I am still trying to wrangle the logistics of getting the signatures we need for Major Haynes nomination paperwork. I created an opensign account and will send the document to each person individually.

RECEIVED FROM THE INBOX

A young Marine veteran had a tragic situation – he was in Live Oak when the van he and his Great Dane lived in literally blew up and totally burned everything he owns. He was able to get Scooby out but that was all. They are now staying in Tally and he just got a job. Could we share this in the newsletter or a special edition email to everyone? Thanks for considering it.

https://www.wctv.tv/2026/08/17/he-is-really-all-i-got-veteran-his-service-dog-lose-everything-fire-working-rebuild/

Help this Marine rebuild his life

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-james-scooby-rebuild-after-van-fire?cp_src=d

Florida VSO Departments Need to Step it Up

I’m not going to mention any names but I know of at least 1 VSO Department in Florida that has over $7 million in the bank. Others might have similar coffers. $25,000 is an interest payment.

LET’S GET THIS MEMORIAL FUNDED LAST WEEK!
It represents ALL Naval Veterans regardless of VSO affiliation.

https://givebutter.com/us-navy-memorial-tallahassee-national-cemetery

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-psilocybin-trial-for-veterans-with-treatment-resistant-depression/

ENJOY THE LATEST NEWLETTER FROM AMVETS POST 1776

Greetings, Team

Our clinic team of 19 Volunteers, including 7 attys, hosted another busy, full house for this week’s TVLC legal clinic —15 Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Post 13 Thursday, August 20. Kudos to the Veteran team driving Wednesday to Quincy and back, delivering a truck and trailer load of food again this week. ( Sam Adams, Matthew Thomasen, Eddie Mcmillian and Levar Parker ) .

Congratulations to Veterans Sam Adams, Johnathan Delisle and others who Graduated Monday, successfully completing the Veterans Treatment Court program( See photos from Monday, August 17 -3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E.) At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. The new procedures for admission to the Veterans’ Court are now available and have been distributed by the Fla Assn of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The legislation sponsored by Representative Patt Maney (Ret. Gen. USA) loosened the admission procedures for the 32 “specialty Veterans Courts around the state.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you, Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

Good Day Outpost 1,

As you know, I don’t normally share personal stuff on the weekly report. However, this will week I will make an exception. I am excited to announce after several years of work, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has approved my application. I want to thank Craig Fitzgerald, John Folsom, and Lee Norris for helping me keep going while I was in Tallahassee. The Gadsden Chapter of the New Mexico Society of the Sons of the American Revolution helped me finish my application and I should be inducted in the coming weeks.

Special thanks to Craig Benner for the news submissions this week.

• Congratulations Florida! #1 These are the Best And Worst States For Disabled Veterans

• Coast Guard Cutter Tampa

  • Wreckage of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa Discovered Off Cornwall, United Kingdom > United States Coast Guard News > Press Releases

  • Coast Guard Cutter ‘Tampa’ Wreck Found Off UK Coast After Over 100 Years

  • WWI Coast Guard cutter Tampa found after 108 years

  • Divers find wreck of Coast Guard cutter sunk in World War I

• There’s a fallen soldier being laid to rest in Jacksonville. Robert Emmett Tyner, who was killed when his MEDEVAC helicopter was shot down on 19 February 1968 in Vietnam, will be laid to rest on 28 August. His remains have been recovered and repatriated, and there will be a ceremony here in Jacksonville. Robert’s nephew is one of my men at Project Savior Outdoors. This family is finally getting peace and closure decades after their loss, and veteran and community support is the honor due to an American who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his nation.

  • Details:

  • Date - 28 August 2026

  • Location - Blanding Boulevard Baptist Church, 5005 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, Fl, 32210

  • Visitation - 10:30 to 11:30am

  • Funeral service - 11:30am

  • Graveside- 1:00pm at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205

    ---

DONATE AT THE LINK BELOW

https://givebutter.com/us-navy-memorial-tallahassee-national-cemetery

Greetings, Team

Come to the Courthouse tomorrow for the next Graduation Ceremony for the Veterans Treatment Court ( Monday, August 17 -3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E. At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program.

Our clinic team of 16 Volunteers, including 6 attys, hosted another busy, full house for this week’s TVLC legal clinic —17 Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Post 13 Thursday, August 13. Kudos to the Veteran team driving Wednesday to Quincy and back, delivering a truck and trailer load of food again this week. ( Sam Adams, Matthew Thomasen, Eddie Mcmillian and Levar Parker ) .

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

The 2026 Primary Election last day to vote is at your Polling Location, Tuesday, August 18^th. Check out the Leon County SOE website for great information!!! And call 850/606-VOTE to check on your voter registration status. American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 will be a dedicated Leon County voting site for two precincts this year on both August 18 and November 3.

Thank you, Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

Over the past month, veterans and supporters across the country have sent a clear message: expand veterans’ benefits without reducing future veterans’ earned disability compensation. Through emails, phone calls, trips to Washington, D.C., and meetings with lawmakers, you’ve made sure veterans’ voices are being heard.

Although the House pulled its planned vote on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R.9237 / S.4744), the bill remains active. Now is not the time to let up. Congress should not correct one injustice by creating a new one for future veterans. As lawmakers determine the path forward, they need to continue to hear that their constituents reject this approach.

The VFW supports correcting past injustices through measures like the Major Richard Star Act, expanding survivor benefits, strengthening mental health protections, and other legislation that honors the sacrifices made by those who served.

Section 108 would create a new injustice. It would take the unprecedented step of reducing future veterans’ earned disability compensation to pay for today’s benefit expansions. Congress can and should find a better way.

TAKE ACTION

Budget Cuts Have Reduced Efforts to Find and Recover Vietnam War Troops

In an August 12 interview for WUNC aired on NPR, Jay Price reports that budget cuts have sharply reduced the Defense Department’s efforts to find and recover troops missing in previous conflicts. Raymond Echevarria Jr. of Roxboro, North Carolina, was four years old in 1966 when his father was reported missing. Raymond Sr., a Fort Bragg Green Beret, was part of a small reconnaissance team that had come under heavy fire in Laos. Echevarria holds out hope his father’s remains can be recovered, but it gets harder as the Vietnam War slips further into history.

https://www.wwno.org/npr-news/2026-08-12/budget-cuts-have-reduced-efforts-to-find-and-recover-vietnam-war-troops

Dear Outpost 1,

Happy Saturday. The Weekly Report is a day early because I am taking my family camping this weekend. Signature requests have been emailed to those seeking to endorse Major Haynes Sr. PMOF nomination. If you have not received the email, check the spam folder.

I have taken the liberty to build a fundraising campaign for Branch 34 of the Fleet Reserve Association. EVERY DOLLAR raised for this campaign will be donated to their memorial. We are not keeping any funds.

All donations are tax deductible

Help the Fleet Reserve Association reach its goal for the U.S. Navy Memorial — Donate now and preserve the legacy of every Sailor, Marine, and Coastguardsman. ⚓

I took the liberty of using an LLM to generate a mockup of the proposed memorial. Let’s make sure the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34 hits their target.

Every dollar raised will be donated directly to Branch 34 in support of this memorial

DONATE NOW

Greetings, Team

This week’s TVLC legal clinic hosted another busy, full house-- 14 Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Post 13 Thursday, August 6. Our clinic team of 16 Volunteers, including 6 attys, worked with 14 Veterans and family members in the longest extended session last evening in recent memory . Plus Susie, Becky, and others responded to several Veterans’ phone and email inquiries.

Kudos to the Veteran team driving to Quincy and back, delivering a truckandtrailer load of food again this week. ( Sam Adams and Levar Parker ) . And several TVLC Board members again participated in the lively and productive Commanders’ Coalition mtg Wed! We were all introduced to a new Nurse Practitioner specially assigned to our local HUD -VASH Veterans!

Please consider observing the next Graduation Ceremony for the Veterans Treatment Court on Monday, August 17 (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). Monday’s Court session again welcomed new Veterans into the program. At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

The 2026 Primary Election last day to vote is at your Polling Location, Tuesday, August 18^th. Early Voting at 10 locations in Leon begins August 8 thru August 16^th. Vote by Mail Ballots have been mailed out to those with a request on file and are coming back to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections already for processing. Check out the Leon County SOE website for great information!!! And call 850/606-VOTE to check on your voter registration status. American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 will be a dedicated Leon County voting site for two precincts this year on both August 18 and November 3.

Thank you, Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

Attendees: Frank Roycraft, John Folsom, Chris Wilson, Marc Dickieson, Craig Benner, Dan Hendrickson, Susie Caplowe, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Carney, Tom Napier, Fred Ingley, Gail Ernst, Tony Minchello (and wife Linda), David Wilson, Kaitlyn Grimes, Alex “Butch” Topicz, Renae Lane, Melissa Sheridan, Rob Winchester, Beverly Shirley, Bill Ferris, Mary LaBatt, Amanda Daughtry, Ben Parsons, Cindy Myers, Tiffany Hibbard, Charles LeCroy, Akim Akinyemi, Andy Janacek, Ritaann Schultz, Paula Hubert, Dennis Hall, Luke Murphy, and Marianne Trussell.

Frank Roycraft led the attendees in the Pledge to the American Flag and a salute to the American Flag to open the meeting. Frank welcomed everyone, reminded everyone to speak up, identify themselves and their organization, to keep it brief and to keep it veteran business only, no personal business, politics, or personal attacks. Frank asked Tom Carney to deliver an opening prayer. Frank then handed the microphone to Craig Benner to begin the meeting.

