Children & Youth Golf Tournament
Women Represent
Women represent 15% of U.S. Active-Duty Forces and 2.1 million American Veterans. We, The American Legion, represent women.
Help The American Legion represent you by taking our women veterans survey by August 18, 2016.
Results will be shared with Congress, VA and others who can address issues facing women veterans.
Rubio Introduces Revised Veterans Affairs Reform Legislation
Washington, D.C.– 07/13/16 – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced the “VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016,” a bill that would strengthen protections for whistleblowers and increase flexibility to remove VA employees for poor performance or misconduct. The bill would also reform the department’s disability benefits appeals process, which is a top priority for VA leaders and many veterans’ service organizations. Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Jeff Miller (R-FL-01), introduced the companion bill (H.R. 5620) in the House.
“For far too long, veterans have been victims of a broken and incompetent VA system,” said Rubio. “To make real progress in fixing the VA, we need to tackle the first problem plaguing the VA, which is the lack of accountability among employees. It is simply unacceptable that it can take years to fire one employee for poor management or misconduct.
“The VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 goes further to address the excessive backlog of appeals found at the department that have spiraled out of control,” Rubio added. “To give our veterans the care they deserve, it is crucial this legislation is passed and signed into law.”
Chairman Miller and Senator Rubio have drafted this legislation to comply with recent guidance from the Justice Department (DOJ). Specifically, by addressing due process and appointments clause concerns in the previously-introduced VA Accountability Act (H.R. 1994, S.1082). The revised bill will take away any doubt that these concerns have been addressed and will ensure that the VA Secretary can use expedited authority to manage the Department. Of note, H.R. 1994 passed the House with amendment in July of 2015, while S.1082 has been reported with amendment out of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The revised legislation is also supported by a growing list of Veteran Service Organizations, including: The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Concerned Veterans for America, and Student Veterans of America.
Disability Claim Workshop
All veterans interested in filing or checking the status of a claim or appeal are encouraged to attend.
Assistance will also be available for Vietnam-era Veterans regarding Agent Orange presumptive conditions and related disabilities.
To be held Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office, Atrium, 2nd Floor.
If you have questions, please call 727-319-5900.
Florida Special Olympics Events
We would love to have attendees from the Legion family attend in support of these events and athletes. Here is what’s coming up, more details to come later:
August 27, 2016
State Stand-Up Paddleboard Championships
Nathan Benderson Park
5851 Nathan Benderson Cir
Sarasota, FL
September 2-3, 2016
Golf Championships
Disney Palms Golf Course
1950 W Magnolia Palm Dr
Orlando, FL
September 17, 2016
State Surfing Championships
Alan Shepard Park
Cocoa Beach, FL
Thank you,
William Rick Johnson
3rd Vice Commander
Department of Florida
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
The American Legion has a great opportunity to share with you, inviting all our legionnaires, veteran’s, employees, families and friends to enjoy a Miami Dolphins vs Atlanta Falcons pre-season game!
The game will be held at the Camping World Stadium on Thursday, August 25, 2016.
Click on the image below and receive an exclusive discounted ticket opportunity to watch live NFL football in Orlando for the first time in over 20 years! If you’re interested in group tickets or block seating (10+), please contact Thomas Eugene (305) 943-6633 or teugene@dolphins.com.
Exemption for Sales of Food or Drink by Qualified Veteran’s Organizations
Tax Information Publication
TIP
No: 16A01-08
Date Issued:
June 24, 2016
Exemption for Sales of Food or Drink by Qualified Veterans’ Organizations
Sales of food or drink in Florida for immediate consumption are subject to sales and use tax, unless a specific exemption applies.
New Sales Tax Exemption
Beginning July 1, 2016, sales of food or drink by qualified veterans’ organizations to members of such organizations are tax exempt when sold in connection with customary veterans’ organization activities. To qualify for the exemption, the veterans’ organization must hold a current Florida Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption (Form DR-14) as a nationally chartered or recognized veterans’ organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code. Qualified veterans’ organizations may apply for an exemption certificate by filing an Application for a Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption (Form DR-5) with the Department. This fillable form is available on the Department’s website at www.myflorida.com/dor under “Forms and Publications.”
Effect of Exemption on Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration
On or after July 1, 2016, a qualified veterans’ organization that is registered as a sales and use tax dealer may cancel its Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration (Form DR-11) if the only reason for holding the certificate is for the sole purpose of collecting and remitting sales tax on sales of food or drink to members of veterans’ organizations. The quickest way to cancel a certificate of registration is to notify us online. Go to the Department’s website, select “TAXES,” and then select “Update Account Information Online.”
References: Chapter 2016-220, Laws of Florida; Section 212.08(7)(n), Florida Statutes
For More Information
This document is intended to alert you to the requirements contained in Florida laws and administrative rules. It does not by its own effect create rights or require compliance.
