News | Florida American Legion

2016 FT STEWART RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY

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.

Where:

The 2016 Fort Stewart RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY will be held at the:

University of Central Florida’s

CFE Arena/The Venue (Map it)
12777 Gemini Blvd N
Orlando, FL 32816

Governor’s Veterans Service Award Ceremony – Deland

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

9:30 a.m.

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.).

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GOVERNOR’S VETERANS SERVICE AWARD FORM REQUIRED AT REGISTRATION. COPIES ARE ALSO PROVIDED AT EACH CEREMONY LOCATION.

Click on the link below to RSVP for the ceremony

Deland-GVSA-Flyer

Source: http://floridavets.org/gvsa/gvsa-st-augustine/

8th District Visits to Bay Pines Fisher House

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.

Check out some of the photos from their visit:

FREE FLU SHOTS FOR VETERANS

VA Retail Immunization Care Coordination Program

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

CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE VOUCHER

POST 54 – Congressional District Honoring Veterans

Unknown 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.

MEMO FROM DEPT. ADJUTANT – UNUSED MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Memo

DATE: November 17, 2015

TO: Post Commanders

FROM: Michael McDaniel, Department Adjutant

SUBJECT: Unused Membership Cards

This memo is a reminder that Posts are required to return all unused membership cards to Department no later than the end of the calendar year (December 31^st). This includes all unused pre-printed blank membership cards and any extra cards provided to the Post throughout the year. Please turn in all unused 2015 membership cards by January 30, 2016 to avoid the assessed $21.00 fee per membership card.

Although the following “Membership Card Verification Form” is not required this year, it would be helpful if it is included. This form will be required when returning unused 2016 membership cards.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and understanding. Please contact the Department at 407-295-2631 if you should have any questions or concerns.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION OF MEMO

CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP CARD VERIFICATION FORM

CONGRATULATIONS: Central Area Commander, Eunice Butts

THE FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN: NEWS RELEASE – TRINITY CME HOSTS BLACK PEARL AWARDS

Trinity CME Church will present Black Pearl Awards to select women of faith at its Annual Women’s Day Celebration on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at its 11:15AM and 3PM services. Women who have quietly and unselfishly rendered decades of services to the community in the areas of religion, arts, volunteerism, music, health, media, youth mentoring, military or other areas of service will be celebrated.

The 2015 Black Pearl award recipients are Eunice Butts, Doris Cannon (Purple Passion), Diane Hart, Gwen Hayes, Florence Howell, Josephine Hubbard, Bonnie James, Denise Meteye James, Venus Jones, Ruth Jefferson, Lillie Mae Iglis, Paula Kay, Ruth McNair, and Sonji Rhanes, who like a Black Pearl are described as “extremely rare,” “strong,” “The Pearl of Queens,” a symbol of “ hope for wounded hearts”, “truth”, “wisdom,”” healing” and “life.”

Reverend Debra Thomas, Pastor of Mount Calvary CME Church, Lake Wales, Florida will deliver the 11:15AM morning sermon, and Rev. Dr. Delores Cain of Heritage Community Baptist Church will deliver the 3PM afternoon sermon. The theme for the celebration, “What’s Love Got to Do With It? Loving God, Self and Others”, will focus on forming stronger and healthier bonds of love for God and self, and showing greater love for other women and our children and men. Thus, the women of Trinity, its members and guests will be celebrating women of faith who work to make our women, families, youth, and community healthier and stronger. The public is invited to help us celebrate these women and may call 813-310-0994 for additional information.

2015 Autumn Glory Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the following 2015 Autumn Glory Raffle Winners!

1st Place – $15,000

William A. Nagel (Ocala, FL)

2nd Place – $7,500

Anthony E. O’Green (Melbourne, FL)

3rd Place – $2,500

Richard W. Vanasse (North Port, FL )

8th District Visits Bay Pines Fisher House

On Saturday October 24, 2015, 8th District Officers: 8^th District Commander Dennis Walsh, Adjutant Debbie Roush, Sergeant of Arms Jerry Faught, Service Officer Larry Roberts and a member of the Sons of American Legion Squadron 325, Chris Bengtson spent the day at Bay Pines Fisher House. They helped during their Harvest Party by grilling food for the 12 families who were staying there, and helped the kids carve pumpkins to decorate the Fisher House. It was a great feeling knowing that we were able help veterans and their family members, by doing something relatively easy – making a meal for them to eat when that came back from the hospital.

