The Florida Department headquarters recently received an intriguing letter from someone claiming to be “Santa Claus” just before the Thanksgiving Holiday. We all assumed, “This must be some kind of joke”. Even Commander Steve Shuga was interrogated with accusations of “office mischief”.
The letter read as follows:
“Dear Florida Legion Headquarters’ Staff,
Greetings from the North Pole, I hope this letter finds you all well and in good spirits. I have watched you all year long as you work diligently, serving our veterans and their families, juggling many responsibilities and putting in long hours.
This year I have made the decision to send one of my scout elves to spend the Holiday Season with you. Luther, will arrive on December 1st to bring Christmas Magic back to the Department Headquarters.
Normally, my scout elves are assigned to report whether you are naughty or nice. However, Luther is an old spirit who has been known to be a little mischievous himself. It is up to you to keep him in line. Don’t be surprised if a few of his fellow comrades drop in for a visit from time to time.
Luther is a very special elf, as he is a Veteran himself. He is excited to learn more about the great work you all do at The American Legion, Department of Florida. During his stay he would love to sit down with the Queen herself, and become a member of Post 208. He is honored to meet you all.
Before he departs for the North Pole, I have a very special request to ask of you. Please send a staff photo with Luther and Comrades, so that I can frame it for my mantle as a shining example of those on my “nicest” list.
God Bless each of you and your families this Holiday Season!
Yours Truly, Santa Claus“
We’ve all waited patiently to see what events would transpire this first day of December! OH BOY, were we shocked!!! It’s all true, the Christmas Magic has definitely returned to Department Headquarters! Luther did appear today, right in the middle of Commander Steve Shuga’s podcast! What a riot that little elf is! He has us rolling with laughter and feeling the “spirit”. Oh, and the Commander has some important information to share with you too! Make sure to check out his podcast in the video below.
We want to share the magic, so each day we will posts snapshots on our Facebook page. Make sure you follow us at: facebook.com/floridalegion!
To my fellow Legionnaires and Legion Family members in the Department of FLORIDA:
There are many ways to demonstrate compassion for veterans, but at the top of the list is caring for their families. It is why President Lincoln included widows and orphans in his famous pledge to veterans and it’s why I chose Family First as the theme for my year as national commander.
A recent White House proclamation called it “our patriotic duty” to honor veterans and military families. The American Legion wholeheartedly agrees. It is demonstrated in all 55 departments of our organization every time we award a temporary financial assistance grant, an American Legion Legacy Scholarship or answer a call from our Family Support Network. It is demonstrated every time an American Legion service officer helps a veteran access the VA health care system, which can ease the burden of expensive medical costs that so many families face today.
As the first national commander who also belongs to the American Legion Auxiliary, I am also blessed to have an immediate family that includes Sons of the American Legion members and Legionnaires. My home department of Wisconsin is also the birthplace of a company called Harley Davison, a brand that holds special significance among many of our American Legion Riders. My point is that every component of our American Legion Family is important, just as every relative in our immediate family is important.
We have had some outstanding legislative accomplishments in 2017, including the signing of the Veterans Appeals Modernization Act by President Trump on the stage of our national convention and the passage of The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. This would not have been possible without the hard work of American Legion Family members who contacted their senators and representatives and asked them to do the right thing.
Numbers equal influence, which is why it is so essential that we recruit, renew and revitalize all of our American Legion components to include posts, units, squadrons and Riders chapters. Reconnect with our active-duty, reserve and Guard units by supporting Family Readiness Groups and letting them know that they are all valued by our American Legion Family.
We have outstanding programs and I am asking for your support in raising money to provide training for our outstanding corps of service officers and temporary financial assistance for children in need.
I thank you for your service as military veterans, as Legionnaires and as members of the Legion Family. Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable conference.