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Thank you everyone for making the event at DHSMV a success.

Marc Dickieson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472. The Marine Corps League meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Elks Lodge on Magnolia at 6:00 pm. The Marine Corps League is fundraising for scholarships. See him; $3 each or 2 for $5.

Tom Napier, Honor Flight. There will be an Antique Car Show on Saturday, October 17, from 9 am to 2 pm (registration starts at 8:30) at the Moose Lodge on Capital Circle NE. There will be all sorts of door prizes and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit Honor Flight. Honor Fight will take off again in April 2027; no date yet but mark your calendars for April 2027.

Tom Carney, Bud West, Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 419. Chiles High School is ready to be the first Jr. ROTC Air & Space Forces Association in Florida. Congratulations!

David Wilson, AmVets, Air & Space Forces Association. Congratulations! Chiles High School – they may be the first in the nation!

Akin Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser. Thanks to all of you!

Andy Janacek, Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi. TRIM notices will be mailed in about two weeks. 1,287 veterans received full waivers and 1,566 veterans have received partial waivers for 2026 through their service! They are here to help with Property Tax exemptions and other veteran issues.

Gordon Lightfoot, Commander, AmVets Post 1776, American Legion Post 13, Fleet Reserve Association. Working on the November Turkey Shoot; details to follow. He wrote an article on Final Salute that appeared in the Democrat on Monday, and the Major Morale newspaper for August, and will appear in the AmVets newsletter. Be forewarned to listen to your wife and stay off of ladders. He did neither and is lucky to be here to talk about it.

Kaitlyn Grimes, Tallahassee Police Department, Community Relations. Provided handouts about Cool Down the 200th anniversary spectacular this Saturday, August 8, from 11 am to 2 pm. It’s a free community water day with free snow cones, food, giveaways, etc. Beverly Shirley, community representative of Mission BBQ says hello and left cookies for everyone and flyers about the 9/11 Mission BBQ Event at noon in Tallahassee at which there will be live singing of the National Anthem and $2 of every red cup sold goes to a not for profit.

Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. Later this month CVMA will release flyers and rules regarding the writing contest for grades 7-12.

Renae Lane, a veteran and wife of a veteran who just moved here; CVMA. She is the Mental Health Provider Nurse at the Clinic and supports Honor Flight and the 9/11 event.

Amanda Daughtry, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. She is still here and a case worker. Call if you need help.

Ben Parsons, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. No report.

Luke Murphy, American Legion Post 13, VFW. No report.

Tony Minichiello, (and wife Linda) American Legion Post 49, Monticello. Visit the Freedom Truck December 4-6; flyers available. Still putting things together for bricks for heroes. See him for details.

Fred Ingley, MOAA. No report.

Gail Ernst, MOAA. No report.

Charles LeCroy, Past Commander Post 13. Thanks to all of you. Get involved. Keep On Keepin’ On. Several attendees wore their “Keep On” t-shirts.

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

Rob Winchester, Camp Gordon Johnston. He arrived early but could not stay for the meeting. Multi-folded, color flyers and poster boards were made available for the Freedom Truck that is part of the 250th birthday celebration. Camp Gordon Johnston will host the Freedom Truck on December 4-6, 2026.

Chris Wilson, Major Morale. No Report.

Beverly Shirley, Community Representative, Mission BBQ. She arrived early and brought chocolate chip cookies and flyers that were made available to all attendees. See Kaitlyn Grimes report.

Cindy Myers, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida. Introduced her paralegal, Tiffany Hibbard. Cindy works under a grant. Veterans must meet standards to qualify for help with legal issues. She is heading to the St George Correctional Institution as some of them have a veterans wing,

Bill Ferris, CVMA 20-12. No report. Check on veterans.

Paula Hubert, Vice President, Women Veterans Unite (WVU). At the next WVU meeting in August on the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 pm here at Post 13 will be the election of VP and Financial Officer. She attended a one day trip provided by the FAMU Extension Service to an estuary on an island near St George Island that can be reached only by boat. WVU meets on the third Thursday of each month here at the post at 6:30pm. She attended a service at the TNC for a 106 year old veteran.

Ritaann Schultz, Commanders Coalition National Chair, Traumatic Brain Injury, member American Legion Post 340. She is the National Chair Person for Traumatic Brain Injury. She has been invited to attend the September meeting in Tampa. She will have more to report at the October meeting. There is a new search option available at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. If interested see: https://www.fox13news.com/news/america-250-national-military-monument-now-open-steps-lincoln-memorial?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6a6f42d7144974000100ad3d&fbclid=IwZnRzaATcKqZwZG9mAWZkaWQWULsIAC9ZuFmuDX_GDtVrM-8427XhrmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHieEfNtgwvCUEef9vGkXHwOoqnvgsr0HBZv9eLvSP96sUQ2K_861m6DsyogK_aem_p7Z0Xgn9aROkEcC6v3ZYwg

Melissa Sheridan, Administrative Officer, Tallahassee National Cemetery. Thank you to everyone for all that you do. Flyers regarding the Day of Service marking the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC) on Saturday 9/12 from 10 am – 12 pm in conjunction with Cary the Load were made available. Pre-registration is required. In September there will also be Saluting the Branches under the auspices of Miller’s Tree Service. On September 18 at 8 pm there will be the POW/MIA Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Committal Shelter #1 instead of the Administration Building. The next Final Salute will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at 3pm at the TNC. For the next month at the TNC there will be barricades; please drive carefully and pay attention as there will be ongoing work on the irrigation and various areas.

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. The TVLC will be here at Post 13 tomorrow and every Thursday from 3-5 pm. Walk ins are welcome. August 17 will be graduation at 3pm at the downtown courthouse. During Veterans Week in November on the 12th services will be expanded.

Susan (Susie) Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative, Clinic Volunteer Coordinator. Every Wednesday the TVLC and guys/veterans do a Farmshare to locations in town where veterans live. Things are not dire at Vet Village; they aren’t good but they are not dire.

Dennis Hall, Commander American Legion Post 13, Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. There is a luncheon at the National Guard Armory at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30 (August 11). Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. On Tuesday, July 14 there will be chicken, greens, corn, a salad bar, and Peach Betty. A donation is accepted.
Thanks to everyone who attended or supported the July 4 doings at Post 13. It was a terrific success! The District 2 Commander, Roxann Dressel, asked him to announce that the District 2 meeting will be held August 8 at 10 am ET at American Legion Post 217, 342 Attapulgus Highway, Quincy.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. Veterans cannot exist in silos any more. He thanked Post 13 for having the Coalition meet here.

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13. It’s good to be back (at which comment everyone clapped). Twenty-four hour a day pain pre-surgery; post-surgery – no more pain.

Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc. The next Quarterly Support Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 3 pm at the Administration Building Conference Room at the Tallahassee National Cemetery; elections for Treasurer and Vice Chair will be held. Please come and share your nominations or nominate yourself. She thanked Melissa for her tireless efforts and thanked Melissa for her announcements, especially the quarterly Final Salute on September 30 at 3 pm. Please attend!! She also thanked Gordon Lightfoot for his Support for Final Salute through his wonderful articles. On behalf of the Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) they performed 13 interments at the TNC and reported approximately 223 volunteer hours to the Veterans Administration during the month of July. Since the TNC opened the BBHG has performed 1,591 interments as of the end of July.

Frank Roycraft led a salute to the American Flag and asked Tom Carney to provide the closing prayer.

The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10 am at American Legion Post 13, 229 Lake Ella Dr. Tallahassee FL 32303

The paperwork for Major John Haynes Sr. Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumous nomination is ready and will be sent to the White House this week after we receive all the signatures. I need everyone to verify their signature blocks are correct. If you or your organization are missing, please let me know.

Here are the signature requests which will be emailed TODAY.

Commanders Coalition Founder John P. Folsom
Commanders Coalition National Vice Commander Juan Gonzalez
Commanders Coalition National Adjutant Lindsay Holguin
Florida Veterans Foundation Chairman Dr. Dennis Baker
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3308 Commander Frank Roycraft
AMVETS Post 1776 Commander Gordon Lightfoot
Military Order of the Purple Heart President Rick Stanford
Military Officers Association of America President Cheryl Waters
Air & Space Forces Association Bud West Chapter 419 President Thomas Carney
Vietnam Veterans Of America Big Bend Chapter 96 President Joe West
American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 Commander Dennis Hall
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34 President Robert Asztalos
Camp Gordon Johnston WW2 Museum President David Butler

THIS IS THE LAST CALL FOR ENDORSEMENTS—If you want to endorse, respond to this email with your name, title and organization.

MONTHLY MEETING IS THIS WEDNESDAY (Commander needed)

We need a Commander to volunteer to lead the meeting. As you may know, I don’t have an Outpost 1 Commander so there is no national officer to lead the meeting should nobody step up to lead.

Joseph Williams, the last living Wakulla County WWII Navy veteran, dies at 106

From Mission BBQ

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of beloved World War II Navy Veteran Joseph Williams. He was 106 years old.

We are grateful for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to his country. His generation gave so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy today, and his legacy will not be forgotten.

Please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
If you would like to extend your condolences or send his family a card, the address is listed below.

Angela Hilliard, daughter
425 West Orange Ave
Tallahassee, FL 32305

May he rest in peace, and may we always remember and honor the life he lived, and the service he gave to our nation.

Beverly Shirley

Proudly Serving Those Who Serve!

Beverly Shirley

Community Ambassador

MISSION BBQ - Tallahassee

https://www.walb.com/2026/07/28/end-historic-chapter-wakulla-county-mourns-loss-its-last-living-world-war-ii-veteran/

Greetings, Team Congratulations to Veteran Glenn Ralston and pro bono attorney Kathy Stover for umpteen hours this week working thru the hurdles and successfully reinstating his Driver’s License, just in time for his new job!

This Monday, August 3 is your next chance to observe a court session for the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. Save the date: the next Graduation Ceremony for the Veterans Treatment Court will be Monday, August 17. Same time and place.

This week’s TVLC legal clinic hosted another busy, full house-- 19 Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Post 13 Thursday, July 30. Our clinic team helping on the variety of issues were 17 Volunteers, including 7 attys.

Kudos to the Veteran team driving to Quincy and back, delivering a truck and trailer load of food again this week. Sam Adams, Eddie McMillian, Johnathan Delille and Levar Parker comprised the crew delivering to Vet Village, and other sites around the county.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

The 2026 Primary Election last day to vote is at your Polling Location, Tuesday, August 18^th. Early Voting at 10 locations in Leon begins August 8 thru August 16^th. Vote by Mail Ballots have been mailed out to those with a request on file and are coming back to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections already for processing. Check out the Leon County SOE website for great information!!!

And call 850/606-VOTE to check on your voter registration status. American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 will be a dedicated Leon County voting site for two precincts this year on both August 18 and November 3.

Thank you, Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

I hope this message finds you in health and happiness. As a reminder, we post what we receive. Help me, help you by sending in your newsletters so Outpost 1 can see the good work you are doing for Veterans. The entire purpose of Commanders Coalition is to improve ALL VSO’s. We don’t win the battle in reaching our Veterans by being an echo chamber. Here is your weekly Report.

In March, Ritaann Schultz, our National Chair for Traumatic Brain Injury raised $6201 for Brain Injury Florida which will be used to support Florida TBI Veterans.

The Tallahassee VA Social Work Service Line is planning to host a “Resource Bridge: Engaging Together Fair,” at the Tallahassee VA OPC on Monday, July 27, 2026; from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.

China’s Airpower Tracker

https://www.mitchellaerospacepower.org/china/

August 2026 Newsletter Click the image to read full issue

Regarding Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R. 9237 / S. 4744)

Per Doug Ingram—Blinded Veterans Association officially does not support this legislation and urges our legislators to vote no. Our members are encouraged to call their elected officers to not support and vote no.

Doug Ingram

National Secretary

Blinded Veterans Association

We did not receive any news this week.

Received this from VVA Web Weekly

https://rollcall.com/2026/07/20/surge-in-veterans-brain-injuries-shown-in-va-records/

Not much news to report this week. However, I do want to provide an update regarding the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R. 9237 / S. 4744).

The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R. 9237 / S. 4744) remains unfinished business in the 119th Congress.

It is a large bipartisan package—roughly 60 individual measures—combining long-sought priorities such as the Major Richard Star Act (concurrent receipt of military retired pay and VA disability for certain combat-injured Chapter 61 retirees), the Love Lives On Act (protecting survivor benefits upon remarriage), expanded caregiver support, community-care access standards, mental-health improvements, and various benefits expansions for survivors and the most severely disabled. Funding relies in significant part on codifying prospective changes to the VA disability rating schedule for sleep apnea and tinnitus, a mechanism that has generated sharp division among veterans service organizations.

Current Legislative Status (as of 19 July 2026)

• House (H.R. 9237): Introduced 10 June 2026 by Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL). Referred to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services. Rules Committee reported a closed rule (H. Res. 1377) on 23 June. The bill reached the floor in mid-July. On 16 July a Democratic motion to recommit failed by a single vote (210–211). Leadership then postponed further proceedings under clause 1(c) of Rule XIX; the final-passage vote was pulled after it became clear the measure lacked sufficient support. Status remains “Introduced / proceedings postponed.”

• Senate (S. 4744): Introduced the same day by Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS). Read a second time and placed on the Legislative Calendar (Calendar No. 433) on 11 June. No further floor action.

Neither chamber has passed the package. Floor consideration in the House has been suspended amid the funding controversy, and the Senate has not taken it up. Further movement will require either revised offsets, renewed leadership commitment, or a different procedural vehicle.

Live long and prosper,

Edward W. Hood

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Still raising funds for the US Navy Memorial

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Greetings, Team

Kudos to the Veteran team driving to Quincy and back, delivering a truck and trailer load of food again this week. Sam Adams, Charles Robinson, Khalid Shafi and Levar Parker comprised the crew greeted by Veterans and others at 5 different locations, including Vet Village and Homefront. Thanks to Susie Caplowe, clinic volunteer co-ordinator for representing TVLC Wednesday for a joint presentation to more than two dozen law students on meaningful Justice-related careers and pro bono opportunities in Tallahassee (Hosted by the Florida Innocence Project).

For this week’s TVLC’s legal clinic, 16 Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Post 13 Thursday, July 16. Our Team included 20 Volunteers (including 7 attys). We coined Elizabeth Revills from the Leon Tax Collector’s office, in recognition of her consistent and detailed assistance to Veterans progressing toward Reinstating their Driver’s Licenses over the last several months and again this week. See Photo attached.

Monday, August 3 is your next chance to observe a court session for the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. Save the date: the next Graduation Ceremony for the Veterans Treatment Court will be Monday, August 17.

Our deepest appreciation to the AmVets Tallahassee Post 1776 for another generous donation to TVLC this week! Their support means real, concrete strengthening of our work, but also a boost to our morale and determination!

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

The 2026 Primary Election last day to vote is at your Polling Location, Tuesday, August 18^th.

Early Voting at 10 locations in Leon begins August 8 thru August 16^th.

Vote by Mail Ballots have been mailed out to those with a request on file and are coming back to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections already for processing.

Check out the Leon County SOE website for great information!!! And call 850/606-VOTE to check on your voter registration status.

Thank you, Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

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Thank you to those who supported our Giving 4th fundraiser. Your donation will reach thousands. I am pleased to report the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3308 voted in favor of Major Haynes PMOF nomination. There is still time to get your endorsement in. We would like to send it in the 1st week of August. As some of you all may have noticed, there is quite a battle between national VSO’s regarding the HR 9237 Taking Care of America’s Veterans Act. The VFW, DAV, and WWP are in opposition along with other groups. Commanders Coalition does not currently have a JAG or legislative chair to conduct a deep dive into this bill which is why we have refrained from sending in a letter to Congress. That being said, I still wanted to analyze the bill using a large language model. The results of that analysis can be read on our national stack.

Commanders Coalition

H.R. 9237 Analysis – Take Care of America’s Veterans Act

H.R. 9237 Analysis – Take Care of America’s Veterans Act…

Read more

2 months ago · Commanders Coalition

Proposed ‘Honor and Remember’ flag resembles communist imagery, Vietnam veterans argue

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/02/proposed-honor-and-remember-flag-resembles-communist-imagery-vietnam-veterans-argue/

I have had a difficult time reaching the DAV in Tallahassee. If anyone knows a good contact, please ask them if they plan on endorsing our nomination for Major Haynes.

Greetings, Team

Save the date: the next Graduation Ceremony for the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court will be Monday, August 17.

In this week’s TVLC’s legal clinic, 14 Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Thursday, July 2.. Our Team included 13 Volunteers (including 3 attys). Kudos to the Leon Tax Collector’s office for consistent and detailed assistance to Veterans progressing toward Reinstating their Driver’s Licenses again this week. Photos attached highlight the successful July 4^th Celebration at the American Legion Post 13.

Veterans Treatment Court last Monday, JULY 6 welcomed more Veterans into the program, and mentor/mentee opportunities keep challenging our Volunteers. Monday, August 3 is your next chance to observe a court session (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. ( KUDOS again to everyone who sent an advocacy email to the Governor’s office in these past few weeks: General Patt Maney’s Veterans Ct House Bill 199, went into effect July 1, and will now strengthen the Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Ct program to rebuild their lives & court record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families & their future.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you, Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

Hi Folks!

Happy July! I hope you all celebrated America’s 250th with lots of red, white, and blue!

I just wanted to send a quick email to remind you of a few upcoming dates at Mission BBQ!

Monday-July 27th is Korean War Veterans Day! All Korean War Veterans are invited in for a FREE sandwich.

Friday, September 11th, will be the 25th anniversary of 9/11. We will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, as well as the first responders and others affected by this tragedy.

Saturday, September 26th will be the Gold Star Family Luncheon. More details to come!

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to serve you! Have a great day!

Best,

Beverly Shirley

Proudly Serving Those Who Serve!

Beverly Shirley

Community Ambassador

MISSION BBQ - Tallahassee

216 S Magnolia Dr

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Cell: (229) 220-0169

Phone: (850) 702-3513 x1

I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th. As some of you all might have noticed, no Giving 4th email was sent out yesterday. I did not send out an email because no organization sent in their donation links. That being said, for those of you who still want to make a donation to support the work we are doing, I will include a button at the bottom of this message. We are finalizing Major John Haynes Presidential Medal of Freedom paperwork.

