LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports for April 3, 2025
Legion Members Prepare for Capitol Visit in Tallahassee – April 2, 2025
Members of the Legion will be heading to Tallahassee on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, for an important visit to the Capitol. This annual event provides a key opportunity for members to meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislative issues impacting Veterans and American Legion business.
If you plan on attending, please notify Stuart Scott as soon as possible. Team assignments will be coordinated in advance to ensure a smooth and effective visit.
Attire for the day is business dress.
In addition to the Capitol meetings, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) is hosting a Meet-n-Greet with Military Legislators on the evening before:
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
22nd Floor, Capitol Building
Business Casual Attire
We encourage all members attending the Capitol visit to also join this valuable networking opportunity.
Together, we can continue to be a strong voice for our Veterans and make this another successful and impactful visit.
For questions or to confirm your attendance, please contact Stuart Scott directly.
Support Needed for Florida Legion Budget Priorities
We’re asking for your help in securing critical funding for key Florida American Legion programs in the 2025 state budget. These initiatives are essential to our mission, and your support is vital in advocating for their continued funding.
Please refer to the attached flyers for more details on the two programs outlined below. We kindly ask you to take a few moments to email or call the elected officials listed and express your support for these important budget priorities:
- Florida American Legion Boys State
- Request: $200,000 in non-recurring funding within the Higher Education Budget
- House Request Form 2132 (Rep. Salzman)
- Senate Project 1475 (Sen. Collins)
- Current Status: Fully funded in the House budget, not included in the Senate budget.
- Action Needed:
- Contact Senator Gayle Harrell, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Budget Committee, at 850-487-5031, and urge full funding.
- Contact Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera, Chair of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, at 850-717-5114, to thank her for including this funding and ask her to protect it during negotiations.
- American Legion National Convention Transportation
- Request: $250,000 in non-recurring funding
- House Request Form 1794 (Rep. Salzman)
- Senate Project 1475 (Sen. Collins)
- Current Status: Funded at $125,000 in the House budget; not included in the Senate budget.
- Action Needed:
- Contact Senator Nick DiCeglie, Chair of the Transportation Budget Committee, at 850-487-5018, and urge full funding.
- Contact Representative Jason Shoaf, Chair of the House Transportation Budget Committee, at 850-717-5007, to thank him for the included funding and request that he advocate for full support during negotiations.
Why Your Calls Matter
Your voice can make a real difference. When contacting officials, be respectful and to the point. Introduce yourself and your connection to the American Legion or your local community. Clearly state which program you’re supporting and why it matters to you. End by thanking them for their service and consideration.
Advocacy works best when it’s personal, thoughtful, and persistent. Your engagement can help ensure these vital programs receive the funding they need.
Weekly Reports for March 27, 2025
Weekly Reports for March 20, 2025
Weekly Reports for March 13, 2025
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (January 9, 2025) – The American Legion has announced its call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 15, 2025.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Tampa. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 28, 2025 at the Tampa Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at https://www.legion.org/information-center/the-fourth-estate-award. You can also contact kchrisman@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2024.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, WFTS (Tampa) and the Military Times. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr.
With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr. of North Port, Florida. Skip passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Felicita, his son, Angelo Felicita III, and his daughters, Stacey Stanley and Lauren Strickland.
Details regarding services are not yet available. Updates on arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Skip was a U.S. Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of Rotonda West Post 113. Throughout his 26 years of continuous membership with The American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander from 2017 to 2018, Post 1st Vice Commander from 2023 to 2024, Post Adjutant since 2020, 8th District Commander from 2019 to 2022, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2022 to 2023.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rhonda Felicita, at 6931 Willow Creek Cir. Apt. 105, North Port, FL 34287.
Please keep Skip’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Florida Capitol Hill Visitation (March on Tallahassee)
If you are interested in the Legislative Process and want to visit with your Legislator in Tallahassee, FL, during the Legislative Session, please plan on attending our Capitol Hill Day on April 2, 2025. This is ALSO, Military Day at the Capitol. More information to follow as details get closer.
Weekly Reports for March 6, 2025
Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt,
Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, Former Commander of Post 62, Passes Away
It is with deep regret that we share the passing of Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, former Commander of Post 62 in Stuart. Jerry passed away late last night after a long illness.
At this time, no arrangements have been made, but I will provide updates as soon as details are available so they can be shared with anyone in the Department who wishes to pay their respects.
In the meantime, those who would like to leave a message of condolence may do so on Post 62’s Facebook page: American Legion Post 62, Florida, Auxiliary, Sons & Riders.
Weekly Reports for February 27, 2025
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (January 9, 2025) – The American Legion has announced its call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 15, 2025.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Tampa. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 28, 2025 at the Tampa Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at https://www.legion.org/information-center/the-fourth-estate-award. You can also contact kchrisman@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2024.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, WFTS (Tampa) and the Military Times. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports for February 20, 2025
Weekly Reports for February 13, 2025
Weekly Reports for February 6, 2025
The American Legion Expresses Condolences to Crash Victims
(INDIANAPOLIS – January 30, 2025) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning last night’s collision of a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger plane attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
“We don’t know the ‘why’ but the ‘what’ is a heartbreaking tragedy. The American Legion extends its deepest condolences to the families of the souls lost in last night’s horrific crash. We salute the first responders who always rise to such unenviable and difficult challenges. Like nearly all Americans, we call for a full investigation of what occurred.”
Weekly Reports for January 30, 2025
Local Philanthropists Donate 15 Mobility Scooters to Veterans in Need
Providing a decade of mobility for Florida’s Veterans
Orlando, January 30, 2025 – In an inspiring act of generosity, Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler, philanthropists from Ormond Beach, FL, are making a profound impact on the lives of 15 deserving veterans by donating mobility scooters to those unable to afford or access one through medical care. Florida is home to over 1.4 million veterans, with 32% reporting some level of disability. This donation honors their service while addressing daily mobility challenges.
For the past decade, Jack and Joan have partnered with The American Legion, Department of Florida, to identify deserving veterans and have generously donated a total of 92 life-changing scooters, including this year’s contribution. “Without the military’s influence, discipline, and Esprit de Corps, my life would have likely taken a much less productive path,” shared Jack Kump. The couple believes that every veteran deserves recognition, compassion, and support. This initiative is also a tribute to two WWII veterans who shaped their lives: Joan’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.
The scooters will be presented during a special event hosted by The American Legion, Department of Florida, at its headquarters in Orlando on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Jack and Joan will attend to personally witness their generosity in action and meet the veterans whose lives will be transformed by their donation.
Among the recipients is Nelson Perez, a U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged due to a permanent disability. Upon learning he was selected, Mr. Perez shared, “I’m so happy to be able to get the scooter. Thank you to your organization so much—you don’t know how much this means to me.” Additionally, David Miller, a Purple Heart recipient and long-time member of The American Legion, will attend the event and assist in distributing scooters to other veterans in the Tampa area.
SpinLife, a leading e-commerce retailer of medical equipment in the US for over 25 years, has praised Jack and Joan for their unwavering dedication to veterans. To celebrate this extraordinary effort, SpinLife is providing one of the 15 scooters at no cost and two representatives will make a special trip from up north to attend the event, which further underscores their commitment to supporting communities in need.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Jack and Joan for their compassion and kindness. “It is this type of generosity that demonstrates the deep appreciation we all owe to our veterans,” said Florida’s Department Adjutant, Bruce Comer.