November 2025 Meeting Minutes 📝
COMMANDER’S COALITION MEETING
November 5, 2025, 10 A.M.
American Legion Post 13
Minutes/Notes
Attendees: Dennis Hall, John Folsom, Marc Dickieson, Eric Smith, Tony Minichiello, Doug Ingram, Dan Hendrickson, Paul Rogerson, David Wilson, Tom McCluskey, Juan Gonzalez, Roxann Dressel, Ed Gifford, Susan Caplowe, Frank Roycraft, Ben Ringvelski, Craig Benner, Donna Washington, Beverly Shirley, Ritaann Schultz, Tom Napier, Andy Janecek, Akin Akinyemi, Kenny Nwoko, Rob Winchester, L J Stuckey, Erica Robinson, Courtney Thomas, Alex “Butch” Topicz, Melinda Topicz, Tom Carney, Liz Crawford, Cindy Myers, Craig Benner, Tina Caldwell, Sharon Weeden, Debbie Snapp, Gordon Lightfoot, Charles LeCroy, Berline Belizaire, Shawn Schwartz, Patti Fabian, Don Fabian, Gail Ernst, Fred Ingley, Mary LaBatt, Nell Hewitt, Jackie Johnson, Marc Dickieson, Michael Mann, Debra Mann, and Marianne Trussell.
Dennis Hall, 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 and a salute to the Flag to close the meeting. He asked Eric Smith to deliver an opening prayer. Dennis welcomed everyone, reminded everyone to speak up, identify themselves and their organization, and keep it veteran business only, no personal business, politics, or personal attacks. He then asked Tom Carney to begin who handed the microphone to Paul Rogerson to begin.
Paul Rogerson, AmVets Post 1776. The Commander of AmVets will talk about the flyers on the tables re the 2nd Annual Turkey Shoot. He has raffle tickets for sale.
Tom Carney, Air & Space Forces Association. On Wednesday, October 29 the most recent meeting of the Association was held and President, Vice-President, and Treasurer were elected. And, after 7 years a Secretary was elected – Clarence Gagni. Hooray.
Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. All combat veterans are welcome to join. The Post is doing well. If any veteran is in need of a new roof and a rebate see him.
Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. On Friday, November 7 at 12 noon at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles there will present a Veterans Day Ceremony with a presentation by Major General Michael A. Snodgrass, USAF (retired).
Liz Crawford, Owner, Team Leader, Sport Clips, Tallahassee. Dream Flights (yes there were two) that recently took place. Both were a huge success. Next year’s flight will be in April. Get your nominations in soon, as each Dream Flight can only take 8 total veterans (only one veteran at a time goes up). Hurry and fill them. Also there will befree veteran haircuts all day (10 am – 8 pm) on Veterans Day – donate if you can. All donations go toward VFW scholarships.
David Wilson, AmVets, Air & Space Forces Association. On Monday, December 8 at 11 am (lasts about an hour) a Wreaths Across America presentation will be held (one of many across the nation at state capitols) at the plaza between the old and new capitol buildings in downtown Tallahassee. The Chiles’ choir will perform the National Anthem and other patriotic selections. On November 19 at 10 amin Jefferson County (near Aucilla) there will be a dedication of a new headstone (with the help of Raymond Miller) for David Jones, a WWI veteran. See him for directions.
Ben Ringvelski, Former Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit FAMU and professor of naval science. He is almost done with everything. No report.
Gail Ernst, MOAA, American Legion Auxiliary. She brought a sympathy card for anyone to sign for Mrs. Bob (Penny) Stansbury as Bob recently passed away; they were great volunteers! Pay close attention to the minutes which will contain everything you want to know about the December 5 MOAA holiday social and meeting. There will not be a speaker. Pay close attention to the deadline contained in the minutes when you plan to attend. MOAA Tallahassee will hold our holiday social and last meeting of the year on Friday, December 5. We welcome you to join us, all are welcome. Please use this link to register. MOAA member dinner costs are $28, all others $30. RSVP window closes Monday, November 24.
Check in and Happy Hour starts at 5 pm
Dinner at 6 pm
Fred Ingley, MOAA. No report.
Berline Belizaire, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. No report.
Ed Gifford, American Legion Post 49, Monticello, Florida. On November 6 (tomorrow!!) there is a valor dinner that is free for veterans but a spouse or other plus 1 costs $50. There will be 36 banners around the courthouse honoring 13 Monticello veterans.
Debbie Snapp, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. She works with homeless veteran issues.
Tom McCluskey, American Legion Post 13. No report. MOAA Tallahassee will hold our holiday social and last meeting of the year on Friday, December 5. We welcome you to join us, all are welcome. Please use this link to register. MOAA member dinner costs are $28, all others $30. RSVP window closes Monday, November 24.
