LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports October 13, 2023
Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr
The Department of Florida Headquarters was just notified of the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr., of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL). Charlie passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 69. Please see Charlie’s obituary below. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Debra Shoudy Adams, at 14 Ash St., Waterville, ME 04901.
Charles F. Shoudy, Jr., “Charlie,” 69, of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL), passed away peacefully on September 07, 2022 surrounded by the love, strength, and support of loved ones at Central Maine Medical Center.
Charles was born on July 23, 1953 to Charles F. Shoudy, Sr. and Margaret Shoudy in Mount Holly, New Jersey. After graduation, Charlie went on to be a lifelong proud Army man, specializing in Field Artillery, including being stationed overseas in Germany for multiple years. He also enjoyed his time as an Army Recruiter. Charlie married the love of his life, Debra (Adams) Shoudy, on July 23, 1994. Charlie and Debbie moved from Maine to Florida and back home to Maine again; welcomed many beautiful grandchildren and made a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Charlie was a determined, charismatic, force of nature who loved his family. During his military years he was also a competitive bowler, often scoring a perfect 300. He loved to make people laugh, continuing right up to the end, even cracking jokes with the life flight pilot that transported him to CMMC. This charm made him a favorite among participants when he was calling bingo, an activity he loved to do. Charlie was unendingly proud of his service in the military and passionate about the United States of America. He never saw an American flag without taking a moment for a salute. The only thing he was more proud of than his military service was his family. He loved to brag about his children and grandchildren.
Charlie was a lifelong American Legion member, including time spent as Post Commander at Post 51 in Oakland, ME, Post Commander at Post 312 in Oneco, FL, and 2nd Vice Commander at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 2015 at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. Every year for as long as he was capable, you would find Charlie proudly marching in many Veterans Day parades wearing his dress blues. He was invited to speak at a local school’s Veterans Day celebration as well, making his attending grandchildren proud.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents Charles Sr. and Margaret Shoudy; mother-in-law Sally Adams; Sister Catherine Folk and her son; and brother Mike Wasserman. He is survived by his wife Debra Shoudy and their children Trenton Dyer, Kirsten Dyer, Brysenn Dyer; son Jason Stevens with wife Lydia Stevens and their children Caimbree and Callum; daughter Nikole Fowler with husband Branden Fowler and their children Noah, Sophia, Reed, and Quinn; daughter Jennifer Stanfill and her sons Chandler and Gavin; son Aaron Shoudy; daughter Hallie Stevens; brother Chris Shoudy with wife Tami-Lynn; Nephew Matthew Shoudy with wife Amber and their kids Mason, Madison, Dustin; brother Joey Wasserman and family, sister Carol Wasserman and family, father-in-law & partner in crime “Oopee” Jim Adams, sister-in-law Brenda Athy with husband Greg, and many other loved family and friends.
Thomas C. “TC” Biddle
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle of Fruitland Park, Florida, who passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Leonora Biddle. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
TC was a U.S. Army Vietnam Era Veteran and a Lady Lake Post 347 member with 32 continuous years of membership. TC served as Post Commander from 2006-07. At the Department level, he served as 6th District Commander from 2013-15, Law & Order Chair from 2017-18, and Eastern Area Commander from 2015-16 & 2019-21. At the National level, he served on the National Security Council from 2014-16.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Leonora Biddle, at 3434 Trout Ave., Fruitland Park, FL 34731-6318.
Committal Service
The committal service for Past Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle, will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Florida, with full Military Honors from American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service at American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL
Family and friends will be gathering at the post at 9:30 AM on Friday to process down to the cemetery.
Obituary for Thomas C Biddle
In Loving Memory: Thomas “TC” Biddle (May 17, 1943 – October 6, 2023)
Thomas “TC” Biddle, born on May 17, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully departed this life on October 6, 2023, at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Leonora; his sister, Barbara Hall; his step-brother, Ray Toney; his nephew, Rob West, and niece, Lisa Shapiro.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Biddle; his mother, Frances Toney; his brothers, Jack, Robert, and Charles III; and his sister, Janice.
Throughout his lifetime, TC dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving his nation and community. As a valiant combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he proudly served in the US Army 173rd Airborne. Following his distinguished military service, TC embarked on a career as a boat captain, navigating the waters of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, aboard the Jungle Queen and the America, renowned as the World’s Largest Catamaran from the Port of Miami.
