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

3 days 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

Make your gift

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

This post was brought to you by Patriot Shave 🇺🇸

They sold out once. Don’t miss them again. Their Heritage 250th Anniversary collection is back — limited quantities, no guarantees on a third run.

Oud. Gunpowder. Grapefruit. Juniper. Neroli. A scent as bold as the country it celebrates.

10% off automatically with any Blade Refills or Starter Kit.

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).

A New Tradition Begins
This July 4th, America250 is working to transform Independence Day into the largest single day of charitable giving in American history, and to establish July 4 as a lasting national tradition of generosity.

The movement – which they’re calling Giving 4th – begins this 4th of July.

On July 4th, I will send out an email containing links to ALL of the Veteran nonprofits in Outpost 1. If you are a Veteran nonprofit, send us the link you want people to visit to make their donation. Together, we can change the lives of Veterans in our communities.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

As you all may remember, a member of Outpost 1 suggested we should posthumously nominate Major John Haynes Sr. for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I have completed his nomination paperwork and will be sending it to the family for approval. Upon family acceptance, it will go before the coalition and I will call for organizational endorsements. The nomination letter will be digitally signed by the people/organizations who support this nomination. More details to follow

Greetings, Team

Congratulate a Marine, a Soldier and a Guardsman in person for their success: Please plan to come to Court on Monday, 3 pm, May 18th for the next Graduation for Veterans completing the Veterans Treatment Court program!! (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.

This week’s walk-in legal clinic involved our Team of 13 Volunteers (including 6 attys) working with 18 Veterans and family members (Thursday, 5/14/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13. We could use some more help!

On Wednesday, the Food Delivery team (Khalid Shafi, Charles Robinson, Eddie McMillian, Sam Adams) drove the truck and trailer load to various sites around the county.

🚨ALARM FOR AREA VETERANS AND SUPPORT AGENCIES: 🚨

Vet Village, owned by Volunteers of America, Inc, is planning to close at the end of September, for lack of funding! Everyone start brainstorming to see which agencies, govt entities, etc. can maybe lease and continue operating the facility for 54 Veteran beds for “transitioning off the Streets!” Time to be creative and deliberate!

REDUX: 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

Special thanks to Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34 for leading the May Monthly Meeting. We have 6 months remaining in 2026 and need other VSO’s to step up to lead the coming monthly meetings. Remember, Commanders Coalition only leads a meeting when another VSO is unable to. We are here to help YOU grow your organization.

We still need someone to step up and serve as the Outpost 1 Commander. Once Outpost 3 gets started, Outpost 1 news will be reduced to monthly minutes until we find someone willing to serve.

That being said, our national newsletter is live and is focused solely on national news and events including work national is doing. I recently posted an article explaining Commanders Coalition Outposts which contains some history about the Coalition. Click on the article below to read it.

In your Service,
Edward W. Hood
National Commander
Interim Outpost 1 Commander

Commanders Coalition

What is a Commanders Coalition Outpost? 🇺🇸

For over 100 years, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) have worked tirelessly advocating for Veteran rights and benefits. After nearly a century of dedicated service, we are now watching many Veteran posts close their doors. Meanwhile, the leaders of those posts are left without an organization to call their own and their valuable experience is not pa…

Read more

2 months ago · Commanders Coalition

Saturday, May 16, is Armed Forces Day in the United States. For you FSU Baseball fans, it is also the date for the University of Miami vs FSU baseball game. Florida State Baseball will honor veterans at the 2:00 pm game. Commemorative t shirts will be available on a first come, first served basis. General Admission tickets are still available for $10.00 a ticket. The number for the FSU Ticket Office is 850-644-1830. If you are interested, please call them asap.

Best regards,

Dennis Hall, Commander Post 13

“For God and Country”

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/usa250/2026/may/sojourn-250-lets-be-a-part-of-history

Greetings, Team

Please plan to come to Court on Monday, 3 pm, May 18th for the next Graduation for Veterans completing the Veterans Treatment Court program!! (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.

And this Tuesday, May 12, is the SECOND TUESDAY luncheon at the National Guard Armory, 11:30 am. All invited for a great ham or turkey dinner (small donation appreciated). 1225 Easterwood Drive.