For God and Country, Denise H. Rohan
National Commander
At the Fall meetings of the National Executive Committee on October 11-12, 2017, the NEC voted to approve Resolution No. 8 Restructure of Temporary Financial Assistance Policy. The primary changes as a result of that TFA policy restructure include:
• A single onetime non-repayable Temporary Financial Assistance grant of up to $1,500 will be permitted in accordance with the conditions set forth in Exhibit A for the minor child(ren) of a qualifying veteran
• A qualifying veteran is defined as a member of the United States Armed Forces serving on federal orders current under Title 10 of the United States Code, inclusive of all components, or any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in The American Legion
• Formal documentation is required as part of the Temporary Financial Assistance investigation process and application packet for verification that all other forms of financial assistance available have been sought and applied for, or have already been denied
• Annual cumulative expenditure of Temporary Financial Assistance grants may not exceed $700,000 without prior approval of each chairman of the Americanism and Finance Commissions and the national commander
Please see the attached resolution for the restructure of the temporary financial assistance statement of policy and the updated temporary financial assistance application.
Although this new policy restructure became effective immediately upon approval of this resolution, it is recognized there may be TFA investigations/applications that were in progress prior to its passage. To help accommodate this transition, applications currently in progress will be processed in accordance with previous TFA policy, and those cases recommending that a TFA cash grant be issued from national headquarters should be received by this office no later than November 1, 2017. Those TFA investigations which begin on or after November 1, 2017 will be processed in accordance with the newly restructured policy Resolution No. 8 of the National Executive Committee, October 2017.
The Traveling Vietnam Wall will be traveling to the small community of Fort Meade the subject date sponsored by the Ft Meade VFW Post 11179, American Legion Post 23. The various Veterans organizations within the area will provide a motorcycle escort of the wall from Lake Wales to Fort Meade on November the 8th.
The opening ceremony is on November the 9th at 5:00 p.m. with the Wall to continue to be placed until Monday November the 12th when it will be disassembled and will go onto its next destination.
On the 11th, Post 23 is sponsoring a Spaghetti dinner at 5:00 p.m. in their building for
Veterans and visitors. The dinner will be provided at no cost to Veterans, and others are asked to donate $5.00 per person.
Portable restrooms will be available. The Post will be closed, except for the dinner. No alcohol will be allowed.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 11179, Point of Contact is Herman Fisher at
863-512-6109. The American Legion, Post 23 is where the Wall will be placed.
It is the request of both organizations that we ask for your assistance in getting the word out about this event by posting the attached flier and sponsorship form on the Department events web site.
Also, please note in the posting, they are looking for volunteers who will help erect the wall, set up for the opening ceremony, and perform other duties as needed.
You are welcome to come join us for this event.
The Orlando-Sanford Airport is preparing to unveil a refurbished airplane. They are desperately seeking someone who has flown the plane to attend their event.
The PV-Ventura was used in the WW2 European theater by the Army Air Corps or Navy or the Royal Air Force. Other versions of the plane would have been the B-34 Lexington, B-37, or Navy’s PV-2 Harpoon for submarine search/bombing.
If you or someone you know has flown this plane, please contact Dept Assistant Adjutant, Bruce Comer at 407-295-2631 or bcomer@floridalegion.org.
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott has signed the Gold Star Family Day in Florida Proclamation, recognizing the heartfelt sacrifices Gold Star Family members have experienced through the years. Sept. 24 is Gold Star Family Day in Florida.
September 20, 2017 ~The American Legion, Department of Florida and Florida Posts have been hard at work, delivering goods and lending a helping hand to their communities and the hardest hit areas in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Commander Steve Shuga has worked with Disaster Preparedness Chair, Bill Hoppner and Vice Commanders to assess, organize and implement hurricane relief across the state.
This past week, our comrades from The American Legion, Department of Indiana sent a semi packed with bottled water, non-perishables and many needed items, along with a check for $16,057 for additional relief efforts. The semi arrived Thursday, September 14, and the Department of Florida staff and volunteers quickly unloaded and sorted goods for immediate distribution. Before the day’s end, trucks and trailers were loaded and headed to several areas of need.
Commander Steve Shuga, Adjutant Mike McDaniel, Bill Hoppner, Chaplain Barry Roberts, and others have traveled from Jacksonville Beaches to Lake City, Orlando, Palm Bay, Arcadia, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Homestead, Okeechobee, Key Largo and Marathon delivering goods to those in need.
Florida Posts reached out to other states with requests for aid, and have been blessed with an abundance of provisions. Department Headquarters has served as an emergency assistance command center and has coordinated external support from Indiana, South Dakota, Maine, Delaware, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Texas and Virginia. Responses from these states and others have been flooding in, with provisions being directed to Posts serving as distribution centers. Supplies are being dispersed with aid from trucking companies, air support, and volunteers shuffling their personal trucks and trailers around the state.
Our comrades from Damariscotta, Maine Post 42 have also sent a fully loaded 53’ semi to Florida. Commander Shuga, Bill Hoppner, Barry Roberts, and Detachment Commander Bernie Wildrick joined the semi, with their own trucks and trailers loaded, in a convoy destined for Marathon Key Post 154 Wednesday, September 20. Supplies include over 900 meals, water, bug spray, yard tools, tarps, gloves and much more. As many of you know, the Florida Keys were one of the most devastated areas in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Access to the Keys, has just been made available, and the team is on the way.
The entire Legion Family and volunteers, across the country, have spent countless hours gathering and dispersing supplies. Thousands have been helped and it is our hopes to help thousands more.
From our Department Commander, Steve Shuga, “Thank you to our American Legion family, our veteran organizations, our local, state, and federal government, police, fire, first responders, hospital staffs, power companies, cable companies, our military forces, the vast amount of hurricane relief agencies, private companies and organizations that provided aid and relief from the beginning and continue to support those still in need. We pray that your all protected and remain safe as you continue your work helping Florida return to normality.”
Relief efforts continue, as our foundation never faltered, relying on the four pillars of The American Legion: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children & Youth. We thank all who have participated, we are making a difference.
Hurricane Irma will surely be one for the history books, 70,000 square miles of area impacted, with sustained wind speeds up to 185 mph, a storm larger than the entire state of Florida. Years from now we will read about the devastation it dealt Florida and our neighbors to the South and North. Homes, communities, whole cities left in ruins. More than 6.5 million American citizens returned to the “dark ages” for days, weeks in some areas. Our families, neighbors, comrades praying for just the very basic necessities: shelter, food and water. Many areas have limited fuel leaving thousands trapped, with nowhere and no way to escape before or after the storm. Thousands more waiting just to return to see if they even have a home to return to. Hurricane Irma has claimed 69 souls, 26 in Florida alone.
The statistics of Hurricane Irma are staggering. Every single Floridian has been affected or will be affected by the aftermath of this historic storm. Many will tell this story, but this is not the only story to be told.
United We Stand
Across the entire country, we are showing the world that we are not divided, we are united, we are the UNITED States of America. Our brothers and sisters are sending their thoughts, prayers, time, supplies, and hard-earned money, all of which hold great value in a time of need. People of this great nation are coming together to take care of each other, regardless of political views, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. This is the type of Americanism that The American Legion strives to promote, in fact it is a pillar of our foundation.
The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to be an integral part of this nationwide organization, this family of veterans and their families, who are continuing to serve and promote the values for which they have fought. If Hurricane Irma has taught us anything, it is these values, for which we stand, are the most important resources we possess. It’s our perseverance, our service, our gratitude, our compassion that will see us through.
The American Legion, Department of Florida Lights Out
The Department of Florida Headquarters was blessed to have only sustained minimal damage, however we are still without power. Our staff members, were also blessed to have only minimal damage to their homes, and only a few staff members remain without power. Our Headquarters office is open with limited resources. Much of our staff working remotely. Phone extensions will be forwarded to appropriate staff members and calls will be returned in order of voicemails received over the past week. Your patience is appreciated during this time. Once power has been restored, we will return to our regular hours and resume normal business. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have an estimation of when that will be. ***UPDATE: Power has been restored, and we will resume normal business hours Monday, September 18, 2017.
Florida Relief Efforts
Department Commander Steve Shuga and Disaster Preparedness Chair, Bill Hoppner have been working around the clock to organize relief efforts among our Legion family. They have been contacted by other Departments and many posts, offering aid. Many legionnaires and Posts have also reached out expressing great need.
