LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary (Revised report)
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports – March 28, 2019
Weekly Reports – March 21, 2019
Weekly Reports – March 14, 2019
16th District Update
So far, it has been an exciting year for the 16th District.
As the largest District in the Department, membership is always a challenge but the Posts in the 16th District have welcomed the challenge and are on their way to meet and exceed their numbers for 2018-2019. I would like to give special mention to a couple Posts that have taken the membership challenge and have performed above and beyond expectations.
First, I would like to thank Post 46 who is at 187% as of February 14th. They have exceeded my expectation in growth, not only in membership but throughout the entire Tarpon Springs community by reaching out to the city government, churches, social groups, and schools. Post 46 has put their old nickname of “Ghost Post” behind them and transformed to a Post that is now considering expanding by creating both Sons of the American Legion and Auxiliary Charters. During this time of expansion, they have also started a Boys Scout Program.
Congratulations are also due to Dunedin Post 275 and Commander Sid Damsgard. Post 275 continues to grow, and they recently passed 101% membership this year while representing and promoting the Four Pillars in their community. Job well done Post 275!
Currently, the 16th District is in 3rd place in the Department. I am proud of all the hard work the Posts of the 16th District are doing in membership.
We are working hard to communicate with our Sons and Auxiliary on a monthly basis. The District staff has worked hard, participating in Staff Huddles at least once a month and meeting on Fridays for “Social Hours” at different Posts within the District. These events provide an opportunity for coordination of calendar events and fellowship. Our District Oratorical Winner is Joseph Corley from Post 79 and will be in the Central Area Contest on the 23rd of February at Cross Bayou Post 252.
The District has also been recognized in Social media on the Department and National stages. Our social media presence has increased by over 300% in the last eight months and is averaging 2,000 unique visitors each week.
In closing, it is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Commander Walter Hartshorne, long time Post Commander of Post 343 in New Port Richey, FL. Walter “Wally” Hartshorne was born in New York on January 23, 1930. He was an 89-year-old Korean War Army veteran and a 61-year member of the American Legion. He transferred from Post 1011 in New York City on October 23, 1993. RIP Wally!!
For God and Country,
Ray Perez
16th District Commander
Governor DeSantis Proclaims Women Veterans Recognition Week in Florida
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated the week of March 10-16, 2019 as Women Veterans Recognition Week in Florida. Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veterans’ population. There are more than 144,000 women veterans in the Sunshine State.
For more information and resources for women veterans, visit http://floridavets.org/our-veterans/women-veterans/.
Weekly Reports – March 7, 2019
Attention: Don’t Lose Your Charter
In order to maintain a charter, each Post in the Department of Florida shall participate in at least one recognized program of The American Legion each year, Article X, Section 10c.
All post must complete a National CPR and the Department Addendum, or will be subject to review and possible revocation of charter.
Florida Legion History
In celebration of our 100th Birthday, The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to announce “Our History,” a full color book of Florida Legion’s history from 1919 to 2019.
More information will be available soon. Pre-Order your book starting March 15, 2019.
**Please note, this is a Florida Legion publication, and not the directory book sold previously.**
March Legion Link
Your March 2019 edition of the Legion Link is now available.
Barbara Smith
It is with a sad and heavy heart, we announce the passing of Barbara Smith, the Post 186 First Vice Commander. This was her second time in that position, and her first time she held the position, she was able to get 100% membership at the Post. Barbara has served 35 years in the American Legion, beginning her long career in Kansas, where she was a Post and District Adjutant, and also served on some National committees. Barbara and her husband Chris moved to Florida in 2015, and she became the Adjutant at the first meeting she attended in July. She also served one year as the 15th District Adjutant.
Barbara was also a member of the American Legion Riders, the Bingo Chairperson, 20/4, was also in the Honor Guard. She was a member of the Harley owners group for over twenty years. She also loved doing arts and crafts. Her biggest passion was the Legion, and doing whatever she could for our youth and Veteran’s. Barbara will be greatly missed both at our Post, and where she previously served in Kansas, as well as her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, her husband has requested any donations be made on her behalf to Project Vet Relief, The Children’s Welfare Foundation, or the Humane Society.
Memorial service and viewing will be on Wednesday, March 6th from 5 pm – 7 pm at Downing Funeral Home 1214 Wendy Court, Spring Hill,FL
She will be interred on Friday March 8th, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. There will be an escort leaving the funeral home at 11 am to go the cemetery. If you would like to attend the service at the cemetery, please be there by 1230 pm.
Vietnam Veterans Day in Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Vietnam Veterans Day in Florida proclamation.
Inside the American Legion Post 71’s new home
Together We Can Make an Impact
In the wake of the government shutdown, The American Legion went public to assist active duty Coast Guard members through National’s Temporary Financial Assistance program. This program requires families with minor children. The Department of Florida utilized it’s program, Project: VetRelief, to provide assistance to those that did not have qualifying children.
Through both programs, the Department Staff processed nearly 400 applications received from Coast Guard members.
The wave of US Coast Guard member applications has been overwhelming, but we are happy to report that all cases in which there was not a minor child in the home have been provided with a $250 gift card to Publix from PROJECT: VetRelief. To date, there have been 29 Coast Guard members funded for a total of $7,250. Additionally, of the 302 applications submitted to National’s TFA program, 231 families were provided support for a total of $130,000.
In the event that the government shuts down in a couple of weeks, the Department Staff would like to keep providing support for those effected for as long as we can; however, funds for both programs are limited. We ask that you, along with the members of your Post, take a minute to realize the impact a donation can have on someone defending your coastline and not receiving a paycheck.
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO BOTH PROGRAMS:
National Commander to Visit
National Commander Brett Reistad is set to visit Florida February 1 – 7, 2019. He will be accompanied by his aide, Ken Knight. Let’s give them both a warm welcome. Please remember to invite the Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion to attend.
Please note: The National Commander, has an emergency in Washington D.C. and has to cut his trip to Florida short. Please download the revised itinerary below.
Revised: 2/1/19
Congratulations
The following 100% Posts 2-11-15-20-46-49-51-62-76-84-96-102-108-130-166-172-181-187-234-248-249-268-308-314-358-378-389-411
Districts @ 85% or Higher 2-6-12-16
The 84 Posts who are @ 85% or more
I would also like to thank the 124 posts who are on the new system it is making a difference for the Department of Florida. Using these numbers, I estimate that we are at 83% as of this morning. Our next Department goal is 90% and the National goal is 85% let’s make the 90%.
Thank you for Continuing to Serve
RENEW-REINSTATE-RECRUIT
Bruce Thurber, Membership Chairman
Department of Florida
Membership Renewal Post Cards
ATTENTION POSTS:
Past Due – Membership Renewals post cards are in. Please email Irene Graham, Membership Director at igraham@floridalegion.org and let her know how many you need.
Legion Family Cruise
Last years cruise was a great success. We had 22 cabins booked and everyone had a great time.
This will be 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.
It’s time to do it again. This will be first come first serve, so make your reservations ASAP as cabin space might fill up quickly. My wife works for Carnival, so we will be taken care of.
At least 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 will see you aboard.
William R Johnson
1st Vice Commander
American Legion
Department Of Florida
954-242-4496 rickjtank@hotmail.com
Questions, Tickets, Reservations
Maureen Williams, Vacation Planner
Carnival Cruise Line
800-819-3902 EXT 85931
305-406-6183 FAX
MON – THU 11:00 AM – 8:00PM EST
FRI 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
mwilliams2@carnival.com
Download flyer for full details.
Opportunity for Mortgage-Free Homeownership
Homes for Independence and Abilities of Florida, a part of ServiceSource, have an initiative that is being developed to give a qualified person or persons with a disability or active-military, veterans, and surviving spouses, an opportunity for homeownership.
