Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y American Legion Post 637 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. Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion NEWSLETTER AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sylvia Thweatt - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER 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 5 th 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. Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 3 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y ‘ Disclaimer ’ - American Legion Post 637 offers this as information only. How Does CBD Help Veterans? Most recent statistics indicate that around 18.2 million veter- ans in the US suffer from some form of mental illness. It ’ s assessed that almost 37,000 are homeless and countless struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. Unfortunately, due to the stigma attributed to mental health, only 50% of veterans seek out help. Most of the vets opt for “ self - medication ” that far too often leads to addiction and substance abuse. Furthermore, prescription pills come with their own set of adverse side - effects. Most recent statistics indicate that around 18.2 million veter- ans in the US suffer from some form of mental illness. It ’ s assessed that almost 37,000 are homeless and countless struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. Unfortunately, due to the stigma attributed to mental health, only 50% of veterans seek out help. Most of the vets opt for “ self - medication ” that far too often leads to addiction and substance abuse. Furthermore, prescription pills come with their own set of adverse side - effects. How exactly does CBD help veterans? Servicemen and women face some of the most gruesome acts of violence that many of us wouldn ’ t even fancy to imag- ine. Combat is a horrible, life - threatening experience, which for some, leaves an ever - lasting impression. The exposure to such unpleasant events is responsible for mental anguish among men and women who have served our country and increases the risk of mental illness. Military service also increases the risk of physical damage during combat. Most of the post - deployment veterans experi- ence lingering pain in their necks, shoulders, backs, and knees. CBD can be a perfect remedy for such physical and mental ailments. Chronic, Acute, and Difficult to Treat Pain The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) records indicate that half of the veterans receiving treatment in centers across the country suffer from chronic pain. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), report that 9.1% of veterans, contrasted to 6.4% of civilians endures se- vere pain regularly. Veterans who seek treatment for their pain, are mostly given opioid drugs, the most common being codeine, hydroco- done, and oxycodone. Though the number of veterans on opioids medication has decreased, opioids remain one of the most addicting substances, we know of. We all are familiar that the U.S is in the midst of an opioid crisis. This is where CBD can help. Research proves that canna- binoids and CBD are effective in managing chronic pain . Re- search also indicates that both THC and CBD can help in managing chronic neuropathic pain, whether used alone or in combination. CBD has also shown concrete results in treat- ing traumatic brain injury, something that is referred to as a “ signature injury ” of service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 4 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion How Does CBD Help Veterans? Cont ....................... F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y PTSD One of the most common conditions that veter- ans exhibit is post - traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And sadly, around 50% of veterans suffering from PTSD won ’ t seek any treatment. Though CBD isn ’ t treatment either, it does show positive results in managing symptoms, and it is something which the Vets can take without seeking treatment. Research indicates that current therapies for PTSD don ’ t work as well as expected and leads to adverse side effects. Research has found that PTSD patients have low anandamide levels. Anandamide is an en- docannabinoid responsible for feelings of memory, motivation, wellbeing, and more. This has solidified the theory that PTSD is an out- come of endocannabinoid system deficiency. CB1 receptors, located in the central nervous system and brain, are known to manage sever- al bodily functions. Some of these include emotional learning, fear eradication, and adapt- ing to stress. Ideal CB1 function assists in turning off traumatic memories and enables us to disregard such distressing situations. While CBD doesn ’ t attach to CB1 receptors, it does boost anandamide levels. Clinical studies in animal models reveal that CBD not only eradicates traumatic memories but can also prevent them from returning. Hu- man trials have also shown real promise for CBD in the treatment of PTSD. Clinical Studies In 2016, a 10 - year - old girl with PTSD received at least 25mg of CBD daily for five months and affirmed a drop in anxiety and a notable in- crease in sleep quantity and quality. A 2018 review that examined at the current hu- man and animal studies of CBD for PTSD in- ferred that CBD could offer numerous thera- peutic benefits for disorders which are related to painful memories. Authors of the study rec- orded that “ the results of CBD on the different stages of aversive memory processing make this compound a candidate pharmacological adjunct to psychological therapies for PTSD. ” Final Word There are several clinical trials and tons of an- ecdotal evidence on the effectiveness of CBD for helping with many of the difficulties our veterans are currently facing. From helping to relieve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain and more, CBD is becoming a popular choice for many veterans. Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 5 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y 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 83 rd 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 Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 6 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion An Airline Captain ’ s Announcement (True Story) The lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an HR. on this flight." (H.R. stands for Human Remains.) "Are they military?" I asked 'Yes', she said. 'Is there an escort?' I asked. 'Yes, I've already assigned him a seat'. 'Would you please tell him to come to the Flight Deck. You can board him early," I said... A short while later a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us. 