For forms and other information, visit our website at www.myflorida.com/dor or call Taxpayer Services, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at 800-352-3671.
For a detailed written response to your questions, write the Florida Department of Revenue, Taxpayer Services, MS 3-2000, 5050 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0112.
Want the latest tax information?
Subscribe to our tax publications or sign up
for due date reminders at www.myflorida.com/dor/list Follow us on Twitter @MyFLDOR_TaxInfo
WWAR Alive Ride 2016
Veterans and General Cyclists All Welcome to Help change the lives of our Wounded Military and build a Community Park in Pinellas Park for our heroes by taking part in a fun ride!
Thursday September 1, 2016
From 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2016 State Convention Raffle Winners
Thank you to all those who attended the 98th Annual American Legion, Department of Florida Convention.
Keith and Rosemary Snow
Here are your Raffle Winners, drawn on Saturday, June 18, 2016:
| 1st | Keith Snow | Tequesta, FL | $10,000 |
| 2nd | Robert Smiley | Clearwater, FL | $2,500 |
| 3rd | Robert Smiley | Clearwater, FL | $1,000 |
| 4th | George Ruxton | Dania Beach, FL | $500 |
| 5th | Douglas Lewis | $100 | |
| 6th | Allen Delamater | New Smyrna Beach, FL | $100 |
| 7th | W.B. Osteen | Orange Park, FL | $100 |
| 8th | Dennis Dube | Murphy, NC | $100 |
| 9th | Terry Ring | Safety Harbor, FL | $100 |
| 10th | Victor Yokin | Port Charlotte, FL | $100 |
| 11th | Dennis Dube | Murphy, NC | $100 |
| 12th | Charles Pitzen | Lakeland, FL | $100 |
| 13th | Arthur Greenwald | Delray Beach, FL | $100 |
| 14th | Harold Fagan | The Villages, FL | $100 |
A Note From Our 3rd Vice Commander – Dianne M. Boland
Greetings –
The year will end with our Department Convention (June 16 – 19) and another year will start with a new 3rd Vice Commander. I want to thank each and every member of our legion family for all the love and support I have been shown this year as your 3rd Vice Commander. You have done amazing work on your programs and came up with some very interesting ways to raise money to support your programs.
I hope by now you have submitted your Consolidated Post Report (CPR) to Department and National. Department also receives your CPR Addendum. You must have these in by convention in order to vote. Our programs are not complete until the paperwork has been done. It’s these numbers that our National Commander takes to Congress that helps us and our veterans.
I look forward to working with you in the future. We belong to a wonderful organization called “The American Legion Family”.
Dianne M. Boland
3rd Vice Commander
Department of Florida
3rdvice@legionmail.org
(561) 315-0679
Veteran & Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Summit
You are cordially invited to participate in the Department of the Navy’s Veteran & Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Summit on Thursday, June 2nd at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Tampa Airport – Westshore, Tampa, FL. The Hiring Fair is from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and will run in conjunction with veteran focused workshops.
REGISTER at: http://www.HireAVet.navy.mil
-Updates and additional information also available on website above.
*WALK-INS are welcome
* Please bring employment support documentation IF ABLE (DD-214, Statement of Service, Schedule A, Disability Rating, Transcripts etc.); not required
The Hiring Fair will be led by the Department of Defense’s Hiring Heroes. The employers’ efforts will be focused on providing career opportunities as well as on-site, interview opportunities for qualified wounded, ill, injured, transitioning Service members, Veterans, their spouses, family members and primary caregivers.
98th Annual Department Convention Program Advertising
Greetings Legionnaires,
The American Legion Department of Florida will be hosting its 98th Annual Statewide Convention June 16 – 19th 2016 at The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando FL, 32821.
We wanted to give each Post the unique opportunity to be recognized by advertising in our Convention Program. This is your chance to send well wishes for a successful convention; announce outstanding membership goals; thank your officers for a great year; announce new officers or pay tribute to a special member of your post!
There are three different advertisement layouts to choose from: full page, half page or quarter page. The following rates are exclusive to our Legionnaires:
Full Page Advertisement (8.5 x 11) $350 Legion Member Discount: $175
Half Page Advertisement (5.5 x 9) $200 Legion Member Discount: $100
Quarter Page Advertisement (5.5 x 4.5) $100 Legion Member Discount: $50
ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MAY 15th 2016
The American Legion appreciates your support of our veterans that have served and continue to serve our great country. We extend our ever-lasting gratitude to our men and women in uniform. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Douglas, Event Coordinator at 407-295-2631 ext. 232 or via email at events@floridalegion.org
Sincerely,
Michael McDaniel
Department Adjutant
Universal Technical Institute Unveils Student Veterans’ Centers at both Orlando Campus Locations
Dedicated Locations Added to List of Student Veteran Resources at UTI’s Orlando Campuses
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 12, 2016) – Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI), the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, car accidents or collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, today unveiled new onsite student veterans’ centers at its two Orlando campuses. The centers, located at both the Universal Technical Institute campus and the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute campus, are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for some the school’s most- honored students to unwind.
