Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 February 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 On February 3 rd a group of Post members were part of a historical event at the Capitol. Assemblyman Kevin Ki- ley, who was the driving force behind this first time ever Ad- journment in Honor of a Veteran delivered his speech at the Assembly. We then moved to the Senate, which was a last minute addition, where Senator Brian Jones delivered his Ad- journment. The man honored was 1 st Lt. Ryan Michael O ’ Bri- en who passed away on November 24 at the age of 98. He was a decorated World War II Veteran who had a monumen- tal impact on his nation and community. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Air Medals, the Order of the Purple Heart, and the European African Mid- dle Eastern Medal with 3 Battle Stars. On July 10, 2018, he received Legion of Honor Medal, the government of France ’ s highest civilian honor. His 484th Bomber Group was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their part in the destruction of oil refineries in Romania, depriving German troops of critical resources. Few of us arrived at the Capitol grounds early to stroll thru the park to visit the California Vi- etnam Veterans War Memorial, Purple Heart Monument and the California Firefighters Memorial. We then met with the rest of our group inside for a meet and greet with Assembly- man Kiley and representatives from other American Legion and VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. We were treated to a guided tour of the Capitol including both chambers and then we set- tled in the Assembly gallery awaiting the start of the after- noon session. You frequently hear that nothing gets done in the government. Well, we definitely witnessed it that day. The afternoon session was scheduled to start at 1 pm. And it did. The Speaker announced the Assembly in session and the roll call was read. Out of 80 Assemblyman that are elected to represent us, none were on the floor. Some started trickling in, sipping their coffee, talking to each other, checking their phones and looking into their computers. They continued to chat while a bill up for vote was being read, stopped talking to vote and then went back to chatting and visiting with each other. The Senate floor was a bit more composed but not even a half of its 40 members was present. These are the people that are supposed to represent us and work for us. We pay their wages and this lack of work ethics is outrages. So please, before you check that box on March 3 rd , make sure you have done your research. Look at it this way. You are the boss and they are applying for a job. Their resume is their record of accomplishments. What did they promised and what have they actually done? How many times did they flip on where they stand on some very important issues? Where is their agenda taking us? Are they running to better their lives or ours? Thank you, Steve Gall, Jim Monteton, Barry Fitzgerald, James Miranda and Ben Lehr, for joining me at the State Capitol. It was a long lunch less day filled with pride, honor and some disappointment, but well worth it. Here is a link to the video of the Senate Adjournment with a shot of us in the gallery. https://youtu.be/UsSibFuSPaM Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 First Lieutenant Ryan Michael O ’ Brien In February 1943, he enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training he was sent to the University of Arkansas, then on to Pre - Flight training at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. Ryan then attended the Pan American Celestial Navigation School at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. He graduated from there in June 1944 and was then commissioned a Second Lieu- tenant. Of the 250 cadets in his class at that teaching institution, Ryan was the only one to receive 100% on the final exam covering the theory of celestial navigation. Ryan then joined a 10 man crew at March Field in Riverside, Cali- fornia and began training in a B - 24 in July 1944. His very first mis- sion was on August 15th, 1944. It was the invasion of Southern France and was followed by an additional 34 air missions. On Ryan ’ s 35th Mission, his tail gunner shot down the 109 that had fired the 20 MM shells into the gas tank in the wing, but incredibly, those shells did not explode. The shells were all duds intentionally minus the firing mechanism that had come from Oskar Schindler ’ s ammunition factory in Czechoslovakia. This is what saved their B - 24 from being blown out of the sky, thereby adding Ryan ’ s crew; other American and Allied force crews to Schindler ’ s list of the 1,200 Jews that Oskar Schindler had saved from the gas chamber. First Lieutenant Ryan Michael O ’ Brien was awarded the Distin- guished Flying Cross; 4 Air Medals; the Order of the Purple Heart; and the European African Middle Eastern Medal with 3 Battle Stars. On July 10, 2018, Ryan received the government of France ’ s highest civilian honor; it ’ s Legion