LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports – September 27, 2019
Paul Edward Wilson
Paul Edward Vincent Wilson, of Winter Park Florida, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday, September 19th, 2019.
Col. Wilson is predeceased by his first love, Catherine Mary Wilson. He is survived by his wife Carmen. Daughters Kathleen and Cricket. Stepson Jim and wife Sue. Grandchildren Jason, Kathrine, Marcie, Vanessa and Jessica. Seven great grandchildren, who were apples of his eye. He was also blessed with two angels to help care for him, Camila and Yves.
Born to Fran and Earl Wilson, on May 19th, 1925, Paul was the youngest of four siblings. Even as a youngster Paul was a gifted athlete, writer and singer. His fondest dream was to wear the uniform of the United States Marine Corp. Not long after graduating from high school he joined the Corps, and wore that title proudly for the rest of his days. He served with honor for 34 years. Among his many commendations , Paul served as the head of the color guard in the wedding of Grace Kelly to the Prince Rainier of Monaco. His time upon the USS Intrepid also held a special place in his heart. Paul served in WWll, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. His commendations and awards were abundant, and too numerous to include.
After retiring from the USMC, Paul earned a Master of Arts and a PHD in Education. He went on to become a professor at several universities.
It was during this time that he also completed his novel, “A China Marine”.
Paul championed many causes, both monetarily and through volunteerism. Among them were Veterans rights, senior advocacy, catholic charities, and Saint Jude’s Hospital.
Ever the Renaissance man, Paul was always ready to learn about new ideas in order to broaden his horizons. He always took the time to get to know people from all walks of life, and find out more about them. In turn people were always charmed by his graciousness and easy laugh.
Viewing will be held at 6:30pm-8:00pm Friday September 27 at St Margaret Mary Catholic Church ( Chapel), 526 North Park Ave. Winter Park, Florida 32789
The Wake/ Service will be held at 11:00 am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church ( Chapel), 526 North Park Ave., Winter Park, Florida, 32789
There will be a reception following the service.
Although he will be sorely missed this is a celebration of a life well lived. Traditional somber attire is not required.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions in Paul’s name to
St. Jude’s Children’s Center. www.stjude.org/donate
or
Hope For Warriors www.hopeforthewarriors.org/about/make-a-donation/
Weekly Reports – September 20, 2019
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary (Incorrect, changes pending.)
Post Membership Summary (Incorrect, changes pending.)
SAL REPORTS
Weekly Reports – September 13, 2019
Andrew F. Burkett
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Baseball Chairman, Andrew F. Burkett, of Lehigh Acres, FL on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the age of 70. Andrew is survived by his wife, Jeanie. 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.
Andrew was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran. and a member of Lehigh Acres Post 323.
Andrew joined The American Legion in North Carolina while on active duty in 1970. He served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. Andrew served as Post Commander (2013-15 & 2018-19); 13th District Commander (2014-15); Department Americanism Chairman (2016-17); and Southwestern Area Commander (2016-17). On a National level, Andrew, served on the Americanism Council (2013-19).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Jeanie, at 1623 Lee Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33972.
There will be a Memorial Service for Andy Burkett at 12:00pm on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Post 323, 1124 Ashlar Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.
Employment Opportunity
Department Director
The American Legion is seeking a qualified and committed individual to supervise the Department Veterans Service Division. The American Legion of Washington is a non-profit Veterans Service Organization chartered by the US Congress in 1919. It is committed to serving veterans and their families, our local communities and the United States of America.
Location:
The primary office is located in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, WA. There are multiple subordinate offices located throughout the state.
Duties:
The Department Service Officer is the Director of The American Legion Service Division responsible for a wide range of professional level work including the supervision and administration of the veterans service program throughout the State of Washington.
- Supervise 16 – 25 full time and part time employees working at various locations throughout the state
- Develop and administer the Department Service Division annual budget
- Represent The American Legion at federal, state and community meetings
- Provide advice and assistance to veterans and their family members regarding VA benefits and programs
- Research, prepare and present written and oral arguments before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Adjudication Officers in Seattle
- Participate in 12 annual District conferences, annual Department Mid-Winter conference, annual Department convention, annual National convention, National training seminars and other meetings/conferences throughout the state and nation
- Develop and manage the veterans’ service officer training program
- Act as the Department Commander’s representative to the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
- Oversee Washington State contracts with the Service Division of The American Legion Department of Washington
- Oversee all other contracts between other agencies and the Service Division of The American Legion Department of Washington
Desirable Qualifications:
The successful applicant will possess the knowledge, skills and abilities gained though education and experience to excel in the areas of program administration, personnel supervision, management and budget planning and oversight. Training pertaining to VA case law and VA benefits programs will be provided. The candidate should possess the following attributes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
- Strong leadership abilities
- Ability to apply quality standards effectively
- Ability to prepare and administer budgets
- Excellent presentation skills
- Experienced with common word processing, spreadsheet and presentation computer programs including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with executive managers
How to Apply:
Mail, FAX or email resume and letter of interest to The American Legion Department of Washington, PO Box 3917, Lacey, WA 98509-3917; FAX (360) 491-7442 or adjutant@walegion.org.
