NEWSLETTER July 2021 (1).pdf - Thurman

Please enable JavaScript to view the full PDF

Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 July 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 7 - July 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 Hello Post 637 Hope everyone survived the war zone of 4th of July celebrations. For my sanity and especially my dog’s well-being I decided to head to the Bay Area to spend the Independence Day weekend in peace. My daughter and 3 grandkids joined me to get away as well. There were some fireworks and booms but much less than in my neighborhood. They all quiet down by midnight, although one doofus decided to let some fireworks go on the 5th at 0600. Most of the events in the Bay Area were canceled but Half Moon Bay decided to celebrate by having some food trucks, face painting for kids and a grand parade. There must be something in the water down there because many of their residence, including a number of veterans, are way over 90 years old and in a great shape. It was refreshing and exciting to see the sea of American flags, everyone wearing red, white and blue and espe- cially the crowd singing the National Anthem. The parade was led by a female veteran, member of the local Le- gion Post, who as I recall was 92 years old. She proudly marched, carrying the American flag, ahead of the members of the Post. We were treated to a display of many military vehicles and beautiful cars. The parade con- cluded with horses from the local ranch showing of their “dance moves”. Personally, I am not a fan of any ani- mals performing what is not natural to them. The parade was just long enough for the kids to enjoy and not get antsy. We had a good time; the weather was perfect and I was glad I could expose my grandkids to this display of patriotism. As of today, the City Hall is opened to public for business but not opened to meetings yet. I keep saying hopefully next month but I guess we will see. For July Post meeting, we are scheduled to meet via Zoom, link provided below. I hope to see lots of you on my computer screen on Tuesday, 7/20, at 1830. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83268509167 Keep cool and hydrated and please reach out if you need ANYTHING. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall for some, leaves an ever-lasting impression. The exposure to 1st Vice such unpleasant events is responsible for mental anguish among men and women who have served our country and Commander increases the risk of mental illness. 916-215-0685 ‘Disclaimer’ - American Legion Post 637 offers this as information Military service also increases the risk of physical damage only. during combat. Most of the post-deployment veterans experi- ence lingering pain in their necks, shoulders, backs, and How Does CBD Help knees. Veterans? CBD can be a perfect remedy for such physical and mental ailments. Most recent statistics indicate that around 18.2 million veter- ans in the US suffer from some form of mental illness. It’s Chronic, Acute, and Difficult to Treat Pain assessed that almost 37,000 are homeless and countless The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) records indicate struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. that half of the veterans receiving treatment in centers across Unfortunately, due to the stigma attributed to mental health, the country suffer from chronic pain. National Center for only 50% of veterans seek out help. Most of the vets opt for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), report that “self-medication” that far too often leads to addiction and 9.1% of veterans, contrasted to 6.4% of civilians endures se- substance abuse. Furthermore, prescription pills come with vere pain regularly. their own set of adverse side-effects. Veterans who seek treatment for their pain, are mostly given Most recent statistics indicate that around 18.2 million veter- opioid drugs, the most common being codeine, hydroco- ans in the US suffer from some form of mental illness. It’s done, and oxycodone. Though the number of veterans on assessed that almost 37,000 are homeless and countless opioids medication has decreased, opioids remain one of the struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. most addicting substances, we know of. We all are familiar that the U.S is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Unfortunately, due to the stigma attributed to mental health, only 50% of veterans seek out help. Most of the vets opt for This is where CBD can help. Research proves that canna- “self-medication” that far too often leads to addiction and binoids and CBD are effective in managing chronic pain. Re- substance abuse. Furthermore, prescription pills come with search also indicates that both THC and CBD can help in their own set of adverse side-effects. managing chronic neuropathic pain, whether used alone or in combination. CBD has also shown concrete results in treat- How exactly does CBD help veterans? ing traumatic brain injury, something that is referred to as a Servicemen and women face some of the most gruesome “signature injury” of service in Afghanistan and Iraq. acts of violence that many of us wouldn’t even fancy to imag- ine. Combat is a horrible, life-threatening experience, which Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY How Does CBD Help Veterans? Cont………………….. PTSD CBD not only eradicates traumatic memories but can also prevent them from returning. Hu- One of the most common conditions that veter- man trials have also shown real promise for ans exhibit is post-traumatic stress disorder CBD in the treatment of PTSD. (PTSD). And sadly, around 50% of veterans suffering from PTSD won’t seek any treatment. Clinical Studies Though CBD isn’t treatment either, it does In 2016, a 10-year-old girl with PTSD received show positive results in managing symptoms, at least 25mg of CBD daily for five months and and it is something which the Vets can take affirmed a drop in anxiety and a notable in- without seeking treatment. crease in sleep quantity and quality. Research indicates that current therapies for A 2018 review that examined at the current hu- PTSD don’t work as well as expected and leads man and animal studies of CBD for PTSD in- to adverse side effects. ferred that CBD could offer numerous thera- Research has found that PTSD patients have peutic benefits for disorders which are related low anandamide levels. Anandamide is an en- to painful memories. Authors of the study rec- docannabinoid responsible for feelings of orded that “the results of CBD on the different memory, motivation, wellbeing, and more. This stages of aversive memory processing make has solidified the theory that PTSD is an out- this compound a candidate pharmacological come of endocannabinoid system deficiency. adjunct to psychological therapies for PTSD.” CB1 receptors, located in the central nervous Final Word system and brain, are known to manage sever- There are several clinical trials and tons of an- al bodily functions. Some of these include ecdotal evidence on the effectiveness of CBD emotional learning, fear eradication, and adapt- for helping with many of the difficulties our ing to stress. Ideal CB1 function assists in veterans are currently facing. From helping to turning off traumatic memories and enables us relieve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, chronic to disregard such distressing situations. While pain and more, CBD is becoming a popular CBD doesn’t attach to CB1 receptors, it does choice for many veterans. boost anandamide levels. Clinical studies in animal models reveal that Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 2021 Boys State Delegate Chosen For The first time, ever or since I’ve been Boys State Chairman, we had one of our delegates drop out, at the last moment. As a result, one Delegate came through with flying colors. His name is Gabriel R. Delucio. The 83rd Session of this year’s Boys State Program Was held from June 19 to June 25. I called Gabe a few days after the session had ended and asked him what he thought of the program. He was overly excited telling me about the session and thanked me all up and down for sending him to this wonderful pro- gram. I do not think he will be forgetting this adventure for a long time to come. What I am doing now is preparing for the month of August. My plan is to call him to invite him and his family to our first in-person meeting at City Hall. Al- so, I am inviting him and his parents to my house so I can take photos for our next newsletter. Alex Candela Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY James Miranda family. I sent a text message asking for an update I saved the re- turn message from the dispatcher and the following is the text: Service Officer 'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is poli- cy on this now, and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arri- 530-919-5255 val a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into An Airline Captain’s Announcement the terminal, where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft ar- (True Story) rives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. The lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an HR. on Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass this flight." (H.R. stands for Human Remains.) our condolences on to the family. Thanks. "Are they military?" I asked I sent a message back, telling flight control thanks for a good job. I 'Yes', she said. printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to 'Is there an escort?' I asked. pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful 'Yes, I've already assigned him a seat'. and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.' 'Would you please tell him to come to the Flight Deck. You can Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. board him early," I said... After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. A short while later a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to himself and I asked him about his soldier. enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us still alive and still with us. 'My soldier is on his way from Iraq back to 'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but of- looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we fered no other words. turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our I told him that he had the toughest job in the military, and that I ap- gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller, we were going to preciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen sol- stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passen- diers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his gers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.' hand. He left the Flight Deck to find his seat. I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an address button and said: 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Cap- uneventful departure. tain speaking: I have stopped short of our gate to make a special About 30 minutes into our flight, I received a call from the lead flight announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our attendant in the cabin. honor and respect. His name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is also on recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXX. Also, on mother, wife and 2-year-old daughter were escorting their son, hus- board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter Your entire flight band, and father home. The family was upset because they were crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.' We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia. The shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cock- father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son pit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow to exit the aircraft. them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger by the cargo door slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later, more passengers I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God asked me if there was anything I could do. 'I'm on it', I said. I told Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words her that I would get back to her. were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and finally be with their loved one. contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the an- a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you nouncement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that dispatcher. I explained the situation I had on board with the family brave soldier. and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that I respectfully hope that all Americans can reflect on this event and he would get back to me. the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA. were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 7 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 7 - July 2021 Page 8 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 7 - July 2021 Page 9 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 7 - July 2021 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decora- would be awarded 5 Purple Hearts during his service in WWII. tion for military merit. It is the most revered and, to be honest, the most unwanted award for military merit among all of the awards After WWII, Ireland remained in the Marine Reserves and given to those who serve in combat. began studies in Health and Education at Ithaca College, then the University of Arizona and at the University of Notre Dame. In 1950 No one hopes to get a Purple Heart. he was called back to active duty after the outbreak of the Korean War. One Purple Heart is more than enough to have been awarded, but this story will introduce one man who was awarded 9 When he was called up, he went to Camp Lejeune for of them over a period of 12 years in service in the United States refresher combat training then he applied for combat duty in Korea. Marine Corps in both WWII and the Korean War. His name is Staff An officer at Camp Lejeune attempted to deny him that request as Sgt. Albert Ireland. he had already been awarded 5 Purple Hearts. This was in accord- ance with Marine Corps regulations. That officer was overruled The Military Order of the Purple Heart describes this when Ireland appealed to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, award as: “Awarded to members of the armed forces of the United General Clifton B. Cates. He was then flown from Washington, D.C. States who are wounded by an instrument of war at the hands of to San Francisco on the way to Korea. In Korea he was attached to the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of the 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. those killed in action or who died of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.” Ireland, as a result of the seriousness of his last wound was medically and honorably discharged in 1953. He had received This award goes back to the Revolutionary War. It was established four more Purple Hearts from wounds to his leg, hand, neck and by then General George Washington in 1792 and was called the head. This brought the total number of Purple Hearts he had been “Badge of Military Merit.” The modern Purple Heart was authorized awarded to nine. Ireland would come home to Cold Springs, NY after in 1932. It replaced the WWI “Army Wound Ribbon” and the where he would take up a career as a firefighter with the Cold “Wound Chevrons” that were worn on the sleeve denoting the num- Springs Fire Department. He died on Nov. 16, 1997 in Kansas at ber of times one had been wounded in combat. There have been the age of 79. He is buried in the Cold Springs, NY cemetery. The over 2 million Purple Hearts awarded since 1932. Putnam County Sheriff’s Dept. has named a Marine Patrol Boat that currently patrols the Hudson River in his honor. Those who have been in combat understand the honor and the respect that is associated with the Purple Heart. It represents those Over his 12 years in the Marine Corps, through two wars, who have shed their blood on the battlefield in defense of the Con- Ireland was awarded the Bronze Star with one gold service star stitution and the nation that it represents and upholds. along with his Purple Heart with one silver oak leaf and three bronze oak leaf clusters, representing his nine Purple Heart The Purple Hearts worn by living service members and veterans awards. represent courage and the cost of having met the enemy on the field of battle and survived. For those killed in action, the Purple The Veterans Site wishes to honor the memory of Staff Heart awarded to the next of kin reminds them of the courage and Sgt. Albert Ireland. We thank him for his courageous and deter- the ultimate sacrifice their son or daughter, husband or wife, father mined service to the nation and to the United States Marine Corps or mother willingly paid to protect and defend the freedoms, rights over his 12 years of active and reserve enlistments. We thank him and privileges given to all Americans by the Constitution of the Unit- for his service to his hometown as a firefighter as well. ed States of America. This, then, might give you a sense of para- dox represented by this military award. It is both a badge of cour- Semper Fi, Marine! age and of high honor, but no one would consciously seek this award. It represents survival in the face of the enemy on the battle- field as much as anything else. One man has the unusual distinction of having been awarded the Purple Heart more than any other, Staff Sgt. Albert Ireland. He was born in Cold Springs, New York on Feb. 25, 1918. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1941, just before the beginning of WWII. During WWII, he would fight alongside his Ma- rine brothers through some of the most difficult landings and battles in the Pacific Theater. His MOS was 0335, an infantry machine gun team leader with the 3rd Bn., 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. He Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 12 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 7 - July 2021 Page 13 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 7 - July 2021 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Some July History Age 83 Age 91 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 15 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 7 - July 2021 Page 16 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 7 - July 2021 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July - IN MEMORIAM Julius Nicklas United States Navy, World War II 27 years as a member of the American Legion Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 19 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 20 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 7 - July 2021 