Weekly Report 🗞️
Meeting Minutes | Stand Down | Sales Tax Holiday | Stamps for the wounded | Career Fair
COMMANDER’S COALITION MEETING
June 5, 2024, 10 A.M.
American Legion Post 13
Minutes/Notes
Attendees: Ed Hood, John Folsom, Chuck Howell, Eric Smith, Tony Minichiello, Dan Hendrickson, Susan Caplowe, Craig Benner, Frank Roycraft, Henry Lowery, Roxann Dressel, Mary LaBatt, Marc Dickieson, Ed Gifford, Lori Fitzpatrick, Tina Spears, Derrich Sykes, Danielle Woods, Valencia Scott, Rodney Kenner, Jevelle Robinson, Dan Paasch, Alex Vargo, Amanda Daughtry, Anna Oden, Raymond (Paul) Rogerson, Ken Preston, Brooklyn Enders, Chris Wilson, Richard Duley, Eric Evans, Gail Ernst, Karen Bauer, Marianne Scholer, Michael Mann, Debra Mann, Eugenia Simmons, Chris Wilson, and Marianne Trussell.
Ed Hood, Adjutant, 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 give a prayer. Ed welcomed everyone, reminded everyone to speak up, and identify themselves and their organization. He then asked Chris Wilson to step forward and receive recognition and a plaque from Post 13 for his dedication and hard work in the area of public relations to on behalf of veterans. He then invited Daniel Paasch to begin. See comments below.
Dan Paasch, Capital Regional Director, Marco Rubio’s Office. Call him at any time with issues. Very sorry but he must leave early. No report.
Alex Vargo, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. He’s a senior advisor, in town, and specializes in public relations. No report.
Amanda Daughtry, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. No report.
Anna Oden, Intern at Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. No report.
Gail Ernst, American Legion Auxiliary Post 13, Air Force Association, MOAA. No report.
Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaboration (TVLC). Help is still needed. Legal Clinics are held every Thursday at America Legion Post l3 from 3-5. Georgia attorneys are needed. Set up begins at 2 pm. This Monday, June 9, at 3 pm there will be a veterans’ court at the Leon County Courthouse. Mentors are needed. On Monday, June 24 there will be a Veterans Drug Treatment Court where felonies are dropped. The TVLC has run out of funds to pay diver license fees/fines. The TLVC does no fundraising. Donations are appreciated.
Susan Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaboration. Tallahassee Legal Clinic meets every Thursday from 3-5 pm.
Henry Lowery, United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps League, AmVets Post 1776. No report.
Richard Duley, DAV Commander Chapter 5, Service Officer. No report.
Joseph B. (Jay) Monismith, Operations Officer, Tallahassee VA Outpatient Clinic. The VA will be at the Stand Down on Friday only, July 12 from 10-12 and 12-2 for toxic exposure screenings.
Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. On June 14 at noon there will be the DHSMV Annual Veteran Appreciation Day. Presenter will be Captain Donnie Cochran, USN (ret.) a former Blue Angels Commander, and the first African American flyer for the Blue Angels. Free to all. Thank you to all vendors/organizations and to everyone. Come to find out what’s happening and get some free cake. There will be recognition of Trooper John Peters of Troop C, who the American Legion recognized.
Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. Post 3308 is the only Post that has its own cemetery. A Memorial Day celebration was held on May 27 and was well attended; thank you to everyone. There was the laying of wreaths and placement of flags followed by the DAR who presented a plaque for the unknown soldier. Post 3308 has chosen the month of June to provide food for Vet Village.
Ed Gifford, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. Flag Day is June 14. Post 49 will hold a movie night with the movie the Longest Day on June 6; it’s a three-hour movie that starts at 6:30. The Post 49 Memorial Day Ceremony was attended by 150 people, which set a new record for the Post. Thank you to everyone.
Raymond (Paul) Rogerson, AmVets Post 1776. Gordon Lightfoot was unable to attend and asked him to report that the National AmVets Convention was held in Orlando and Post 1776 received 5 of the 6 awards.
Eric Smith, Big Bend Honor Guard, Chaplain AL Post 13. Thank you to all who attended the Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 26 at 11 am although there was a lot of heartburn over the time change. Thank you also to everyone who attended the American Legion Post 13 Memorial Day Ceremony.
Tony Minichiello, Commander, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. No report.
