MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Final meeting of the day, was an unscheduled meeting with Representative Fitzenhagen discussing Asbestos.
#veteransfirst #marchontallahassee #rallywise #floridalegion
March on Tallahasse – Representative Fitzenhagen
March on Tallahassee – FDVA
MARCH ON TALLAHASSEE: Meeting with FDVA Executive Director, Danny Burgess about PROJECT: VetRelief and Suicide Prevention.
#veteransfirst #marchontallahassee #rallywise #floridalegion
Weekly Reports – January 23, 2020
March on Tallahassee
The March on Tallahassee will be January 29, 2020. Please contact your representatives ahead of time to make an appointment for this day.
We will meet briefly at Post 13 in Tallahassee at 8:30 AM for a “Know Before You Go”.
Post 13
229 Lake Ella Drive
Tallahassee, FL
Weekly Reports – January 16, 2020
A Veteran Sweetheart…
Maj. Bill White
Maj. Bill White is the oldest living Marine at 104 years old, a Veteran of World War II and survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. “The fact that I even survived is something. There weren’t too many of us,” White recalled.
White was near the front lines of the battle on March 3, 1945, when a grenade exploded about six inches from, he and his fellow Marines. The injuries he sustained took him off the battlefield, but he recovered and went on to enjoy a long military career. “I spent 30 years active duty and 54 retired,” says White.
Maj. Bill White is “A Veteran Sweetheart” who has a special request this coming Valentine’s Day…. He has many medals and keepsakes from his long military career and life. This year the spirited veteran hopes to grow his collection of keepsakes with Valentine’s Day cards from friends old and new. “I’ll save every one of them…” he told Fox News.
Maj. Bill white is a fellow Veteran, and we would like to honor his request, and encourage all of you to do so as well. Such a simple request, that will have a huge impact on someone who has given so much of himself.
Join in and send a Valentine’s Day card to:
Operation Valentine
ATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)
The Oaks at Inglewood
6725 Inglewood Ave.
Stockton, CA 95207
A huge thank you to Fox News for bringing this story to the public eye.
You can purchase, personalize and send a printed card online through www.postable.com for a small fee. (Postable is not a sponsor or paid advertiser. We do not give any guarantees or claim any liability to the service they provide.)
Source: Fox News https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/wwii-veteran-104-asks-for-valentines-day-cards-ill-save-every-one
Weekly Reports – January 9, 2020
We Stand United in Support of Our Troops
The American Legion proudly decrees “For God and Country”. Today our Country calls us to unite, to put aside our differences, to put aside our political opinions, to put aside any disdain of our chosen leaders. Today we call on God to watch over our brave Troops, our Country, our Homes and our Families.
The American Legion is non-biased on many issues, but when it comes to the treatment and safety of our Service Members and Our Country, we are one united front and a force to be reckoned with. Today we throw our support behind our Leaders, trusting that God will guide them in the tough decisions to follow. We place our faith and pride in our Service Members, as they bravely leave their homes and their families to risk their lives for our protection and freedoms. Bless this country as we pull from the strength of our great Nation, and May God bless our American troops!
January 3, 2020 our President ordered an airstrike resulting in the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was hailed as a hero in Iran and beloved by Iranian troops. A hero to Americans, he is NOT! The pentagon credits Soleimani with the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. The Defense Department stated that Soleimani was “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.” Soleimani was undoubtedly an enemy to our country and our people, for his decommission we show no remorse.
Iran retaliates, endangering our American troops stationed there to aid in peace and order. They vow further attacks against our country and intend to divide us even more. To them we call their bluff and raise them 300 million plus citizens of the United States ready to protect, defend and support our Country.
What say you? Will we, the American people, unite in support of the protection of the United States of America and all that we hold sacred? Tell us at facebook.com/floridalegion. How do YOU choose to support your country?
Are you interested in supporting our Service Members, Veterans, Communities and Family?
Weekly Reports – January 2, 2020
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports – December 26, 2019
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary – Unavailable due to server issues.
Squadron Membership Summary – Unavailable due to server issues.
*Last reports of 2019.
Attention: myLegion and AIM Server Issues
Our Department is experiencing issues with myLegion, the online membership portal. myLegion is ran through the National office and they are closed until Thursday, December 26th. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Please have a wonderful holiday.
Weekly Reports – December 19, 2019
Weekly Reports – December 12, 2019
The American Legion calls for reviewing vulnerabilities at U.S. military bases
(INDIANAPOLIS, December 9, 2019) — In the wake of the apparent terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization called for greater scrutiny of all foreign nationals visiting or training at U.S. military installations.
