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)
Stop by Fantail and say hello! A PROJECT: VetRelief representative will be available throughout convention to answer questions and provide informational material.
CONVENTION KICK-OFF EVENT
Hosted by PROJECT: VetRelief
Thursday, June 25 7:00-8:30PM
PROJECT: VETRELIEF ADVOCATE TRAINING (Fantail)
Thursday, June 25th 9:00–10:00AM OR Friday, June 26th 3:30–4:30PM During this class you will learn about the program and services of the organization, and learn best practices when facilitating casework. SIGN UP REQUIRED.
FUNDRAISING CLASS (Fantail)
Thursday, June 25th 10:15–11:15AM OR Friday, June 26th 4:45–5:45PM 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. SIGN UP REQUIRED.
GENERAL SESSIONS
PROJECT: VetRelief will be in attendance at Legion Family General Sessions to give you an update on our progress and pass out Meritorious Service Awards. If you miss us at General Session, no worries! Stop by and see us in the PROJECT: VetRelief room (Fantail).
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.
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.
Thursday, June 25th 10:15 – 11:15AM OR Friday, June 26th 4:45 – 5:45PM
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.
Sign up to become a VetRelief Advocate. Hurry, training begins this June at Department Convention!
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.
Carl served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Oriskany. He began his career in fundraising as a development professional with The Salvation Army in the Southern Territory and spent 30 years furthering their mission. Carl joined Special Olympics Florida in October of 1999 to lead the Capital Building Campaign and supervise construction of Special Olympics Florida’s new state headquarters in Clermont, Florida. As the Senior Vice President of Development, Carl was responsible for the oversight of all fundraising and development for the State of Florida. As the Chief Development Officer, Carl leads all fundraising initiatives for PROJECT: VetRelief. We are fortunate to have Carl and his 50 years of experience, fighting the good fight. Meet Other Team 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.
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!
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
Thank you Elizabeth Ricci for Fighting the Good Fight!
Attorney Elizabeth Ricci has been described as an “immigration law expert” on MSNBC’s Reid Report. She has worked in the area of immigration law since 1989. Ms. Ricci received the 2015 Second Judicial Circuit Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award for outstanding contributions for the good of the public. She was also profiled by Nova Southeastern University as an outstanding alumna for her work with US military veterans. The “Elizabeth Ricci Veterans Law Clinic Scholarship” was also established there in her honor. Ms. Ricci has been a tremendous asset to PROJECT: VetRelief, handling Immigration cases for our veterans Pro Bono. We are proud to have Ms. Ricci Fighting the Good Fight with us!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2014, we look towards the future for 2015…
In November 2014 The American Legion, Department of Florida announced the launch of their newest program, PROJECT: VetRelief. Within just two months, word has spread throughout the Legion Family via email, mail, and word of mouth. Many of you have viewed the new website, watched our originally produced videos, heard a presentation, participated in training, or visited with the PROJECT: VetRelief team at Fall Conference or here at Department Headquarters. THANK YOU all for your participation and interest!
We are excited to have covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time, but there is still so much work to do in 2015 and we NEED YOUR HELP to continue getting our message out there. Here’s how you can assist:
Fill out a Marketing Material Order Form and PROJECT: VetRelief will send you business cards, post cards, and posters to distribute in your community.
With your help, PROJECT: VetRelief will be able to engage more volunteers, conduct community outreach, implement new programs, and, most importantly, provide much needed emergency assistance and benefits support to more and more of our service members and their families across the state.
PROJECT: VetRelief Recognition Program
January 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015
Posts, Squadrons, Chapters, and Units will be awarded with the Meritorious Service Award and a corresponding level of achievement medal at the 2015 Department Convention, in addition to other benefits, in recognition of your support of PROJECT: VetRelief.
GOLD LEVEL
$30,000 Cumulative Contribution
Receives Plaque & Gold Dog Tag Emblem
SILVER LEVEL
$20,000 Cumulative Contribution
Receives Plaque & Silver Dog Tag Emblem
BRONZE LEVEL
$10,000 Cumulative Contribution
Receives Plaque & Bronze Dog Tag Emblem
PARTNER LEVEL
$5,000 Cumulative Contribution
Receives Plaque & Partner Dog Tag Emblem
(Note: levels of support are cumulative based on all individual donations from your Post, Squadron, Chapter, or Unit.)