Check in and Happy Hour starts at 5 pm
Dinner at 6 pm
Tony Minichiello, American Legion Post 49, Monticello.
Gordon Lightfoot, Commander, AmVets Post 1776, American Legion Post 13. AmVets will be holding its Second Annual Turkey Shoot at the Tallahassee Rifle and Pistol Club on November 15, 2025. At 8:30 am registration begin; shooting starts at 9:00 am. The cost is $20 for registration. First and second place winners; raffle tickets are available for a 14X Glock pistol. Flyers were available. Proceeds go to good causes.
Erica Robinson, Home Helpers. They service Jefferson County, Florida, Bainbridge, Georgia, and Thomasville, Georgia. Call them for free to veterans home care help.
Juan Gonzalez, Vice Commander, Commanders Coalition. Ed Hood asked him to collect and send him all flyers and business cards.
Tom Napier, Vice Chairman, Honor Flight Tallahassee. Honor Flight will have two vehicles in the Veterans Day parade next week. Akin Akinyemi is welcome to ride with them. Saturday, December 6 from 5:00 (eat at 5:30) is the Honor Flight Reunion for veterans, guardians, and spouses (wear your Honor Flight shirt).
Charles LeCroy, Past Commander of American Legion Post 13. Thank you. There’s a big crowd today. Lots of activities. Get involved and stay involved.
Andy Janecek, Akin Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office. They are always available to help with Property Tax exemptions. Please contact them. They will participate in the Veterans Day breakfast and will have a booth at Vet Fest. There will also be a county float.
Akin Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser. Asked Tom Napier if he could ride in one of the Honor Flight vehicles.
Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. Monday November 10 at 3 pm the collaborative will meet at the Leon County Courthouse on the second floor. On November 24 at 3 pm at the Leon County Courthouse on the second floor there will be a veteran graduation ceremony. The TVLC will be here at Post 13 tomorrow (every Thursday) from 3-5 pm. Walk ins are welcome. The legislature is in town this week. Be there for the criminal justice committee today; you don’t have to talk.
Susan (Susie) Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. The TVLC appreciate everyone! The TVLC meets here at the American Legion Post 13 from 3-5 every Thursday. There were over 20 veterans served last week and two veterans had their driver’s license reinstated.
Cindy Myers, Legal Services of North Florida. She is grant funded. Works with homeless and at risk of homelessness and its issues.
Rob Winchester, Camp Gordon Johnston. They are still looking for a professional fundraiser. Since they have no money, they need one who will work on a commission basis.
Courtney Thomas, Mayor Dailey’s Office. No report.
Jackie Johnson, DAV, Chapter 5. No report.
Sharon Weeden, Owner, Right at Home. VA Preferred Provider for in home care. Primarily service Leon County. Thank you to Ben Bradwell; he was very helpful recently.
Roxann Dressel, American Legion Florida District 2 Commander. Wreaths Across America flyers have been placed on all tables. If when ordering know that if you select an organization that has a “P” after its identification that means it is fundraising and $5 will go to that organization and not toward purchase of another wreath.
Nell Hewitt, Vice President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13. The Auxiliary filled Christmas stockings obtained from Abbey Funeral Hone; Abbey will ship filled stockings for free. This weekend the Auxiliary will be around Tallahassee handing out Poppies, including the Veterans Day breakfast. Only a donation is accepted - they are free. 75% of what is collected stays with the Auxiliary and 25% goes to Bay Pines Medical Center, where disabled veterans make the Poppies. Please be generous with your donations.
Kenny Nwoko, Career Source Capital Region. Prep 4 Vets is tomorrow (November 6) from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Please take a flyer! Thanks to Mission BBQ for being a sponsor of lunch! On November 13 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am there will be a Paychecks for Patriots event at Tallahassee State College. Flyers were available.
Eric Smith, Big Bend Honor Guard, DAV Chapter 5. The Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) performed 16 interments at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). During the month of October approximately 290 volunteer hours were reported to the Veterans Administration. The BBHG has performed 1,450 interments since the TNC opened in 2015.
Shawn Schwartz, Gold Star Mother. For those fillers of Christmas stockings be sure to ask whether is ok for the organization to accept cookies and candies. On November 13 from 7 am – 12 noon there will be a free community health fair. Here will be gun locks, etc, from services and resources onsite.
L. J. Stuckey. American Legion Post 502; N. Florida S. Georgia Veteran Coalition; Retired Veteran. Here to take advantage of good information.
Mary LaBatt, DAR, Caroline Brevard Chapter. No report.
Donald Fabian, At Ease Campground, 139 Wingate Rd, Bainbridge, Georgia; American Legion Post 340. On Friday, November 7 beginning at 5:30 pm and Saturday, November 8 beginning at 1:00 pm there will be events going on for veterans and everyone else. The festivities will begin on Friday with a Flag Retirement Ceremony and on Saturday with a 5K Run or Walk & Ruck March. All events are open to the public. Take flyers for a full schedule of events.
