Congratulations to the newly elected American Legion Officers for the 2020-2021 year!

Commander – Theresa Zipler

1^st Vice Commander – Debbie Lair

2^nd Vice Commander – Bob Lehmiller

Finance Officer - Doug Fivehouse

Chaplain – Cathy Cornish

Historian – John Cannon

Sgt. at Arms - Lon Hathaway

Adjutant – Doug Fivehouse

Service Officer – Bruce Smith

Immed. Past Cmdr – Armond LaFramboise

Executive Committee:

3 Yr. Member - Cliff Zimmerer

2 Yr. Member - Brandon Zylstra

1 Yr. Member – Glen Lathers

                           Jose Cortez

Department recognized Riders Chapter 152 or their hugely successful Virtual Ride. Check out the email:

From: Jennifer Cooper <jcooper@floridalegion.org>
Date: Tue, Jun 2, 2020, 8:03 AM
Subject: Virtual Unity Ride - FINAL District Totals

Good morning,

First, let me start off by saying CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of you for making our very first Virtual Unity Ride a HUGE success! The coronavirus pandemic forced us into canceling an annual event that we normally look forward to. However, in true Florida Legion Rider fashion, you took on the challenge and still provided the necessary support to our veterans! 

Not only were we able to collectively raise over $60,000 for PROJECT VetRelief's Suicide Prevention Initiative, but we had more participants over the entire state riding for one cause... ending veteran suicide! In fact, all but 2 Districts had Riders represented. 

Now, for what you all have been waiting for... The 15th District is this year's winner of the coveted District Trophy!! The trophy will be awarded during the Fall Conference in November, so we hope to see a large representation from the District. A SPECIAL shout out goes to Chapter 152 in District 15 for bringing in over $10,000!! What an outstanding accomplishment that you achieved, especially during uncertain times! 

Below is the final leader board with the breakdown of results.

DISTRICT TROPHY POINTS

*UR = donations made directly to the campaign and not an individual or team fundraising page.

• 1 point for every fundraising page created

• 1 point for every dollar raised

• 1 point for every Facebook post with photo from ride and using #iRideforthe22

COOL PRIZES

We will be sending out emails to everyone who earned incentives from their fundraising efforts. Since there will not be a Department Convention this year, we are hoping that the Legion Riders District Chairmen will be able to help us distribute everyone's items. This will help us save on shipping costs. Items will come pre-packaged, so you won't have to assemble them or figure out who gets what items. More information will be sent later.

SURVEY

Additionally, we are putting together a Survey to send out to everyone who participated to get feedback on our first virtual event. We are looking to incorporate something similar in future rides so that more people can participate. Please encourage everyone to fill it out so that we can make next year's event even better!

Again, THANK YOU for all that you continue to do for the American Legion and the veteran community. You guys truly are making a HUGE impact and we are grateful for your support and dedication!

Jennifer Cooper
Fundraising Director