I hope you all are doing ok after the Hurricane. If any Veteran is in need of assistance, please let us know and we will forward your information to Commanders in the local area to assist you. Commanders Coalition is here to support the flow of information between VSO’s and the local community.

Elections for Commanders Coalition are coming up and we are going to need somebody to consider serving as Outpost 1 Commander. The job is extremely easy. You just have to be reliable, honest, and willing to serve. You will be trained on how to keep sending out the Weekly Report. We use a template so you don’t have to recreate the wheel every week. 30 minutes of your time each week is all you need to commit to.

Requirements

• Must have served in a Veteran Organization in a leadership capacity

• Honorable Discharge or currently serving in an Active, Guard, or Reserve component

• Comfortable with sending out emails

• Comfortable using computers and technology or willing to learn

• Cannot be currently serving as an officer in any VSO within Outpost 1

In your service,

Edward W. Hood

The Auxiliary is raffling a generator for $10 a ticket; generator is available for inspection. Next month will be the Poppy give away and the Auxiliary will be in the Veerans Day Parade.

Hi, Team

This Monday, Oct 12, the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court will be in open session at 3pm, in the Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E. Hope you can come observe, and may consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program. Several Veterans will be graduating next month on 11/23, same time and place, which is an inspiring day to come to Court!

This past Thursday,10 8 26, our clinic team of 20 Volunteers, including 7 attys, worked with 16 Veterans and family members at the American Legion Post 13. (Housing emergencies, VA hassles, domestic disputes, driver’s license barriers, etc.) Thanks to the Leon Tax Collector’s office for helping Vets that afternoon facetoface, which is always more effective. And a new tabling partner, Comfort Keepers, was able to offer timely assistance for a Marine with intense family needs.

Kudos to Veterans Sam Adams, Eddie McMillian and Lavar Parker for the Quincy farmshare trip, delivering the truckandtrailer load of food to Vets around Leon County Wednesday. And to our TVLC Board and the Commanders’ Coalition which met Wednesday, again introducing new Veteran resources and sharing plans for many upcoming events in our Capital region.

One upcoming legal opportunity NOVEMBER 12 deserves your attention: ANY VETERAN WHO HAS NOT YET UPDATED THEIR VARIOUS “END OF LIFE” DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING WILLS, should plan to come to our legal clinic the day after Veterans Day, as we host SEVERAL OTHER local legal organizations (through the 2d Judicial Circuit’s Pro Bono Committee) who are joining us at the American Legion that Thursday for an expanded service- extra lawyers- so come take advantage of this chance for free legal help.

Redux: Expanded services by TVLC attorneys are available for handling VA cases for local Veterans. But the number of issues with the VA is outstripping our number of attys 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

Toys For Tots

In 2025, Tallahassee Toys For Tots distributed 11,959 toys to 4427 children.

TOY DONATION SITES

America’s Home Place: Kristine Obenour
10/07/2026 - 12/02/2026
2510 N. Monroe St. Ste. B, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303

Chick-fil-A Governors Square: Briana Wise
10/05/2026 - 11/28/2026
1500 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301

CubeSmart Self Storage: Shante’
10/07/2026 - 12/02/2026
3200 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, Florida, 32304

VFW Post 3308: Kelli Dougherty
11/01/2026 - 12/02/2026
2769 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, Florida, 32304

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Craig Benner
Donation boxes will be out October 26 – November 24.

We CAN NOT distribute Play-Doh, realistic looking weapons (even with orange tips) nor any items containing food.

LAST PICKUP DATE IS: DECEMBER 2nd, 2026

We don’t receive much news from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, if anyone knows where we can obtain news and events we would be happy to share it in the Weekly Report.

WVU is holding a fundraiser at Fazoli’s on November 19 from 5-9 pm. 20% of proceeds support WVU. WVU will hold a retreat at the At Ease Campground on October 16-18.

This post was brought to you by PATRIOT SHAVE

Attendees: Dennis Hall, John Folsom, Frank Roycraft, Liz Crawford, Marc Dickieson, Heather Mitchell, Berline Belizaire, Sean Golder, David Wilson, Tom Derzypolski, Shawn Harkey, Jennifer Adams, Renae Lane, Gordon Lightfoot, Tim Griffith, Tom Carney, Charles LeCroy, Susie Caplowe, Dan Hendrickson, Nell Hewitt, Theresa Briggs, Alex “Butch” Topicz, Barry Roberts, Johnnie Roberts, Ritaann Schultz, Paula Hubert, David Hubert, Tina Caldwell, Craig Benner, Mary LaBatt, Sonya Pace, Ashley Evard, Cindy Myers, Akin Akinyemi, Debra Mann, Michael Mann, and Marianne Trussell.

