NEWSLETTER November 2019 (2).pdf - Thurman

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Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 November 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 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 is the closest elementary/middle school. You check in to make sure the officials recorded your name and you receive a preprinted bal- lot with one candidate for each position. You then enter the as- signed classroom, drop your ballot into a box and you are done until the next time. I mentioned, every man and woman 18 and up is required to vote. If you don’t show up during the election time, they will find you, you will cast your ballot and then they will pun- ish you. Of course there are cases of citizens being very ill, some- thing like deathbed ill, who are truly unable to physically make it to the voting place. Not to worry, their vote is counted as well. The officials visit the voter at home and make sure the ballot makes it to the box. You must be thinking how ridiculous? What a dictator- ship? You are right. That was the voting under the communist RIGHT TO VOTE (Part 1) leadership. I just want to share this to remind you how fortunate it is to be living here. I know that the current situation is not the best I am going to tell you a story. This is not a fiction; this was my but we are still free. We can continue to be free as long as we fight parents’ reality. Just imagine for a moment you live in a country to preserve what the founding fathers set forth for us and some where there is only one party. The elections are every 5 years and many died for. It is true that we all have the right to choose to vote, every single person age 18 and up are required to vote. The elec- but I believe it’s our duty to do so as much as it is our responsibil- tion is coming up but there are no political ads on TV or radio, no ity to make sure we have all the facts before we check the box. mailers or phone calls. That’s because there is only one candidate for each seat and no propositions for you to vote on. You do have a choice to vote either on Friday or Saturday but that is it for the Sylvia Thweatt choices. Friday is here and you show up at your voting place which 15th Amendment prohibits the federal government and each state from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's "race, color, or previous condition of servitude". It was ratified on February 3, 1870 19th Amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, several attempts to pass a women's suffrage amendment failed until 1919 26th Amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from using age as a reason for denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States who are at least eighteen years old. It was proposed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 1, 1971 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 4, 2019 November 11, 2019 Independence Day Veterans Day July 10, 2019 December 7, 2019 2nd Qtr Ceremony Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Dixon December 14, 2019 August 4, 2019 Wreath Across America Coast Guard Day January 8, 2020 August 24, 2019 4th Qtr. Homeless Veterans Appreciation Picnic Service at Dixon September 11, 2019 April 6, 2020 Patriot Day Army Day September 14, 2019 April 9, 2020 POW/MIA Recognition Day 1st Qtr Homeless September 18, 2019 Service at Dixon Air Force Day May 18, 2020 September 22, 2019 Armed Forces Day Sunday Fun Day May 27, 2020 October 5, 2019 Memorial Day 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ June 14, 2020 October 9, 2019 Flag Day/Army Birthday 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. October 27, 2019 We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Navy Day Heights City Hall in the Community Room. November 10, 2019 December 17 General Meeting will be our Christmas Potluck Meeting party Marine Corps Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 4 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall STAND UP / SIT DOWN The presiding officer (usually the Commander) will rap the 1st Vice gavel three times to signal everyone to stand and one time to sit down. Commander COVER / UNCOVER 916-215-0685 It is proper to remain covered (wear the Legion cap) during parading or saluting the U.S. Flag, reciting the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion, and during the regular meeting business. It is proper for male Legionnaires What Happens During a Meeting? to uncover during the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. When uncovering, place the fingers of the right hand inside This is a fairly brief explanation of what is going on at an the front of the cap with the Legion emblem facing out and American Legion meeting, particularly to help our newer hold the hand and cap over the heart. members become more comfortable with our rituals, what is considered our uniform, etc. SALUTING If wearing the legion cap, the military salute should be exe- MEETING FORMAT cuted for the U. S. Flag. If not wearing the cap, place the The Commander follows the opening ceremony which in- right hand over the heart. Old-time Legionnaires often sa- cludes posting the colors, the Chaplain’s opening prayer, lute the Commander when standing to make a report or to the Pledge of Allegiance, the Preamble to The American get permission to speak, but it is not required. Once the Legion Constitution, and the posting of the POW/MIA flag. meeting has started and the US Flag is posted, always sa- Then the Adjutant calls the roll of officers and announces lute the Flag when entering or leaving the meeting hall. whether there is a Quorum for the meeting to conduct busi- ness and then reads the minutes and the Commander asks THE FIELD for corrections and declares the minutes approved “as You will hear mention of "the Field" and about "not break- read” or “as corrected”. ing" it. The area between where the U. S. Flag and the Le- The Commander then introduces guests and visiting digni- gion banner are posted is dedicated to those who lost their taries and proceeds to Committee reports. Next on the lives in service to their country. As such, no one should agenda is balloting on proposed new members, sick call / walk through or reach through the Field - walk around the relief / employment reports, Service Officers’ reports, unfin- colors. ished business, initiation of candidates, new business / cor- respondence, (draping of the colors and memorial prayer if POW / MIA a member has died), good of the Legion (where anyone The POW/MIA flag or chair cover is placed on a chair in can bring up any subject except religion or partisan poli- front of the Commander’s Station during the opening cere- tics), and the closing ceremony which includes the closing mony. prayer and the retirement of the colors, and sometimes the singing of "America, the Beautiful. APPROACHING THE PODIUM Always approach the podium around the U. S. Flag and CAP COLORS stop to salute it before passing behind it. When leaving the The all red cap is for National officers, including our Depart- podium, if at all feasible, exit around the legion banner, ment National Executive Committeeman (NEC) and Alter- stopping to again salute the U. S. Flag when clear of the nate NEC. The all white cap is for Department (state) offic- Legion banner. If it is necessary to exit around the US Flag, ers; the blue with white top cap is for District officers (we again salute it before continuing around it. are in the 6th District); and the all blue cap is for everyone else, including Past National, Department, and District offic- ers. Stephan Gall UNIFORM Technically, if you are wearing your American Legion cap, you are in uniform. The most commonly used full uniform includes a Navy-Blue blazer with the American Legion em- blem on the left chest, white shirt with a legion tie, and gray slacks (skirt or slacks for women Legionnaires). The Eisen- hower jacket (Legion buttons) and navy pants with a gold stripe down the legs is still a full uniform (with white shirt and tie). Sometimes, when parading in hot weather, the uniform specified will be white shirt and gray or navy pants. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Veterans Day November 11, 2019 We don’t know them all, But we owe them all. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Commander Thweatt spoke about our BOTB event. We started out Ron Myers with seven potential BBQ entries and ended up with four that showed up. Changes will be made to event next year. Instead of an Adjutant appreciation dinner, which would cost the post monies we are try- 916-723-7324 ing to raise, we will send donors a certificate of appreciation and a “Thank You” letter. AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 POST MEETING 10/15/2019 Our Post “Buddy Check” is a work in progress. We want current Post members to assist in contacting those who have not renewed. Commander Thweatt opened the meeting at 1830 hours. The flag Volunteers are, as always, needed. was saluted, and the opening prayer was read by Chaplin Barry Fitzgerald. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Con- Upcoming events of interest to our Post are: stitution of the American Legion were both recited and the MIA/ 10/20 The Pancake Suppa Time, Sunday October 20th from 1730 PW flag was posted. The meeting was then declared convened. to1930 hours, 1951 North Avenue, Sacramento CA. Tickets are Roll was called and all officers were either present or accounted $10 each or $40 per family of 5. for. 11/8 HART Spaghetti feed 11/8 all you can eat. $20 at the door. Commander Thweatt read a list of law enforcement officers who Citrus Heights Community Center. Doors open at 1730 hours and died in the line of duty over the past month. dinner is served starting at 1830 hours. Contact Sylvia Thweatt at 916-792-9669 for more info. A representative from the River Cats told us that Veterans Appreci- ation Day will be May 23, 2020. Our Post will buy a block of tick- 11/11 Veterans Day Ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. The parade ets and members can sign up for them starting now. See 1 st Vice starts at 1030 hours and the ceremony begins at 1100 hours. Steve Gall for more info. 12/14 Wreath Across America Dixon cemetery at 0900 hours with A final financial report on the of the Battle of the Bands will be more info to come. complete by the next post meeting. 12/17 Post Christmas potluck meeting /party with more info to Adjutant Ron Myers spoke about the possibility of our Post getting come. national exposure in American Legion Magazine if we can docu- Old business: there was none ment the refurbishing of the WWII monument in Rusch Park. New business: JAG James Monteton said the by-laws are ready for submittal to District. After review and approval from District they will return Steve Gall invited any member alone for Thanksgiving to come to them to us, and we will then vote to accept or deny the changes. his house and celebrate with his family. Chaplin Barry Fitzgerald said he had spoken with Gail Barney and James Monteton noted a Blue Star Moms packing party at Rose- she is doing well. Also, Judy Ramsey is in attendance and is recov- ville Veterans Hall November 9th starting at 0900 hours. ering from back surgery. The Post web site needs a constant update of its calendar. 1st Vice Steve Gall noted that the sign up for River Cats tickets starts now. For the Good of the Legion: there was none. 3rd Vice Alex Candella read a roll call of those who he had called The closing prayer was read by Chaplin Barry Fitzgerald. and asked to attend our meeting. One responded. The MIA/POW flag was retired, and the flag was saluted. Service Officer James Miranda had met with a veteran he had as- sisted in filing a disability claim and that veteran said he had re- The meeting was declared closed at 1922 hours. ceived disability benefits as a result of his help. Ron Myers Financial Officer David Paige stated that our Post has $13,522.93 in our checking account and $8,547.35 in our savings account. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 8 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY COURAGE The general public equates courage with acts of potentially great danger where a single individual may stand out as performing an extraordinary feat at a moment of mortal conse- quence. It is different for Infantry. Courage to the Infantry is not a single heroic act at a crucial moment in the unit’s life. That is for the movies and award narratives. Rather it is enduring the daily insults of life in a forbidding and unforgiving environment and the willing subordination of the each in favor of the whole. Family first, me second. Courage is best equated with endurance, perseverance and subjugation of the one for the betterment of the whole. It is the patience and confidence to follow someone into the un- known for either a nebulous or uncertain purpose because that is where the family unit is go- ing. Courage is knowing that where you are going, you may not return from but are still go- ing because that is what you must do. And you know that to be true. Courage is doing exactly what is required and how is it is required as training previous- ly taught and the present demands. Courage is doing you job. Courage is an open appreciation of and a willingness to accept the consequences of your actions should bad luck and ill- fortune prevail. Courage is the act of praying to see darkness during the light of day and pray- ing again for the first morning beams of light during the shroud of night. More than anything, Courage is the quality of rejecting the cold choices between per- sonal desires and organizational needs. It is a fixed resolve to keep that during every moment of service. Quitting is easy. Enduring and performing is much harder and the true measure of the person. One moments performance is a potential within every person. Doing what needs to be done every day is a far better mark of the true level of courage that resides within. Ron Myers Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 13 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Happy Birthday Marines History of the United States Marine Jacob Zeilin’s term (1864–1876), many Marine customs and traditions took shape. During the Spanish– Corps American War (1898), Marines would lead American forces ashore in the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, The history of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) demonstrating their readiness for deployment. Between begins with the founding of the Continental Marines on 1900 and 1916, the Marine Corps continued its record 10 November 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, of participation in foreign expeditions, especially in the provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, Caribbean and Central and South America, which in- and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with cluded Panama, Cuba, Veracruz, Haiti, Santo Domingo, changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the and Nicaragua. United States. Owing to the availability of Marine forc- es at sea, the United States Marine Corps has served in In World War I, battle-tested, veteran Marines served a nearly every conflict in United States history. It attained central role in the United States' entry into the conflict. prominence when its theories and practice of amphibi- Between the world wars, the Marine Corps was headed ous warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a by Major General John A. Lejeune, another popular cornerstone of the Pacific Theater of World War II. By commandant. In World War II, the Marines played a the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become central role in the Pacific War, participating in nearly one of the dominant theorists and practitioners of am- every significant battle. The Corps also saw its peak phibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short growth as it expanded from two brigades to two corps with six divisions, and five air wings with 132 squad- notice to expeditionary crises has made and continues to rons. During the battle for Iwo Jima, photographer Joe make it an important tool for American foreign policy. Rosenthal took the famous photo Raising of the Flag on In February 1776, the Continental Marines embarked on Iwo Jima of five Marines and one Navy corpsman rais- their maiden expedition. The Continental Marines were ing the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The Korean disbanded at the end of the war, along with the Conti- War (1950–1953) saw the 1st Provisional Marine Bri- gade holding the line at the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, nental Navy. In preparation for the Quasi-War with where Marine helicopters (VMO-6 flying the HO3S1 France, Congress created the United States Navy and helicopter) made their combat debut. The Marines also the Marine Corps. The Marines' most famous action of played an important role in the Vietnam War at battles this period occurred in the First Barbary War (1801– such as Da Nang, Huế, and Khe Sanh. The Marines op- 1805) against the Barbary pirates. In the Mexican– erated in the northern I Corps regions of South Vietnam American War (1846–1848), the Marines made their and fought both a constant guerilla war against the Viet famed assault on Chapultepec Palace, which overlooked Cong and an off and on conventional war against North Mexico City, their first major expeditionary venture. In Vietnamese Army regulars. Marines went to Beirut dur- the 1850s, the Marines would see service in Panama, ing the 1982 Lebanon War on 24 August. On 23 Octo- and in Asia. The Marine Corps played only a minor role ber 1983, the Marine barracks in Beirut was bombed, during the Civil War (1861–1865); their most important causing the highest peacetime losses to the Corps in its task was blockade duty and other ship-board battles, but history. Marines were also responsible for liberating were mobilized for a handful of operations as the war Kuwait during the Gulf War (1990–1991), as the Army progressed. The remainder of the 19th century would be made an attack to the west directly into Iraq. The I Ma- a period of declining strength and introspection about rine Expeditionary Force had a strength of 92,990 mak- ing Operation Desert Storm the largest Marine Corps the mission of the Marine Corps. Under Commandant operation in history. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Veterans Gallery– Veterans Building 401 Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA Now - Through December 26, 2019 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY In Memory of the fallen Post 637, Police Officer 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 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 wrote, "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun Chaplain still shining." As God's people wan- dered in the wilderness, He declared, 916-692-5140 "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud" (Exodus 19:9). Each of us experiences clouds in life - sometimes slight, but sometimes THE SUN STILL SHINING dark and frightening. Whatever clouds They looked...and behold, the glory of you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the Lord appeared in the cloud. the world, to help you look behind the cloud to see His glory and His plans Exodus 16:10 for you. Without the clouds we wouldn't be HOPE FOR TODAY shielded from the burning sun. Without Help me, Lord, not to allow the clouds the clouds there would be no lavish of the day to prevent me from seeking sunsets, no beneficial rain no beauti- Your face. May I, like Moses, behold ful landscapes. enough to approach the thick darkness (Exodus 20:21) if that is where Your The same is true with life's presence is found. clouds. When hard times come, we easi- ly get discouraged. But behind the (this was taken from the Devotional clouds God is still present, and can Book "Hope for Each Day" by Billy Gra- even use them to water our souls with ham) unexpected blessings. Longfellow once Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The Tomb of Harding gave a speech and bestowed the Med- al of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross the Unknowns on the Unknown Soldier; other nations also bestowed their highest honors. On November 11, 1921, President Har- ding presided over the dedication of the Tomb The casket was then moved to the tomb, of the Unknowns, also commonly called the where a funeral service was read, and then of- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which original- ficials and dignitaries laid wreaths and other ly honored fallen American servicemen from tributes. The funeral ended with the playing of World War I whose remains had not been iden- Taps and a 21-gun salute. tified. Congress approved the creation of the At the time of the burial, the tomb had memorial in March 1921. To ensure that the yet to be completed. The marble structure that identity of the American really was unknown, now stands was installed in 1932 and bears the the bodies of four unidentified WWI service- inscription “Here Rests in Honored Glory an men were disinterred from various French American Soldier Known but to God.” Un- cemeteries. They were placed in identical cas- known soldiers representing the fallen of kets and brought to Chalons-sur-Marne, World War II and the Korean War were laid to France, where Sgt. Edward F. Younger, a war rest at the monument in 1958. A soldier from hero, selected one of the four caskets at ran- the Vietnam War was interred at the monument dom during a ceremony at the city hall on Oc- in 1984, but through DNA testing the body tober 24. was positively identified in 1998 and returned to his family. The selected casket was placed on board the USS Olympia during another ceremony and sent to the United States, where it arrived on November 9. The casket was brought with Jim Monteton much dignity to the Capitol, where the casket Judge Advocate was put on public display on the 10th. An esti- mated 90,000 people came to pay their re- spects to the Unknown Soldier—so many that the rotunda was kept open until midnight to accommodate them all. On the morning of November 11, the newly declared Armistice Day holiday, the enormous funeral procession for the Unknown Solider proceeded from the Capitol to Arling- ton National Cemetery. During the funeral at Arlington’s Memorial Amphitheater, President Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 18 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 Johnson Alex Candela 1st Vice 2nd Vice 3rd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-215-0685 916-331-8716 916-990-4895 Barry Fitzgerald Jim Monteton James Miranda Chaplain Historian Officer Service Officer 916-692-5140 916-726-9390 530-919-5255 Vacant Tom Sullivan Vacant Assist. Chaplain Sgt. at Arms Assist. Service Officer Richard Tkach Jim Monteton Jack Mintz Assist. Sgt. at Arms JAG Officer Photographer 916-723-1932 916-726-9390 916-966-9041 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 19 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do as soon as possible. As of October 6th, we at a low 58.46% of those renewed. I know it is all too easy to put your renewal notice away or put it to the “later” pile, but it is important that you renew now. The 2020 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2020 Paid % as of Post 637 260 152 58.46 11-2-2019 * This include New Member’s & Transfers Dues for the new year 2020 is $45.00 which covers July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 Mail checks to: David Paige American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 NEXT MEETING Tuesday November 19, 2019 6:30 pm Citrus Heights City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. Citrus Heights, Ca. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 21 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 22 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 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Lowe’s Expands Military Discount 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.” Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 24 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] Photo’s by Jack Mintz Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion