Meeting Minutes 📝

4 Oct 2023 10AM

COMMANDERS MEETING
American Legion Post 13
Minutes/Notes

Attendees:  Barry Walker, John Folsom, Earnest Reed, Nell Hewitt, Roger Hewitt, Calvin Carter, Joseph Monismith, Chuck Howell, Eric Smith, Doyle Combs, Dan Hendrickson, Frank Roycraft, Henry Lowery, Roxann Dressel, Tom Napier, Washington Sanchez, Stuart Scott, Marc Dickieson, Tom Carney, Gail Ernst, Fred Ingley, Mary Courtemanche, Doug Ingram, Craig Benner, Ben Ringvelski, Muriel Akweyama, Brooklyn Enders, Kenny Nwoko, Jody Quarles, Katrina Richardson, Kent Watson, Ed Hood, Dan Polo, Chris Wilson, Tom Napier, Lori Fitzpatrick, Sharon Weeden, Valencia Scott, Ken Preston, Lena Lewis, Patti, Bill Eichhoefer, Debbie Mann, Michael Mann, Keisha Washington, Eddie ???, Craig Williams, and Marianne Trussell.

Barry Walker, Commander of American Legion Post 13 led attendees in a salute to the American Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag to open the meeting and closed the meeting with a salute to the American Flag.  See comments below. 

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13.   Welcomed everyone and invited Jody Quarles to report first.  See comments below.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308.  Thanked everyone.  The Post and fundraisers are heading in the right direction and both are growing.

Ed Hood, VFW Post 3308, IT Committee Chair, American Legion Post 13.  He handles Commander’s Coalition emails and only emails.   He will communicate beyond sending out the minutes if the event, etc. happens prior to the Commander’s Coalition meeting.   At the meeting identify yourself and your organization when you talk; there’s a lot of good information to be shared.  The meeting is recorded and videoed; when asked if anyone objected to being videoed there were no objections.  

Marc Dickieson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472.  Meetings are at noon on the 3^rd Thursday of the month at Post 13.  Toys for Tots is in full force through November 22; Angel Tree is also a Marine Corps (MCL) League project.  The MCL is hosting its Birthday Party on Friday, November 3 at the Champions Club at FSU the price is $40 which includes dinner and music; there will be a cash bar.                                                               

Washington Sanchez, President, Tallahassee Veterans Outreach.  No report. 

Brooklyn Enders, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Career Source Capital Region.  Thanks to all.  Two events are being held:  Prep 4 Vets is on Thursday, November 2 exclusively for veterans and eligible dependents to prepare for the second event. Register for the event on line as seating is limited (bit.ly/Prep4Vets) or call 850-922-0023.  The second event is the Paychecks for Patriots Hiring Fair which will be held at Tallahassee Community College on November 8 from 9-12.    

Kenneth Nwoko, Career Source Capital Region.  Works with Brooklyn.  No report.

Calvin Carter, Operations Officer, Tallahassee VA Outpatient Clinic.  Flu clinics are available from 1-3.  He is taking a new position in Augusta in November.  He introduces his replacement, Joseph Monismith.  

Joseph B. Monismith, Operations Officer, Tallahassee VA Outpatient Clinic. He’s a 30-year retired Army veteran.

David Wilson, AmVets, Vet Events Tally, Air Force Association.  He spoke to Major Haynes this morning; he sounded strong and good but is still in the hospital.  No calls or visitors please.  On October 23 at 9:30 am at the Jefferson County High School gymnasium, 50 David Road, Monticello.  The ceremony will honor Clemon Alexander, USMC, who was killed in the Beirut Bombing on October 23, 1983. The speaker will be Marine Henry Lowery, Jr.  Clemon is the brother of Muriel Akweyama who will be present as will her mother.  Please arrive early to avoid lines and security measures.  The Veterans Day Parade will be held on November 10 (starting 10:30-11:00).  For the first time ever there will be a fly over by 3 Air Force C-130s.  The fly over will be over Monroe Street at the beginning of the parade from North to South and will return from South to North along the parade route on Monroe Street.  

Lena Lewis, Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator.  No report except that the local Gold Star unit is up and running.     

Ben Ringvelski, Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit FAMU and professor of naval science.  The military appreciation football games for FSU and FAMU are November 11.  The FSU box office indicates that tickets are sold out.   FAMU advises that tickets are still available and will advise when a link for veterans to receive free tickets is released.