Subsequently, he transitioned to a career in law enforcement, serving with honor in the Florida Department of Corrections, Metro Dade Department of Corrections, and the Miami Dade Schools Police. TC’s commitment to service extended to his volunteer work with unwavering dedication for The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the Moose Lodge. In 2003, TC retired from the Miami Dade Schools police, culminating a fulfilling career of unending service.
As a proud veteran, TC assumed various leadership roles within The American Legion, progressing from local Post offices to the positions of Commander of Post 219, 6th District Commander, Law and Order Chair, Eastern Area Commander for the Department of Florida, and served on the National Security Council. His unwavering dedication and 32 years of membership was recognized when he was named Legionnaire of the Year for Post 347 in 2017-2018. At the time of his passing, TC was faithfully serving as the Assistant Judge Advocate for American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, Florida, an esteemed distinction within the largest American Legion Post in the world.
Thomas “TC” Biddle’s enduring legacy of service, camaraderie, and resolute commitment to his country and community will forever be cherished and remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. He stood as a remarkable friend and mentor, offering a helping hand in times of need and embodying resilience and bravery throughout his life’s journey.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2631 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY.10306 in memory of Thomas “TC” Biddle.
Weekly Reports October 5, 2023
What’s affected by the government shutdown
During an anticipated government shutdown, due to start Oct. 1 unless Congress acts, critical federal government functions would continue but some important services would be paused.
Of critical importance to the nation and The American Legion is that all members of the military would continue their duties, though they would not receive paychecks. (Earlier this week American Legion National Commander Dan Seehafer demanded Congress find a solution to ensure that servicemembers would be paid during a shutdown.)
Additionally, hundreds of thousands of civilians in the Department of Defense (DoD) would be furloughed, affecting how the department manages its affairs globally. That includes recruiting new members, which has already been problematic for the service branches.
Here is an overview of how Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services, as well as other DoD operations, would be affected — if at all — if the government shuts down.
VA services and operations
“We at VA are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that a lapse in funding could occur. A lapse would mean that certain Government activities would cease due to a lack of appropriated funding, and that designated pre-notified employees of this agency would be temporarily furloughed. We’ve prepared a contingency plan to execute an orderly shutdown of activities that would be affected by such a lapse. After the lapse ends, furloughed and excepted employees will receive retroactive pay for the furlough period as soon as possible,” according to a statement from the Deputy Secretary.
Specifically, services that will continue:
• Veteran medical care and critical services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will continue, as they are financed with other-than-annual appropriations.
• The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will continue various benefit functions, such as Education Benefit Claims processing and payments, insurance processing, loan guaranty programs, Veteran Readiness and Employment payment processing, VBA National Call Centers (except for Education), Compensation and Pension Claims processing and payments, Decision Review Operations Centers and management.
• The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will continue to inter veterans and eligible family members, schedule burials and determine eligibility, process applications for headstones and markers, and update electronic files to ensure timely termination of benefits and next of kin notification of possible entitlement to survivor benefits.
• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) will continue to render appellate decisions on veterans’ benefits cases and hold hearings to consider arguments and evidence related to those cases.
• VA compensation and pension benefits and education benefits are funded with other-than-annual appropriations, and the processing of appeals related to the timely and accurate payment of these entitlement benefits to or on behalf of veterans and their dependents is necessary by implication.
• The Veterans Experience Office (VEO) will maintain call center operations for MyVA411 and the PACT Act Contact Center as necessary to prevent disruption to mandatory VA benefit programs and to protect the health and safety of veterans relying on accessible health care through VHA.
Specifically, services that will be paused:
• Certain VBA functions, including the Education Call Center (the GI Bill Hotline: 888-GIBILL-1 or 888-442-4551); The Native American Veterans Direct Loan program (NADL) and the Vendee loan program which offers direct loans will cease. Veteran outreach to include Veteran Readiness and Employment (also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E) and Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36 will be suspended.
• Permanent headstone or marker installation by NCA employees; grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, mulching or other landscape management); processing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMC) or pre-need applications; and awarding of new grants as part of the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program.
• VA will close its public-facing regional offices.
DoD personnel
The troops will continue to serve our nation but will not receive their pay unless Congress passes last-minute legislation to ensure they continue to receive a paycheck, something that has been introduced in both the House and the Senate but not yet voted on.
Essential DoD civilian employees would also have to continue working without pay. About half of the Pentagon’s civilian workforce that handle areas such as recruiting and global affairs would be furloughed.
The military is automatically guaranteed pay — and would receive any backpay once a shutdown ends — but money cannot be dispersed until there is an agreed upon spending bill. If the government shuts down Oct. 1, the first payday that would be missed would be Oct. 13. Federal contractors would not receive backpay.
DoD military families
Servicemembers, especially those with young families, will face challenges if there is a shutdown.
“A shutdown would be detrimental for the department,” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said earlier this week. “Troops would go without pay. Military families would be impacted, of course. For folks that are not getting paychecks, that impacts how and when [they] can buy groceries, child care, all of these things. We’re hoping that Congress can reach a deal to avert a shutdown. But we are planning for that or taking steps to plan for that, should a shutdown occur.”
Commissaries will be closed on most bases in the continental U.S. Others overseas and in certain remote U.S. locations where no other sources of food are reasonably available for military personnel would remain open.
DoD operations
While servicemembers will continue safeguarding our nation and overseas interests, military training is expected to be compromised. The Pentagon will still be able to make purchases and fund new technology to maintain defense, however, a shutdown would create a lag time in doing so.
Weekly Reports September 28, 2023
Tampa: Wreaths Across America Community Event
Saturday, December 16, 2023 – The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 invites the community to its holiday memorial event, Wreaths Across America. This is a family-friendly event to show support for our military’s sacrifices.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. (arrive early for parking and seating) at the American Legion, “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 located at 3810 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33609. Terry Doan (American Legion member) will be presiding over the ceremony under the coordination of Post Commander Chris Man-Son-Hing and Cemetery President Alyse Duffy. All branches of the military will be represented, as well as the remembrance wreaths announcement. Designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA will be placed during the ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 4,000 participating locations across the Country (including Arlington) and abroad.
The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors. Sponsor a wreath for $17.00, any donation will be delivered to Wreaths Across America officials. This can be done on the Post 5 website http://www.post5tampa.org/WreathsAcrossAmerica.html or https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17901/Overview/?relatedId=15625
We hope to be included in your holiday event schedules to make the community aware of this event, which provides a venue for all ages to give thanks for our military’s sacrifices. The significance of the cost our soldiers have come to bear to preserve our freedoms granted will never be forgotten.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization whose mission: Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and abroad. Their mission is to spread the important message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. This event is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding for the project.
For directions or to sponsor a wreath please call (813) 870-0505 or visit www.post5tampa.org
Florida Legion Riders both honor POW/MIAs and their families while educating public on the issue
The American Legion
SEP 20, 2023 ~ Three years ago, Florida’s American Legion Riders started their Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ride & Ceremony. Around 160 riders and 40 passengers took part in the ride, which starts at Adamec Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville, traverses the Seven Bridges of Jacksonville that cross the St. John’s River and finishes at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum for a ceremony.
A similar ride took place in 2022 on the Saturday after National POW/MIA Recognition Day, with more than 200 motorcycles taking part. And this year’s ride, which took place Sept. 16, blew those numbers out of the water: 248 motorcycles and a total of 361 participants.
But as happy as he is to see participation continue to grow, Department of Florida POW-MIA Chairman Denny Luke – a Legion Rider and member of Dewitt B. Tilden Memorial American Legion Post 316 in Atlantic Beach – it’s the impact of the ride’s mission that really hit home for Luke.
He shared a message he received following this year’s ride from one of its participants:
“Dear sir,
This is our first time to participate in this ride of remembrance for our POW and MIA servicemembers. My husband is a Vietnam veteran, and I am a Gold Star Daughter (of a Vietnam War KIA). He was MIA for a short time, and it seemed like an eternity of living hell, of not knowing and hoping. Thank you so much for honoring the POW/MIA daddies, and especially the dad of mine and my siblings.”
“It makes you very emotional,” Luke said. “There were a lot of people on the ride or at the ceremony who were POWs or are relatives of POWs/MIAs. Any of us who have worn the uniform … we’ve sat down and had a meal with a (fellow servicemember, watched them walk out the door, and the next time we’d see them would be in a flag-draped coffin.
“I can’t imagine the heartache of watching your buddy walk through the door and never return. I cannot imagine the strife that family members have when they get the message that their loved one is MIA. To me, that’s unimaginable, and I’m honored to honor their sacrifice.”
Department of Florida Commander Michael Raymond, American Legion Auxiliary Department President Dee Bell and Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander Gerard Sambets were among the Florida Legion Family leadership who attended the event, with Raymond and Bell riding on the back of motorcycles.
During the ceremony that took place at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum, attendees heard from Meghan Wagoner, the daughter of former U.S. Navy pilot Scott Speicher. Shot down on the first day of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Speicher was missing in action until his remains were found by U.S. Marines in Iraq in 2009.
“She gave a very emotional and moving rendition of everything they went through,” Luke said of Wagoner’s address. “They had about 18 years of not knowing.”
Luke said the purpose of the ride and ceremony isn’t just to honor U.S. POWs and MIAs and show support for their families. It’s about educating the general public that more than 80,000 servicemembers remain unaccounted for since World War II.
“We put out that the (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) needs DNA samples from any relatives of servicemembers who are MIA,” Luke said. “If we can get the word out, quite possibly the remains that have been found but not identified can be identified and brought home. We put this ride on to inform the public the hunt is not over, and they can help by either volunteering, or if they’re a relative of an MIA they can submit a DNA sample, and hopefully we can repatriate some of these souls.”
Prayers for Chaplain Barry Roberts
Department Chaplain Barry Roberts is undergoing emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain and carotid artery in his neck after suffering a stroke this morning. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
Please keep Chaplain Roberts in your thoughts and prayers.
***UPDATE (9/23 @ 5:00 pm)*** Department Chaplain Barry Roberts is out of surgery and responding well. They were able to clear both blood clots. The doctors should have a better assessment of his condition in 24 to 48 hours.
***UPDATE (9/25 @ 12:00 pm)***
Thank you for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers for Department Chaplain, Barry Roberts, they are working. Barry is responding well to treatment and will hopefully be downgraded to leave the ICU today or tomorrow.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers coming as he continues to recover. Cards can be sent to the following address:
Barry Roberts
C/O Stuart Scott
2084 Pats PL
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4817
Weekly Reports September 21, 2023
URGENT: Tell Congress to Support the Veterans Service Recognition Act
The American Legion has long supported immigrants seeking citizenship through service. We have advocated on behalf of those who seek a legal path toward naturalization through honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Today, we are asking you to reach out to your representatives in Washington, D.C., and ask them to support the Veterans Service Recognition Act.
As background, the Veterans Service Recognition Act would support more than 24,000 active duty men and women of other nations serving honorably in America. In addition, there are tens of thousands more veterans who have completed their service, yet have not been awarded the citizenship they were promised.
The Veteran Service Recognition Act would allow noncitizen service members to apply for naturalization during basic training, establish a review process for those who are in removal proceedings, and provide an opportunity for noncitizen veterans who have been removed or ordered removed and who have not been convicted of serious crimes to obtain legal permanent resident status.
Please ask Congress to stand with Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and The American Legion on this important legislation!
Claude “Sisco” Deen, Jr.
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Boys Scout Chair Claude “Sisco” Deen, Jr., of Flagler Beach, Florida, who passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; 3 sons (from a previous marriage), Devin, Brian, and Sisco; their children, Evan, Billy, Sage, Scarlet, Jasper, and Juliana; and Gloria’s sons, Seth and David; their children, Hannah, Tom, and Elsa.
Sisco was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam Era Veteran and a Flagler Post 115 member, with 58 continuous years of membership. Sisco served as Post Commander from 1997-99. At the Department level, he served as Boys Scout Chair from 1986-02 and Scholarship Chair from 2000-02. At the National level, he served on the Legislative Council from 1987-90, 1993-94, and 1999.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Cattleman’s Hall at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Rd., Bunnell, FL 32110.
Condolences may be sent to his family at P.O. Box 637, Flagler Beach, FL 32136.
To view Sisco’s obituary: Claude Sisco Deen Jr. Obituary – Flagler Beach, FL (dignitymemorial.com)
Weekly Reports September 14, 2023
Weekly Reports September 7, 2023
Palou leaves no doubt in Portland
(CoForce photo)
The American Legion ~ Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou needed to only finish third or higher in Sunday’s BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland to clinch his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in three years. But that wasn’t enough for the 26-year-old driver.
“He likes to win,” Ganassi said in a post-race interview. “I told him, ‘Hey, let’s wrap this up today.’ He said, ‘I’m going to wrap it up with a win.’ He called his shot.”
That Palou did, and again in dominant fashion, taking the lead on lap 22 and leading 69 of the final 88 laps, winning by 5.4353 seconds over runner-up Felix Rosenqvist. Driving the No. 10 American Legion Honda featuring the Be the One message, he wrapped up the series championship with one race remaining – the first driver to do so since 2007. CGR teammate Scott Dixon finished third and clinched second in the points race.
