Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 April 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 4 - April 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 Paul Reyes - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER Hello Post 637, I have to say that I was quite impressed with the turn out for last month ’ s Post meeting. We had a full house plus a surprise guest in Ms. Sue Frost along with Charlie Thomas of The Eagle 96.9 and our old friend Wade “ Wild Wade ” Janes. A bittersweet time we had as, in case you did not know, Wade is moving out of state. He has purchased his first home in Reno, NV and has made it clear he wants us to visit when pos- sible! We certainly are going to miss him and his tasty BBQ! Times like at this meeting make me think about how short life can be. How quickly it can change and how we must be able to almost change at the drop of a hat. Or like my daddy used to say “ be able to stop and move on a dime and give 9 cents change ”! Our Post is starting a change and I for one believe it is a good change. We must all accept the change and flourish with it as I know good things will come with it. As we speak 1 st Vice Commander Sylvia Thweatt is starting preparations for this year ’ s various events and of course she will need help. At a recent committee meeting in going through the list of items that need to be done she was doing 8 out of every ten and that is not good. For everything that has to be done there is not enough time in the day to do that much. So why do I bring this up? Because I would ask that as many of you as possible please contact the 1 st Vice and offer your assistance. Even if it to just make a couple of phone calls it will cer- tainly help! Remember, it is YOUR Post! Thank you for listening, Paul Reyes Commander Semper Fidelis !!! Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 4 - April 2019 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 March is the Month for Nominations Post 637 it ’ s that time of the year once again that we need both your selections and eventual votes for a new Executive Board. As usual the positions up for nomination and vot- ing are a follows; Sgt. at Arms 2 nd Vice Commander 1 st Vice Commander Post Commander All other positions are appointed positions. I would certainly like to see some of our newer members maybe step up and accept a nomination or even an appointment. Change is always good and good change is even better. Nominations will be heard and accepted during our March, April, and finally our May meetings and voting will also be in May. Start thinking about who you might want in which chair and nominate them. However, I would suggest that you speak with the potential nomi- nee to make certain they are interested and will be a good choice. Paul Reyes Commander Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 2019 Page 5 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion AFV ACCESS FOR VETERNS Energy Solutions RUNNING A FUND RAISER? WE HAVE AN IDEA. SOLAR A ccess f or V eterans was started to raise money for VETERANS FOR LIFE a 501(c)3 non - profit organization. In addition to raising money for Veterans, we partner with other 501(c)3 non - profits, like Volunteers of America to help them raise money for their projects. Recommend Solar to Family and friends and neighbors and associates, if they are interested, Access for Veterans Energy Solutions will send a representative out to explain how solar works and makes sure SOLAR is right for them. Not all homes are right for SOLAR. Once your friend or family member decides to put SOLAR on their home and is installed, $250.00 is sent to your organization, school, or Church and $250.00 is sent to American Le- gion or VFW, and $250.00 is given to Veterans for Life. It ’ s a great way to raise money to assist veterans to get off the street and transition back to civilian life and a great way to help fund your programs. Harry G. Williams, President harry@AccessForVeterans.com 916 - 205 - 5352 Sid Williams, CEO sid@AccessForVeterans.com 916 - 990 - 6151 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 4 - April 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 Sylvia Thweatt 1st Vice Commander 916 - 792 - 9669 Veterans Building, San Francisco As a certified Tour Guide I belong to the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild. Among variety of other programs this organiza- tion offers training of various sites in San Francisco and sur- rounding areas. About a month ago I attended a training that included Davies Symphony Hall, The War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans Building. All three are impressive and beautiful buildings but I want to say a little about the “ Twins ”. They sit behind the City Hall, separated by a Memorial Court. Build in Beaux - Arts style, both structures commemorate U.S. veterans of World War I. The Veterans Building provides of- fice and meeting space for veterans ’ organizations and houses the 916 - seat Herbst Theater. The theater showcases several hundred performances each year. In 1945, the Veterans Build- ing and Opera House hosted ceremonies surrounding the sign- ing of the United Nations Charter. The area between the two buildings is called the Memorial Court. The octagonal lawn is where over the years honor was shown to fallen veterans by interring battlefield soils here Soils from World War I battle- fields were consigned there at the time of its completion. A similar ceremony depositing soils from World War II battle- fields took place following the 1945 signing of the United Na- tions Charter in the Veterans Building. In 1988, veterans groups held a ceremony interring battlefield soils from Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Egypt, England, France, Germa- ny, Guam, Italy, Laos, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. And in 2016, parents of fallen soldiers held a ceremony to add soils from Iraq and Afghanistan. Battlefield soils from other conflicts will be added in ongoing remem- brance of the courageous men and women who have given themselves in the service of freedom. “ Passage of Remem- brance ” a stone octagon is now enclosing that earth. The fol- lowing is a poem engraved in the path through the octagon. THE YOUNG DEAD SOLDIERS by Archibald MacLeish The young dead soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We were young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours; they are yours; they will mean what you make them. They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say; it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young, they say. We have died: remember us. The Young Dead Soldiers from COLLECTED POEMS 1917 - 1982 by Archibald MacLeish. Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 Kidnap Scam Update 01 ► Army CID Warning A parent in an Army family got a threatening phone call recently from someone claim- ing a child in the family had been abducted, and demanding money for the safe return of the child. The parent called the school and learned the child was safe and in class. Virtual kidnap- ping hoaxes aren ’ t a new type of scam, but because this recently happened to someone in the Army community, a warning has come out from officials at the Army ’ s Criminal Investiga- tion Command. The scam usually involves a phone call in which the caller claims to have taken a child or a loved one. The caller says something like “ I ’ ve kidnapped your kid. Send money or the kid dies, ” according to CID. Victims of this scam have reported hearing screams, crying or pleas for help, all effects that are fake to persuade the victims to respond to the demands. The scammers appear to choose their victims randomly. “ They dial sequential numbers until the call is answered by someone they can shock into believing that their child has been kid- napped, ” CID officials said in a release 27 JUN. “ The caller's approach is forceful, well scripted and can be very convincing." If you get such a call, the CID advises trying to end the phone call and then confirm the safety of the person who the caller claims to have taken or ask the caller to put the child on the phone. Do not confirm or tell them any details about you or your family, officials say. Re- member the scammers work on fear and impulsiveness to try to coerce “ ransom ” money from their victims. If you need to buy time, ask the caller to repeat the requests and tell them you need time to respond, officials advise. If you do suspect a real kidnapping is taking place, do not hesitate to contact the nearest FBI office, CID or law enforcement agency. [Source: ArmyTimes | Noah Nash | June 27, 2018 ++] Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 Stephan Gall 2nd Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 Reminder regarding usage of all American Legion emblems The American Legion - MAR 2019 The American Legion's National Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 1 during Spring Meetings last year to clarify the rules and regulations governing use of the name and emblem of The American Legion. This resolution was passed to ensure that everyone is in compliance with all of the owned trademark symbols and emblems relating to The American Legion – these include The American Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, Legion Riders, Legion Baseball, etc. The following is a message from National Adjutant Dan- iel Wheeler, National Judge Advocate Kevin Bartlett and National Treasurer George Buskirk about correct usage and approval of American Legion emblems. To: AMERICAN LEGION TEAM 100 From: National Adjutant, National Judge Advocate, Na- tional Treasurer Re: American Legion Emblems and Trademarks Greetings American Legion, As we approach The American Legion ’ s 100th anniversary, the three of us wanted to collectively con- gratulate the entire organization. The numerous accom- plishments in this first century of existence by this amazing veterans ’ group is something we all can be proud of. We look forward to our next successful 100 years. Now, as we move forward, everyone must con- tinue to be mindful of legal restrictions regarding our emblem ’ s usage. Whether it is the circle gold emblem, the words “ The American Legion, ” the American Legion Riders emblems or even "Boys State, ” the numerous trademarks are important to The American Legion and are patented. All of The American Legion emblems are owned by the national organization and licensed for use by posts, departments and other organizations that re- quest, in advance for review to National Headquarters, their use. Yet this license always requires pre - approval from the National Adjutant whenever there is any type of financial exchange. All uses may not be approved – for example, adding a different color or changing the emblem ’ s de- sign. The design of a new logo with the additional use of a current logo may not be legal, either. Additionally, The American Legion does not want any emblem to appear on tobacco, beer and alcohol products because such placement does not help our public image. Most important to remember is that the non - approved use of any American Legion - owned emblem is illegal and will not be tolerated. This advisory does not, of course, preclude posts, counties, districts or departments from normal promotions of American Legion activities, such as events to celebrate the centennial, nor does it mean that respectful commercial uses of the emblem will al- ways be denied. The key questions to ask when em- blem use is desired or requested can be found in Reso- lution 1: Rules and Regulations Governing Use of the Name and Emblem of The American Legion, passed by the National Executive Committee May 9 - 10, 2018. Those questions are: 1. Is the request of use for commercial purpose, outside normal post event promotion? 