Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y American Legion Post 637 December News Letter Dedicated to the men and woman that served in the United States Military. Their sacrifice maintained our nations safety and security. God bless all Veterans - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and may God continue to Bless the United States of America. Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion NEWSLETTER AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sylvia Thweatt - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays Yes, I said Happy Holidays. Did you know that there are several religious holidays being celebrated during December? There have been many conversations and debates about what is a proper greeting for this time of the year. I don ’ t do “ politically correct “ but I also don ’ t believe in forcing my way of life on others. This country was built by immigrants from all over the world who came here ready to embrace the American life. They left almost everything behind including families and all they had left was their religion and traditions. These have been passed on from generation to generation as the only connection to the Homeland and not to be disrespectful to the country that took us in. Americans used to pride themselves in tolerance and open - mindedness but that has changed and we need to bring it back. I for one will continue to be ac- cepting and respectful of others ’ choices as long as those are not forced on me. My parents, my sister and I too brought Czech Christ- mas traditions to this country. After my children were born, we integrated the Czech traditions with the American Christmas. We celebrated Christmas Eve with a special Czech Christmas dinner and then we opened presents from friends and family. On Christ- mas Day my kids opened their presents form Santa and I hosted traditional American meal. My kids are a bit older now and I have two little grandkids but we have kept our Christmas traditions going and I believe they will continue after I am gone. As you are surrounded by families and friends, consid- er how blessed you are to have them. If you know someone who is alone, please reach out to them. If you are alone, let me know. No - one should be alone at Christmas time. And while you are celebrating, please keep in your thoughts and prayers our military and first responders who are serving away from their fami- lies abroad or at home. I hope you all have wonderful Christmas and safe Hol- i d a y s I w i s h y o u a l l h a p p y a n d h e a l t h y N e w Y e a r Sylvia Thweatt Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 3 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ The American dream lives — not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- i c a h a s a f u t u r e , a n d a l l m a n k i n d h a s r e a s o n t o h o p e ” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 4 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y I thought it might be fun to make a list of the places I went while in the Navy, so here goes. It started with boot camp in San Diego California. Upon graduation I was sent to NAS Agana Guam. Had a rough go there, and was medevac to Oak Knoll Naval hospital in Califor- nia. After release - off to Treasure Island California where I received orders to Lemoore Cali- fornia for training in A4E electrical maintenance, and Plane Captain schools. When I got settled at the base I met three others that were going to the same duty station as I was. They were all aviation mechanics, and all had been in the same class at A school. From there we went to New Jersey. The next day - Boston to fly to Rota, Spain. After about seven days, we were loaded on to a C - 47 and off to Naples, Italy, stopping long enough for lunch and coffee, and then back in the air. This time landing in Athens Greece where we boarded the USS Forrestal, and reported to Attack Squadron 152. The ship pulled up anchor and after a line period we stopped for port of call Barcelona, Spain. Back to sea for another thirty days, ‘ this time it was Trieste Italy. From there we set sail for Pensacola, Florida. Another C - 47 Navy ’ s first class transportation, to NAS Olathe Kansas, who knew? Next stop our home base, NAS Alameda. That was June 1968 to November 1969. If you have any stories, please send them in for our news letter. Stephan Gall Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 5 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Merry Christmas Happy New Year From American Legion — Post 637, Citrus Heights Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 6 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n ’ t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history ’ s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion ’ s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering - out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3 - 3 with the tie - breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson ’ s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90 - mile high - speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president ’ s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. The GI Bill Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 7 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 8 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Christmas 1962 – from a soldier ........................... WOW, in thirty days it will be a year that I have been away from home. I was just 18 when I got here in January 1962. Now I ’ m 19. This year has been really wild. Here I am 7000 miles from CONUS and in October when I was celebrating my birthday, the Russian ’ s were trying to put nuclear weapons in Cuba. This is my first Christmas away from home. The temperature outside is a balmy 89 – not exactly white Christmas weather. There ’ s a really shabby attempt at a Christmas tree at the CO ’ s quarters and some of the guys have managed to pull a tree branch or two together in the middle of the hut. Many of the guys have received care packages from home – that ’ s what we call them – care packages. Not like those that C.A.R.E. actually sends to third world countries but for us it ’ s a real life savior. Any thing from home – pictures, cookies, tapes – and real food – not that crap they feed us and pretend it ’ s nutritional. My favorite item ’ s were an Italian Salami and home made chocolate chip cookies. Funny how the world seems a little more at piece during the Christmas holidays or at least for me. No enemy movement detected. No planes or heavy equipment either. Even radio traffic has slowed down. Power is on; lights are on; hot water available. The inspector general ’ s office will have some one here in a few days to see that we are being treated well during the holidays. We will even get real food – turkey (not in a can), gravy (from turkey drippings), mash potatoes (not powered), cranberry ’ s (not ‘ red stuff ’), pumpkin pie made from real pumpkins. Of course they will report back to Washington that all is well and the troops had a wonderful holiday. We hope that it will last. But sure enough, day after Christmas all hell brook lose. I made it back. Many didn ’ t. Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 9 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran ’ s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion ’ s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran ’ s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA ’ s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill ’ s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet - level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA ’ s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender - specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. American Legion – 100 years old and 2.5 million strong Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 10 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y This is a Keeper I received this from someone who thinks I am a 'keeper', so I've sent it to the peo- ple I think of in the same way Now it's your turn to send this to those people who are "keepers" in your life. Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Keep them close! I grew up with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen before they had a name for it. A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawnmower in one hand, and dish - towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A cur- tain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re - fixing, eating, renew- ing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more. But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospi- tal room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't anymore. Some- times, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away never to return. So while we have it it's best we love it. And care for it and fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true. For marriage, old cars and children with bad report cards and dogs with bad hip, and aging parents, and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, be- cause we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a class- mate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep them close! Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 11 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini - mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non - veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at public.inquiry@mail.va.gov. Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 12 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Wreaths Across America Day December 14, 2019 Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath - laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Who We Remember From the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts, our veterans are devoted sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. They come from all backgrounds in life to place those lives on the line for our freedoms. Where We Remember Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath- - laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. When We Honor While coordinating wreath - laying ceremonies each December on National Wreaths Across America Day is a big part of what we do, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out throughout the year. From our Remembrance Tree program to the Wreaths Across America Museum in Maine, there are many different ways in which you can get involved! Why We Do It We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedoms. In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appre- ciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Post 637 members at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery at Dixon Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 13 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sacramento County Veterans Services Established in 1946 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Veterans Services is respon- sible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans population of Sacramento County. DHA Veterans Services can assist you with the following: Service - Connected Disability Compensation Benefits Non Service - Connected Disability Pension Benefits Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Death Pension Benefits Aid & Attendance Entitlement VA Medical Care Eligibility & Access Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits California College Fee Waiver Program VA Life Insurance State Veterans Homes Requests for Military Records Discharge Upgrade Information Burial Benefits Other Ancillary Benefits & Programs - The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Person: 2007 19th Street Sacramento CA 95818 Phone: 916 - 874 - 6811 or E - mail: DHA - VET@saccounty.net ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost) Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 14 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Hello Post 637, Well its that time of the year once again! Time of the year where we eat to much, drink a bit and hope that everyone gets what they want and all are happy! However, there are those of our fellow Veterans that don ’ t have any of that due to an ongoing issue with how they think, how they process things and how they are helped. I speak of those fellow Veterans that suffer from PTSD. They are both young and old as the disease, just like losses in combat, does not discriminate when it comes to age. A few weeks ago I happened to have been in COSTCO and a lady in one of those electric buggies saw me wearing my Veterans ball cap. She immediately came over to me and said, “ excuse me but I am a girl of the 60’ s and I remember how you guys were treated when you came home! I wish that an apology would make things better but I know it won ’ t so can I just say Welcome Home ”? I was completely caught off guard by this wonderful lady and all I could do was to go over to her and give her a big hug and said thank you, you have made my day. As we spoke her daughter introduced herself and mentioned she was an Assistant Professor of Psychology at William Jessup University. She also mentioned that she assists some of the student Veterans with their PTSD issues. I thanked her for what she is doing and to please not stop to which she said “ NEVER ”! She asked if I knew of any Veterans that might show the symptoms of PTSD because she want- ed to give me some information that could initially help them. On the back of her business card she wrote the name of an app called PTSD Coach. She said that it was the best app she has seen that will initially assist those that feel they suf- fer from the malady. I checked it out myself and it shows being created by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. It provides educational infor- mation about PTSD, a check list to help with diagnosis, skills for managing symptoms, and resources for obtaining support. So if any of you members out there think you may know of someone that may suffer from PTSD give them the name of the app, PTSD Coach, let them know they can go on there and at least get an idea of what they have, what they can do and who they can get help from. It could mean the differ- ence between helping your fellow Veteran or seeing him possibly becoming one of the 22 per day. Some of you may have heard of the comic ventriloquist by the name of Jeff Dunham. He has some crazy characters in his act but the one I think I enjoy the most is the old guy Walter. He is a gruff and grumpy old guy that doesn ’ t care about anyone or anything. In fact his favorite line is “ I don ’ t give a damn ”. Well a couple of years ago Jeff did a Christmas special and of course as is his routine he brings out Walter first. As they go through the routine Jeff starts to end his segment and tells Walter “ Happy holidays Walter ”! Walter says “ Huh, what did you say ”? Jeff again says “ Happy Holidays Walter ”! Walter looks at Jeff and says “ You know what? I don ’ t know what you ’ re trying to do or say but screw you! Its MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Needless to say Walter does not believe in being “ politically correct ” and neither do I. So with that said I wish each and every one of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosper- ous New Year and I look forward to seeing a full house at the December meeting and pot luck! Thank you for listening, Paul Reyes Past Commander Semper Fidelis !!! Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 15 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y National home improvement retailer Lowe ’ s has expanded its everyday military dis- count program to include all honorably discharged veterans, as of May. The chain also has expanded the 10 percent discount to Lowe's online shopping, which will include free parcel shipping. It will provide for faster checkout and add the ability to use the discount at self - checkout in stores, said Lowe's spokeswoman Karen Cobb. But the procedure for getting the discount has changed: Active - duty service members, retirees and veterans must sign up online for the Lowe ’ s personal shopping card to qualify for the discount. This is not a credit card. Spouses and dependent children up to age 18 can also get the discount, although the online signup process doesn ’ t include an option for “ spouses ” or "children." "The discount is linked to a MyLowes account, which can be shared by a household, ” said Megan Lewis, a Lowe ’ s spokeswoman. “ Once the service member signs up for the dis- count program, it will be linked to a MyLowes card that can also be used by their spouse. ” Lowe ’ s has offered discounts to military members and veterans for more than a dec- ade. Previously, the 10 percent discount at Lowe ’ s was available every day to active - duty ser- vice members, retired military and other veterans receiving VA benefits who showed their identification. For other honorably discharged veterans, the discount was limited to three days – Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day. “ The verification process is designed to be a simplified one - time signup, ” Lewis said. “ Military and veteran customers can simply present their MyLowes card at checkout rather than show military credentials each time. ” Lowe ’ s Expands Military Discount Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 16 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Veterans Gallery – Veterans Building 401 Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA Now - Through December 26, 2019 Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 17 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y In Memory of the fallen Police Officer That died Post 637, On the 21st day of each month, we ask that all of you take a moment to show your support by remembering those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are still miss- ing in action (MIA), as well as their families. The Chaplain ’ s Corner Barry Fitzgerald Chaplain 916 - 692 - 5140 HEAVENLY HERALD "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 Christmas is not just a date on the cal- endar. It is not just an annual holi- day. It is not a day to glorify self- ishness and materialism. Christmas is the celebration of the event that set Heaven to singing, an event that gave the stars of the night sky a new bril- liance. Christmas tell us that at a specific time and at a specific place a specific Person was born. That Person was (in the words of an ancient Christian creed) "God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God" - the Lord, Jesus Christ. From the lips of Him who came fell these words: "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Like piercing trumpets, these words heralded the breaking in of the Divine to human history. They declared that Heaven had come to our rescue and that God had not left us to stumble alone on Earth's pathway. What a won- derful and glorious hope we have because of that first Christmas! HOPE FOR TODAY That first Christmas proved for all time that we are not forgotten, unloved or unwanted. Our God saw us in our wretched state and, like the father of the prodigal son, came running to our rescue. This was taken from the book "Hope for Each Day" by Billy Graham Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 18 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y December 7, 1941 FROM: Admiral Edward Kimmel, Commander in Chief of the United States Pa- cific Fleet TO: All major navy commands and fleet units Attack at the Pearl Harbor base. AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL One Moment of Silence for more than 2,400 Sailors, Marines and Soldiers that were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Oklahoma's casualties of 400 were second only to the USS Arizona, which lost 1,177 men. Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 19 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y POST 637 POST OFFICE R ’ S Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916 - 990 - 4895 Sylvia Thweatt Commander 916 - 792 - 9669 Ron Myers Adjutant 916 - 723 - 7324 Jim Monteton JAG Officer 916 - 726 - 9390 James Miranda Service Officer 530 - 919 - 5255 Jack Mintz Photographer 916 - 966 - 9041 Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 Richard Tkach Assist. Sgt. at Arms 916 - 723 - 1932 Barry Fitzgerald Chaplain 916 - 692 - 5140 Vacant Assist. Service Officer David Paige Finance Officer 916 - 801 - 8554 Vacant Assist. Chaplain Maynard Johnson 2nd Vice Commander 916 - 331 - 8716 Jim Monteton Historian 916 - 726 - 9390 Tom Sullivan Sgt. at Arms Volume 8 Issue 12 - December 2019 Page 20 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y I am very proud to announce that earlier this week, Sacramento County approved an ordinance that provides FREE business licenses to Veterans. This was an effort that I have been pushing for since I took office last year, because I believe we should do whatever we can as a county to support and honor our local veterans. Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices, and this is a small way we can acknowledge their service. To be eligible for this fee waiver, an individual must be a Veteran of the armed services, who has been honorably discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions from any branch of the United States military. The Tax and License Collector may require documentation as proof of military service and honorable discharge or release status to verify applicant eligibility. For more information about business licensing, click the link below: http://www.finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/BusLicFAQ.aspx