Dennis Hall 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. 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 then asked Tom Carney deliver an opening prayer. Dennis then handed the microphone to Frank Roycraft to begin he meeting.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. He City Commission had a meeting and Dennis Hall lead with his very cogent speech; a number of veterans showed up. It seems the Veterans Day Parade was part of a group; it was removed from the group and fully funded. The next meeting of VFW 3308 will be on October 22 at 7pm at the office of the VFW at 2769 W Tennessee St. in Tallahassee. The speaker will address A.I.

Liz Crawford, Dream Flight; Owner, Team Leader, Sport Clips, Tallahassee. Dream Flight is at the Million Air Airport but is now October 27 due to pilot scheduling. Sport Clips is partnering with the VFW in its fundraising efforts. Haircuts are free to veterans on Veterans Day and $2 per haircut is donated to the VFW.

Tim Griffith, Family Promise of the Big Bend, American Legion Post 13. Vet Village is alive and well. Family Promise is in need of volunteers and pantry items. There are 48 male veteran rooms and 4 female rooms as always in Vet Village. There are also free dental evaluations and repairs for veterans. Evaluations are from October 1-15, 2026 and returns for repairs are November 13, 2026. Contact him at: tgriffith@familypromisebigbend.org Flyers were made available.

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. No report.

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. Toys for Tots has begun. If you need a box for donations please see him.

Barry Roberts, former Chaplain of American Legion. He is building a Suicide Prevention and PTSD ministry/church - Shepard’s. He has invested $130,000 of his own money.

Charles LeCroy, Past Commander Post 13. Good to see all of you.

Johnnie Roberts. No report.

Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. Saturday, November 7 will be the CVMA Dice Run starting at 9:30 Tallahassee Harley Davidson. Prizes are between $650 and $250. Donations benefit Team Guardian. Flyers were provided.

Tom Carney, Bud West, Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 419. The next meeting of Air & Space will be on Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm.

Heather Mitchell, Tallahassee State College. On Friday, November 13 Tallahassee State College will offer free Dental Care for local veterans. Email her at heather.mitchell@tsc.fl.edu to register/sign up for services. Flyers were provided.

Gordon Lightfoot, Commander, AmVets Post 1776, American Legion Post 13, Fleet Reserve Association. AmVets will hold its 3^rd Annual Turkey Shoot on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 146 Pistol Range Rd in Tallahassee (Tallahassee Rifle and Pistol Club). Entry Fee is $20 for shooters which includes lunch provided by Mission BBQ. Flyers were provided. Flyers were also provided promoting the AmVets raffle ($5 each or 3 for $10) of an AR 556 Rifle, must be 21 to win and drawing will be at the Turkey Shoot. Winner need not be present.

David Wilson, AMVETS, Air & Space Forces Association. On December 7 there will be a ceremony with a wreath laying at the State Capitol that has been moved. More details to come. He also introduced Tom Derzypolski.

Tom Derzypolski, Navy Veteran. No report.

Shawn Harkey, Business Development Manager, Comfort Keepers. Provides non-skilled home care to veterans (and others). Volunteers provide housekeeping, etc. They are not nurses. They will be at the American Legion on Thursdays.

Jennifer Adams, Veteran Resource Dept., Comfort Keepers. Introduced as Shawn’s boss.

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. Follow him on Facebook. Please vote.

Akin Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser. No report.

Ashley Evard, Sales & Marketing Manager, Brookdale Memory Care. Support for caregivers the 4^th Thursday a 5:30. Call or contact for details: 850-309-7500 or 850-509-7792 or ashley.evard@brookdale.com.

Tina Caldwell, Right at Home. Veterans are invited to attend November 20 at 10 am at the new Tallahassee Senior Center at 2743 Welaunee Blvd. in Tallahassee. Flyers were provided.

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

Berline Belizaire, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. No report.

Cindy Myers, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida. Veterans who are homeless or housing insecure should contact her. DOC has a population of 50 veterans; contact her with your civil case questions, etc.

Paula Hubert, Women Veterans Unite (WVU). WVU is holding a fundraiser at Fazoli’s on November 19 from 5-9 pm. 20% of proceeds support WVU. WVU will hold a retreat at the At Ease Campground on October 16-18.

David Hubert, Navy veteran. No report.

