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Charlie was a determined, charismatic, force of nature who loved his family. During his military years he was also a competitive bowler, often scoring a perfect 300. He loved to make people laugh, continuing right up to the end, even cracking jokes with the life flight pilot that transported him to CMMC. This charm made him a favorite among participants when he was calling bingo, an activity he loved to do. Charlie was unendingly proud of his service in the military and passionate about the United States of America. He never saw an American flag without taking a moment for a salute. The only thing he was more proud of than his military service was his family. He loved to brag about his children and grandchildren.

Charlie was a lifelong American Legion member, including time spent as Post Commander at Post 51 in Oakland, ME, Post Commander at Post 312 in Oneco, FL, and 2nd Vice Commander at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 2015 at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. Every year for as long as he was capable, you would find Charlie proudly marching in many Veterans Day parades wearing his dress blues. He was invited to speak at a local school’s Veterans Day celebration as well, making his attending grandchildren proud.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents Charles Sr. and Margaret Shoudy; mother-in-law Sally Adams; Sister Catherine Folk and her son; and brother Mike Wasserman. He is survived by his wife Debra Shoudy and their children Trenton Dyer, Kirsten Dyer, Brysenn Dyer; son Jason Stevens with wife Lydia Stevens and their children Caimbree and Callum; daughter Nikole Fowler with husband Branden Fowler and their children Noah, Sophia, Reed, and Quinn; daughter Jennifer Stanfill and her sons Chandler and Gavin; son Aaron Shoudy; daughter Hallie Stevens; brother Chris Shoudy with wife Tami-Lynn; Nephew Matthew Shoudy with wife Amber and their kids Mason, Madison, Dustin; brother Joey Wasserman and family, sister Carol Wasserman and family, father-in-law & partner in crime “Oopee” Jim Adams, sister-in-law Brenda Athy with husband Greg, and many other loved family and friends.


Thomas C. “TC” Biddle

With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle of Fruitland Park, Florida, who passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Leonora Biddle. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.

TC was a U.S. Army Vietnam Era Veteran and a Lady Lake Post 347 member with 32 continuous years of membership. TC served as Post Commander from 2006-07. At the Department level, he served as 6th District Commander from 2013-15, Law & Order Chair from 2017-18, and Eastern Area Commander from 2015-16 & 2019-21. At the National level, he served on the National Security Council from 2014-16.

If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Leonora Biddle, at 3434 Trout Ave., Fruitland Park, FL 34731-6318.

 

Committal Service
The committal service for Past Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle, will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Florida, with full Military Honors from American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service at American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL

Family and friends will be gathering at the post at 9:30 AM on Friday to process down to the cemetery.

Obituary for Thomas C Biddle

In Loving Memory: Thomas “TC” Biddle (May 17, 1943 – October 6, 2023)

Thomas “TC” Biddle, born on May 17, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully departed this life on October 6, 2023, at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Leonora; his sister, Barbara Hall; his step-brother, Ray Toney; his nephew, Rob West, and niece, Lisa Shapiro.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Biddle; his mother, Frances Toney; his brothers, Jack, Robert, and Charles III; and his sister, Janice.

Throughout his lifetime, TC dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving his nation and community. As a valiant combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he proudly served in the US Army 173rd Airborne. Following his distinguished military service, TC embarked on a career as a boat captain, navigating the waters of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, aboard the Jungle Queen and the America, renowned as the World’s Largest Catamaran from the Port of Miami.

Subsequently, he transitioned to a career in law enforcement, serving with honor in the Florida Department of Corrections, Metro Dade Department of Corrections, and the Miami Dade Schools Police. TC’s commitment to service extended to his volunteer work with unwavering dedication for The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the Moose Lodge. In 2003, TC retired from the Miami Dade Schools police, culminating a fulfilling career of unending service.

As a proud veteran, TC assumed various leadership roles within The American Legion, progressing from local Post offices to the positions of Commander of Post 219, 6th District Commander, Law and Order Chair, Eastern Area Commander for the Department of Florida, and served on the National Security Council. His unwavering dedication and 32 years of membership was recognized when he was named Legionnaire of the Year for Post 347 in 2017-2018. At the time of his passing, TC was faithfully serving as the Assistant Judge Advocate for American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, Florida, an esteemed distinction within the largest American Legion Post in the world.

Thomas “TC” Biddle’s enduring legacy of service, camaraderie, and resolute commitment to his country and community will forever be cherished and remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. He stood as a remarkable friend and mentor, offering a helping hand in times of need and embodying resilience and bravery throughout his life’s journey.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2631 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY.10306 in memory of Thomas “TC” Biddle.


Weekly Reports October 5, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


What’s affected by the government shutdown

During an anticipated government shutdown, due to start Oct. 1 unless Congress acts, critical federal government functions would continue but some important services would be paused.

Of critical importance to the nation and The American Legion is that all members of the military would continue their duties, though they would not receive paychecks. (Earlier this week American Legion National Commander Dan Seehafer demanded Congress find a solution to ensure that servicemembers would be paid during a shutdown.)

Additionally, hundreds of thousands of civilians in the Department of Defense (DoD) would be furloughed, affecting how the department manages its affairs globally. That includes recruiting new members, which has already been problematic for the service branches.

Here is an overview of how Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services, as well as other DoD operations, would be affected — if at all — if the government shuts down.

VA services and operations

“We at VA are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that a lapse in funding could occur. A lapse would mean that certain Government activities would cease due to a lack of appropriated funding, and that designated pre-notified employees of this agency would be temporarily furloughed. We’ve prepared a contingency plan to execute an orderly shutdown of activities that would be affected by such a lapse. After the lapse ends, furloughed and excepted employees will receive retroactive pay for the furlough period as soon as possible,” according to a statement from the Deputy Secretary.

Specifically, services that will continue:

• Veteran medical care and critical services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will continue, as they are financed with other-than-annual appropriations.

• The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will continue various benefit functions, such as Education Benefit Claims processing and payments, insurance processing, loan guaranty programs, Veteran Readiness and Employment payment processing, VBA National Call Centers (except for Education), Compensation and Pension Claims processing and payments, Decision Review Operations Centers and management.

• The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will continue to inter veterans and eligible family members, schedule burials and determine eligibility, process applications for headstones and markers, and update electronic files to ensure timely termination of benefits and next of kin notification of possible entitlement to survivor benefits.

• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) will continue to render appellate decisions on veterans’ benefits cases and hold hearings to consider arguments and evidence related to those cases.

• VA compensation and pension benefits and education benefits are funded with other-than-annual appropriations, and the processing of appeals related to the timely and accurate payment of these entitlement benefits to or on behalf of veterans and their dependents is necessary by implication.

• The Veterans Experience Office (VEO) will maintain call center operations for MyVA411 and the PACT Act Contact Center as necessary to prevent disruption to mandatory VA benefit programs and to protect the health and safety of veterans relying on accessible health care through VHA.

Specifically, services that will be paused:

• Certain VBA functions, including the Education Call Center (the GI Bill Hotline: 888-GIBILL-1 or 888-442-4551); The Native American Veterans Direct Loan program (NADL) and the Vendee loan program which offers direct loans will cease. Veteran outreach to include Veteran Readiness and Employment (also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E) and Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36 will be suspended.

• Permanent headstone or marker installation by NCA employees; grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, mulching or other landscape management); processing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMC) or pre-need applications; and awarding of new grants as part of the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program.

• VA will close its public-facing regional offices.

DoD personnel

The troops will continue to serve our nation but will not receive their pay unless Congress passes last-minute legislation to ensure they continue to receive a paycheck, something that has been introduced in both the House and the Senate but not yet voted on.

Essential DoD civilian employees would also have to continue working without pay. About half of the Pentagon’s civilian workforce that handle areas such as recruiting and global affairs would be furloughed.

The military is automatically guaranteed pay — and would receive any backpay once a shutdown ends — but money cannot be dispersed until there is an agreed upon spending bill. If the government shuts down Oct. 1, the first payday that would be missed would be Oct. 13. Federal contractors would not receive backpay.

DoD military families

Servicemembers, especially those with young families, will face challenges if there is a shutdown.

“A shutdown would be detrimental for the department,” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said earlier this week. “Troops would go without pay. Military families would be impacted, of course. For folks that are not getting paychecks, that impacts how and when [they] can buy groceries, child care, all of these things. We’re hoping that Congress can reach a deal to avert a shutdown. But we are planning for that or taking steps to plan for that, should a shutdown occur.”

Commissaries will be closed on most bases in the continental U.S. Others overseas and in certain remote U.S. locations where no other sources of food are reasonably available for military personnel would remain open.

DoD operations

While servicemembers will continue safeguarding our nation and overseas interests, military training is expected to be compromised. The Pentagon will still be able to make purchases and fund new technology to maintain defense, however, a shutdown would create a lag time in doing so.


Weekly Reports September 28, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary


Detachment Membership Summary
Squadrons Membership Summary


Tampa: Wreaths Across America Community Event

Saturday, December 16, 2023 – 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 Chris Man-Son-Hing 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 4,000 participating locations across the Country (including Arlington) and abroad.

The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors. Sponsor a wreath for $17.00, 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 abroad. 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

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Florida Legion Riders both honor POW/MIAs and their families while educating public on the issue

The American Legion
SEP 20, 2023 ~ Three years ago, Florida’s American Legion Riders started their Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ride & Ceremony. Around 160 riders and 40 passengers took part in the ride, which starts at Adamec Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville, traverses the Seven Bridges of Jacksonville that cross the St. John’s River and finishes at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum for a ceremony.

A similar ride took place in 2022 on the Saturday after National POW/MIA Recognition Day, with more than 200 motorcycles taking part. And this year’s ride, which took place Sept. 16, blew those numbers out of the water: 248 motorcycles and a total of 361 participants.

But as happy as he is to see participation continue to grow, Department of Florida POW-MIA Chairman Denny Luke – a Legion Rider and member of Dewitt B. Tilden Memorial American Legion Post 316 in Atlantic Beach – it’s the impact of the ride’s mission that really hit home for Luke.

He shared a message he received following this year’s ride from one of its participants:

“Dear sir,

This is our first time to participate in this ride of remembrance for our POW and MIA servicemembers. My husband is a Vietnam veteran, and I am a Gold Star Daughter (of a Vietnam War KIA). He was MIA for a short time, and it seemed like an eternity of living hell, of not knowing and hoping. Thank you so much for honoring the POW/MIA daddies, and especially the dad of mine and my siblings.”

It makes you very emotional,” Luke said. “There were a lot of people on the ride or at the ceremony who were POWs or are relatives of POWs/MIAs. Any of us who have worn the uniform … we’ve sat down and had a meal with a (fellow servicemember, watched them walk out the door, and the next time we’d see them would be in a flag-draped coffin.

“I can’t imagine the heartache of watching your buddy walk through the door and never return. I cannot imagine the strife that family members have when they get the message that their loved one is MIA. To me, that’s unimaginable, and I’m honored to honor their sacrifice.”

Department of Florida Commander Michael Raymond, American Legion Auxiliary Department President Dee Bell and Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander Gerard Sambets were among the Florida Legion Family leadership who attended the event, with Raymond and Bell riding on the back of motorcycles.

During the ceremony that took place at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum, attendees heard from Meghan Wagoner, the daughter of former U.S. Navy pilot Scott Speicher. Shot down on the first day of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Speicher was missing in action until his remains were found by U.S. Marines in Iraq in 2009.

“She gave a very emotional and moving rendition of everything they went through,” Luke said of Wagoner’s address. “They had about 18 years of not knowing.”

Luke said the purpose of the ride and ceremony isn’t just to honor U.S. POWs and MIAs and show support for their families. It’s about educating the general public that more than 80,000 servicemembers remain unaccounted for since World War II.

“We put out that the (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) needs DNA samples from any relatives of servicemembers who are MIA,” Luke said. “If we can get the word out, quite possibly the remains that have been found but not identified can be identified and brought home. We put this ride on to inform the public the hunt is not over, and they can help by either volunteering, or if they’re a relative of an MIA they can submit a DNA sample, and hopefully we can repatriate some of these souls.”