The following organizations have supported the nomination:

Air & Space Forces Association Bud West Chapter 419
American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13
AMVETS Post 1776
Camp Gordon Johnston WW2 Museum
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34
Florida Veterans Foundation
Military Officers Association of America Tallahassee Chapter
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 758
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 96

If you would like to add your organizations name, just send us an email. We will be emailing all of the documentation for digital signature the 1st week of August.

Commanders Coalition

Never Stand Alone: The 1783 Promise That Still Guides America’s Veteran Service Organizations

In the 250 years since America’s founding, our nation has been engaged in armed conflict for much of that time. From the War for Independence to the Strait of Hormuz, American Veterans have answered liberty’s call — serving anytime, anywhere…

Read more

2 months ago · Commanders Coalition

Special thanks to the Sons of the American Revolution Tallahassee Chapter for presenting the colors during our July 2026 monthly meeting.

Greetings, Team Congrats to Post 13 American Legion for the great July 4 Celebration yesterday, with nearly 400 in attendance- great teamwork co-ordinated by Commander Dennis Hall.

Veterans Treatment Court is this Monday, JULY 6 as your next chance to observe a court session (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. ( KUDOS again to everyone who sent an advocacy email to the Governor’s office in these past few weeks: General Patt Maney’s Veterans Ct House Bill 199, went into effect July 1, and will now strengthen the Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Ct program to rebuild their lives & court record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families & their future.

Save the date: the next Graduation Ceremony for the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court will be Monday, August 17.

In this week’s TVLC’s legal clinic, Sixteen Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Thursday, July 2.. Our Team included 20 Volunteers (including 8 attys). On Monday, after several years and working through various admin requirements, Veteran Robert Lee Williams successfully reinstated his Driver’s License (Kudo’s to paralegal Tiffany Hibbard from Legal Services of North Florida for the assist) (see photo of the four of us).

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,

Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

Support the work of Commanders Coalition

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Attendees: Dennis Hall, Dan Paasch, Frank Roycraft, Eric Smith, Liz Crawford, Marc Dickieson, Dan Hendrickson, Susie Caplowe, Gordon Lightfoot, Shawn Harkey, Tom Carney, Fred Ingley, Gail Ernst, Alex “Butch” Topicz, Ritaann Schultz, Paula Hubert, Brooklyn Enders, Andy Santa-Pinter, Roxann Dressel, Rob Winchester, John Clark, Bill Ferris, Nell Hewitt, Theresa Briggs, CourtneyThomas, Mary LaBatt, Doug Ingram, Cindy Myers, Charles LeCroy, Valencia Scott, Ritaann Schultz, Paula Hubert, Brooklyn Enders, Keith Gross, Michael Mann, Debra Mann and Marianne Trussell.

The Color Guard of the Sons of the American Revolution (Mark Rominger, Jeff Lehrkamp, Lee Norris, Craig FitzGerald, Daivd Ordner) began the meeting bymarching in and leading the attendees in a salute to the American Flag. Kiara FitzGerald, Tremaine FitzGerald and Desmond FitzGerald of the Ponce de Leon Society Children of the American Revolution lead the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Dennis Hall led the attendees in a salute to the American Flag to close the meeting. Dennis welcomed everyone, reminded everyone to speak up, identify themselves and their organization, to keep it brief and to keep it veteran business only, no personal business, politics, or personal attacks. Dennis asked Eric Smith deliver an opening prayer. Dennis then handed the microphone to Dan Paasch to begin the meeting.

Dan Paasch, Regional Director, Senator Ashley Moody’s Office. No report. Heextended his greeting from Senator Ashley Moody and played taped remarks from Senator Moody.

Liz Crawford, Owner, Team Leader, Sport Clips, Tallahassee. Dream Flights has a date in October. Those who signed up will be contacted with the exact date when it is finalized. This meeting will also be advised of the exact date when known.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. Thanked John Lewis and Eric King for their tireless work in getting funds for the Post 3308 which will be split with the Crawfordville Post. Help each other!

Tom Carney, Bud West, Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 419. The annual meeting will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The next meeting ofChapter 419 will be held on Thursday, July 30, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Elks Lodge on Magnolia.

Eric Smith, Big Bend Honor Guard. The Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) in June performed 17 interments at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). During the month of June, approximately 300 volunteer hours were reported to the Veterans Administration. This number includes services at the TNC, the presentation of colors at the Jefferson County Commission for veteran honors, and the presentation of honors for 17 interred veterans at Final Salute. The BBHG has performed 1,578 interments thru the end of June 2026 since the TNC opened in 2015.

Marc Dickieson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472. TheMarine Corps League meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Elks Lodge at 6:00 pm. A monthly fundraiser (it will take place this Saturday, July 4) on the first Saturday of the month is held at the Ace Hardware in Killearn where Krispy Kreme donuts are sold. Stop by and please buy donuts. The Marine Corps League Dept of Florida is offering scholarships. See him for chances; they are $3 each or 2 for $5.

Valencia Scott, Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi. Akin Akinyemi thanks all of you. They are always available to help with Property Tax exemptions and other veteran issues.

Gordon Lightfoot, Commander, AmVets Post 1776, American Legion Post 13, Fleet Reserve Association. AmVets meets on the first Thursday of the month (tomorrow). AmVets is often given items or donated to AmVets for sale or to give to veterans. He has personally delivered hundreds of donated electric wheelchairs, etc. He showed a picture of a good condition bed that if anyone is interested – see him.

Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. The Fleet Reserve Association is in the final stages of fundraising to build aNavy monument at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Awaiting final approval from the Veterans Administration. A raffle is being held (drawing on July 18) with chances for $5 apiece or $20 for 5 chances. The prize is a Custom Crafted Corn Hole Game. Flyers were made available previously. The next meeting of the FRA will be held in Perry, Fl. If you ride a 500 cc motorcycle, come ride with them. See him for more details.

Fred Ingley, MOAA. No report.

Gail Ernst, MOAA. No report. The July 4 celebration depends on volunteers. She has a card for John Folsom that everyone can sign if interested.

Charles LeCroy, Past Commander Post 13. Good Morning! Thanks to all of you. Get involved. Keep On Keepin’ On.

Mary LaBatt, DAR, Caroline Brevard Chapter. On July 25 there will be tours,etc., starting at 10 am at the First Florida Capital Log Cabin.

Rob Winchester, Camp Gordon Johnston. Multi folded, color flyers were made available for the Freedom Truck that is part of the 250^th birthday celebration. Camp Gordon Johnston will host the Freedom Truck on December 4-6, 2026. See him if you have a need for a poster board.

Roxann Dressel, Commander, American Legion Post 114, Crawfordville; Commander, American Legion District 2. Happy Independence Day! The next District 2 Meeting will be held on August 8 hosted by Thomas-Fields American Legion Post 12, 342 Attapulgus Highway in Quincy, FL. Starting at 10:00 am ET/9:00 am CT. Flyers were available.

John Clark, American Legion District 2. No report.

Keith Gross. Running as a conservative Republican. Not here to politic.

Brooklyn Enders, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Career Source Capital Region. Veterans come to them with all sorts of needs. Flyers were made available for Find a Job Friday. This time it will be held in Leon County on July 10 from 9-11 am at 2601 S. Blair Stone Road, Building C, Suite 200, in Tallahassee.

Cindy Myers, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida. Mental health issues are a biggie; they give out information. Works under a grant. Veterans must meet standards to qualify for help with legal issues.

Bill Ferris, CVMA 20-12. No report. Check on a friend.

Nell Hewitt, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13. A good time will be had by everyone at the American Legion Post 13 July 4 Celebration from 11 am - 3pm.

Theresa Briggs, President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13. Newly elected but old. No report.

Paula Hubert, Vice President, Women Veterans Unite (WVU). There will beno meeting in July. At the next WVU meeting in August on the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 pm here at Post 13 will be the election of VP and Financial Officer. So far no one has stepped up for the position of financial officer and if someone does not step up WVU may have to hire someone.

Ritaann Schultz, National Chair, Traumatic Brain Injury, member American Legion Post 340. No report. She is the Commanders Coalition National Chair Person for Traumatic Brain Injury. She has been invited to attend the September meeting in Tampa. At Ease will have a July 4 celebration starting at 5 pm there will be food, music, fireworks, etc. You can go to both the celebration here at Post 13 and then go to the At Ease celebration.

Courtney Thomas, Office of the Mayor, Tallahassee. No report. The Mayor sends his regards and thanks.

Shawn Harkey, Business Development Manager, Comfort Keepers. Provides non-skilled home care to veterans (and others). Flyers were made available. Callhim as everybody has different needs and circumstances. They can provide 4 hours to 60 hours of care a week. Office: 850-896-7770 or www.comfortkeepers.com

Andrew (Andy) Santa-Pinter, Director, Tallahassee National Cemetery. Thankyou to everyone for all that you do. No Report. This weekend be mindful of the weather. Happy 250^th Anniversary.

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. Veterans still need legal and other assistance. Mentors are badly needed. The TVLC will be here at Post 13 tomorrow and every Thursday from 3-5 pm. Walk ins are welcome. Send your notices and reports to Ed Hood who will send out posts (the TVLC does). The TVLC budget was increased at the last minute. August 17 will be the next graduation.

Susan (Susie) Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative, Clinic Volunteer Coordinator. This coming Saturday (July 4) there will be a voter registration booth at the July 4 Celebration both at the American Legion from 11-3 and at Tom Brown Park. Every Wednesday the TVLC and guys/veterans do a Farmshare to locations in town where veterans live.

Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the American Legion. The next meeting is in July on the fifth Thursday of the month at 6 pm at the American Legion Post 13. Recruiting is always ongoing.

Debra Mann, American Legion Post 13, DAV. No report.

Doug Ingram, Blinded Veterans, National Board Secretary. Blinded Veterans was established by Congress after WW II. Pleased to report a partnership with Meta for 130,000 smart glasses (worth $500 each) to be given to blinded veterans. To apply go online to: BVA.org He is also with 93.3 radio and the Greg Tish Show. Several veterans have been on his program from 8-8:30 on Mondays. The guest talks about his or her program. Over 50,000 audience. It’s a great connection. Two weeks or so ago Dennis Hall was his guest. Dennis talked about the American Legion plans for the 250^th Anniversary on July 4^th this Saturday from11 am to 3 pm. Contact him for more information.

Dennis Hall, Commander American Legion Post 13, Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. There is a luncheon at the National Guard Armory at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30 (July 14). Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. On Tuesday, July 14 there will be the traditional hamburgers. A donation is accepted.
On July 4 at 11 am – 3 pm (it will not interfere with the Tom Brown celebration) there will be free hot dogs (not all you can eat) corn hole games, a children’s fishing tournament, etc. Come one, come all veterans to Post 13. They are actively looking for younger veterans. Look at and read the newspaper left on your table – Major Morale. And subscribe to Major Morale it is free but gives so much to Post 13.

Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee NationalCemetery, Inc. The next Quarterly Support Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 3 pm at the Administration Building Conference Room at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Elections for Treasurer and Vice Chair willbe at the October Support Committee meeting. Please come and share your nominations or nominate yourself. The quarterly Final Salute on June 24, 2026 at 3 pm was well attended by the Patriot Guard Riders – thank you Patriot Guard Riders!! Please attend!!

Dennis Hall led a salute to the American Flag and asked Chaplain Eric Smith to provide the closing prayer.

The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August5, 2026, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.

I sincerely apologize for the delayed transmission of the Weekly Report. My day did not go as planned. Nonetheless, here is what you need to know. We are still awaiting votes from 3 local VSO’s regarding Major Haynes PMOF nomination. My hope is to get this paperwork submitted by the August monthly meeting.

Also, as a reminder, our monthly meeting will be held at 10AM, 229 Lake Ella Drive Tallahassee FL 32303.

Sons of the American Revolution will be presenting the colors.
Children of the American Revolution will be leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Tallahassee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will be reading the Declaration of Independence as part of “Let Freedom Ring/ Bells across America” celebration at the replica of the Liberty Bell (just North of the historic Capitol building) at the House side courtyard.

This event will begin at 12 pm (EST) sharp, July 4th 2026, we will strike the liberty bell replica 13x, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

NO MINUTES THIS WEEK

If you have news or information you want to include in the weekly report, YOU MUST email it to outpost1@commanderscoalition/org to get that information to the coalition. Marianne, our beloved minutes taker is taking a much deserved holiday.

GIVING 4TH IS THIS WEEK

If you have a Veteran nonprofit and would like to receive donations on Giving 4th, PLEASE send us your donation websites and/or links. The organization must benefit Veterans. Email your donation links to outpost1@commanderscoalition/org

Greetings, Team

Seventeen Veterans and family members walked into the American Legion Thursday, 6.25.26, for this week’s TVLC’s legal clinic. Our Team included 15 Volunteers (including 5 attys) and Wayne Sprague and several of us “coined” volunteer law student Perry O’Connor for his help this summer (Standing in center of photo above ) He’ll be returning to Virginia in August. Wednesday’s volunteer food delivery team, Veterans Sam Adams, Charles Robinson, and Khalid Shafi drove the truck and trailer load to several housing sites around town. Thanks again, Margaret, for the generous use of your truck!

After clinic last evening, Post 13 inducted their new team of officers and leaders; kudos to Commander Dennis Hall for his re-election as well as all the other dedicated American Legion members continuing to step up in service to area Veterans.

Three new Veterans were admitted into the Veterans Treatment Court this past Monday June 22. Hold the date JULY 6 as your next chance to observe a court session (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. ( KUDOS again to everyone who sent an advocacy email to the Governor’s office in these past few weeks: General Patt Maney’s House Bill 199 was signed into law last week and will now strengthen the Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Court program to rebuild their lives and court record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families and their future. The new Veterans Ct bill goes into effect July 1.) Save the date: the next Graduation Ceremony for the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court will be Monday, August 17.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,

Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

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On behalf of Florida A&M University, I am pleased to extend to you this special invitation to attend The Veterans Legacy Project: A Digital Tribute- a landmark event commemorating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.

This premier occasion marks the formal introduction of a landmark exhibit honoring the extraordinary military service and contributions of FAMU alumni, students, faculty, and staff to the United States Armed Forces. The Veterans Legacy Project represents a meaningful convergence of institutional pride, historical preservation, and national commemoration.

We sincerely hope you will join us as we celebrate the Rattler community’s enduring legacy of service to this nation.

Event Details:

📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026

🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Meek-Eaton Research Center and Museum | Florida A&M University

Please RSVP by Sunday, June 28, 2026 by clicking the link in the attached invitation (or below) or by scanning the QR code included on the invitation to register.

https://famu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efAVISRE8evpKqW

For questions, please contact the Department of Military & Veteran Affairs at veteranaffairs@famu.edu or 850-412-7283.

We look forward to your presence at this historic event!

With Rattler Pride,

Louis Dilbert, Ph.D.

Director, Military & Veteran Affairs

Director, TRIO Educational Opportunity Center

Florida A&M University

louis.dilbert@famu.edu | 850-412-7283

Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers out there. I am calling on our national Veteran Service Organizations to financially support the Global War on Terrorism Memorial. I recently contacted the GWOT Memorial Foundation and asked why no national VSOs appeared on their list of donors. They confirmed that none have pledged support thus far.

GWOT veterans are watching closely to see what the big veteran organizations will do. Whichever National VSO leads the charge in financially supporting the GWOT Memorial is going to capture the lion’s share of younger veterans into their ranks.

The question is: who is it going to be?

In your service,
Edward W. Hood
National Commander
Commanders Coalition

A message from the Commander of Tallahassee Composite Squadron—

I’m a member of the Tallahassee River Raiders of Florida Armored Combat, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on uniting communities by bringing medieval tournament fighting to the modern day. Our members champion various causes, charities, and other non-profits and with my connections and experiences throughout my life and Civil Air Patrol, I champion support for active and veteran service members.

I wanted to reach out to gather initial interest for an event where we would have armored knights fight to support the many veteran organizations in the Big Bend area. Tentatively, we would charge an entrance fee for the venue and all proceeds, including sales made at venue, would go to the organizations present at the event. I will be reaching out to Mission BBQ in the coming days to try to secure their location and we are also considering Tallahassee Harley-Davidson as a back-up. We are looking to schedule this for sometime either late August or in September.

If you believe there would be interest in an event like this among the Commander’s Coalition members, I can arrange to be at the meeting in July to provide further details. There would be little to no effort on the part of the organizations attending, unless they would like to set up a booth, but we will handle the main event and the venue.

Very Respectfully
1st Lt Justin Torres
Tallahassee Composite Squadron Commander
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
1-850/445/6690
https://flwg.cap.gov/locations/group-1/tallahassee-composite-squadron

Free Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses For Every Blind Veteran in America

Meta has announced that it is donating Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to 130,000 blinded veterans across the country.

This donation will be paired with training created by BVA to ensure that all recipients can use these glasses to their fullest potential.

Greetings, Team

Come to Veterans Court this Monday June 22, your next chance to observe a session of the LEON COUNTY VETERANS’ TREATMENT COURT, (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). At some point, we hope you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. Several “new” Veterans, recently transferring into the VTC program on criminal charges, are awaiting a Mentor, both men and women. ( KUDOS to everyone who sent an advocacy email to the Governor’s office in these past few weeks: General Patt Maney’s House Bill 199 was signed into law last week and will now strengthen Veterans’ Treatment Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Court program to rebuild their lives and court record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families and their future. The new Veterans Ct bill goes into effect July 1.) Save the date: the next Graduation Ceremony will be Monday, August 17.

This week’s TVLC’s legal clinic hosted another dozen Veterans and family members in person at the American Legion Post 13 hall at Lake Ella. Our Team included 20 Volunteers (including 5 attys). And, in addition to the Leon Property Appraiser’s Office, SSVF/Family Promise, the local Wellness Coalition, and Lakeview Health’s tables, we were joined by another new Veterans Service HOME Helpers ( for VA-funded personal assistance to Veterans around the house).

Wednesday’s volunteer food delivery team, Veterans Sam Adams, Charles Robinson, and Khalid Shafi drove the truck and trailer load to VET VILLAGE and HOMEFRONT housing sites. SEE PHOTO. Thanks again Margaret for the use of your truck!

Florida’s Boys State and Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion was approved for $200,000 for next summer! The legislature finally passed the budget for the next year (beginning July 1) and included a near record number of local and statewide Veterans’ Projects (including 48 in the FDVA budget alone); See the 550-pger HB 5001E General Appropriations Act at www.flhouse.gov/Budget/2026E ; pending Governor’s review now. On the same day, the Gov also signed a package of several Veteran and Military-related bills, including: HB 253 (Sen. Sharief, Representatives Edmonds and Gantt) which expands funding eligibility for Dental Services through the Florida Veterans Foundation and Fla Dept of Veteran Affairs; and SB 1602, (Sen. Wright, Representatives Rosenwald and Daley) which provides transition funding for Veterans Housing; and SB 820 (Sen. Bradley) which provides for more specific record-keeping (and consequent boasting of successes) for the hundreds of specialty, Problem Solving Courts (Veterans Treatment Courts, Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, etc) in judicial circuits around the state. The related line items in the Florida budget for Problem-Solving Courts were refunded at the same levels as in previous years, with legislators now waiting for more documentation on both sides: some hoping to increase and others planning to decrease the funding of the various life-saving court programs.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,
Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091,
Tallahassee, Fl 32302,
850/ 570-1967

Good day Outpost 1,

I am pleased to report exciting news! We will have a very special July meeting next month. The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Tallahassee Chapter will be presenting the colors to open our July Meeting in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

I have also contacted both Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapters to see if they could participate as well. It is my hope that both organizations will be able to have tables at the monthly meeting so guests at the meeting can learn more about valuable work SAR and DAR do to preserve American history and further Americanism in our nation.

🏥 Sick call 🏥

Commanders Coalition Founder John Folsom is recovering from back surgery. Please keep him in your prayers as his recovery will take several months.

🎆 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at American Legion Post 13
Honoring 250 Years of American Independence

Join us for a nostalgic, family-friendly “old timey” Fourth of July celebration as we kick off the countdown to America’s 250th anniversary!

American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13
229 Lake Ella Drive, Tallahassee, FL

Saturday, July 4, 2026 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

We’re bringing back the simple joys of a classic Fourth of July — no early-morning races or late-night fireworks competition. Just good food, old-fashioned fun, and community fellowship on the shores of Lake Ella.

What’s Happening:

• Fishing Tournament for boys and girls (ages 2–12) starting at 11:00 a.m. on the bank of Lake Ella. Age-group divisions, prizes for most fish and largest fish caught. Bring your own pole and tackle. Parents must accompany children 10 and under. Safety is our top priority.

• All-beef hot dogs with all the trimmings, potato chips, desserts, lemonade, fruit punch, ice-cold water, boiled peanuts, fresh popcorn, and iced watermelon.

• Homemade Ice Cream — bring your favorite recipe (or use yogurt) for our ice cream “tournament.”

• Cornhole Tournament for older youth and adults (boards and bags needed).

• Cake Walk, pitching booth, basketball shooting, and board games indoors.

• Live Appalachian bluegrass music and a possible Post Talent Show.

• Special activities for the kids (magician and more — we’re still lining up entertainers).

We especially invite members of the Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Auxiliary, and American Legion to come together and help welcome the public to our Post home. Uniforms are encouraged for those who can wear them.

How You Can Help Make This a Success

We need volunteers to run activities, take shifts, bring supplies, and share their talents. Specifically, we’re looking for:

• Cornhole boards and bags

• Cakes for the Cake Walk (homemade or store-bought)

• Homemade ice cream makers and recipes

• A dunking booth (or help securing one)

• A magician or other children’s entertainers

• Performers for the Talent Show (singers, musicians, etc.)

Call or text Commander Dennis Hall 1/850-445/9612 today to let us know how you can help or what you can bring. Your participation will make this a wonderful day for our Post and the community.

Come enjoy good food, great company, and a true old-fashioned Fourth of July on beautiful Lake Ella. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Branch 34 is still raising funds for the US Navy Memorial to be dedicated at the Tallahassee National Cemetery

Greetings, Team

KUDOS to everyone who sent an advocacy email to the Governor’s office in these past few weeks: General Patt Maney’s House Bill 199 was signed into law yesterday and will now strengthen Veterans’ Treatment Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Court program to rebuild their lives and court record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families and their future. On the same day, the Gov also signed a package of several Veteran and Military-related bills, including: HB 253 (Sen. Sharief, Representatives Edmonds and Gantt) which expands funding eligibility for Dental Services through the Florida Veterans Foundation and Fla Dept of Veteran Affairs; and SB 1602, (Sen. Wright, Representatives Rosenwald and Daley) which provides transition funding for Veterans Housing; and SB 820 (Sen. Bradley) which provides for more specific record-keeping (and consequent boasting of successes) for the hundreds of specialty, Problem Solving Courts (Veterans Treatment Courts, Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, etc) in judicial circuits around the state. The related line items in the Florida budget for Problem-Solving Courts were refunded at the same levels as in previous years, with legislators now waiting for more documentation on both sides: some hoping to increase and others planning to decrease the funding of the various life-saving court programs.

TVLC’s walk-in legal clinic this week, Thursday, June 11, included our Team of 14 Volunteers (including 5 attys). We worked with 18 Veterans and family members in person at the American Legion Post 13 hall at Lake Ella. At clinic’s end, we “coined” Berline Belizaire for her many weeks bringing VA’s Suicide Prevention Program and the Veterans’ Wellness Coalition (N FL-S Ga) for networking and counseling with Veterans serving and attending the multi-purpose legal clinics on Thursday afternoons. SEE PHOTO.

Wednesday’s volunteer food delivery team, Veterans Sam Adams, Charles Robinson, Khalid Shafi and Jonathan DeLille drove the truck and trailer load to various sites around the county. SEE PHOTO. Thanks again Margaret for the use of your truck!

Monday June 22 is your next chance to observe a session of the LEON COUNTY VETERANS’ TREATMENT COURT, (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). Maybe you will consider becoming an invaluable Veteran Mentor for one of the other Vets working their way through the program and recovery. Several “new” Veterans, recently transferring into the VTC program on criminal charges, are awaiting a Mentor, both men and women.

Florida’s Boys State and Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion was approved for $200,000 for next summer! The legislature finally passed the budget for the next year (beginning July 1) and included a near record number of local and statewide Veterans’ Projects (including 48 in the FDVA budget alone); See the 550-pger HB 5001E General Appropriations Act at www.flhouse.gov/Budget/2026E ; pending Governor’s review now.

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,
Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

I wanted to take a moment to thank the Tallahassee Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for endorsing the Presidential Medal of Freedom nomination for Major Haynes. Outpost 1 is here to help you all in any way we can. This also goes for all of the other Veteran organizations in Florida’s Big Bend.

This post was brought to you by Patriot Shave

Please join us for the 11^th Annual FLHSMV Veterans Recognition Day event on Friday, June 12^th, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Kirkman Building. 2900 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL in Room B202. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

Good day, Outpost 1,

I am pleased to report that the following organizations have endorsed the posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom nomination for Major John Haynes Sr.

Air & Space Forces Association Bud West Chapter 419
American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13
AMVETS Post 1776
Florida Veterans Foundation
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 758
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Tallahassee
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 96

MORE ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING IN

If you or your family/organization has been positively impacted by the service Major Haynes provided to the Veterans of Leon County, please let us know you want to sign the letter. We will need a good email address so we can send you the documents for digital signature.

Once we have captured all of the signatures, it will be printed on archival-quality paper and mailed to the White House.

The nomination paperwork is attached to the bottom of this email.

🇺🇸 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS WHO MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE 🦅

Greetings, Team

This Monday is your next chance to observe a session of the LEON COUNTY VETERANS’ TREATMENT COURT, June 8 (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). Maybe you will consider becoming an invaluable Veteran Mentor for one of the other Vets working their way through the program and recovery. Several Veterans are awaiting a Mentor, both men and women.

The walk-in clinic yesterday, Thursday, June 4, included our Team of 20 Volunteers (including 9 attys). We worked with a near-record 28 Veterans and family members in person including two others by phone. New resources were available for substance abuse, several Veterans needed help reinstating their Driver’s License, and the law student returned, spending part of his break from Univ of Virginia helping Veterans! Volunteer atty John Linney (Col. USA Ret.) has set a record for assisting Veterans with VA benefits issues over the last month! Wednesday’s food delivery team: Veterans Sam Adams, Charles Robinson and Eddie McMillian drove the truck and trailer load to various sites around the county.

Also Wednesday, the Commanders Coalition meeting included nearly fifty representatives of Veterans organizations and service agencies, including new services for area Veterans and representatives from at least 3 elected local and congressional officials. Congressman Dunn’s office reported ongoing attempts to save funding for Vet Village housing (see below).

Florida’s Boys State and Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion was approved for $200,000 for next summer! The legislature finally passed the budget for the next year (beginning July 1) and included a near record number of local and statewide Veterans’ Projects (including 48 in the FDVA budget alone); See the 550-pger HB 5001E General Appropriations Act at www.flhouse.gov/Budget/2026E ; pending Governor’s review now.

It’s time for an advocacy email from you! These next couple of weeks the Governor will be receiving, reviewing and deciding whether to approve many of the bills that were passed in this year’s legislative session that “ended” last month. His office needs to hear your emphatic support for General Patt Maney’s House Bill 199 which will strengthen Veterans’ Treatment Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Court program to rebuild their lives and record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families and their future. Even a brief phone message to his office will accomplish the same purpose of showing our support (850/717-9337). The link to the Executive Office of the Governor is: https://www.flgov.com/eog/leadership/people/ron-desantis/contact

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,
Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

VIEWING ONLY ((DO NOT PRINT AND SIGN THIS DOCUMENT)) VIEWING ONLY

VIEWING ONLY ((DO NOT PRINT AND SIGN THIS DOCUMENT)) VIEWING ONLY

VIEWING ONLY ((DO NOT PRINT AND SIGN THIS DOCUMENT)) VIEWING ONLY

Attendees: Frank Roycraft, John Folsom, Eric Smith, Liz Crawford, Marc Dickieson, Dan Hendrickson, Tony Minichiello, Berline Belizaire, Amanda Daughrty, Ben Parsons, Craig Williams, Tom Napier, Sean Golder, David Wilson, Gordon Lightfoot, Shawn Harkey, Tim Griffith, Juan Gonzalez, Tom Carney, Fred Ingley, Gail Ernst, Earnest Reed, Alex “Butch” Topicz, Ritaann Schultz, Paula Hubert, Brooklyn Enders, Melissa Sheridan, Craig Benner, Eric Evans, Dennis Hall, Rodney Koener, Mary Ann Conner, Lea Bouchart, Kandy Crowe, Courtney Thomas, Mary LaBatt, Derrick Sykes, Doug Ingram, Ashley Evard, Dan Paasch, Kaitlyn Grimes, Cindy Myers, Michael Shawn Cloud, Valencia Scott, Michael Mann, and Marianne Trussell.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. led attendees in a salute to the American Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag to open the meeting and led a salute to the Flag to close the meeting. Frank welcomed everyone, reminded everyone to speak up, identify themselves and their organization, to keep it brief and to keep it veteran business only, no personal business, politics, or personal attacks. Frank then asked Tom Carney deliver an opening prayer. Frank then handed the microphone to Liz Crawford to begin he meeting.

Liz Crawford, Owner, Team Leader, Sport Clips, Tallahassee. Dream Flights. No report.

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. He is looking for a veteran who needs an electric wheelchair – free. June 12 will be Veteran Appreciation Day at his agency. Booths (tables) open at 11:00 am. Service begins at noon and Jay Collins will be the speaker. If you have questions please see him. There was a bill in the legislature regarding a Naval Academy plate. Someone must contact him by June 12; he has been unsuccessful in finding someone, he needs help, and time is running out.

Marc Dickieson, Commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 472. The Marine Corps League meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Elks Lodge at 6:00 pm. A monthly fundraiser (depending on weather) on the first Saturday of the month is held at the Ace Hardware in Killearn where Krispy Kreme donuts are sold. Stop by and please buy donuts.

Earnest Reed, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Branch 34. FRA represents the Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard. They put out 2,000 flags in Wakulla and Leon. Flags are expensive. He will leave the report to Butch Topicz.

Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. The Fleet Reserve Association is in the final stages of fundraising to build a monument at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. A sketch of the monument is available if anyone is interested. Approval is need from the Veterans Administration. A raffle is being held (drawing on July 18) with chances for $5 apiece or $20 for 5 chances. The prize is a Custom Crafted Corn Hole Game. Flyers were made available previously.

Tim Griffith, Family Promise of the Big Bend, American Legion Post 13. Vet Village is closing down and his organization has reduced the number of veterans living there from 52 to 31; reduced because Family Promise has found them other living accommodations. They are still in need of donations.

Juan Gonzalez, Vice Commander, Commanders Coalition. The paperwork for Major Haynes has been completed and is in the hands of the family. This will be his last meeting as he is moving up north with his family.

Tom Carney, Bud West, Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 419. No report.

Gordon Lightfoot, Commander, AmVets Post 1776, American Legion Post 13, Fleet Reserve Association. AmVets meets on the first Thursday of the month (tomorrow) and will install newly elected officers at tomorrow’s meeting. He will leave the discussion of the monument to be built at the Tallahassee National Cemetery to Butch Topicz.

David Wilson, AmVets, Air & Space Forces Association. No report.

Tony Minichiello, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. David is a great speaker. No report.

Shawn Harkey, Business Development Manager, Comfort Keepers. Provides non-skilled home care to veterans (and others). Asks veterans if they are established with the VA and if not puts them in touch with someone who can.

Sean Golder, Commandant, District 2, VFW Post 4538. He is the National Chair of the State side of the legislature and Commander of VFW Post 4538 in Wakulla County. Flyers were available about the Salute to Veterans at the Wakulla County Community Center on June 26 and 27 from 9 am to 3 pm. Direct inquiries and questions to asalutetoourveterans@gmail.com Don’t forget that there is another Vet Village in Ft. McCoy!

Valencia Scott, Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi. Akin Akinyemi sends his regrets; he thanks all of you. They are always available to help with Property Tax exemptions and other veteran issues. The office helped veterans at Stand Down.

Ashley Evard, Brookdale Senior Living. No report.

Fred Ingley, MOAA. The next meeting of the Military Officers Association of America will be on Monday, June 15 at the Elks Lodge on Magnolia. Doors open a 5 pm for social hour with dinner at 6 pm. the cost is $28 for members and $30 for non-members

Gail Ernst, MOAA. No report.

Tom Napier, Vice President, Honor Flight. Here to thank you for your support for Honor Flight which took place on April 18! No date has been set for 2027, but it is hoped that it will be sometime in April.

Derrick Sykes, Big Bend Hospice. No report. Veteran volunteers are always needed to sit with veterans; they also have a veteran ceremony.

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

Berline Belizaire, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. No report. Get referrals from the Veterans Crisis Line.

Rob Winchester, Camp Gordon Johnston. They held a Navy Veterans service; the family was moved. Flyers were made available for the Freedom Truck that is part of the 250^th birthday celebration. Camp Gordon Johnston will host the Freedom Truck on December 4-6, 2026.

Brooklyn Enders, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Career Source Capital Region. Veterans come to them with all sorts of needs.

Cindy Myers, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida. Over the past 6 months helped over 2,000 veterans. Mental health issues are a biggie; they give out information.

Paula Hubert, Vice President, Women Veterans Unite (WVU). WVU is holding two fundraisers thanks to Tallahassee Parrot Heads Club. The first is June 3 (tonight) from 6-8 pm at Hobbit on Capital Circle and the second is at Corner Pocket Bar and Grill on June 17 and like the fundraising activities at the Hobbit will include gift baskets you can win.

Ritaann Schultz, National Chair, Traumatic Brain Injury, member American Legion Post 340. She has been a survivor for 11 years. She is the National Chair Person for Traumatic Brain Injury. She raised $6,101 which will all go to help Florida veterans. Thank you everyone. Floridians are lucky as there is a brain injury center in Tampa which is 1 of only 5 in the nation. American Legion Post 340 and At Ease will hold a meet and greet from 6:00 pm tomorrow, June 4, which is free for veterans and spouses. On Saturday, June 6 there is a breakfast buffet from 8-10 am. On July 4 starting at 5 pm there will be food, music, fireworks, etc.

Courtney Thomas, Office of the Mayor, Tallahassee. No report.

Eric Smith, Big Bend Honor Guard. The Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) in May performed 12 interments at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). During the month of May approximately 229 volunteer hours were reported to the Veterans Administration. This number includes services at the TNC and at the American Legion Post 13. The BBHG has performed 1,559 interments thru the end of May 2026 since the TNC opened in 2015.

Melissa Sheridan, Administrative Officer, Tallahassee National Cemetery. Thank you to everyone for all the help with flag placement, the Memorial Day Ceremony, and flag removal. The next Final Salute is June 24 at 3 PM. The US Army monument will be dedicated on June 10 at 10 am.

Eric Evans, FL Cares, Inc. This organization is a non-profit that works on accessibility issues (ramps, half steps, etc.) for veterans and spouses and children of veterans and others in Wakulla, Gadsden, Leon, and Jefferson Counties. It is a 100% volunteer organization. Constructs exterior accessibility. Volunteers and projects are always needed. Special build on June 27 with a volunteer food pantry. Call or text him at 850-347-5156.

Dennis Hall, Commander American Legion Post 13, Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. There is a luncheon at the National Guard Armory at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30 (this coming Tuesday, June 9). Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. On Tuesday, June 9, the menu will consist of chicken, potato salad, salad, and Peach Betty. A donation is accepted.
On July 4 at 11 am – 3 pm (it will not interfere with the Tom Brown celebration) there will be free hot dogs (not all you can eat) corn hole games, a children’s fishing tournament, etc. Post 13 will hold its general meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. (yes, it was moved). There was a 7.5% increase in membership over last year. Become a member. PS: No one does more for veterans than David Wilson.

Rodney Keener, American Legion Post 13. No report.

Dan Paasch, Senator Ashley Moody’s Office. He covers the Tallahassee Office. Part of the case worker team. Contact him for applications for high school seniors to apply to the Service Academies.

Michael Shawn Cloud, Executive Officer for ROTC at FAMU/FSU. No report.

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. Veterans still need legal and other assistance. Mentors are badly needed. The TVLC will be here at Post 13 tomorrow and every Thursday from 3-5 pm. Walk ins are welcome. Send your notices and reports to Ed Hood who will send out posts (the TVLC does).

Amanda Daughtry, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. Call if you need help! She introduced Ben Parsons, an intern for the summer!

Craig Williams, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. Neal Dunn sends his regards and a big Thank You to all veterans for what you do. Reach out to him or Amanda if help is needed. Congressman Dunn is working on a Right to Repair Bill and funding to get the VA to take it on.

Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the American Legion. The next meeting is in July on the fifth Thursday of the month at 6 pm at the American Legion Post 13. Recruiting is always ongoing.

Kaitlyn Grimes, Tallahassee Police Department, Community Relations. Call her if you live within the city limits of Tallahassee to set something up. 850-891-4251. That is the main line for the community relations unit.