Despite the storm and tornado warning, today’s walk-in legal clinic involved our Team of 14 Volunteers again (including 7 attys) working with 14 Veterans and family members (Thursday, 5/7/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13.

On Wednesday, the Food Delivery team (Khalid Shafi, Charles Robinson, Eddie McMillian, Sam Adams, and Johnathan Delille) drove the truck and trailer load to various sites around the county. And at the same time yesterday, the Commander’s Coalition welcomed new VSO’s and Veterans Services to our monthly meeting at the Legion Hall, featuring Kiwanis’ Firecracker 5K and 1 mile Sparkler Run (for July 4) and Clover Medical Solutions new treatments available thru VA. 2 Elected officials also attended and a third was represented by District Staff.

REDUX: 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

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/05/07/lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-lower-drug-costs-for-service-members-veterans/

Attendees: Alex “Butch” Topicz, Dennis Baker, John Folsom, David Johnson, Sam Kerce, Olivia Thomas, Tristan Thomas, Frank Roycraft, Ritaann Schultz, Chuck Howell, Hell Hewitt, Eric Smith, Marc Dickieson, Susie Caplowe, Dan Hendrickson, Tony Minichiello, Ed Gifford, Berline Belizaire, Charles LeCroy, Amanda Daugherty, David Wilson, Juan Gonzalez, Tom Carney, Col. Ronnie “Mike” Michael, Dan Stafford, Paula Hubert, Craig Benner, Dennis Hall, Roxann Dressel, Bill Ferris, Berline Belizaire, Rick Minor, Nic Zateslo, Mary LaBatt,Sonya Pace, Derrick Sykes, L J Stuckey, Althamese Smith, Akin Akinyemi, Michael Mann, Debra Mann, and Marianne Trussell.

Dennis Baker, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34 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 Eric Smith to deliver an opening prayer. John Folsom handed the microphone to David Johson to begin.

David Johnson, veteran, Kiwanis. Kiwanis supports families, children, andveterans. Call them for help.

Sam Kerce, Kiwanis. Thanked David Johnson. Bob Asztalos is honorary Race Director (Pia Woodley is involved) of the Firecracker 5k & 1 mile Sparkler Run, July 4, 2026, starting at 7:30 am at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. Register at: www.TallyFirecracker5k.com Handouts were available.

Olivia Thomas, Clover Medical Solutions. Services to US veterans. VA approved vendor. They offer pain control, socks for neuropathy, and many otherbenefits.

Tristan Thomas, Clover Medical Solutions. No report.

Frank Roycraft, Commander, VFW Post 3308. On Memorial Day the VFW will have a ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. at its cemetery (one of only a few VFW Posts with its own cemetery). After the ceremony at the VFW Post there will behamburgers and hot dogs with the band 1105 playing from 3-6. On May 21 therewill be a Sip, Paint & Shop event; for $25 you can do your own art! See him for details.

Craig Benner, Veteran Advocate, Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. June 12 will be Veteran Appreciation Day at his agency. VSOs and veterans are welcome to set up a table. Booths (tables) open at 11:00 am. If you have questions please see him.

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 (depending on weather) on the first Saturday of the month is held at the Ace Hardware in Killearn where Krispy Kreme donuts aresold. Stop by and please buy donuts.

Ed Gifford, Commander, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 25 starting at 11 am. There will be a raffle and the guest speaker will be David Wilson. After the ceremony there will be BBQ chicken. If it rains, the event will be held inside the Post.

Tony Minichiello, American Legion Post 49, Monticello. Raffle tickets are $5. The prizes are Reugers.

Juan Gonzalez, Vice Commander, Commanders Coalition. The Commanders Coalition is now a 501c(19) not for profit organization. The Commanders Coalition changed from .com to .org

Tom Carney, Bud West, Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 419. The next meeting is in July. On behalf of Gordon Lightfoot, Amvets raised $8,000 from their annual golf tournament. The next meeting of Amvets will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 at the Elks Lodge.

Akim Akinyemi, Leon County Property Appraiser. No report.

