Congratulations to Florida's Ted Costello for recieving the VAVS Volunteer of the Year Award this week in Washington D.C. The VA Volunteer Service (VAVS) Program is a program that allows Legionnaires to volunteer service at VA medical centers community-based outpatient centers, Vet Centers, nursing homes, state veterans homes and other facilities that support hospitalized veterans.

Past Department Commander Johnson E. "Johnny" Davis, 82, of Bronson, passed away Wednesday, February 24th 2010.  Johnny is survived by his loving daughters Gaye Weisbaum & Joy Tindall as well as a host of legionnaires and friends. As a Department Judge Advocate, Vice Commander, Commander and National Executive Committeeman, Johnny will be remembered by many as a dedicated, fun loving, and genuine individual. Although his life here with us has ended, his legacy will continue through his children, wife, family and friends.

No funeral will be held. If you would like to send your condolences please do so through his daughter Gaye Weisdaum at 3253 NE County Rd. 337, Bronson, FL 32621-5967.

On February 8, 2010 American Legion Post #155 helped commemorate the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America.  In honor of this milestone, Boy Scout Troop #370 was hosted for a celebration at Post #155 and awards were given out to include pinning the most covenant Award for a Boy Scout by raising to the ranks to Eagle Scout.

Fellow Legionnaires from American Legion Post #155 in Crystal River who give so much of their time to the Scouting program include John Coble Troop #370 Scoutmaster. Andy Freund Troop #370 Assistant Scoutmaster, John Hallowell Troop #370 Liaison and Bob Scott Boy Scout Committee Chairman. The BSOA is the largest youth organization in the United States, it has 2.8 million youth members and 1.1 million adult leaders in the programs of cub scouting, boy scouting and venturing has teamed up with the World's Largest Veterans organization The American Legion with over 2.5 million Veterans for the past 90 years.

The American Legion testified on Capitol Hill today, telling the House Veterans Affairs Committee that the $125 billion VA budget for fiscal 2011 is a much-appreciated result of advance appropriations for veterans health care – a cause the Legion has championed on for many years.

Legion’s National Commander Clarence Hill said that advance VA appropriations are “an extremely important step forward in the budgetary process, and will go far in giving veterans the health care they deserve.”

“We’re certainly pleased with this budget because it meets or exceeds most of The American Legion’s funding recommendations,” Hill said.

Jerick Johnson, driver of The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, and his Team Johnson Motorsports crew are in Florida this week preparing for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. The 80-lap race is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and will be televised live on SPEED.