NEXT ADVOCATE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

During The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Convention, we will be holding the next round of Advocate Training classes. The Convention will be June 29th-July 2nd and at Marriott’s Orlando World Center. We would love to have you join us and become a part of the PROJECT: VetRelief Team!

Class space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time. Both courses will be in the Atlanta/Boston Room of the Convention area.

• Thursday, June 29th | 1:00-2:00PM
• Friday, June 30th | 4:30-5:30PM

REGISTER NOW: CLICK HERE

Calling all trained Advocates – We need your help to answer questions, spark the interest of the Legion Family, and pass out marketing materials at the PROJECT: VetRelief booth in the vendor area. We will need volunteers for both Friday and Saturday. Let Jennifer Cooper know if this is something you’d like to do, as we’d love to have your help!

We look forward to seeing you there!

*Advocates must be a Legion Family Member – Legionnaire, Auxiliary or SAL Member

PVR CHALLENGE RESULTS

THANK YOU to all Posts and Squadrons that met the deadline and made a donation to help support Florida’s veterans, active duty military, and their immediate family members through our PVR Challenge. 

Here are the results through May 22, 2017: LEGION 32 Posts participated by donating a total of $21,891 SONS 19 Squadrons participated by donating a total of $5,671 CHALLENGE TOTAL: $27,562

If your Post or Squadron missed the deadline to submit your donation, there will be an opportunity for you to turn them in during the Department Convention this month. Be sure to bring your donations to your General Session and listen for the PROJECT: VetRelief Donation Call. Any Posts or Squadrons who plan to turn in a donation during the Convention, will receive a certificate in the mail following Convention.

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

For PVR Challenge Details, click here to visit the website

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

4TH ANNUAL RL JAMES CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT When: Friday, September 8, 2017 Where: Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando (Map It) Time: Registration 7:00AM | Shotgun 8:30AM Host: RLJames General Contractor The event is put on by the PROJECT: VetRelief Board Vice President, Bob James. We would love to see the Legion Family and all PROJECT: VetRelief Supporters join us for a day filled with fun and prizes, while raising money to support our service members! Stay tuned for more information and details on how to participate or learn about the new sponsorship opportunities! ________________________________________ 2ND ANNUAL ALR CORAL HEAD MUSIC FEST When: Saturday, February 17, 2018 Where: Marathon, FL (Map It) Time: 11:00AM – 11:00PM Host: Legion Riders Chapter 154 Legion Riders Chapter 154 has chosen PROJECT: VetRelief to be the main charity of choice for this year’s even and have set a goal to double their donation from last year. Let’s help them achieve that goal – Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are already available for sale. This is one event you will not want to miss, so start planning now!

PVR CHALLENGE – Don’t miss the deadline!

Don’t delay, get your donations in today! This is the last month for Posts and Squadrons to send in their donations to be eligible for awards during the Department Convention in June. Donations must be sent to Department Headquarters and post marked on or before May 31, 2017 to qualify. Year end meetings are around the corner. That’s a great time for you to vote and approve donations.

As you can see from our case support numbers below, the demand and need for our financial assistance program is there and only growing! More and more military families are learning of the wonderful opportunity we are able to provide them during their difficult times. And, since last year, we trending to double the number of families we’re able to help within a year – something we are very proud of!

However, it’s going to take the support from the Legion Family to continue our mission of providing the necessary assistance to our service members and their families. If your Post or Squadron has not gotten involved or sent in a donation to meet your PVR Challange goal, do so today!

It is our duty, as a veteran service organization, to be there for our veteran community, and this is one way you can do that! By donating to PROJECT: VetRelief, your impact gives us the ability to reach more families that need to keep their lights on, or stay out of the streets.

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Florida American Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to help your fellow veterans with the assistance they need!

For PVR Challenge Leaderboard and Details, click here to visit the website

Just A Few Weeks Until Department Convention

Want to be a part of the PROJECT: VetRelief Team? Seize the opportunity at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Convention, June 29th-July 2nd at Marriott’s Orlando World Center. We would love to have you join us for a class!

