Congratulations to Thomas Reisinger, Sarasota Military Academy, received the highest score in the Sporter discipline and is our State Champion in The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports National Postal Tournament.
Reisinger is affiliated with Post 266. We congratulate him on this achievement!
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 20, 2020) — Citing The American Legion’s “historic victory” during an important Supreme Court ruling last year, the head of the nation’s largest veterans organization welcomed another court decision yesterday as a sign that veterans memorials will now have permanent legal protection.
“Last year, The American Legion easily prevailed by a 7-2 ruling protecting a veterans memorial in Bladensburg, Md.,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “We said at the time that the ruling in The American Legion v. American Humanist Association was not simply about one cross. It was about protecting the religious freedom of those wishing to honor and memorialize veterans. Thankfully, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals used our earlier victory to reverse a previous decision that called for the removal of a World War II-era cross at a park in Pensacola. The Bayview cross in Florida will remain in place. The American Legion is grateful to our friends and allies in the veterans and legal community who have helped us in this long struggle to protect these precious memorials.”
We regret to inform you that Dennis Thompson passed away February 15th, 2020 in hospice. Dennis obtained his membership in The American Legion as a US Army Combat Engineer serving a year in Vietnam.
He served several years as American Legion Lakeshore Post 137 Service Officer, Post Adjutant for three years and was selected as Department of Florida Adjutant of the Year 2013. He was elected Post Commander 2006-2008 that included Lakeshore Post 137 being selected The Most Outstanding Post in the Department of Florida in 2008. At FL. 5th District Dennis was appointed District Adjutant several years. At The Department of Florida, he served several years as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee. Dennis was awarded an Honorary Life Member at American Legion Lakeshore Post 137. He was also a member and supporter of the Sons of The American Legion and the American Legion Riders at Post 137.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 15th District Commander, George “Bill” Hamblin, of Tampa, Florida on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the age of 73. Bill is survived by his wife, Rosemarie. 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.
Bill was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of U.S.S. Tampa Post 5, Tampa, FL with 18 continuous years of membership. Bill served as Post Commander (2006-2020) and District Commander (2015-2016).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Rosemarie, at 4405 W. Vasconia Street, Tampa, FL 33629.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Post 5 Commander and Past 15th District Commander George “Bill” Hamblin on Sunday, March 29th from 12pm to 5pm at Post 5, 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives!Through our Home Fire Campaign, volunteers and other community partners canvass neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms and providing fire prevention and safety education.
If you need a smoke alarm installed, or want to get involved in this campaign, please call 352-415-4636.
Visit SoundTheAlarm.org/NorthFlorida or call 352-415-4636.
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 9, 2020) — American Legion National Commander James W.
“Bill” Oxford released the following statement regarding allegations that senior leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to retaliate against a staff member for reporting a sexual assault.
“Generally, The American Legion does not comment on VA’s internal personnel matters. We invest full faith and credit in the administration, the Inspector General, and department leadership to faithfully execute their duties, serve in a manner that honors their sacred positions, and work to protect the communities they serve. We are not privileged participants in any formal investigations and learn of publicly available reports from the same sources the general public does, and we rely on these reports to inform our membership, our voice, and positions.
In cases where evidence is uncovered of malfeasance or wrongdoing, The American Legion expects that the perpetrator or perpetrators will be held accountable and either disciplined, dismissed or prosecuted accordingly. The allegations that have been reported over the past week at the Department of Veterans Affairs are extremely concerning and bring into question the ethical suitability of the leadership at VA’s highest levels.
The American Legion calls on the administration and Congress to thoroughly investigate the recent allegations of improper employee behavior and report their findings to the American people with complete transparency. We expect that any persons found to have acted outside of their authority and the scope of their duties will be held accountable and dealt with in an appropriate manner. This was one of the core tenets of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 that The American Legion supported, and still supports today.”
Last years cruise was a blast, and we are ready to go again.
This will be a first come first serve, so make your reservations ASAP as cabin space might fill up quickly. Please call to reserve your room as prices change all the time. My wife works for Carnival, so we will be taken care of.
Put your deposit down quickly and she will try to have us as close together as possible. Remember, this will be a FUN cruise and time to enjoy each other’s company and to recharge for the year.
I will have hotel information as we get closer for the night before the cruise. Everyone have a great time and we’ll see you aboard.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or vacation planner, Maureen Williams.
William “Rick” Johnson
Department Commander
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Senator Wright introducing his bill related to crimes against Veterans to the Senate Criminal Justice Subcommittee. The American Legion proudly waived in support of this bill.
#veteransfirst #marchontallahassee #rallywise #floridalegion
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Appropriation Subcommittee is getting started, in which we will be supporting bill HB 593 Disability Retirement Benefits for Veterans.
#veteransfirst #marchontallahassee #rallywise #floridalegion
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Meeting with Representative Joel Ramos on continued discussions regarding the Ad Valorem Tax discount for spouses, Asbestos Trust Claims, and numerous other Veteran issues.
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Meeting with Senator Torres on continued discussions regarding the HB877/SB1076 bill. This bill would allow an Ad Valorem Tax discount for spouses of certain deceased Veterans who had permanent, combat-related disabilities.
The March on Tallahassee is underway… First meeting this morning was with S Representative MaryLynn Magar. The HB877/SB1076 bill was discussed. This bill would allow an Ad Valorem Tax discount for spouses of certain deceased Veterans who had permanent, combat-related disabilities.
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Final meeting of the day, was an unscheduled meeting with Representative Fitzenhagen discussing Asbestos.
#veteransfirst #marchontallahassee #rallywise #floridalegion