Jevelle Robinson, Event Coordinator for Stand Down, Tallahassee Veteran Outreach. The Stand Down this year for homeless and at-risk veterans was scheduled for May 17 and May 18 but the tornadoes that hit Tallahassee see necessitated that the Stand Down be rescheduled. The new dates are July 12 and 13 from 10 am to 3 pm, at FAMU Lawson Center. It is all free. There will be free hot meals, goody bags, dental care, housing assistance, Star Metro rides to and from Stand Down, etc. Volunteers are always needed. On Saturday, July 13 spouses and caregivers can participate for free. An email reminder of the new dates was sent with the new flyer. Thank you to all organizations and individuals.
Derrich Sykes, Veterans Liaison, Big Bend Hospice. No report. Always looking for veterans to sit with veterans.
Lori Fitzpatrick, Director of Quality Care, Right at Home. Veteran preferred business. They currently have 13 veterans on the roster. She then introduced Tina Spears.
Tina Spears, Right at Home. No report.
Ken Preston. He volunteers at the VA Clinic.
Valencia Scott, Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office. The office is at the TLVC every 4th Thursday and will be at the Stand Down in July. There are several property exemptions for veterans, senior citizens, etc. Contact the office for details.
Danielle Woods, Leon County Government. It’s hurricane season. Handed out copies of The Leon County 2024-25 Disaster Survival Guide. Attention was called to page 15 where everyone can download the Citizens Connect App.
Eric Evans, Fl Cares, Inc. Works on accessibility issues (ramps, half steps, etc.) for veterans and spouses and children of veterans in Wakulla, Gadsden, Leon, and Jefferson Counties. 100% volunteer organization. Constructs exterior accessibility. So far this year there have been 164 projects; which include 9 veterans 7 parents of veterans, 12 children of veterans, and 3 wives of veterans. The word needs to get out; everyone knows someone who needs assistance. Call or text him at 850-347-1445.
Brooklyn Enders, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Career Source Capital Region. Contact them for employment. Thanks to all. No report.
Rodney Keener, American Legion Post 13. Chairman of Post 13 Be the One program. Just call 988 and choose option one (1) to be directed to trained personnel. Questions, get with him.
Marc Dickinson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472. The next meeting will be on third Thursday of the month at Chow Time on Capital Circle.
Keith Gaden, Marine Corps League. No report.
Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the American Legion, Sauls-Bridges Squadron 13. The last meeting was on May 30. If you know of potential members, contact him. Please attend if interested.
Grant Kimball, Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home. Veteran. Culley’s and he honor veterans. Reach out to him.
Eugenia Simmons, Director, Tallahassee National Cemetery. Thank you to everyone who attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC), on Sunday, May 26 at 11 am; it was well attended. The construction phase at the TNC is about 50% finished. Aftermath of the storm cleanup continues. Final Salute will be held at the TNC on Wednesday, June 26, at 3 pm.
Chuck Howell, Big Bend Honor Guard. Nineteen active members. The Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) performed 18 interments in May, for a total of 1206 interments to date. The BBHG also participated in the Memorial Day Service at the Tallahassee National Cemetery on Sunday, May 26 and at the Oakland Cemetery for the American Legion Post 13 on Monday, May 27.
Dennis Hall, Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. There is an Old Guard luncheon at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30; the next luncheon will be Tuesday, June 11. Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. A small donation is requested, but even if you can’t donate you can still join in the luncheon. This month’s menu will include chicken, green beans, yeast rolls, Peach Betty, and ice cream.
Marianne Scholer, member, Women Veterans Unite. No report.
Karen Bauer, Women Veterans Unite. Women Veterans Unite (WVU) has had its fundraiser extended to include the month of June. The fundraiser drink at Savour Restaurant is “Forged with Valor” and costs $15. Proceeds go to WVU.
Debra Mann, Women Veterans Unite, American Legion Auxiliary, District 2 President. The American Legion Auxiliary held its Constitutional Conference on June 1 from 10-2 at American Legion Post 13.
Cindy Laskowski, American Legion Post l3, incoming Commander of Post 13. Thank you to all to who participated in and attended a Memorial Day Ceremony. The American Legion Officer of the year will be awarded at the American Legion State Convention Awards Ceremony at the Disney Hilton on June 15 at 8:30 am.
Roxann Dressel, Commander American Legion Post 114, Crawfordville. No report.
Mary LaBatt, DAR, Caroline Brevard Chapter. No report.
Craig Williams, Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, Congressman Dunn’s Office. Thank you to everyone for all you do. He has been working with the Governor so Florida can receive federal money for storm relief. Congressman Dunn voted to fund money for overseas and co-sponsored a bill to test all facilities for mold and for testing of buildings for mold in which military families reside.
Chris Wilson, Publisher of Major Morale. Chris can be contacted at Publisher@youcanwin.com.
John Folsom, American Legion Post 13, Chaplain for AL District 2. The VFW Color Guard was the Leon County Sheriff’s Office which always helps out. Thank you.
Ed Hood, Adjutant, American Legion Post 13. He reminded everyone to sign in. He also reminded everyone that he cannot send out information about fundraisers on social media.
Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc. The next meeting of the Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc. will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 5 pm at the Administration Building of the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). She added her heartfelt thank you to all who participated in and attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the TNC on Sunday, May 26, despite the unnecessary controversy over the time change. She meets with Eugenia Simmons, the director at the TNC, every other week. There are no workdays currently scheduled. She apologized for not knowing the date of the Final Salute Service. As confirmed by Eugenia Simmons above Final Salute will be held at the TNC on Wednesday, June 26, at 3 pm.
The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.
END OF MEETING MINUTES
Flag Day - June 14
Pause for the Pledge Day - June 14
US Army Birthday - June 14
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday - June 23
PTSD Awareness Day - June 27
STAMPS FOR THE WOUNDED
Stamps for the Wounded (SFTW) is a service organization dedicated to providing comfort and stimulating activity to U.S. veterans through stamp collecting. SFTW sends stamps, covers, supplies and literature to enable veterans to begin, or continue to collect stamps. Stamp collecting is an activity that provides comfort, meaningful activity, and social connections … it is not physically challenging and very stimulating. To serve our veterans, SFTW relies on donations : postage stamps saved from the mail, philatelic materials from stamp collections, unused stamps purchased from the post office, collector supplies and cash donations.
PTSD AWARENESS DAY (JUNE 27TH)
PTSD: National Center for PTSD Home (va.gov)
What is PTSD? - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)
VETERANS FLORIDA
FHP and TBRCC will have representatives at the Veterans Florida Expo in Tampa
The Expo includes a career fair and networking event and connects you with expert advice about SkillBridge, careers, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The career fair will be on Saturday June 8 and will be geared towards transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses who are looking for career and SkillBridge opportunities throughout the state of Florida.
Veterans Florida Expo 2024 Tickets, Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
2023 Veterans Florida Expo Recap (youtube.com)
CHECK OUT WHAT’S COMING TO FLHSMV ON JUNE 14
Military Machines of American Freedom
MOAA
Hi MOAA Family! It's hard to believe we are almost half way through the year already. I hope you've all been well and had a safe summer so far, and if the last few weeks have told me anything, it's going to be a blazingly hot summer. Be sure to stay cool and hydrated.
We had a wonderful member dinner in April, where the Chief Medical officer from our VA Clinic spoke to us about what they can provide and the benefits that can be realized there. It was very well received and many of our members are now receiving care at some level from there. If you missed it, let me know and I can walk you through it and give you the application. The income threshold that many bumped up against was removed in March, making care much easier to receive now. It is not necessary to give up Medicare or Tricare For Life; it can be a supplement providing free glasses, possibly more affordable prescriptions, and even safety equipment for mobility and balance. Also, if you have not applied for a service connected disability, please do so. I can provide additional information on that to anyone who has interest.
Our next dinner is just around the corner, on June 17th. We have an excellent speaker lined up for you from the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Ms. Eugenia Simmons, Director, will be speaking to us on veteran burial benefits. There have been some changes you will want to be in the loop on. I've heard her speak on this before, and it's very informative.
As always, we'll open the doors of the Elks Lodge at 5:00 p.m. for social hour and the business meeting will start at 6:00. Costs are $28 for members and $30 for non-members. Please RSVP to me by email or call/text (850-212-7009) not later than Tuesday, June 11, so we can turn the numbers into the Lodge for their planning purposes. We like it when you send your payment in advance to our PO Box, but you are welcome to pay at the door also.
Our PO Box address is:
MOAA Tallahassee
PO BOX 4038
Tallahassee, FL,
32315-4038.
Links below are to several upcoming public events sponsored by the Red Cross. For additional information, contact Liz (Smith) Tissicino, Regional Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Director, at the American Red Cross of North Florida, 751 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204, Mobile: 904-307-7102.
Stress Solutions: Virtual: A Virtual Resiliency Workshop, Friday June 28th at 11 am Eastern Time
