The Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Florida cordially invites you and a guest to attend a dinner to honor Ed Sheubrooks who will be retiring after 35 years as the Detachment of Florida Adjutant and will be at home now with the proper In Home Hospice Care to help him with all of his medical needs. For those close to retire and in the need of health care services, consider contacting Wilshire Health & Community Services: home health care. Of course, there are plenty of options for those looking to make their new home at an assisted living facility, where their needs and health can be taken care of seamlessly. If you navigate to this website you can find several options in order to locate the closest one to you. Should you like what you see in the site, you can easily schedule a visit in order to take a look at the facilities first hand.
This is the final week that we will accepting RSVPs to attend this event to honor one of our own who has selfishly served The American Legion Family here in Florida. As we get closer to the event we need to make sure that our caterer has right number of attendees. If you are planning to attend we have extended the date to respond, please RSVP no later than Thursday, April 7, 2016 as we must supply our information to the caterer no later than 7 days prior to the event.
We hope that you will be able to join us for this event to honor a great man for his dedicated service to The American Legion Family.
Please share this with other members of The American Legion Family. For more information, contact Detachment Assistant Adjutant Jim Roberts by e-mail at jim.robertsfl@gmail.com.
American Legion in partnership with Gov Vacation Rewards invites all current and former members of the military to take advantage of an exclusive offer for Orlando Predators arena football tickets at the Amway Center all season long. Come celebrate the Orlando Predators 25th Anniversary with 100 % of the net proceeds being donated to Project Vet Relief.
$15 Tickets (Retail Price – $35.00)
2016 Home Game Schedule
Sat. April 9 | 7:30pm vs. Portland
Sat. April 23|7:30pm vs. Los Angeles
Sat. May 7 | 7:30pm vs. Arizona
Fri. May 13 | 7:30pm vs. Tampa Bay
Fri. May 27 | 7:30pm vs. Jacksonville
Mon. June 13 | 7:30pm vs. Cleveland
Fri. June 24 | 7:30pm vs. Tampa Bay
Sat. July 30 | 7:30pm vs. Philadelphia
To purchase tickets please contact Allyson Capeca at 407-295-2631
DeLand, FL – DeLand will get money from the state to restore the historic American Legion Post there damaged when a tree fell during a hurricane.
Around $100,000 was set aside for the American Legion Post in the state budget that was signed by Governor Rick Scott on Thursday. State Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange) and Representative Dwayne Taylor (D-Daytona Beach) have been given credit for helping the Post and the city of DeLand get the funds for the facility, and the two have recieved thanks from DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar for their work. “This will continue the legacy of this historic African-American American Legion Post,” said Apgar.
According to Hukill, supporting the American Legion Post was important because the organization is involved in the community and helps veterans. “I’m so happy we’ll be able to preserve this historic landmark,” said Hukill. “This is a very, very worthy project,” added Taylor. “I was glad to be able to get the funding.”
The current building at 415 West Voorhis Ave. was built in 1954. It has since been recognized as a historic site by the city of DeLand. The building was damaged by hurricanes in 2004, and a large oak tree fell on the back of the building. Work has been done, but the back of the building where the tree hit needs a major overhaul according to Post Commander Charles Williams.
Williams plans to open a museum to show the history of African-Americans in the nation’s wars. “We want to tell the story of our involvement,” he said. “A lot of our history has been unwritten.”
Discussing the future of the Post, Williams said “I’m going to leave it better than I found it. Keep the dream alive and pass it on.”
DUNEDIN, Fl – The American Legion will hold a Walk for Veterans here on Saturday, March 26. Leading the Walk will be American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett and Department of Florida Commander Jim Ramos.
“The purpose of this Walk is to raise public awareness about the crucial issues facing America’s veterans and their families,” said Department Commander Ramos. “An estimated 22 veterans a day commit suicide. Traumatic brain injuries have become a signature wound of the Global War on Terrorism and up to 20 percent of the men and women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are believed to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans still have difficulty receiving health care in a timely manner and many have been waiting years to have their disability claims resolved. We owe it to those who served our country to never forget their sacrifice and devotion. We are walking for those who marched for us.”