Ritaann Schultz, Commanders Coalition National Chair for 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. A Haunted Hayride will be held every Saturday in October from 7-9 at the At Ease Campground. Tickets are $5 or $20 per vehicle for a family of 4. There will be a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat at the At Ease Campground on October 24 from 6-9 pm. This Saturday, October 10 there will be Bingo for Charity at the At Ease Campground and Marina, American Legion Post 340. Gift prizes; no cash prizes. Ticket sales begin at 6:30 with a start time of 7:00 pm. On November 7^th there will be fishing on Lake Seminole at At Ease Campground and Marina for veterans. People have volunteered to take veterans on their boats to fish.

Susan (Susie) Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative, Clinic Volunteer Coordinator. They will be here tomorrow from 3-5 tomorrow; veterans arrive at 2. She also handles questions re voting; those she cannot handle are referred to the office of the Supervisor of Elections.

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. Veterans still need legal and other assistance. The TVLC will be here at Post 13 tomorrow and every Thursday from 3-5 pm. Walk ins are welcome. Veterans Court will be Monday at 3 pm at the Courthouse. Mentors are badly needed. Graduation is November 23 at the Courthouse.

Theresa Briggs, President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13. No report.

Nell Hewitt, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13. The Auxiliary is raffling a generator for $10 a ticket; generator is available for inspection. Next month will be the Poppy give away and the Auxiliary will be in the Veerans Day Parade.

Sonya Pace, DAR, San Luis Mission Chapter. No report.

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.

Debra Mann, Women Veterans Unite. No report.

Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the American Legion. The next meeting is on the fifth Thursday of the month (October 29) at 6 pm at the American Legion Post 13. Recruiting is always ongoing. District 2 leads in membership.

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13. On November 7 Havana will have a parade for the first time in over 40 years. On Thursday, October 15 at 7 pm American Legion Post 13 will host Comedian Killer Beaz on Tour for one night only. For Tickets and Info go to Killerbeaz.com. Tom Napier asked him to remind attendees of Honor Flight on April 24, 2027, and the Car Show on October 17, 2026, with all proceeds to benefit Honor Flight. Tom’s wife passed away and he is in rehab.

Dennis Hall, Commander American Legion Post 13, Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. The American Legion will meet tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. There is a luncheon at the National Guard Armory at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30 (this coming Tuesday, October 13). Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. On Tuesday, October 13 the menu will consist of baked ham, mashed potatoes, string beans, tossed salad, rolls, and Peach Betty with ice cream. A donation for food is accepted. Joe West’s wife, Denise, passed away; there will be a Celebration of Life at the Hootch from 2-5 this Sunday, October 11, 2026. Vote. There will be a breakfast from 6-9 am underwritten by Leon Conty and presented by American Legion Post 13 on Veterans Day. On November 7th, American Legion District 2 Meeting at Lanark Village at 10:00 a.m

Marianne Trussell, Chair, Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Inc. The Big Bend Honor Guard for September performed 12 interments and 2 special events at The Tallahassee National Cemetery. The two special events were POW/MIA Remembrance and the Final Salute done quarterly where they performed Honors for 12 Veterans that were interred without Honors. For the month approximately 305 volunteer hours were reported to the Veterans Administration. Since the Cemetery opened in 2015, they have performed 1,626 interments. 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 as well as voting on other matters. Please attend and have your voice and your (members) vote count. Wreaths Across America - order as many as you can afford. The last day to order according to their website is December 8, 2026.

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

The next Commander’s Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 10 am at 229 Lake Ella Dr. Tallahassee FL 32303 at Lake Ella.

I know I have been talking about it for months but the signatures for the posthumous nomination of Major John Haynes Sr. Presidential Medal of Freedom have started. I made the mistake of sending out the document with signature succession. What that means is nobody can sign the document until the previous person signs it. I’m hoping I can change that on Docusign because it would greatly speed up the signatures. Other than that, we’re getting it done.

If you missed the City Hall meeting, here is a recording of various Commanders and Veterans asking for the City to fund the Veterans Day parade. Their messages start at 4 hours and 44 minutes.

Third Aircraft Carrier and Thousands of Troops Head to Mideast as Trump Weighs New Iran Strikes

Associated Press

The U.S. military is dispatching roughly 9,000 troops aboard a group of ships to the Middle East, a U.S. official said Oct. 1. The bolstering of the American military presence comes as President Donald Trump warned anew that new strikes against Iran could be on the horizon.

Post 13 is organizing American Legion Riders Chapter 13, and the first planning meeting will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Sauls-Bridges Post 13 in Tallahassee. The meeting is part of Operation Charter Thunder, an effort to bring together people interested in helping shape the future of the Riders at Post 13.

October 2026 Newsletter is here

Ladies, send in your news and/or events and we will include it in the weekly email. Supporting Veterans is what you do and we want to help you.

We haven’t heard much from the DAV lately. If you are a member of DAV in Tallahassee, feel free to send us news or events and we will share it.

