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.
With deep regret we report the passing of Past 15th District Commander George T. Pinner, Jr. of Tampa, Florida, who passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the age of 91. He is survived by his Children; 2 daughters: Debbie Pinner and Sandy Riley; two sons: George T. Pinner, III (Chip) and Michael McHerron.
On May 12, 1956, he married the love of his life Betty Lee. He worked for CXS railroad for 40 years (previously named Atlantic and Seaboard Coastline). After the passing of his beloved wife, George met Jeannie York, with whom he spent the last 21 years. Sadly, Jeannie passed away 16 days before George.
George was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was a member of Tampa Post 152 with 36 continuous years of membership. George served as Post Commander from 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 and 15th District Commander from 2002-2003. He also served on many committees and was very involved with Boys State.
The Burial Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the National Cemetery in Bushnell. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Tampa Bay Community Church, 3318 Moran Rd, Tampa, Florida 33618.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to Hospice of Tampa or Tampa Bay Community Church.
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our comrade, Tony King. Tony passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Tony King was a long-time member and acting commander for the Robert H.L. Dabney American Legion Post 192 in Tice Florida.
Please keep his wife, kids and family in your prayers as they deal with this giant loss in their lives.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander Reginald C. Beverly of Bear, Delaware, at the age of 89. Reginald is survived by his wife, Evelyn C. Beverly; son, Reginald C. Beverly, Jr.; and daughter, Larita R. Mason. The service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, with time and location TBD. Any new details regarding services will be communicated to you through email and posted on our website.
Reginald was a U.S. Air Force Korean War Era Veteran and a member of Port Orange Post 270, with 37 continuous years of membership. He served in every capacity within the Post, most predominately having served as Post Commander for four consecutive years from 1994-98. Under his leadership, the Post increased its membership and achieved an All-Time High. He served as 17th District Commander from 1997-99. During 2000-01, Reginald served as Department Membership Chair. He led the Department to achieve an All-Time High and was awarded the General Henri Gouraud Trophy for being the first Department to reach 100% in its category. Reginald served as Northern Area Commander from 2001-02, Department Vice Commander from 2002-03, and Department Commander from 2003-04. At the National level, he served on the Americanism Council from 1999-01 and the Foreign Relations Council from 2001-09.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Evelyn C. Beverly, at 35 Nairn Ln., Bear, DE 19701-4757.
—-UPDATE—-
The Memorial Service for Past Department Commander Reginald C. Beverly, Sr., will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Scarlet Note Church, 20 East Commons Boulevard, Suite 100, New Castle, DE 19720.
HM1 Alan Sparks joined Post Everlasting on July 10, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Edie, and sons Ian, Colin and Joshua Field. His cremains will be interred at the American Legion Cemetery located at USS Tampa, Post 5 in Tampa Florida.
We the Members of Robert Bethel Post 220 deeply regret announcing the passing of our Fellow Comrade William McBride. Comrade McBride Passed on Thursday, June 29, 2022. The service will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022. time and Location TBA
With our sincerest condolences, we are sad to announce that Madeline (Lindy) Jordan passed away yesterday, July 17, 2022, at 5:00 pm in Charlotte, NC. Lindy was Past Commander of Flagler Post 115, Past Commander, 17th District, served on Department Committees, and the nurse at Boys State during my tenure as Director.
Several years ago, she sold her home in Palm Coast and moved to Charlotte to be near her family. She was very active in Legion work prior to her departure from Florida. She traveled extensively participating in Legion golf tournaments. She was a high-spirited, fun lady, but also very dedicated and committed to Legion work.
Anyone wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the following address:
Norma J. Walker (Dept of South Carolina) 143 California Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830-4001, died June 10, 2022 at the age of 81. Source: Department Adjutant. A Vietnam War Navy Veteran and a member of Post #71 with 38 continuous years of membership. ID#100934562.
Memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 71 at PO Box 6036, North Augusta, SC 29861-6063.
Condolences may be shared online at weatherfordmortuary.com or William Walker and family at 143 California Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
RECORD:
Dept Americanism Chmn 7-01-2002 to 7-01-2003
Dept Civil Defense Chmn 7-01-2002 to 7-01-2003
Dept Commander 7-01-2004 to 7-01-2005
Dept Convention Chmn 7-01-2005 to 6-24-2006
Dept Historian 6-23-2007 to 6-02-2013
Dept Internal Affairs Chmn 7-01-2003 to 7-01-2004
Dept M&PA Chmn 7-01-2003 to 7-01-2004
Dept National Security Chmn 7-01-2001 to 7-01-2002
Dept Public Relations Chmn 7-01-2002 to 7-01-2004; 7-01-2008 to
7-01-2009
Dept Vice Commander 7-01-2001 to 7-01-2004
Natl Americanism Council Vice Chmn 2002 to 2003
Natl M&PA Committee Memb 2004 to 2010
Natl Security Council Vice Chmn 2001 to 2002
Clifford D. (Skip) Collins, Jr. Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Navy
Loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully Wednesday June 15, 2022 in Ocoee, FL after a long illness at age 76. Born in Davenport Iowa to the late Clifford D. Collins, Sr. and L. Elaine (Handley) Collins. He was predeceased by his sister Cheryl (Collins) Sargent and nephew Joseph (Joey) Platt. He is survived by his wife JoAnn (Flannery) Collins of Ocoee FL, his son Clifford D. (Dean) Collins, III, his sisters Barbara (Barbie) Platt and Mary Helen Collins-Weldon all of Jacksonville FL, his stepsons Gregory Blotzer of MA, Brian and Kevin Blotzer both of FL, 6 grandchildren, Christopher Brock of AL, Aryette and Emilyn Collins of FL, Ethan and Ava Blotzer of FL and Esme of MA.
Growing up the son of an Insurance salesman his family moved several times from Iowa to Pennsylvania to Florida before settling in Jacksonville when his dad began working for the US Postal Service becoming President of the Postal Union. It was while living in Pittsburgh that he became a lifelong fan of (in this order) the Pirates, the Steelers and the Penguins. He joined the Navy in 1967 during the Vietnam war where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. After Honorable discharge he briefly attended Georgia Tech and the University of Florida, Gainesville before starting to work for Seaboard Coastal Railroad which later became CSX Railroad. After leaving the railroad he opened King Video in Jacksonville and when Blockbuster took over the video scene he sold it and started a home renovation business where he bought run down houses and brought them back to their original beauty. He enjoyed turning houses into homes. Sadly, that business came to an end when we moved to Ocoee. He gained employment with the American Legion, Department of Florida working with what began as the Gilchrist Fund and evolved into what is presently Project VetRelief. He assisted countless Veterans obtain financial assistance with rent and utilities. He also had the privilege of being on an Honor Flight, being the escort of a WWII Veteran. In his time working at The American Legion he made several lifelong friends. He never met a stranger. Cliff was a kind and caring soul, he will be forever loved and missed.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your local Humane Society or Project Vet-Relief, both organizations were special to Cliff.
A gathering of family and friends to Celebrate Cliff will be held at The American Legion, Department Headquarters 1912 A Lee Rd., Orlando FL 32810 on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 11am to 4pm.
Funeral Services for Past Eastern Area Commander William “Bill” Walsh, who passed away on June 14, 2022, will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The interment will occur at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL, at 10:00 A.M. A Celebration of Life will follow at Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL.
We the Members of Robert Bethel Post 220 deeply regret the announcing the passing of our Fellow Comrade William Mcbride.
Comrade Mcbride Passed on Thursday June 29, 2022. Service will be held Saturday July 9, 2022. time and Location TBA
It is with sadness that we report the passing of a Past Commander of Post 304 in Dania Beach, Fl. Commander Jay Walrond held many offices at Post 304, on the District level and also the Dept. of Florida. A memorial was held for him by his son John Walrond at Post 304 on Saturday 25, 2022. Commander Walrond will be sadly missed by family, friends, and fellow Legioniers.
It is with deep sorrow and regret that I must announce the passing of Post Commander of 139, Mark Wilson. He passed away yesterday May 4th. As more details on his services become available I will inform everyone. Please keep his family and the Post 139 family in your thoughts and prayers.
We mourn the loss of our 2nd District Commander, Steve G. Mears, Jr. Steve passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, 2022, after a plane crash at Calhoun County Airport. On behalf of the entire Florida Legion Family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his son, Steve “Trace” Mears, III, and to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Steve was a forty-eight-year-old Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Iraq War. He was a member of Blountstown Post 272, with twenty-two continuous years of membership. Steve served as Post Commander since 2019, he also served as Post Commander from 2004-2006 and Post Adjutant from 2009-2010.
While serving in the U.S. Army, Steve was awarded many achievements, including the following:
The Army Achievement Medal for his selfless service and outstanding dedication to duty while conducting detainee operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission.
The Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding duty performance during combat operations in Iraq contributed greatly to the overwhelming success of the Brigade’s mission in support of Multi-National Corps and Multi-National Force Iraq.
Honorary Lifetime Member of the 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne) for his dedicated service in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” on September 25, 2007. His patriotism, hard work, and selfless service contributed to the safe and secure environment provided to all detainees.
Steve was a true Patriot and a valuable member of The American Legion and his Community. His absence will be felt by all.
At this time, there are no details regarding services or where to send condolences. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Department National Cemetery Chairman Jack F. Stanley of Daytona Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Eileen. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Jack was a U.S. Navy Korean War Era Veteran. He was a member of Holly Hill Post 120 with 38 continuous years of membership. Jack served as Department National Cemetery Chairman for 7 years (2013-17 & 2018-21).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Eileen Stanley, at 276 Gala Cir., Daytona Beach, FL 32124-2012.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Luther “Jay” L. Allen, Jr. of Apollo Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Allen; 2 sons: Owen and Jayson; and three daughters: Raquel, Stephanie and Victoria. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Jay was a U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War Era. He was a member of Ruskin Post 389 with 13 continuous years of membership. Jay served as Post Commander (2012-16 & 2018-21), 15th District Vice Commander (2015-16), 15th District Commander (2016-17), and Central Area Commander (2017-19).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rebecca Allen, at 5340 Clover Mist Dr., Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3421.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Bay Pines VAVS Deputy Rep. Anthony R. Rizzo of Inverness, Florida, who passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the age of 74. Anthony is survived by his wife, Kim; sons: Anthony Rizzo, Jr. and Allan Hernandez; and daughter, Nicey Rizzo. A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Chas E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 S. Florida Ave., Inverness, FL. Following the service, full military honors will be rendered by Inverness VFW Post #4337 Honor Guard.
Anthony was a member of Madeira Beach Post 273 with 27 continuous years of membership. He proudly served his country as a member of the 173rd Airborne Division of the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1970, following his military service, he began a career in law enforcement working at Lake County Sherriff’s Office in Lake County, IN and most recently was a Deputy for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Anthony dedicated much of his life to serving his community and his fellow veterans. He is the former Vice President-Director of the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council VAVS Deputy Representative for the Bay Pines Veterans Administration. He also served as Council Representative for the Veterans Congressional Advisory Council with Gus Bilirakis.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Kim Rizzo, at 975 N. Man O War Dr., Inverness, FL 34453.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Vice Commander Robert C. Schmidt of Citrus Springs, Florida, who passed away on June 22, 2021 at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters Mary (Ron) Brown of Nashville, IL; Ruth (Ron) Wilton of Carlinville; Nancy (Norman) Shade of Chesterfield, IL; Carol (Billy) Rivers of Bolton, MS; Sandra Thacker of Carlinville; Clara Hicks of Citrus Springs, FL and son Robert T (Lori) Schmidt of Ocala, FL; 17 grandchildren especially his granddaughter, Heather Fritz; 42 great grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren; brothers Rev. Carl Schmidt of Effingham, IL, Joseph Schmidt of Quincy, IL and sister Virginia Drew of Quincy, IL; several nieces, nephews, and many other relatives. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Robert was a U.S. Army WWII Era Veteran and a member of Dunnellon Post 58 with 51 continuous years of membership. Robert served as Post 58 Commander (1973-1978 & 1993-1997), 4th District Commander (1981-1982 & 1993-1994) and Northern Area Vice Commander (1996-1997).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Veteran’s organization of your choice. Condolences for the family can be left at www.robertsofdunnellon.com.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Joseph Edward Pauly of Winter Haven, Florida, born in Saint Clair, Michigan, who passed away on May 11, 2021 at the age of 68. Joseph is survived by: his wife Katherine “Kit” Pauly; his children, JJ (Krissy), Kami and Steven; his grandchildren, Jacar, Ely, Andrew (Hailey), Kaley, Emily, Hannah and Hayden (Jaxson); his great grandchildren, Marcus, Jayson and Elijah; and his siblings, Ruth Ann, Gloria, Herbie and Rick. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Joseph was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Winter Haven Post 8 with 34 continuous years of membership. Joseph served as Post Commander (1993-1994), 7th District Commander (1995-1997) and Central Area Commander (1997-1998).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through her wife, Kit Pauly, at 410 Taylor Ave., Winter Haven, FL 33880-1450.
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.