2. Does the request involve, in any way, reproduction of the name or trademarked emblems for commercial use by any entity other than the American Legion post? 3. If the emblem, other American Legion - trademarked logos and/or the words “ The American Legion ” or “ American Legion ” involve sale of any merchandise, does my post, district or department have prior written permission from the National Adjutant or the National Adjutant ’ s designated representative, specific to that use? Everyone in The American Legion is excited about the centennial and all the opportunities the or- ganization has to brand itself this year and in the future. Unfortunately, the opportunity also exists for The Amer- i c a n L e g i o n ’ s brand to be misused, exploited and even modified for the benefit of others outside the organiza- tion, occasionally for their financial gain. The American Legion has spent a century mak- ing itself one of the most trusted brands in U.S. history. Let ’ s be sure to keep it that way as we enter a second century of service to veterans, servicemembers, fami- lies and communities worldwide. Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 At last nights post meeting of the post (March 19), we presented certificates of apprecia- tion to the Eagle KSEG - FM for the on going support they give Veterans every day. Once again thank you. Also the post was saying a farewell to a great supporter Wade Janes aka. The Pit Master Supreme. I am sure we will miss you and your great cooking at the Veterans Appreciation Picnic that is held every August and the Battle of Bands / Battle of BBQ in October. Thank you to Sue Frost District 4 Sacramento County Supervisor for her support, always a pleasure having Sue in our house. Lastly not to be over looked is the one behind the camera, Maynard Johnson, just a shout out, and it is logged in my memory. Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 Wild Wade Janes As most of you might know by now, “ Wild ” Wade Janes, owner operator of Wild Wades BBQ is leaving and moving to Nevada. He has been a staple for us at the Veterans Picnic and a 3 out of 4 - time winner at the Battle of the Bands BBQ competition held every October. He leaves us wondering how we will ever be able to replace his great culinary expertise with the hamburgers and hot dogs every August at the Veterans Picnic! But we all know that he will certainly succeed in his new venture and Nevada ’ s gain is certainly our loss! Wade, with me in particular, was not just a business partner but my very good friend. We socialized often and we certainly had a lot of laughs. On more than one occasion when he would set up at the corner of Dewey and Madison Ave., he would ask me to come by. Not necessarily to come by and keep him company but rather as his lucky charm. It seems that if it was a slow morn- ing for him all I had to do was show up and sure enough the customers would start to roll in. Sometimes 3 and 4 at a time! If I tried to leave, he would say “ Oh no you don ’ t! I still have plenty to sell so just sit your behind down! And he would hand me a piece of brisket or sausage and of course very obediently I would sit down and enjoy my meal! Wade is one of the few none military friends that I have that can be called a Patriot! He loves our country and he show ’ s it by flying the national ensign every day from his home flag pole. He wears our nations colors proudly and knows and understands what the military is all about! Yes ladies & gentlemen he is a true Patriot! I will miss the great taste of his BBQ chicken, tri tip, and sausage. But what I will miss the most is his great sense of humor and especially his friendship! I wish him well in whatever he goes on to do and I hope he is not surprised if I show up at his doorstep asking for a freshly made piece of Tri - Tip. All the best to you little buddy!!! Paul Reyes Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a Veterans Service Organization in the United States of America, founded in 1946. The organization holds 34 chapters and 69 National Service Offices in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is based in Washington, D.C. The group holds a Congressional Charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. Paralyzed Veterans of America describes itself as having "developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members — Veterans of the United States who have experienced Spinal Cord Injury or dysfunction". It is also involved with promoting and protecting the civil rights of the disabled. Paralyzed Veterans of America says it delivers holistic recovery and transition for severely disabled veterans through integrative programs and services that fulfill all needs. These programs and services include veterans ’ benefits and PAVE program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment), medical services and health policy, research and edu- cation, architecture, government advocacy and legislation, and sports and recreation. In 2017, the organization cele- brated the passing of legislation that enables the VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment. The services will be available January 19, 2017 through September 30, 2018 and Paralyzed Veterans worked hard to achieve that suc- cess for its members. [1] The organization's professional staff is augmented by local chapters and at - large membership activities, corporate relations, and public/media engagement. While the organization's programs and services particularly target veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, it also offers services to able - bodied, ill, wounded, and injured veterans as well as to dependents, survivors, and caregiv- ers to the global disability community. All support is offered free of charge to veterans and families and without govern- ment funding. Programs are funded by the support of individual donors and corporate sponsors. The organization received a Gold Star rating from Guide Star [2] based on organizational mission, impact, financial data, and commitment to transparency in accordance with GAAP. PVA received a rating of zero out of four possible stars from Charity Navigator, based primarily on the fact that the organization spends less than one - third of its expenses on the programs and services it delivers, and more than two - thirds on fundraising and administration Mission Programs and services Ratings Paralyzed Veterans of America Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 Replacing Purple Heart Citation Sgt. Grit, In the 4 June issue, Sgt. Ron Myers, a Vietnam veteran, inquired about getting a re- placement Purple Heart citation. I contacted Mr. Mosley at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Here is his response: Mr. Dillon, Yes, this is a service that MMMA - 3 can provide for the veteran, please have him to sub- mit a signed request and we will be able to assist him in getting a replacement certifi- cate. Have the veteran submit the following items to the address listed below: 1. Signed request to MMMA - 3 - Requesting a replacement certificate for the Purple Heart. 