Fall Conference is right around the corner!

Want to be a part of the PROJECT: VetRelief Team?  Seize the opportunity at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Fall Conference, November 13-15th. Join us for a class, stop by to meet our staff, and let us send you home with marketing materials for your Post or upcoming events.  We look forward to meeting you!  Here are some opportunities to engage with us…

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE

PROJECT: VETRELIEF ADVOCATE TRAINING (Salon 8)

During this class you will learn about the program and services of the organization, and learn best practices when facilitating casework. Space is limited for both classes, so be sure to sign up today! SIGN UP REQUIRED.

FUNDRAISING CLASS (Salon 8)

Learn the Five Keys to Successful Fundraising. During this class, Legionnaires will be able to learn how to create a Classy fundraising page to raise money for PROJECT:VetRelief. Space is limited for both classes, so be sure to sign up today!  SIGN UP REQUIRED.

GENERAL SESSIONS

PROJECT: VetRelief will be in attendance during the Legion General Session to give an update on our progress and award our 2nd Humanitarian Award. If you miss us at General Session, no worries!  Stop by our vendor table and see us!

VENDOR BOOTH

PROJECT: VetRelief will have a table set up during the entire the Fall Conference. You will be able to pick up marketing materials, purchase PROJECT: VetRelief merchandise, and ask any questions you might have about the programs and services we provide.

That’s right, the highly coveted gold polo will be available for$35.  In addition, we will be offering an exclusive PROJECT: VetRelief hat for $15.  Stop by our vendor booth while at Fall Conference and pick yours up.  Quantities and sizing are limited.

OTHER FALL CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES

Immigration/Naturalization Seminar, Ms. Elizabeth Ricci – Salon 8
Friday, November 13th – 11:30am – 12:30pm

The Immigration/Naturalization Seminar is a comprehensive and informative presentation designed to arouse interest among eligible veterans, friends and families as well as the community on how to begin and complete the citizen naturalization requirements. Renowned immigration law attorney, Elizabeth Ricci, Esq., of the law firm, Rambana & Ricci, PLLC, Tallahassee, is presenting a Power Point focusing on current USICS laws and procedures and open the seminar to questions. The seminar is open to all veterans. Membership in The American legion is not a requirement to attend. Non-Veterans may attend if space is available.

Big Bend AHEC – Tobacco Cessation Class, Mr. Anthony Jones – Salon 8
Saturday, November 14th – 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Big Bend Area Health Education Center (Big Bend AHEC) is focused on improving Veterans’ health. Anthony Jones, a retired Veteran and previous smoker, is conducting a one-hour class and will give our Legionnaires the tools to quit smoking. He will not point any fingers or give a lecture; he is focused on listening and facilitating feedback.

FLORIDA LEGION RIDERS – ROUND ROBIN RIDE

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for your District’s Round Robin Ride benefitting PROJECT: VetRelief. Every District is in competition between one another trying to earn the most points. Rides will be going on now through November 8th, so be sure to contact your Legion Rider District Chairman for information on your District’s ride.

The District that has the highest point total, will receive this year’s Round Robin trophy at this year’s Fall Conference and will have a year’s worth of bragging rights! Online registration is up, click here to register. (Each early registration gets 50 extra points towards your District total)

Copyright © 2014 PROJECT: VetRelief, All rights reserved.

1912B Lee Road
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 270-9204

RL JAMES CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

In just a few short weeks, the 2nd Annual RL James Charity Golf Tournament will be taking place! There’s still time and a few spots left to join in on the fun! The tournament will be on September 25th at the Windermere Country Club with a morning shotgun. All proceeds from the event will benefit PROJECT: VetRelief.

For this year’s event, we are thrilled to have the Honor Guard from The American Legion, Department of Florida Post 331 attend the event. They will be presenting the Nation’s Colors before the tournament begins. The Orlando team just won the First Place trophy for the Military Class Division during the American Legion National Convention, for a second year in a row!

If you are interested in learning more information about the event or want to participate, visit our website or contact Jennifer Cooper for details.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT

On December 3rd, Coastal Construction Products, Inc. will be hosting a Sporting Clays Shoot in Jacksonville with proceeds benefitting PROJECT: VetRelief! Teams of four will be competing against one another for the highest score and bragging rights. Anyone can attend the event, but spots are limited. To learn how to register and for more details, visit our website.