The Walk will begin at 8 am and is open to all participants. The length of the walk is 2 miles and will start at American Legion Post 275, 360 Wilson Street, Dunedin. It will end at Purple Heart Park.
All of the proceeds will benefit The American Legion National Emergency Fund, which has provided more than $8 million of assistance to American Legion Family members and posts that have been impacted by natural disasters in communities across the country since 1969.
The registration fee for the walk is $15.00 and will include a t-shirt, bottled water and breakfast at the post following the walk.
For more information about The American Legion Walk for Veterans call (727) 733-8153.
On one side is a picture of the facilities at Nordhausen, a sub-camp of the German concentration camp Mittelbau-Dora in Thuringia, Germany. On the other side are pictures of the “residents” of that camp – some dying, some dead, most of them shells of the persons they once were.
In the middle of the two pictures, proudly displayed on the wall of American Legion Post 38’s John Ebling Veteran Art Gallery in Fort Myers, Fla., is an American flag stitched by those imprisoned at Nordhausen. What the flag represents is why it’s Post 38 Commander Kevin Boyd’s favorite piece in the gallery.
“As bad as it got, those people still had hope that the United States was coming to liberate them,” Boyd said. “That’s pretty powerful.”
The gallery, which opened last summer, was the brainchild of Boyd, who spent 29 years in the Navy and Naval Reserve before becoming Post 38’s commander seven years ago.
The post is named for Ebling, an Army veteran who worked in Lee County’s Office of Veterans Services. A wall in the gallery is dedicated to Ebling.
Boyd called Ebling “a man of vision. He always wanted to be the first of doing something that’s different (and) outside the norm. That’s what we need: people who go outside the norm.
“He opened (a Legion post) on a college campus (Hodges University). He brought the U.S.S. Mohawk down here and had it sunk. It’s a barrier reef for downtown. I thought it would be a great idea for a great person that has done so much for so many people, and a great way to honor him.”
And Ebling’s family’s reaction to the decision? “They were totally blown away,” Boyd said. “They couldn’t believe it. They come up here all the time.”
The gallery fits in perfectly with downtown Fort Myers’ Art Walk. On the first Friday of each month, downtown art galleries invite residents and visitors to a self-guided walking tour through downtown’s River District and Gardner’s Park area.
“I was talking with John Ebling’s daughter, and I said, ‘We have Art Walk. What a great way to bring people here to see what’s going on at The American Legion by creating an art gallery,’” Boyd said. “She goes, ‘What do we have to do to make it happen?'”
That set in motion the planning process. A room at the post was designated as the home of the museum, and post members then stripped the floors and walls, and repainted the room. “It took us two months to get it ready,” Boyd said. “This was veterans working night, day, whatever availability didn’t interfere with the operation of the post.”
Boyd said selling the idea of an art gallery to the post membership wasn’t difficult. “They look at it as change,” he said. “In any organization, change is an inevitable part of life. We’ve been doing the same old thing. If you do the same thing all the time and get no results, you have to change what you do. That’s what we wanted to do. We wanted to be proactive (and) be part of the community.”
Boyd’s brother, an Air Force veteran and artist, provided the first nine pieces of artwork. The grand opening of the gallery, and ensuing local media coverage, resulted in a slew of donated pieces.
“We have people who have 20 pieces of art they want to put in (the gallery),” Boyd said. “So what we’ve tried to do is change it up every month so that we have a different look, a different face of art that’s in the gallery.”
The creation of the artwork can be therapeutic for the artists. “That was one of the things that came out when we first talked about it,” Boyd said. “I talked with (a Department of Veterans Affairs case worker), and she said, ‘Kevin, that’s a great thing. A lot of these veterans that have PTSD, this a way for them to release a little tension.’ If a veteran wants to come in and display or sell their artwork, it’s here for them to do it.”