'My soldier is on his way from Iraq back to Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but of- fered no other words. I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military, and that I ap- preciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen sol- diers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the Flight Deck to find his seat. We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight, I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is also on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2 - year - old daughter were escorting their son, hus- band, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia. The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her. Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e - mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me. Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the 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: '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- 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 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- rives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks. I sent a message back, telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.' Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us 'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller, we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passen- gers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.' I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said: 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Cap- tain speaking: I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.' We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cock- pit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft. When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later, more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one. Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the an- nouncement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier. I respectfully hope that all Americans can reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA. F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y James Miranda Service Officer 530 - 919 - 5255 Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 7 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ The American dream lives — not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- i c a h a s a f u t u r e , a n d a l l m a n k i n d h a s r e a s o n t o h o p e ” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 8 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Fees at national parks waived for veterans, Gold Star families have started. Starting in 2020, veterans and Gold Star families will be able to visit National Parks and other public lands for free, under a new initiative from the Department of the Interior announced on Wednesday, November 11. Active - duty service members and their families are al- ready granted free access to those sites under existing department rules. The new announcement broadens that benefit to more than 20 million more individuals in recognition of their service and sacrifice on behalf of the country. In a statement, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said the move gives all veterans “ free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect. ” The policy goes into effect starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Bernhardt and other federal officials made the an- nouncement during a ceremony at the Iowa Gold Star Museum, which focuses on the history of the state ’ s vet- erans and their families. “ Our veterans and Gold Star Families have made in- credible sacrifices to defend our freedoms and our homeland, ” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R - Iowa, said in a statement. “ Ensuring that they are able to enjoy all of the natural wonders of the country that they ’ ve served is one small way of saying thank you. ” The policy includes admittance to well - known sites like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Mount Rush- more in South Dakota, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Interior officials did not provide cost estimates for the move, but said that the policy change will affect about 2,000 public locations across the country. Fees for the sites can range from a few dollars per person to nearly $100 for some weekly and annual passes. For free access to the sites, veterans will have to pre- sent a Department of Defense Identification Card, a Veteran Health Identification Card, a government - issued Veteran ID Card or a state - issued U.S. driver ’ s license or identification card confirming an individual ’ s status as a veteran. Gold Star family members can use similar Defense De- partment identification cards to verify their status. National parks officials already run promotions through- out the year to offer free admission to all visitors on cer- tain holidays, including Veterans Day. While most national parks sites have remained open or re - opened in recent months amid the ongoing corona- virus pandemic, some programs and facilities still have limited access. Parks officials encourage all visitors to check with local parks administrators before traveling to the sites to ensure safe visits. Bernhardt also announced Wednesday plans to waives entrance fees to national parks, wildlife refuges and oth- er public lands for all 5th grade students and their fami- lies from now until Aug. 31, 2021. The move was made because many families may not have been able to take advantage of the department ’ s Every Kid Outdoors An- nual 4th Grade Pass program because of pandemic pre- cautions earlier this year. Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 9 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n ’ t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history ’ s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion ’ s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering - out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3 - 3 with the tie - breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson ’ s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90 - mile high - speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president ’ s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. The GI Bill Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 10 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decora- 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 given to those who serve in combat. No one hopes to get a Purple Heart. One Purple Heart is more than enough to have been awarded, but this story will introduce one man who was awarded 9 of them over a period of 12 years in service in