LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
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
Weekly Reports – November 22, 2019
Weekly Reports – November 14, 2019
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary (coming soon)
Squadron Membership Summary
MyLegion SAL Report
Children Welfare Foundation Report
November 8, 2019 update: Last year the combined donations to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation totaled $562,052.59 from The American Legion family. June 1, 2019 started our new awards years and tracking.
Donations for the Awards year end on May 31, 2020. Presently we stand at $177,791.08 in donations for the 2019/20 year.
At the October 2019 Board of Directors meeting we granted $811,282.00 to 22 Children Organizations for the 2020 year.
The following are the present donations from June 1, 2019 to November 8, 2019. Each organization with the highest donation on May 31, 2020 will be awarded the Garland Murphy Shadow Box award.
- Presently the 8/40 Departmental de Arizona is leading in contribution with $576.00.
- The Department of Kentucky Auxiliary is in 1st place with $4,402.00.
- Department of Ohio American Legion is leading in donation with $10,100.00.
- The SAL Detachment of Florida is in 1st place with $16,270.00 in donations.
Below shows 1st to 3rd place in donations:
- 1st place 8 & 40 Aux Legion SAL Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida
Donations $576.00 $4,402.00 $10,100.00 $16,270.00 - 2nd Place Indiana, Florida, Arizona
Donations $469.00 $3,407.00 $2,768.96 $8,900.00 - 3rd place Texas, New York, Virginia, New York
Donations $295.00 $3,181.94 $2,600.00 $7,503.43
All donations have to be in by May 31, 2020 to qualify for the Garland Murphy and U.S. Udie Grant awards.
Send Checks to:
Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
A Century of Strengthening Our Nation
The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Today, those pillars remain at the Legion’s core as the organization continues its commitment to our Nation’s veterans, its servicemembers, their families, the youth of America, and ordinary citizens. The United States Mint is proud to mark The American Legion’s extraordinary milestone—a century of dedication—with a new ensemble of commemorative coins.
National Americanism Report
Americanism Division
Weekly Report to the National Commander
November 8, 2019
Jill Druskis, Director – (317) 630-1203
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Online application for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship opens on November 15th at www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship designed to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state educational grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been utilized. Children of U.S. military members who died while serving on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and children of post-9/11 veterans having been assigned a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs qualify. Each needs-based scholarship provides up to $20,000 in aid for undergraduate or post-graduate college. Recipients may reapply for additional annual awards up to six times.
Youth Education and Scholarships
During the month of October a total of 15 national-level scholarships totaling $35,403 were disbursed as two-party checks to youth and their academic institutions.
Dennis Boland
NEC
The American Legion Welcomes President’s Signing of POW/MIA Flag Act
(WASHINGTON, November 8, 2019) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will require certain prominent federal properties to display the POW/MIA Flag every day with the U.S. Flag.
“Yesterday I was humbled to stand with my fellow veterans inside the Oval Office and watch the president of the United States sign this symbolic but important legislation,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “It is important that Americans never forget that there are still more than 82,000 men and women who were taken prisoner or never had a full accounting. The American Legion reveres their memory and will continue to honor them at all of our meetings. I plan to visit the headquarters of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency later this month to observe their work firsthand. DPAA does a remarkable job of identifying and repatriating so many heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The American Legion is eager to explore additional ways to lend our support.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veterans Day.
Weekly Reports – November 8, 2019
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
MyLegion SAL Report
MIAMI SEAQUARIUM CELEBRATES VETERANS DAY WITH SALUTE TO HEROES MONTH
Free Admission for First Responders, Power & Utility Workers, and Military this November
MIAMI – Oct. 10, 2019 – In recognition of their service to our country and community, Salute to Heroes Month offers all veterans, police, fire, law enforcement, EMT personnel, military personnel, power and utility workers free admission to Miami Seaquarium, Nov. 1 – 30. All accompanying family members – up to four guests – will receive 50 percent off admission. Military and first responder guests will be honored during one of the Park’s show presentations! In addition, the Park will be offering 50 percent off on all animal encounter programs to military and first responders.
A valid military, first responder or power and utility worker photo I.D. is required and must be presented at the ticket counter to receive the complimentary admission or animal encounter discount. Miami Seaquarium will admit first responders, including sworn officers, civilian employees and support staff from all city and county fire and law enforcement organizations, plus the following: Florida Highway Patrol; Broward County Sheriff Office; District Attorney; correctional facilities (prisons); U.S. Marshals; ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); International Border Patrol; Immigration Naturalization Service (INS); Homeland Security which includes: International Border Patrol, Citizenship & Immigration, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Secret Service, FEMA,TSA; ambulance company EMTs; and reserve or volunteer fire, Florida Power & Light (FPL) and law enforcement members with valid ID.
To book an animal encounter program, please call (305) 365-2501. For more information, visit miamiseaquarium.com.
Weekly Reports – October 31, 2019
Weekly Reports – October 25, 2019
LegionQuest: Puzzle Scramble
Join in the fun and give LegionQuest – Puzzle Scramble Edition a try, during this year’s Fall Conference! It’s FREE to play and fun to win cool prizes.
Complete your mission and get your choice of one of two Legion Quest prizes, and a chance to win a $50 SHOPPING SPREE in the Florida Flag & Emblem Sales store!
This year’s Puzzle Scramble edition will require you to gather intel from each of our Legion vendors, during The American Legion, Department of Florida Fall Conference. Each vendor you meet will provide you with the missing pieces. Collect all the pieces to solve the puzzle. Your mission will begin at the Neptune Society booth!
Upon completion, report to Department Headquarters HQ. We will evaluate your work upon completion, and reward you accordingly.