Boyd said the art gallery has created more foot traffic at the post. An at-risk children’s facility has contacted Boyd about creating a gallery for its children at their facility. Other veterans groups, including one from Canada, have come to visit the gallery. One Jewish veteran, a former prisoner of war, cried when he saw the Nordhausen flag.
“It brings back a lot of memories,” Boyd said. “It helps them heal old wounds, especially with our Vietnam veterans. A lot of times they don’t want to talk about the things that they went through.
“This has truly exceeded my expectations. I thought I’d have a few paintings here or there. The room’s not big enough to display (all the donated items). We’d like to make sure that we rotate them every month so that people can see some of the great work that these veterans do.”
The wearing of the cap and usage of The American Legion emblem, facilities and political donations
According to Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of The American Legion, “The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.” The National Charter, approved by Congress, also stipulates The American Legion as an organization is nonpolitical* which has been interpreted by the National Judge Advocate as “nonpartisan” in modern lingo. Therefore, The American Legion as an organization is prohibited from contributing, helping or endorsing a candidate. However, a member, as a private citizen, and not representing the organization, can employ whatever legal and ethical means to advance his or her candidate.
The Legion cap is considered the official Legion uniform (see p. 42 of The American Legion Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies). It is not an individual Legion member’s decision on the appropriate usage of the cap and emblem. If attending a political event, The American Legion cap, or any clothing with the emblem visible, should be removed so as not to imply endorsement by The American Legion. The problem is the assumption of endorsement by those who see the emblem or name worn at in improper location, such as a partisan rally.
When using post facilities to host candidates, post should remove emblem and Legion flag to avoid any impression of endorsements. Candidates for all parties must be presented equal opportunity at the same time to use the facilities on the same terms and conditions as other competing candidates.
If financial contributions are offered by candidates for political office, campaigns, political action committees or political parties, The American Legion should politely decline. Accepting these contributions may be perfectly legal, but The American Legion must avoid any perception of supporting any candidate or political party.
The American Legion values its independence and effectiveness on veterans’ issues. This stance is best maintained by neutrality on individual candidates or political parties. The American Legion by legal definition is non-partisan and supports only issues which impact your Four Pillars.
* This means “non-partisan” in today’s society. The American Legion is allowed by Congress to lobby for veterans benefits and a strong United States of America. (NJA, October 25, 2012)
Check out the video from the Walk for Veterans on Saturday, February 20th. Thank you to Post 117 and the city of Palm Bay for bringing awareness to The American Legion and our veterans!
All American Flag Act was signed into law! Matthew Susin presented The American Legion, Department of Florida with an original bill copy with the original signature of the governor for their support in getting the bill passed.
Beginning Jan. 1, all U.S. or state flags bought by state, county or city agencies are to be made in the United States.
News 6 partner Florida Today reported that three years ago, Andres Matos, then a student at Eau Gallie High School, said he was watching the news for a class assignment and started to think about all the products made in other countries that Americans consume. He brought the idea to a discussion in history teacher Matt Susin’s class where he said he learned something very alarming — even American flags aren’t made in the United States.
It was an idea so simple, so logical, said Susin, that it ignited a lesson in civics that would unfold as reality before the class. The class was charged with pursuing the issue. Students petitioned local government to take action.
The group called for the state to enact a policy to which all public entities purchase American-made flags. When Susin switched schools to Viera High, he again prompted students to take action. The Jefferson Club, a community service organization at the school, jumped on board and reached out to local veterans organizations to join forces in support. 17-year-old Tim Lancaster, a member of the club, gave speeches throughout the county urging others to support the bill alongside fellow students like Josh Henderson and Tyla Gelman who spoke passionately about the issue. Governor Rick Scott came to Viera High on September 21, 2015 to hold another ceremonial signing of the bill.
