NEWSLETTER June 2021 (1).pdf - Thurman

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Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 June 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 2 AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 NEWSLETTER FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY COMMANDERS CORNER Sylvia Thweatt - Commander of panic or inability to think clearly, they called you instead. They are unable to follow simple commands so now it’s up to you to get help fast. You think Fire Department, but it’s a rec- orded message stating the office hours and to call 911 in case of emergency. Really? The first num- ber listed for the Sheriff’s Department, or the PD is the same useless recording. What about an ER of the local hospital? They cannot and will not call 911 for you. But they may give you a number for LE dispatcher. All this calling and explaining It’s hard to believe that we are about half- just took time that the person in distress may not way thru the year already. Where did the time go? have. If there is someone in your life that fits that We had quite a crowd at the Sylvan Cemetery on description, prepare yourself now. Find out which Memorial Day. We were also very fortunate to law enforcement agency covers the area your per- have lots of community members along with the son is living in. They will list non-emergency Boy Scouts and Post members to come and help number and an emergency non 911 number. That to put up and take down the crosses and the small is the number you need, because you will be talk- ing to a live person, not a recording. I would also and large flags. suggest you start a conversation about purchasing I am one of those people that run “what if” a medical alert device. There are many different scenarios in my head all the time. I am not happy, ones available. it takes me sometimes to darker places, but I am I hope this information was helpful. Stay stuck with it. Well, surprisingly, this scenario safe and please reach out if you need ANY- never occurred to me. When you have an emer- THING. gency, you call 911. As far as I know, the center that receives your call is the closest one to you. Sylvia But what if someone else that doesn’t live in the same area as you is having an emergency. It could be a family member or a friend and in their state Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 2021 California Boys State with a Twist The 83rd session of Boys State is almost upon us. Starting on June 19 th, all delegates will start their training, not at Sac State, but at their homes, virtually. The Delegates I chose were two very bright young men. First to be chosen was Elijah Jackson. A very well-spoken young Man with a GPA 3.6. After school, he wants to study law at Stanford University and eventually become a Judge. He plays soccer and volleyball. What really impressed me the most about him, was his Com- munity Service Projects: working with a veterinarian and helping to feed the homeless at a lo- cal soup kitchen, Gabriel Delucio has a GPA of 3.9 He is a good student and has taken Honors Calculus, science classes, honors physical Science and he loves math and science. He plays soccer and in his spare time, he plays the French Horn. When he goes to college (does not know which one he’ll choose in the future) he wants to study computer science and political history. Oh, did I tell you he works at ‘In & Out’ burgers part time? He is an ambitious young man. Damien Grey is another good student who was picked as our Alternate. His GPA 3.86. He has belonged to several sports clubs, P E, computer science and art are his interests, In the future, he wants to finish college with straight A’s, His job is to wait until the session starting time to see if anyone drops out so he can be elevated to Delegate level. The session ends on the evening of the 25th of June, when the parents can celebrate with their Delegate sons how ever seems appreciate. Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916-215-0685 Sick Call But doing well Back at the helm soon Go Navy! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY “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- ica has a future, and all mankind has reason to hope.” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Fees at national parks waived for veterans, Interior officials did not provide cost estimates for the move, but said that the policy change will affect about Gold Star families have started. 2,000 public locations across the country. Fees for the sites can range from a few dollars per person to nearly Starting in 2020, veterans and Gold Star families will be $100 for some weekly and annual passes. able to visit National Parks and other public lands for free, under a new initiative from the Department of the Interior For free access to the sites, veterans will have to pre- announced on Wednesday, November 11. sent a Department of Defense Identification Card, a Active-duty service members and their families are al- Veteran Health Identification Card, a government-issued ready granted free access to those sites under existing Veteran ID Card or a state-issued U.S. driver’s license department rules. The new announcement broadens or identification card confirming an individual’s status as that benefit to more than 20 million more individuals in a