Branch 34 is still raising funds for their memorial at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Please contact the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34 for more details.

Hi, Team

This past Monday, Sept 28, the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court again welcomed several NEW individuals into the specialty court for alternative paths to the regular criminal justice system. The legislative reform is working in Leon County! More Vets were congratulated for finishing their phase of the program, working toward Graduation next month! Your next opportunity to attend is Monday, October 12, 3pm, in the Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E. Hope you can come observe, and may consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program.

Clinic was intense this week, as Vets drove down from Georgia, and sought an even broader variety of legal advice, emergency housing and other mutual support. In all that day, our Thursday,10 1.26, clinic team of 18 Volunteers, including 8 attys, worked with 23 Veterans and family members at the American Legion Post 13. Kudos to Veterans Sam Adams, Eddie McMillian and Lavar Parker for the Quincy farmshare trip delivering the truck and trailer load of food to Vets around Leon County Wednesday. And to Brady Ward for negotiating new legal resources to help strengthen our advocacy work with the VA.

Redux: Training was available in just the last week or so for TVLC attorneys to hear and receive materials for handling VA cases for local Veterans. Another Tallahassee lawyer, former Army JAG Brady Ward, took advantage of the opportunity and expands our Tallahassee capability to keep serving. We still need more volunteers to address this 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

For those of you who are annual members, the VFW Department of Florida is offering to pay half of the cost of a Life Membership until the money runs out. I paid for mine a few days ago. Let’s get Post 3308 fully stocked with life members.

This post was brought to you by Patriot Shave

I’ll be honest, I’m a bit excited for this new product line. Since I have a full beard, I don’t do a lot of shaving. However, I do invest in deodorant. I plan on checking out this new line of products asap because every purchase made donates one in return. It’s a worthy cause which helps Veterans.

10AM
229 Lake Ella Drive
Tallahassee FL 32303

In the mean time, enjoy these infographics and share them widely with Veterans in your circles.

Commanders, check your email.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom paperwork has been sent to you via docusign.

Word around the campfire is your presence at the City Hall resonated with the Commissioners and they have agreed to underwrite 100% of the expenses for the Veterans Day Parade. The decision was unanimous. Special thanks to all who were involved and provided wisdom on how to overcome this challenge.

Pictures from the POW/MIA ceremony at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Special thanks to Craig Benner for sending in photos. AS A REMINDER, we only share what we receive. We love sharing any and all efforts supporting Veterans in the community. Send in your news and events to outpost1 (at) commanderscoalition.org

Greetings, Team

This Monday, Sept 28, the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court will be in session at 3pm, in the Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E.Hope you can come observe, and may consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program

This week, our Thursday, 9.24.26, clinic team of 20 Volunteers, including 7 attys, worked with 18 Veterans and family members at the American Legion Post 13. New volunteers came to help, including Veteran advocates from Lakeview Treatment Center’s new IOP facility in Tallahassee and from Oxford House, which now has 16 residential recovery homes in Tally! Jim Piche again was able to bring a refurbished bicycle to clinic for another Vet still trying to reinstate his driver’s license.

Speaking of which, Congrats to Tallahassee newcomer David Lawrence who in his first volunteering days with TVLC, assisted fellow Vet Matthew Thomassen who successfully got his driver’s license Tues after a negotiation at the Tax Collector’s office. SEE PHOTO.

Redux: Training was available in just the last week or so for TVLC attorneys to hear and receive materials for handling VA cases for local Veterans. Another Tallahassee lawyer, former Army JAG Brady Ward, took advantage of the opportunity and expands our Tallahassee capability to keep serving. We still need more volunteers to address this 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 let you know about a program the VFW Department of Florida is offering starting October 1, 2026. Until funds run out, you can join the VFW as a life member for 50% off. This is a great opportunity for annual members!

Kelli

Kelli Dougherty

Senior Vice Commander

VFW Post 3308

Vietnam Vet requests help - Final burial expenses for spouse

https://www.gofundme.com/f/vietnam-vet-requests-help-final-burial-expenses-for-spouse-ekvt6?lang=en_US&ts=1790033361

We have quite a few things going on in the Veteran community to be aware of. Take the time to digest this email and share in your appropriate channels.

📢 ALL HANDS ON DECK ⚠️

My fellow Veterans and friends of Veterans,

This Wednesday, September 23rd, the Tallahassee City Commission will decide whether VET, Inc. must cover approximately $8,000 of the Veterans Day Parade — after the City paid 100% last year.

John Pantoja of VET, Inc. has been informed the City is prepared to underwrite only 71% of the cost. The remainder falls on VET, Inc. That item is now on the Commission agenda this Wednesday.