“Our hearts break for the victims and families of this horrific attack,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “Just like there were signs that U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan adhered to anti-American ideologies before he unleashed his attack at Fort Hood with an army armed with AR-15 rifles 10 years ago, there are disturbing reports that Mohammed Alshamrani revealed extremist views on social media before he engaged in Friday’s killing spree. The American Legion finds it disturbing that a military officer from Saudi Arabia had access to a firearm at a location where our own servicemembers were unarmed. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called for a review of all U.S. military programs that train foreign nationals. The American Legion agrees. We understand the need to train our allies. But we must first ensure that we are not training those who wish us harm.”
Oxford added that the recent anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is a poignant reminder that America must always be vigilant. “In addition to the tragedy in Pensacola, innocent Americans were killed in recent weeks at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story in Virginia and at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. I recognize each case had entirely different circumstances, but servicemembers and civilian employees of our military work in an inherently dangerous profession. They take these risks on behalf of the United States of America. The American Legion believes that every effort must be made to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent such tragedies. This includes learning from each incident and making the necessary adjustments. It also means offering our complete support, compassion and prayers for those impacted.”
Pensacola Naval Air Station shooting: 4 dead, multiple injured, including 2 deputies
UPDATE: We have been informed that Western Area Commander, John Eden, is ok and has spoken to his wife.
—Original Message—-
Please pray for all involved in this tragedy. It was reported that Western Area Commander, works at this base, his status is currently unknown.
Our thoughts and prayer are will all those affected.
Weekly Reports – December 5, 2019
Weekly Reports – November 27, 2019
Kenneth Lee Powell Sr
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Kenneth Lee Powell Sr, of West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, November 25, 2019 at the age of 71. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Natalia, three children, Kenneth Jr, Natasha, and Austin. 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.
Kenneth was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Veteran and a member of Memorial American Legion Post 141, West Palm Beach, FL with 27 continuous years of membership. Kenneth served as an Store Manager while in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Kenneth owned and operated many corporations and was active in Rotary International, Rotary Club and was a Life Member of the VFW as well a Paid Up For Life Member of The American Legion.
Kenneth joined The American Legion in 1994 at West Palm Beach, Florida Post 141. He served in many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion including 2 terms as Post Commander. On a Department level, Kenneth, served as; Department Finance Chairman (2007-20014; 11th District Commander (1998-1999); Department Historian (2000-2001); Vice Commander – Southern Area (1999-2000); and Department Commander (2001-2002). On a National level, Kenneth, served on the Department Historians Organization (2000-2001; American Legion Insurance Committee (2000-2012); National Legislative Council (2013-2015); National American Legion Press Association (2004-2008) ; and Revenue Enhancement Committee (2012-2013).
Kenneth’s wife Natalia will be receiving condolences at;
Natalia Powell
1430 Caribbean Road E
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
The Annual American Legion Holiday Blood Drive
The Annual American Legion Holiday Blood Drive will take place Thanksgiving Day through December 31st, 2019.
Legion family members and Posts are encouraged to give blood and host blood drives for this life-saving cause. For information about the American Legion’s Blood Donor Program or how to host a blood drive the blood donor program handbook is available on the resource page of the Department of Florida Legion website: www.floridalegion.org or visit www.legion.org/security/blood.
The 2018-2019 American Legion CPRs showed that nearly 74,000 pints of blood was donated during the past year in post blood drives. Department of Florida came in first place nationally.
Thank you and have a safe and happy holiday season,
Raymond Perez “Ray”
Department Blood Donor Chairman
A time of special gratitude
Commander’s Message
National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford
Dear American Legion Family and Friends,
This is a wonderful time of the year for making special memories with family members, friends and other loved ones with whom we celebrate the holidays. It’s a time to count our blessings, give to others and express our gratitude.
I am thankful for you — the volunteers who make our veterans service organization the largest, strongest and most influential in the nation. We are truly blessed to have selfless volunteers who serve their communities day in and day out.
Just this past weekend, American Legion Family members from the Department of Kansas teamed up to deliver Thanksgiving meals — turkey and all the sides — to families at Fort Riley. It’s a gesture that warms hearts and fills bellies of the families who have a parent deployed or recovering at Fort Riley.
It’s just one of hundreds of example of American Legion posts bringing holiday cheer to families in their communities, now through the Christmas holiday. Share what your post is doing on our Legiontown website.
There are many other ways to spread cheer and goodwill at this time of the year. I hope that you consider:
- Using AmazonSmiles to benefit The American Legion when you make purchases through the online service. When you sign on to AmazonSmiles using your Amazon account, simply choose The American Legion as your charity of choice. Then Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The American Legion — at no cost to you.
- Purchasing a collector’s item, The American Legion centennial coins, for yourself or a loved one. Once 2019 turns into 2020, these centennial keepsakes will no longer be available.
- Making a year-end donation to one of The American Legion’s vital programs that support veterans, military families in need, children and youth, and more.
All of these opportunities help fund American Legion programs for the coming year and beyond. You have my gratitude for all that you do for The American Legion today, throughout the holiday season and into the new year.
Building a foundation for the future,
James W. “Bill” Oxford
National Commander