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FALPANAIRE Dedicated to Communications
Volume 58, Winter Issue February 2019
FROM THE FALPA PRESIDENT
As we begin a new year, we have new
opportunities to communicate effectively
with each other and with our organizations.
As a 25 year member of the Florida National
Guard, I can vouch for the importance of
communications, especially with people we
don’t see every day, but whom we have to work with in varying
capacities.
I deal with Soldiers, born in the 21st Century, who do not relate to
information in the same way their parents or grandparents do and
we have to be mindful that one day they will be in charge of not
only our social organizations, but our society. Conversely, I deal
with officers and politicians who are today in positions of great
responsibility, but do not truly understand how media works.
In today’s world of instant perception and instant reactions, we can
suffer from the prejudices of a single dissenting voice. It seems that
he who makes the most noise gets the most attention. Every phone
is a media device. Every person is a publisher. I encourage broad
participation and inclusion, but remember that you reading this are
the ones entrusted to represent our brand as the American
Legion. We must be savvy purveyors and consumers of the media
we relate to and convey to our organizations. Each one of you is
entrusted with carrying on the Legion legacy of selfless service and
patriotism, among our other shared values. Protect these values
and pass them on.
My pledge to you is that I am here to help you personally if you
want something more out of FALPA. Please bring your experiences
and recommendations to my attention and we can work together to
make this a more vibrant, more successful part of the Legion.
I challenge you as the gatekeepers of our official media outlets to
make sure the message of our great American Legion lives on
through thoughtful and insightful stories, essays, photos and
through every media outlet available. We must remain ready to
engage and relevant to the conversation. I look forward to hearing
from you at [email protected].
Yours in Communication,
Ralph Morales
2018-19 President
THE NEXT
AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT CONVENTION
WILL BE
Thursday, June 27 thru Sunday, June 30, 2019
Orlando World Center Marriott 8701 World Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
407-239-4200
FALPA Meetings Info will be provided in the next FALPANAIRE
Eleanor Amato Dennis Mallon
John Bastian Lionel Morais
Dottie Deerwester Robert Passarelli
Gordon Elton Post 40
John Faison Maria Renzulli
Jessie Figueroa Justin Rex
Wade Foster Sheri Rodriguez
Kurt Gies Gary Ruse
Carlos Gill John Sloat
Marty Goley Teresa Stong
James Grinis Wanda Thomas
Randy Holeyfield Carol Williams
Thomas Lathrop George Von Kantor
Make sure you get your
newsletter in before the deadline
of 1 May! Also, please ensure
you follow the contest rules
completely as described on page
6 in this newsletter.
GENERAL INFORMATION Did you know we have a Facebook page? Like us or post a comment.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-American-Legion-Press-Association-FALPA/154971781275869
Or access FALPA’s blog at: http://floridaamericanlegionpressassoc.org/wordpress
Did you get your PR Toolkit yet? Just in case you missed the link in a previous newsletter here it is again. Go to
http://www.legion.org/prtoolkit to download one. Or you can have a hard copy mailed to you by requesting one
at [email protected] . Need information on help obtaining a website for your post?
LEGIONSITES.COM
Don’t you think it’s time your post has its own Legion approved website? The American Legion has teamed
with Legionsites, and together since 2004, has designed individual, customized, sanctioned websites for Legion
Posts, Districts, and Departments. Newly designed websites are now available. They are professional in
appearance, easy to use with no HTML programming required. The web based content management system
needs no special software, is expandable, content editable and easy to update. The only required items you will
need to get started are a computer with a web browser and an internet connection of any type.
To view a demo of a post web site go to http://demo.legionsites.org. For more information about fees go to
www.legionsites.com or email them at [email protected].
2019/20 MEMBERSHIP DUES
If you have not paid your dues for the 2019 membership year they are past due and must be paid to catch up. The cutoff to pay your dues is 31 December each year. FALPA is still only $5 & NALPA is $15. You don’t have to join NALPA to join FALPA.
The address to submit your payment is Pat Johnson,
5430 Friendly St, Port St John, FL 32927.
The dues for 2020 will be collected at the Convention in June.
We appreciate your membership!
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTERS:
Ed White
Post 79
Chaplain’s Corner
By John Folsom, FALPA Chaplain
In the Early 1900's, Miller Walston was under age when he first enlisted to serve on the Mexican Border during the problem days with Pancho Villa. Miller was discharged when his age was discovered. Miller joined the Canadian Army prior to the United States becoming involved in WWI. When the U.S. enteedr the war Miller was released from the Canadian Army and joined the U.S. Army. Miller was in civilian service from 1925 until 1968 with time out for active duty service for WW ll. He was with the U.S. Army Corps of engineers. Miller's grandfather migrated to the U.S. from Germany. His grandfather served in the Union Army in the 1860's. Miller was raised by his grandparents. When the members of the household arose each day, the grandfather would say “good morning” in one of four languages. That would be the language for the day. His grandfather was fluent in: German, English, French, and either Spanish or Italian (?). Miller spoke German without an American accent. In late winter, Miller was in Germany or very near the border during WW ll. He was doing reconnaissance to determine where to put a pontoon bridge to cross a stream. Several days before, his command had captured a number of German Infantrymen who, were dressed in an all white cape to keep the snow off and to blend in with the surroundings. Miller took one of these capes and had it on when he was approached by four German soldiers. All, as well as he, were on skis to get over the snow. The Germans asked him what he doing there alone. He replied in perfect German, that he was identifying places where the American Forces may attempt crossing the stream. Challenging him no further, they went on their way. Underneath the white cape Miller was wearing all American gear including a Musette bag. This bag was donated to Sauls-Bridges American Legion Post 13 on October 25, 2018. Miller was one of the early members of Sauls American Legion Post 13, if not a charter member. Bridges was added to the name after WW ll. In the last days of his life, Miller was in a Tallahassee hospital. Rich Pouncey lll , a very good friend went to see him every day. Rich said his mind was as sharp as ever. Miller had been working on a sailboat and discussing the changing out of a bolt with Rich. All the sudden he turned his head, looked at the wall and with a loud stern voice said, ”DAMMIT! I SAID WAIT! I'M NOT READY! I HAVE THINGS TO DO!”. Then he turned his head back and started telling how much torque to use on the bolt. A little confused Rich ask him who he was talking to on the other side of the bed. Very calmly he said that it was one of his old Army buddies who wanted him to come on and go with them. Miller died several hours later. B. 21-FEB-1898 D. 26-NOV-1979 Very Respectfully, Rich Pouncey lll Paraphrased by: John Folsom
300 Funerals On November 10, 2018 the Big Bend Honor Guard commemorated it's 300 internment . The Honor Guard which originally started out of Sauls-Bridges Post 13 in Tallahassee was later transferred to the Support Committee of the Tallahassee National Cemetery. We offer Chaplain services, Flag folding and presentation, Taps, rifle detail, along with Pall Bearers if requested.
From left to right John Folsom , Jim Geuin, Jim Sigman, Chuck Howell John Froude, and Lee Mortimer.
Events of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 273 Madeira Beach, FL
Submitted by Carol Williams Public Relations
Local Military Children Feel the Love
In October 2018, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 273, Madeira
Beach, Florida, committed to helping as many military children as
possible have a special Christmas. Community Service Chair,
Sharon Abbotts, connected with Auxiliary member Joan Nichols and
her extensive list of community sponsors. On December 12 the
donations started rolling in to Post 273. Food bags from Walmart,
67 bicycles from various donors, hundreds of toys and clothing
items, and twenty five volunteers to divide it all. The gifts were
sorted among MacDill Air Force Base, Bay Pines VA, U.S. Army
National Guard and the VA in Manatee. Thursday, December 13,
the organization was completed, and representatives from each group
showed up to load up. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 273 is
grateful to every business and person who donated to this extremely
successful community effort for military children. Hands Across the
Bay, Walmart, Amscot, Aarons rentals, Fran Hursh Law Firm, Sun
Coast Chrysler Jeep, Chase Bank, Beggins Realty were a few of the
community donors. Many local individuals and businesses donated
items and money. American Legion Auxiliary 273 donated gift
cards for Christmas dinner food.
