Meeting Minutes 📝

1 November 2023

COMMANDER’S COALITION MEETING

November 1, 2023, 10 A.M.
American Legion Post 13
Minutes/Notes

Attendees:  Barry Walker, John Folsom, Dwayne Meyer, Earnest Reed, Alex (Butch) Topicz, Eric Smith, Doyle Combs, Tony Minichiello, Dan Hendrickson, Susan Caplowe, Johnnie Roberts, Frank Roycraft, Henry Lowery, Roxann Dressel, Derrich Sykes, Washington Sanchez, Donna Washington, Mary LaBatt, Stuart Scott, Marc Dickieson, Rick Stanford, Mitchell Allen, Kaitlyn Grimes, Alyssa Westmoreland, Tom Carney, Craig Benner, Gordon Lightfoot, Raymond (Paul) Rogerson, Ben Ringvelski, Muriel Kweyama, Brooklyn Enders, Kenny Nwoko, Chris Wilson, Lori Fitzpatrick, Sharon Weeden, Valencia Scott, David Wilson, Karen Bauer, Lena Lewis, Kevin White, Michael Blain, Melissa Sheridan, Sonny Decker, and Marianne Trussell.

Barry Walker, Commander, 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.  He needs to leave early to take someone to the hospital.  The meeting started at 10:02. 

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13.   Welcomed everyone and invited Eric Smith to report first.  See John’s comments below.

Dwayne Meyer, Sergeant at Arms, American Legion Post 13.  Led the attendees in a final salute to the American Flag.

Eric Smith, Chaplain American Legion Post 13 and Big Bend Honor Guard.  The Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) participated in 12 interments in October, 131 so far this year, and 1084 since 2015.  Which totals 21,680 volunteer hours for the BBHG.  The BBHG has five interments on Friday, November 3.  He later explained that lunch has been provided for on November 3 and Marianne Trussell explained that at times when lunch is necessary, the Support Committee reimburses the BBHG member who pays for the lunch, etc.

Muriel Kweyama, District 2 President for American Legion Auxiliary.  Thank you to all who attended the ceremony on October 23 for her deceased brother.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308.  Thanked everyone.  The VFW Post has expanded its First Responders Program to included others.  In particular “first responders” who work at the dispatch center.     

Marc Dickieson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472.  The Chapter meets on the 3^rd Thursday of the month at noon at Post 13.  Toys for Tots is in full force through November 22; he is delivering boxes today.  If any individual or organization is interested in a box, please let him know.

Kevin White, Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist.  He is located at the Army National Guard Armory on Easterwood.  Operation Home Front’s partner is the Dollar Tree.  Buy an extra toy for Operation Home Front between November 1 and 30.  Gifts will go to local National Guard and Reserve Units.                                                                     

Chris Wilson, Major Morale Newspaper.   The latest edition is here.

Melissa Sheridan, Tallahassee National Cemetery.  Flag placement will begin at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC) for Veterans Day on Thursday, November 9 at 3:30 and the flags will picked up on Monday, November 13 at 3:30.  All are welcome to attend and help.  The Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place at noon on December 16 at the TNC.  Please arrive early.  Contact the local Civil Air Patrol (850-580-0010) for details regarding volunteering.

Sonny Decker, American Legion, Western Area Commander.  Thanks for all the good work everyone does for veterans.  Remember to call a vet – save a life, Be the One. 

Doyle Combs, Commander, American Legion District 2.  The next meeting will be on December 2 at 11 am EST at Lanark Village. No report.  Be on time – remember to turn your clocks back one hour this coming Sunday.

Derrich Sykes, Veterans Liaison, Big Bend Hospice.  The Big Bend Hospice is always looking for members for its Valor Team.           

Brooklyn Enders, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Career Source Capital Region.  Thanks to all.  Helping veterans who need help.  Upcoming is the Paychecks for Patriots Event.  The event will be held on November 8 at Tallahassee Community College from 9-12.  Registration for the event is required as seating is limited call 850-922-0023.     

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

Washington Sanchez, President, Tallahassee Veterans Outreach.   Coordinates and organizes the Stand Down each year.  More about that later.   The Purple Heart bus will be available for all veterans to ride in the Veterans Day Parade on November 10.   Be at the American Legion at 9 am.

Donna Washington, Tallahassee VA Outpatient Clinic.  No one from upper management could attend today.  Flu clinics are available from 1-3, Monday thru Friday.  Covid shots are available on Monday and Thursday by appointment only.  There are two new primary care physicians on board, one in Perry and one in Tallahassee.  

Mary LaBatt, DAR, Caroline Brevard Chapter.  No report.

Karen Bauer, Women Veterans Unite.  No report. 

David Wilson, AmVets, Vet Events Tally, Air & Space Forces Association.  He has been in touch with Major Haynes and although he was to be transferred to the Center Point Rehabilitation Center, he is back in the hospital and doing well.  No visitors; he will keep everyone up to date.  He mentioned the Air Force monument dedication at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (it was a good ceremony, albeit cold).  The flyover for the Veterans Day Parade has been cancelled.  Katie Kaplan is working on getting 3-4 military helicopters.  Negotiations are ongoing.   On November 10 the end of the Veterans Day Parade will turn left on Madison Street instead of right.  On December 4, at 11 am, at the Capitol Plaza (between the old and the new capitol) there will be an authorized Wreaths Across America ceremony. The ceremony will last about 40 minutes.     

Lena Lewis, Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator.  The Volunteer 344^th Engineer Company will be there on December 9 from 9-12; the address is 4307 Jackson Bluff Road, Tallahassee.      

Ben Ringvelski, Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit FAMU and professor of naval science.  You should have received an email recently regarding the fact that veterans can receive free tickets to the FAMU football game on Veterans Day.

Susan Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaboration.  Thank you for all who volunteer.  Set up begins at 2:30.

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaboration.  Help is still needed.  Legal Clinics are held every Thursday at Post l3 from 3-5.  There was a good graduation recently – come next time if you missed it.  You don’t have to be an attorney to volunteer!  Mentors are needed; the needs are great.  Meet twice a month on Mondays.  Please help!!

Johnnie Roberts.  No report.                

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

Alex (Butch) Topicz, FRA Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall – November 2 through 6, Earl May Boat Basin, Bainbridge, GA.   The essay contest is still open for students in grades 6 through 12.

Rick Stanford, Order of the Purple Heart.  Spoke about Wreaths Across America.  Not just entities can order wreaths; individuals can also order.  He will create a sheet of steps to order as the website has changed. 

Mitchell Allen, Allison Tant’s Office.  Veterans can call the office if they need help.           
Roxann Dressel, Commander American Legion Post 114, Crawfordville. Information was placed at each table regarding ordering wreaths for the Tallahassee National Cemetery.   The code of the TNC is:  FLTNCT.  Post 114 is a 3 for 2 partner/sponsor for the Wreaths Across America initiative.   

Kaitlyn Grimes, Mission BBQ.  Mission BBQ is serving free sandwiches on the real Veterans Day (November 11) from 11 am to 9 pm.  There will be a ceremony at noon.  Last year Mission BBQ served 777 sandwiches.  This year’s goal is 800!!                

Tom Carney, Air & Space Force Association.  All set for tomorrow’s dedication of the Air Force monument at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. 

Michael Blain, American Legion Post 13.  The American legion has a booth at the North Florida Fair and the booth needs to be “manned” at all times.  There are still several spots available.  Please contact him to sign up.  He is also involved with the Red Cross and there will be a virtual class on Humanitarian Law on November 15.  To sign up see him. 

Henry Lowery, United States Marine Corps, AmVets Post 1776.  No report. 

Stuart Scott, Third District Commander, American Legion.  There are a couple bills filed relating to tax exemptions for veterans.  A bill for money has been submitted as the National Convention will be held in Tampa in 2025; the money is needed for transportation, etc.  Those Posts that have electronic gaming will be interested in a bill that modifies the existing law regarding violations and now makes it a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor).

Tony Minichiello, Commander, American Legion Post 49, Monticello.  Bricks for the Walk of Heroes are available for $47 and $59.  See Post 49 members for details.

Gordon Lightfoot, Commander, AmVets Post 1776.  The date of the AmVets Golf Tournament has been set – it’s April 22.  Details to follow. 

Raymond (Paul) Rogerson, AmVets Post 1776.  No report.

Alyssa Westmoreland, Family Promise of the Big Bend, SSVF Outreach Specialist.  A food and warn clothing drive is coming soon.  Call for more information call the office: 850-792-9440.

Valencia Scott, Akin Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office.  There are homeowner exemptions for veterans.  If veterans need help or have questions, call the office.  

Ed Gifford, American Legion Post 49, Monticello.   As usual there will be a Veterans Day breakfast On November 11 from 8-10 am.   There will be a speaker, drawings for raffles, etc.  The parade will begin at 11 am.    

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.   The dispatch center tries to hire vets.

Lori Fitzpatrick, Director of Quality Care, Right at Home.  Veterans preferred business.  Non-medical assistance available for chronically ill or disabled veterans of any age to help them stay at home.  Serving Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties.  See your VA doctor to get started or call 850-765-4701.  Her father-in-law used the process and it worked.  Flyers were handed out.  

Sharon Weeden, President/Owner, Right at Home.  No report.   

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13. Tom Napier wanted him to announce that the Tallahassee Honor Flight is scheduled for April 27, 2024; applications are still being accepted.   On November 14 beginning at 9:30 there will be an installation of Hall of Fame Inductees (including Henry Lowery).  Thanks to Chris Wilson and the Major Morale paper. 

Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc.  The next meeting of the Support Committee will be held on Tuesday, January 16, at 5 pm at the Administration Building of the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC).  At the elections held at the October 17 meeting the Chair (Marianne) and Secretary (Peg Woodham) were re-elected to two-year terms which begin at the January meeting.  There was a nice Veterans Day ad on WCTV.  Please buy as many wreaths as you can afford from Wreaths Across America using a sponsoring organization without a “P” after its number to ensure the TNC will receive three wreaths for every two wreaths ordered.  As an aside, Melissa Sheridan has advised that she did not apply to the be next director at the TNC.  Applications have closed and interviews are being scheduled.  Remember, the last day to order wreaths is November 27, 2023 (actually it is November 28).    The Wreaths Across America Ceremony will be held at the TNC on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at noon.  As Melissa indicated, please arrive early.                               

The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.