Check out some of the photos from their visit:

NATIONAL HISTORY CONTEST – FALL MEETING

During his report to the National Executive Committee on Oct. 15 in Indianapolis, National Historian James Copher announced the winners of the National Post History Contest and National Department History Contest, which had been judged earlier in the week by a panel of past and present department and national historians. A meeting of the NADHAL (National Association of Department Historians of The American Legion) organization, to which the judges belong, was also held.

2015 winners include:

One-Year Department Narrative History Contest (out of three entries):

First Award, Department of North Carolina

Second Award, Department of Indiana

Honorable Mention, Department of Georgia

One-Year Department Yearbook History Contest (out of 12 entries):

First Award, Department of Nebraska

Second Award, Department of North Carolina

Third Award, Department of Florida

Honorable Mention, Department of North Dakota

One-Year Post Narrative History Contest (out of six entries):

First Award, Banks Post 90, Banks, Ore.

Second Award, Pony Express Post 359, St. Joseph, Mo.

Third Award, Carroll Post 143, Carrollton, Ga.

One-Year Post Yearbook History Contest (out of 25 entries):

First Award, Carroll Post 143, Carrollton, Ga.

Second Award, Alois-Dreikosen Post 469, Marathon, Wis.

Third Award, Frierson-Nichols Post 8, Winter Haven, Fla.

Honorable Mention, Cornville Post 135, Cornville, Ariz.

Source URL: http://www.legion.org/library/230197/national-history-contest-judged-during-fall-meetings

FROM THE DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT: MICHAEL MCDANIEL

On October 28, 2015, The American Legion will be testifying before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to address VA’s efforts to increase access to mental health care through its increased hiring initiative and the Community Provider pilot program.

In response to President Obama Executive Order 13625, VA medical centers nationwide were directed to host Community Mental Health Summits at all VA health care facilities. These summits were designed to promote awareness and utilization of VA mental health resources, help Veterans gain access to community services, and build healthy communities for Veterans and their families. In addition to the summits, VA established 24 pilot projects with community based mental health and substance abuse providers across nine states and seven Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).

We would like to know your feedback on your experience with the community provider pilot program, and if you had an opportunity to participate in any of VA’s Community Mental Health Summits conducted at VA medical centers, what was your impression of the summits. For all feedback, please email Department Assistant Adjutant, Fred Robinson.

If you could respond by October 20, 2015, we would greatly appreciate it. I would like to thank everyone in advance for your support!

Sincerely,

Michael McDaniel
Department of Florida Adjutant
American Legion

Tampa Military Spouse Hiring Fair

Thursday, October 15, 2015 – 10:00am to 1:00pm

Hiring Our Heroes

A La Carte Event Pavilion

4050 Dana Shores Dr.

Tampa, FL

United States

See map: Google Maps

Please join us for a hiring fair presented by Hiring Our Heroes’ Military Spouse Program in partnership with MOAA Spouse Programs. This event is sponsored by LaQuinta Inns & Suites, PNC, and USAA and is open to active duty, guard, reserve, veteran, and gold star spouses. Service members and veterans are also welcome.

Our hiring fair features:

Employers committed to hiring military spouses
A demonstration of Career Spark, the resume builder for military spouses
Nonprofit partners providing career resources and tools to support your employment goals

REGISTRATION

Job seekers, Employers, and Service Organizations: Click here to register for the hiring fair.

Don’t forget to register for the free MOAA symposium “Keeping a Career on the Move” for military spouses and the free networking reception the night before the hiring fair!

For general questions about Hiring Our Heroes, please visit our FAQ page or email us at hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.

Post 155 to hold Veterans Seminar and Open House

American Legion Post #155 recently organized a “Veterans Benefit Reaction Team” which is made up of War-Time Veterans to reach out to our fellow Veterans of Citrus County that may not know the benefits that they so deserve. No matter what time period you served in, WWII to present you may be owed benefits’ especially if you were injured while you were serving our country.

It’s so important to let our Veterans, young or old, male or female know that they don’t stand alone! On October 2nd & 3rd, 2015 we will commence a 2 day “Veterans Benefit Seminar” and open house which we will have qualified Service Officers including two female service officers, the Citrus County VSO will also be on hand for more complex issues.