veteran. recognition of their service and sacrifice on behalf of the country. Gold Star family members can use similar Defense De- partment identification cards to verify their status. In a statement, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said National parks officials already run promotions through- the move gives all veterans “free access to the iconic out the year to offer free admission to all visitors on cer- and treasured lands they fought to protect.” The policy tain holidays, including Veterans Day. goes into effect starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Bernhardt and other federal officials made the an- While most national parks sites have remained open or nouncement during a ceremony at the Iowa Gold Star re-opened in recent months amid the ongoing corona- Museum, which focuses on the history of the state ’s vet- virus pandemic, some programs and facilities still have erans and their families. limited access. Parks officials encourage all visitors to check with local parks administrators before traveling to “Our veterans and Gold Star Families have made in- the sites to ensure safe visits. credible sacrifices to defend our freedoms and our Bernhardt also announced Wednesday plans to waives homeland,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a entrance fees to national parks, wildlife refuges and oth- statement. “Ensuring that they are able to enjoy all of er public lands for all 5th grade students and their fami- the natural wonders of the country that they’ve served is lies from now until Aug. 31, 2021. The move was made one small way of saying thank you.” because many families may not have been able to take advantage of the department’s Every Kid Outdoors An- The policy includes admittance to well-known sites like nual 4th Grade Pass program because of pandemic pre- Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Mount Rush- cautions earlier this year. more in South Dakota, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The GI Bill 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Memorial Day 2021 There was an army of people. Young, old, kids and families - placing over 1,400 Cross’ and Flags on the Veterans graves at Sylvan Ceme- tery. MANY HANDS MAKED LIGHT WORK. Normally we only have about 12 individuals. Today we had over 20! GREAT TURNOUT. Thank you to all those who came out and helping! Thanks to the Citrus Heights Police Department for once again helping to make Memorial Day the special day that it should be - Remembering all those that gave their lives defending and supporting our country. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Invasion of Normandy June 6, 1944 The Invasion of Normandy was the invasion by and establishment of Western Allied forces in Normandy, during Operation Overlord in 1944 during World War II. It was and is the largest amphibious invasion to ever take place. D-Day, the day of the initial assaults, was Tuesday 6 June 1944. Allied land forces that saw combat in Normandy on that day came from Canada, the Free French forces, the United King- dom, and the United States. In the weeks following the invasion, Polish forces also participated, as well as contingents from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, and the Netherlands. Most of the above countries also provided air and naval support, as did the Royal Australi- an Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Normandy invasion began with overnight parachute and glider landings, massive air attacks and naval bom- bardments. In the early morning, amphibious landings on five beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Omaha, Utah, and Sword began and during the evening the remaining elements of the parachute divisions landed. Land forces used on D-Day deployed from bases along the south coast of Eng- land, the most important of these being Portsmouth. Operation Overlord took months of planning and involved 1,527,000 soldiers in 47 Allied divisions along with 4,400 ships and landing craft, and 11,000 aircraft. The Germans had about 60 divisions spread along France and the Low Countries. American forces landed on two western beaches. By the end of the day 150,000 Allied soldiers and their accompanying vehicles had landed with 15,000 killed and wounded. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion –100 years old and 2.5 million strong 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 12 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 [email protected]. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 13 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Some June History June 6, 1944 - D-Day, the largest amphibious landing in history, in Montana. Custer and his men were then attacked by 2000-4000 began in the early-morning hours as Allied forces landed in Nor- Indian braves. Only one scout and a single horse survived 'Custer's mandy on the northern coast of France. Operation Overlord took Last Stand' on the Little Bighorn Battlefield. News of the humiliat- months of planning and involved 1,527,000 soldiers in 47 Allied ing defeat infuriated Americans and led to all out war. Within a divisions along with 4,400 ships and landing craft, and 11,000 year, the Sioux Indians were a broken and defeated nation. aircraft. The Germans had about 60 divisions spread along France and