Crestview Villas Mortgage-Free Property Donation Program Eligibility
Property Address: 800 North Fiske Blvd Cocoa, FL
Veterans with a service related disability will be given preference, wounded warrior, veteran, surviving spouse, surviving parent, qualified active-military or a qualified person or persons with a disability
- Must provide a copy of your DD214 or a verification of a disability
- Must have been honorably discharged or active military
- Must complete application and the home must be primary residence
- All participants must have current verifiable income for utilities, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, Homeowner Association fees, living expenses, and savings account contribution
- Excellent rental history; paying rent on time and taking care of your unit
- Must consent to a current credit and criminal background check
- Must provide two (2) letters of recommendation
- New owner will be responsible for taxes and insurance after time of transfer and condo association fees 1 year after time of transfer. Condo fees are $327 annually.
- A three-year deed restriction from the date of recordation will be placed on title to ensure successful completion of financial mentorship program, successful home ownership, and restricts a title transfer or rental of the property to a third party
Participation is required on the ceremony day of giveaway and a dress code policy will be enforced.
Giveaway November 6, 2019
For application information or questions, please contact Glenda Probst at (321) 632-4542 glendaprobst@servicesource.org or Lisa Ciccolelli at 727-600-8922 lisa.ciccolelli@servicesource.org.
Creating Mobility for Veterans
13 Scooters Donated for Florida Veterans
Orlando, January 2, 2019 – Jack Kump (Port Orange, FL) and his wife, Joan Wheeler, continue to impact the Florida veteran community and having recently donated twelve (12) brand new mobility handicap scooters to The American Legion, Department of Florida. Inspired by their commitment to our veterans, SpinLife has also added an additional scooter, free of charge, for a total of thirteen (13) brand new mobility scooters to be given away to Florida Veterans.
This marks the third year Jack and Joan have generously donated new mobility scooters for travel to Florida’s veterans. We asked Jack and Joan what prompted such a noble act. According to Jack, “Without the military influence, discipline, Espirit de Corps, and direction, my life would have probably taken a much less productive path”. Jack and Joan believe that all vets are very special people and should be recognized, shown compassion, and never overlooked or forgotten. “The scooters are being donated in memory of two WWII vets very special in our lives, Joan’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.”
On Friday, January 4th, Jack and Joan arrived at The American Legion, Department of Florida’s State Headquarters office. David Miller, Purple Heart recipient and long-time member of the American Legion, was also in attendance to show his appreciation. David will distribute three (3) scooters within the Tampa area to deserving veterans who are affiliated with the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch in Pinellas Park.
Florida is home to more than 1.6 million veterans, 22% of those veterans have claimed some level of disability. Jack and Joan have asked that these mobility scooters be distributed to disabled veterans who are in need and lack the funds or insurance to cover the costs on their own. They have entrusted The American Legion, Department of Florida with the distribution of this remarkable act of kindness.
The American Legion, Department of Florida would like to extend a debt of gratitude to Jack and Joan, on behalf of all Florida Veterans. It is this type of compassion and kindness that we wish for all of our veterans.
Also featured in:
Larry D. Sheets
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Judge Advocate, Larry D. Sheets, of Miami, FL on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the age of 72. Larry is survived by his sister, Nancy Carroll, of Hampton, Georgia, and his brother, John Sheets, of Plymouth, Indiana. 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.
Larry was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Sullivan-Babcock Post 32, with 51 continuous years of membership. Larry served as an aircraft mechanic while in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked for Eastern Airlines for 21 years and retired Executive Airlines (American Eagle) in Miami.
Larry joined The American Legion in 1968 at Nappanee, Indiana Post 154, and transferred to Hialeah, Florida Post 32 in 1972. He served in many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion including 14 terms as Post Commander. On a Department level, Larry, served as Department Internal Affairs Chairman (1994-2002 & 2006-15); 10th District Commander (1980-81); Department Sgt-at-Arms (1987-89); Vice Commander – Southern Area (1985-86); and Department Commander (1989-90). On a National level, Larry, served on the National Internal Affairs Committee (1987-19); National Legislative Council (1993-94 & 1999-19); and was elected National Vice Commander (2011-12).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through Post 32 Commander, Sly Fowler.
Family of PDC Larry Sheets
C/O Sly Fowler
6720 Crooked Palm Ter.
Miami Lakes, FL 33014-2918
UPDATE: Urn Committal Service with Military Honors will take place on Thursday, January 24, 2019, 11:30 AM at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South SR 7, Lake Worth, FL.