Commander Patrick Holcombe
2020 – 2021
Fellow Sons of AMVETS:
It is my sincere hope that everyone is doing well both physically and mentally as we emerge from these unprecedented times. The Sons of AMVETS organization has strived to make it through this pandemic with minimal damage; and it has been a daunting task. I do bewhen a sense of normalcy becomes commonplace we will have emerged stronger than ever before. An expression of gratitude is in order for the membership that didnt give up and fought to keep our mission of “Sons Serving Veterans” first and foremost; and for that I THANK YOU!
Since 2019 confusion has been most prevalent in our attempt to conduct the day to day business for the Sons of AMVETS as a whole. Meetings, elections, projects and functions were disrupted and even canceled. Most officers stayed in their perspective place due to this disruption. As we start to open back up, have fellowship and begin to have regular meetings, National Judge Advocate has offered a ruling for clarification to the Article pertaining to Comat all levels in upcoming elections. The CBLs state: Article VI, Section 6c (Departments), Article VII, Section 2c (Districts), Article VIII, Section 3f (Squadrons) all restrict the Commanders at those levels to 2 terms in office, which usually means 2 years in office. Most parts of our organization, however, did not hold elections in 2020. So therefore the JA felt he needed to make a ruling to address the confusion that could arise on the definition of term of service of the Commander. His ruling is as follows: “For any member who was elected at your annual meetings and State Conventions held in May and June of 2019, and then served without a new election being held since that time (due to not having a State Convention in 2020, etc.), this shall count as ONE term. Therefore, if a member was first elected in 2019 and served for 2 years without a new election being held, they are eligible to run again for a second term starting in 2021.”
On June 19th 2021 our State Convention will be held at the Rosen Center in Orlando. This is when our elections will be held to introduce a new regime to lead our Florida Sons into the future. It is a positive step toward the sense of normalcy we so desperately need. My wish is to have a good representation of Squadrons to vote for these officers. Make sure everyone at your Squadron has knowledge of the Convention and has the opportunity to register and attend. Included in this mailing is the registration form and the letter of ruling from the National JA. Please be aware this is time sensitive and if you are booking rooms through Department. This information needs to be in to me as soon as possible. Room cut off is May 17th but a room cant be guaranteed due to uncertainty of demand, so book early as possible.
Thank you in advance for your prompt attention in this matter.
In Fellowship and Service,
Patrick Holcombe
Commander Sons of AMVETS
Department of Florida
SOA Department of Florida State Convention
JUNE 18-20, 2021
Sons Meeting Sat. JUNE 19, 2021
Rosen Centre, 9840 International Dr. Orlando, Florida 32819
For room reservations phone 407-996-9840 – Rate $124.00 room tax included. Cut-off May 17, 2021
SPECIAL NOTICE: Please reserve your lodging AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Prior to May 17th, Squadrons may book thru Department by contacting Commander Patrick Holcombe at 850-259-9437.
Prepayment Required.
Squadron # _ City: ___________
To ensure that we have enough booklets, we need you to pre-register your Squadron members attending the June Convention. Those attending that DO NOT pre-register cannot be guaranteed a booklet.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS $15.00 PER PERSON. $20.00 AT SEC.
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TOTAL AMOUNT OF CHECK:___ Check #:____
POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN Friday JUNE 1, 2021
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: SOA DEPT. OF FLORIDA
ALL FORMS AND CHECKS TO BE SENT TO:
SOA Dept. of Florida
1st Vice Commander
Leroy Robinson
421 Cameron St.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
National Sons of AMVETS 4647 Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706My Fellow Sons,
At this time of year, as our States are beginning the slow process of mass vaccination and reopening of our economies and thus allowing meetings to happen, I thought I might get out ahead of one question I know I will be getting somewhat frequently over the next 3 months.
Article VI, Section 6c (Departments), Article VII, Section 2c (Districts), Article VIII, Section 3f (Squadrons) all restrict the Commanders at those levels to 2 terms in office, which usually means 2 years in office. Most parts of our organization, however, did not hold elections in 2020.
My ruling, therefore, is this: For any member who was elected at your annual meetings and State Conventions held in May and June of 2019, and then served without a new election being held since that time (due to not having a State Convention in 2020, etc.), this shall count as ONE term. Therefore, if a member was first elected in 2019 and served for 2 years without a new election being held, they are eligible to run again for a second term starting in 2021.
David Spencer
Judge Advocate
National Sons of AMVETS
MEMBERSHIP TRANSITION TO WEBSITE
Fellow Sons,
Official implementation of online membership has started.
Membership and the collection of dues is the life blood of our organization and one of the most basic responsibilities at the grassroots level. The Sons of AMVETS new membership process has been developed to allow for easy submission of data, increased efficiency, better tracking, along with real time, up to the minute, accurate roster data on a Squadron, Department, and National level. Our website is now your focal point for membership.
2021 Renewal Cards have been printed. 1st Vice Commanders or Administrative Assistants, in states with Departments, will be receiving cards soon and will distribute to the Squadrons. In states with NO Department, renewal cards will be sent directly to the Squadron from National Headquarters.
In states with Departments, ALL SQUADRONS should forward Dues and Remittance (D-n-R) forms to the Department 1st Vice Commander or Department Administrative Assistant. This is the same as in previous years.
In states with NO Department, Squadrons should forward their D-n-R to National Headquarters in Maryland. This is the same as in previous years.
Website Navigation Guides are accessible through the links listed below. These guides are provided so all members can better understand the membership process.
It is suggested that every Squadron leadership team review the membership introduction, GETTING STARTED. Additionally, CURRENT MEMBERSHIP, which is listed on the Squadron Profile page, should be checked for accuracy. Discrepancies, omissions, and/or required edits need to be reported to the next level ie: Squadron to Department, Department to National.
1st Vice Commander Paul Speigle, 2nd Vice Commander/Webmaster Mick Ciesla, and National Administrative Assistant Narcy Moran are available for assistance.
“NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES” Anonymous
Commander’s Project
Help Heal Vets
Commander Holcombe announced Help Heal Veterans as his project for 2021. We have had great success in the past supporting this outstanding organization and plan to have a close relationship with them as we serve our veterans.
Help Heal Veterans website
Veterans Mobility Assistance Program (VMAP)
Do you or a veteran you know need a scooter, powerchair, lift, etc.? The sons are here to help. Please download the form, fill it out, and email to Commander Holcombe. You will be contacted to find out how we can help.
CLICK LINK TO GO TO WEBSITE AND SIGN UP
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Thank You All for Your Donations!!
April 1st $50 #289…No winner
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April 3rd $100 #347…Justin M Dann…Post 32
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April 5th #130 $50 Squad 1992
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April 10th #012 $100 Hugh Grogan Post 32
April 11th #905 $100 Bob Droid Post 81
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Contact 3rd Vice Nate Wuesthoff
cell: (863)808-8273 email: nathancomar@live.com
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