the Low Countries. American forces landed on two western June 25, 1950 - The Korean War began as North Korean troops, beaches, Utah and Omaha, while British and Canadian troops led by Russian-built tanks, crossed the 38th parallel and launched landed farther east on Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. By the end a full scale invasion of South Korea. Five days later, U.S. ground of the day 150,000 Allied soldiers and their accompanying vehi- forces entered the conflict, which lasted until July 27, 1953, when cles had landed with 15,000 killed and wounded. an armistice was signed at Panmunjom, formally dividing the country at the 38th parallel into North and South Korea. Birthday - American patriot Nathan Hale (1755-1776) was born in Coventry, Connecticut. During the American Revolution, he Birthday - British satirist George Orwell (1903-1950) was born at volunteered for a dangerous spy mission in Long Island and was Montihari in Bengal (as Eric Arthur Blair). He is best known for captured by the British on the night of September 21, 1776. two works of fiction Animal Farm (1944), and 1984 (1949). A Brought before British General William Howe, Hale admitted he good book to start reading. was an American officer. Howe ordered him to be hanged the fol- lowing morning. As Hale mounted the gallows he uttered, June 28, 1914 - Archduke Francis Ferdinand, Crown Prince of Austria and his wife were assassinated at Sarajevo, touching off a “ I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." conflict between the Austro-Hungarian government and Serbia that escalated into World War I. June 10, 1942 - In one of the most infamous single acts of World War II in Europe, all 172 men and boys over age 16 in the Czech June 30, 1971 - The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution village of Lidice were shot by Nazis in reprisal for the assassina- was enacted, granting the right to vote in all federal, state and local tion of SS leader Reinhard Heydrich. The women were deported to elections to American citizens 18 years or older. The U.S. thus Ravensbrück concentration camp where most died. Ninety young gained an additional 11 million voters. The minimum voting age children were sent to the concentration camp at Gneisenau, with in most states had been 21. some later taken to Nazi orphanages if they were German looking. The village was then completely leveled until not a trace re- mained. June 15, 1215 - King John set his seal to Magna Carta, the first charter of British liberties, guaranteeing basic rights that have since become the foundation of modern democracies around the world - and the foundation of the Constitution. June 18, 1983 - Dr. Sally Ride, a 32-year-old physicist and pilot, became the first American woman in space, beginning a six-day mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. June 20, 1782 - The U.S. Congress officially adopted the Great Seal of the United States of America. Birthday - American military hero and actor Audie Murphy (1924 -1971) was born in Kingston, Texas. He was the most decorated American soldier of World War II, awarded 37 medals and decora- tions, including the Medal of Honor for single-handedly turning back a German infantry company by climbing on a burning U.S. tank destroyer and firing its .50-cal. machine gun, killing 50 Ger- mans. He later became an actor in western and war movies and made 45 films including; The Red Badge of Cour- age (1951), Destry (1954), and To Hell and Back (1955), based on his autobiography. He died May 28, 1971, in a plane crash near Roanoke, Virginia. June 25, 1876 - General George A. Custer, leading 250 men, at- tacked an encampment of Sioux Indians near Little Bighorn River Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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: [email protected] ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost) Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Lowe’s Expands Military Discount National home improvement retailer Lowe’s has expanded its everyday mili- tary discount program to include all honorably discharged veterans, as of May. The chain also has expanded the 10 percent discount to Lowe's online shop- ping, 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, alt- hough 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 mem- ber signs up for the discount 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 decade. Previously, the 10 percent discount at Lowe’s was available every day to active-duty service members, retired military and other veterans receiving VA benefits who showed their identification. For other honorably discharged vet- erans, 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.” Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY June 14 officially is the day we call Flag Day and celebrate our Grand Old Flag. June 1777 it first went up the flag pole to see how many would salute it. It was different then and it is still different today. Not to disparage flags from other countries but….. our flag is unique while beautiful. When it fly’s it speaks. It say’s who we are and what we are about. You may mistakenly think that flag of Ireland might be Italy or maybe even Mexico. You might get confused about which way the Red, White and Blue goes on the French flag vs. the Russian flag or maybe your not sure which flag repre- sents Colombia and which is Venezuela. But I Believe that there isn’t a person in the world that doesn’t recognize the Red, White and the Blue of Old Glory. And more importantly what it stands for. When countries are being over run by the enemy – it’s the flag that they want to see coming over the hill and on the shoulder of a military force. When countries are hit by national disasters – ty- phoons, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis – that flag tells them that they have a chance. It’s the Ameri- can Military behind Our Flag that comes to the rescue. For our help we do not take land or natural resources. Unlike many other countries, we do not loot and plunder those that we are helping. Our flag says that and much, much more. On Memorial Day, I reminded everyone in attendance at our ceremony that “heroes don’t wear a cape – they wear dog tags”. Dog tags and they fly a very unique and beautiful flag. If you don’t own one – go out and buy one and fly it on June 14. And if it feels good – fly it every day. Jim Monteton Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 19 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY “The quality of a person's life is in direct propor- tion to their commitment to excellence, regard- less of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vincent Lombardi Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY June Birthdays LOIS ASH LOUIS FONTAINE CARL FOULK MICHAEL GOMEZ LEE HALLSTROM ROBERT HAMER ROBERT HARRIS GREGORY HAWKINS DANIEL HOLLIS DENNIS KOHLMANN JASON LIEUALLEN PARIS MANNION LAWRENCE MARINE JOHN MICHEL ROBERT PENTINMAKI ROBERT PHILIP WILBUR ROPER SR JIMMY THENNIS RALPH THIEL MICHAEL TRAVIS ROBERT WOODGATE DENNIS WYATT Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 21 1775 2021 HEY ARMY HAPPY 246TH BIRTHDAY! Two hundred forty-one years ago, our nation's leaders established the Continental Army. Today, the Army is the strategic land power of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against our adver- saries. The U.S. Army's 245th Birthday is June 14, 2020 (same day we celebrate Flag Day), a day we celebrate the Total Army Force comprised of multi-component Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians and their contributions to national defense. The American Soldier trains, deploys, engages, and destroys enemies of the United States in combat operations as the world's premier land force. The American Soldier -- Always Ready, Always Leading Today, as in years past, Soldiers serve as the cornerstone of the Army Profession. As Army Profession- als, we are grateful for the opportunity to maintain the trust and confidence of the American people while adding to our legacy of 245 years strong. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY In Memory of the fallen Post 637, Police Officer’s On the 21st day of each month, we ask that all of you That died take a moment to show your support by remembering those who were in the line of duty 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 Christ's righteousness. Our sins were transferred to Him-and His righteousness Chaplain was transferred to us. 916-692-5140 Did we deserve it? No. Did we earn it? No. It is all because of grace-all because of God's undeserved favor toward us in Christ. We can never win God's favor by our deeds, no matter how good we are. Only Chrst can save THE TRANSFER IS COMPLETE us. Thank God that you now stand before Him, clothed in the perfect righteous- "He made Him...to be sin for us, that we ness of Christ! might become the righteousness HOPE FOR TODAY of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 How is it that we can boldly approach When we come to Christ, the Bible the throne of grace when we have all says He imparts His righteousness to fallen short (Romans 3:23)? We can do us. Once we were sinners in God's eyes; so because when God looks upon a believ- now He sees us as righteous because of er, He sees us through the righteousness Christ. of His Son. How could this happen? In our- Taken from the book "Hope for Each Day" selves we aren't righteous. As the Bi- by Billy Graham ble says, "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). But when we ac- cept Christ, the filthy rags of our sin are replaced by the glorious robe of Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Six Boys - A Very Short Story by a Teacher ing fun, doing everything together. Then all 250 of you hit the beach, but only 27 of your classmates walk off alive. That was Ira Hayes. He had im- Each year I am hired to go to Washington, DC, with the eighth-grade class ages of horror in his mind. Ira Hayes carried the pain home with him and from Clinton, WI., where I grew up, to videotape their trip. I greatly enjoy eventually died dead drunk, face down, drowned in a very shallow puddle, visiting our nation’s capital, and each year I take some special memories at the age of 32 (ten years after this picture was taken). back with me. This fall's trip was especially memorable. The next guy, going around the statue, is Franklin Sousley from Hilltop, On the last night of our trip, we stopped at the Iwo Jima memorial. This Kentucky. A fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. His best friend, who is now 70, told memorial is the largest bronze statue in the world and depicts one of the me, 