VETRELIEF ADVOCATE TRAINING

We are excited to announce that our next VetRelief Advocate training will be during the American Legion, Department of Florida Fall Conference, held November 13th – 15th. The Fundraising Class will also be provided during the Fall Conference, led by the PROJECT: VetRelief Team. We will announce the class times and details once they are finalized.

We ask that VetRelief Advocates be trained once a year. So those who attended the training during Department Convention will not be required to attend this November. However, for tmake sure that you have turned in your Approval Form, signed by your Commander. We will mail out your certificate of training once we receive it and you will be added to our call list to help with Emergency Assistance visits.

RESOURCES

• Help raise funds to support service members and their families through thePROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program.
• Encourage signups for The PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin (newsletter).
• Need marketing materials for your next meeting or event? Fill out theMarketing Material Order Form and PROJECT: VetRelief will send you information to distribute in your community.
• Sign up to become a VetRelief Advocate.  Our next training will be this November at Fall Conference!

PROJECT: VETRELIEF POLOS

Didn’t have the chance to purchase the PROJECT: VetRelief Polo at Convention?  That’s ok; we still have some available! The highly coveted gold polo is yours for just $35.  Or, pick up our exclusive PROJECT: VetRelief hat for $15. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY! 

GIVING TUESDAY

This year, on Tuesday, December 1, PROJECT: VetRelief will be participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that celebrate and promote generosity. We invite you to join the movement and help us get the word out. More information about the giving campaign will be announced, as we get closer to the day.

WELCOME TO THE GOOD FIGHT!

We are very excited and honored to announce the new partnership with Big Bend Area Health Education Center, Inc. (Big Bend AHEC) located in Tallahassee, FL! As our first Gold Sponsor, they donated $30,000 to the programs and services of PROJECT: VetRelief!

Big Bend AHEC’s mission is to create and enhance community and academic partnerships to improve the health of rural and medically undeserved populations. Although AHEC covers many areas of health promotions, they have focused on serving veterans by placing emphasis on Tobacco Cessation Programs specifically targeted towards veterans and improving the health, education, and reliable resources for veterans within their surrounding communities.

As a part of their sponsorship, Big Bend will be able to facilitate free educational trainings on promoting veteran health within Posts in northern Florida.

Photo (from left to right): Anthony Jones, Big Bend AHEC Veteran Support Officer; Jennifer Cooper, PROJECT: VetRelief Creative Services Director; Albert Diaz, PROJECT: VetRelief Veteran Services Director

RESOURCES

Anyone who attending our VetRelief Advocate training during Department Convention, don’t forget to turn in your Approval Form signed by your Commander. We will mail out your certificate of training once we receive it and you will be added to our call list to help with Emergency Assistance visits.

SPREAD THE WORD

• Encourage signups for The PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin (newsletter).
• Fill out a Marketing Material Order Form and PROJECT: VetRelief will send you information to distribute in your community.

RAISE FUNDS

• Fundraise to support service members and their families right here in Florida through the PROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program.

VOLUNTEER

• Sign up to become a VetRelief Advocate.  Our next training will be this November at Fall Conference!

UPCOMING EVENT – RL JAMES TOURNAMENT

Bob James, President and CEO of RL James Construction, Inc., is dedicated to supporting veterans as a PROJECT: VetRelief Board Member, through fundraising and hiring of service members. He is hosting his 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament next month on September 25 at the Windermere Country Club. All proceeds from the event will benefit PROJECT: VetRelief.

If you are interested in learning more information about the event or want to participate, visit our website or contact Jennifer Cooper for details.

STAFF UPDATE

Help us welcome Albert Diaz to the PROJECT: VetRelief Team as the new Veteran Services Director! Albert retired from the United States Air Force after serving his country for 20 years. He has always had a passion for serving his fellow Veterans and local community. Albert will provide crisis intervention and case management services to our service members and their families.

Jessica Solis, previous Foundation Relations Director, and Cliff Collins, previous PROJECT: VetRelief Coordinator, have both left to pursue other career opportunities. We wish the two of them well in their new adventures!

PROJECT: VETRELIEF POLOS

Didn’t have the chance to purchase the PROJECT: VetRelief Polo at Convention?  That’s ok; we still have some available! The highly coveted gold polo is yours for just $35.  Or, pick up our exclusive PROJECT: VetRelief hat for $15. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY! 

CENTRAL FL UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

The PROJECT: VetRelief Team visited the Keiser University Orlando chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) to give an informational presentation. For their community involvement project, they have chosen to hold a series of fundraising events, such as hot dog sales on campus, to raise funds for PROJECT: VetRelief.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, Dr. Michael Cox, Student Veterans of America Faculty Advisor, and his wife, Sheree Cox, are trained VetRelief Advocates who have an office located on campus that is available for student veterans. They will be able to assist students with their benefits earned with service and help facilitate emergency assistance claims, as needed.

THANKS FOR VISITING!

Many of you seized the opportunity to learn more about PROJECT: VetRelief at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Department Convention…thanks for joining us!

PROJECT: VetRelief’s Convention Successes:

• 87 VetRelief Advocates trained during two classes
• 56 attendees learned the Keys to Fundraising
• 100% positive feedback from class attendees
• Nearly $1,000 in merchandise sold
• Distributed nearly 1,000 packets of information
• Gave out more than 8,000 brochures
• Signed up 70+ individuals for the PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin
• Noted a dramatic increase in awareness of PROJECT: VetRelief
• Awarded the first ever Meritorious Service Award
• Provided recognition & awareness during General Sessions

If you missed the chance to participate in training, don’t worry!  Additional classes will be offered at Fall Conference.  Until then, feel free to ORDER INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL and stay tuned for more details.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

This year we launched our Recognition Program to the Legion Family members for their generous contributions to Florida’s service members and their families.  THANK YOU all for your support and for joining us as we fight the good fight!

The Sons of The American Legion brought in an impressive total of $7,850.  And Squadron 283 received the first ever Meritorious Service Award for their contribution of $6,000!  Thank You…

• Squadron 283 (Meritorious Service Award Recipient)
• Squadron 252
• Squadron 79

American Legion Posts raised a total of $3,795 through individual post donations and a collective contribution made from the annual Southwest Ball.  Thank you…

• Post 43
• Post 88
• Post 120
• Post 317

American Legion Riders have done a great job spreading the word about PROJECT: VetRelief across the state and collectively raised $3,000.  Thank you…

• Chapter 120
• Chapter 309

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

In the span of just one year PROJECT: VetRelief has laid a lot of groundwork.  We have also experienced a tremendous influx of requests for Emergency Support, going from an average of 10 cases to 25 cases per day.  And we are still only able to facilitate about 15% of requests received due to lack of funds.  In order to meet the existing and future needs of our service members and their families, we need your help.  LEARN MORE.

ABOUT PROJECT: VetRelief

To better support our service members and their families, the Legion made a strategic decision one year ago to separate 3 existing service areas: Emergency Assistance, Benefits Support, and Community Engagement, into one entity, forming the newest program of the American Legion, Department of Florida – PROJECT: VetRelief.  Essentially, this allows us to enhance services, facilitate program growth, and better raise awareness and funds.  LEARN MORE

WAY TO GO SONS!

During The Sons of The American Legion’s General Session the PROJECT: VetRelief team was greeted with an overwhelming welcome, given Distinguished Guest ribbons, and received additional donations totaling nearly $17,000!  We appreciate how you have embraced our program and we look forward to working together to serve those who have given so much.

PROJECT: VETRELIEF POLOS

Didn’t have the chance to purchase the PROJECT: VetRelief Polo at Convention?  That’s ok; we still have some available! The highly coveted gold polo is yours for just $35.  Or, pick up our exclusive PROJECT: VetRelief hat for $15. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY! 

GOLDEN POLO WINNER

Thank you to everyone who signed up for our Newsletter during this year’s Convention.  Congratulations to Cynthia Johnson, winner of the highly coveted PROJECT: VetRelief golden polo!

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

We were so pleased to be joined by Mr. Bob James, the recipient of 2014/2015 Humanitarian Award, during the American Legion, Department of Florida’s General Session on Friday June 26, 2015. Mr. James is dedicated to supporting veterans, as a PROJECT: VetRelief board member, through fundraising, and the hiring of veterans.