UTI veteran students can access the centers and any veteran-specific materials relating to campus resources, educational benefits, scholarships, grants, career opportunities, campus/community events and veterans’ hospital services. Veteran work/study personnel are also on hand everyday to meet the specific needs of UTI’s student veterans.
“We recognize that veterans face unique challenges as they transition to civilian careers and share strong bonds with others who have served,” said Steve McElfresh, president of Universal Technical Institute and its sister campuses, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute, in Orlando. “These new, dedicated centers offer our veteran students social opportunities that will enhance their connectedness to one another and optimize the learning environment.”
McElfresh was joined at the dedication ceremony by Fla. Rep Victor Torres, Jr., and Dennis Latta, Central Florida Supervisor for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Both Torres, a Marine Corps veteran himself, and Latta toured the school’s state-of-the-industry campus and met with current UTI student veterans.
For five straight years, UTI has been named a Military Friendly School®, a designation given to the top 15% of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that deliver the best experience for military students.
The Invictus Games opening ceremony producers are STILL accepting vocal/singing auditions!
This is an opportunity for active duty, veteran, spouses to be a part of an international program right here in Orlando Florida.
If you are an individual or part of a group and want to showcase your singing talent, contact the CAMMO organization – let them know you want to audition – and they well help you audition remotely –
C*A*M*M*O
Center for American Military Music Opportunities
(888) 562-6220
www.cammomusic.org
The open ceremony will be broadcast live around the world! Pass the word to all your military/veteran friends & families and get them involved too.
We have included an article link (below) from the Military Times that will update you on some of the program and the celebrity personalities involved. You DON’T want to miss out on this unique opportunity to be involved with wounded warriors from around the world.
See YOU in Orlando for the Invictus Games! Have a Great Day!
Here is a bit more info about the games if you know of anyone in the area that has not yet auditioned please let them know http://militari.ly/1S6t4k8!
Warrior Cane Project
Providing custom canes & training, improving physical therapy and morale for our wounded and veterans worldwide.
3 Hour Free cane seminar for disabled veterans. Includes a FREE Cane for participant ($225 value)
The Warrior’s Cane Project has trained hundreds of recently returning, middle-aged, and Senior Veterans from coast-to-coast in the past 8 years. The Project is a registered 501C3 non-profit and is designed for Veterans and is 100% no-cost for Veterans.
The only requirement for participation is that the individual receiving the tools and training is a Veteran of the U. S. Armed Forces.
The Warrior Cane Project and Cane Masters International will be holding no-cost Special Event for Veterans in the Tampa Area this June. Participants will receive a $225 custom Warrior Combat Cane plus training at no cost, no strings attached.
This Special Event will be held in the Tampa Bay area at:
Sheraton Suites / Tampa Airport
4400 West Cypress Street
Tampa, Florida 33607
(813) 873-8675
We here at the Warrior’s Cane Project and Cane Masters would like to conduct the event for a total of 60 Veterans on Friday, June 8, 2016. There will be two sessions, one from 0900-1200 hours and one from 1300 until 1600 hours (two sessions and we would like to have 30 Veterans per session).
We would respectfully request that all interested Veterans pre-register with Cane Masters International by calling (800) 422-2263 so that we can keep track of attendance and which session they wish to attend.
For more information or to schedule an event, please contact: Cane Masters (800) 422-2263 or email info@canemasters.com.
Memo from Department NEC Dennis Boland
2016 GARLAND MURPHY AWARD
Last year the Department of Florida won the Garland Murphy Award based on total contributions of $31,883.00 from June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015.
With May 31st being approximately 7 weeks away, I am again asking for your support and contribution to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
So far as of April 7th Florida American Legion has contributed $14,015.00 to the Foundation.
We are presently in third (3rd) place in donations as of April 7th. Below is the donations by Departments
STATE DONATIONS
Pennsylvania $21,988.55
Iowa $14,581.70
Florida $14,015.00
As you can see we are behind the Department of Pennsylvania by $7,973.55. I know things are tuff, but if you can afford to make a donation to Foundation, we could possibly bring home The Garland Murphy Award again this year.
I will be leaving for Indianapolis on April 28th for the National Executive Committee meetings. If you would like for me to present your check at the Board of Directors meeting on May 1st, you can send the check to me at
314 Lake Ave
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Please have it arrive before April 28th. Or you can send your check to
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
PO Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
I am thanking you in advance for your consideration and support of the Foundation.