So Veterans please do yourselves a favor and if you served and Not receiving benefits’, or you think you are NOT receiving what you should please attend. We will be conducting the Veterans Benefits’ on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd from 10am – 3pm (Please bring your DD-214 or Discharge to expedite the process). Refreshments’, snacks and lunch will be provided.

On Friday, Veterans Benefits’ will be the main subject, setting up one on one appointments with a Service Officer and on Saturday we will be continuing Veterans Benefits’ plus conducting an open house about what The American Legion does for our Veterans, Community, Children & Youth and our Active Duty men and woman.

Did you know that American Legion Post #155 in Crystal River donated over $250,000 back to the community of Citrus County; Schools, Children & Youth Programs, taking care of our Veterans, and other Statewide Charities over the past 5 years? Other things American Legion Post #155 for our Veterans will be sponsoring a Veterans Employment Jobs Fair for local companies just itching to hire a veteran in their work place. More information on this will be provided in the coming months.

For more information on going the fastest growing Veterans Organization in Citrus County American Legion Post #155 please contact the Post Commander Gabriella Danielson or 1st Vice Commander Jay Conti Sr. at 352-795-6526 for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT FLIER

2015-2016 National Commander: Dale Barnett

Dale Barnett

National Commander, The American Legion

Dale Barnett was elected national commander of the 2.2 million-member American Legion on Sept. 3, 2015 in Baltimore, Md., during the 97th national convention of the nation’s largest veterans organization.

Barnett graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and served as an Army infantry officer from 1974 to 1996, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. A member of American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville, Ga., he served The American Legion at every level, including Department (State) Commander of Georgia from 2007 to 2008. After leaving the military, Barnett taught high school social studies and coached basketball, baseball and cross country. He was the Creekside High School Teacher of the Year in 2005-2006 and a national board certified social studies teacher in 2003.

Raised in central Indiana, Barnett attended Whiteland Community High School, where he was student body president, captain of the track and basketball teams and president of the Whiteland United Methodist Youth Basketball Team. He credits his experience with Hoosier Boys Nation in 1969 with his decision to attend West Point.

Barnett served from 1990 to 1991 as the battalion executive officer of the 2^nd Battalion, 18^th Infantry in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His decorations include The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3^rd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2 Awards), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and Pathfinder Badge.

In addition to an International Relations / Public Affairs degree that Barnett earned at West Point, he holds a Masters of Business Administration from Boston University and graduated from Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Barnett served as The American Legion National Membership and Post Activities Chairman from 2008 to 2010 and National Economic Chairman from 2010 to 2013.

Dale and his wife, Donna, live in Douglasville, Ga., and have five children: Michelle, Andrea, Desiree, Kathalyn, and Joseph. They also have four young grandchildren: Heather, Daniel, Joanne and Brandon.

Museum of Military History Celebrates POW/MIA Day

Osceola County, FL: The Museum of Military History will be celebrating POW/MIA Day with a special Commander’s Call Event beginning at 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Saturday, Sept. 19^th in the museum’s parking lot. On hand will be military re-enactors from the Civil War, WWII, and Vietnam. Local veteran’s support groups and business’s will provide information and support the veterans. A special treat for the kids will be the appearance of their favorite comic book heroes. Also with our honored guest, Korean War POW and Vietnam Veteran Charles Montano there will be a number of WWII and Korean War veterans to meet and greet our guest. The ceremony will be conducted by the Museum staff, 463^rd Air Cadet Honor Guard, and the Osceola County Veterans Council. Custom made Dog Tags will also be available for purchase with all proceeds supporting the museum’s ability to educate people on the rich history of our military services, their contribution to our nation’s freedoms, and to gain a better understanding of what it means to serve. This will be a free event open to the public in the parking lot with a reduced fee for entrance to the Museum. Families are encouraged to attend and meet these military heroes that have given so much to secure the freedoms they enjoy today.

Donations, individual and corporate memberships, and sponsorships are available to help support the museum, a 501(c) 3 organization. For further information, contact the museum at 407-507-3894.

Click here for Event Flier

PINE VIEW STUDENT ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BOYS NATION

It’s been a heady summer for Aravind Byju, an incoming senior at Pine View School. First, he was elected president of American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. Then, he met President Barack Obama at the White House.

“Right now this whole experience has been absolutely surreal for me, and it really has not hit me” said Byju. “I am very blessed to be where I am and to have all the opportunity that I have enjoyed. I would not be anything without all of those who have supported me and I want to thank my Legion Post 159 that sponsored me, and my entire family and my brother who is my inspiration. I am very humbled and I can only hope to make everyone proud.”

