July 2026 Meeting Minutes 📝
COMMANDER’S COALITION MEETING – July 1, 2026, 10 A.M.
229 Lake Ella Dr. Tallahassee FL 32303
Minutes/Notes
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 250th 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 250th 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 250th Anniversary on July 4th 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.