(INDIANAPOLIS – January 30, 2025) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning last night’s collision of a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger plane attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
“We don’t know the ‘why’ but the ‘what’ is a heartbreaking tragedy. The American Legion extends its deepest condolences to the families of the souls lost in last night’s horrific crash. We salute the first responders who always rise to such unenviable and difficult challenges. Like nearly all Americans, we call for a full investigation of what occurred.”
Providing a decade of mobility for Florida’s Veterans
Orlando, January 30, 2025 – In an inspiring act of generosity, Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler, philanthropists from Ormond Beach, FL, are making a profound impact on the lives of 15 deserving veterans by donating mobility scooters to those unable to afford or access one through medical care. Florida is home to over 1.4 million veterans, with 32% reporting some level of disability. This donation honors their service while addressing daily mobility challenges.
For the past decade, Jack and Joan have partnered with The American Legion, Department of Florida, to identify deserving veterans and have generously donated a total of 92 life-changing scooters, including this year’s contribution. “Without the military’s influence, discipline, and Esprit de Corps, my life would have likely taken a much less productive path,” shared Jack Kump. The couple believes that every veteran deserves recognition, compassion, and support. This initiative is also a tribute to two WWII veterans who shaped their lives: Joan’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.
The scooters will be presented during a special event hosted by The American Legion, Department of Florida, at its headquarters in Orlando on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Jack and Joan will attend to personally witness their generosity in action and meet the veterans whose lives will be transformed by their donation.
Among the recipients is Nelson Perez, a U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged due to a permanent disability. Upon learning he was selected, Mr. Perez shared, “I’m so happy to be able to get the scooter. Thank you to your organization so much—you don’t know how much this means to me.” Additionally, David Miller, a Purple Heart recipient and long-time member of The American Legion, will attend the event and assist in distributing scooters to other veterans in the Tampa area.
SpinLife, a leading e-commerce retailer of medical equipment in the US for over 25 years, has praised Jack and Joan for their unwavering dedication to veterans. To celebrate this extraordinary effort, SpinLife is providing one of the 15 scooters at no cost and two representatives will make a special trip from up north to attend the event, which further underscores their commitment to supporting communities in need.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Jack and Joan for their compassion and kindness. “It is this type of generosity that demonstrates the deep appreciation we all owe to our veterans,” said Florida’s Department Adjutant, Bruce Comer.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
Phil was a proud U.S. Marine and a Vietnam War veteran. He joined the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 1956 and served honorably for 30 years, retiring in 1986. A devoted member of Veterans Memorial Post 347, Phil demonstrated 28 continuous years of service and commitment to The American Legion.
Throughout his years of dedication, Phil held numerous leadership roles at various levels within the organization. At the Post level, he served in every capacity, most notably as Post Commander from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2013. At the District level, Phil served as 4th District Vice Commander from 2003 to 2004 and District Commander from 2004 to 2006. His exceptional leadership was recognized during the 2004–2005 term when he was awarded a membership ring for achieving the highest renewal percentage in the District.
At the Department level, Phil’s contributions were vast. He served as Department Sgt-at-Arms from 2006 to 2007, Northern Area Commander from 2007 to 2008, Department Vice Commander from 2008 to 2009, and Department Commander from 2009 to 2010. Phil also held several committee roles, including serving on the Department Time & Place Committee from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2015, chairing the committee from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, he served on the Department Finance Committee from 2010 to 2015 and as Department National Security Chair from 2019 to 2022.
Phil’s influence extended to the national level, where he served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 2011 to 2019 and the National Security Commission from 2020 to 2022.
Phil’s unwavering commitment to The American Legion, his community, and his country will be deeply missed. His legacy of service and dedication will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Peggy Hearlson, at:
14050 SE 53rd Ave.
Summerfield, FL 34491
The arrangements for Past Department Commander Phil Hearlson’s funeral are as follows:
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Location: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Service: 11:00 AM
Interment: Following the service at Bushnell National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL
Following the interment, there will be a Celebration of Life held at Veterans Memorial Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL.
An obituary will be available on the Hiers-Baxley website in the coming days. Please visit: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
About 100 motorcycles escorted The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall on Friday morning to the 10th Annual Veterans Expo at the Avon Park American Legion Post 69.