Dennis R. Boland
President
The American Legion
Child Welfare Foundation
Press Release – Governor Rick Scott
Governor Scott Names Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin as Interim Executive Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced his nomination for the interim appointment to fill the vacancy at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs created by the resignation of Mike Prendergast. Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin is named as the interim appointment subject to the approval by the three members of the Cabinet. The Florida Cabinet will meet on April 26th to vote on Lieutenant Colonel Sutphin becoming the interim appointment.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Glenn has done a great job at the Department of Military Affairs advocating for all of Florida’s National Guardsmen for almost 20 years. He served alongside the brave men and women of our state in the Florida National Guard and has dedicated his career to not only making sure all Floridians are safe, but also making Florida the most veteran friendly state in the nation. As a disabled veteran, I am confident he will provide great leadership while continuing to advocate for all of Florida’s veterans.
Sutphin has served as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Affairs Director of the Department of Military Affairs since 1999. Prior to that he served in the Florida National Guard as a U.S. Army Officer and Field Artillery Officer for over 30 years. He also worked as the Desoto County Development Director while serving as a guardsman. He has been awarded over 50 medals including the Legion of Merit and the Florida Cross, the highest award in Florida, for exceptional performance in outstanding service and achievement. He was also awarded the Order of Saint Barbara and the Bronze Order of Mercury for outstanding innovation in programming.
The Cabinet Governance Guidelines (link) adopted by the Governor and Cabinet call for the Governor to name an interim appointee to temporarily fill a vacancy, subject to the approval by the Cabinet. The process of making a permanent appointment will also be governed by the Cabinet Governance Guidelines.
To view the letter Governor Scott sent to Cabinet members please click HERE.
Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
2016 Spirit of ’45
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, August 14, 2016.
Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive and join us as we celebrate Lee County’s National Spirit of ’45 Day in For Myers on August 14, 2016. For full details please visit www.spiritof45.org.
Letter from Department Commander ~ Jim Ramos
Florida Legionnaires, Thank you for all your support in our year with “Legion PRIDE”, But Please continue to work on Membership and help your Post, District and Department. Be a 100% on membership we can do it. How? By doing the following: Retain, Reinstate, Recruit, and Renew of our members who have NOT renew up to now. Please continue if you have not made 100% keep going until June 30, 2016 which is the end of the Legion year.
I thanks all the District I visited for helping me with the Post visit and the warm welcome in the Districts. We have great Post in Florida and we all do something difference in our community’s please continue doing all we can for our Veterans and their families. Also do not forget our Volunteers just say Thank you or have an appreciation day (a Dinner, award of some kind and certificate of appreciation) for your volunteers.
We have a very good time as the Legion Family: first picture at Post 142, Post 335 and Post 130.
Also, we need your Post CPR (Consolidated Post Report) and Department Addendum. Your Post has work all year round with all the programs so please lets do it (CPR) and turn it in to Department as soon as possible. If you are going to the Department Convention and your Post has not sent in the CPR report you cannot vote so get it in NOW. Please do your part and do the right thing and turn it in (your CPR report).
Do you like awards? If so this is easy to do “Post Excellence Award”. I know you do the work at your Post so if your Post is 100% just do it the paperwork to receive the award and send it to me at Department HQ, with the following information:
- Membership: Must be at least one member greater than the previous year. At least one Post officer attends District meetings.
- Youth Activities: Must sponsor and actively participate in at least one primary youth program: Boys State, American Legion Baseball, Oratorical, Boy Scout or Junior Shooting Sports. Just one program you do very well.
- Community: Must accomplish a community service project with members of the Legion Family activity working in the community outside the post home. A wide range of potential projects exists, such as a project centered on one of the Children & Youth’s emphasis areas to fulfilling a strictly local needs. A monetary donation may be part of the project but may not constitute the entire project.
- Service to troops/veterans: Must accomplish a project supporting troops or veterans in the community with Legion Family members outside the post home. Potential projects include the Family Support Network, Heroes to hometown, or simply helping a local veteran with necessary update to his or her home. Again, a monetary donation may be part of the project but may not constitute the entire project.
Your Post does all the hard work all year round so Post Recognition should be a top priority because you all deserve it. Each Post has something they do excellence so why NOT? Thank you and your Post for all the work they DO.
Thank you for all your support and please continue working hard.
Jim Ramos,
Department Commander
Orlando V.I.E.W. Classes – Lake Nona, FL
VIEW classes are next week. All Veterans are encouraged to register for attend.
Don’t forget that the location is at Lake Nona. For those Veterans who are closer to Lake Baldwin, please have them take the shuttle to Lake Nona. The shuttle runs every hour on the hour.