'Yeah, you know, we took two cows up on the porch of the Hilltop most famous photographs in history -- that of the six brave soldiers raising General Store. Then we strung wire across the stairs so the cows couldn't the American Flag at the top of a rocky hill on the island of Iwo Jima, Ja- get down. Then we fed them Epsom salts. Those cows crapped all night.' pan, during WW II Yes, he was a fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. Franklin died on Iwo Jima at the age of 19. When the telegram came to tell his mother that he was dead, it went Over one hundred students and chaperones piled off the buses and headed to the Hilltop General Store. A barefoot boy ran that telegram up to his towards the memorial. I noticed a solitary figure at the base of the statue, mother's farm The neighbors could hear her scream all night and into the and as I got closer, he asked, 'Where are you guys from?' morning. Those neighbors lived a quarter of a mile away. I told him that we were from Wisconsin. 'Hey, I'm a cheese head, too! 'The next guy, as we continue to go around the statue, is my dad, John Come gather around, Cheese heads, and I will tell you a story.' Bradley, from Antigo, Wisconsin, where I was raised. My dad lived until 1994, but he would never give interviews. (It was James Bradley) who just happened to be in Washington, DC, to speak at the memorial the following day. He was there that night to say When Walter Cronkite's producers or the New York Times would call, we good night to his dad, who had passed away. He was just about to leave were trained as little kids to say 'No, I'm sorry, sir, my dad's not here. He is when he saw the buses pull up. I videotaped him as he spoke to us, and in Canada fishing. No, there is no phone there, sir. No, we don't know when received his permission to share what he said from my videotape. It is one he is coming back.' My dad never fished or even went to Canada. Usually, thing to tour the incredible monuments filled with history in Washington, he was sitting there right at the table eating his Campbell's soup. But we DC, but it is quite another to get the kind of insight we received that night.) had to tell the press that he was out fishing. He didn't want to talk to the press. When all had gathered around, he reverently began to speak. (Here are his words that night.) 'You see, like Ira Hayes, my dad didn't see himself as a hero. Everyone thinks these guys are heroes, 'cause they are in a photo and on a monument. 'My name is James Bradley and I'm from Antigo, Wisconsin. My dad is on My dad knew better. He was a medic. John Bradley from Wisconsin was a that statue, and I wrote a book called 'Flags of Our Fathers'. It is the story of combat caregiver. On Iwo Jima he probably held over 200 boys as they the six boys you see behind me. died. And when boys died on Iwo Jima, they writhed and screamed, without any medication or help with the pain. 'Six boys raised the flag. The first guy putting the pole in the ground is Har- lon Block. Harlon was an all-state football player. He enlisted in the Marine 'When I was a little boy, my third-grade teacher told me that my dad was a Corps with all the senior members of his football team. They were off to hero When I went home and told my dad that, he looked at me and said, 'I play another type of game. A game called 'War.' But it didn't turn out to be want you always to remember that the heroes of Iwo Jima are the guys who a game. Harlon, at the age of 21, died with his intestines in his hands. I did not come back. Did NOT come back.' don't say that to gross you out, I say that because there are people who stand in front of this statue and talk about the glory of war. You guys need to 'So that's the story about six nice young boys. Three died on Iwo Jima, and know that most of the boys in Iwo Jima were 17, 18, and 19 years old - and three came back as national heroes Overall, 7,000 boys died on Iwo Jima in it was so hard that the ones who did make it home never even would talk to the worst battle in the history of the Marine Corps. My voice is giving out, their families about it. so I will end here. Thank you for your time.' (He pointed to the statue) 'You see this next guy? That's Rene Gagnon from Suddenly, the monument wasn't just a big old piece of metal with a flag New Hampshire. If you took Rene's helmet off at the moment this photo sticking out of the top. It came to life before our eyes with the heartfelt was taken and looked in the webbing of that helmet, you would find a pho- words of a son who did indeed have a father who was a hero. Maybe not a tograph...a photograph of his girlfriend Rene put that in there for protection hero for the reasons most people would believe, but a hero nonetheless. because he was scared. He was 18 years old. It was just boys who won the battle of Iwo Jima. Boys. Not old men. One thing I learned while on tour with my 8th grade students in DC that is not mentioned here is, that if you look at the statue very closely and count 'The next guy here, the third guy in this tableau, was Sergeant Mike the number of 'hands' raising the flag, there are 13. When the man who Strank .. (from Johnstown, PA). Mike is my hero. He was the hero of all made the statue was asked why there were 13, he simply said the 13th hand these guys. They called him the 'old man' because he was so old. He was was the hand of God. already 24. When Mike would motivate his boys in training camp, he didn't say, 'Let's go kill some Japanese' or 'Let's die for our country' He knew he Great story - worth your time - worth every American's time. was talking to little boys. Instead, he would say, 'You do what I say, and I'll get you home to your mothers.' Please pass it on. 'The last guy on this side of the statue is Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian from Arizona. Ira Hayes was one of them who lived to walk off Iwo Jima. He went into the White House with my dad. President Truman told him, 'You're a hero' He told reporters, 'How can I feel like a hero when 250 of my buddies hit the island with me and only 27 of us walked off alive?' So you take your class at school, 250 of you spending a year together hav- Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY POST 637 POST OFFICER’S Sylvia Thweatt Commander David Paige Ron Myers 916-792-9669 Finance Officer Adjutant 916-801-8554 916-723-7324 Stephan Gall Maynard John- Alex Candela son 1st Vice 3rd Vice 2nd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-215-0685 916-990-4895 Barry Fitzgerald Jim Monteton James Miranda Chaplain Historian Service Officer 916-692-5140 916-726-9390 530-919-5255 Vacant Stephany Sward Vacant Assist. Chaplain Sgt. at Arms Assist. 916-967-7266 Service Officer Richard Tkach Jim Monteton Vacant Assist. Sgt. at Arms JAG Officer Photographer 916-723-1932 916-726-9390 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY June is the Month for Transition Post 637 it’s that time of the year once again that we start to transition to the new Exec- utive Board. The one big change - a new Post Commander. Sgt. at Arms - Stephany Sward 2rd Vice Commander - Alex Candela 1st Vice Commander - Steve Gall Post Commander - Sylvia Thweatt All other positions are appointed positions. Finance Officer Chaplain Historian Adjutant Judge Adjacent Photographer I would certainly like to see some of our newer members maybe step up and accept an ap- pointment. Change is always good and good change is even better. Sylvia Thweatt Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 As of June 14th, we have 224 members that have renewed. The 2021 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2021 Paid % as of Post 637 274** 224* 81.75% 6-14-2021 * This include New Member’s & Transfers ** Increase Change from 260 Dues for the new year 2021 is $45.00 which covered July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Dues for the year 2021, still $45 Mail checks to: David Paige - American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 NEXT MEETING Tuesday June 15, 2021 6:30 pm This will be an ‘On-Line’ meeting https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fj%2F84584183366&data=04% 7C01%7C%7C8ab5cb2e0cbe4dd1ea3208d92ee6ee11%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0% 7C637592391634627272%7CUnknown% 7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% 7C1000&sdata=E0ULOxB7jCd5BTqzSjJWEX2LkWOvBk3L4bAkBMPpgK0%3D&reserved=0 Meeting ID: 845 8418 3366 Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 28 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Guns N Stuff 5060 Roseville Rd North Highlands, CA 95660 916-334-3209 Veteran Owned DAVID PAIGE OWNER NOR CAL KITCHENS & BATH CABINETRY 11367 TRADE CENTER DR. #105 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95742 916-575-9777 www.norcalkb.com Did you know that our post is on Facebook? AmericanLegionpost637.com/ Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 29 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Reichert’s Funeral And Cremation Services Dignity Michael Moesch Community Outreach Memorial 7320 Auburn Blvd. Mesothelioma Guide: 1-888-572-9011 121 S. Orange Avenue | Suite 1450 | Orlando , FL Citrus Heights, CA 95610 32801 www.MesotheliomaGuide.com www.reichertsfuneral.com 916-729-2229 Fax: 916-722-9485 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 30 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 7/4 Independence Day 12/18 National Wreaths Across America 8/4 Coast Guard Day 2/3 Four Chaplains 8/7 Purple Heart Day 2/4 USO Birthday 9/11 Patriot Day 3/15 American Legion Birthday 9/17 POW Day 3/25 Medal of Honor Day 9/18 Air Force Day 3/29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day 9/26 Gold Star Mom’s & Family Day MAY – National Military Appreciation Month 10/13 Navy Day 5/15 Peace Officers Memorial Day 11/10 Marine Corps Birthday 5/15 Armed Forces Day 11/11 Veterans Day / Tomb of the Unknown 5/31 Memorial Day (May 30) 12/7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance 6/6 D – Day 12/13 National Guard Day 6/14 Army Birthday / Flag Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 31 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion For God and Country We associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. POST MEETING LOCATION Community Room, City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights Meeting time is 6:30PM The following diagram may help you locate the exact location If you have information or an article you would like to add to the newsletter please send information to [email protected] Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 6 - June 2021 Page 32 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion