Making a Difference for Veterans Everyday

Ready for some March Mad-ness!! MEMBERSHIP MADNESS!!! Now’s the time for calling the members who have not renewed their membership. Better yet, make a personal call to those mem-bers. Let them know how important their membership is to the

Post, Department and National. Each member-ship helps keep the MISSION of Veterans help-ing Veterans, Children and Youth, National De-fense and Americanism. This is the focal point of The American Legion; the Four Pillars of The American Legion. National Vice-Commander, Paul Dillard from Texas, visited the 1st District mid-January. We visited the Naval Museum and the National Flight Academy in Pensacola. What a great tour. If you are looking to see a lot if military aircraft, and I mean a lot of aircraft, go to the Naval Museum. It is worth every mile it will take you to get there. One day is not enough to see it all. The Posts in the 1st District did a great job as hosts. Paul Dillard, Dennis Boland and I had just a great time! Thank You all for making a Difference. "Florida Shines Again!!!" There are a lot of things happening in the com-ing months. The Family Homecoming (Legion, Sons of the Legion and Auxiliary) will be held on April 12 at Clearwater Post 7. Tickets are limited

March 2014 Vol. 21 Issue

E-mail: mail@floridalegion.org Web Site: www.floridalegion.org

In this Issue…

Page 1

Dept. Commander

Page 2 Dept. Vice Commnader

Chaplin

Page 3 Post By Laws

POW/MIA

Page 4 Membership

March Fun Facts

Page 5 Children & Youth

Americanism

Page 6 National Legislative

Page 7

Special Olympics Law & Order

Page 8

5th District

Page 9 Post 220

Art ‘Ole’ Schwabe

Department Commander

Commander@legionmail.org

407.247.5232

so don't wait, we will sell out. Please check the Legion website regarding details of the Homecoming. The Children Organ Transplant Association (COTA) fund is coming along nicely. Florida now has 82 kids that need transplants. Next month we will inform you when to send the donations to Department. PLEASE keep collecting money for this great endeavor. KEEP-ING THE MONEY IN FLORIDA, FOR FLORIDA KIDS WHO NEED HELP!! It's time to start thinking about Constitutional Confer-ences, Post elections, end of year reports, and Memo-rial Day events. Remember, we have coloring books for kids in school. This can put a smile on a Veterans face only if the books are given to school kids to color. Let’s help the kids understand the real reason for Me-morial Day. Call Department and order the coloring books. "MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR VETERANS"

Please keep ALL VETERANS in your prayers.

For God and Country

P.S. The jump will happen

IF YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!

110% NEVER JUMP ALONE!!!!!!!!!!

THE DATE OF THE JUMP WILL BE

ANNOUNCED IN MAY’S LEGION LINK

What a Start to the month with the famous "Clam Bake" at Jensen Beach Post #126 on Saturday, the 4th year I have attended this function followed by an awesome Four Chaplains Remembrance Ceremony by 5th District Chaplain Bill Reno on Sunday. Let's ALL Celebrating The American Legion Birthday on March 15-17th as it will be 95 years ago that Members of the American Expeditionary Force convene in Paris after WWI and formed our Great organization. The Department Oratorical Contest is on March 8, 2014 (9am) at Department Headquarters. As a Post, District or Area Commander you

should be attending the Oratorical Contest; or if you never seen one before you need to attend this one as its Top Of The Line! March also starts the reporting period for all Posts for end of year awards, please look at your Post Administrative Manual as you will see Awards will be due soon for: JROTC Cadet of the Year, General Scholarship Award, Eagle Scout of the Year. With other awards coming up in April and May that are: Teacher of the Year, SGT @ ARMS Awards, Chaplain Awards, Blood Donor, Law & Or-der, Legionnaire of the Year and many other awards. Just remember we have many deserving members in our Community, Legion-naires at our Posts that are deserving of these awards, please take the time out to honor them locally and with Department. If you haven't started to make your Calendar for Children & Youth Month in April, please do so now. Invite the Community leaders to your C&Y events to show them what The American Legion is all about! On Saturday, February 8th, I had the pleasure of attending a Law and Order Ceremony event at American Legion Post 104 in Pinel-las Park, FL. What an outstanding job the Legion Family of Post 104 did with this Ceremony as they honored the Law Officer, Fire Fighter and EMS officers of their Community of The Year. Many other local and state officials as well as the entire Legion Family of the Central Area was in attendance as well as our Detachment Commander Kirk Miller. To American Legion Post 104 Commander and Law and Order Chairman Matt Robertson and the Legion 104 Family. BRAVO ZULU! ATTACHED PHOTO: The March 1919 Paris Caucus set in motion "The Ameri-

can Legion."

Jay Conti Sr. Department Vice Commander

ViceCommander@floridalegion.org BRAVO-ZULU 352.287.1400

*Chaplain Steve's Spiritual Corner

Prioritizing and looking out for your own health is your responsibility. You need consistency in everything you do. Start over

and over the right way. Keep yourself healthy each day and make a commitment of exercising and eating well. However, if you

forget to do it one day just start over the next day and don't give up. I strongly recommend that you get a regular physical exami-

nation. Check your blood pressure and the sugar in your blood. There are many ways you can do this for free.

Healthy habits, sleep, rest, exercise, and a balance diet will increase considerably your essential well-being. Emotional and

spiritual fitness help you navigate through life. Quiet time for your self will help you age in good health and grace. Don't forget

family, friends and fun. Focus and never give up; start over and over.

I am writing to you from New York City where I came to be with family. One is a young medical doctor who is not doing so well

physically. He looks tired and much older. One problem is he rarely takes time for himself. The other family member is celebrat-

ing her 80th birthday! She is bubbly and dancing. She says she is ready for Dancing with the Stars. She is always very con-

science about taking care of her body, mind, and spirit. I know that this is not easy because a lot of us seem to procrastinate. A

healthy daily routine doesn't come easy but it can come. Let God play an important part of your daily life. We are weak but

through God our Lord we can be strong (Paul). God provides us the tools necessary to live happy, healthy, clean, and spiritual

lives. With God everything can be possible.

If you spend a few minutes focusing on your body you can begin the day with calm and clarity. Pay attention to your

whole body and its ability to keep well, listen to his call, for movement and stillness. I want to share with you a note spotted in a

bulletin "Hell the Forgotten Horror" and at the bottom of it read "A warm Welcome to All". Humor is also important in our daily

lives. "For God and Country"

Post Constitution and By-Laws Submission Procedures Pursuant to Article X, Section 11 – “Each Post in the Department of Florida shall have its own Constitution and By-Laws, provided that it shall not conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the American Legion and The Department of Flori-da. The Post Constitution and By-Laws, together with any subsequent Amendments, shall be approved by the Department Judge Advocate, such approval confirmed by the Department Commander, and a copy filed with the Department Adju-tant’s office, with Certification of Approval issued to the Post before becoming effective.” The following is utilized to have Constitution and By-Laws amended at the Department level. 1. Posts must forward two (2) original copies of the entire Constitution and Bylaws with any amendments highlighted to the De-partment Adjutant. 2. Amendments must have the Post Commander/Post Adjutant signature. 3. Amendments must state date approved by membership. 4. Amendments must be sent with cover letter from Post Commander/Post Adjutant stating the changed Article(s)/Section(s). 5. Once received the Department Adjutant will give written authorization on amendments. 6. An original copy along with Department Adjutant’s authorization letter will be forwarded to Department Judge Advocate for approval. 7. Upon receiving written approval from the Judge Advocate, the Department will send the original Judge Advocates approval let-ter and cover letter to the Post Commander.

8. Upon receiving written disapproval from Judge advocate, the Department will correspond via letter to Post Commander. If not

approved, Post may resubmit, with changes, to the Department Adjutant. The Department Adjutant will forward Constitution and By-

Laws with written authorization to the Department Judge Advocate for approval. The process begins again with step 1.

POW/MIA John Dollinger

Department Chairman powmia@legionmail.org

Current Summary Statistics on POW/MIAs WWll - 73,637** Vietnam War - 1,643 Korean War - 7,891 Iraq & Other Conflicts - 6 Cold War - 126

TOTAL NUMBER = 83,303 ** These numbers are questionable because they came from numerous places and documents, some of which may be duplicates, others simply being inaccurate.

Punchbowl As I mentioned in my February 2014 report, there are many Korean War unidentified remains at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). According to the Defense Prisoner of War - Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) the last 7 remains identified since November 19, 2013 all are from the North Korean battle zone. It would appear some effort is being made to identify those remains from mass graves that are at Punchbowl. Technical advancements make this possible.

GAO Report on POW/MIA issues The POW/MIA accountability issue seem to be continuing. Three (3) years ago Congress charged DPMO and JPAC to set staffing to make 200 identifications per year starting in 2015. After putting $500,000,000.00 into the program, today we are still at the same levels as 2011. Recently JPAC commander Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague said that the 200 identifications by 2015 was likely unrealis-tic, due to funding restrictions and the complexity of recovery operations. He said a target of 125 a year by 2018 was more feasible, a comment that irked numerous House Armed Services Committee members.

As most of you know, on the August 1, 2013 the GAO issued a report criticizing the POW/MIA program. At Congressional direction

that report that was sent to the DoD Inspector General for investigation. That investigation has now been “transferred” with no iden-

tification of where it has been transferred too. More to follow…..

Membership Report as of March 1, 2014

District/Area

Commander Goal Rec'd % Goal

6 Thomas Biddle 10,741 10,634 99.00

13 John Dollinger 8,782 8,688 98.93

3 Randall White 1,715 1,663 96.97

12 Kenneth Wake-

field 8,442 8,088 95.81

5 Thomas Gora 7,810 7,342 94.01

15 Eunice Butts 5,329 5,003 93.88

8 Joseph Magee 8,255 7,738 93.74

16 Sidney Damsgard 12,028 11,184 92.98

2 Willie Jackson 1,373 1,270 92.50

1 Jimmy Martin 6,288 5,758 91.57

17 Dorothy Moore 4,152 3,802 91.57

7 Charles Giffin 3,911 3,527 90.18

11 Frank Maitland 4,168 3,736 89.64

14 Gary Decker 3,026 2,677 88.47

4 Charles Ferguson 4,198 3,658 87.14

9 John Vazquez 4,349 3,749 86.20

Eastern Robert Kiley 19,183 18,722 97.60

SW Debra Roush 17,037 16,426 96.41

Central James Burgess 21,268 19,714 92.69

Northern Michael Wolohan 17,875 16,465 92.11

Western Verna Joyce 7,661 7,028 91.74

Southern William Johnson 11,543 10,162 88.04

Dept 88,517

Post 400 12,067 11,844 98.15

Post 208 3,181 2,931 92.14

Totals 111,525 103,292 92.62

95% Goal

April 2 , 2014

Doug Deierlein Membership Chairman

membership@legionmail.org Hello Legionnaires', Ladies and SAL WOW February flew right by! However, I am happy to announce that the Department, once again, has made the next National Membership Goal which is 90%. Al-ready, as of this write up, we are at 90.3 percent at National. Great Job Team! But remember, we still have to hit our 100% and 108% to see Art fly. And, better yet, 110% to see Mike soar! We can do this! At this point I would ask each post to look at what renewals they have left and make personnel contact with each of the members. You have 2014 cards, as they paid at least their 2012 or 2013 dues or you would not have a printed card for them. You can either phone them, send them a letter or you can contact Department and request the Four Pillars Retention Post card so that you could give them one. There is no cost to the post and it is a great way to remind them about 2014 dues. Please get your membership teams rolling on retention so that we can "Shoot for the Stars" and Get-R- Done. Until next month have a Safe and Happy March.

March Fun Facts 1, 1872 - Yellowstone established as a National park 3, 1847 - First stamps issued by Congress 4, 1784 - First Congress under U.S. Constitution meets in New York 7, 1917 - First Jazz record—The Original Dixieland Jazz Band—sold a million copies 9, 1562 - Kissing in public is made illegal in Napes Italy—punishable by death 12, 1894 - Coca Cola sold in bottles for the first time 16,1802 - West Point Military Academy established 20, 1841 - The Murders in the Rue Morgue By Edgar Allen Poe is published, establishing the literary genre of the detec-tive story. 22, 1903 - Niagra Falls runs dry following a drought 28, 1881 - Barnum and Bailey circus is formed 30, 1891 - First U.S. National Forest, Shoshone National Forest, in Wyoming is established.

Steve Shuga Children & Youth Program Chairman

cy@legionmail.org March is a unique month that begs our American Legion to focus on a variety of Children & Youth activities and events that can be planned for and administered during the month of March and in preparation for April’s Children & Youth Month. The birthday of The American Legion occurs during March 15th – 17th. Plan a festive occasion and celebrate! This is also American Red Cross Month, National Craft Month, National Noodle Month, National Peanut Month, Foot Health Month, National Frozen Food Month, and National Sauce Month. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th – plan a surprise for those little leprechauns; wear shades of green. Encourage your Legion Fami-ly to seek out the many local events and activities tailored to support your Children & Youth during the month of March. Let’s take hold of those lucky charms and bring happiness to our lads and lassies. You should be finalizing your plans for your April’s Children and Youth Festival of events. Flyers and notices should be out in the coming weeks so area youth can support your planned activities. Be as creative as you can and stay within a budget. Seek folks and businesses who might donate items necessary to support your activities and recognize those that gave you those items during your time of need. Down on your luck? Just grab a green leaf clover and call upon your District and Department Children & Youth Chairman to re-quest additional ideas or suggestions that can make your event one for all to remember! Look for that rainbow and follow it to seek that mysterious pot of gold! You might find your local leprechaun waiting on your arrival who can bring joy to your programs to keep the smiles on those little lads and lassies. Monthly Program Reminders

Plan you C&Y activities at least two months ahead & order your resources early using the order forms in the current Post Ad-

ministrative Manual.

Important C&Y Program Dates

Applications for the American Legion General Scholarship should be have been forwarded to Department by now.

Candidate applications are/were due at Dept. HQ no later than March 1, 2014.

Florida Children & Youth Fund Grant applications due to Dept. HQ no later than May 1, 2014. Checklist is online un-

der Programs.

Please report all C&Y monthly activities. Our goal is a 100% reporting from every post. Everyone benefits from timely submis-sions. Remember your Coins for COTA and Children Welfare Foundation –Piggy Banks and /or Cans. Important C&Y Program Dates Children Welfare Foundation – 100% Member Per Capita Banner Program – Every Post, Unit, Squadron, Chapter can support this by providing $1 per member and submitting this check to Dennis Boland, Child Welfare Foundation. March Holidays 3rd - National Anthem Day 4th – Hug a G.I. Day 15th – 17th – American Legion Birthday 17th – St. Patrick’s Day Did you know? March was named for the Roman God "Mars". The month of March is also known as: Irish American Month, Music in Our Schools Month, National Craft Month, Frozen Food Month, Irish American Heritage Month- designated by Congress in 1995, Nutrition Month, Peanut Month, Women's History Month, Red Cross Month, and Social Workers Month. Check out the link for more monthly activities and events. (http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/march.htm)

AMERICANISM Steve Barentine

Department Chairman Where has this "Legion year" gone? It's March already! To those of you considering a run for a Legion office, especially Post, District, or Area Commander, remember to get an Americanism Chairman who will keep up with all of the programs under the Americanism umbrella. Congratulations to the Post, District, and Area Oratorical Chairmen for all your hard work in getting your contestants to the De-partment contest. The Department contest will be Saturday, March 8th at 9 am at the Department Headquarters. Post Boys State Chairmen: Your interviews and selection process should be complete and your meeting with the delegates and alternates (and their parents) to fill out the registration cards must be complete. Remember the completed registration cards must be received at Department Headquarters by March 15th. This year's Legacy State Run begins on Thursday, March 27th. For God & Country

Stanley Gold Dept. National Legislative Chairman

On March 25, we will have our 7th Annual Congressional Luncheon at the House Rayburn Building in the GOLD Room. All of our 27 Florida members and our two Senators are invited. Last year 23 members showed up, 5 sent their Legislative aides and only one office could not show up, but we did visit his office later that afternoon. No other Department has had as much success as Florida.

CONGRESSIONAL ACTIONS President Signs Legislation Restoring Veterans’ COLA Cut On February 15, President Obama enacted Public Law (P.L.) 113-82, which would partially reverse language in last year’s budget law that sought to reduce cost-of-living adjustments for retired military members. The new law passed the House on February 12 by a vote of 326-90, and was subsequently approved the next day by the Senate by a vote of 95-3. [Further details on the new law can be found in last week’s Legislative Division update.] [Resolutions 29- and 58-2012, 25-2013 Spring] Army Involuntary Separations Continue The Army has identified more senior noncommissioned officers for involuntary separation as the service continues to reduce by 80,000 soldiers by FY 2018. The number of senior NCOs identified for separation under the Army’s Qualitative Service Program (QSP) has increased by more than 310 percent over last year’s figures. During FY 2013, the Army identified 160 active-duty and Army Reserve senior NCOs for separation under the program. In contrast, this fiscal year’s numbers have topped 506 for the same demo-graphic. The Army instituted its QSP in FY 2012. Affected senior NCOs have until the first day of the 12th month from notification to separate, which allows families to take advantage of transition assistance programs. Under a separate initiative, the Army will identify as many as 2,000 active duty officers to cut through separation and early retirement. Those personnel have to leave the service in early 2015. Roughly 19,000 officers – all captains and majors – have been notified of their eligibility for Officer Separation and Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Boards, the first of which is scheduled to convene March 4. Officers with less than 15 years of service who are selected for separation will receive separation pay. Those with more than 15 years but less than 18 years of service may receive separation pay, but may opt to apply for Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA). Officers selected for early retirement are entitled to serve until their 20th year but can also apply to retire early under TERA. [Resolution 31-2012 Fall] Participate in The American Legion TBI-PTSD Survey Since February 3, more than 1,600 veterans have taken The American Legion online survey for those suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The survey is part of the Legion's continuing research on the two mental health issues that, together, affect more than a half-million veterans. In 2010, the Legion created a committee to study treatments used for TBI and PTSD by the private sector, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The committee's report (http://www.legion.org/veteranshealthcare/217116/legion-releases-report-tbi-and-ptsd) “The War Within," was issued last September and distributed to Congress, senior VA and DOD leader-ship, and the White House. To take the survey, go to: http://surveys.questionpro.com/a/t/AKtnPZQqKR. The online survey runs through February 28. [Resolutions 285-2012 and 26-2013 Spring] President Signs Executive Order to Increase Minimum Wage for New Federal Contracts On February 12, President Barack Obama signed an executive order (EO) increasing the minimum wage for new federal contracts to $10.10 an hour, beginning January 1, 2015. The EO also changes current law that allows federal contract workers with disabilities to be paid less than those without disabilities who are doing the same job. Under the Order, all federal contractors will be covered by minimum wage protections. Some examples of employees who will see their wages rise under this EO include nursing assistants providing care to veterans at nursing homes, people serving food to troops, and individuals with disabilities working to maintain the grounds on military bases. [Resolution 50-2012] LEGISLATIVE DIVISION ACTIONS Update on Flag Amendment Bills On May 22, 2013, House Joint Resolution (H.J. Res.) 47 was introduced by Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL). This legislation is a pro-posed constitutional amendment to protect the American flag from physical desecration. Its text states simply: “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” The measure currently has 25 cosponsors. On June 13, 2013, Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT) introduced Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. Res.) 17, a companion bill to H.J. Res. 47. This measure has 22 cosponsors.

The task before us now is finding additional cosponsors for these two measures. Please contact your representative and senators,

and ask them to become cosponsors of the flag amendment in their respective chambers. [Resolution 272-2012]

Special Olympics Dianne Thibodeau

Department Chairman I found a lot of interesting information on the Special Olympics website. I encourage each of you to check it out. Don’t forget - when you make a donation – use the new form. Make sure you or your post get the proper credit. It can be found on the Florida Legion web page, under Programs, under Special Olympics. For the next couple of months I will be posting some of the “Frequently asked ques-tions” and their answers. What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes? Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices" as well. Who leads Special Olympics? Timothy Shriver serves as Chairman of the Board. Special Olympics guides local, area, state/provincial and national Programs around the world. A volunteer Board of Directors determines international policies and is composed of business and sport leaders, professional athletes, educators and experts in intellectual disability from around the world. Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics? To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially designed instruction. The Special Olym-pics Young Athletes™ program was created for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7. Can individuals with profound disabilities participate in Special Olympics? Yes, through Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), developed by physical educators, physical therapists and recreation therapists. Yes, through Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), developed by physical educa-tors, physical therapists and recreation therapists. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition. If you have any questions or comments, you can contact me by phone or email. diannethib@bellsouth.net (321) 733-4951 (home) (561) 315-0679 (cell).

Law and Order Nominations Tom Gora

Department Chairman Please be reminded that Post nominations for Department of Flor-ida Law Enforcement and Fire Fighter/EMS officers of the year are due by April 22, 2014. First line responders to our emergency needs provide service several times a day all over the state of Flori-da. Many of those actions they take respond to the needs of those in the American Legion Family. This is the time of the year for your Post to recognize them for their outstanding work! To be eligible the officer must be assigned to a local, county, state, district, state Highway Patrol, or federal officer working in the state of Florida. Military officers are also eligible as long as they are state law enforcement certified. Those nominated for the awards do not need to be members of the American Legion. The Department encourages each Post to hold an Awards Cere-mony (and Dinner, if possible) to honour the Law Enforcement, Firefighter, EMT and Paramedic personnel, and their families, who live and work in your community. These professionals may be paid or volunteer employees. If there are several Posts in the area, con-sider having a joint ceremony. You can give a certificate to each honouree, or ask the Chief or co-workers of each agency to select their outstanding professional to receive your certificate, plaque or other award.

The nomination form and complete instructions are provided on

the Department web site under the program tab, “Law and Order.”

5th District Update

Tom Gora, District Commander We also congratulate Past 5th District Commander, Benny Combs, a member of Post 88, for his appointment as the Department Chairman, American Legion Baseball. Benny is busy getting all his plans in place for the season, and the District pledges our full support to Benny and American Legion Baseball. 5th District Chaplain Bill Reno conducted a Four Chaplains Ceremony on February 2nd at Post 129. The ceremony had some 150 in attendance including our Department Commander, the Department Vice Commander, and the Department National Executive Committeeman. The guest speaker was Vic Guillory, RADM, USN Retired, who is in charge of the Jacksonville Veterans Affairs of-fice. The 5th District conducted its Oratorical contest on February 1st and Madison Moore, a 9th grader at Yulee High School, spon-sored by Post 54, was the winner of the contest. Madison was presented with a certificate and a scholarship award. Post 137 had a Polar Plunge in the Post swimming pool on February 1st to benefit Department Commander Schwabe’s COTA cam-paign. Several loads of ice were placed into the pool to get it more frigid, and yes, the Department Commander did take the plunge! The event raised an additional $1,700 for the COTA campaign. On February 10th members of the American Legion Post 37 passed handmade knitted and crocheted hats to the Residents of the Clyde E. Lassen, State Veteran's Nursing Home in St. Augustine. In other District news Post 233, Ponte Vedra Beach, has become a non-smoking Post by vote of membership on February 6, 2014. The District is doing well with membership as we have at least 8 Posts over 100% at the time I write this article, and the District has met recent membership goals of 80 and 85% and we will also meet the March 90% goal. District officers also recently had the privi-lege of addressing the Student Veterans Association at Jacksonville University and we were able to speak with the students about membership in the American Legion and we hope to establish a good future working relationship with the university and its veteran students.

The photos above are art renditions of what the USS Charles F. Adams will look like when she comes to Jacksonville. At the Feb-ruary 5th District meeting we heard a presentation about the effort to bring the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) to the St. John’s River in downtown Jacksonville as a military museum. The USS Adams would be the youngest Navy warship on display in the United States, and the first in the state of Florida. Everything has been approved by the U.S. Navy and the city of Jacksonville and we are hoping to see the Adams here in 2015.

Benny Combs

Department Baseball Chairmen

March is upon us and so is Baseball registration. So far we don’t have that many registered or insured. Post Cmdrs. and coaches

need to be bringing these matters to the post membership for approval. These are the first steps for the baseball teams, so that they

can start schedules for games and any fundraising. I encourage as many post get involved with this program as can. Since 1926 we

have been involved with our young athletes and have had many greats play with in The American Legion Baseball program. Will the

next be represent your post. If anyone has any questions feel free to contact me @ baseball@legionmail.org.

No mater how chaotic it is, wildflowers will still spring up in the middle of nowhere. Be a wildflower!

~ Sheryl Crow ~

Robert Bethel American Legion Post 220

Collaboration with

Impact Broward’s Food Drive to benefit Veterans in Honor of Martin Luther King Day of Service

Residents of Broward County donated much needed non-perishable food items to help our local heroes and their families.

Robert Bethel American Legion Post 220 collaborated with Impact Broward who is the local sponsor of the National Senior Corps programs in Broward County. More than 500,000 individuals volunteer through Senior Corps nationally each year. On January 20, 2014, Impact Broward’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Senior Companion Program (SCP) along with VITAS Innovative Hospice Care collected and donated 825 lbs of non-perishable food items to the Robert Bethel American Legion Post 220. This is the second year Impact Broward has partnered with Post 220 for the food drive. The food was donated by staff (from both VITAS and Impact Broward), volunteers, collaborative partners and the generous resi-dents of Broward County, FL. The amount collected surpassed double the amount of last year’s total. The drive ran from October 2013 to January 2014. All donated items were brought to the Impact Broward office on January 17th, 2014 where 5 Veteran volun-teers assisted staff in preparation for food dispersal on MLK Day. The tasks completed by the volunteers included checking expiration dates, placing them in different categories such as vegetables, fruits, pasta, etc., and weighing each box for a total amount. The food was then taken to the American Legion on January 20th where a couple of dozen Veterans anxiously awaited its arrival.

American Legion Post 220 Commander, Larry Roberts, expressed his gratitude for the food donated and presented VITAS and

Impact Broward each with a certificate of appreciation. In all, 40 Veteran families benefited from the food drive and many more are

expected to benefit as the remainder of the food will be placed in the Post’s food pantry. These volunteers were joined by hundreds

of thousands of volunteers across the country on this National Day of Service.