They received a patriotic welcome with folks young and old, waving American flags in hand, lining West Bell Street to watch and video the procession. The City of Avon Park Fire Department hoisted a giant American flag with its ladder truck.
Eric Ryan Anderson, of Spirit Equine Therapy in Webster, held an American flag as he road his horse when the motorcyclists departed to meet the Traveling Memorial Wall near Lake Wales and Anderson was in the saddle to greet them upon their return.
The Global War on Terror Memorial Wall is also present at the Veterans Expo, which has free admission and is open to the public.
The Veterans Expo continues today starting at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony. At 11 a.m. there is a 2.2-mile walk in remembrance of the 22 veteran suicides daily.
The awards ceremony starts at noon followed by live music.
Veterans services are available all day with representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Highlands County Veterans Services.
Other organizations that provide services to veterans and first responders will have people on hand, including people from Best Behavioral Solutions; Dr. J. Royster Semper Motis, LLC; Spirit Equine Therapy; Hands for Homeless; Heartland Horses; Hernando Beach Diving with Heroes; K-9 Line; Sea 2 Sea 4 PTSD, and the South Florida State College veterans counselor, among many others.
After that, the event will have all the information booths open and food on hand. Saturday, Jan. 4, will feature more of the same along with live music all afternoon.
There are raffles, a silent auction food trucks and more.
The Expo serves as a fundraiser for American Legion Department of Florida’s Project Vet Relief (Project: Vet Relief), which provides a legion of support for service men and women as they transition from military to civilian lives.
The end goal is to have a nation in which no service member stands alone or feels that they must. Help is available for active-duty military and veterans, organizers said, and the Expo is designed to reinforce that fact. In addition to their immediate family members, whether spouse or child, all services provided by Project Vet Relief are at no cost to those who have served.
Roy Tefft, one of the Expo’s organizers, said he estimated about 100 riders participated in the escort.
“We want the public to come and if they know a veteran, tell them to come see us,” he said. “We have lots of good stuff going for veterans.”
Project Vet Relief is a statewide American Legion program, which focuses on suicide prevention and emergency assistance for veterans that are in a sudden dire need, Tefft explained.
County Commissioner Kevin Roberts said the Veterans Expo is a good thing and he tries to attend it every year.
(INDIANAPOLIS – December 29, 2024) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:
“President Carter was a Legionnaire, a distinguished Navy veteran and a devout Christian. His commitment to human rights and community service was respected worldwide. He lived longer than any president in American history and made the most of his post-presidential years by strongly advocating for world peace and improving the lives of the disadvantaged. His energy, integrity and humility were admired by people across the political spectrum. President Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, was a leader in mental health awareness. They will both be missed. Our condolences to the entire Carter family and the many lives that they have touched, especially in their home state of Georgia.”
During an address to The American Legion’s 1980 national convention, President Carter described his vision for America on the world stage. “We do not maintain our power in order to seize power from others. Our goal is to strengthen our own freedom and the freedom of others, to advance the dignity of the individual and the right of all people to justice, to a good life, and to a future secure from tyranny. In choosing our course in the world, America’s strength serves American values,” he said.
(INDIANAPOLIS – December 21, 2024) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr. issued the following statement today concerning passage of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government into March:
“The American Legion is glad that sanity has prevailed in Congress and our troops no longer must worry about their pay being delayed, veterans can be confident that their benefits will not be cut, and the American people can receive the government services that their taxes fund. It never should have come to this point. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to fund our government. It should not come down to the final hours. This does not send an image of responsible governance to our adversaries. During the last prolonged shutdown, members of the Coast Guard had their pay delayed. This was a disgrace, and Congress needs to pass legislation ensuring that this never happens again. Continuing resolutions, though better than a shutdown, do not solve the bigger problems of uncertainty and paralysis. Congress needs to put the American people above partisan politics and pass a budget!”
The American Legion – Aug 07, 2024
With a new school year starting prior to the onset of the pandemic, members of American Legion Riders Chapter 129 in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., learned from a teacher that has connections to the post that she would spend hundreds of dollars of her own money to purchase school supplies for students who were unable to pay for all of their supplies.
And that didn’t sit well with Chapter 129 and was the reason it started its backpack supplies program. For around six years, the Riders have provided backpacks full of school supplies and delivered them to a different school each year.
This year the recipient was Neptune Beach Elementary School, which was provided with 66 full backpacks.
“We decided to help our community out by doing the school supply drive,” said Past Auxiliary Unit 129 President and the former Chapter 129 Membership Chairman Mary Tarnowski. “We’re in a military town. We have a lot of military families … that really run short of money for school supplies. We’ve got a lot of needy families in the area.”
The first-ever donation was made to San Pablo Elementary School. Staff and students and their families were gathered outside with signs thanking the Riders.
“After that first initial contact, we decided it was something that we, as Riders, needed to do for the community,” Tarnowski said. “(Elizabeth Kavanagh) is the principal at Neptune Beach, which we recently delivered to, and she couldn’t thank us enough.”
Members of Chapter 129 donate school supplies at the post throughout the year; Post 129 also donated $1,000, while Unit 129 contributed $200.
“We also try to get some supplies for the teachers,” Tarnowski said. “They wanted tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes … and we always try to get them some copy paper.”
Lake City Reporter | By TONY BRITT on Wednesday, July 17, 2024
First time Lake City, Jasper, Branford groups held joint event.
Legionnaires from around the area gathered at American Legion Post 57 for a historic installation service which also featured a celebration for a post commander stepping down after several years in… >> Read More
Jack Fitzgerald, center, head of the Cape Coral Post 90 Legion Riders, presents a check for $6,000 to Mike Raymond, left, State of Florida Commander and Joseph Marcheggiani, Area Commander at Post 136, St. James City. PROVIDED
Cape Coral Breeze | By Staff | Jun 28, 2024
Local American Legion Riders recently joined a Florida statewide effort to help end veteran suicide. Called “PROJECT: VetRelief Suicide Prevention Initiative,” they raised over $330,000. Florida has almost a million veterans and more than 100,000 of them are American Legion members of which 15,000 are here in Southwest Florida.
From Marco Island to Punta Gorda, hundreds of local legionnaires rode their motorcycles for the cause. At local American Legion posts, thousands more donated and hosted rides, dinners and other activities. They also created fundraising pages to collect donations. Riders not only volunteer their time and pay for their own lodging and fuel but also make personal contributions.
Across the United States, about 22 veterans a day commit suicide (and many of them are here in Florida.) That is over 8,000 a year. The Florida American Legion Riders find this unacceptable. In 2019, they chose to do their part to eradicate this statistic and dedicate the funds raised through their annual In-State Unity Ride towards ending veteran suicides. Since then, they have raised over $520,000 for PROJECT: VetRelief’s Suicide Prevention Initiative. The funding sponsors veterans through existing programs and services focused on mental health. Detailed information on the program is available at www.projectvetrelief.org/spi.
The In-State Unity Ride is one of the largest multi-routes, multi-day, statewide motorcycle events, with many of the American Legion Riders traveling from across the state to join in unified support for this important cause.
PROJECT: VetRelief, established in 2014, is a program of The American Legion, Department of Florida. The program focuses on two services: emergency assistance and suicide prevention. When dealing with a life emergency, they support our service members and their families with immediate financial assistance. The suicide prevention initiative focuses on training or mentoring veterans through existing mental health treatments, programs, or processes to prevent suicide. Their mission is to keep food on the table or the lights on while a family works through a trying time and to decrease the suicide rate to zero.
Riders on the tour traveled in three different routes, East, West and Central, covering a total of 2,970 miles in the state of Florida. Chapter 90 Cape Coral American Legion Riders travelled 1,610 miles on their portion of the trip. There was a total of 160 motorcycles and 205 participants for the event. The Central District Riders, which Cape Coral Post 90 was part of, donated the most money of the three routes. Chapter 90 presented a check for $6,000 to PROJECT VetRelief suicide prevention initiative at Post 136 in St. James City on April 26. The 13th District contributed over $17,000 that day from the four legion families at their Post’s in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, St. James City and Bonita Springs.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of strong national security, veterans’ affairs, Americanism and youth programs. The Department of Florida Legionnaires support their communities through nearly 300 posts across Florida. Currently, more than 6,000 members are American Legion Riders.
To find out more about the American Legion, Department of Florida, please visit FloridaLegion.org. If you are a veteran and have not joined, please consider becoming part of a great organization.
Celebrating his 100th birthday, WW II veteran Bill Keegan blows out the candles on the cake held by gold star father Ken Dale at the American Legion Post 39 on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Vero Beach. >> Read Full Article
Jim Brian, center, who served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, cheers with his guardian, Debbie Perina, of the Village Santo Domingo, as he is recognized after arriving home from Villages Honor Flight Mission 62 on Wednesday at American Legion Post 347. Joseph Cooke, Daily Sun
Sixty-eight veterans were welcomed home by a sea of cheering friends and family decked out in red, white and blue.
For Stu Robinson, a U.S. Air Force veteran, stepping off the bus to that reception was the highlight of his Villages Honor Flight experience.
“Knowing how we’re supported at home,” said Robinson, of the Village of Bonita. “I just cannot tell you what it means.”
Seeing the turnout and the patriotism of the crowd left the Korean War veteran feeling emotionally overwhelmed, he said.
On Wednesday, Villages Honor Flight took another round of local veterans to Washington, D.C., for its 62nd mission.
The local Honor Flight hub takes veterans to see their respective war memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C., for free.
During the mission, they visit places like Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Air Force Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and many others.
Getting to experience the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery was a special moment for U.S. Air Force veteran Stuart Lesser.
While at the national cemetery, they met a lot of young students who clapped and thanked them for their service, he said.
“That was pretty emotional,” said Lesser, of the Village of Belle Aire. “It just made me feel so good that they were showing some patriotism.”
It showed the Vietnam War-era veteran the country is in good hands, he said.
It was even more special for Lesser and Robinson to share this moment with more than 60 other local veterans, they said.
Going on this trip and getting welcomed back like that truly renewed his faith in people, Robinson said.
While the crowd gathered at American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake to welcome back the veterans and guardians, performers like DJ Ralph DiNome, the Wonderland Singers, the Prime Time Twirlers, the Original Belly Dancers and The Villages Cheerleaders kept them entertained.
The Mystic Ice Cream food truck also was on hand, serving ice cream.
The Prime Time Twirlers presented each veteran with a military challenge coin and thanked them for their service.
The veterans also received handmade quilts, Villages Honor Flight hats and a lifetime of memories.
“We love doing it for the vets,” said ground coordinator Karl Buettner, of the Village of Lake Deaton. “It’s all about the vets.”
As the three buses of veterans and guardians arrived back at Post 347 around midnight, they received an escort from the Lady Lake Police Department, Fruitland Park Police Department, Village Vettes Corvette Club, Village Nomads, American Legion Post 347 Riders and A Touch of Glass Corvette Club.
As the buses pulled in, The Villages Public Safety Department fire truck welcomed them with a water hose arch.
“Oh, it was a big surprise and unbelievable,” Robinson said. “The coordination that was involved in putting this thing on was incredible.”
Once they arrived back, co-flight directors Darrel Caswell, of the Village of Bradford, and Sandra Skopaz, of the Village of Pennecamp, described the day for the crowd.
“They all had a great time,” Caswell said.
Among the veterans on the trip, 13 served in the U.S. Air Force, 29 in the U.S. Army, eight in the U.S. Marine Corps, three in the U.S. Coast Guard and 15 in the U.S. Navy.
Veterans on this mission served in various wars and eras, said Duane Roemmich, public relations and media coordinator for Villages Honor Flight.
It cost about $600 to send one veteran on a mission, and the organization raises money all year long, said Roemmich, of the Village of Collier.
Any U.S. veteran who served at least one day in active duty is eligible to go on an Honor Flight mission. Villages Honor Flight serves veterans in Sumter, Lake, Marion, Citrus and Hernando counties.
Since 2012, Villages Honor Flight has taken nearly 2,000 local veterans on missions and another 350 on virtual missions, Caswell said.
The next Villages Honor Flight is flightless mission 63 on Oct. 2.
For more information about Villages Honor Flight or to donate, visit villageshonorflight.org.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
[/su_content_slide] [su_content_slide class=””]
[/su_content_slide] [su_content_slide class=””]
[/su_content_slide] [su_content_slide class=””]
[/su_content_slide] [/su_content_slider]