Mary Courtemanche, DAR, Caroline Brevard Chapter.  Here to observe and help veterans.  Thank you everyone.  No report.     

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaboration.  Help is still needed.  Legal Clinics are held every Thursday at Post l3 from 3-5; set up is at 2.  There is a food distribution for veterans each Wednesday; they are still in need of a truck or trailer to transport food.  You don’t have to be an attorney to volunteer!  Administrative and other held is still needed.  Veterans are having problems with 3-4 agencies and need your help with problem solving.   Please help!!                   

Earnest Reed, President, Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 34.  No report.      

Eric Smith, American Legion Post 13 Chaplain, Big Bend Honor Guard.  No report.

Chuck Howell, Big Bend Honor Guard.  Pleased to report that the Big Bend Honor Guard has twenty-one members.  Eight interments in September; performed 119 interments this year and 1,072 since the Tallahassee Cemetery opened in 2016.

Nell Hewitt, President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit, Post 13.  The Auxiliary is holding a warm coat or jacket or sweater drive to be donated to Vet Village and Homefront.  The Auxiliary is also stuffing Christmas stockings for veterans hosted by Abbey Funeral Home.  Please donate all items well before the November 6 deadline which is the last date to deliver all stuffed stockings to Abbey Funeral Home.  Please date appropriate items for veterans; no chocolate, but hard candies are welcome.  

Roger Hewitt, American Legion Post 13.  No report. 

Doug Ingram, Blinded Veterans Association.  Working to get the word out that benefits are available from VA that include skills training for the blind and blinded.  Established by Congressional Charter in 1948.  Go to www.bva.org for additional information. 

Roxann Dressel, Commander American Legion Post 114, Crawfordville.  The Post is a 3 for 2 partner/sponsor in wreaths Across America (WAA) initiative.  Business cards were made available with WAA information. 

Doyle Combs, Commander, American Legion District 2.  District meeting will be held December 18 – location and time are not yet determined.              

Tom Carney, Air & Space Forces Association.  Tuesday, October 10, 2023, will be the next meeting of the Association at Chow Time at 6 pm.  There is expected to be a dedication of the Air Force Memorial in November.  Details will follow.  On October 18 at 5:30 pm the Challenger Center will present Victoria Hager; it’s a free presentation. Click here for TICKETS On October new State Officers were elected:  President is Dwyer Dennis and Vice President is Ed Hood.  Congratulations!

Tom Napier, Vice President, Honor Flight.   December 7, at 5:30 pm at the Army National Guard Armory, there will be a reunion of all veterans and guardians who have previously gone on Honor Flight.  Please plan to attend.  April 27, 2024, is the date of next year’s Honor Flight Tallahassee.  Apply now; if circumstances change you can always cancel.  Go to the Honor Flight Tallahassee website:   www.honorflighttallahassee.org   So far 77 veterans have applied, includes 2 Korean War veterans.  No WW II veterans as yet.  There will be a Car Show fundraiser for Honor Flight on October 28 from 9 am to 2:30 pm at the Moose Lodge #1075, 1475 Capital Circle NW, in Tallahassee.  A silent auction and 50-50 drawing will take place at 1:30. Attendees will vote for best in show; the winner will receive a trophy.       

Henry Lowery, AmVets Post 1776.  No report. 

Fred Ingley, MOAA.  No report.   

Gail Ernst, American Legion Auxiliary Post 13, Air Force Association.  According to the most recently ALA magazine, there is 90% cure rare for PTCH.  It is amazing.  Look at the Auxiliary Magazine for September; she has a few with her.

Dan Polo, 3 years in the US Army.  No report.   

Stuart Scott, Third District Commander, American Legion.  Information for Boys State 2024 has been sent.  A bill for $200,00 has been submitted as the Boys State National Convention will be held in Tallahassee in 2025 and that is the amount needed for transportation, etc.

Valencia Scott, Akin Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office.  Thank you for all you do.  If you have any questions, call the office.   

Ken Preston, veteran.  No report.

Ed Gifford, American Legion Post 49, Monticello.   As usual there will be a Veterans Day breakfast from 8-10 am.   There is also a raffle for an AR 15 for $5 per ticket.   Construction and improvements are underway and progressing at the Post.  Thanks to everyone for their support and help. 

Kent Watson, Monticello.  Believes in partnerships.  Thank you.

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.   There will be a Veterans Day luncheon at the DHSMV office at 2900 a at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.  Traditionally limited to veterans at DHSMV, this year will include all who attend the Commanders’ Coalition.  Flyers will be available at the next meeting.     

Chris Wilson, Major Morale.  The new newspaper is now available.  Jim Messer missed his first advertisement.  There is a new VSO page for VSO’s raising money for the holidays. Send him important information by October l5 for the November 2023 issue. publisher@youcanwin.com

Katrina Richardson, Travels with Katrina.  Memorials of WW II excursion, September 6 -15, 2024.  Reserve today and save $350 per person. Flyers were available.  Katrina’s husband was I the Navy. Flyers were available.

Lori Fitzpatrick, Director of Quality Care, Right at Home.  Veterans preferred business.  Non-medical assistance available.  Serving Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties.  Call for verification of location.    850-765-4701.

Sharon Weeden, President/Owner, Right at Home.  Gave a shout-out to Chris of Major Morale. Reminded veterans of the fact that now is the time to get their flu shot and to make sure they receive the correct billing information. 

Muriel Akewyama, District 2 President for American Legion Auxiliary.  Keep October 23 on your radar and attend the memorial for her brother.  October 14, 2023, the Women Veterans Unite will hold a fundraiser (to support women veterans) Hallo-Dance from 7-11pm at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella. $10 for single; $15 per couple.  For more info text: 850-274-1726.

Bill Eichhoefer. The Greg Tish programs on Mondays at 8 am are progressing well and are a hit.  On Monday, October 9, the program will present the head of Florida’s Elder Care and she will have tickets to the October Fest.  On October 23 will be Patti Wilson of Patti’s Playhouse.

Debra Mann, VFW, Civil Air Patrol.  Recruits are our future leaders.  Part of the Air Force.  Can’t do fundraisers except Wreaths Across America.  Money is needed to pay the electric bill, etc.   Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a “P” fundraiser organization and those who order thru or from CAP do not receive three wreaths for every two ordered; CAP receives $5.  There is a fundraiser for CAP/Wreaths Across America at the Texas Roadhouse on North Monroe Street in Tallahassee on October 19, from 3:30 to close.  A percentage of each bill will be donated to CAP/Wreaths Across America. 

Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the Legion.  Always looking for sons and grandsons of veterans to become members.  Members of the Sons of the American Legion also assist with the Big Bend Honor Guard. 

Patti Fabian, At Ease Campground.  Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall – November 2-6, Earl May Boat Basin, Bainbridge, GA.  The Decatur County Historical & Genealogical Society.  Contact:  Roslyn Palmer at 229-220-5051.  Opening Ceremony with Military Fly Over – Thursday, November 2nd at 5:30 pm.  Need volunteers to help greet the guests that visit the wall, Nov 3-5.  Two hours (or more) segments – Please contact Roslyn at the number above. Motorcycles riders to participate in the escort of the wall from Climax, GA to the boat basin.  Meet at Palmer Park in Climax, GA at 8:30 am on Thursday, November 2. Contact:  Bubba Baker at 850-394-7363. Help setup the wall on the morning of November 2 and/or help disassemble the wall on the 6^th in am.  Contact Rosyln Palmer. SW Georgia Veterans and Families Alliance – community ground facilitated by the VA.   Meet & greet - fish fry dinner & Vietnam Traveling Wall Presentation.    Golf tournament – Bainbridge Hospital Fundraiser, November 10, 12:30 start.  Sponsors have paid the $600 entry for Veterans to participate in the event. There are a few spots remaining.  Interested golfers, contact Patti Fabian 518-524-4171.  Veterans Resource Fair – being planned for February 2024. At Ease Campground and Marina, Lake Seminole.  All agencies, business etc. that provide information and resources for Veterans, are welcome to exhibit at no charge.  Complimentary lunch provided.  At Ease Campground & Marina. Fall festival bring the family October 28, 4-9 pm.  Family Friendly Event.  Fundraiser to mail troop packages if anyone knows a solider or Unit deployed, please contact Patti Fabian with the details and they will be sent a package. 4-5:30 pm, Trunk or Treat; 6 pm Best Baker Contest and Cake Walk Game AND Chili Cook Off; 5-7 pm Games, Bounce House, Food & Fun; 5-9 pm live music by The Caliber Band; 7-9 pm Spooky Hay Rides through the woods.  Veterans Weekend – Block Party and Grand Slam Fishing Tournament, At Ease Campground and Marina, November 11, 5-9 pm, Block Party – Live Music, Food and games.  November 12, Safe Light – Veterans Grand Slam Fishing Tournament.  After tournament, there will be a fresh fish fry, music and fishing expo.  Hosting Women Veterans Unite Retreat – October 20-22.   At Ease has been approved to become an American Legion Post. Contact Patti & Don Fabian, At Ease Campground & Marina, 229-246-0658; www.AtEaseCampgroundandMarina.com  

Keisha Washington, Veteran Resource Specialist, 211 Big Bend.  No report.  Call the # - 211.

Eddie McMillan, Veteran Coordinator, 211 Big Bend.  No report.

Craig Williams, Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, Congressman Dunn’s Office.  He is always available.  Thanks to Henry Lowery’s efforts and those of Women Veterans Unite.  Working on hurricane efforts and working with FEMA.  Nominees for the Military Academies are now being accepted.  Anyone who wants to be nominated should complete the form on Congressman Dunn’s website.  

Jody Quarles, Staff Assistant, Congressman Dunn’s Office.  He is a veteran, not a politician.  He’s here for the veterans.  Veterans in Panama City can’t get medications; there seems to be no problem in Tallahassee.  Women veterans are also having problems.  Reach out to the Tallahassee Office or the Panama City Office.   

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13. On November 14 beginning at 9:30 at the FSU Alumni Center there will be an installation of Hall of Fame Inductees (including Henry Lowery).  The Cost is $35.  Members can attend free with a guest.      

Barry Walker, Commander, American Legion Post 13.    There will be strategic planning meeting of the Leon County Wellness Veteran Coalition on October 11 from 12-2 at the American Legion Post 13.  You MUST register by Friday, October 6 as lunch will be provided.  Please help as all Veteran Service Organizations are always looking for younger members.       

Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc.  The next meeting of the Support Committee will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 5 pm at the Administration Building of the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). Elections will be held for Chair and Secretary (two-year terms which begin at the January meeting).  Thanks were extended to everyone who attended the Final Salute on September 27.  October 21 is the last day for the Director of the TNC, Jason Hogan.  Melissa Sheridan has been encouraged to apply and she indicated she has applied.  Instructions for Wreaths Across American ordering wreaths will be sent out shortly – the website has changed.  Instructions include how to get 3 wreaths for the purchase of two.  The last day to order wreaths is November 27, 2023.  The Wreaths Across America Ceremony will be held at the TNC on December 16, 2023 at noon.                          

From Nicole Dempsey at the VA
I apologize for the delay in getting this email out to the group as a follow up to our last meeting. We had a great discussion and proposed many ideas of how to help increase connection between Veterans. The American Legion also provided a great overview of their new program, “Be The One.” From that conversation, it was decided that  need to complete a formal analysis to narrow down our focus. The Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) assessment will allow us to do just that!  OUR NEXT MEETING IS OCTOBER  11^th from 12-2PM at the American Legion on Lake Ella (229 Lake Ella Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32303)  We may not need to meet the whole 2 hours but want to set it aside in case. We will be providing lunch this time so please RSVP by responding to this email if you will be able to attend so we can get a head count for food.

I am attaching a PowerPoint that provides a great overview of what a SWOT analysis is and step -by step instructions on how to complete. If you have time, please review prior to our next meeting as we will be jumping in to complete it. Download link 👉 SWOT Analysis

Also, it was discussed at our last meeting the great role that Veteran Peer Support can provide in the communities. I came across this presentation from SAHMSA on this topic that offers several examples of how this is being done in other communities. The link to the presentation is below:

Nicole Dempsey, LCSW  (she/her/hers) | VISN 8 Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator | VHA North Florida South Georgia | Nicole.dempsey@va.gov  | 904-719-2522

I cover the following counties: Miller, Mitchell, Decatur, Grady, Jackson, Calhoun, Gadsden, Liberty, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties

I work a compressed tour. My office hours are Monday through Thursday from 6am-4:30pm I am off on Fridays.

The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.