LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports – August 9, 2019
Legion Commander on Shootings: Evil Will Not Triumph
(INDIANAPOLIS, August 5, 2019) — The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization issued the following statement in response to the recent mass shootings:
“From Gilroy, California to El Paso, Texas to Dayton, Ohio – there are just no words to fully express the outrage that The American Legion feels toward the perpetrators of these horrific acts, which is only outweighed by the compassion and sorrow that we feel for the families impacted,” National Commander Brett P. Reistad said. “There are no simple solutions that will totally stop such atrocities from occurring. But we must put politics aside and prioritize civility. We must open our minds and consider ideas that will make our communities safer. Veterans didn’t fight in wars abroad only to witness carnage at home. Support the first responders and donate blood. Express your concerns to authorities when you see troubling behavior that could develop into something worse. Above all, love thy neighbor. Evil will not triumph.”
Weekly Reports – August 2, 2019
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Florida Tax Free Holiday
Save with no sales tax and free shipping.
Florida’s Tax Free Weekend starts tomorrow, August 2nd, and ends Tuesday, August 6th. The American Legion, Department of Florida’s online Flag & Emblem store is happy to participate in this great cost savings for our veterans and supporters.
As an added bonus, we are offering FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING during this event as well! Just enter the code SHIPFREE at checkout.
Only select items are available tax free, per state tax guidelines. This will be a great time to save when ordering your 2019-2020 Commander’s polos and other apparel.
Plan to order for your tax exempt Post or Business? Create your account on our online store, and then email your tax exempt status form, along with the email you registered with, to emblemsales@floridalegion.org and we will update your account to tax exempt for all your current and future orders.
100% of our net profits benefit The American Legion, Department of Florida and Programs.
OBJECTIVE: ORLANDO
Department Commander Rick Johnson has implemented “OBJECTIVE: ORLANDO” for all Area and District Commanders.
Each Area/District Commander must first recruit 3 new members to move their tank from the Brigade Support Area into position on the battle map.
As the Area/District Commanders reach their membership goals, their tank will advance closer to Orlando. If the Area/District fails to meet their membership goal, they will be moved to the Maintenance Area for support. Once back on track, they may resume their position.
Bragging rights to the first Area/District Commander to complete OBJECTIVE: ORLANDO.
The American Legion Welcomes President’s Signing of LEGION Act
President Donald J. Trump signs S. 504, the Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service (LEGION) Act Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour
(INDIANAPOLIS, July 30, 2019) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will recognize veterans who served during periods not previously considered “wartime.”
The Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act (LEGION Act) opens the door for millions of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act in the White House today – just one week after it passed the House of Representatives,” National Commander Brett P. Reistad said. “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing millions of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country.”
The gaps in the war eras were largely during the Cold War, a time when threats to U.S. national security was real, especially to the men and women serving in uniform. Overall, about 1,600 U.S. servicemembers were killed or wounded in hostile operations during periods that were not previously recognized as times of war by the federal government.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”
Reistad points out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. “In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veterans Day.
Weekly Reports – July 26, 2019
Alma Zeller
Alma L. Zeller, 1993-1994 Past Dept President
It is with great sadness to announce Past Department President Alma Zeller passed away July 17, 2019. A celebration of life is scheduled for July 27, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 pm at American Legion Post 67. The address is 14901 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Fl. 33818.
Because of Alma’s lifelong dedication to veterans her family has chosen to have donations go to our new Department Scholarship for female veterans (The Norma Kerkow Female Veterans Scholarship). Donations can be sent to Department Headquarters at P.O. Box 547917 Orlando, Fl. 32854. Please write in the memo: Norma Kerkow Female Veterans Scholarship.
Sympathy cards and condolences can be sent to Alma’s son Jeff and his wife Cindy who have been looking out for Alma’s care since before she left North Miami Beach.
Jeff & Cynthia Zeller
18902 134th Way North
Jupiter, Florida 33478
Dan Reffitt
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Post 321 Commander, Dan Reffitt, of Cooper City, FL on July 22, 2019. Dan was a member of the Department Finance Committee. 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.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to, Ingrid Kerbler, at 8963 SW 53rd St., Cooper City, FL 33328.
***UPDATE (7/30/19)***
A Celebration of Life for Dan Reffitt will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Post 321, 9081 SW 51st Street, Cooper City, FL at 1:00pm.
The American Legion and The Hawthorne Gardening Company team up to support wounded, ill and injured veterans in local communities
INDIANAPOLIS (July 24, 2019) — The nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization and a leader and pioneer in the gardening industry will join forces to help veterans overcome the mental and physical wounds suffered during deployment. The American Legion announced today that The Hawthorne Gardening Company will support its Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) program, which provides supplies and equipment that play an important role in the rehabilitation and quality of life for wounded warriors and veterans.
“Today’s veteran is recovering from illnesses and injuries in traditional and non-traditional ways,” said American Legion National Commander Brett P. Reistad. “Some of the more creative ways aren’t included in military and VA budgets. Whether it is loose-fitting sweat suits to cover their healing wounds, fitness equipment to rebuild strength, or a fun outing that helps them reintegrate into society, The American Legion, with incredible support from companies like Hawthorne, is filling a need.”
To kick off the relationship, Hawthorne and The American Legion will host a respite event in August in Tacoma, Washington with 500 veterans and their families. The gift from Hawthorne will also be used to support additional emergent grant requests through the end of 2020.
“Support for our nation’s veterans is a responsibility we all share,” said Chris Hagedorn, senior vice president and general manager of Hawthorne Gardening Company. “More than ever, our country’s veterans need our support and The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors program is able to provide recovery items such as services that are tailored to the individual needs of service members. This is especially important to me as a member of a family with military roots as well as a proud employer of military veterans.”
Each year The American Legion awards approximately 25 grants that provide support at military hospitals, warrior transition units and VA medical facilities across the country. For more information about the Operation Comfort Warriors program visit legion.org/ocw.
About The Hawthorne Gardening Company
Hawthorne Gardening Co. is a house of brands that provide an incredible array of tools for a multitude of gardening needs, and yet, all share one mission: to help people live happier, healthier lives through the basic tools we offer. We have always been a brand that does what is best for the environment first and the people that is living in it. Our company is dedicated to creating high-quality products founded in social and environmental responsibility. We create engaging consumer experiences and products with the ease and innovation to empower more people to garden — no matter where they chose to grow.
Contact: Cheryl Hall
Email: agency@legion.org
Massachusetts Student Elected President of the 2019 American Legion Boys Nation; Montana Student Elected Vice President
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 23, 2019) – Two prominent leaders emerged from Boys Nation Tuesday night.
Lou Acevedo, of Gardner, Mass., was elected president of The American Legion Boys Nation at Marymount University for the 2019 program. During the election, which was run as a mock presidential campaign, Acevedo won against the delegate from Kentucky, Jack Cogbill.
Boys Nation, a signature program of the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, provides an intensive week-long, hands-on education in American politics and the legislative system for a select group of high school students each year.
An incoming senior at Monty Tech Regional High School, Acevedo plans on attending the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to become an engine officer in the Merchant Marines or a machinist/mold maker.
“Giving somebody a trade is giving somebody a chance,” Acevedo said. “I don’t know where I’d be without my trade and my skills now.”
Also elected Tuesday night was Boys Nation Vice President Thomas Penley of Helena, Mont. He defeated Ryan Dudley of Connecticut.
Two representatives from each of the 50 Boys States represent their home state or, in the case of the District of Columbia, their district as a senator. The senators caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills, allowing delegates to learn the proper legislative procedures according to the U.S. Senate. Activities include mock party conventions, legislative elections, debates, speeches and visits to Capitol Hill and other historical sites. Delegates will also visit the offices of their state’s respective members of Congress and present bills of their own creation.
Since Boys Nation began in 1946, a number of its graduates have been elected to public office, including presidents, congressmen, state governors and state legislators.
Media contact: Andy Proffet, wproffet@legion.org
Weekly Reports – July 19, 2019
Northern Area Ball
Northern Area Commander, Marie Conti, is pleased to announce the Northern Area Ball will be held on March 21, 2020 at the American Legion Post 155 in Crystal River.
Please check the Department calendar closer to the event for additional details.
Post 383 Renovation
The American Legion Post 383 in Old Town has been closed for a few weeks due to health and safety issues. The Post has been completely renovated and is pleased to announce its Grand Reopening on Sunday, July 21 at noon, preceded by Installation of new officers.
Veterans Needed for Research Study
James Wersal is a PhD student at the University of Florida located in Gainesville and a combat Veteran who served with the Texas Army National Guard. He is currently assisting with recruitment for a research project that is studying driving performance and behaviors for returning combat Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) / Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) / and Operation New Dawn (OND).
The research is funded by the Department of Defense in collaboration with the North Florida / South Georgia Veteran Healthcare System. The benefit of this study is that it’s mobile within the North FL / South GA Healthcare region, clinics/hospitals.
Irene Graham
**UPDATE** We are pleased to announce that Irene has been released from the rehab center and is now back at home.
Many of you who attended this year’s Department Convention may have noticed the absence of one very important lady… Irene Graham, Membership Director.
Irene underwent surgery for a broken hip on Friday, June 28th. She is currently at Rosewood Rehab Center, 3920 Rosewood Way, Orlando, FL Room 217A and is accepting visitors. Please call Irene before visiting at 407-538-8232. She is doing physical therapy daily and is eager to go home. Get well cards can be sent to 3889 Gloucester Way, Orlando, FL 32808.
Please keep Irene in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Weekly Reports – June 20, 2019
Post 273 Packing Event
Tampa Bay Troop Support once again held their Packing Event at Post 273. Commander Jim White presented Susan & Dave Dabney a donation toward postage. Dozens of volunteers included members of our Post Family and Boy Scout Troop 431 from Seminole.
Weekly Reports – June 14, 2019
DeLand Veteran receives help
Michael Beaven, alongside the entrusted DeLand Police Department Detective, visited the 82 year old DeLand veteran who was scammed of over $50,000. We presented him a check for $18,300, but are still collecting donations. We got an online donation this morning, and received a call from Jim Bowers in the panhandle. Jim’s post did an event on behalf of this veteran and are presenting checks at the Convention (~$2,000).
Enjoy a few photos that were taken. We are still not releasing his name though. I guess the Daytona News Journal was also there, so I’ll be looking for another news article soon.
Click here for Daytona Beach News Journal article.