Final Date to Apply:
Resumes must be received at the Department of Washington office no later than September 20, 2019.
Special Notes:
- This is a salaried position that may require occasional work beyond normal office hours and on weekends.
- Travel by airplane and automobile is required to fulfill the requirements of this position.
- The incumbent serves at the direction of the Department of Washington State Commander
Selection Process:
The Department Commander has appointed a selection committee to review the résumés, select applicants for interview and conduct the interviews of the candidates. Initial interviews will be conducted in Lacey, WA with subsequent interviews in Seattle, WA, as required.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $45,000- $55,000. Benefits include 401K retirement plan and paid vacation and sick leave. Health, dental and life insurance is available with employee contribution.
Veterans Preference:
Only wartime era veterans eligible for membership in The American Legion can be considered for this position. The American Legion is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports diversity in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and persons over 40 years of age are also encouraged to apply.
FAQs about the change from ‘wives’ to ‘spouses’ in the Legion’s Constitution
By The American Legion Auxiliary, August 31, 2019
The American Legion Constitution and Bylaws has been updated to replace the word “wife” with “spouse,” related to the membership criteria for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). To understand more about the legal background, check with an expert like Bob Bratt.
Here are some common questions and answers to what this means going forward:
Question: Why change ALA membership eligibility?
Answer: In 1920, veterans were almost 100 percent male so the ALA was formed as the organization for the spouses of the veteran — those spouses just happened to be women.
Today, an estimated 16 percent of enlisted people and 18 percent of officers are women, who may be married to a non-veteran. To keep the ALA as the organization that supports spouses of the veteran, we need to change the ALA’s definition from wives to spouses, thereby updating the organization to represent the changing makeup of the military.
Q: How can this change help ALA membership?
A: Think about female spouses who are alone as their husband is deployed. They have the ALA to lean on. Who can the male spouse rely on? With this eligibility change, now male spouses who are ALA members can receive the same support while their wives are deployed.
Q: Would this change need to be approved by Congress?
A: No, because the American Legion Auxiliary is not chartered by Congress. The American Legion, which was chartered by Congress, created the ALA. The Legion approved the ALA to operate as a separate corporation; however, The American Legion has always set the eligibility requirements of the ALA in their bylaws.
Q: What about the previous communications issued by former ALA leadership claiming this change could not happen? Why is that information inaccurate?
A: Previously released messaging could have been interpreted by members to mean ALA needs congressional approval for this change to happen. That information is inaccurate. The American Legion Auxiliary is not chartered by Congress.
Q: ALA refers to itself as the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. How can we allow men to join?
A: Now that the resolution has been adopted by The American Legion, the Auxiliary will no longer call itself the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization.
Q: How would this change affect the American Legion Auxiliary membership application or signing up new members?
A: We anticipate taking applications on Sept. 1.
Legion updates Auxiliary eligibility criteria from ‘wives’ to ‘spouses’
National, Henry Howard, Aug 31, 2019
During The American Legion’s 101st National Convention, delegates approved changes to the Constitution and Bylaws to replace the word “wife” with “spouse,” related to the membership criteria for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA).
The American Legion, which was chartered by Congress, created the ALA. For that reason, the ALA operates as a separate corporation and does not need congressional approval for an eligibility change. The American Legion’s bylaws have always set the eligibility requirements of the ALA.
“We are happy to welcome eligible male spouses of veterans and servicemembers to the American Legion Family,” ALA National President Nicole Clapp said. “This is consistent with our longstanding legacy of embracing military families and supporting them any way we can.”
The ALA expects to begin taking applications for new potential members Sept. 1.
The change to Article XIII now reads as such:
The American Legion recognizes an auxiliary organization, known as The American Legion Auxiliary.
Membership in The American Legion Auxiliary shall be limited to the:
(1) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion; and
(2) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who served in either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918, and any time after December 7, 1941, who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge;
(3) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941 who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and
(4) to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
John Michael “Mike” Addis
UPDATE: Funeral Services for Mike Addis, Past Department Sargent at Arms, Past Asst. Department Judge Advocate, Past Central Area Commander,Past District 16 Commander, and Past Post Commander of Post 252, Seminole will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Service will commence at 11 am with a celebration of life to follow at American Legion Post 104, Pinellas Park. Mike was not only a staunch supporter of the 4 Pillars of the American Legion but a mentor to many that took positions within the American Legion. Please attend if possible.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John Michael “Mike” Addis, of Seminole, FL on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the age of 75. Mike is survived by his wife, Caron, and a brother, Pat. 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.
Mike was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Pinellas Park Post 104.