the United States Marine Corps in both WWII and the Korean War. His name is Staff Sgt. Albert Ireland. The Military Order of the Purple Heart describes this award as: “ Awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war at the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those killed in action or who died of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration. ” This award goes back to the Revolutionary War. It was established by then General George Washington in 1792 and was called the “ Badge of Military Merit. ” The modern Purple Heart was authorized after in 1932. It replaced the WWI “ Army Wound Ribbon ” and the “ Wound Chevrons ” that were worn on the sleeve denoting the num- ber of times one had been wounded in combat. There have been over 2 million Purple Hearts awarded since 1932. Those who have been in combat understand the honor and the respect that is associated with the Purple Heart. It represents those who have shed their blood on the battlefield in defense of the Con- stitution and the nation that it represents and upholds. The Purple Hearts worn by living service members and veterans represent courage and the cost of having met the enemy on the field of battle and survived. For those killed in action, the Purple Heart awarded to the next of kin reminds them of the courage and the ultimate sacrifice their son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother willingly paid to protect and defend the freedoms, rights and privileges given to all Americans by the Constitution of the Unit- 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- 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 would be awarded 5 Purple Hearts during his service in WWII. After WWII, Ireland remained in the Marine Reserves and began studies in Health and Education at Ithaca College, then the University of Arizona and at the University of Notre Dame. In 1950 he was called back to active duty after the outbreak of the Korean War. When he was called up, he went to Camp Lejeune for refresher combat training then he applied for combat duty in Korea. An officer at Camp Lejeune attempted to deny him that request as he had already been awarded 5 Purple Hearts. This was in accord- ance with Marine Corps regulations. That officer was overruled when Ireland appealed to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Clifton B. Cates. He was then flown from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco on the way to Korea. In Korea he was attached to the 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Ireland, as a result of the seriousness of his last wound was medically and honorably discharged in 1953. He had received four more Purple Hearts from wounds to his leg, hand, neck and head. This brought the total number of Purple Hearts he had been awarded to nine. Ireland would come home to Cold Springs, NY where he would take up a career as a firefighter with the Cold Springs Fire Department. He died on Nov. 16, 1997 in Kansas at the age of 79. He is buried in the Cold Springs, NY cemetery. The Putnam County Sheriff ’ s Dept. has named a Marine Patrol Boat that currently patrols the Hudson River in his honor. Over his 12 years in the Marine Corps, through two wars, Ireland was awarded the Bronze Star with one gold service star along with his Purple Heart with one silver oak leaf and three bronze oak leaf clusters, representing his nine Purple Heart awards. The Veterans Site wishes to honor the memory of Staff Sgt. Albert Ireland. We thank him for his courageous and deter- mined service to the nation and to the United States Marine Corps over his 12 years of active and reserve enlistments. We thank him for his service to his hometown as a firefighter as well. Semper Fi, Marine! Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 11 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 12 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran ’ s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion ’ s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran ’ s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA ’ s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill ’ s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet - level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA ’ s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender - specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. American Legion – 100 years old and 2.5 million strong Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 13 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini - mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non - veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at public.inquiry@mail.va.gov. Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 14 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Some July History Age 83 Age 91 Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 15 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sacramento County Veterans Services Established in 1946 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Veterans Services is respon- sible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans population of Sacramento County. DHA Veterans Services can assist you with the following: Service - Connected Disability Compensation Benefits Non Service - Connected Disability Pension Benefits Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Death Pension Benefits Aid & Attendance Entitlement VA Medical Care Eligibility & Access Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits California College Fee Waiver Program VA Life Insurance State Veterans Homes Requests for Military Records Discharge Upgrade Information Burial Benefits Other Ancillary Benefits & Programs - The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Person: 2007 19th Street Sacramento CA 95818 Phone: 916 - 874 - 6811 or E - mail: DHA - VET@saccounty.net ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost) Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 16 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y 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. ” Lowe ’ s Expands Military Discount Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 17 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y July - IN MEMORIAM Julius Nicklas United States Navy, World War II 27 years as a member of the American Legion Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 18 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Page 1 Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 19 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Page 2 Volume 10 Issue 7 - July 2021 Page 20 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ 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