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July Birthdays DAVID BENDT LARRY BRECHEISEN JOSEPH BUCKLEY PAUL FERRO LEWIS FOX JR DAVID GUZMAN RONALD HALE RUBEN MARTINEZ WILLIAM MILLER RICHARD OXFORD DENNIS REZENDES HERMES SANABRIA ARNOLD SCOTT ED SPITZER GARY STRAUCH STEPHANY SWARD JIM TAMSY NICHOLAS TWIFORD STANLEY WIEMER Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY This would make a great movie! THE OIL PATCH WARRIORS OF WORLD WAR II Seventy-five years ago this month, a Band of Roughnecks went abroad on a top secret mission into Robin Hood's stomping grounds to punch oil wells to help fuel England's war machines. It's a story that should make any oilman or woman proud. The year was 1943 and England was mired in World War II. U-boats attacked supply vessels, choking off badly needed sup- plies to the island nation. But oil was the commodity they needed the most as they warred with Germany. A book "The Secret of Sherwood Forest: Oil Production in England During World War II" written by Guy Woodward and Grace Steele Woodward was published in 1973, and tells the obscure story of the American oil men who went to England to bore wells in a top secret mission in March 1943. England had but one oil field, in Sherwood Forest of all places. Its meager output of 300 barrels a day was literally a drop in the bucket of their requirement of 150,000 barrels a day to fuel their war machines. Then a top secret plan was devised: to send some Americans and their expertise to assist in developing the field. Oklahoma based Noble Drilling Company, along with Fain-Porter signed a one year contract to drill 100 wells for England, merely for costs and expenses. 42 drillers and roughnecks from Texas and Oklahoma, most in their teens and early twenties volunteered for the mission to go abroad. The hands embarked for England in March 1943 aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Four National 50 drilling rigs were loaded onto ships but only three of them made landfall; the Nazi U-boats sank one of the rigs en route to the UK. The Brits' jaws dropped as the Yanks began punching the wells in a week, compared to five to eight weeks for their British counterparts. They worked 12 hour tours, 7 days a week and within a year, the Americans had drilled 106 wells and England oil pro- duction shot up from 300 barrels a day to over 300,000 The contract fulfilled, the American oil men departed England in late March 1944. But only 41 hands were on board the re- turn voyage. Herman Douthit, a Texan derrick-hand was killed during the operation. He was laid to rest with full military honors, and remains the only civilian to be buried at The American Military Cemetery in Cambridge. "The Oil Patch Warrior," a seven foot bronze statue of a roughneck holding a four foot pipe wrench stands near Nottingham England to honor the American oil men's assistance and sacrifice in the war. A replica was placed in Ardmore Oklahoma in 2001 It is by no means a stretch to state that without the American mission, we might all be speaking German today. Special thanks to the American Oil and Gas Historical Society. "There are no noble wars, just noble warriors!" Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 23 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 garnered wisdom of the ages is only a scratch on the surface of humanity's search Chaplain for the knowledge of the universe. 916-692-5140 This inability to comprehend fully the mysteries of God's creation does not in any way cast doubt on the Christian faith. On the contrary, it enhances our belief. We do not understand the intricate patterns of the stars in their courses, but we know that He who created them does, and that just as THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD surely as He guides them, He is charting a Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wis- safe course for us. dom and knowledge of God! The next time you look into the heavens at night, remember the words of the psalm- Romans 11:33 ist: "The heavens declare the glory of It was the mystery of lightning (so the God" (Psalm 19:1). story goes) that prompted Benjamin Franklin HOPE FOR TODAY to attach a key to the tail of a kite during a thunderstorm, to prove the relationship There comes a point in the journey of faith between lightning and electricity. We have when you become okay not knowing what you're always tried to understand the world around not meant to know. We continually seek to us; it is one of the things that sets us know God more, knowing that He can't be ful- apart from the animals. ly known this side of Heaven. Some of the mysteries of the past have Taken from the book "HOPE FOR EACH DAY" been figured out by science. Others still by Billy Graham puzzle us. This fact remains: all of the Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 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 Alex Candela 1st Vice 3rd Vice 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 7 - July 2021 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 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. 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 7 - July 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 7 - July 2021 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 July 1, our Post 637 has started the new year of 2022. As of July 17th, we have 28 members that have renewed. If you have renewed for this year, thank you. If you have not, please do so at your earliest conven- ience. The 2022 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2022 Paid % as of Post 637 274** 28* 10.21% 7-17-2021 * 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 July 20, 2021 6:30 pm This will be an ‘On-Line’ meeting Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83268509167 Meeting ID: 832 6850 9167 One tap mobile +16699006833,,83268509167# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 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 7 - July 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 7 - July 2021 Page 30 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 12/18 National Wreaths Across America 7/4 Independence Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 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 7 - July 2021 Page 32 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion