Scoutbook free for everyone beginning Jan. 1, 2019
It seems too good to be true, but you will absolutely take it.
The BSA announced today that it will make Scoutbook subscriptions free to all BSA units beginning Jan. 1, 2019. Units that already use Scoutbook won’t be charged when they renew their subscription on or after Sept. 1, 2018.
Scoutbook is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail.
How will my unit be affected?
Units with a current Scoutbook account: When they need to renew their subscription this fall, they will not pay any renewal fees, effective Sept. 1, 2018.
Councils that provide Scoutbook accounts for their units: When they need to renew these unit subscriptions this fall, they will not pay any renewal fees, effective Sept. 1, 2018.
(Essentially, units — or councils paying for their units — can renew Scoutbook subscriptions in September, October, November or December 2018 at no cost.)
Units without a current Scoutbook account: They can begin their free Scoutbook unit subscription on Jan. 1, 2019.
Will existing users get a refund?
No. There are no plans to reimburse anyone who has previously paid for a Scoutbook subscription. This change applies only to any new Scoutbook subscriptions effective Jan. 1, 2019, or later — and to any renewing Scoutbook subscriptions that would normally be paid between Sept. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2018.
What if a current Scoutbook unit needs to add more Scouts this fall?
Let’s say your pack has a 75-Scout subscription with 15 open slots. You expect to recruit well over that number this fall. Can you add Scouts to your subscription when/if that happens?
Yes, if you have a current Scoutbook subscription, after Sept. 1, 2018, you can renew your subscription (if needed) or add more youth to Scoutbook at no cost.
What should units that don’t currently have Scoutbook do this fall?
Scoutbook will be free to all units beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
In the meantime, watch for the release of Scoutbook Lite for all units later in 2018. This free online tool will provide a slightly different user experience from the full Scoutbook, but it will help your unit track advancements for all your youth members.
How will subscriptions/renewals work in 2019 and beyond?
The need to “subscribe” or “renew” annually will become unnecessary. Once your unit is on Scoutbook, you’ll be set for as long as your unit would like to continue using this free tool.
How will making Scoutbook free affect its performance?
Scoutbook will only continue to improve. The BSA IT and Member Care teams will continue to support Scoutbook with their timely service and quality resources. Scoutbook performance enhancements have been implemented regularly over the years, and its performance is continually monitored.
Where can I get more information about this change in Scoutbook?
American Legion Post 273 Madeira Beach “WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT BAY PINES 2018”
Photos by 16th District Historian Edward Lewis
Saturday, December 15th
Members of Post 273 and the 16th District participated in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Bay Pines National Cemetery. A total of 4,800 wreaths were distributed by close to 100 volunteers. Here is a video summary of the day’s event. Thank you Ed Lewis for another superb effort!
At the range from L to R – Scott Perando, Jerry Ham, David Youngclaus, Dan Roberts, Peter Letsky
On Friday, November 16, 2018 Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton, FL helped to celebrate its 100th Anniversary as well as the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion by holding its first pistol competition for American Legion Family Members at the Bullseye Pistol Range in Palmetto, FL.
Fourteen members signed up to shoot in this “once in a lifetime” event. Unfortunately only five members were able to participate in this iron sight match at 50 feet, shooting 10 rounds slow fire in 10 minutes, then 5 rounds in 20 seconds x 2 timed fire, and then 5 rounds in 10 seconds x 2 rapid fire, for a total of 30 shots. All shooters had an enjoyable time in this low pressure event.
1st Place Trophy to Dan Roberts (L) by Jerry Ham, Match Director (R)
The idea was to have a unique event to celebrate our 100th Anniversary and get our members to shoot some of those pistols they had at home in nightstands that they haven’t shot in many years. The event seemed to work since everyone is asking for another match, possibly early next year while we are still celebration our 100th Anniversary.
The competition was organized by Jerry Ham, Match Director and trophies were presented to the five winners at the Post Riders meeting and the Post Legion meeting this week.
For additional information contact:
Jerry Ham, Match Director 941-713-3074
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander, Raymond “Ray” M. Weaver, of Waynesville, NC on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the age of 87. Ray is survived by his wife, Joyce, and by his son, Joel Weaver, and daughter, Nancy Del Rosal. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Crawford/Ray Funeral Home, 1 North Main Street, Canton, NC at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Green Hill Cemetery, 129 Legion Dr., Waynesville, NC. The local American Legion post will be performing military honors.
Ray is a U.S. Air Force Korean war veteran and a member of Post 8, with 38 years of membership. He served many roles during his impressive career in The American Legion. Ray was former Department Oratorical Chairman (1985-99); 15th District Commander (1992-93); Department Vice Commander Central Area (1994-95); and Department Commander (1996-97).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief. Condolences you may do so through his son, Joel Weaver, at 122 Margaret Lane, Waynesville, NC 28785
Update: The date of Ray Weaver’s funeral service has been changed to Friday, December 7th due to inclement weather. Same time and place, 1- 2 at funeral home and 2:30 at cemetery.
It is with sad heart that we have to announce that Past Department President, Olga “OT” B. Terrell, age 98, of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018 at her residence. She was born October 12, 1920 in Fort Deposit, AL to the late Gerald and Rosalee (Sullivan) Bush.
Olga married Lee R. Terrell on May 8, 1941 in Forest, MS. She was heavily involved with the American Legion Auxiliary from the national level down to her unit at Rogers-Hinson Post #235.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee R. Terrell and five siblings.
Survivors include her children, Roslyn “Lyn” Terrell of Fort Walton Beach, FL and Joan Schade of Hay Market, VA; her grandchildren, Michael (Melinda) Hicks, Michelle (David) Kerwood, all of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Gwen (Pete) Schade of Orlando, FL; her great granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Brian) Shermer of Iwakuni, Japan.
If you would like to send a card please send to: Lyn Terrell at 40 Hemlock Dr, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. 32548-4751
FUNERAL SERVICE INFORMATION IS BELOW:
VISITATION
Monday
December 3, 2018
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
161 Racetrack Road North West
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
SERVICE
Tuesday
December 4, 2018
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
161 Racetrack Road North West
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Each year Cross Bayou Post 252, in Seminole, invites the Department Commander to visit and help prepare and serve meals to patients from Bay Pines. Our Department Commander Dianne Boland, was happy to accept the invitation.
They served two bus loads this year, serving between 100-125. There were 20-30 volunteers, four of whom were in uniform.
A huge thanks to our Department Commander Dianne Boland, Post 252, and all the volunteers who made this event possible.
Many of you have recently received fraudulent emails which appear to be from national headquarters. There are several variations circulating, but all seem to use the name of a national headquarters’ staff member and mention an “invoice.” Some of the emails even use the staff member’s actual email address.
These emails are also known as “phishing.” They are scams and do not originate from national headquarters. Although national cannot prevent outside groups from sending this type of email, there are several things we all can do to help protect ourselves:
Right now we are seeing “spoof” sender attacks. These are messages pretending to be from coworkers or external work-related relationships. These messages attempt to entice you into clicking an attachment or provide personal information. Don’t do it! If you are not expecting or generally do not get a message with attachments from the purported sender proceed with extreme caution. When in doubt, contact the purported national HQ “sender” to verify the email is legitimate.
Sometimes, but not always, the body of the message gives it away. The English is bad. The contact information at the bottom has errors such as wrong city or area code. The context of the message is just not something this sender would discuss.
If you open an email and find that it’s not legitimate, delete the message without opening any attachments.
Don’t provide credit card information to the sender. National headquarters will never ask that you provide your credit card information to us in an email.
If you wish to share a message that contains the email addresses of other recipients, please delete the email addresses before you forward. That will help prevent those legitimate email addresses from getting into the wrong hands to be misused as has happened here.
Report such phishing to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov
In general, we all must have our “guard up” at all times when dealing with email. It’s easy to get in the habit of seeing a name we recognize, and clicking to open it or any attachments or links, and that can lead to many hours and dollars to recover. Question anything even slightly suspicious.
If you wish to create a message that contains the email addresses of other recipients, get in the habit of placing email addresses in the “Bcc:” field (instead of To: or CC:). If you are going to forward a message that displays others’ email addresses, delete those addresses before forwarding to prevent those email addresses from getting forwarded on, shared or captured by a hacker and being misused as has happened here.
I hope that all our fellow Legionnaires and family are safe following the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. We want you to be aware of The American Legion programs that are available to assist you during this time of recovery.
The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF) provides immediate financial assistance to Legion Family members and posts affected by Hurricane Michael. The fund provides up to $3,000 for qualified members and up to $10,000 for posts.
NEF grants do not cover costs of items which should be covered by insurance. It is strictly for assisting Legionnaires with emergency travel, lodging and meals while under mandatory evacuation from their homes. These are considered emergency, out of pocket, living expenses.
In order to qualify for an NEF grant, an applicant must:
Have been displaced from his or her primary residence due to a declared natural disaster.
Must have sustained damage to their primary residence as a result of the declared natural disaster.
Provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs, such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.
Provide evidence of damage sustained to their residence.
Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.
Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster and substantiating documentation must provide that The American Legion post will cease to perform the duties and activities in the community due to losses sustained.
While the NEF provides immediate assistance to Legion and SAL members, qualified children of Legion-eligible veterans may receive assistance through the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program.
The TFA grants do not cover costs of items which should be covered by insurance. It is strictly for temporary food, shelter, utilities, and clothing.
Payout from the funds are currently capped at $2,500 per veteran with minor children (17 years or younger) living at home. Legion membership is not required.
In addition, Department of Florida is also taking applications for the Department’s Hurricane Relief Fund. This fund is similar to NEF; however, for a good restoration resource there is no need to have sustained damage to be eligible for funding. Also, the Department fund will support, any veteran regardless of membership status. Legionnaires will have first consideration and the program will be active until funds are depleted.
For more information or to apply for NEF, TFA or Department of Florida’s Hurricane Relief Fund, contact Department Headquarters at 407-295-2631, or visit www.foridalegion.org.
VA Rates 70 Percent of its Nursing Homes as Failures VFW, Legion national commanders demand immediate action
WASHINGTON (November 14, 2018) — The national commanders of the nation’s two largest veterans organizations are demanding that Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie bring immediate attention to his nursing home program that currently has 70 percent of its 132 homes receiving failing grades by the VA’s own rating system.
The call by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. National Commander B.J. Lawrence and American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad is in response to a series of scathing articles by two USA Today and Boston Globe reporters who documented substandard and negligent care at the VA nursing home in Brockton, Mass., which is one of 45 nursing homes that received the VA’s lowest rating of one star. Forty-seven homes received two stars, 16 homes three stars, and 15 homes four stars. Only nine nursing homes received the VA’s top five-star rating.
“While much of the media’s attention has been on the proper implementation of VA healthcare legislation, we cannot forget about 46,000 mostly senior veterans who reside in these nursing homes,” said the two national commanders, who collectively speak for more than 4.6 million members and their auxiliaries.
“The media reports about sub-par care, patient neglect and safety violations at VA nursing homes are more than just disturbing,” said the Legion’s national commander. “Legionnaires, our friends in the VFW, and anybody who respects veterans should be angered by this,” said Reistad. “These are not just patients in a home, these are people who in the prime of their lives risked their lives, and made enormous sacrifices on behalf of our country. America’s veterans deserve better. We not only expect VA to fix these problems immediately, but we want transparency. Those who sleep on the job and ignore the best interests of their patients need to find a different employer.”
Echoing his counterpart, the VFW national commander said “These veterans earned the right to receive high quality care in a fully-staffed and well-managed facility. Their families deserve to know that their loved ones — their heroes — are not being abandoned or abused, and America needs to be reassured that the VA is honoring our nation’s promise to those who have borne the battle,” said Lawrence. “The VA must improve its delivery of quality care at these facilities. It must recruit and retain only the best healthcare professionals and support staff, and it must hold all employees accountable for their actions or inactions. It is not a right but a privilege to work for America’s veterans, and anything less is unacceptable.”
Submission by: Gary E Cardenas, Post 144 Commander Submitted on: October 30, 2018
On Saturday, October 20 our Post co-hosted with the US Coast Guard Air Base in Opa Locka, for the third year in a row a Veterans Benefits Fair and Meals with Memories. The first one in 2016 only attracted about 720 Veterans due to space limitations. Last November, we attracted almost 1,200 Veterans and their families, as we were allowed to us part of the hangar at the Base. This time our goal was 2,000 and guess what, we did it!! Even thou we ended up not getting half of the hangar as they were repairing airplanes that were being used for support missions in the panhandle (thanks to Hurricane Michael). See link for some photos from the Coast Guard.
Our guest of honor was Gold Star Mother Ms. Georgie Carter, mother of the late USMC, PFC Bruce Wayne Carter, CMOH recipient. As you may already know, the Miami VA Hospital bears his name. By the way, he is buried at Vista Memorial Cemetery in Miami Lakes, where last year on Memorial Day we placed 2,000+ Flags with the help of 7 Boy Scouts Troops/Packs Our Post hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony, where we unveiled the improvements made to the four veterans burial sections by a Boy Scout who did this project for his Eagle. This past Saturday I attended his Eagle Scout Court of Honor where I spoke and presented him with the Legion’s Eagle Scout Pin and a Certificate.
The next Eagle Scout Project is to place a headstone on the tomb of PFC Carter-CMOH; is the least he deserves. I am now working with mom to get her permission.
At the Veterans Benefits Fair event our Post was recognized by a Proclamation from Miami Dade County, declaring Oct 20, 2018 as “American Legion Post 144 Day.” for our work in support of our Veterans. It was presented by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, a Vietnam Veteran Marine. See photo attached.
At this event, in addition to the 2,000 Veterans, and free food ,we had employers, nearly 100 Benefits vendors, the DOV truck issuing drivers licenses with the V designation at no charge, the Department of Labor, the FDVA, the Miami VA, Hair for Heroes, full color guard from SOUTHCOM, Veterans Motorcycle Riders, The Salvation Army, and much more.
See some attached photos (you can see me (bald head my District Cap on chest) on one of them during the opening prayers. By the way, the young lady singing the National Anthem is a contestant on this season of the Voice.
We are witnessing a swift change by the local, state, and federal agencies that are embedded in the disaster prone areas on how non-registered volunteer organizations are being treated and prevented from attempting to provide logistical needs to those affected.
Mexico Beach is off limits as of 6 am 10/23/18 unless you’re a registered organization through Tallahassee or a Federal entity authorized to operate within. A special armband is required to be worn for access.
Port St. Joe is potentially next on the list as it too received devastating destruction.
Outlying areas are receiving the support required and folks know where to get aid/relief.
Bill Hoppner and I were shunned when we offered our service and support. The Supply Center controlled by a Red Cross team advised us that our American Legion resources and services were not required, that they had everything they needed, and that we should go talk with the County EOC.
Today I was called and informed that tractor trailers, large trailers, large trucks with hurricane aid supplies will be turned away from all (POD) Point of Distribution sites and Designated Supply Centers. They will be referred / advised to take their loads to a designated warehouse in the Tallahassee area to off load. There the supplies will be segregated, stored, and shipped to the PODs or Supply Centers when commodities are requested.
As a State EOC representative implied, we are considered “Amateurs” and they do not want us in their way, providing services or support to those that are in need.
The material shift is rapidly changing and those registered organizations are not prepared to support those endeavors. When they begin to pack up and go back to where they came from, the local residents will begin seeking organizations such as The American Legion to assist with some of their needs and we must be ready.
Our final push of basic necessities will continue over the next three weeks thru November 17th. Those American Legion Posts in the affected areas who are willing to accept and distribute supplies to their veterans and communities are requested to contact either William “Bill” Hoppner at gonepost1@aol.com / (305) 968-7979 or Stephen Shuga at shugaste1057@gmail.com / (407) 394-5534 to coordinate your request.
We will alert all who have given to stop acquiring the typical support currently being provided as they are swamped with supplies. We will request that all further shipments beyond November 17th stop until further notice.
Due to the rapid response of the local, state, federal agencies and programs that have overwhelmed the affected areas, support continues to press on. The utility companies have been feverishly working to turn on power, water, sewage, and communications. Boil water notices are lifting, and soon the curfews will end. Students are returning to school and the local infrastructure is springing back to life. All that’s left is the cleanup and rebuilding.
Just remember this: “ Our Veterans are Our #1 Concern and We Will Take Care of Our Veterans! “
The American Legion has joined forces with AbbVie Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company, to launch TAKE ON HEP C, a nationwide movement to bring free hepatitis C (hep C) testing to veterans and their communities. Taking center stage of the TAKE ON HEP C campaign is a 45-foot tour bus that is used as a mobile veteran outreach command center known as “The Legion One.” The bus offers free hep C testing, on-the-spot results and information for how to seek treatment, if needed.
This project also provides a great opportunity for local posts to staff a membership outreach tent setup with the bus. We provide the tent, you engage your community AND GROW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
EVENT:
Biketoberfest Daytona
DATE(S):
Thursday, October 18 – Sunday, October 21
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday
LOCATION:
307 N Beach St • Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(Adjacent to Indian Motorcycle Daytona Beach)
REQUEST:
Please send up to four (4) volunteers who can engage those attending the event. Share information about the benefits of being an American Legion member and encourage them to participate in the free hep C testing.
Volunteers should be scheduled in four-hour shifts. Duties include support with light set-up/tear down (tents, tables, chairs).
Free parking is available onsite. However, please plan ahead and allow extra travel time as parking is limited.
Staff shirts will be provided for all volunteers to wear upon check-in at the event. One shirt per person.
This is a casual, outdoor event so jeans or shorts of an appropriate length are recommended with Legion logo items and cap.
ABOUT
BIKETOBERFEST:
This annual Daytona Beach motorcycle rally draws more than 100,000 visitors. Bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts and curious travel seekers will enjoy beautiful fall weather, live music and more.
ABOUT HEP C:
Testing for hep C is especially important for veterans, specifically those who served in the Vietnam conflict between 1964 and 1975. One out of every 20 veterans enrolled with the Veterans Health Administration has hep C, more than three times the infection rate of the general U.S. population.
Thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting this important effort. If you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Dave Baughman at 317-517-4161 or DBaughman@legion.org.
The Florida code and constitution are current through the 2018 Second Regular Session of the 25th Legislature.
LexisNexis® Florida Annotated Statutes > Title XIV. Taxation and Finance. (Chs. 192 — 221) > Chapter 205. Local Business Taxes. (§§ 205.013 — 205.1975)
§ 205.055. Exemptions; veterans, spouses of veterans and certain servicemembers, and low-income persons.
(1) The following persons are entitled to an exemption from a business tax and any fees imposed under this chapter:
(a) A veteran of the United States Armed Forces who was honorably discharged upon separation from service, or the spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran.
(b) The spouse of an active duty military servicemember who has relocated to the county or municipality pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
(c) A person who is receiving public assistance as defined in s. 409.2554.
(d) A person whose household income is below 130 percent of the federal poverty level based on the current year’s federal poverty guidelines.
(2) A person must complete and sign, under penalty of perjury, a Request for Fee Exemption to be furnished by the local governing authority and provide written documentation in support of his or her request for an exemption under subsection (1).
(3) If a person who is exempt under subsection (1) owns a majority interest in a business with fewer than 100 employees, the business is exempt. Such person must complete and sign, under penalty of perjury, a Request for Fee Exemption to be furnished by the local governing authority and provide written documentation in support of his or her request for an exemption for the business under this subsection.
I had wanted my first email communication to you to be about Team 100 — my theme for this historic year as The American Legion transcends its first century of service into its next.
There will be plenty of opportunities in my year as national commander to discuss Team 100, pay tribute to the Legion’s century of accomplishments and celebrate our rise into the next 100 years.
But I learned of an urgent matter today that has a potentially significant impact on The American Legion and all its members. I am asking for your support.
The United States Postal Service has proposed a rule that would prevent The American Legion (and other nonprofits) from sending merchandise or goods like calendars, stickers, etc. in nonprofit marketing mail. Instead, the USPS would classify these mailings as first-class mail.
This is not a simple change in the category of how mail is sent. This change would eliminate the use of premiums in nonprofit fundraising mail — and would increase The American Legion’s mailing cost by 200 percent.
That significant increase would critically impact our programs dedicated to helping and advocating for veterans, mentoring children, assisting transitioning servicemembers, providing scholarships for students, comforting the afflicted throughout every community in our great nation.
We must quickly work together to let the USPS know this proposal is unreasonable. My team has prepared a sample templated letter. I encourage you to download the template, personalize it with your information and email it to the USPS (ProductClassification@usps.gov) with the subject line: USPS Marketing Mail Content Eligibility.
Please don’t delay. This is an urgent matter and the letters must be emailed no later than Friday, Sept. 14.
Thank you for your assistance, and for what you do every day on behalf of our nation’s veterans, servicemembers and their families.
As our nation deals with the effects of nearly two decades of war, the need for mental health services for our veterans will no doubt increase in the years to come. It is imperative to combat
VA’s staffing shortage by increasing recruitment and retention budgets, while also expanding direct hiring authority to medical center directors to expedite the hiring process of mental health professionals. All health care possibilities should be explored and considered to find the appropriate treatments, therapies and cures for veterans suffering from visible and/or invisible wounds. The American Legion strongly advocates for complementary and alternative therapy and urges Congress to provide VA the necessary funding to increase its Integrative Health and Wellness Program.
(Resolutions 28 and 165)
Fully fund a superior national defense as the global war on terror continues
It is critical to maintain a well-funded national security strategy to ensure a strong national defense. The United States must enhance foreign policy, improve military intelligence, and increase cyber operations and capabilities. The American Legion advocates for a good quality of life for our troops and an improved transition process from military service to civilian life. The Legion vows to fight against those who desire to reduce the benefits of veterans, servicemembers, and their families to obtain short-term budget gains.
(Resolutions 17 and 86)
Create lifetime electronic health record – ACHIEVED
The American Legion supports VA in finally implementing a quality lifetime electronic health record (EHR) system that works in concert with the Department of Defense system to ensure that veterans’ medical documents transfer seamlessly from active service to VA and community providers.
(Resolution 83)
Institute gender-specific health care for women veterans
Women veterans face remarkably different experiences than their male counterparts when transitioning in and out of combat roles, in between services or back to civilian life. VA must
ensure an improved quality of life for women veterans with gender-specific health care to meet their needs.
(Resolution 147)
Limit outsourcing, unify VA’s programs– ACHIEVED
Continued focus is needed to ensure VA can meet challenges in delivering high-quality, timely benefits and health care to veterans. In 2018, critical policy choices must be made, primarily
the future of the Veterans Choice Program, which expires in August. A community care option is now a basic expectation for enrollees in VA’s health-care system. Excessive outsourcing would render VHA too small to function economically or preserve quality of care and essentially dismantle it. Congress should pass legislation to unify VA’s multiple non-VA care programs with VA as the coordinator and guarantor of care.
(Resolution 372)
Support those who care for wounded veterans – ACHIEVED
There are 5.5 million caregivers who go unnoticed while they care for America’s wounded. Military caregivers suffer higher rates of depression and health problems than others. The American Legion is committed to supporting these hidden heroes.
(Resolution 146)
Reclassify cannabis for medical research
The American Legion supports increased research into cannabis as part of the larger effort to develop complementary and alternative treatments and therapies. Cannabis is classified as schedule I drug and drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine and methadone are classified as schedule II drugs. The American Legion urges Congress to amend legislation to remove
Cannabis from schedule I and reclassify it in a category that, at a minimum, will recognize cannabis as a drug with potential medical value, and further urge the Drug Enforcement Agency to license privately-funded medical cannabis production operations in the United States to enable safe and efficient cannabis drug development research. It’s really easy for anyone to get a quick meeting with someone to talk about how hemp oil could help them from a trusted source, and even get a coupon for it in the process, they just have to Contact Syncronicity Hemp Oil.
(Resolutions 11,160,165)
Defend veterans education benefits – ACHIEVED
As the primary author of the original GI Bill, The American Legion continues to focus on the sustainability of this important earned benefit, while ensuring that veterans receive the most benefit possible from it.
(Resolution 349)
Repeal unfair offsets that penalize disabled veterans and widows
Many military retirees must forfeit some of their retirement pay to receive their VA service connected disability compensation. It is equally outrageous VA survivor benefits (DIC) are offset
from military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities. The American Legion supports legislation to repeal both of these unjust offsets.
(Resolutions 85 and 224)
Provide mandatory end-of service exams for reservists
Active-duty servicemembers have the right to physical examinations when separating. After all, servicemembers retiring from active duty are required to have such examinations. This
same right to an end-of-service exam is only partially authorized for reserve component servicemembers. This unfair treatment must be changed.