Mike joined The American Legion in 1969 in his hometown Galesburg, Illinois. He served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. Mike served as Post Commander (2005-08); 16th District Commander (2007-08); Department Americanism Chairman (2008-09); Central Area Commander (2009-10); Department Sgt-at-Arms (2009-11); Department Blood Donor Chairman (2011-12); Department Finance Committee (2018-19). On a National level, Mike, served on the Foreign Relations Council (2009-12); National Security Council (2014-16); Veteran Affairs & Rehab Council (2016-18); Legislative Council (2016-19); and Marketing Commission (2018-19).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Caron, at 11372 75th Ave., Seminole, FL 33772.
Weekly Reports – August 4, 2019
Weekly Reports – August 29, 2019
Weekly Reports – August 23, 2019
Legion to Congress: ‘Fix the Gold Star Kiddie Tax!’
INDIANAPOLIS,( August 19, 2019)—The head of The American Legion called on Congress to address a tax that unfairly penalizes Gold Star families once lawmakers return to Washington.
“There is a real problem with this provision of the tax reform but the Senate and the House already passed different solutions to fix it,” National Commander Brett P. Reistad said of the measure. “For many Gold Star family members the tax penalty has become unbearable. In some cases the taxes on the survivor’s benefits received after a military member’s death have increased from $1,000 a year in 2018 to nearly $4,500 in 2019. It re-defines certain benefits for children as ‘unearned income,’ subjecting them to higher rates. Increasing the tax burden on these families who lost a loved one is unconscionable.”
The law, which is often referred to as “the kiddie tax,” increases the marginal tax rate for some to as much as 37 percent.
“It’s outrageous to hammer these families with such an unjust tax hike. Haven’t they already sacrificed enough? How can a family plan its financial future for such things as rent, food or the basic necessities of life when the tax rate on the important benefits they received is held up in limbo? In addition to the ‘kiddie tax,’ there is a ‘widow’s tax’ that The American Legion has long opposed.” Reistad said. “The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act includes the elimination of the widow’s tax and The American Legion has called on the Senate conferees to adopt the same language and pass it as part of the budget deal as soon as they return from recess.”
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 Veteran Day.
Weekly Reports – August 15, 2019
Weekly Reports – August 9, 2019
Legion Commander on Shootings: Evil Will Not Triumph
(INDIANAPOLIS, August 5, 2019) — The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization issued the following statement in response to the recent mass shootings:
“From Gilroy, California to El Paso, Texas to Dayton, Ohio – there are just no words to fully express the outrage that The American Legion feels toward the perpetrators of these horrific acts, which is only outweighed by the compassion and sorrow that we feel for the families impacted,” National Commander Brett P. Reistad said. “There are no simple solutions that will totally stop such atrocities from occurring. But we must put politics aside and prioritize civility. We must open our minds and consider ideas that will make our communities safer. Veterans didn’t fight in wars abroad only to witness carnage at home. Support the first responders and donate blood. Express your concerns to authorities when you see troubling behavior that could develop into something worse. Above all, love thy neighbor. Evil will not triumph.”
Weekly Reports – August 2, 2019
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Florida Tax Free Holiday
Save with no sales tax and free shipping.
Florida’s Tax Free Weekend starts tomorrow, August 2nd, and ends Tuesday, August 6th. The American Legion, Department of Florida’s online Flag & Emblem store is happy to participate in this great cost savings for our veterans and supporters.
As an added bonus, we are offering FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING during this event as well! Just enter the code SHIPFREE at checkout.
Only select items are available tax free, per state tax guidelines. This will be a great time to save when ordering your 2019-2020 Commander’s polos and other apparel.
Plan to order for your tax exempt Post or Business? Create your account on our online store, and then email your tax exempt status form, along with the email you registered with, to emblemsales@floridalegion.org and we will update your account to tax exempt for all your current and future orders.
100% of our net profits benefit The American Legion, Department of Florida and Programs.
OBJECTIVE: ORLANDO
Department Commander Rick Johnson has implemented “OBJECTIVE: ORLANDO” for all Area and District Commanders.
Each Area/District Commander must first recruit 3 new members to move their tank from the Brigade Support Area into position on the battle map.
As the Area/District Commanders reach their membership goals, their tank will advance closer to Orlando. If the Area/District fails to meet their membership goal, they will be moved to the Maintenance Area for support. Once back on track, they may resume their position.
Bragging rights to the first Area/District Commander to complete OBJECTIVE: ORLANDO.
The American Legion Welcomes President’s Signing of LEGION Act
President Donald J. Trump signs S. 504, the Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service (LEGION) Act Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour
(INDIANAPOLIS, July 30, 2019) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will recognize veterans who served during periods not previously considered “wartime.”
The Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act (LEGION Act) opens the door for millions of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act in the White House today – just one week after it passed the House of Representatives,” National Commander Brett P. Reistad said. “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing millions of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country.”
The gaps in the war eras were largely during the Cold War, a time when threats to U.S. national security was real, especially to the men and women serving in uniform. Overall, about 1,600 U.S. servicemembers were killed or wounded in hostile operations during periods that were not previously recognized as times of war by the federal government.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”
Reistad points out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. “In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”
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.