Class details have been finalized and are below. Both classes will be held in theAtlanta/Boston room in the Convention Area of the hotel. (view map) Class space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time. Anyone who signed up recently using the online VetRelief Advocate form will be sent the official class registration link.

Thursday, June 29th: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Friday, June 30th: 4:30 – 5:30 PM

(Class times are subject to change)

Registration Link: https://projectvetrelief.org/classregistration/

Calling all trained Advocates – volunteers are needed to answer questions, spark the interest of the Legion Family, and pass out marketing materials at our booth in the vendor area. Let Jennifer Cooper know if this is something you’d like to do, as we’d love to have your help!

We look forward to seeing you there!

In case you missed it…

The West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce held their 6th Annual Charity Ride on Sunday, April 9th. The event had several pit stop locations where riders and drivers could enjoy food, music, prizes, and a silent auction.

Several Legion Rider Chapters participated in the event and had a wonderful afternoon of fun and networking. Below, Post 6 Commander Jim Deal, our case worker Michael Beaven, and Post 255 Commander Loren King attended the check presentation at the Camber receiving the proceeds from the day-long event, $4,000!

Thank you to everyone who attended!

CONVENTION IS AROUND THE CORNER!

Want to be a part of the PROJECT: VetRelief Team? Seize the opportunity at The American Legion, Department of Florida Annual Convention, June 29th-July 2nd at Marriott’s Orlando World Center. We would love to have you join us for a class! Class details are being finalized, so days and times have not been confirmed. However, if you are interested, fill out the “Become a VetRelief Advocate*” form on the website, the link is below. The official class registration link will be sent to those who have signed up. Class space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time.

Become a VetRelief Advocate* Link: CLICK HERE

Calling all trained Advocates – Would you like to have another Advocate Round Table Discussion during this year’s Convention? The Round Table is a networking opportunity to get to know other Advocates and meet our new Case Worker, Michael Beaven. We also have a few new items to share and discussion topics to talk about. Let Jennifer Cooper know today if you’re interested. Also, volunteers are needed to answer questions, spark the interest of the Legion Family, and pass out marketing materials at our booth in the vendor area. Let Jennifer Cooper know if this is something you’d like to do, as we’d love to have your help!

We look forward to seeing you there!

*Advocates must be a Legion Family Member – Legionnaire, Auxiliary or SAL Member

Donate Now – PVR Challenge 

By now, you should have heard about the PVR Challenge. If not, you’re missing out!

The Challenge was initiated by Department Commander Joe Magee and the PVR Board President John Dollinger to help us reach our goal of providing financial assistance to a service member or veteran every work day – that’s 260 families in one year. The Legion Family can help us reach this goal! – If your Post has not gotten involved or sent in a donation to meet your PVR Challange goal, do so today! Your challenge goal is pretty simple, donate $1 for every member of your Post. We need all Posts and Squadrons to participate in this challenge so we can continue to provide the necessary help to Florida’s veterans and their families!

As a veteran service organization, helping veterans is what YOU do! By donating to PROJECT: VetRelief, you give our program the ability to reach more families who need us to keep their lights on, or a roof over their head.

All Posts and Squadrons who have made a contribution before May 31, 2017 will be eligible for awards and prizes at the upcoming Convention. So, don’t miss out!

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating in our Challenge!

 For PVR Challenge Details, click here to visit the website

The results are in…

Our Board Vice President, Bob James, travelled to Post 154 in Marathon, FL for the check presentation from the ALR Coral Head Music Fest. Little did we know that the check was for $16,200!!

Thank you to all members who dedicated their time and energy into throwing a successful inaugural event; especially Rich Anderson, the mastermind behind the entire event. 

They have already set a date for next year, Saturday, February 17, 2018. You won’t want to miss it!

Upcoming events

4/9/17 – 6th Annual Charity Ride West Volusia County, FL

Time: Registration – 9:30AM | Kick Stands Up – 10:30AM

Starting Location:  Foxhead Lounge 280 State Rte 415 Osteen, FL 32764 (Map It)

Host: West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce

Cost: $15/person *Additional Playing Cards for $1.00 each

All vehicles are welcome: Bikes, Cars, Trucks, Buses, etc. Click here for more details!

