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 Greetings!
Welcome
to The American Legion Department of Florida's online
Weekly Update.
In this week's newsletter you will find the most up to date information both nationally and locally. This weeks update features information about the newly elected National Commander, Jimmie L. Foster, our National stance on current events, events throughout your area and the Nation, as well as local events in Florida. I would also like to inform you that in accordance with U.S. Code, Title 36, Chapter 1, Section 144, the
President of the United States has been requested to issue a proclamation
(per the requirements of Flag Code section 7(m)) for the flag to be
displayed at half-staff for the entire day (sunrise to sunset) on
Patriot Day, Saturday, Sept. 11. It is anticipated that the President
will issue the proclamation, which when issued, can be found by clicking here. Our
goal with each Update is to keep you informed on current events and news. With each publication we will bring you updated information on current issues
facing our
Veterans and military, our interests on Capitol Hill, and other related topics.
Please visit our website to see how you can be an integral part of the Nation's
Largest Veterans' Organization - The American Legion. |
The First Annual American Legion Department of Florida
Children & Youth Golf Tournament
 The American Legion Department of Florida will be hosting the First Annual American Legion, Children & Youth Golf Tournament. As a member of our veteran community we would like to invite you and members of your organization to participate in this charity tournament. The Children & Youth Programs are based on the principle that children are our most precious natural resource. Not only do the youth of this great nation represent the future of America, they are also the children and grandchildren of our comrades. Through this foundation, The American Legion has established several programs focused on our children's health, safety, and family unit preservation. This upcoming charity tournament will be solely focused on building and maintaining these valued community programs.
November 18th 2010
Sanctuary Ridge Golf Course
2601 Diamond Players Club Blvd
Clermont, FL 34711
For Further Information >>>
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Alaska Veteran Elected Leader Of The American Legion
The American Legion National Article
 MILWAUKEE (Sept. 2, 2010) A retired U.S. Army and Marine Corps veteran has been elected national commander of the nation's largest veterans organization. Delegates to The American Legion's 92nd National Convention here chose Jimmie L. Foster of Anchorage, Alaska, to lead the 2.5 million-member organization of wartime veterans for a one-year term. A native of Delaware, Okla., Foster is a 1972 graduate of Northeastern A&M College in Miami, Okla., with a degree in agriculture education. After working in the textiles and grocery business, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif. from 1973 to 1976. Following a short break in service, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army, ultimately retiring with 20 years of military service on Aug. 1, 1994 as the chief legal noncommissioned officer at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Read More >>> |
VA Benefits Chief: "We're Obeying The Law"
VA Press Release: Michael Walcoff expects 190,000 more claims the first year after new Agent Orange regs go into effect.
 MILWAUKEE
(Aug. 28, 2010)
New regulations regarding benefits for veterans suffering from exposure to Agent Orange are expected to be announced as soon as Aug. 30, the Department of Veterans Affairs' acting under secretary for benefits told The American Legion on Saturday.
Speaking at the organization's 92nd National Convention in Milwaukee, Michael Walcoff said the new regulations - which simplify for veterans the process of qualifying for disability payments from VA - still will take awhile to go into effect.
"In addition to issuing those regulations, we still can't do anything about it for another 60 days because - under the Congressional Review Act and because of the size and amount of money involved under this new regulation - Congress gets 60 days to review it and a make determination of whether they want to stop it or not ," Walcoff said. "You've got Agent Orange. You've got presumptions. You're talking about over $13 billion in the first year."
Read More >>>
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VA Publishes Final Regulation To Aid Veterans Exposed To Agent Orange
VA Health Care and Benefits Provided for Many Vietnam Veterans
 WASHINGTON Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have an easier path to access quality health care and qualify for disability compensation under a final regulation that will be published on August 31, 2010 in the Federal Register by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new rule expands the list of health problems VA will presume to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures to add two new conditions and expand one existing category of conditions. "Last October, based on the requirements of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 and the Institute of Medicine's 2008 Update on Agent Orange, I determined that the evidence provided was sufficient to award presumptions of service connection for these three additional diseases," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "It was the right decision, and the President and I are proud to finally provide this group of Veterans the care and benefits they have long deserved." The final regulation follows Shinseki's determination to expand the list of conditions for which service connection for Vietnam Veterans is presumed. VA is adding Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease and expanding chronic lymphocytic leukemia to include all chronic B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia. Read More >>> |
"Hey I Know That One!"
The American Legion Dept. of FL Event
 ORLANDO (September 2010) The Orlando Concert Band with The American Legion Department of Florida invites you to attend our first concert of the fall season ."Hey, I Know That One!" is a collection of popular favorites sure to entertain the whole family. There is no cost to attend and everyone is encouraged to bring family, friends, relatives, coworkers, and music lovers alike. The FREE concert will be held at The American Legion State Headquarters. Sunday
September 26th 2010
3:00PM
1912 A Lee Road
Orlando FL 32810
For additional information or questions please contact the Operations Manager and Trumpet Section Coordinator, Mr. Rick de Treville at 407.650.1559 Read More >>> |
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We'll Run Arlington If Asked
VA Press Release
 MILWAUKEE (Aug. 28, 2010) The Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration would take over control of scandal-rocked Arlington National Cemetery if asked. But the NCA also wants the funding it will require to properly run the nation's most heralded and cherished cemetery. That's what David Schettler, director of Communications Management Service for NCA told The American Legion on Saturday during the Legion's 92nd national convention in Milwaukee. The Legion has recommended in testimony to Congress that Arlington be placed under NCA's control. NCA and VA currently are working with Arlington to correct some of the problems at the cemetery, which included hundreds of unmarked or misidentified graves, and a dysfunctional management system. "My boss, (VA under secretary for Memorial Affairs) Steve Muro, has said openly that, 'If it's offered to us, yes, we'll take it, but you have to give us the funding for it,'" Schettler said. "There also would have to be some memorandums of agreement because Arlington is very unique. It would require an agreement with the Army Military District of Washington with the memorial stuff they do." Read More >>> |
Boehner To Speak On Iraq Security At American Legion National Convention
The American Legion National Press Release
 MILWAUKEE (Aug. 30, 2010) House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, is expected to deliver a major speech here Tuesday on Iraq and national security issues. He will address about 10,000 members of the country's largest veterans service organization at the 92nd American Legion National Convention. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also headline the list of guest speakers addressing the Legionnaires during the three-day event. Actor and economist Ben Stein will serve as master of ceremonies. In an op-ed published Aug. 27 in Human Events, Boehner said the Aug. 31 shift of U.S. forces from combat to an advisory mission "was made possible by the very surge that President Obama and Vice President Biden opposed. Read More >>> |
The American Legion Honors Armed Forces Servicemembers For Volunteer Efforts
The American Legion National Press Release
 MILWAUKEE
(Aug. 31, 2010)
Representatives from the five armed services were honored by the nation's largest wartime veterans' organization.
The American Legion presented the Spirit of Service award to U.S. Army Sergeant Chelsey D. Billing, Fort Belvoir, Va.; U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Thomas M. Lothridge, USS Maryland (SSBN 738), Kings Bay, Ga.; U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Avery Washington II, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.; U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Edward L. Perez, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.; and U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class David L. Downham, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., during the organization's 92nd National Convention, being held here August 31- Sept. 2.
The award was presented for each of the recipient's volunteer service in their local communities. This is the eleventh annual presentation of the award, which includes shaped, etched glass mounted on a marble base, as well as a one-year membership in The American Legion.
Read More >>>
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Baseball Commissioner Honored By Legion At Milwaukee Convention
American Legion National Press Release
 MILWAUKEE (Aug. 31, 2010) Praised for his devotion to America's
pastime, as well as his concern for America's youth and
child-prevention efforts, Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan
"Bud" Selig was presented The American Legion's James V. Day "Good Guy"
Award during the organization's 92nd annual national convention in
Milwaukee on Monday.
In addition to his many well-received and profitable
revisions to Major League Baseball, Selig is active in Milwaukee in
many humanitarian causes and community projects.
"I've often said that baseball is a social
institution with important social responsibilities, and I hope that the
last 18 years as commissioner and the 25 years before that as the owner
of the Milwaukee Brewers, that that's always been exhibited," Selig
said. "The values of America and the values of baseball are really
intertwined. You could fill a 25-man roster with the values that bind
our nation with the national pastime. It's the thing I'm proudest of,
frankly, in being in baseball."
Read More >>>
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The American Legion's Job Fairs for Veterans Competes For $250K Pepsi Refresh Everything Grant & Your Vote Is Needed!
The American Legion is demonstrating its commitment to helping military veterans find jobs by entering its career fairs in this month's Pepsi Refresh Everything Project. If the effort is successful, The American Legion will be awarded a $250,000 grant to sponsor events across the country in which employers are paired with veterans looking for work. "The unemployment rate among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans exceeds 14 percent. This is a national disgrace!" said American Legion Nation Commander Clarence E. Hill. "Every veteran vowed to defend America and protect our way of life. The least we can do is to allow them an opportunity to support their families and contribute to America's workforce. Hiring veterans isn't just the right thing to do, but it is smart business! These talented men and women offer unique skills, discipline and a proven work ethic that would benefit any employer smart enough to hire them. Additionally, job fairs sponsored by The American Legion include Small Business Development Workshops so veterans can pursue the American dream." Vote Today >>> |
Make A Gift To The Florida American Legion
 THE AMERICAN LEGION
The nation`s largest wartime veterans service organization founded on the values, contributions and sacrifices of those who answered the country`s call to arms.
Please donate today to support the programs of the Florida American Legion including:
Click Here To Donate >>>
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