“That’s what we wanted,” Palou said. “It was an amazing weekend overall. We had really fast cars. We knew we had to go for it, and we just raced how we’ve been doing all season. Super proud to be here in victory lane and super proud of the second championship.
“And it’s extra special for The American Legion’s Be the One. It’s (Suicide Prevention Awareness Month), so hopefully that helps a lot of people now.”
Palou’s championship was Ganassi’s third in the past four seasons and 15th overall. Palou became just the fifth driver in the history of the sport to win multiple championships at 26 or younger. In addition to his title, Palou and CGR also earned $10,000 for his victory as part of the PeopleReady Force For Good Challenge; $5,000 goes to The American Legion as Palou’s chosen charity.
With one race to go, Palou has an average finish of 3.75 this season and has finished in the top 10 in every race. He is the first Chip Ganassi Racing driver to win five races in a season since 2009.
“I never thought that I would be an INDYCAR champion, and to be a two-time INDYCAR champion feels amazing, like a dream,” Palou said. “Thank you to The American Legion and Parkland for all your support this year. It’s been an amazing year, and we still have one to go.”
Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Marcus Ericsson, who also featured American Legion branding on his No. 8 Huski Ice Spritz, moved up three spots from his starting position to finish the race seventh. Ericsson has 14 top-10 finishes in the season’s 16 races.
“First of all, massive congratulations to all of Chip Ganassi Racing on the championship and then, of course, Alex on his win and his championship,” Ericsson said via CGR media. “He’s been the class of the field all year, and it’s hard to get a more deserving champion than that. I’m really happy for him and the whole team.
“For me, it was a tough race. A lot of pushing and shoving and getting pushed off, pushing people off. But in the end, we fought all the way through and ended up at a P7 finish. I think we did well to get there after a tough race. We wanted more, but a good day for the team and I’m happy for everyone.”
In the INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland, CGR developmental driver Kyffin Simpson started the race in the second row, but contact between two cars right behind him caused what would be a nine-car accident. Simpson would end up 13th in the race.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will wrap up the 2023 season with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Sept. 8-10.
Weekly Reports August 31, 2023
Navy Veteran from Beaver Dam, Wis., Elected National Commander of The American Legion
Photo by Hilary Ott/The American Legion
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2023)– Daniel J. Seehafer was elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization today in Charlotte, N.C., during The American Legion’s 104th National Convention. Seehafer likes to say, “It’s personal,” when it comes to The American Legion’s mission of serving veterans and their families. He is continuing the theme of “Be the One,” The American Legion’s initiative to prevent veteran suicide.
An ordained minister from Wisconsin, he earned his American Legion eligibility through service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, where he served as a military chaplain. A member of American Legion Post 157 in Horicon, Wis., Seehafer served in a number of American Legion offices at every level, including national chaplain and commander of the Department of Wisconsin.
Born and raised in Merrill, Wis., he lettered in cross-country while in high school and later received a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Concordia University and a Master of Divinity at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Seehafer was installed as assistant pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon in 1997 and continues to serve as administrative pastor of the church and its school. His American Legion post was recognized for “100 percent” and “All-Time High” in membership during his terms as commander and adjutant. Other honors include district commander’s new post achievement award, Silver Brigade, and Post 157 Legionnaire of the Year.
In 2023, Seehafer earned an Outstanding Heroism Award for administering the Heimlich Maneuver to a choking victim at an American Legion dinner.
Seehafer and his wife, Stacey, who is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, live in Beaver Dam, Wis. Dan’s son, Jacob, and daughter, Emma, are also members of the Post 157 family.
Weekly Reports August 24, 2023
Legacy Run Day 3: Stage 4 pancreatic cancer doesn’t stop Florida Legion Rider from being on ride
Photo by Hilary Ott /The American Legion
During The American Legion Department of Florida convention in June, Legionnaire Tim Morris remembers a couple coming up to him and asking him if he was OK. Morris had been physically active and had lost some weight, so he didn’t think much of it.
But then jaundice started to kick in. “I saw it in my eyes, and I started seeing it show up in my palms and in my feet,” said Morris, a member of American Legion Post 117 in Palm Bay, and the Department of Florida’s ALR sergeant-at-arms. “So as soon as I got back from convention … I went to the doctor and did labs at the VA.”