FUNDRAISING EVENT RECAP

A huge thank you to the Legion Riders Chapter 154 in Marathon, and SAL Squadron 92 in Hollywood for hosting fundraising events to raise money for our service members and their families!

ALR Coral Head Music Fest – 2/18/17

The Legion Riders Chapter 154 put on an all day music festival featuring several bands and vendors in Marathon City Park Amphitheater in Marathon, FL. The American Legion, Department of Florida Adjutant, Michael McDaniel, made the trip down with the PROJECT: VetRelief trailer to support the event. Also, PVR’s Board Vice President, Bob James, supported the event by becoming a sponsor with his company RL James General Contractor. 

Many event attendees came out to see the two headliner bands: Molly Hatchet and The Georgia Satellites. Be on the look out for the total amount raised from this inaugural event! 

The date for next year’s event has already been booked, Saturday, February 17, 2018. Mark your calendars now, because you won’t want to miss it!

Welcome – Michael Beaven

Please help us welcome aboard Michael Beaven to our team. He is our new Case Worker. Michael is an Army tank mechanic veteran and was stationed in Germany, Fort Knox, and Fort Benning. He joined the American Legion in Sellersburg, Indiana and moved to Florida in September 2014. Now, he’s a current member of Post 6 in DeLand.

 Mike brings a lot of experience and passion to our Case Worker position. It is his goal to help as many veterans as he can that meet the guidelines of funding. 

PVR Challenge Central Update

We have a goal for 2017 of having the ability to help one service member or veteran every work day. – If you do the math, that is 260 military or veteran families in one year!

We are well on our way to reaching that goal, as we are getting more and more financial assistance applications on a regular basis. However, our limited funds can prevent us from reaching this goal, even though we have plenty of families who still need our help. We have to have strict guidelines due to the lack of resources. 

But, YOU can help us reach this goal! – If you are a Florida Legion Family member, make sure your Post has gotten involved with the Challenge and has sent in a donation to meet their PVR Challenge Goal. Posts can make a one time donation or hold a fundraising event to meet your challenge goal.

As a veteran services organization, helping veterans is what YOU do! By donating to PROJECT: VetRelief you give our program the ability to reach more and more families who need us to keep their lights on, or a roof over their head.

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, you can still help us by making a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating in our Challenge! Way to go SAL Post 148 for staying in first place for the third month in a row!

 For PVR Challenge Details, click here to visit the website

Funding Guidelines

1. Veteran, Active Duty Military or Immediate Family Member (Spouse, Legal Guardian, or Child) 2. Honorable Discharge or General Under Honorable Conditions 3. Must be a Florida resident for at least 120 days 4. Show sustainability (debt to income ratio is in balance) 5. Provided for necessities: shelter, food, utilities, and some emergency transportation and critical medical expenses 6. Application / Interview does not guarantee funding 7. Funds are awarded on a case by case basis  8. Funds are granted one time annually

WE NEED YOU…

The demand has increased as more people learn about our newest Legion progam. In just the first 6 months of our fiscal year we have already helped 127 military families with financial assistance through the PROJECT: VetRelief Fund and National’s Temporary Financial Assistance program.

We are tracking to more than double the number of cases we did last year! Take a look at the graphs below showing the level of support given through the PROJECT: VetRelief Fund. You can see the drastic change in the number of support cases that we have provided to our service members.

They need us! And, we need YOU!

Now, more than ever, we need the support of the Legion Family to help us continue our mission of providing assistance to our service members in their time of need!

Here’s how you can help – If you are a Florida Legion Family member, get your Post involved in the PVR Challenge that was initiated at the Fall Conference. Posts can make a one time donation or hold a fundraising event to meet their Challenge Goals. Be sure to check out the PVR Challenge Central for details and leader board of participating Posts and Squadrons!

If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, join in one of our upcoming fundraising events, or make a donation to impact the lives of our service members.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

• 2/18/17 – Coral Head MusicFest, Marathon, FL – Come rock out during a full day concert event. Featured bands include: Molly Hatchet, and the Georgia Satellites. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Hosted by  the Riders Chapter 154 
• 2/18/17 – Clam Bake, Hollywood, FL – Only 100 tickets available for this event. Contact Jennifer Cooper to reserve your seat today! Hosted by SAL Squadron 92 
• 4/15/17 – Fundraising Event Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Hosted by American Legion, Department of Florida 3rd Vice Commander Rick Johnson. Details TBD.

Click here for more information on our upcoming events.

PVR CHALLENGE CENTRAL

Each month a leader board will be posted of all donations that has been turned in.

• The Challenge is Simple – Raise $1 per member of your Post
• Donations can be sent to:

PROJECT: VetRelief 1912A Lee Road Orlando, FL 32810

• Donations must be turned in by May 31, 2017 to count towards recognition awards
• Money raised during Post fundraising events will also count

By now, your Post should have received your Challenge packet from your Area or District Commander. If you have not received it, please contact them or Jennifer Cooper at the Department Headquarters.

Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating during our Challenge! Way to go SAL Post 148 for staying in first place for the second month in a row!

OUR SERVICES

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

We support our service members and their families with immediate financial assistance. The funds we provide are not a loan. We grant funds during a financial crisis, no strings attached. Our hope is to keep food on the table or the lights on while a family works through a trying time in their lives. By providing this temporary relief, we are able to deter the possibility of homelessness, malnutrition, loss of basic utilities, termination of employment, or deteriorating health and get them back on their feet.

Learn more about our Emergency Assistance Program

BENEFITS SUPPORT

PROJECT: VetRelief assures that our active and retired military members and their families can properly access and utilize the benefits earned with service. We can do this because we have been there. Our VetRelief Advocates have experience walking through the sometimes-tedious process of assessing benefits earned, applying for benefits, and then accessing those benefits properly. So, let those who have come before you light your path.

Learn more about our Benefits Support Program

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Whether transitioning from military to civilian lives, or during other heightened periods of adjustment and turmoil, we have been there. We have walked in the same shoes and we believe that no service member should have to face these challenges alone. PROJECT: VetRelief is committed to walking with our service men and women in both times of crisis and in times of celebration. We also provide opportunities for our veterans to then take the lead, when ready, to assist the next generation of veterans.

Learn more about our Community Engagement Program

FUNDING GUIDELINES:

1. Veteran, Active Duty Military, or Immediate Family Member (Spouse, Legal Guardian, or Child)
2. Honorable Discharge or General Under Honorable Conditions
3. Must be a Florida Resident for at least 120 days
4. Show Sustainability
5. Provided for necessities: shelter, food, utilities, and some emergency transportation and critical medical expenses
6. Application / Interview does not guarantee funding
7. Funds are awarded on a case by case basis
8. Funds are granted one time annually

2015 PROJECT: VetRelief Impact Report

Let’s look at what we were able to accomplish last year, our first full year of providing our programs and services to our service members and their families…

Most Generous Branch of Service Fundraising Campaign

Do you think your favorite branch of service is considered the “Most Generous”? The end of this month, we will be launching an online fundraising campaign to find out!

Who will it be? Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard? Click here to learn more

Upcoming Training Opportunities

We will be holding our next training courses during the American Legion, Department of Florida’s Convention, June 16-19th in Orlando, FL. There will be an Introductory VetRelief Advocate* Training Course and a Fundraising Course. Class space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time. To register, click here. For information on the American Legion, Department of Florida Convention, visit their website by clicking here. *VetRelief Advocates must be a Legion Family Member (American Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion members only).

Change of Address

We have changed our mailing address, and no longer have the P.O. Box. We are still located in the American Legion, Department of Florida Headquarters Office.

Please send all mail, including donations, to our physical address:

PROJECT: VetRelief

1912A Lee Road

Orlando, FL 32810

Holding a PROJECT: VetRelief Fundraiser?

Are you planning on holding a Fundraising Event to benefit PROJECT: VetRelief? We want to know about it and help promote your event on our new Fundraising Events Page on our website.

Please send your event information to Jennifer Cooper at the following email address: jcooper@floridalegion.org

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)

Friday, November 13th 8:30–9:30AM Saturday, November 14th 2:30–3:30PM

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)

Friday, November 13th 10:00–11:00AM Saturday, November 14th 4:00–5:00PM

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!