We have three days.

What we need: Veteran Service Organizations and nonprofits that serve veterans in the room, in uniform, asking the Commission to withdraw the $8,000 demand and restore full City funding — as they did last year.

When and where

• City Hall, second floor

• Meeting begins at 3:00 p.m.

• The parade item is late on the agenda — expect it around 3:50 p.m.

• You do not need to sit the entire meeting

• Veterans: arrive by 3:50 p.m. wearing your VSO cover and shirt

Questions from VSOs go directly to John Pantoja: 850/345_4048.

If your organization can put even a few members in that chamber Wednesday afternoon, it matters. The clock is already running.

2026 FAMU NROTC Navy–Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

On behalf of the Florida A&M University Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, it is my pleasure to invite you to join us for the 2026 FAMU NROTC Navy–Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

This formal event brings together our Midshipmen, officer and enlisted staff, university partners, alumni, family members, and friends to celebrate the proud heritage and traditions of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The evening will provide an opportunity to honor those who have served before us while celebrating the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers.

The event will be held Friday, November 13, 2026, at 225 Champions Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32304. Cocktail hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by the formal ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Additional event information is available through the QR code provided on the attached invitation.

We would be honored by your presence as we commemorate the enduring legacy, service, and traditions of our Sea Services and recognize the Midshipmen who have chosen to carry that legacy forward.

Please feel free to share the attached invitation with others who may wish to attend. We hope you will be able to join the FAMU NROTC Rattler Battalion for this special evening.

Very respectfully,

CDR Michael S. Cloud

Executive Officer

NROTC Florida A&M University

Tallahassee, FL 32314

Cell: (850) 633-7840

Office: (850) 599-3915

Greetings, Team

This past Monday, Sept 14, the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court, set a record by admitting 5, maybe 6 new Veteran defendants into the program. This good news is the result of the new procedures for admission to the Veterans’ Court because of the legislation sponsored by Representative Patt Maney (Ret. Gen.USA) HB 199, which loosened the admission procedures for the 32 “specialty” Veterans Courts around the state.

This week, our Thursday, 9.17.26, clinic team of 20 Volunteers, including 6 attys, worked with 19 Veterans and family members at the American Legion Post 13. New volunteers came to help! On Wed, Veterans Sam Adams, Eddie McMillian and Levar Parker distributed the truck and trailer load of food again this week to at four housing sites around the county.

The next session for Veterans Court will be Monday, September 28, 3pm, in the Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E.Hope you can come observe, and may consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for one of the Vets working their way through the program

Redux: Training was available just last week for TVLC attorneys to hear and receive materials for handling VA cases for local Veterans. Another Tallahassee lawyer, former Army JAG Brady Ward, took advantage of the opportunity and expands our Tallahassee capability to keep serving. We still need more volunteers to address this 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

FROM CRAIG BENNER

Good morning. We just found this Certificate of Service in our store room here at the Kirkman Building.

Neil Kirkman, Department Commander of the American Legion 1923-1924. I thought you would appreciate seeing this.

Craig

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

This past Saturday I had the honor of being sworn into the New Mexico Society Sons of the American Revolution. My journey started in Florida and took nearly 2 years but it was worth the work. I look forward to learning how Commanders Coalition can assist SAR in reaching more Veterans across the nation. With just over 35,000 members nationwide, SAR is ensuring that the ideals and principles on which our country was founded survive and thrive.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS—If you would like us to add your company to the bottom of our emails, we need marketing materials from you. Thank you for supporting the mission of Commanders Coalition.

I finally had to bite the bullet and pay docusign for 1 month of service. I’ll be sending the PMOF nomination form from our docusign account for signatures. Many signers were having difficulty with the other platform. Commanders, reach out to TSC to try and secure slots for your members to obtain free dental care.

Special shoutout to Mr. Ward who became a paid member. Your donation helps us keep the mission alive.

In your service,

Edward W. Hood

Tallassee State College is excited to host a Day of Dental Care for local veterans who are in need of dental services.

The event is scheduled for November 13 and will take place in our 21-chair dental clinic on campus.

Our goal is to provide much-needed care to 75 veterans in our community, and we know that achieving that goal will require strong partnerships with organizations that share a commitment to serving those who have served our country.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss ways we might work together with the VA team, including:

• Identifying and connecting veterans who could benefit from this event

• Participating in and supporting the event on November 13

This initiative has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local veterans, and I would love to explore how we might collaborate.

Would you be open to a brief meeting?