Thursday, September 14, Department of Florida Staff and a few legionnaires met at headquarters to receive a 53’ semi-trailer of goods from the Department of Indiana. The truck contained several pallets of water, personal hygiene items, infant items, paper goods, non-perishable foods and much more. We are truly grateful to the Department of Indiana for such a blessing in our time of need. Not only did they bring needed supplies, but they also presented a check in the amount of $16,057 for additional supplies and aid. Transportation of these items were provided by Indiana’s Teamsters 135, driven by Teamster Rick Smith. The Department of Indiana’s Communications Director, Tim Sproles and representatives from National also made the journey and pitched in to unload and sort items, as well as help spread the word for need. Items provided by the Department of Indiana were quickly unloaded, sorted, re-loaded and more than half is already on its way to two hard hit areas in Homestead and Lehigh Acres.
A Call to Action
A second truck of goods is expected from Maine next week. Commander Steve Shuga is asking for volunteers to help with disbursement of these goods, and operational posts who are centrally located to consider establishing your posts as a distribution point for supplies coming in. Once distribution posts are established, they will be announced and begin accepting additional donated items.
The Department of Florida will be collecting donations of the following items:
Goods will be temporarily accepted through the Department of Florida Headquarters, then distributed and collected at designated American Legion Posts throughout the State of Florida. Please make arrangements with Commander Steve Shuga, commander@floridalegion.org, before dropping off goods to ensure someone will be there to receive you. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Commander Steve Shuga, commander@floridalegion.org.
Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated to help purchase additional needed goods, transport goods throughout the state, and aid Posts with relief efforts. Please visit our website, www.floridalegion.org, to make a donation or send checks to:
The American Legion Department of Florida
Hurricane Relief
1912A Lee Rd
Orlando, FL 32810
Emergency Assistance Available
If you are a Legionnaire, Sons of the American Legion member, Auxiliary member, veteran or active-duty, you may qualify for Emergency Assistance through one of four programs: National Emergency Fund, The American Legion Department of Florida: Hurricane Relief, PROJECT: VetRelief, or Auxiliary Emergency Fund. Details about each of these programs can be found on our department website at www.floridalegion.org.
Together We Are Stronger
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected. Together, united, we will overcome, we will rebuild, “that which does not break us will make us stronger”.
Orlando VA to Cancel Sept. 8 Appointments for Daytona Beach, Viera clinics; Close all Clinics Sept. 9 – 11
ORLANDO, Fla. – Due to Hurricane Irma, the Orlando VA Medical Center (VAMC) is cancelling all scheduled appointments for its outpatient clinics in Viera and Daytona Beach on Friday, Sept. 8. Please note, however, these outpatient clinics will remain open Sept. 8 for walk-in care only.
All other clinics, including Lake Baldwin, Lake Nona, Orange City, Clermont, Tavares, and Kissimmee, will be open on Friday, Sept. 8, for scheduled appointments and walk-ins.
All Orlando VAMC clinics will be closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, Sept. 9, 10, and 11.
Veterans needing emergency medical services may visit the Orlando VAMC’s Urgent Care facility at 13800 Veterans Way in Lake Nona. The medical center is scheduled to remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the storm period.
Also, Veterans, their beneficiaries and caregivers may contact the VA’s Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571, regarding VA health benefits, eligibility, billing and pharmacy-related inquiries, during the storm period.
Beginning on Saturday, September 9, the VA will enact the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan for Orlando and other areas affected by the hurricane. Veterans needing an emergency supply of medications will be able to go to any retail pharmacy open to the public, with a written prescription or active VA prescription bottle, that is not older than 6 months and has active refills available. Veterans can receive at least a 10-day supply of medications under this plan. Please note that controlled substances are not included in this plan and Veterans must present a valid VA ID Card when requesting medications. This service is planned to conclude on Wednesday, September 13.
For more information, contact the Orlando VAMC Public Affairs Office at (407) 631-4436, or via e-mail at vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov.
The window is closing for hurricane Irma preparation. The time to prepare is now.
I have been monitoring Facebook, and many of you are working hard getting prepared and sharing your inputs with others, this is great .
Governor Scott has addressed how devastating this storm will be. I just want to reinforce his statements. If you live in a evacuation area please leave before its too late.
