News | Florida American Legion

Legion to Senate: drop the hold

Photo credit: US Marine Corps/Staff Sgt. Kelsey Dornfeld

By Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola, National Commander
JUL 12, 2023

Dear American Legion Family members and friends,

When I visited Pearl Harbor last December, I had the honor of speaking with survivors of the infamous attack. The lesson that most Pearl Harbor veterans expressed to me over the years is that America must always be prepared.

Unfortunately, America’s readiness to defend its citizens is unnecessarily harmed due to the actions that are occurring in the U.S. Senate. Really inaction is a better word.

Since Monday, the U.S. Marine Corps has been without a confirmed commandant. It is the first time that the Marines have not had an authorized commandant in 164 years. In fact, 16 general officers in the U.S. Marine Corps have had their promotions put on hold due to a legislative maneuver by a single U.S. senator. The holds are not because they are unqualified but because the senator objects to totally unrelated policies that these officers had nothing to do with.

Other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will retire in the next two months, leaving vacancies in the highest military positions. The people aspiring to these billets will be in good company, as more than 260 general and flag officers so far in all our military branches have had their promotions put on hold because of this. The U.S. Air Force alone has 99 general officer promotions on hold.

This isn’t just impacting the top brass. It impacts the critical staff that generals and admirals will rely on to ensure operational readiness. Some families have sold homes as they await orders that have yet to be finalized. As any military parent with school-aged children will attest, summer is the optimum time to make a permanent change of station.

Quality of life issues are vital to the success of an all-volunteer force. The American Legion has always believed a strong U.S. military is what allows us “to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.” It is why a strong national defense is one of our organization’s founding pillars.

I mentioned my visit to Pearl Harbor. Last month, I visited another hallowed place, Normandy, France. As I saw the final resting place of thousands of freedom’s heroes, I couldn’t help but be grateful for not just their sacrifice but their success in saving the world. Our victory in World War II might not have been assured without the steady and confident leadership of general and flag officers like Eisenhower, MacArthur, Patton, Bradley, Nimitz, Puller, Roosevelt and countless others. They were the right leaders at the right time. Thank God that no politician deprived us of their leadership when America needed these officers most.

Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola
National Commander

Weekly Reports June 23, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Weekly Reports June 23, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Weekly Reports June 9, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Discontinuation of Department Emblem Sales

Legionnaires,

Department of Florida has just been informed by The American Legion National Emblem Sales that Resolution 10 from the Fall of 2012 provides that all Emblem Sales products are to be sold only through National Emblem Sales. This has come as a surprise to the Staff, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. To remain in compliance with the directive from the National organization, we are forced to discontinue the Florida Emblem Sales immediately, and upon conclusion of the Department Convention, all Emblem Sales items will be returned to National.

The department will continue with the online sale of non-Emblem items, such as military service items, patriotic items, etc. We will continue to operate while inventory lasts or until other arrangements have been made.

Thank You,

Bruce E. Comer
Department Adjutant

Weekly Reports June 1, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

TALMA names its 2023 contest winners

Photo by Edward Lewis, American Legion Department of Florida

The American Legion May 23, 2023 – The American Legion Media Alliance (TALMA) is proud to announce the winners of its 2023 contest. There were a record 103 contest entries submitted for the seven categories. The winners were selected by a panel of judges and approved by the Media & Communications Commission.

A special awards luncheon will be held during the 104th National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, to recognize the contest winners. The luncheon will be free to all TALMA award recipients. For other members and guests, there will be a fee per ticket. Registration information and other details are forthcoming.

The following are the 2023 TALMA contest winners and their entries:

PUBLICATIONS

Department/District: Timothy Engstrom, American Legion Department of Minnesota (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)

Posts up to 249: Russell Myers III, Squadron 105, Belleville, N.J. (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)

Posts 250-749: Patricia Douglas, Ryan Winslow Post 911, Hoover, Ala. (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)

Posts over 750: Georgianna Shea, American Legion Neal Thomas Jr. Centennial Post 209, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)

WEBSITE

Department/District: Timothy Engstrom, American Legion Department of Minnesota (website)

Posts up to 249: Michael Hayes, Chris Kyle Post 388 in Midlothian, Texas (website)

Posts 250-749: Lee Heavlin, Post 6 in Chapel Hill, N.C. (website)

Posts Over 750: Steve Hayes, Neal Thomas Jr. Centennial Post 209 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (website)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Department/District: Jennifer Havlick, American Legion Department of Minnesota (Facebook)

Posts to 249: Russell Myers III, Squadron 105, Belleville, N.J. (Facebook)

Posts 250-749: Melissa Steinle, Millard Auxiliary Unit 374, Omaha, Neb. (Facebook)

Posts Over 750: Laura Smerbeck, Post 245 in State College, Pa. (Tiktok)

VISUAL MEDIA

Department/District: Edward Lewis, American Legion Department of Florida (Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3)

Posts up to 249: No Award

Posts 250-749: Patricia Douglas, Ryan Winslow Post 911 in Hoover, Ala. (flyer)

Posts over 750: Edward Lewis, Augustus Ruser Jr. Post 273 in Madeira Beach, Fla. (Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3)

EDITORIAL/NEWS

Department/District: Cynthia Boehnlein, American Legion Department of Ohio (story submission)

Posts up to 250: Russell Myers III, Squadron 105, Belleville, N.J. (story submission)

Posts 250-749: Burrell Parmer, Fred Brock Post 828 in San Antonio, Texas (story submission)

Posts over 750: None Submitted

EDITORIAL/INFO

Department/District: Timothy Engstrom, American Legion Department of Minnesota (story submission)

Posts up to 249: Gregory Wilson, American Legion McKaig-Test-Mullen Post 455 in New Egypt, N.J. (story submission)

Posts 250-749: Lee Heavlin, Post 6 in Chapel Hill, N.C. (story submission)

Posts over 750: None Submitted

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Department/District: Cory Brockmann, American Legion Department of Oregon (example and story)

Posts up to 249: Russell Myers III, Squadron 105, Belleville, N.J. (news station and story submission)

Posts 250-749: Catherine Mondy Boyce, Post 560, Houston, Texas (story submission)

Posts over 750: Theodore Clark, American Legion Post 90 of Southwest Florida, Cape Coral, Fla. (example submitted)

Weekly Reports May 25, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

New Motorcycle Safety Law

Motorcycle Safety Law being signed by Governor DeSantis. The implementation of the Law will is a joint effort between three organizations, ABATE, ALR, and LAMA to create a statewide motorcycle safety and awareness program.

Weekly Reports May 18, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Memorial Day Service to Honor the Fallen – May 29, 2023

May 15, 2023 – The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 invites the community to its Memorial Day event with family-friendly environment to show support for our military’s sacrifices. The two-day event begins with Luminaries at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 28^th and concludes Monday, May 29^th with the Memorial Service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The ceremonies are at the American Legion, “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 located at 3810 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33609.

This year centers on “Be the One” to eliminate the stigma related to mental health treatment, and in turn, lower the number of veterans who die by suicide every day. We honor those who have fallen and are still in the battle for their lives. This focus is in collaboration on the goals of the American Legion National Commander and Ellsworth “Tony” Williams (American Legion Post 5 member and Veterans Counseling Veterans founder). Veterans Counseling Veterans, Inc., (VCV) is a veteran-led nonprofit providing training, education, advocacy, mentorship, and service (TEAMS) to veterans and their families in the areas of mental wellness and suicide prevention.

The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated at between 17 and 22. The American Legion has elevated Be the One to be its top priority, empowering veterans, servicemembers, their family members and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk. This event intends to bring more awareness to the problem while providing resources to those who may be able to help save the life of a veteran.

Sunday’s luminary observance requests that friends and family come out any time after 8:00 p.m. and have a moment of silence at the cemetery after sunset. No official ceremony will be presented. The Luminaries will be left out for visitations throughout the night with no official service or ceremony. The sight of all the candles lit is breathtaking and a symbol that we will never forget for our tomorrow, they gave their today. Volunteers will set up starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Memorial Service is organized by the American Legion Cemetery Corporation President Alyse Duffy and presented by Terry Doan (American Legion Post 5 Member and Board Member of the Cemetery) as the Master of Ceremonies. The first guest speaker will be Emily Peake, District winner of the American Legion Oratorical Contest, a sophomore at Cambridge Christian School, and placed 3rd in the Department of Florida Oratorical Contest as the youngest contestant. The second guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Jeremy “Scooby” J.C. Shoop (ret.) was a career Special Tactics Officer and served within Special Operations for three decades, the mainly as a plankholder with the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, an Air Force Special Operations Command unit. The ceremony will include special guests from the Boys State and Girls State Delegations. The invocation will be performed by Chaplain (Colonel) Eric J. Albertson is the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Command Chaplain as a special staff officer responsible for providing strategic guidance on spiritual, religious, and ethical matters pertaining to the force. Vocal tributes by Gail Cooper, American Legion Unit 5 member. The raising of the flags to full staff will still take place at the closing of the ceremony at 12:00pm (noon) to memorialize those who gave their lives serving the United States of America.

Feel free to bring a flag Monday and show support by flag waving along Kennedy Boulevard. Wreath registration is available if your group would like to place a remembrance wreath during the Post Everlasting portion of the ceremony to be part of the Roll Call. If any group would like to place their organization’s personalized remembrance wreath in the ceremony, bring it to the registration table between 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Memorial Day. All branches of the military will be represented, as well as the remembrance wreaths announcement.

Since 1922 the American Legion has been honoring the fallen with a Memorial Day Service. The event provides a venue for all ages to give thanks for our military’s sacrifices. The significance of the cost our soldiers have come to bear to preserve our way of life and the freedoms granted by their choices will never be forgotten. We asked them to give their all…they did. They ask to be remembered one day a year, and we will.