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Heather R. Mitchell

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Executive Director of the TSC Foundation

444 Appleyard Drive

Tallahassee, Florida 32304

Office: 850-201-6067

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

Greetings, Team

This Monday, Sept 14, at 3 pm is the next session of the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court, in the Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E.Hope you can come observe, and may 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.

This week, our Thursday, 9.10.26, clinic team of 12 Volunteers, including 4 attys, assisted 10 Veterans and family members in another busy, full house for this week’s TVLC legal clinic at the American Legion Post 13. On Wed, Veterans Sam Adams, Matthew Thomasen, Eddie Mcmillian and Levar Parker distributed the truckandtrailer load of food again this week to at least four housing sites around the county (livened up by a prank bomb threat at one site). Then on Thursday, our vols helped Post 13 American Legion distribute hundreds of bags and boxes of food made available by Leon County as a 9/11 Service Project.

Training was available just this week for TVLC attorneys to hear and receive materials for handling VA cases for local Veterans. Another Tallahassee lawyer, former Army JAG Brady Ward, took advantage of the opportunity and expands our Tallahassee capability to keep serving. We still need more volunteers to address this 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

Remove Section 108

No matter how you read it, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is bad for veterans - today’s and tomorrow’s. As Congress returns to session, we have to keep the pressure on to pass a clean Major Richard Star Act and REMOVE section 108 from TCAVA.

https://votervoice.net/VFW/Campaigns/138781/Respond

• Friday, September 18, is POW/MIA Recognition Day. FLHSMV will have a Recognition Ceremony at noon in front of the Neil Kirkman Building (near the flagpole). Our address is 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee FL 32399. The ceremony typically lasts approximately 15 minutes and the public is invited. This is usually a well-attended, respectful, and solemn event.

• National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each later president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. If you would like more information about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, please go to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), or watch this short video:

HONOR FLIGHT

• There will be an Antique Car Show on Saturday, Oct 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.

• The next Honor Flight in Orlando will be Oct 17 https://honorflightcentralflorida.org/hfcfl-news/

• St. Petersburg – Sept 15 https://www.honorflightwcf.org/index.php

CAMP GORDON JOHNSTON

• The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, located in Carrabelle, Florida, was established to honor and preserve the heritage of the men and women who trained at the camp during WWII. Camp Gordon Johnston opened in 1942 for the sole purpose of training Infantry Divisions and their support units in amphibious operations by U. S. Army Engineer Special Brigades [ESB]. This camp trained a quarter of a million men, closing in June of 1946. Three infantry divisions and two special brigades left here after receiving amphibious training to confront tyranny both in Europe and the Pacific. Learn about their dedication, fears, and heroism at our museum. Interested in our current special exhibit? Check out our Special Exhibits & Events page.

· Special Exhibit for September 1-October 3: Operation Market Garden – A Bridge Too Far. The battle was commemorated in “A Bridge Too Far”, the 1977 film. “Band of Brothers”, a miniseries from HBO in 2001, also depicted the 101st Airborne’s part in this battle. They landed near Eindhoven and Veghel.

• Camp Gordon Johnston – Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum Carrabelle FL

FDVA Newsletter - https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDVA/bulletins/42501a7

There’s still time to make the US Navy Memorial a reality. Contribute today!

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

Greetings, Team This week, our clinic team of 19 Volunteers, including 8 attys, assisted 14 Veterans and family members in another busy, full house for this week’s TVLC legal clinic at the American Legion Post 13. Kudos again to the Veteran team driving Wednesday to Quincy and back, delivering a truckandtrailer load of food again this week. ( Sam Adams, Matthew Thomasen, Eddie Mcmillian and Levar Parker ) .

On Wednesday the Legion hosted another successful meeting of the Commanders’ Coalition, and Frank Roycraft, co-chair for this month, invited Vet Village to report the progress in replacing the homeless Vet program Tallahassee lost a couple months ago: Danny Burke reported the facility is renovating some of the apts and will be ready for October 1 , when the new program eligibility begins (VA medical status will be required under the new program). The Veterans housed there have been moving with assistance of Family Promise, reducing the total number at Vet Village from 52 to 31 currently.

The next session of the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court -Monday, September 14, ( 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

Special thanks to Commander Roycraft of VFW Post 3308 for leading the Outpost 1 meeting this month.

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DISCLAIMER—these minutes are late because of me, Edward Hood, and not Marianne Trussell. I recently got a new phone and had to transfer security over to the new device. My sincere apologies and hopefully no meetings or events have been missed in the interim.

COMMANDER’S COALITION MEETING
September 2, 2026, 10 A.M.
229 Lake Ella Dr. Tallahassee FL 32303
Minutes/Notes

Attendees: Frank Roycraft, John Folsom, Liz Crawford, Roxann Dressel, Marc Dickieson, Dan Hendrickson, Tony Minichiello, Tim Griffith, Danny Burke, Rob Winchester, Tom Napier, David Wilson, Tom Carney, Alex “Butch” Topicz, Ritaann Schultz, Robert “Bob” Asztalos, Paula Hubert, David Hubert, Brooklyn Enders, Rebecca Berentsen, Tulie Taylor, Melissa Sheridan, Craig Benner, Dennis Hall, Dan Paasch, Charles LeCroy, Cindy Myers, Michael Shawn Cloud, Whitney Scott, Tina Caldwell, Andy Janacek, Debra Mann, Michael Mann, and Marianne Trussell.

Frank Roycraft 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 asked Tom Carney deliver an opening prayer. Frank then handed the microphone to Tim Griffith to begin the meeting.

Tim Griffith, Family Promise of the Big Bend, American Legion Post 13. He introduced Danny Burke.

Danny Burke. Family Promise reduced the number of veterans living at Vet Village from 52 to 31 as other living accommodations were found. However, Vet Village will shelter veterans. They are now renovating units and accommodations are available for female veterans. They expect renovations to be complete by October 1. Eligibility is determined like before; homeless or unhoused and the VA checks eligibility.

Liz Crawford, Owner, Team Leader, Sport Clips, Tallahassee; Dream Flights. Dream Flights will place in October but no specific dates (they are shooting for October 29) have been provided yet.

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. September 18 will be their POW/MIA ceremony. Hope to see you there.

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 is held on the first Saturday of the month at the Ace Hardware in Killearn where Krispy Kreme donuts are sold.

Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. The FRA’s paperwork to build a monument at the TNC is in the hands of the Veterans Administration. The Combat Vets Dice Run is December 7; it is for motorcycles and cars. Flyers were provided regarding the FRA essay contest for students in grades 7-12. The deadline is December 1, 2026; other details were provided in the flyer including the grand prize of $1,500.

Tom Carney, Bud West, Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 419. On behalf of AmVets the AmVets Turkey Shoot will be held on November 7. Flyers were provided regarding the AR 556 Ruger Rifle fundraiser; tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. The drawing will be held at the Turkey Shoot. In response to a question, he believes there is no limit upon the purchase of raffle tickets, but he will confirm.

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

Tony Minichiello, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. On September 7 starting at 8 am there will be a free breakfast for everyone. Bricks are still available; see him for details.

Charles LeCroy, Past Commander Post 13. Thanks to all of you. Get involved. Everything has not been invented. He is very grateful.

Robert “Bob” Asztalos, Florida Department of Veteran Affairs; Fleet Reserve Association. They are partnering with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD); flyers with a business card attached were made available regarding the grand opening of the Graham Air Base History Museum Room in Marianna at Sunland for the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, September 30 at 11 am Central time. RSVP by September 30.

Rebecca Berentsen, San Luis Chapter DAR. No report.

Tulie Taylor, San Luis Chapter DAR. No report.

Andy Janacek, Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi. Akin Akinyemi sends his regrets; he thanks all of you. September 11 is the deadline if you have questions or find mistakes in the TRIM notice. They are always available to help with Property Tax questions and issues.

Whitney Scott, TMH Memory Care. They are funded by Elder Care. Memory care is needed by veterans and their families.

Tina Caldwell, Right at Home. They provide care for veterans.

Tom Napier, Vice President, Honor Flight. Lots of dates: Car Show on October 17 from 9 to 12; they already have 65 registered. November is Veterans Day – Honor Flight will be in the parade and will have a truck. The Reunion for pats Honor Flight guardians and veterans will December 7 from 5-9 at the National Guard Armory. The 2027 Honor Flight will be on April 24.

Rob Winchester, Camp Gordon Johnston. Flyers were made available last month for the Freedom Truck that is part of the 250^th birthday celebration. He has more if anyone is interested. Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum will host the Freedom Truck on December 4-6, 2026.

Brooklyn Enders, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Career Source Capital Region. As a veteran she comes with a flyer about a Marine who lost everything in a fire. As a Career Source representative she helps veterans who need a job find a job and employers who need an employee and she helps find a veteran.

Cindy Myers, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida. She will visit Jefferson and Franklin County Institutions veterans who are being released. She will talk to Danny Burke after the meeting about unhoused veterans. They will be in the Veterans Day parade.

David Hubert, Navy veteran. No report.

Paula Hubert, Vice President, Women Veterans Unite. No report.