SUPPORT BENEFITS
Present awards during Department Convention
Announce your support in The PROJECT: VetRelief Bulletin
Publicize your support through social media
Acknowledge your Post, Squadron, Chapter, or Unit on our website
Provide recognition in the PROJECT: VetRelief Annual Report
Extend advance invitations to PROJECT: VetRelief events
Thank you American Legion, Department of Florida for Fighting the Good Fight!PROJECT: VetRelief, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was launched as a program of The American Legion, Department of Florida with the expressed purpose of driving funds and services straight into the hands of Florida’s service members and their families. To do this, The American Legion, Department of Florida committed to fund all administrative, volunteer, and advocacy efforts, allowing contributions raised by PROJECT: VetRelief to funnel directly into service provisions.
Over 106,000 Veterans in our state live in poverty.
As Thanksgiving memories echo into the past, and we begin to prepare for Christmas festivities and fun, let us pause to reflect on the challenges facing those who bravely served our country and who are living right here in our communities.
We know that Florida is home to 1.6 million veterans
6.6% of our veterans in Florida live below federal poverty levels
Help us make a difference in the lives of these 106,000 veterans in need and consider making a year-end gift to PROJECT: VetRelief.
See How PROJECT: VetRelief Changes Lives
PROJECT: VetRelief recently released two originally produced videos! View these inspiring videos on our website or through our newly created YouTube Channel. Here’s what you can expect…
PROJECT: VetRelief Helps – Advocacy PROJECT: VetRelief and The American Legion, Department of Florida teamed up to help Vietnam Veteran, Stephen Holota, attain U.S. citizenship after 45 years.
Introduction to PROJECT: VetRelief Learn more about the program and services of PROJECT: VetRelief through firsthand accounts from our staff, VetRelief Advocates, and stories from the individuals we have served.
Special thanks to Chuckman Films for your time, talent, and belief in our mission.
Welcome to the Good Fight
Thank you Squadron 283 for joining with us to Fight the Good Fight! PROJECT: VetRelief is proud to have the support of The Sons of the American Legion, Detachment of Florida Squadron 283. Your generous donation of $6,000 will help engage more volunteers, conduct community outreach, and, most importantly, provide much needed emergency assistance and benefits support to more of our service men and women and their families across the state.
The American Legion, Department of Florida Announces the Official Launch of PROJECT: VetRelief
The American Legion, Department of Florida made an important announcement on November 8th at the 2014 Fall Conference – PROJECT: VetRelief is off and running!
Over the span of two very full days, the PROJECT: VetRelief team gave multiple presentations, unveiled a brand new website, released two original video productions, trained the first round of VetRelief Advocates, and distributed a substantial amount of marketing materials.
PROJECT: VetRelief strives to reach Florida’s service members and their families through Emergency Assistance, Benefits Support, and Community Engagement. The tremendous enthusiasm demonstrated by members of The American Legion promises to move PROJECT: VetRelief one step closer to accomplishing the vision of a nation where no service member stands alone.
Golden Polo Winner
Congratulations to Eunice Butts, American Legion, Department of Florida Central Area Commander, on winning the highly coveted PROJECT: VetRelief golden polo! Eunice was randomly selected from the list of emails entered during the 2014 American Legion, Department of Florida’s Fall Conference! Thank you to everyone who participated and signed up to receive our newsletter.
Congratulations to Eunice Butts, American Legion, Department of Florida Central Area Commander, on winning the highly coveted PROJECT: VetRelief golden polo! Eunice was randomly selected from the list of emails entered during the 2014 American Legion, Department of Florida’s Fall Conference! Thank you to everyone who participated and signed up to receive our newsletter.
R.L. James, Inc. Receives the 2014 Humanitarian Award
In addition to hosting a greatly successful 1st year golf tournament, raising $17,600 for PROJECT: VetRelief, Bob and Rita James are dedicated to training and employing veterans across the state. This clearly demonstrates a deep patriotism and passion for our country’s heroes, making R.L. James, Inc. the ideal recipient for the 2014 Humanitarian Award.
Check Out the Website
PROJECT: VetRelief has already received multiple requests for Emergency and Benefits support in addition to a few inquiries on volunteering – all through the brand new website! It seems that we are on the right track! Visit the website to learn more about PROJECT: VetRelief.