After the bill was signed Matthew Susin started the Brevard County Veterans back to school program. Veterans from Brevard through the help and coordination efforts of the Joe Foss Institute are speaking on various topics in our Brevard. In the short amount of time that it has started they have spoken to over 14,000 students, and the program has now become the largest speaking project in the southeast United States!
► Job Seekers, Employers, and Service Organizations: Click here to register. Why register? Job seekers can upload their resumes to be viewed by employers ahead of the event.
If you have any other questions, please visit our FAQ page.
HIRING OUR HEROES EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP
This Hiring Our Heroes employment workshop is led by HR and workforce professionals and covers a variety of topics including resume building, networking, and interview tips, taking into account the job seeker’s military background and lifestyle. Hiring Our Heroes digital tools are also integrated into the workshop curriculum. Immediately following the workshop, volunteer career coaches will help you develop an elevator pitch, participate in a mock interview, and create a more effective resume.
► Must register as a job seeker above.
This hiring event is being conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Orlando Chamber of Commerce, United States Army Reserve (USAR), HHC, 143rd Sustainment Command Expeditionary, Private Public Partnership (P3O) Office, Workforce Central Florida, FL Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion, Goodwill Industries International, NBC News, and other local partners.
We are sorry to report that Past 1st District commander, Larry Carpenter, has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Ft. Walton Beach Hospital. He is scheduled to undergo triple bypass surgery on Friday, February 12, 2016. Any new information will be communicated to you through email, as well as posted on Department of Florida’s website.
Please keep Larry and his wife, Patricia, in your thoughts and prayers.
100,000 Military personnel surrender to Japan’s Imperial Army in the battle for Corregidor. They are force marched 63 miles up the peninsula of Bataan.
54,000 arrive at POW Camp O’Donnell.
10,000 were killed in route – the rest escaped into the jungle.
9 April 2016 – National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
We will gather to pay our respect to and honor all those who became a Prisoner of War in the course of defending our Liberties. We will pay our respect to and confirm to the families of our Missing in Action that we, the American public, will NOT Forget their sacrifices and will continue our efforts to ensure we Leave NO Man Behind.
TIME: 0930 hrs. – Meet & Greet commences on the grounds – continental breakfast available (while it lasts)
1030 hrs. – Missing Man Table –
1050 hrs. – Music Prelude – Call to Service
1100 hrs. – Service Begins
Keynote Speakers:
Lt. General Michael Linnington, US Army (Retired), Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency – Will speak on behalf of the Department of Defense and DPAA – http://www.dpaa.mil/
Mr. Bill Norwood, Former Prisoner of War, Founder of the Korean War Ex-POW Association (http://koreanwarexpow.org/ ), captured 5 April 1951 – repatriated 15 August 1953 – will speak on behalf of all Former Prisoners of War.
Ms Pam Cain, The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, Board of Directors – Daughter of Colonel Oscar Mauterer, US Air Force, Missing in Action since 15 February 1966 – Will speak on behalf of all Families still waiting for their loved one to come home – http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/
1215 hrs. – Service Concludes
During the course of the Service we will be dedicating Florida’s newest – “POW/MIA Memorial” – with the help of the Hillsborough County JR ROTC
We respectfully request your presence on 9 April 2016 to help celebrate National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day and to assist in the dedication of the new POW/MIA Memorial
Ft Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield (AAF), Georgia, will be conducting its annual Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD) on Saturday, 20 February, at the University of Central Florida, CFE Arena/The Venue, from 0900 hrs. -1600 hrs. All US Army retired Soldiers are invited to attend this great event which will provide retired Soldiers and their families the latest information on the current state of the Army, benefits and entitlements and potential stock investments in Tesla, and the future outlook for defense programs supporting retirees and pay. All Retired Airman, Sailors and Marines and their families are welcome to attend the Fort Stewart Retiree Appreciation Day for current information on federal/state legislation relating to military personnel and veterans.