Bob has been an inspiration to PROJECT: VetRelief and on Friday he was able to share with Legionnaires the results of our recognition program, launched just last year.  Thank You Bob and Rita!

The American Legion, Department of Florida, will host an Immigration and Naturalization seminar for all veterans in conjunction with the Legion’s Annual Department Convention.

The seminar will be held on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Tarpon Room of the Renaissance Sea World Hotel in Orlando.

There are approximately 640,000 foreign-born veterans in the United States today, with Florida having the second largest population of foreign-born veterans in the country.  The seminar will provide much-needed legal information to the veteran community.

The seminar will be moderated by award-winning immigration law attorney, Elizabeth Ricci.  Ricci is the managing partner of Rambana & Ricci, PLLC, Immigration Attorneys in Tallahassee.  She routinely serves as an expert with national media and is the author of “A Foreign-Born Vet’s Guide to Citizenship.”  Ricci has represented several foreign-born veterans at no charge.  One of Ricci’s clients, Vietnam-era veteran Mario Hernandez, will also speak at the seminar.  Hernandez’s citizenship case garnered international attention in 2014.

The seminar is designed to provide information to honorably discharged or honorably separated foreign-born US military veterans, or veterans currently on active duty who are foreign born but have not affirmatively naturalized.

Participation will be limited to 50 attendees. Contact Omer Smith at (386) 931-2700 or oesmith@earthlink.net for information.

Convention is nearly upon us!

Want to engage in PROJECT: VetRelief?  Seize the opportunity at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Department Convention. Join us for a class, stop by to meet our staff, and let us send you home with some very informative informational material.  We look forward to meeting you!  Here are some opportunities to engage with us at Convention…

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE

PROJECT: VETRELIEF Q&A (Fantail)

CONVENTION KICK-OFF EVENT

Hosted by PROJECT: VetRelief

PROJECT: VETRELIEF ADVOCATE TRAINING (Fantail)

FUNDRAISING CLASS (Fantail)

GENERAL SESSIONS

PROJECT: VETRELIEF POLOS ARE HERE!

That’s right, the highly coveted gold polo will be available for $35 at the Annual Department Convention.  In addition, we will be offering an exclusive PROJECT: VetRelief hat for $15.  Come on in to Fantail during Convention and pick one up.  Quantities are limited.

Classes during Convention

We are excited to announce our class times during the Legion Department Convention, June 25-28.

PROJECT: VETRELIEF ADVOCATE TRAINING
During this class you will learn about the program and services of PROJECT: VetRelief, and learn best practices when facilitating casework.

Thursday, June 25th 9:00 – 10:00AM
OR
Friday, June 26th 3:30 – 4:30PM

FUNDRAISING CLASS
Learn the Five Keys to Successful Fundraising. During this class, Legionnaires will be able to collaboratively plan a Fundraising Event for their Post or PROJECT: VetRelief.

VET RELIEF ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Gerald

Mr. Kaufman is a volunteer who believes in “veterans helping veterans.” As Service Officer, accredited by The American Legion, Department of Florida and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, he works closely with veterans in need of assistance and volunteers his time every week on the campus of Keiser University.

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Want to Fundraise for Our Service Members?

All funds raised stay right here in Florida!

Get started by filling out a Third Party Fundraising FormCheck out our PROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program

SPREAD THE WORD

• Encourage signups for The PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin (newsletter).
• Fill out a Marketing Material Order Form to order Promotional Items to share within your community.

VOLUNTEER

• Sign up to become a VetRelief Advocate.  Hurry, training begins this June at Department Convention!

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 Welcome to the Good Fight

Thank you Chuckman Films for Fighting the Good Fight!

PROJECT: VetRelief is thrilled to have the support of Chuckman Films. Chuck Green, principle of Chuckman Films, is an award-winning Orlando, Florida-based videographer, editor, and producer with over 17 years of wide-ranging experience in creative and collaborative digital video and television production for online, broadcast, cable, and motion pictures. Collaboratively, Chuck Green and his partners have been telling stories through still images, video, sound, and more for over a combined 60 years. Together, they help clients, just like PROJECT: VetRelief, share their story, reach and engage audiences, and accomplish their goals.

Meet Other Sponsors

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Calling ALL American Legion Family Members…

Did you know that in 2014 The American Legion, Department of Florida was only able to facilitate 15% of requests received for Emergency Assistance?