David Wilson, AmVets, Air & Space Force Association. There will be a dedication program at the Woodville School on May 19 at 9 a.m. The program will honor (7) men who went to the Woodville School and who died in war. Their plaque burned in a fire in 1980. A new plaque will be dedicated to their memory on May 19. Handouts were provided.

L. J. Stuckey, Adjutant, American Legion Post 502 in Bainbridge. Here to take advantage of good information. For more information, please call her at 505-651-6334.

Bill Ferris, CVMA 20-12. Veteran suicide is still a problem. Be there for a veteran. No report.

Roxann Dressel, Commander, American Legion Post 114, Crawfordville;Commander, American Legion District 2. The District 2 (DCC) meeting is Saturday, May 26 in Sneads at Post 241. Memorial Day in Wakulla County will be held at 10 am. The 3^rd Thursday of each month (May 21) there will be a “Veteran’s Meetup” at the Main Meeting Room of the Wakulla County Public Library from11:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Handouts were made available.

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

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

Paula Hubert, VP, Women Veterans Unite. No report. Happy Mother’s Day!

Sonja Pace, DAR. No report.

Robert “Bob” Asztalos, Fleet Reserve Association. No report. Thank you.

Chuck Howell, Big Bend Honor Guard. The Big Bend Honor Guard (BBHG) in April performed 14 interments at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). During the month of April approximately 264 volunteer hours were reported to the Veterans Administration. The BBHG has performed 1,546 interments thru the end of April 2026 since the TNC opened in 2015.

Nell Hewitt, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13. The Auxiliary will give out Poppies at various locations in Tallahassee. Please stop by. Unit 13 proceeds stay local (75%) and 25% to the veterans who make them.

Dennis Hall, Commandant 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, May 12. Lunch begins at noon and ends about 1:00. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the menu will consist of ham or turkey, salad, and Peach Betty. A donation is accepted. A new procedure has been established regarding procedure for attendees. You will not be required to sign in. Please be patient. Post 13 will hold its general meeting on May 14. May 15-16 is the Stand Down. Underwear (men’sand women’s) is needed. Post 13 is a collection point. On Memorial Day, May 25,there will be a ceremony at Tallahassee’s Oakland Cemetery at 11 a.m.

Eric Smith, Big Bend Honor Guard; DAV, Chapter 5. No report.

Ritaann Schultz, National Chair, Traumatic Brain Injury, American Legion Post 340. She is the National Chair Person for Traumatic Brain Injury. 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 6-30 with a free fish fry on Thursday, May 7.

Althamese Smith, Coordinator for Stand Down, Tallahassee Veterans Outreach. May 15 and 16, 2026, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm are the dates of the North Florida Homeless /At Risk Veteran Stand Down at the FAMULawson Center, 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee. No children are allowed at the event!! Handouts were available. Go to: www.Tallahasseeveteranorganization.org for details, services offered, and information. Pre-registration is required, ID must be presented, and veteran status must be verified. Free transportation is provided for those without means to get to the Stand Down. Showers will be available. Men and women underwear is needed.

Susan (Susie) Caplowe, Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative, Clinic Volunteer Coordinator. Thank you to everyone. Every Wednesday the volunteers go to Quincy to come to Lake Ella to give food stuff away to veterans. The Legal Collaborative starts every Thursday at 3.

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. Monday, May 18 will be the graduation of the Veteran’sTreatment Court in the courthouse. Thank you for all of your letters to the governor’s office; keep them coming.

Rick Minor, Represents District 3. However, anyone can call with issues. Veterans can contact him or Ben Bradwell.

Nic Zatelso, visitor. AI Policy.

Berline Belizaire, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. No report. Heather Stephens says thank you.

Amanda Daughtry, Congressman Neal Dunn’s Office. Call if you need help!

Colonel R.D. “Mike” Michael, Commanding Officer & Professor of Naval Science.
The ROTC Scholarship application for academic year 2027 has been open since April 2026 for Navy and Marine Corps. Please encourage rising high school seniors to apply. Four-year National Scholarship benefit, application checklist, and general requirements can be found at this link: Four-Year National Scholarship. Contact the local Navy or Marine Corps Recruiters for assistance with completing the application. The Marine Corps Ball will be held on Friday, November 13, with time TBD.

