Our Department 1st Vice Commander, Steve Shuga underwent a total right hip replacement on Wednesday morning, August 24, at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
He remains in good spirits and is expected to be discharged sometime Thursday afternoon. Rehabilitation will begin on Friday at his home over the next 6 weeks.
If you desire to send cards, notes, etc to our Department 1st Vice Commander, his mailing address is: 3355 Bellingham Drive Orlando, FL 32825.
*****We would like to give you advance notice that on this Monday, August 22nd, our office will be upgrading its data services to increase efficiency and reliability of our network. During this time, our staff will not have access to email, internet or the membership database.
We will have phone service, however we will be unable to look up information for membership, programs, etc. We will only be able to answer general questions.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, if you need immediate assistance please call us at 407-295-2631. Otherwise, we will respond to your email as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience during this time.*****
Past Department Legislative Chairman, Stanley Gold, underwent triple bypass heart surgery on Wednesday, August 10, 2016. He is currently in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.
We are happy to announce that Stanley’s surgery went well, and we received the attached photo from him this past Saturday. Please keep Stanley in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover.
You can send your get well wishes to 12601 SW 13th Street, Apt. 112, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027.
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated #320 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
The Department of Florida American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary raised over $124,000. Checks were presented to Fisher House Foundation Southeast Division Vice President Brian G Gawne at the American Legion Department of Florida Headquarters.
All monies raised stay in Florida for Veterans and their families.
Depicted is a check from The American Legion Department of Florida in the amount $66,869.75. The Auxiliary and other Legion entities will also present checks to the Fisher House Foundation.
The members of the American Legion Veterans Memorial Post 347, now over 8,200 strong, are planning our 28th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, September 30th at Mallory Hill C.C.. This tournament has been a great success in the past and we expect to continue that tradition this year.
It’s important that you don’t build up some rounds or tournaments as being “bigger” or more important than others. I spoke with a new student last night who told me that he has his “biggest tournament of the season” coming up next week. The golf ball doesn’t know whether it’s a “big tournament” or a friendly game with your buddies. They are all just rounds of golf and it’s important that you do your best to treat them as such. The more you build up a round or tournament as being more important than others, the more pressure you put on yourself to do well.
Many of our behaviors and actions are predetermined by what’s already in our subconscious mind (your “belief system”). With the subconscious mind not being able to reason or know the difference between what’s real or imagined, you can shape it by using visualization. Spend 5-10 mins before each round, imagining yourself hitting the shots you’d like to in the round. E.g. See yourself on the first tee, shaking hands with your playing partners, going through your routine and confidently striking your drive down the middle of the fairway. By seeing this success before you play, you’ll give your subconscious mind a “green light” that it’s something to move towards and not be fearful of. To be able to take all the gear you need with you, check out the best golf travel bags at the link.
The members of the Legion hope they can count on your support for our tournament. This event is one of our major fundraisers of the year we will donating all of our proceeds to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. We are soliciting for hole Sponsorships for each of the 27 holes at the Mallory Hill Country Club. Your business will be seen by every golfer. There are four different levels of sponsorship for you to consider. Click the link below for a flyer outlining the benefits of each sponsorship level, as well as a golf regisrtation form.
Results will be shared with Congress, VA and others who can address issues facing women veterans.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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 |
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
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.
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
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!
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.