of Honor Medal. His 484th Bomb Group was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their part in the destruction of oil refineries in Romania. As a civilian, Ryan has called Fair Oaks, California his home for over four decades. During that time, he founded and was the Chief Executive Officer at the Mason ’ s Association. He was also the lob- byist in state legislature for that organization. Since retiring, Ryan has continued to remain very active in the com- munity. His organizational affiliations were many and included the American Legion Post #383; VFW Post #6158; Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #385; American Society of the French Legion as a Chevalier (Knight); Gray Eagles; P - 38; 484 Bomb Group Reunion Team ; Knights of Columbus and others. In his retirement, Ryan also remained very active at the State Capi- tol as a very passionate advocate for California ’ s veteran communi- ties. On March 19, 2019, Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (Granite Bay) honored Ryan ’ s service and sacrifice to country as well as his vol- unteer efforts to give back to the community once out of the Mili tary. With family and friends present Ryan was conferred an official state assembly Resolution presented on the floor by Assemblyman Kevin Kiley. On March 22, 2019, Senator Brian Jones (San Diego) officially “ Introduced ” Ryan on the floor of the state senate during session. All Senators present then honored Ryan. According to Senate Presi- dent Senator Toni Atkins it was the very first time she had to call that moving session back to order. On November 9th, 2019, Ryan received Special Congressional Honors for his lifetime of Achievements from Congressman Tom McClintock at the 9th Annual “ Spirit of Veterans Day...Saluting Community Excellence ” Recognition Ceremony. He was also hon- ored again at that Ceremony by Guy Michelier, Consul Honoraire de France. Ryan was married twice and his children from his first marriage include daughters Erin, Colleen, Patty and son Ryan Jr. Ryan Sr. passed away peacefully on November 24, 2019 at his home in Fair Oaks with his loving family present. Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 4 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 5 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 -- Novel Coronavirus Disease What you should know VA is working closely with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners, monitoring an outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (2019 - nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Cases have been identi- fied in the United States * and other international locations .* This new strain belongs to a group of viruses called corona- virus which can cause symptoms like fever, cough and short- ness of breath. VA has activated its emergency management coordination cell (EMCC) and is implementing an aggressive and collabo- rative public health response to protect and care for Veter- ans. At this time, no Veterans receiving care at VA have been diagnosed with 2019 - nCoV. United States is actively screening everyone who has traveled in China for this new disease. Americans who come back from the part of China where the number of infections is very high are required to limit close contact with other people and report changes in their health. VA has been planning for this type of event and is prepared to protect and care for Veterans who receive their health care from VA. What precautions to take Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the 2019 - nCoV in- fection and no medication to treat it. CDC believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. These basic health measures can reduce the spread of infection • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “ Happy Birthday ” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing. • Use an alcohol - based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with un- washed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and sur- faces. Getting a flu shot is recommended. What precautions to take when trav- eling The U.S. government has imposed travel restrictions for all non - essential travel to China. Additionally, U.S. citizens re- turning from the region will undergo enhanced screening pro- cedures. Generally, foreign nationals (other than immediate family of U.S. citizens, permanent residents and flight crew) who have traveled in China within 14 days of their arrival, will be denied entry into the U.S. If you have international travel plans, review this specific guidance for travelers .* What to do if you have symptoms If you have both • symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath and • have either recently returned from China or have direct exposure to others diagnosed with 2019 - nCoV. Call before visiting your local VA medical center to seek care. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. To avoid spreading the virus to others, follow the precautions listed above Taken from Veteran News. Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 My Military History (Part 1) My name is Alejandro J Candela but most people call me “ Alex ”. I joined the Navy in January of 1967. And like most recruits, from California, I attended “ Boot Camp ” in San Diego. Six weeks went by quickly because there was a war going on in Vietnam and the Navy needed to train us as rapidly as possi- ble. On the last day of Boot Camp, my Company commander gave me my orders and told me that “ Candela you are one lucky S O B because I was headed for Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii ”. I went home long enough to attend a small fare well party and say good by to my mom and dad and sisters When I arrived at Barbers Point, it was a Friday and I was in my Dress Blues and I was carrying a 60lb sea bag on my shoulder. If you ’ ve never been in Hawaii the first thing that hits you when you deplane is the humidity. And if you ’ re wearing wool Dress Blues, look out, you ’ re going to be cov- ered in sweat. On Monday, I reported for duty at Hanger 4, Met the X O and was assigned to the flight line where a squadron of 8 - U S 2B Submarine trackers where lined up on the tarmac. Even though the “ Stoofs ”, as we called them, were designated as “ Anti - Submarine ” they were all stripped of the electronic gear except the seats where the technicians sat. As a member of the flight Line Crew, we were responsible for maintaining the air craft in ” Flight Ready ” condition. That meant that we: insured the plane was fueled and ready for takeoff. We washed the plane on a periodic schedule, visually check the outside of the plane for loose cowling, damage, check the props and engines for damage, look for leakage of oil or hydraulic fluid and report the source on the checkoff sheet we carried, clean the pilot and co - pilot ’ s wind- shields inside and out, clean the interior of the plane from the Pilot ’ s area to the rear tail seat, where Plane Captain sat, and finally we would start up both engines and run the plane through its paces by checking the interior instrument panel, check operation of flaps, ailerons and rudder on the horizon- tal stabilizer and finally to insure smooth operation of both prop engines. Any discrepancies were reported on the pre - flight checklist and the plane was sent to the hanger to get repaired. What was the purpose of these Planes since all the gear capa- ble of detecting submarines was gone? These planes were used for Proficiency Time for all pilots, stationed at Barbers Point to continue getting their Flight Pay. They were re- quired to fly 4 hours a month and they flew these Stoofs to the Big Island which was about 3.5 hours. In order to make up the I/2 hour we would do “ touch - n - goes ” on other islands like: Lanai, Molokai or Kauai. On the Big Island we would land in Hilo and go to the restau- rant at the airport. They had the best banana cream pie I ’ ve ever tasted. Man, it was good pie!! During special holidays like: Mother ’ s Day and Valentine ’ s Day we would go into Spivey ’ s Flower Shop to buy flowers. I think the exotic mix would cost $7.50 of the most beautiful tropical flowers I ’ ve ever seen. We would load the plane with boxes and boxes of flowers to take back to the ones we loved. This Job assignment was one of the best assignments I ever had in the Navy. I loved every day of the two years I spent on the Island. It was Paradise!! Every thing was just fine until January 1969. ( to be continued ) Alex Candela Third Vice Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916 - 990 - 4895 US 2 - B Submarine Tracker Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 STOCKTON, California - William White, a 104 - year - old U.S. Marine veteran who earned a Purple Heart in World War II, is celebrating Valentine's Day this year like never before, surrounded by a mountain of 200,000 love letters and well - wishes sent from all over the world. The cards and notes to "Major Bill," a retired Marine Major who lives in an assisted living facility in Stockton, Califor- nia, began pouring in after a fellow resident launched a social media campaign called "Operation Valentine," asking friends and strangers alike to send greetings to honor Major White. At the outset, the goal was a modest 100 cards - about one for every one of White's birthdays - but the response has out- stripped all expectations. "It's just too fantastic," said White, surrounded by waist - high stacks of postal boxes filled with cards. On a recent day, White's great - granddaughter Abigail Sawyer, 9, delivered a bundle of cards from her fourth - grade class, many of them decorated with the American flag. A week before Valentine's Day, which lands on Friday this year, at least 70,000 pieces of correspondence had arrived from people in every U.S. state and several foreign countries including 50 cards from Post 637 members. So much mail has been delivered that White's family has had to enlist volunteers to help open the cards and read the warm wishes to White, who retired after 35 years