Doug Ingram, Blinded Veterans Association, National Board Secretary. Blinded Veterans was established by Congress after WW II. He travels around the state. He is also with 93.3 radio and the Greg Tish Show. Several veterans have been on his program from 8-8:30 on Mondays. The guest talks about his or her program. Over 50,000 audience. It’s a great connection.

Mary Ann Conner, Pillow Pals. Thank you (whomever) for announcing the dedication of the US Army monument. No report.

Lea Bouchart, Pillow Pals. No report.

Kandy Crowe, Pillow Pals, co-leader. Once a week they get together at the First Methodist Church in Monticello to make pillows for cancer patients. Every month they deliver pillows to the Cancer Center in Tallahassee. She then showed examples of the types of pillows they make and their uses. They seek donations of fabric and bedsheets. Have any? Members pay for thread and stuffing; sometimes they need financial aid.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. On Memorial Day the VFW had a ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. at its cemetery (one of only a few VFW Posts with its own cemetery). WCTV was there and had good coverage; there was a good crowd; the bad weather held off. It was a good day! Help each other!

John Folsom, American Lesion Post 13. Thanks to all of you. Sean Golder good luck on your trip to Pennsylvania. Please sign in. Ernie Reed and I are scheduled for surgery.

Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc. The next Quarterly Support Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 3 pm at the Administration Building Conference Room at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Elections for Treasurer and Vice Chair will be at the October Support Committee meeting. Please come and share your nominations or nominate yourself. The next quarterly Final Salute will be on June 24, 2026 at 3 pm. Please attend!! Melissa, thank you for mentioning Final Salute on June 24 at 3 pm and the dedication of the Army monument on June 10 at 10 am.

Frank Roycraft led a salute to the American Flag and asked Chaplain Earnest Reed to provide the closing prayer.

The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.

It is imperative that Veteran organizations in our local community lead the meetings because we are trying to grow their membership. If Commanders Coalition leads the meeting, that gives Commanders Coalition exposure and detracts from the mission for which we were founded.

The board is considering an amendment to the bylaws which would allow Veteran 501(c)(3) organizations to lead the meetings in the absence of a 501(c)(19). This means more donations in their coffers. More membership on their rosters. More state and national recognition.

Commanders Coalition has catapulted membership, revenue, and local recognition of Veteran organizations in Florida’s Big Bend. We have done all of this without receiving donations from any Veteran organization. We are doing this because every Veteran needs a Veteran organization.

Thousands of Veterans read this newsletter each month. Many of whom joined a post, chapter, or branch of your organization because of the monthly coalition minutes and/or emails sent to their inbox.

Why is Outpost 1 even needed?

I joined 3 different local Veteran organizations in the past 2 years and haven’t received an email or copy of the minutes since the day I joined. If I am not receiving the minutes, that means other members aren’t receiving them either. These are 3, 501(c)(19)s of national Veteran organizations. Despite not receiving ANY news or events from these organizations, I desperately try to give them as much exposure as possible. It is difficult because I have to go and search for the work they are doing for Leon County Veterans. It shouldn’t be difficult to find out this information. It should flow freely AND it should definitely be sent to the membership.

2 of my board members are moving out of state, which means I am going to lose the ability to operate Outpost 1 from New Mexico. We are facing some serious challenges in the coming months. Your support is greatly appreciated.

In your service,

Edward W. Hood
National Commander
Commanders Coalition

Greetings, Team

The walk-in clinic yesterday, Thursday, May 28, included our Team of 20 Volunteers (including 6 attys again) working with 17 Veterans and family members in person and several others by phone (Thursday, 5/28/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13. New resources were available for substance abuse, the Tax Collector’s office was available for Driver’s License services, and another law student spent part of his break from Univ of Virginia helping Veterans! Wednesday’s food delivery team: Veteran Sam Adams drove the truck and trailer load to Veterans at HomeFront and other sites around the county, along with others serving on the Food Delivery team (Khalid Shafi, Charles Robinson, Eddie McMillian, Leonard Bell).

This year’s Memorial Day Service Monday was standing room only at the American Legion Hall (rain forced the ceremony indoors); Photo shows the Honor Guard firing out front at Lake Ella.

And Wednesday evening, Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson and the Second Circuit Court Admin office hosted a Family Night for participants in the local specialty courts (Veterans Treatment, Mental Health Court and Drug Court); Judge Lashawn Riggins Donald also participated; Matt Parks, from Lakeview Health Treatment Center, was the keynote for the great evening of informal dinner and fun.

The legislature finally passed the budget for the next year (beginning July 1) and included a near record number of local and statewide Veterans’ Projects (including 48 in the FDVA budget alone); See the 550-pger HB 5001E General Appropriations Act at www.flhouse.gov/Budget/2026E ; pending Governor’s review now.

LEON COUNTY VETERANS’ TREATMENT COURT: Your next chance to observe a session of the Court will be Monday, June 8 (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). Maybe you will consider becoming an invaluable Veteran Mentor for one of the other Vets working their way through the program and recovery. Several Veterans are awaiting a Mentor, both men and women.

It’s time for an advocacy email from you! These next couple of weeks the Governor will be receiving, reviewing and deciding whether to approve many of the bills that were passed in this year’s legislative session that “ended” last month. His office needs to hear your emphatic support for General Patt Maney’s House Bill 199 which will strengthen Veterans’ Treatment Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Court program to rebuild their lives and record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families and their future. Even a brief phone message to his office will accomplish the same purpose of showing our support (850/717-9337). The link to the Executive Office of the Governor is: https://www.flgov.com/eog/leadership/people/ron-desantis/contact

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,

Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091,

Tallahassee, Fl 32302,

850/ 570-1967

National Memorial Day Events are posted on www.commanderscoalition.org

On Monday, May 25, the Post Annual Memorial Day Service will be at Oakland Cemetery in Midtown. The address is 838 North Bronough Street. Enter the cemetery from the southeast entrance on Brevard Street. We are asking for everyone to arrive at 10:45 a. m. and the start time is 11:00 a. m. The service should conclude at noon. THERE IS A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF RAIN, 70%. I am not sure when the rain is predicted to arrive. IF IT DOES RAIN, WE HOLD THE SERVICE AT THE POST AT 11:00 a. m. If you signed up to help move equipment Monday morning to the cemetery, please be at the Post by 7:25 a. m.

Greetings, Team

Col Billy Francis (USAF Ret.) (longtime Director of FSU’s Student Veterans’ Center) was the keynote speaker for Leon Veterans Court Graduation Monday. Congratulations to 3 more Vets including one of TVLC Volunteers, David Martinez, plus Shaulaunna Washington and Ted Altavilla, for their success completing the Veterans Treatment Court program. Turnout was great this time, including 3 news cameras! And FDVA Legislative Director Roy Clark also presented each graduate with an FDVA/FVF Commemoration Medallion. Your next chance to observe a session of the Court will be Monday, June 8 (3 pm Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E). Maybe you will consider becoming an invaluable Veteran Mentor for one of the other Vets working their way through the program and recovery. Several Veterans are awaiting a Mentor, both men and women.

Can you imagine trying to untangle a mistake by the D of D 44 years ago? That was but one legal issue brought to the walk-in clinic yesterday (in addition to the usual housing, employment, VA benefits and driver’s license problems. This week’s walk-in legal clinic involved our Team of 14 Volunteers (including 6 attys again) working with 13 Veterans and family members (Thursday, 5/21/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13. We could use some more help!

On Wednesday, Veteran Sam Adams drove the truck and trailer load to Veterans at HomeFront and other sites around the county, along with others serving on the Food Delivery team (Khalid Shafi, David Martinez, Charles Robinson, Eddie McMillian, Leonard Bell).

Sincere thanks to the local Marine Corps League for a surprise donation yesterday from the Military Order of the Devil Dogs (google them if you need) after the Legal Clinic was ending: see photo of Commandant Marc Dickieson presenting a check to our Food delivery team leaders, Margaret Deciano (who donates her truck each week, in addition to heading our intake table at the clinic every week), Sam Adams and Khalid Shafi. TVLC volunteers appreciate everyone’s ongoing support.

It’s time for an advocacy email from you! These next couple of weeks the Governor will be receiving, reviewing and deciding whether to approve many of the bills that were passed in this year’s legislative session that “ended” last month. His office needs to hear your emphatic support for General Patt Maney’s House Bill 199 which will strengthen Veterans’ Treatment Courts all over the state by increasing the number of Veterans entering the Criminal Court program to rebuild their lives and record, recover from addiction or other behavioral/ trauma personal problems and succeed in moving forward for their families and their future. Even a brief phone message to his office will accomplish the same purpose of showing our support (850/717-9337). The link to the Executive Office of the Governor is: https://www.flgov.com/eog/leadership/people/ron-desantis/contact

One special need: The number of issues with the VA is outstripping our local resources to keep up with the complications, new claims, and VA delays; so, any other attorneys wanting to join our “VA Law team,” we need you, and have training and national legal resources available to bring you into the fray. Were you a JAG? Have you helped with Social Security or other federal agencies that you already have a headstart on picking up VA law?

What else?

Thank you,

Dan Hendrickson, for the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative www.Tallahasseeveteranslegal.com

PO Box 11091, Tallahassee, Fl 32302, 850/ 570-1967

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3308 will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the VFW Cemetery on the corner of Fox Road and Old Blair Road (take Rivers Road off Crawfordville Road to Fox Road).