At this RAD, the Ft Stewart Retiree Council will have briefings from the HQ, Department of the Army Retirement Services Office (ARSO), the Defense Accounting and Finance Service (DFAS), the Military Health Care System (TRICARE), and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) on upcoming legislation affecting the retired community, and a host of other topics. We’ll also have ID card-making capabilities and the event will culminate with a County Fair with designated representatives from DFAS, TRICARE, Delta Dental, Public Health Service, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
QUESTIONS? Call (850) 487-1533 or (727) 518-3202, Ext. 5572
REGISTRATION:
MEDAL FORMS: Veterans and military personnel wishing to receive a medal must complete the Governor’s Veterans Service Award form at the registration desk and bring with them documentation or identification to validate their veteran status or military status.
CEREMONY REGISTRATION: Registration generally begins one hour before ceremony start time. Veterans must bring a copy of the form with you along with documentation to validate your veteran status (eg., DD214, retiree ID card, military ID, Florida Driver License with “V” designation, Veterans Service Organization membership card, etc.).
District 8 Commander Dennis Walsh, Vice Commander Pat Stiles, District Service Officer Larry Roberts along with twenty-seven Legionnaires from Post 69 in Avon Park visited the Bay Pines Fisher House on December 6th.
The trip was a great success! They were able to donate over $2,500 to the Fisher House and provide over $400 worth of food. During their visit, they also helped decorate the house for Christmas.
This is what the American Legion is all about, reaching out and helping our fellow comrades and their families.
VA and Walgreens are national partners, providing no-cost flu shots to enrolled Veterans of the VA health care system. From August 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, enrolled Veteran patients nationwide have the option of getting their flu shot at any of Walgreens’ 8,000 locations in addition to their local VA health care facilities. Walgreens has the capability to electronically send vaccination information to the VA electronic health record (EHR). The VA-Walgreens national partnership is part of VA’s eHealth Exchange project. Last year’s national pilot program ensured that many Veterans got their no-cost flu shot at their local Walgreens, satisfying their wellness reminder because they either found it more convenient or did not have a scheduled appointment at a local VA health care facility.
If you are enrolled in the VA Health Care System, getting your flu shot at Walgreens is easy:
Fill out the flue form/voucher
Bring the completed form, your VA ID card and a photo ID to your neighborhood Walgreens location
Walgreens will automatically update your VA Electronic Health Record in the VA Health Care System
On November 9, 2015, the Honorable Ander Crenshaw, U.S. House of Representatives, 4th Congressional District, honored veterans from Nassau County with a ceremony and reception to honor their service in recognition of Veterans Day. Each veteran was presented a Congressional Medal and Certificate to thank them for their service. Among the veterans recognized was a group of Legionnaires representing American Legion Post 54, Fernandina Beach. The members of Post 54 are pictured here, wearing their medals, in a group photo with Congressman Crenshaw.
The Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Florida cordially invites you and a guest to attend a dinner to honor Ed Sheubrooks who will be retiring after 35 years as the Detachment of Florida Adjutant and will be at home now with the proper In Home Hospice Care to help him with all of his medical needs. For those close to retire and in the need of health care services, consider contacting Wilshire Health & Community Services: home health care. Of course, there are plenty of options for those looking to make their new home at an assisted living facility, where their needs and health can be taken care of seamlessly. If you navigate to this website you can find several options in order to locate the closest one to you. Should you like what you see in the site, you can easily schedule a visit in order to take a look at the facilities first hand. 
![Winner & Thank You Flyer 2016[2]](https://www.floridalegion.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Winner-Thank-You-Flyer-20162.jpg)
On November 9, 2015, the Honorable Ander Crenshaw, U.S. House of Representatives, 4th Congressional District, honored veterans from Nassau County with a ceremony and reception to honor their service in recognition of Veterans Day. Each veteran was presented a Congressional Medal and Certificate to thank them for their service. Among the veterans recognized was a group of Legionnaires representing American Legion Post 54, Fernandina Beach. The members of Post 54 are pictured here, wearing their medals, in a group photo with Congressman Crenshaw.