It is only with your help that we can provide Emergency Assistance to more and more of our 1.5 million service members residing right here in our own state.

Every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can make a HUGE impact on the lives of our service members and their families!

All contributing Family Members will be acknowledged at State Convention.

View Additional Details

CHECK OUT OUR JEEP

No really, check-it-out!
Have a local event where you want to promote PROJECT: VetRelief?  Draw more attention with the PROJECT: VetRelief Promotional Jeep. Contact Rachel Castleberry for details and availability.

Training Coming Soon!

We are busy preparing for the next training for VetRelief Advocates; which will be held during the 2015 American Legion Department Convention.  Once details are finalized, we will distribute a list of class times to those who have signed up to be a VetRelief Advocate. If you haven’t signed up yet, click here to sign up today!

RESOURCES

Get Engaged.  Stay Connected.

We Have New Brochures!

Fill out a Marketing Material Order Form to receive copies

                                    

SPREAD THE WORD

• Encourage signups for The PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin (newsletter).
• Fill out a Marketing Material Order Form and PROJECT: VetRelief will send you information to distribute in your community.

RAISE FUNDS

• Fundraise to support service members and their families right here in Florida through the PROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program.
• STAY POSTED – Third Party Fundraising Forms coming soon!

VOLUNTEER

• Sign up to become a VetRelief Advocate.  Hurry, training begins this June at Department Convention!

Welcome to the Good Fight

Meet the Team

Cliff Collins

The passion Cliff Collins has for our veterans and their families drives him to always do the best job he can. As the PROJECT: VetRelief Coordinator, Cliff facilitates all requests for service. He assists with filing out paperwork, processing claims, verifying requests, following up with applicants and community outreach.

Cliff attended Georgia Tech and the University of Florida. While enlisted in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971, Cliff received the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. Then in 2007, after launching two successful businesses over a 20-year period, Cliff joined The American Legion, Department of Florida and, as Cliff will tell you, this is the most fulfilling work he has ever done.

Meet Other Team Members

Veterans’ Appreciation Day

A Fun Day for a Great Cause

Orlando Harley – Davidson and the Florida American Legion Legion Riders are kicking off Daytona’s Bike Week by having a Veterans Appreciation Day Event with all proceeds benefitting PROJECT: VetRelief.

Join Us on Saturday, March 7th

For just $10, enjoy a scenic ride to East Orlando Harley-Davidson, a special commemorative gift, snacks and games. Then cruise over to Orlando Harley-Davidson’s Bike Week Swamp Stomp for a special ceremony honoring our Veterans and a party that lasts all day!

Learn More

PROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program

January 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015

In just 4 short months PROJECT: VetRelief will award the very first Meritorious Service Awards during the 2015 Department Convention.

Every dollar counts and we need your help to provide emergency assistance and benefits support to more and more of our service members and their families across the state.

View Additional Details

Resources

Get Engaged. Stay Connected.

• Fill out a Marketing Material Order Form and PROJECT: VetRelief will send you business cards, post cards, and posters to distribute in your community.
• Encourage signups for The PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin (newsletter).
• Raise funds to support service members and their families right here in Florida through the PROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program.
• Sign up to become a VetRelief Advocate.

Welcome to the Good Fight

Thank you Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC for Fighting the Good Fight!

Erik M. Pelton & Associates PLLC is a boutique trademark law practice located in Falls Church, Virginia.  EMP&A deals with anything and everything to do with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark and copyright protection.  PROJECT: VetRelief is pleased to have the support of Erik Pelton and his team – as advisors, advocates, and partners.

Meet Other PROJECT: VetRelief Sponsors

Meet the Team

Jessica Solis

In early June 2014, Jessica Solis joined the PROJECT: VetRelief team. As a highly motivated, energetic individual, Jessica seeks to leverage her creativity, communication and writing skills, in concert with her professional and educational nonprofit experience, to benefit the growth and development of PROJECT: VetRelief.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Central Florida and worked in advertising before entering the nonprofit world in 2011 where she gained extensive experience writing proposals and managing large-scale special events. As the Foundation Relations Director, Jessica is responsible for branding, content management and messaging, program creation, and fundraising through grants.

Meet Other Team Members

Credit: Highlands Today