Situation Update – Miami VA Healthcare System 09/06/2017 04:47 PM EDT
The Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline: 1 800 507 4571
Miami VA Healthcare System Status: The Key West VA Outpatient Clinic and Key Largo VA Clinic are closed through Monday, Sept. 11. The Homestead VA Clinic will be closing Thursday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. At noon on Friday, Sept. 8, the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center and all satellite clinics will close for scheduled and walk-in appointments through Monday. This includes the Homestead, Flagler St., Pembroke Pines, William “Bill” Kling and Deerfield Beach locations.
REMDINER: The Miami VA Healthcare System is not a hurricane shelter. This includes the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center and all its satellite clinics.FACILITY STATUS:
Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center – Open; All scheduled surgical and outpatient procedures on Friday, Sept. 8 are being cancelled and rescheduled.
Key West – Closed through Monday, Sept. 11
Sunrise – Open; Normal Operations
Deerfield Beach –Open; Normal Operations
Hollywood – Open; Normal Operations
Homestead – Open; Normal Operations
Key Largo – Closed through Monday, Sept. 11
Pembroke Pines – Open; Normal Operations
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans – Open; Normal Operations
VET CENTERS:
Fort Lauderdale – Open; Normal Operations
Key Largo – Open; Normal Operations
Miami – Open; Normal Operations
PATIENT STATUS: Patients with scheduled appointments at the Key West VA Outpatient Clinic and Key Largo VA Clinic are being contacted to reschedule. Further, all surgical and outpatient procedures such as colonoscopies are being cancelled on Friday, Sept. 8. Patients are being contacted to have their procedures rescheduled. Scheduled patient appointments at the medical center and outpatient clinics, except for those just listed, will continue as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the status of the storm and update closures as needed. In the event of an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.
EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTION REFILLS FOR VETERANS: The Outpatient Pharmacy at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The William “Bill” Kling VA Clinic (Broward) outpatient pharmacy is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. VA has activated the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan for Miami, Orlando, San Juan, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Eligible Veterans with a VA ID Card needing emergency supply of medications will be able to go to any retail pharmacy open to the public with a written prescription or active VA prescription bottle (not older than 6 months and with refills available) to receive at least a 10 day supply. Note: This does not include controlled substances. Patients must present a valid VA ID Card.
If a Veteran is displaced, and has lost their medication and no longer has a written prescription or bottle, they can contact the Health Resources Center Disaster Hotline at 1 800 507 4571 to speak with a representative. The representative will qualify the request by asking a few questions and provide the Veteran with their prescription number.
The Miami VAHS Pharmacy phone number is 305-575-3376.
SHELTER INFORMATION: The Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in downtown Miami IS NOT a shelter. For evacuation and shelter information, please visit the websites below.
Sign up for automatic email updates by filling in your email address in the ‘Emergency Email Updates’ section located at the top right corner of this page.
You may also check the Miami VA Healthcare System social media accounts on Facebook* and Twitter* for the latest information about operating status.
Employees should visit the Work Status for Employees page for more information.
Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
Visit ready.gov* to learn about disaster preparedness kits, family emergency plans, and more. Florida State Hurricane information can be found at www.floridadisaster.org*.
*External Link Disclaimer: By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.
American Legion Post 117 – Palm Bay, FL Post 117 is loading a trailer bound for Texas on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 . They have been communicating with Department of Texas Adjutant, Bill West, to arrange for a drop off at a Texas Post where need is great.
They are accepting donations of water, items for children and cash for fuel and additional supplies. They are hoping to fill one or two trailers. Please help spread the word.
Please drop off items at:
American Legion Post 117
117 Veterans Dr SE # 189
Palm Bay, FL 32909
Walgreens will again be offering flu shots to the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients. As a summary:
National Partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Walgreens to vaccinate VA patients
Fifth year of delivering flu shots to VA patients
VA patient can walk into most Walgreens pharmacies and present the voucher or present with their VA ID card and additional photo ID and receive a flu shot at no cost.
Quadrivalent only. (noted on voucher)
Available at Walgreens 8200+ locations
VA patient’s clinical record is electronically updated by Walgreens – no paperwork to take to the VA
Patient may print and bring completed Voucher (see 2017 voucher below) to Walgreens, along with his/her VA identification card and additional photo ID.
Patient provides his/her Social Security Number
Walgreens administers flu shot and system updates patient’s VA clinical record
Below is a flyer that you can post or send out to remind VA patients that flu shots are available to them at Walgreens. Walgreens knows convenience is important, and has over 8200+ stores where they can get their flu shots.
