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• Veteran info regarding DD Form 214
  Please pass on to other vets. It's official: DD-214 discharge papers are NOW ONLINE.

  The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online:

  http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

  This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his/her DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

  Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.

  Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.

  Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

• Past Department Commander Chuck Moreland

PDC Chuck Moreland is recovering in the hospital from gall bladder surgery. Please keep PDC Moreland in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers. You can send your get well wishes to 19312 SW 101st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432.

• In Memory of American Committee Chairman Bob Cherry
  

Veterans Appreciation Committee Chairman Bob Cherry passed away. The Memorial Service will be at the Shiloh Christian Center, 155 University Blvd. Melbourne, Fl. with the viewing on Sat. Morning at 9:00A.M. and the Service to follow beginning at 10:00.

Bob's family has asked that donations be made to the Child Welfare Foundation in lieu of flowers. All Donations should be received by the Department no later than March 9, 2012. If you would like to make a donation, please send a check to the Department made out to the "American Legion, Department of Florida" and place "Child Welfare Foundation – Bob Cherry" in the memo line. The Department will collect the funds and send one donation to National on behalf of Bob Cherry. Please send donations to:

The American Legion, Department of Florida
P.O. Box 547859
Orlando, FL 32854-7859

• VETERANS BILL FOR YOUR REVIEW

Please click on the link below to track the veterans bill. If you have any questions feel free to contact our office.

SB 276: Recognition of Military Personnel and Veterans http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0276

GENERAL BILL by Sachs; Recognition of Military Personnel and Veterans; Creating the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs; designating August 7 of each year as “Purple Heart Day”, etc.

• WOUNDED WARRIOR RETURNS HOME

Welcome HomeCpl. Michael Nicholson USMC from Tampa, Florida on Sunday, 19 Feb. 2012

Corporal Nicholson will arrive Tampa International Airport and will be escorted (in a limo) by the American Legio Riders/Patriot Guard.  The Tampa Police Force as well as the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office who will also be involved in securing the route.

For More Information CLICK HERE

• Join Us Friday February 24th We Honor Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Brian Bill & His Fallen Teammates.
  View the Flyer For Details.
  
  
• Past Department Commander Chuck Moreland will be undergoing surgery on Tuesday. The surgery will be minor and he's expected to make a full recovery.

• Holdger Rust Past Disrtict 17 Commander's viewing and funeral are as follows.

  Loman" s Funeral Home, 935 E. NY Ave, Deland, Fl.
  Viewing Tuesday 26/2012 5-7PM.
  Funeral Wednesday 11:am Internment at Memorial Gardens E. Beresford Ave DeLand at 12:30PM.
  On February 29th Post 6 will have a Memorial Service at 6:pm

• National Commander Jim Roberts Homecoming

  March 16&18, 2012 Lakeland, FL View the Flyer

• ATTN: Korean Service Veterans 1960-1970

  I am searching for anyone who may have worked in the area of Supply (specifically in Korea in the 1960s through the 1970s) who recalls or knows about 55 gallon drums painted bright yellow in color and having red bands at both the top and bottom and red stenciled text. These drums may have been elsewhere in the supply chains - Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, etc.. Anyone with information about these drums and their contents and location, please contact me through email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .'; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text61763 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Time is critical, so please respond directly to my email as soon as possible.

  Thank you,

  Phil Steward

• The USS Radford DD/DDE 446

The USS Radford DD/DDE 446 Association has reached out the Florida American Legion to inform all members of the recently relocated USS Radford National Naval Museum to the USS Orleck in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The President of the Association, Mr. Charles A. "Chuck" Parsons, is trying to locate as many of the Radford former crew members as possible to ensure that those veterans and their families are able to enjoy the artifacts and memorabilia on display for generations to come. If any of Florida Legion member would like to contact Mr. Parsons or learn more about the USS Radford please CLICK HERE.

• Nominate a Wounded Veteran to Meet George Strait

WFTV 9 Family Connection and the Amway Center in Orlando would like to give back to those veterans who have sacrificed so much for us and our country. We wouldlove your help and support in this effort by simply passing along this information to your contact list. From now until Tuesday, January 31, 2012, the Amway Center is accepting submissions to nominate a local wounded veteran to meet George Strait. Nominees will not only meet the famous country musician but will also receive a pair of tickets to see his concert, right here at Orlando’s Amway Center on February 11th.

To nominate a local wounded veteran you must login to Facebook, find the official Amway Center Facebook page, click on the “Nominate Veteran” tab under their profile picture, and input your contact information along with your nominee’s story.

After the nominees are collected online, four finalists will be chosen and votingwill be held online from February 4-7. One Meet & Greet winner and two runner ups will be announced on February 8th. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to help honor our vets and we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Thank you for your time and support!

Link to official Amway Center Facebook Nominate a Wounded Veteran page:
https://www.facebook.com/amwaycenter?ref=ts&sk=app_150631491713146#!/amwaycenter?sk=app_366755543350347

Michelle Stevens| 9 Family Connection & 27 Community Connection
Cox Media Group| 490 E. South Street | Orlando, Florida 32801
Ph: (407) 822-5632 | Cell: (407) 405-1603| Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

• American Legion Riders Chapter #155 of Crystal River, FL 6th Annual Mystery Poker Run. All the Proceeds go to Care of our fellow Veterans in Hospice Care.

  You don't need a Bike to participate, I do it in my SUV all the time its a lot of fun, plenty of food, Drinks, Music and Raffles and Loads of fun. Please pass on to all Districts and Posts, this is for a worthy cause.

  Thanks Jay Conti Sr.
  USN Retired

  View the Flyer

• WFTV 9 Family Connection and the Amway Center in Orlando would like to give back to those veterans who have sacrificed so much for us and our country. We would love your help and support in this effort by simply passing along this information to your contact list. From now until Tuesday, January 31, 2012, the Amway Center is accepting submissions to nominate a local wounded veteran to meet George Strait. Nominees will not only meet the famous country musician but will also receive a pair of tickets to see his concert, right here at Orlando’s Amway Center on February 11th.

  To nominate a local wounded veteran you must login to Facebook, find the official Amway Center Facebook page, click on the “Nominate Veteran” tab under their profile picture, and input your contact information along with your nominee’s story.

  After the nominees are collected online, four finalists will be chosen and voting will be held online from February 4-7. One Meet & Greet winner and two runner ups will be announced on February 8th. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to help honor our vets and we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word.

  Thank you for your time and support!

  Link to official Amway Center Facebook Nominate a Wounded Veteran page: https://www.facebook.com/amwaycenter?ref=ts&sk=app_150631491713146#!/amwaycenter?sk=app_366755543350347

• Welcome Home Cpl. Michael Nicholson (USMC) Tampa, Florida - Sunday, 19 Feb. 2012.

  The Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders have been requested to honor this wounded warrior in an escort from Tampa International Airport to Christ the King Church in Tampa. The route will be determined by LEO.

  Corporal Nicholson has been Bethesda Naval Hospital recovering from wounds received in Afghanistan. He is a triple amputee, having lost both of his legs and half of his left arm to an IED. He is a Plant High graduate. Flag Bikes are STRONGLY encouraged.

  Staging: 1245 hrs. Tampa International Airport(Cell Phone Parking Lot)
  4100 George J Bean Inbound Parkway
  Tampa, FL
  Map: http://g.co/maps/7kwef
  Mission Brief: 1330hrs
  KSU: Once aircraft arrives
  Ride Captain: Randall “Tour Guide” McNabbCell
  Phone #: (727) 643-3325

• The Worlds Only Flyable B-29 Superfortress Is Now On Tour

The B-29/B-24 Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force is bringing FIFI, the worlds only flyable B-29 Superfortress, to Florida for a tour this February and March. The tour actually starts in Mobile, AL on February 24. The airplane will be available for cockpit tours and rides. Following is a schedule of stops:

• Mobile            February 24 through 26
• Gainesville      February 27 through 28
• Daytona         March 1 through 4
• Titusville        March 9, 10, 11
• Ft. Lauderdale March 15 through 18
• Punta Gorda    March 23 to 25
• Lakeland         March 27 to April 1
• Tallahassee    April 3 through 5

More information at www.CAFb29b24.org Ride information at www.rideB29.com

Kim Pardon
CAF B-29/B-24 Squadron
p/ 913-636-6250
e/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.CAFB29B24.org

• Four Chaplains Ceremony

In honor of the gallantry of four Armed Forces Chaplains of different faiths, Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic, who on February 3rd, 1943, gave away their life preservers and their chance for survival when their ship, the USS Dorchester was mortally struck. The four chaplains went down together with the ship. Join us in commemorating the heroism of these four gallant Chaplains, and to recognize and honor all veterans of the Armed Forces for their patriotic service, dedication and personal sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Sunday, January 29th, 2012
2:00PM

Coast Guard Station
Dania Beach, FL

Presented by:
The Florida 9th District of the American Legion
And the US Coast Guard

To View Event Flyer Click Here >>>

• In Memory of Past 4th District President Mary Montgomery

It saddens us to inform our American Legion Family that Past 4th District President Mary Montgomery has passed away. For those who would like to attend the funeral and wake the following information has been provided:

• Monday, January, 16, 2012 - Visitation 6pm at:
• Heirs Baxley Funeral Home located at: 5946 SE Robinson Road Belleview, FL
• Memorial Services to follow.
• Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Funeral at Bushnell National Cemetery 11am.
• Wake to follow at Belleview American Legion Post @284.

In memory of Mary contributions are being accepted to The American Diabetes Foundation and if anyone should have questions please contact Post #284 Commander Larry Deal or 4th District Commander Jay Conti Sr.

• This Sunday, January 8, SEARS stores nation-wide will be offering a 5 to 20 percent discount on "almost everything" to veterans, military personnel and retirees (See attached flyer)..

• As we enter the New Year, We would like to share with you a story of compassion, charity and kindness. Thank you to Post 75 of Crestview, FL and Department TFA Director Cliff Collins for making this story possible. Read The Story Here.

• Important Message to all Posts: If your fiscal year ends December 31^st, 2011, your 990, 990EZ or 990N is due May 15^th, 2012.
  

  
  
• American Legion Child Welfare Foundation 100% Per Capita Banner

• For the past three years the Child Welfare Foundation has recognized posts that donated at least one dollar per member to the CWF.

  Qualifying posts receive a banner/streamer to display.

  Download Banner Request Form

• VETERANS COMMUNITY BBQ – FREE EVENT!

Date:  December 16th
Time: 12pm-2pm or till we run out of food
Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc.
10015 N. 9th Street  Tampa, Florida 33612

This fabulous event boasts of BBQ consisting of pork, brisket, chicken, HB, hotdogs with all the trimmings, many times grilled fish and steak – this is more than the traditional BBQ!  Come and meet some of the veterans that are responsible for the freedom that we enjoy today. Good food, music and games.  This is a great way to kick off the weekend!

Liberty Manor is a non-profit organization committed to promoting the developmental and social needs of veterans who have served our country, fought for our independence, but fallen victim to homelessness.

For additional information contact:
Jeff Luddeke (813) 352-7856
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc., is a registered 501© (3) non-profit veterans charity, EIN # 02-0775720, solely supported by the generosity of members, individuals, corporations and foundations in support and appreciation of the remarkable service by our former servicemen. www.libertymanor.org

• American Legion Post 14

American Legion Post 14 in St. Pete will be welcoming home Pfc. Aaron Estes this Sat at 1300hrs. Pfc, Estes is coming home after a long rehab at Bethesda Naval Hospital from a wound he received while serving in Afghanistan. Anyone in the area is invited to stop by and shake this young heroes hand.

American Legion Post 14
1520 4th St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727) 894-7320

• In Memory of American Legion Post 31 Member, Allen Kelly

Long time Legionnaire Allen Kelly of the American Legion Post 31 (Palmetto Bay) South Miami, Fl passed away at age 85. He is survived by his daughter Nicole Kelley. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3rd 2011 at 11:00AM at Coral Gables Congergational Church; 3010 Desoto Blvd Coral Gables, FL.

May the soul of our faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

• Detachment of Florida Commanders Source Report | December 2011

The last weeks before this report was an exciting and monumental time for our Sons in the Detachment of Florida.  Our Detachment rolled out for implantation the Florida Sons of the American Legion College at the Fall Conference in Orlando on November 19. These courses will allow the Detachment to educate selected members of our Florida Legion Family in all aspects of the Legion, S.A.L. and build leadership from within the Detachment and Legion Family for the future of the Detachment of Florida.

View Full Report >>>

• Lakeshore American Legion Post 137
  5443 San Juan Ave.
  Jacksonville, Fl. 32210
  Tele: (904)-387-3373
  
  “Flag Disposal Ceremony to be Held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Lakeshore American Legion Post 137”
  
  Post Commander Emory Austin has announced plans for Post 137 to participate in a proper American Flag disposal at the Post Home immediately after the monthly General Assembly. The ceremony will be conducted at “high noon” with all proper dignity and respect by the Officers and Color Guard team who will assemble on the riverside adjacent to the beautiful property owned and maintained by Lakeshore Post 137.
  
  Commander Austin is inviting all members of our Post Legion Family, as well as local High School JROTC Units, which the Post supports, as well as any and all local Scouting Units in the community. This annual event is particularly important to the younger people who need to learn the meaning of respect associated with our nation’s Flag Codes.
  
  
• Its that time of the year again.

This year's Wreaths Across America ceremony is Saturday December 10th at noon at Bay Pines National Cemetery. We will begin laying wreaths at 11:00am for those who want to arrive early to help with that. Dennis Boland, American Legion NECA will be the guest speaker again this year.  All participants at the Bay Pines Ceremony are invited back to Post 252 for our usual FREE BAR B QUE cooked to perfection by Nick the Cook.

The deadline to sponsor a wreath is Thanksgiving! Please use the attached forms to help spread the word about Wreaths Across America and try to obtain as many wreath sponsorships as possible.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your help in making WAA at Bay Pines a success!!

Please RSVP if possible.

For God & Country

Mike Addis
American Legion
“Nations Largest Veterans Organization”

 

• There Are Many Deals and Discounts available for our Nation's Veterans & Active Duty Military on Veterans Day this year.  View the Attached Flyer for more details

• Marines Returning Saturday!

Hot off the communication network!  Please share with the patriotic folks in your network.

This Saturday, 15 October, there are 7 Marines returning after their Afghanistan deployment - Arriving at OIA (Orlando Int'l Airport) and a “Welcome Home” gathering is being planned for them.  These Marine Reservists are based from the local Reserve Center.

They are arriving in the afternoon, 1:55 PM Southwest Airlines – Terminal A (Airside 2, Gates 100-129) – the area nearest to the Starbucks
Come welcome these Marines home in a big way!

Details on greeting these warriors | CLICK HERE

• Former National Security Advisor, General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.)

  To Address Veterans and Public on National Security in Our Time

ORLANDO, Fla. - (October 6. 2011) James L. Jones, General USMC (Ret.). will discuss National Security in Our Time in an address to Central Florida Veterans and the public on Thursday, October 20 at 1 :30 p.m. at The American Legion State Headquarters 1912A Lee Road in Orlando FL 32810. General Jones is speaking at the invitation of the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation which is conducting a capital campaign to construct and endow a Memorial at Lake Nona next to the V A Hospital to honor over 1,000 of the Fallen, who served in the uniform of our country, made the ultimate sacrifice and did not return, according to Jerry E. Pierce Board Chair. Veterans and the general public are invited to attend at no charge.

To View Full News Release CLICK HERE

• National Commander's Homecoming

When: March 16th & 17th, 2012
Where: Lakeland, Florida

“Come join us in a wonderful weekend of fun and great food”

“Make your reservation now and lets all recognize Jim for a job well done”

The event will be hosted by the Detachment of Florida. The event will be two (2) days Friday and Saturday. There will be lots to do to keep you entertained. Please refer to the attached pages for all your reservation information. Contact John Jennings with questions (Cell-863-581-2018) or email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

To View Event Details CLICK HERE

FLAG AMENDMENT

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that flag desecration is "protected speech," after a self-proclaimed communist was charge with desecrating the U.S. Flag. The 1989 Texas v. Johnson case invalidated laws against flag desecration in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The American Legion and veterans everywhere were outraged that eh Court, in a 5-4 ruling, took away a fundamental right of the people to protect their flag – a right possessed since the birth of this nation.

For 17 years the American Legion and the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition of more than 140 organizations, have championed the passage of a narrowly drawn constitutional amendment that would return to the people the right to protect Old Glory. Such an amendment has passed the House of Representatives six times but has fallen short of the necessary two-thirds supermajority required to pass in the Senate. In 2006, the amendment fell only one vote short in the Senate.

Polls have shown that most of the American people support a flag protection amendment. Moreover, all 50 states, by action of their state legislatures, have, in writing, appealed to the U.S. Congress to pass the proposed flag amendment and send it to the states to be ratified.

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-MO., introduced H.J. Res. 13 in the 112th Congress. It says, "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." The American Legion supports H.J. Res. 13. Its companion measure is S.J. Res. 19, introduced by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. By contacting members of Congress, The American Legion family can force a vote on this important issue. It's also important to get congressional candidates on record about where they stand on the flag amendment. It is up to our members to make it happen.

The greatest tragedy in flag mutilation is the disrespect it teaches children, disrespect for the values it embodies, and disrespect for those who have sacrificed for those values. Disrespect is the genesis of hate. It provokes the dissolution of our unity, a unity which has only one symbol – the flag.

If the flag is good enough to cover the coffins of our heroes, it is good enough to protect.

THE AMERICAN LEGION SUPPORTS A FLAG AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

• IRS Information and Tax Exempt Status

We have just been informed of a special toll free number that posts can use to contact the IRS in Cincinnati.  This group in Cincinnati is reported to be especially trained in tax exempt issues and may help solve a lot of the problems posts are having.  The usual IRS telephone numbers reach people who have not been trained and may not give the proper information.

The number to call in Cincinnati is:  (877) 829-5500

• Employment Awards

Please alert your Post Commanders and Post Employment Chairpersons that the following Awards forms are due in Department by Dec 14th. Lets have a better participation from our post this year.

1. Employer Service Awards
2. Employer of Veterans Award
3. Employer of Older Workers Award
4. Employer of The Disabled Award

If you have any specific problems, I am only a E-Mail or Phone call away.

Larry White
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
352-212-8750

Bob Cherry is currently recovering from an illness in a rehabilitation facility. 
He's doing well and should be able to go home in about 2 weeks. If you would like to visit or speak with him, he can be reached at the following location:

Melbourne Terrace – Room 306

251 Florida Ave
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 725-3990

The First Annual 5th District Picnic at Post 137

All of the Legion Family are invited to attend a Picnic Event, sponsored by the 5th District of Florida, and hosted by Lakeshore Post 137 on Saturday, Oct. 1st, starting at 1:00pm.

For Event Info CLICK HERE

Congratulations to National Vice Commander, Larry D. Sheets