of active service, including time in the Pacific theater of WWII, when he was wounded at Iwo Jima. For those sending Valentines, White represents something bigger than himself. Many of them have conveyed a deep ap- preciation not only to White for his service, but to all veterans who died too soon to hear their gratitude. A woman identified only as Jane told White that her late grandfather also fought in World War II as a U.S. Army para- trooper. Had he lived, she said, he would be turning 100 years old this year. "I miss him so much," she wrote. "By sending you this card, I feel as though I am sending my grandfather a card." It's all new to White, who said he never really celebrated Valentine's Day, even when his wife of 42 years was alive. "It's something I've never heard of or seen," White said. "All of a sudden here, like a ton of bricks. I'm sort of speech- less." Ron Myers Adjutant 916 - 723 - 7324 Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 River Cats Games We are working on two River Cat games. Opening day Tuesday April 14, 6:30 pm first pitch, and Military appreciation day, Sat- urday May 23 first pitch 7:10 pm. The tickets will be $20. Each and we will be on the third base side behind the home dugout. Please contact me if you are interested in attending one or both of these games. Thank you Steve Gall 1st Vice Commander Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 12 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion February 1 - Birthday - Hollywood director John Ford (1895 - 1973) was born in Cape Eliza- beth, Maine. Known for The Grapes of Wrath and The Searchers , he also served in World War II as chief of the Photographic Unit of OSS, and earned two Academy Awards for documentaries made during the war. February 3, 1943 - An extraordinary act of her- o i s m o c c u r r e d i n t h e i c y w a t e r s o f f G r e e n l a n d after the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester was hit by a German torpedo and began to sink rapidly. When it became apparent there were not enough life jackets, four U.S. Army chaplains on board removed theirs, handed them to fright- ened young soldiers, and chose to go down with the ship while praying. February 4 - Birthday - Thaddeus Kosciusko (1746 - 1817) was born in Poland. He served in the American Revolution, building the first for- tifications at West Point. He then returned to Po- land and fought against a Russian invasion. February 6 - Birthday - Legendary baseball player George Herman "Babe" Ruth (1895 - 1948) was born in Baltimore, Maryland. February 6 - Birthday - Ronald Reagan , (1911 - 2004) the 40th U.S. President, was born in Tampico, Illinois. February 8, 1910 - The Boy Scouts of America was founded by William Boyce in Washington, D.C., modeled after the British Boy Scouts. February 9, 1943 - During World War II in the Pacific , U.S. troops captured Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands after six months of battle, with 9,000 Japanese and 2,000 Americans killed. February 9 - Birthday - William Henry Harri- son (1773 - 1841) the 9th U.S. President was born in Berkeley, Virginia. He took office on March 4, 1841 and died only 32 days later after developing pneumonia from the cold weather during his inaugural ceremonies. February 10, 1942 - The first Medal of Honor during World War II was awarded to 2nd Lt. Al- exander Nininger (posthumously) for heroism during the Battle of Bataan. February 12 - Birthday - Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865) the 16th U.S. President was born in Hardin County, Kentucky. February 20, 1962 - Astronaut John Glenn be- came the first American launched into orbit. February 22 - Birthday - George Washington (1732 - 1799) was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. February 23, 1942 - During World War II, the first attack on the U.S. mainland occurred as a Japanese submarine shelled an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, causing minor dam- age. February 26 - Birthday - American frontiers- man "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846 - 1917) was born in Scott County, Indiana. 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 IWO JIMA at 75 The U. S. Marines invaded the island of Iwo Jima from February 19, 1945 to March 16, 1945. This was the first major defeat of the Imperial Japanese Army in 5,000 years. The Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945) was a major battle in which the United States Marine Corps and Navy landed on and eventually captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) during World War II. The American inv a- sion, designated Operation Detachment, had the goal of capturing the entire island, including the three Japanese - controlled airf ields (including the South Field and the Central Field), to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands. Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 18 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion A Little History ........................... The Four Chaplains , also sometimes referred to as the "Immortal Chaplains" or the "Dorchester Chaplains", were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943, during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. The relatively new chaplains all held the rank of first lieutenant. They included Methodist minister the Reverend George L. Fox, Reform Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (Ph.D.), Roman Catholic Priest Father John P. Washing- ton, and Reformed Church in America minister the Rever- end Clark V. Poling. Their backgrounds, personalities, and denominations were different, although Goode, Poling and Washington had all served as leaders in the Boy Scouts of America. They met at the Army Chaplains School at Har- vard University, where they prepared for assignments in the European theater, sailing on board Dorchester to report to their new assignments. George Lansing Fox In 1942, Fox volunteered to serve as an Army chap- lain, accepting his appointment July 24, 1942. He began ac- tive duty on August 8, 1942, the same day his son Wyatt enlisted in the Marine Corps. After Army Chaplains school at Harvard, he reported to the 411th Coast Artillery Battalion at Camp Davis. He was then united with Chaplains Goode, Poling and Washington at Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts, where they prepared to depart for Europe on board the Dorchester Alexander David Goode He originally applied to become a Navy chaplain in January 1941, but was not accepted. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he applied to the Army, receiving his appointment as a chaplain on July 21, 1942. Chaplain Goode went on active duty on August 9, 1942, and was selected for the Chaplains School at Harvard. Chaplain Goode was then assigned to the 333rd Airbase Squadron in Goldsboro, North Carolina. In October 1942, he was transferred to Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts and reunited with chaplains Fox, Poling and Washington, who had been among his classmates at Harvard. Clark Vandersall Poling With the outbreak of World War II, Poling decided to enter the Army, wanting to face the same danger as oth- ers. His father, who had served as a World War I chaplain, told him chaplains risk and give their lives, too — and with that knowledge, he applied to serve as an Army chaplain, accepting an appointment on June 10, 1942 as a chaplain with the 131st Quartermaster Truck Regiment, reporting to Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on June 25. Later he reported to Army Chaplains School at Harvard, where he would meet Chaplains Fox, Goode, and Washington. John Patrick Washington Father Washington's first parish was at St. Gene- vieve's, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He later served at St. Ve- nantius for a year. In 1938, he was assigned to St. Stephen's in Kearny, New Jersey. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack of December 7, 1941, he received his appointment as a chap- lain in the United States Army, reporting for active duty on May 9, 1942. He was named Chief of the Chaplains Reserve Pool, in Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and in June 1942, he was assigned to the 76th Infantry Division in Ft. George Meade, Maryland. In November 1942, he reported to Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts and met Chap- lains Fox, Goode and Poling at Chaplains School at Harvard. 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 Four Chaplains Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 THE STORM IS BEHIND US You have cast all my sins behind Your back. Isaiah 38:17 We shall never understand the extent of God's love in Christ at the Cross until we understand that we shall never have to stand before the judgement of God for our sins. All our sins - without exception - were placed on Christ, and He took the judgment we deserve. He finished the work of redemp- tion. Once while crossing the North Atlantic in a ship, I (Billy Graham) looked out my porthole when I got up in the morning and saw one of the blackest clouds I had ever seen. I was certain that we were in for a terrible storm. I ordered my breakfast sent to my room and spoke to the steward about the storm. He said, "Oh, we've al- ready come through that storm. It's behind us." If we are believers in Jesus Christ, we have already come through the storm of judgment. It happened at the Cross. Don't be bound by your guilt or your fears any longer, but realize that sin's penalty has already been paid by Christ - completely and fully. HOPE FOR TODAY Guilt is the game of the enemy; he wants you to focus on every wrong you've done or had done to you. Choose, instead, to be consumed with the Cross of Christ and em- brace the grace available to you. Luke 1:37 - "For the word of God will never fail". Taken from the book "Hope for Each Day" by Billy Graham Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 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 Stephany Sward Sgt. at Arms 916 - 967 - 7266