Dan Stafford, 3^rd Battalion USMC. The Marine Corps wants to establish a new

unit in Tallahassee.

Charles LeCroy, Past Commander Post 13. Thanks to all of you. Get involved.

Keep On Keepin’ On. Get involved and stay involved!

Michael Mann, Commander, Sons of the Legion. John Folsom gave his report.

Debra Mann, American Legion Post 13, President District 2. Theresa Briggs was elected President of District 2; she will assume her duties on June 14, 2026. Nell Hewitt was elected to represent the district at the national convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The District 2 moto is “small but mighty”. Debra dispersedhandouts on behalf of DAV.

Dennis Baker, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34. No report.

John Folsom, American Lesion Post 13. Thanks to all of you. The America Legion Memorial Day Ceremony is Monday at 11 am at Oakland Cemetery in Tallahassee. The Sons of the Legion has 3 units in District 2. The Sons arestarting to branch out.

Alex (Butch) Topicz, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, CVMA 20-12. The Fleet Reserve Association is fundraising to build a Navy memorial at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. 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.

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. The next quarterly Final Salute will be on June 24, 2026 at 3 pm. Please attend!! Melissa could not be here due to a conflictand sends her regrets. She asked me to share with you the following dates and times regarding Memorial Day at the Tallahassee National Cemetery: the Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. with flag placement on Thursday, May 21 at 3 p.m.* and flag removal on Tuesday, May 26 at 3 pm*. *means Weather dependent. A Memorial Day flyer created by the TNC was given to Juan Gonzalez for forwarding to Ed Hood.

Dennis Baker 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, June 3,2026, at 10 am at the American Legion Post 13 at Lake Ella.

FLYERS WILL BE IN THE WEEKLY REPORT ON SUNDAY

Wednesday, 10AM,
229 Lake Ella Dr.
Tallahassee FL 32303 as
Branch 34 of the Fleet Reserve Association will be leading the meeting

USS Liberty Veterans Association POLL results

Coalition voted 83% in favor of hosting the USS Liberty Vets this June. I will be discussing with the board how we can make this event happen. STAY TUNED

Post 13 is participating in the Homeless/At-Risk Veterans’ Stand Down at the Lawson Center on the campus of FAMU. The dates are Friday and Saturday May 15 and 16 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The greatest need for these veterans is underwear!! You can help meet this need by purchasing men’s boxer and/or briefs and bring them to the Post NLT Wednesday May 13. If you come and no-one is in the office, a box will be in the foyer for you to place your items. Please, only new underwear in the original packaging will be donated. All sizes are needed. The need is great and you can help. Thank you in advance for your donations.

Please invite your family and friends to the Post’s annual Memorial Day Service at Oakland Cemetery on Monday, May 25, at 11:00 am. Please arrive by 10:45 am. This is a solemn and emotional service and well attended. Our keynote speaker is our Post Adjutant Shirley Combass. Adjutant Combass is a veteran/retiree of the United States Army. Chaplain and Past Commander John Folsom’s granddaughter, Kaitlin Folsom will sing the National Anthem. Several political dignitaries will also be present. The Big Bend Honor Guard will present the closing honors.

Greetings, Team

In Leon County, the next Graduation for Veterans completing the VTCt program will be May 18. THIS Monday, May 4, 3 pm is your Next opportunity to observe a session of the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court (Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E), and maybe you will consider becoming an invaluable Veteran Mentor for the Vets working their way through the program and recovery. Several Vets are awaiting a Mentor.

Yesterday’s walk-in legal clinic involved our Team of 17 Volunteers again (including 6 attys) working with 11 Veterans and family members (Thursday, 4/30/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13. Plus we assisted several others by phone and email. The Leon County Tax Collector’s Office again helped several Veterans take their next step toward Reinstating their Driver’s Licenses! On Wednesday, the Food Delivery team (Khalid Shafi, Charles Robinson, Gregory Howard, Eddie McMillian, Sam Adams, and Leonard Bell) drove the truck and trailer load to various sites around the county.

REDUX: 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

Last week, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that U.S. Army Cpl. Joshua Corruth, 20, of Pompano Beach, Florida, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for March 13, 2025.

Corruth was buried in Lake Worth, Florida, on April 23, 2026

For the full story : https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4463697/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-corruth-j/

https://www.wftv.com/news/local/remains-korean-war-soldier-florida-identified-after-decades/QVVPTEV4TJEO5E6ABO7SET7H24/

Tallahassee DAR and SAR Chapter Contacts

I would like to involve the DAR and SAR chapters in Tallahassee during our July 2026 monthly meeting. Would the President’s and/or an appropriate officer please send us an email regarding this collaboration. It’s for the America250 celebration.

outpost1 at commanderscoalition.org

11th Annual FLHSMV Veterans Recognition Day

Friday, June 12, 2026

You’re Invited

Join us as we honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans at the 11th Annual FLHSMV Veterans Recognition Day. Veteran‑focused organizations are welcome to participate, exhibit, and speak with FLHSMV and Florida Highway Patrol members about their programs, benefits, and opportunities. FLHSMV is proud to be one of the most veteran‑friendly departments in the most veteran‑friendly state in the nation. This event highlights the strong partnership we share with organizations like yours.

Exhibitor Information

• Display tables provided
• Set up your materials beginning at 10:00 AM
• Showcase your services and connect with attendees
• To participate as an exibitor, email: craigbenner@flhsmv.gov

Event Location

KIRKMAN BUILDING
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32312

Schedule

• 10:00 AM – Exhibitor Set‑Up
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Veteran Organizations
Conference Room B201
• 12:00 PM – Presentation of Colors & Opening
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Presentations
Conference Rooms B202 & B203

Presentation areas and tables will be in the same rooms as last year.
Escorts are available in the front lobby.

Sauls-Bridges Post 13 has released their May 2026 monthly newsletter. It hasn’t been uploaded to their website yet, but when it’s uploaded it can be found at the link below.

News | Sauls Bridges FL Legion Post 13

Please join us next week for the monthly Meeting led by Branch 34 of the Fleet Reserve Association.

Greetings, Team

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

In Leon County, the next Graduation for Veterans completing the VTCt program will be May 18. Monday, May 4, 3 pm is your Next opportunity to observe a session of the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court (Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E), and maybe you will consider becoming an invaluable Veteran Mentor for the Vets working their way through the program and recovery. Several Vets are awaiting a Mentor.

This Thursday’s walk-in legal clinic involved our Team of 17 Volunteers (including 6 attys) working with 17 Veterans and family members (4/23/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13. Plus we assisted others by phone and email. Earlier, on Wednesday, the Food Delivery team (Khalid Shafi, Charles Robinson, Gregory Howard, Eddie McMillian, Sam Adams, Chris Bodiford, Johnnathan DeLille and Leonard Bell) drove the truck and trailer load to Veterans at Vet Village, among other sites (see picture).

Kudo’s to the extra effort volunteering for another walk-in clinic last Saturday, April 18, organized by the 2d Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Law Committee at Nims Middle School. The Veterans’ room for consults (5 people) included John Linney, Wayne Sprague, Khalid Shafi, Susie Caplowe and me.

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

The 59th anniversary of the attack on the USS Liberty is approaching this June. Would you be interested in attending a presentation by the USS Liberty Veterans Association? If you have never heard of the USS Liberty, I encourage you to watch the video below. ANYONE CAN VOTE. PLEASE VOTE.

Share this email so we can get a larger count among the Veteran organizations in our community.

Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34 will be leading the monthly meeting in May. We still need VSO’s to fill the remaining months of the year. Leading the coalition is a great way to get national exposure.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine honored the legendary Doolittle Raiders on the 84th anniversary of their daring raid on Imperial Japan at an event that also honored today's Airmen who continue in that bold tradition. This year’s celebration was April 17, 2026, and took place simultaneously with toasts sponsored by Air Force and Space Force units, AFA Chapters, and AFA members around the world. Watch the toast here

TODAY, April 19th 2026, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sauls-Bridges Post 13 is hosting another third Sunday gaming event. Bring your own board games or come and borrow a game(s) from the Post. There is not an admission charge for anyone to play. Snacks and soft drinks are available to purchase. We are encouraging families to attend and consequently the bar will not be open.

Greetings, Team THIS Monday, April 20, 3 pm is your Next opportunity to observe a session of the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court (Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E), and maybe you will consider becoming a Veteran Mentor for the Vets working their way through the program and recovery.

The walk-in legal clinic last Thursday involved our Team of 19 Volunteers (including 5 attys and an FSU Law student) working with 14 Veterans and family members (4/16/26) at American Legion Sauls Bridges Post 13. Plus we assisted others by phone and email. 5 Veterans were assisted by Elizabeth Revills from the Leon Tax Collector’s Office progressing toward reinstatement of their driver’s licenses. We also presented TVLC Commemorative Coins to 211 Veteran Eddie McMillian and also to FSU Law student Becca Vaillancourt for their many weeks of assisting Vets at the clinics.

On Wednesday, Veterans at Vet Village and Homefront appreciated the truckload of food delivered by the team this week (Khalid Shafi, Charles Robinson, Gregory Howard, Eddie McMillian, Sam Adams, Chris Bodiford and Leonard Bell).

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

VFW National Day of Service kicks off on May 2 this year. But you still have time to get your event on the map!

Take a look at what happens when you partner with others in your community to help others. This quick video from Post 658 in Georgia is sure to inspire you!

Here are five more quick ideas you can coordinate easily and make a big difference:

• Help stock shelves and sort food at a local pantry.

• Serve food at a homeless shelter and bring hygiene items, clothing, and other staples to donate.

• Visit a nursing home and bring activities and games to enjoy with residents.

• Clean up a local park, stretch of highway, or veterans’ cemetery.

• Volunteer at an animal shelter.

Sign Up Today

Still looking for inspiration? We have 100 Ideas for Day of Service to help you!

Senator Moody Leads Effort to Designate a Florida Museum as the Only National POW/MIA Museum and Memorial in the Country

“Prisoners of wars and soldiers missing in action deserve our prayers, support and recognition of their immense sacrifice. There is no better place to honor their service than Florida, because of our long tradition of supporting veterans. That is why I am leading the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act in the Senate to ensure Florida is the leader in preserving the memory of those who endured captivity and those who never came home. This effort is about keeping our promise to remember their sacrifice, stand with their families, and ensure future generations never forget the cost of freedom.”

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Source~ Office of U.S. Senator Ashley Moody

Benefits Available to Surviving Military Spouses in 2026

We are still seeking a Commander to lead Outpost 1

The primary responsibilities of the Outpost 1 Commander include:

1. Disseminating the monthly meeting minutes to Outpost 1 readers.

2. Ensuring that weekly VSO news and events are emailed in a timely manner.

3. Coordinating and setting up the monthly meeting.

4. Leading the monthly meeting in the event that no other Veteran Organization volunteers to do so.

5. Serving a one-year term.

These responsibilities represent the minimum requirements for the position.

Additional recommended but not required Duties:

— Participate and provide testimony annually at the Florida Capitol on matters related to Veteran legislation.

— Encourage other Veteran Organizations to share information about their activities and initiatives across Florida’s Big Bend region.

— Maintain strong working relationships with Outpost 1’s community partners.

As your current National Commander, I personally dedicate around one hour per week to producing and distributing emails for Outpost 1. While the role is not labor-intensive, it is highly important, as it provides valuable local and national exposure to Veteran organizations that rely on this support.

Eligibility Requirements:

Individuals interested in serving as Outpost 1 Commander must:

— Not be currently serving as an officer in a member organization

— Be an honorably discharged Veteran.

— Have prior experience serving in a Veteran Organization.

— Be elected to the position by a vote of Outpost 1 members.

Commanders Coalition is a 501(c)(19) Veterans nonprofit organization. All positions within Commanders Coalition, including the Outpost Commander, are unpaid volunteer roles.

Commanders Coalition is not a membership-driven organization. There is no expectation or pressure to recruit new members.

Our primary focus is on serving the Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) in our communities by ensuring that monthly meetings take place. These monthly meetings represent the core purpose and most important function of our organization.

If you are interested in this leadership opportunity, please express your interest so that we may move forward with the nomination and election process.

Video courtesy of WCTV

Tonight at 9:00PM, you can welcome home these heroes at the Tallahassee Airport.