Boys Nation is an annual American Legion program that includes civic training, leadership development and a focus on Americanism.

Obama was not the only leader on Byju’s list. He also met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at the Pentagon and with Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson on Capitol Hill. Byju previously served as a mayor and president of the Senate at Florida Boys State, which had more than 500 student delegates.

Aravind Byju, an incoming senior at Pine View School in Osprey, met president Barack Obama after being elected as president of the American Legion’s Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. (Provided by American Legion)

See more, click here.

SOURCE: www.heraldtribune.com

August 24, 2015

SAL TRAINING DURING FALL CONFERENCE

Florida Sons of The American Legion College System Training / Course Announcement

The Detachment Member Training & Development Committee will be delivering the following training/course.

Course Title: S.A.L. Advisor / Liaison Course and Meeting (FSCS-04)

Date: Friday, November 13, 2015

Location: Department Fall Conference – Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Room Assignment is TBD

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Registration: https://www.floridalegion.org/sons/registration/20151113_Adv.htm

This training session is for those members that have been appointed to serve or have an interest in serving as an Advisor or Liaison to the Sons of The American Legion at the Post, District or Area level. This session is intended to give those Legionnaires an overview of the Sons of The American Legion along with an overview of the responsibilities of the S.A.L. Advisor/Liaison and an opportunity to have an informal roundtable discussion with Detachment Leadership and the Department S.A.L. Advisor.

There is no fee to register for this course and an online registration form is available on our website at – https://www.floridalegion.org/sons/registration/20151113_Adv.htm – Registering online will guarantee the student will have seat in the class. Students that attend the class will get their certificate sent electronically, via e-mail, after the class. Students must be in class for the entire class to receive the certificate.

This course is being hosted by The American Legion Department Advisory Committee Chairman and the Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Florida and is open to all who wish to attend.

JIM ROBERTS SIGNATURE

Jim Roberts

Chairman

Detachment Member Training & Development Committee

POST 219 SEA CADET AWARDS

American Legion Post 219 in Fruitland Park held their 1st Anniversary of their Sea Cadet program with their Awards day on Sunday, August 16. The above picture shows the 18 Cadets and 2nd from the left is LTJG Rob Robbins a member of Post 219 and leader of the Cadets, with Post Commander Bob Morgan on the right.

PICTURED ABOVE: Mike Motko, President, Central FL Navy League of The United States presenting the their highest Award, Navy League Roosevelt Award to SN Sean Hicks.

PICTURED ABOVE: Peggie Shore, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution presenting their Outstanding Cadet Award to SN Matthew Largent.

GOV. RICK SCOTT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR FLORIDA COUNTIES

Governor Rick Scott has declared the following counties under a State of Emergency: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Dixie, and Taylor. Several storm systems have moved throughout the area that have caused significant damage.

Legionnaires who live in the above counties are eligible to apply for funding through the American Legion National Emergency Fund. Grants from this fund provide emergency assistance, up to $3,000 per household, to the American Legion or Sons of the American Legion who are current members and live in areas devastated by a declared natural disaster. You must have been displaced or evacuated from primary residence and had out-of-pocket expenses to provide food, clothing, and shelter. These funds are not designed for insurance compensation or to cover monetary losses from a business, structures on your property, equipment, or vehicles.

American Legion Posts that are in the above counties are also available for assistance through this program. Post grants, up to $10,000, must provide substantiating information that the Post will cease to perform the duties or activities in the community due to losses sustained. A written report from a Post, District, or Department Officer outlining losses and the impact on the community should be included with grant application.

For more information about the National Emergency Fund, visit National’s website: http://www.legion.org/emergency.

Eligibility Information

National Emergency Fund Application

CVSOA/FDVA INTRODUCTORY VETERANS BENEFITS TRAINING

The CVSOA Introductory Course on Veteran Benefits will be held October 3-4, 2015 at the Hilton Resort in Cocoa Beach, FL. Please note this is the last time the course will be held in Cocoa Beach for at least the next 3 years. During that time it will be held at the Safety Harbor Resort.

For those interested, fill out the form below and send in to the following address (DO NOT SEND TO FDVA):

Steve Marchbanks
Veteran Services
301 S. Monroe St.
Tallahasse, FL 32301

CVSOA Training Application/Schedule