Walgreens would also be happy to potentially do “onsite flu clinics” at a large meeting event you may be having and do free blood pressure checks too. If you have any local meetings where it make sense to have Walgreens attend, please contact Jeannine Scheffler at Jeannine.scheffler@walgreens.com.
Note: Walgreens is also now in the Tricare network and can provide flu shots under the Tricare benefit.
Bruce Carlson, AARP Washington ~ The bad guys deliberately call retired soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, pretending to be old friends, offering “sure thing” investments, finding ways to steal their money. The data says it all: One in three victims of investment fraud in America are military veterans, a recent AARP study found. And the situation is only getting worse: There’s been a 65% increase in fraud complaints from vets over the past five years, notes the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel.
Now it’s time for each of us to stand up on behalf of veterans. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is launching a campaign to protect veterans from scams. The goal: engage thousands of people like you to watch for suspicious solicitations that target military veterans. Your reports will be used to build tools and methods to protect veterans from the latest scams.
WE NEED YOU! To participate, simply look for suspicious emails, phone calls or traditional mail that target veterans and REPORT IT! Below are some examples of veterans scams that we have heard about:
The Update Your Military File scam: A caller claims to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs and asks to “update” your information, but really is hoping to get personal information to be used to steal your credit.
The Cash for Benefits scam: Scammers target veterans in need of money by offering cash in exchange for their future disability or pension payments. These buyouts are typically a fraction of the value of the benefit.
Charity scams: A caller claims to be raising money for disabled veterans or veterans with cancer or a similar sounding name. But often, the so-called charity is not registered with the government and/or uses most of the money to raise more funds and pay their salaries.
VA Loan Modification scam: The scammers contact military families offering to help refinance their VA loans and then ask for upfront fees. They never provide the promised loan.
You don’t need to have absolute proof that an offer is fraud to report it. If you see something suspicious, send us an email describing the potential scam to protectveterans@aarp.org. You can also take a picture of the potential scam mailing or email with your smart phone and email it to the same address: protectveterans@aarp.org. Or simply call 1 855-800-9023 and leave a detailed message. Your reports will be held in confidence by AARP and will be used for consumer education purposes only. Your name will not be made public.
Thank you for helping us protect the veterans who have protected us so admirably.
The American Legion Post 117 is sending a trailer full of water to Texas to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Trailer leaves when its full or by Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
They are requesting bottled water to be dropped off at:
American Legion Post 117
189 Veterans Drive
Palm Bay, FL 2909
For additional details, please contact the post directly, 321-729-8089.
Audio Visual Nation provides labor for corporate conventions (audio, video, lighting, scenic and staging). We are reaching out to our hero’s that served in our armed forces. We will be conducting interviews on September 1, 2017. We would like the people that are attending these interviews to send us an e-mail at mark@audiovisualnation.com with your name and phone number so we can call and set a time for your interview. Please bring a resume if you have one. No experience necessary. The pay scale is $15 an hour and up depending on experience.
Thank you for your service!
Mark Chrissoverges
Audio Visual Nation
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 152 presented Honor Flight of West Central Florida a Check for $7,019.25.
Pictured from Left to right, Patrick Maguire, Elaine Maguire, Peter Frey, Bev Frey, Michael (Cowboy) Vaughn.
On July 22, 2017 SAL Commander Michael Vaughn presented a check to Beverly and Peter Frey for $7019.25 for Honor Flight of West Central Florida. The funds were proceeds of a golf tournament, put together by Patrick and Elaine Maguire and crew.
Patrick and Elaine are huge supporters of veterans and specifically Honor Flight. This was the 4th annual golf tournament sponsored by Patrick and Elaine.
Their goal this year was to beat the nearly $5,000 in proceeds last year. Thanks to Patrick and Elaine for a job well done again!
President Trump signed legislation Wednesday at The American Legion’s National Convention that will go a long way toward fixing the beleaguered VA appeals process.
“To fulfill our patriotic duties, we must take care of our great veterans,” Trump told about 9,000 American Legion members at the second day of the general session in Reno, Nev. “One year ago at this gathering, I promised you that I would make it my priority to fix the broken VA system and deliver to our veterans the care they so richly deserve.”