(Resolution 85)
Create an American Legion Commemorative Coin – ACHIEVED
The American Legion will celebrate its centennial in 2018-2019. An American Legion Centennial Coin is under consideration by the U.S. Mint. Timely congressional authorization is needed and your support is requested.
(H.R. 2519 & S. 1182)
Ensure those returning from active duty retain re-employment rights
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the rights of servicemembers to be re-employed after returning from active duty, including reserve or
National Guard members. The American Legion wants to prohibit employers from pressuring a veteran into waiving his or her veteran’s employment rights and protections.
(Resolution 315)
Continue funding programs to end veterans homelessness
To fully implement VA’s pledge to eradicate veterans homelessness, Congress must continue making responsible investments in affordable housing and programs such as Supportive
Services for Veteran Families that move veterans and their families off the street and into stable housing.
(Resolution 340)
Disclaimer: The American Legion’s work is never done! These legislative priorities have been marked “achieved” because we were able to get the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that the President of the United States signed into law. It is important to note that after passage, your American Legion professional staff often participates in the federal rulemaking that translates law into VA or government policy. We are always vigilant in ensuring our veterans receive the healthcare and benefits they have earned through their service to our great nation, and we will fight every effort to reduce or curtail them. Ensuring the protections, benefits, and rights of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families, has and will always be a primary focus of the National Legislative Commission and Division.”
The American Legion will be celebrating its 100th year of service to our Veterans, Communities and Nation in the coming year. As such, Legion Posts’ throughout our “Great Nation” will be hosting a variety of events in honor of this centennial milestone.
The State of Florida is planning a two-day Concert Birthday Celebration, hosted by American Legion Post #155 of Crystal River, Florida and supported by fellow Legion Posts 237, 166, and 77. This event is known as “Vets Invade the Canyon” and is scheduled to take place January 18th and 19th, 2019. There will be two shows, one on Friday night (January 18th) and one on Saturday night (January 19th). Each night of the event will have two feature acts with a short ceremony between each act paying tribute to our Veterans.
The proceeds from the “Vets Invade the Canyon” Concert Birthday Celebration will be donated to the Florida American Legion Program called “PROJECT: VETRELIEF”, which is a 501c3 charitable organization. The mission of “PROJECT: VETRELIEF” is to provide support for our service men and women as they transition into civilian life, with the vision of one day to live in a nation where no service member stands alone. All funds raised from this event are slated for Veterans of Florida. The American Legion of Florida supports Florida’s service members whether they are active duty, newly returned, or have been honorably separated for years, in addition to their immediate family, at no cost.
Should you have any questions regarding the “Vets Invade the Canyon” Concert Birthday Celebration or PROJECT: VETRELIEF please contact Gerry Kaufman at (407) 218-9139, Doug Hockenberry at (727) 514-3742 or me directly at (352) 212-8750.
Larry White
Finance Officer
American Legion Post 155
“Tampa Bay Troop Support held another packing event at Post 273, and will be able to ship 210 boxes to our troops overseas!
Thank you Dave & Sharon Dabney. Their purpose is to make a difference in the lives of our Soldiers by sending care packages to different units in different places. We want them to know that they are in our thoughts, and we appreciate everything they do.
Thank you also to all the volunteers who helped out, and to Commander White and our Post 273 Auxiliary.”
Submitted by:
Anthony Torregrossa
2nd Vice Commander, Post 273
Commander Jim White(right) presents a $15,000 donation to Shentrela Diggins, manager of Fisher House at the Bay Pines V.A. on behalf of the Post 273 Legion, SAL & Auxiliary. Also pictured are Executive Officer Dick Karol(left) who led this year’s fundraising drive, and Finance Officer Dick Gifford(center). Post 273 has now donated a total of $50,000 to our local Fisher House at Bay Pines in the past three years to help them out with their finances. Luckily their management team knows how to handle and correctly use these finances accordingly, for those who need help like these veterans to handling their large financial income, consider learning more about cash management at https://www.wecu.com/business-banking/.
Fisher Houses are onsite residences where military & veterans families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. They have private bedrooms and baths, and families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room.
Submitted by:
Anthony Torregrossa
2nd Vice Commander