Weekly Reports May 11, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Dennis R. Bruland

With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Dennis R. Bruland of Punta Gorda, Florida, who passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the age of 74.

The Department was just made aware of the services for Dennis, which will be held today. The Burial Service will be held from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241. A Celebration of Life will be held following the Burial Service at 4:30 pm at Moose Lodge 2121, 3624 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Dennis was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Era Veteran. He was a member of Punta Gorda Post 103 with 46 continuous years of membership. Dennis served as Post Commander from 2006-2007, 13th District Commander from 2006-2008, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2008-2009. At the Department level, he served as Department Veterans Preference Chair from 2007-2009, Department Law & Order Chair from 2009-2010, and Veterans Benefits Chair from 2014-2016. At the National level, he served on the Constitution and By-Laws Committee from 2006-2017 and the Legislative Council from 2015-2019.

At this time, there are no details regarding where to send condolences. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.

Weekly Reports May 4, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Welcome Home Weekly

Join us May 13, 2023, as Dana-Howard-Weekly Post 130 Members Honor & Celebrate the homecoming of our founding Post namesake 2nd Lt. Pharis E. Weekley.

Weekley’s remains were recently located after 80 years! In his honor and for his family we start the day with a motorcycle and car procession from Post 69 Avon Park, South to LaBelle Post 130. We are needing a flag line from the foot of the bridge at Barron Park in LaBelle to Post 130 with flags and yellow ribbons for his family, as they return to LaBelle. This is going to take a lot of Patriots – please join us and help stand the line if you can.

Dana-Howard-Weekly Post 130 will be hosting a Welcome Home Picnic around Noon on the 13th.

Download our flyer for complete details.

Weekly Reports April 28, 2023

LEGION REPORTS

Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary

Indianapolis High School Senior Wins American Legion Oratoricals Earns $25K Scholarship, National Championship

INDIANAPOLIS (April 23, 2023) – A home-schooled senior from Indianapolis capped a busy weekend of competition in her home city by earning a $25,000 college scholarship and first place in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” Haley Bock’s winning prepared oration was titled “The Black Hole of American Democracy: American Territories are Where Voting Rights Vanish.”

Bock started the weekend as one of 49 state or department champions in the 84th annual contest. She advanced to the championship through three rounds of intense competition. She was sponsored by American Legion Post 3 in Indianapolis.

Ian Chung, a senior from Vestal, N.Y., earned a $22,500 college scholarship with a second-place finish, while Emma Johnson, an 11^th grade student from Powell, Wyo., earned $20,000 and third place in the competition. The scholarships account for a small portion of post-secondary scholarships that The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, awards annually.

In her prepared oration, Bock opened her remarks about Luis Segovia, a U.S. citizen and Guam resident who served tour tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Illinois National Guard.

“Luis Segovia was willing to give his life for his country,” she said. “He protected Iraqi citizens’ right to vote. But back home in America, Luis, along with four million residents of the American territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands were denied their right to vote.”

“They’re calling out but they’ve yet to be heard,” she concluded. “So, who will give them their voice? When will we all speak out, rise together, and grant those the rights they too have fought for and deserve?”

In each round of the weekend competition, orators delivered a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The nearly 1.7-million-member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution. More than $3 million in scholarships have been awarded over the history of the contest.

Three High School Orators to Face Off Sunday for Top National Honor in American Legion Competition

INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2023) – Out of an original 49 contestants, only three remain as finalists in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” The three survived two intense rounds of competition today and will vie for the championship during tomorrow’s finals which will be webcast live at 10 am Eastern Time on www.legion.org and on Facebook live at The American Legion National Headquarters page.

The top prize, a $25,000 scholarship, will be awarded to Haley Bock of Indianapolis, Ian Chung of Vestal, N.Y. or Emma Johnson of Powell, Wyo. The second and third place winners after tomorrow’s competition will receive $22,500 and $20,000 scholarships respectively. Each of the 49 competitors are department (state or regional) champions.

The other 15 semi-finalists who competed in this afternoon’s competition are Mahee Haswani (Calif.), Mae Webster (Colo.), Nurfat Ishaque (Fla.), Andrew Fleming (Ga.), Bridger Benson (Idaho), Thanvee Paga (Iowa), India Young (Ky.), Andrew Kil (Mich.), Emily Aloise (N.H.), Guhan Krishnan (Ohio), Jesse LaBahn (Okla.), Henry Overbay (S.C.), Abigail Whicker (Tenn.), Trenton James McMillen (Va.) and Emma Lo (Wash.).

The contest, now in its 84^th year, encourages young Americans to improve their communications skills and study the U.S. Constitution. Approximately 6,000 high school students begin competition annually at The American Legion post-community level. More than $3 million in scholarships have been awarded since the inception of the program. The national contestants all competed in Indianapolis, the headquarters city for The American Legion. Previous champions include former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, the late Sen. Frank Church and writer Brent Bozell.Jr. Former Vice President Mike Pence and commentator Lou Dobbs are past state champions.