Patti Fabian, At Ease Campground, 139 Wingate Rd, Bainbridge, Georgia; American Legion Post 340. Veterans can get on a boat even if they have no boat of your own. Mobility accessible.
Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12; Veteran. The FRA Essay contest for those in grades 7-12 has begun and the deadline is December 1, 2025. He is selling chances for an FRA Branch 34 raffle of a custom hand-crafted garden bench that are $5 a chance or $20 for 5 chances to win. A CVMA Dice Run is scheduled for November 8 starting at 8:30 at the Tallahassee Harley with the first bike out at 10:30. It ends at the Quincy Moose Lodge, 1831 Jefferson St. Flyers with details were provided. The drawing for the raffle will be on November 15, 2025. December 1 is the last day to order wreaths for Wreaths Across America.
Melinda Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12; Veteran. Grand Marshall of 2025 Veterans Day Parade.
Doug Ingram, Blinded Veterans, National Board Secretary. He is with 93.3 radio and several veterans have been on his program from 8-8:30 am every Monday morning. The guest talks about his or her program. Over 50,000 audience. It’s a great connection. Part of the Greg Tish show.
Beverly Shirley, Community Representative, Mission BBQ. Mission BBQ doesn’t usually open for breakfast, but Mission BBQ will be open for brunch on December 6 from 9 am to 10:30 am. There will be a singer and a color guard. Registration is required for this invitation only V.I.P. BBQ Just 4U. Register at Mission-bbq.com/BrunchRSVP. A flyer was provided.
Donna Washington, Tallahassee VA Clinic. Jay (Joseph B.) Monismith asked her to announce that the VA Clinic was named for Ernest Booth Thomas from Monticello. He would like to have someone or some organization step up and purchase a plaque that designates the clinic as the Ernest Booth Thomas Clinc. Call him at 850-513-7523. Flu shots are available only by appointment with your primary doctor or the walk-in clinic on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Tina Caldwell, Right at Home. Veteran preferred provider. Two hours to 24-hour services.
Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the Legion American Legion Post 13. Sons of the Legion meets quarterly at the American Legion Post 13 at 6:30 pm. The next meeting will be on the Fifth Thursday in January. The Sons of the Legion will be in the Veterans Day parade. Please see him or attend the next meeting of the Sons of the Legion if you are the son or the grandson of a veteran.
Debra Mann, District 2 President. Women Veterans Unite. Good training. Busy time.
Ritaann Schultz, Member American Legion Post 340. She is the Commanders Coalition National Chair Person for Traumatic Brain Injury. Please contact her. Women Veterans Unite – no report.
Marc Dickieson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472; Toys for Tots Coordinator. The Marine Corps League meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Elks Lodge at 6:00 pm. A monthly fundraiser on the first Saturday of the month (this Saturday) is held at the Ace Hardware in Killearn where Krispy Kreme donuts are sold. Stop by and buy donuts. Let him know if you want a Toys for Tots Collection Box or want to hold an event.
John Folsom, American Legion Post 13, Chaplain for AL District 2. Sons of the Legion of which he is also a member will be in the Veterans Day with a golf cart.
Dennis Hall, Commander American Legion Post 13. Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. On November 7 there will be a fundraiser dance at the American Legion Post 13. Doors open at 7 pm and music starts at 7:30. The cost is a donation of $10 and proceeds go to Vet Village. There is a luncheon at the National Guard Armory at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30. Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. This month the second Tuesday is November 11 – Veterans Day. Therefore, the Second Tuesday luncheon will be on November 18. On November 11, 2025, Veterans Day, there will be a breakfast here at the American Legion from 6:30 am to 9 am. Everyone is invited. The parade will follow at 10:45 am on North Monroe St. On November 22 from 1-3 there will be a flag retirement at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum on Mahan Drive. Everyone is welcome. Springwood Elementary School on Fred George Road here in Tallahassee is seeking veteran assistance with their Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 14 at 8:30 am.
Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc. No one is sure how the government shutdown will affect the hiring process for the Director of the TNC or how long the shutdown will last. The last Quarterly Support Committee meeting and elections were held in Committal Shelter #1 due to the government shutdown and all went fine. Pam Howell Mills was elected Secretary without opposition (she is the daughter of Chuck and Paulette Howell). Marianne Trussell was re-elected Chair without opposition. John Froude the Support Committee’s Treasurer announced that he would not seek re-election in October 2026. Anyone know of anyone who may be interested? The TNC is in desperate need of 1,638 wreaths to reach its goal. The TNC was at 60.6% on the morning of November 5. Please order wreaths – as many as you can afford.
Dennis Hall ended the meeting with a prayer by John Folsom and led a salute to the American Flag.
The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.