After getting results, Morris said the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare provider called him right away and told him to go straight to the hospital. That’s when Morris got the news: he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to his liver. After his condition slightly improved, he was able to do his first chemotherapy treatment in August. And he’ll do the next one, though it will have to be the first week of September, after the Legacy Run veteran completes this year’s ride.
Morris had participated in six previous Legacy Runs and had registered for this year’s ride. Though he knew he couldn’t ride it, both for himself and the safety of others around him, he still wanted to be a part of it. That’s when Department of Florida Commander Michael “Gambler” Raymond offered his commander’s vehicle to Morris to drive with the ride.
“It’s just life itself. It’s just me,” Morris said. “This is my family. Everyone here, I look forward to seeing just as much as I look forward to seeing my kids. I miss them the whole time we’re gone. When we get back together and see each other, it’s the most awesome feeling.
“(Before the ride) I was really questioning myself if this was a great idea. Michael Raymond … offered me to drive his car … which made it all possible. Without that, I’d have been stuck. But that gave me motivation, when he told me the news that I could do that. That picked up my spirits. Then I was, ‘Oh yeah, let’s go for it.’”
Morris wasn’t sure how he’d fit in with the ride while driving an SUV. But Legacy Run Chief Road Captain Mark Clark made arrangements for Morris to travel with the ride’s advance team. But that wasn’t enough for Morris.
“I decided if I was going to travel with the advance team, I was going to work with the advance team,” said Morris, who has assisted with directing the motorcycles when they park or pull in for a gas stop. “And I feel better every single day because I’m doing it.”
Morris said working with the advance team has given him “a whole new perspective and respect for the guys and gals that are the advance team. People don’t realize that when we ride up, they’re standing at the pumps … setting all that up takes a lot of work. (Advance team leader Devin Bright) does a fantastic job getting there and scoping the project out.
“That team is fantastic. They all work together. Everybody covers each other’s back.”
Morris said it’s always difficult to say goodbye to his fellow Riders at the conclusion of the ride. This year it may be a little tougher. “It’s going to suck. It’s going to suck,” he said. “It’s going to be a hard day, because I also know I may never see them again. I don’t feel that’s going to happen, but I know that’s the perception in my mind that this may be the last time I get to see everybody. So, I’m making every day the best that I can. Every day’s a blessing.”
Leaving Ohio on a Generous Note. At the stop at American Legion Post 371 in Wellston, Ohio, more than $6,000 was donated to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, bringing the total to the half-million-dollar mark. Of that, $4,760 came from the hosts — $2,000 in a donation, and another $2,760 when the post donated back to the ride the check it had received to provide lunch.
“It’s just giving back, paying it forward,” Post 377 Commander Bruce Conley said. “This is what we’re about here in Wellston.”
Conley said being asked to host a stop on the ride was “at first a bit overwhelming. And then they came rolling in this morning, and it was overwhelming. But it is an honor and a privilege. We couldn’t be happier. As long as we can do for our fellow veterans, we’re happy to do it. That’s what our thing is here.”
During the stop, Clark also relayed a story one of the Riders had shared with him. One of the workers at a hotel hosting the ride had presented the Rider with a donation. The reason: that worker’s child was a Legacy Scholarship recipient and had earned a degree in engineering.
“It’s a small world,” Clark said. “We don’t know the lives that we are touching or dreams that we are helping make come true.”
Welcome to West Virginia. The Riders made a grand entrance into the Mountain State in grand fashion, crossing the Ohio River on the 2,800-feet Silver Memorial Bridge into the state. Construction of the bridge started in 1968 downstream from the former Silver Bridge, which collapsed in 1967 under the weight of rush-hour traffic and took the lives of 46 people.
The Riders then made multiple elevation changes in route to American Legion Post 177, where pizza, wings and swag bags were waiting for them. A letter from Sen. Joe Manchin was read, while Department of West Virginia Commander Matt Sampson was on hand to greet the ride.
“We arranged for the most pleasant riding weather possible,” Sampson told the Riders. “Thank you all for making this trip in support of The American Legion Legacy Scholarship (Fund). This means a lot to all those students out there.”
During the stop at Post 177, nearly $10,000 was donated, bringing the total into Day 4 to $510,139 – what Chief Road Captain Mark Clark said was a three-day Legacy Run record. A donation of $6,000 was made by Fairfax, Va., American Legion Post 177, Chapter 177 and an individual donor.