The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 creates three appeals “lanes.” Veterans would choose the one that best suits his or her needs. The three lanes will be:
• Local Higher Level Review Lane in which an adjudicator reviews the same evidence considered by the original claims processor.
• New Evidence Lane in which the veteran could submit new evidence for review and have a hearing.
• Board Lane in which jurisdiction for the appeal would transfer immediately to the Board of Veterans Appeals.
“I want to thank The American Legion for getting this done,” the president said. “It’s something they’ve been trying to get done for 40 years. And we’ve passed VA accountability legislation. The Legion has a lot of power and they use it well.”
The law’s impact will be felt for a long time. “No longer will veterans be waiting to get their appeals heard,” Trump said. “And they will get decisions much more quickly in a faction of the time.” To understand how can this affect you or your business, check with an expert in legal matters like Bob Bratt.
As of last spring, more than 470,000 appeals of claims decisions were pending. The average wait time for these appeals to be fully adjudicated is five years. If nothing changes, by 2027 veterans will wait an average of 10 years to get a decision.
The bipartisan bill, H.R. 2288, was crafted with much input from The American Legion. It is expected to shorten the average wait time for final appeal decisions from five years to 125 days.
American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt welcomed the news.
“Today’s signing is a major victory for America’s veterans,” Schmidt said. “I can think of no better place for the president to sign this bill than at the national convention of America’s largest and most influential veterans service organization. The legislation is a simple, fair and appropriate way to ensure that our nation’s veterans — and their families — receive their earned benefits in a timely and efficient manner.”
During his speech to The American Legion, Trump also addressed other key issues:
• Patriotism: “The American Legion embodies the spirit of patriotism. That is the true source of our strength and the hope for our future. You cherish our values and you defend our great American flag.”
•American flag: “It is time to heal the wounds that have divided us, and to seek a new unity based on the common values that unite us. We are one people, with one home, and one flag,”
• Infrastructure: “We don’t have to be content with a dilapidated road system with crumbling buildings or rusted out factories. We can build gleaming new highways and state-of-the-art manufacturing and modern works of wonder. And we can do it all with American workers and American iron, aluminum and steel.”
• Young people: “Every veteran here today is part of a long, unbroken chain of American heroes. We salute your service. The American Legion not only teaches history, you help keep history alive. You teach young Americans to have pride in our history so that they will have confidence in our future, history and culture. For generations now, The American Legion has taught young people the principles of America. You’ve emphasized the need to preserve the nation’s cultural, moral and patriotic values. You encourage the observation of patriotic holidays. You stress the need to enforce our laws, including our immigration laws drafted by our fabogados de inmigracion florida.”
• Newly signed Harry Colmery GI Bill: “Under this legislation, veterans can use their GI Bill at any point in their lifetimes.”
• Recent violence: “We will never tolerate crime in our cities, bloodshed in our communities, or acts of hatred or terrorism against our citizens. We will always support our great law enforcement personnel.”
• Defense spending: “We are committed to expanding and improving our missile defense systems to shoot down missiles in flight. We are getting better and better at it. We will develop better surveillance and long-strike capabilities to prevent our enemies from launching them in the first place.”
Trump also noted positive gains in the war on terrorism, while noting that more work needs to be done to prevent Islamic State and other organizations from using the Internet as a recruiting tool. “We will pursue an honorable outcome in Afghanistan,” Trump said. “Our troops have already made a tremendous sacrifice. We will give the men and women in uniform the tools they need and the trust they have earned to fight and to win.”
“Dear Florida Legion Headquarters’ Staff,
The Traveling Vietnam Wall will be traveling to the small community of Fort Meade the subject date sponsored by the Ft Meade VFW Post 11179, American Legion Post 23. The various Veterans organizations within the area will provide a motorcycle escort of the wall from Lake Wales to Fort Meade on November the 8th.
United We Stand
Orlando VA to Cancel Sept. 8 Appointments for Daytona Beach, Viera clinics; Close all Clinics Sept. 9 – 11
The window is closing for hurricane Irma preparation. The time to prepare is now.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS
National Partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Walgreens to vaccinate VA patients