Ritaann Schultz, Commanders Coalition National Chair, Traumatic Brain Injury, member American Legion Post 340. She is the National Chair Person for Traumatic Brain Injury and will be attending a two-day summit in Tampa. She will give a report next month. American Legion Post 340 and At Ease Campground will hold a meet and greet from 6:00 pm tomorrow, September 3, (the first Thursday of every month) which is free for veterans and spouses.

Melissa Sheridan, Administrative Officer, Tallahassee National Cemetery. Thank you to everyone. Flyers were made available for the 9/11 Day of Service on 9/12 from 10 -12. Carry the Load is sponsoring the event and registration is required. See the flyer for registration information. There is no formal 9/11 ceremony at the TNC. The POW/MIA will be on September 18 at 8 pm. The ceremony will be held in Committal Shelter #1. The next Final Salute is September 30 at 3 pm. Please park at Committal Shelter #2; leaving parking at Committal Shelter #1 for family. Wreaths Across America is on Saturday, December 19. It is still a CAP event and the TNC is at 44.8%; more than halfway to go. Order!!

Roxann Dressel, Commander, American Legion Post 114, Crawfordville; Commander, American Legion District 2. Cards were made available for ordering Wreaths for the Tallahassee National Cemetery. FYI the Wakulla Library will be closed from September 14 thru 28 because it is moving and will reopen on September 29.

Dennis Hall, Commander American Legion Post 13, Army National Guard, Big Bend Honor Guard. The Big Brother/Little Brother Mentoring in conjunction with America Legion Post 13 will give away hygiene and food on 9/11 from 2-4. There is a luncheon at the National Guard Armory at 1225 Easterwood Drive every second Tuesday at 11:30 (this coming Tuesday, September 8 (the day after Labor Day). Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. On Tuesday, September 8, the menu will consist of pasta with meat sauce salad, Italian bread, and Peach Betty with ice cream. A donation is accepted.

Dan Paasch, Senator Ashley Moody’s Office. He covers the Tallahassee Office. September 11 is the deadline for applications for high school seniors to apply to the Service Academies.

Michael Shawn Cloud, Executive Officer, Navy ROTC at FAMU. Save the Date - November 13 is the Marine Corps Ball. Tickets are not available yet,

Dan Hendrickson, President, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative. Veterans still need legal and other assistance. The TVLC will be here tomorrow and every Thursday from 3-5 pm. Walk ins are welcome. Monday, September 14 will be veterans court at the courthouse.

Debra Mann, Women Veterans Unite. No report.

Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 13. The next meeting is on the Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm at the American Legion Post 13. Recruiting is always ongoing. District 2 exceeded its goal for renewed memberships.

John Folsom, American Legion Post 13. Thanks to all of you. No report.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. On September 11 at the 9/11 Beam on 1115 Easterwood Drive (the Red Cross Building) there will be a ceremony at 8:30 am. Come one - come all. It is the25th anniversary of September 11. They are remodeling Post 3308.

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 at that time. Please come and share your nominations or nominate yourself. The next quarterly Final Salute will be on Sepember30, 2026 at 3 pm. Please attend!! Melissa, thank you for mentioning Final Salute on September 30 and the other dates mentioned. The TNC now has its own Facebook Page. The existing page was changed to the “Support Committee for the Tallahassee National Cemetery”. Chuck Howell cannot be here so I will give the Big Bend Honor Guard report for August 2026. There were 20 interments, 379 volunteer hours, and 1,611 interments as of the end of August since the TNC opened. Order your wreaths now from Wreaths Across America. Go online or call. Everyone is very helpful! The ceremony is December 19 and the TNC is less than half way to fulfilling its goal.

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, October 7, 2026, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.

I apologize for the brief report. I am currently fighting a nasty head cold. Report will be brief. I will try and catch up on the news tomorrow.

Monthly Meeting is this Wednesday at 10AM—229 Lake Ella Dr. Tallahassee FL 32303

Greetings, Team

Please feel free to observe the next session of the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court -Monday, September 14, ( 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.

Today, our clinic team of 18 Volunteers, including 7 attys, hosted 15 Veterans and family members in another busy, full house for this week’s TVLC legal clinic at the American Legion Post 13. Kudos again to the Veteran team driving Wednesday to Quincy and back, delivering a truckandtrailer load of food again this week. ( Sam Adams, Matthew Thomasen, Eddie Mcmillian and Levar Parker ) .

Redux: VA Came Through with 48 new beds for homeless Vets in Tallahassee who are VA-eligible, which will help some with the problems from the closing of Vet Village, owned by Volunteers of America, Inc, which is closing at the end of September, for lack of funding! A relief to everyone .

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

Post 13 released their September Newsletter

READ IT HERE

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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This Weekly Report was brought to you by Patriot Shave

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

3 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