2. DD214, service number or social security number so we can order his official records. 3. Have the veteran mail his request to the following address: HEADQUARTERS US MARINE CORPS MANPOWER MANAGEMENT DIVISION MMMA 2008 ELLIOT ROAD QUANTICO VA 22134 - 5030 Once we receive the signed request MMMA - 3 will do the following: 1. Order the veteran official records from Nation Personnel Records Center. 2. Review his records to adjudicate the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the purple heart during his tour in Vietnam. 3. Once adjudicated the certificate will be completed and forwarded to the veteran. 4. The veteran personnel records will be updated to reflect the awarding of the purple heart certificate. Sir, as soon as we get the request we will order his records, but depending how long it takes to receive the records this adjudication process could take up to six months. Wayne Dillon SgtMaj USMC (Ret.) 1975 - 2003 Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 CITY IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? The City of Citrus Heights is looking for volunteers at City Hall and the Community Center. Volunteer opportunities include reception desk, transportation permits, gardening, client reimbursements, filing, special projects, and much more. Volunteering is an easy way to get involved in your community. There is so much to do an not enough hours in the day to get it all done; volunteers bridge the gap, selecting work that is enjoyable and rewarding to them. We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and value the significant contribution they make; truly, we could not do it without them. Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 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 4 - April 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 Army Day - April 6 They ’ re there at the front line, holding positions in the most dangerous territory in any mili- tary theater. They march hundreds of miles with packs that easily way more than they do, carrying needed supplies and equipment into locations that are often under heavy enemy fire. For many of them, the constant sound of mortar fire is their lullaby, and a silent night is one to dread where the enemy can come at any time, and their plans remain largely a mystery to these noble men and women. Army Day celebrates these most fundamental of the armed forces, and reminds us of the sacrifices they make to protect home and country. History of Army Day World War II was in full swing when Franklin D. Roosevelt sat the American Presidency. He held an unenviable position at the time, leading the American nation into a war that followed on the heels of what had been called “ The War to End All Wars ”. Little did they know the war to follow would be the most devastating and destructive war in history, and more lives would be lost during it than could they possibly could have imagined in their worst horror - driven nightmares. Vital to the efforts of every member of the Allies was their military, and most importantly those men and women who crossed foreign ground on foot to defend, recover, and take enemy posi- tions that would alter the flow of the war. Army Day was established to commemorate all members of all armed forces and the civilians that support them. It was clear he truly understood the function of our military men and women when he cited them as “ A Mighty Arm of the Tree of Liberty ”, knowing that they were all that stood between the safety, security, and peace of those who fought against tyranny and the cruel and dominating forc- es of the Axis of Evil that sought to destroy it all. Army Day serves as a reminder that everything that we hold dear is thanks to the efforts of these men and women, and the blood they spill in the name of our freedoms. Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 April 11, 2017 – Happy Birthday Men of the Silent Service Jules Verne ( February 8, 1828 – March 24, 1905) was a French novelist and playwright that created stories of Voyages in a widely popular series of scrupulously researched adventure novels including one called “ Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea ” (1870). This was where Captain Nemo commanded a ship that sailed under the water. This was loosely based on the Tur- tle, also called American Turtle. It was the world's first submersible with a documented record of use in combat. She was built in 1775 by American David Bushnell as a means of attaching ex- plosive charges to ships in a harbor. Bushnell designed her for use against British Royal Navy vessels occupying North American harbors during the American Revolutionary War. Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull recommended the invention to George Washington; although the commander - in - chief had doubts, he provided funds and support for the development and testing of the machine. USS Holland (SS - 1) was the United States Navy's first modern commissioned submarine. The U.S. Navy purchased the USS Holland for $150,000. Commissioned on October 12, the sub was 50 feet (15 m) long, held a crew of six, and ran on electric batteries when submerged. When the boat was originally laid down as Holland VI, it was at the Crescent Shipyard of Elizabeth, New Jersey for John Holland's Holland Torpedo Boat Company, and launched on 17 May 1897. She was acquired by the USN on 11 April 1900 and commissioned on 12 October 1900, Lieutenant H. H. Caldwell commanding. Harry Handly Caldwell (February 5, 1873 – April 27, 1939) was America's first subma- rine captain. He became the first naval submarine commanding officer, of any nation, when he assumed command of USS Holland (SS - 1) on October 12, 1900 Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 April 3, 1860 - In the American West, the Pony Express service began as the first rider departed St. Joseph, Missouri. For $5 an ounce, letters were delivered 2,000 miles to California within ten days. The famed Pony Express riders each rode from 75 to 100 miles before handing the letters off to the next rider. A total of 190 way stations were located about 15 miles apart. The service lasted less than two years, ending upon the completion of the overland telegraph. April 6, 1896 - After a break of 1500 years, the first Olympics of the modern era was held in Athens, Greece. April 6, 1917 - Following a vote by Congress approving a declara- tion of war, the U.S. entered World War I in Europe. Note: The First women to Enlist - Philadelphian Loretta Walsh enlisted in March of 1917 and became the first Yeoman (F) in the Navy. Twin sisters Genevieve and Lucille Baker joined the Coast Guard. In August of 1918 Opha M. Johnson enlisted as the first woman in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. April 8, 1913 - The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified requiring direct popular election of U.S. senators. Previous- ly, they had been chosen by state legislatures. April 9, 1865 - After over 500,000 American deaths, the Civil War effectively ended as General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in the village of Appomattox Court House. The surrender occurred in the home of Wilmer McLean . Terms of the surrender, written by General Grant, allowed Confederates to keep their horses and return home. Officers were allowed to keep their swords and side arms. April 12, 1861 - The American Civil War began as Confederate troops under the command of General Pierre Beauregard opened fire at 4:30 a.m. on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. April 14, 1865 - President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded while watching a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford's Theater in Washington. He was taken to a nearby house and died the following morning at 7:22 a.m. April 14, 1986 - U.S. warplanes, on orders from President Ronald Reagan , bombed the Libyan cities of Tripoli and Benghazi in retali- ation for the April 5th terrorist bombing of a discotheque in West Berlin in which two American soldiers were killed. Among the 37 person killed in the air raid was the infant daughter of Muammar Qaddafi, Libya's head of state. April 15, 1912 - In the icy waters off Newfoundland, the luxury liner Titanic with 2,224 persons on board sank at 2:27 a.m. after striking an iceberg just before midnight. Over 1,500 persons drowned while 700 were rescued by the liner Carpathia which ar- rived about two hours after Titanic went down. April 18, 1775 - The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and William Dawes occurred as the two men rode out of Boston about 10 p.m. to warn patriots at Lexington and Concord of the approaching Brit- ish. April 18, 1906 - The San Francisco Earthquake struck at 5:13 a.m., followed by a massive fire from overturned wood stoves and bro- ken gas pipes. The fire raged uncontrollably for three days resulting in the destruction of over 10,000 acres of property and 4,000 lives lost. April 19, 1775 - At dawn in Massachusetts, about 70 armed mili- tiamen stood face to face on Lexington Green with a British ad- vance guard unit. An unordered 'shot heard around the world' be- gan the American Revolution . A volley of British rifle fire was followed by a charge with bayonets leaving eight Americans dead and ten wounded. April 21, 1836 - The Battle of San Jacinto between Texans led by Sam Houston and Mexican forces led by Santa Anna took place near present day Houston. The Texans decisively defeated the Mexican forces thereby achieving independence. April 22, 1864 - "In God We Trust" was included on all newly minted U.S. coins by an Act of Congress. April 22, 1889 - The Oklahoma land rush began at noon with a single gunshot signaling the start of a mad dash by thousands of settlers. They were seeking to claim part of nearly two million acres made available by the federal government. The land original- ly belonged to Creek and Seminole Indian tribes. April 27, 1865 - On the Mississippi River, the worst steamship disaster in U.S. history occurred as an explosion aboard the Sultana killed nearly 2,000 passengers, mostly Union solders who had been prisoners of war and were returning home. Birthday - Civil War General and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant (1822 - 1885) was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. During the war, he earned the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant and was given command of the Union armies. He served as President from 1869 to 1877 in an administration plagued by scandal. He then went on to write his memoirs and died in 1885, just days after its completion. April 30, 1789 - George Washington became the first U.S. Presi- dent as he was administered the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets in New York City. A little April History Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 Volume 8 Issue 4 - April 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 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 4 - April 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 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.