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
National Veterans Museum and Memorial Chronicles
Women in the Military
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), opened on
Saturday, October 27, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. The late Senator John
Glenn was instrumental in bringing the NVMM to fruition. The museum
received a national designation from Congress and President Donald
Trump in January 2019.
The National Veterans Museum and Memorial is a unique place,
dedicated to telling the stories of veterans. The story telling is not
separated by branch of service, conflict or gender of those who served.
The story of women in service is incorporated into the museum’s
narrative. NVMM stitches all stories together through video interviews,
audio recordings, touchscreens, handwritten letters and a time line. The
video story-telling features 24 inspiring women veterans. A few of the
stories are included below:
Bonnie Carroll, Air National Guard, 1982-2013, Iraq War
Bonnie served for 16 years as a transportation, logistics, and executive
officer. She founded Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
in 1994. President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of
Freedom in recognition for her efforts to provide support to families of
fallen service members through TAPS.
Jaspen Booth, Army, 2000-2018, Iraq War
Jaspen "Jas" Boothe joined the Army in 2000. In 2010, Jas founded
“Final Salute,” a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless women
veterans. Since then, “Final Salute” strives to assist the more than
50,000 homeless women veterans and children in over 30 states and
territories.
Senator Tammy Duckworth:
Tammy served in the Illinois Army National Guard. In 2004, she
deployed to Iraq as a helicopter pilot. She lost both her legs when her
helicopter was shot down by Iraqi insurgents. She retired from the
military in 2014, and has since represented Illinois in Congress, first in
the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, and currently serves in
the Senate.
Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and served 17 months in
an elite unit of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
National Veterans Museum and Memorial is the first and only national
museum dedicated to the stories of veterans, from their enlistment or
draft, to their reception upon coming home and life after discharge. The
exhibits throughout the museum honor veterans and educate civilians.
An education for the visitors on what it means to serve and perhaps to
inspire a military career.
Submitted by Carol Williams
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 273 600 American Legion Drive
Madeira Beach, FL
(excerpts from Joe Gose article January 7, 2019)
Florida American Legion Press Association
Fall Conference Meeting Minutes
The Florida American Legion Press Association (FALPA) meeting was called to order at the Renaissance, Sea World,
in Orlando Florida on November 3, 2018 at 5:33 pm by President Ralph Morales according to procedure.
Roll call was taken all Officers were present except: John Folsom, Byron Long and Stanley Gold
With twelve officers present, a quorum was met. Also present was, Steve Shuga the Executive Director of NALPA. A
prayer was given by Randy Holeyfield, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Minutes: Diane Schmidt motioned to suspend the reading of the minutes since they were published in the
FALPANAIRE, 2nd by Pat Johnson, vote was unanimous and passed.
Treasurer's Report: Pat Johnson gave a report, finishing with the total in our account as: $885.19. She reported that
supplies were needed to include: receipts, pens and other various supplies.
Membership Report: Pat Johnson reported that FALPA Membership is at 73 members, suggestion was made about
promoting membership to more Legionnaires.
Old Business: None
New Business: Executive Committee recommended the need to consider some type of fundraising, as membership is
not solely sufficient. A motion was made by Teddy Pomerantz to not exceed $120.00 for items needed in fundraiser, it
was seconded by Bob Bober, vote was unanimous and passed. Specifics on fundraising to be forwarded by email or
other communication prior to next meeting.
Chaplain's Report: No report, Chaplain was absent
Officer Reports: Judge Advocate Mark Johnson will review proposed amendments of by-laws for membership review,
so that membership will have a full scope of recommendations of the Executive Committee. Changes to be considered
in: Article II, Section 2 and Article XIII, Section 5 & 6.
A motion was made by Bob Colbert (Advisory Board Member) for meeting to be conducted, whether by individual(s)
or by the entire Executive Committee or General Membership by electronic means under Article IX, Section 2 a, b & c,
to amend said Article and Section. Motion was seconded by Nell Colbert, vote was unanimous and passed.
Members discussed scheduling of the FALPA/NALPA booth and it was the groups consensus that better
communication for manning the booth with members ready to volunteer. Randy Holeyfield gave a report that with the
conference agenda changing, usually within days of the conference, emails need to be answered quickly so as to
accommodate manning the booth an internal investigation will be made to determine a resolve.
Newsletter help was requested by Daryl Gray and Michael Clark (prospective new members).
Discussion was made to adjust the General Meeting times and/or room location at conferences/conventions, research
into it will be done, and more information provided to the membership.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:27 pm by a motion by Ralph Morales, seconded by Pat Johnson, vote was unanimous and
passed.
Rodney Holeyfield
FALPA Secretary
Annual FALPA 'Best Papers' Contest CATEGORIES: 1. District, Area, Miscellaneous Publications For District-wide, Area-wide or Regional-wide publications:
A. Legion publications B. All other district, area or regional publications (SAL, Auxiliary, 40&8, 8&40,etc.)
2. Larger Posts For all publications produced at the post level: A. Posts over 750 members B. Posts with 250 - 749 members
3. Smaller Posts, Units, Squadrons For all publications produced at the post level: A. Posts up to 250 members B. All other unit/squadron publications
4. Editorials Must have appeared originally in an American Legion or member publication within the contest year. A. George Hartley award -- Original effort of Editor B. Guest editorial (by lined or author identified) 5. New category rules coming soon for websites and social media.
Please read and follow the rules carefully.
Competition Year - Papers and editorials submitted must have been issued / published between May 1 and April 30.
Basis Of Judging - Papers will be judged on: Content (Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, local, county, district, state and national news, as appropriate); clear, concise and balanced writing; make-up; design and appearance; use of photos and illustrations.
Editorials will be judged on: Headline and lead arousal of interest; clear, concise and imaginative writing; Research and grasp of subject; timely and appropriate objectives suitable to publication.
Entry Instructions
· Must be a current member of the Florida American Legion Press Association · For categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 - submit three (3) copies of the papers if sent by mail, one (1) if sent by email. You
must have one copy of three separate issues. · For category 4, submit only one (1) editorial. Send the entire paper, put on the cover sheet the name & page number of the editorial. · For all entries, an identifying cover sheet must be submitted, to include the following information, typed or printed
neatly:
a. Name & Number of Post, District, Unit, Squadron, etc. f. Name mailing address, phone number of Editor b. Full address of Post, Unit, Squadron, etc. g. Name, mailing address, and phone number of entrant, if other than editor c. Name of Publication h. Editorials, include author name, editorial title d. Frequency of Publication e. Average circulation number
Entry Deadline Entries must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2019
mail to: Pat Johnson 5430 Friendly St, Port St John, FL 32927
Please mark the lower left corner of your mailing envelope or in the subject of your email: "CONTEST" and indicate the entry category for judging e.g., 2-A; 4-B; etc.
Annual NALPA Media Contest Please read and follow the rules carefully.
Rules for Basis of Judging:
1. Newspapers will be judged on: Content (Legion, Auxiliary, SAL) local, county, district, state and
national news, as appropriate; clear, concise and balanced writing; make-up; design and appearance;
use of photos and illustrations.
2. Editorials will be judged on: Headline and lead arousal of interest; clear, concise and imaginative
writing; research and grasp of subject; timely and appropriate objectives suitable to public.
3. Websites will be judged on: Department or Local information, site design, links, appropriateness of
information and attractiveness.
4. Social Media Sites will be judged on: Appearance and presentation; content, readability and
engagement; purposes and goals.
5. Visual Media: entries will be evaluated based on originality, clarity, be in perspective, quality,
purpose, veterans connection, interest and skill.
Entry Instructions:
1. Must be current member of the National American Legion Press Association.
2. Comlpete the facing page entry form. A photocopy of the page is acceptable to preserve the
wholeness of your NALPA newsletter. 3. For categories I., II., III. and IV., submit three (3) papers, one
each of three separate issues.
4. For category V. and VII., submit the electronic address (URL) for your website or social media site.
If you submit more than one URL, you must do a separate entry for each submission.
5. For category VI., submit only one (1) editorial. Send entire paper or tear-sheet containing the
editorial and date of issue.
6. For category VIII, submit up to three (3) photos that have been published on same subject or event;
or CD/ DVD or link to access video; or 3 copies of printed, digital art (do not send original
paintings/drawings, etc.) in their published vehicle.
Entries must be postmarked no later than May 31 of the current year. Send entry form/cover sheet and
entry for all entries to: Patrick R. Rourk
3 Morton St.
Norwood, NY 13668-1100
You must mark the lower left corner of your mailing envelope: “NALPA CONTEST” and indicate the
entry category for judging. (e. g., Printed Media - III. - B, or Web Media - V. - A, or Social Media –
VII - C, etc.)
President – Ralph Morales 9471 SW 15 St
Miami, FL 33174
786-303-1473
Vice President – Bob Bober 611 Palm Dr
Largo, FL 33770
727-512-1725
Secretary – Randy Holeyfield 213 Country Club Dr
Plant City, FL 33565
313- 716-0318
Treasurer – Pat Johnson
5430 Friendly St
Port St John, FL 32927
321-690-0791
Chaplain – John Folsom 622 Alice Wesler Dr
Tallahassee, FL 32310-1148
850-508-6417
Sgt-at-Arms - Nell Colbert
PO Box 2410
Goldenrod, FL 32733-2410
321-303-7445
Advisory Board (1 year) Mark Johnson 5430 Friendly St
Port St John, FL 32927
321-690-0791
Advisory Board (2 years) Steve Shuga
3355 Bellingham Dr
Orlando, FL 32825
407-394-5534
Advisory Board (3 years) Bob Colbert
PO Box 2410
Goldenrod, FL 32733-2410
407-619-9611
2018-2019
FLORIDA AMERICAN LEGION PRESS ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
Central Area VP – Remona Knight
740 2nd St SE
Winter Haven, FL 33880
863-294-8453
Eastern Area VP – Diane Schmidt
1180 Stevens St
Lake Helen, FL 32744
321-217-6699
Northern Area VP - John Folsom 622 Alice Wesler Dr
Tallahassee, FL 32310-1148
850-508-6417
Southern Area VP – Paul Bosco
12139 Roma Rd
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
561-281-8454
Southwestern Area VP – Vacant
Western Area VP – Byron Long
310 N. Devillier St
Pensacola, FL 32801
850-208-5247
Judge Advocate – Mark Johnson See Advisory Board (1 year)
Historian – Teddy Pomerantz
6573 SW 11th St
Pembroke Pines, FL 33023
203-494-9715
Trophy Chairman – Pat Johnson
See info at Treasurer
Advisor Emeritus – Stanley Gold
12601 S.W. 13th
St, Apt 112
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
786-423-2458
The FALPANAIRE is published three times a year by the Florida American Legion Press Association Editor – Pat Johnson, 5430 Friendly St, Port St John, FL 32927 [email protected] Circulation: 70
MEMBERSHIP FORM
Please fill out completely, and mail to the address below with your dues. You may include National dues with your State dues and they will be forwarded to NALPA
FLORIDA AMERICAN LEGION PRESS ASSOCIATION (FALPA)
NATIONAL AMERICAN LEGION PRESS ASSOCIATION (NALPA)
Today's date ____________________________
Members name in full _______________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS _______________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State _______________ Zip _______________ ----_________________ Phone ___________________________ Email address ____________________________________________________________ Legion/Auxiliary/SAL membership # _________________________________________
(Membership # required for NALPA membership) I am a member of POST/UNIT/SQDN ______________ DIST.________ AREA _________ NAME OF PUBLICATION ______________________________________________ Your Position on Publication ____________________________________________ EDITOR OF PUBLICATION ___________________________________________ F.A.L.P.A. $5.00 _______________ NEW ______________________________ N.A.L.P.A. $15.00 _______________ RENEWAL _________________________ BOOSTER ____________________ REINSTATEMENT____________________ YEAR ENDING _________________ CASH ___________CHECK ____________
Make all checks payable to:
FLORIDA AMERICAN LEGION PRESS ASSOCIATION (or) FALPA
Recruited By ___________________________________________________
MAIL TO:
FALPA c/o 611 Palm Dr Largo, FL 33770
PLEASE fill out completely and return with dues.
(Membership in National is optional, but desirable and required for eligibility in National Awards Competition.)
FALPA
c/o 5430 Friendly St
Port St John, FL 32927
