NEWSLETTER June 2019 (1).pdf - Thurman

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Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 June News Letter Dedicated to the men and woman that served in the United States Military. Their sacrifice maintained our nations safety and security. God bless all Veterans - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and may God continue to Bless the United States of America. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 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 Paul Reyes - Commander lot of great and wonderful friends and I am much the better person for it. One of my best highlights was hav- ing gone back to my home town of San Antonio, Tx and walked into a Legion Post building. I was asked if they could help me? I introduced myself, gave them one of my business cards and was proceeded to be treated like royalty! Anything I could ask for was available from a drink from the bar to a nice lunch! The Post Commander was called and when he came over, he gave me a tour of the place which was really quite astounding. I am taking SO many memories with me that I Hello Post 637, could not put them all on paper. Each and every one of them is special and I will not soon forget any of them. I Well the time grows near where you will be owe these great memories to all of you that entrusted me reading a Commanders Corner but from a different per- for the last seven years to lead this great and wonderful spective and person. For those of you that may not know, group of gentlemen and ladies! our current 1st Vice Commander Sylvia Thweatt is your new incoming Post Commander. I know that she will do We coined a phrase about Post 637 and that a great job going forward as she will also have a great phrase said “Post 637 The Best of the Best”! It rings just group of people to work with her on the Executive as true now as when we first started saying that. Board. Thank you each and every one of you for your These last 7 years as your Post Commander have trust in me and I look forward to seeing this Post go for- been an absolute honor for me. We have seen a lot of ward with the new leadership. I know that “The Best of changes together and we have tried to do the best job the Best” is in great hands! possible for Post 637! I was asked if I would miss it and Thank you all for listening, I of course said I would not. However, reality has set in and I am starting to wonder what I am going to do every second Tuesday of the month going forward? Well for one I won’t have to miss Tuesday night’s wrestling pro- Paul Reyes gram anymore! Commander Each and every one of you have been a joy to work with and for. I have had the opportunity to go and Semper Fidelis !!! be part of a couple of Department Conventions which were an eye opener for me. I have been able to make a Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 3 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 6 - June 2019 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY June is the Month for Transition Post 637 it’s that time of the year once again that we start to transition to the new Exec- utive Board. The one big change - a new Post Commander. Sgt. at Arms - Tom Sullivan 3rd Vice Commander - Alex Candela 2nd Vice Commander - Maynard Johnson 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. Paul Reyes Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Sylvia Thweatt 1st Vice Commander 916-792-9669 What has happened to the human race? There are many thinks that bug me but I want to fo- cus on an issue that recently became more prevalent. The Picnic and Battle of the Bands committee has been hard at work getting ready for this year’s events. One of my tasks is to contact and invite back the individuals, groups and organizations that have supported us in the previous years or to invite the new ones. I have sent out many emails but only received few responses. I followed up with second emails with some success. Why is that? Why is it so difficult to type up a sentence or two acknowledging the invite and either politely decline or accept? Before emails became a way of communication, most of us wouldn’t consider ignoring someone when spoken to and we wrote let- ters back and forth. Just because the technology has taken over that doesn’t mean we have to loose basic common courtesy to each other. I get that some are busy and it takes time to get thru all the emails. But that is no excuse because there are ways to scan thru the inbox, prioritize and mark the emails that need to be returned. I know because I have been there and it is doable. Few months back the board members spent time contacting the membership via phone be- cause we realized we haven’t done a good job staying connected. We wanted to know how many legionnaires actually use the email system and the internet, what is the interest in being an active member of the Post, what activities would they like to see and if they would be interested in attend- ing a Post meeting. We had some success talking to our members but majority of phone calls ended up in the voicemail box. I have absolutely no issue with that. I understand some screen their calls or some were actually out and about. What is very disappointing to me is the fact that those calls were never returned. Again common curtesy gone. We have to do better. You all know the saying “Treat others the way you want to be treat- ed.” I want to challenge you to spread curtesy and add kindness and with some persistence it may catch on. Sylvia Thweatt Commander Elect Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall Enrollment and health care eligibil- 2nd Vice ity; Commander Expanded community care eligibil- ity; 916-215-0685 Accessing new Urgent Care benefits Effective June 6, 2019 Enhanced VA for minor illnesses; Options Under the MISSION Act Information on how copayments and insurance will be used; Dear My HealtheVet member: Learning more about VA's access At VA, Veterans are at the center of and quality standards and how everything we do. We are constantly those relate to you; working to make sure you know about Awareness of the complaints and ap- the health care and benefits you have peals process for health care de- earned through your service to our livery. country. A new law, called the MISSION Act, You can view the booklet at https:// strengthens VA's ability to provide you www.missionact.va.gov/library/files/ with state-of-the-art care and services MIS- through a network of providers and SION_ACT_Community_Care_Bookle cutting-edge technology. The law t.pdf makes several enhancements to VA We appreciate that you choose VA for care that begin on June 6, 2019. your health care and we are honored to With the MISSION Act, you will see serve you. VA continue to be a trusted, caring Sincerely, partner. We are focused on providing Richard Stone, MD Executive in an excellent experience of care to you Charge Office of the Under Secretary and the important people in your life. for Health You'll see us expand our efforts to meet For more information about the MIS- you where you are, with the right care SION Act vis- at the right place and the right time - it www.missionact.va.gov. including through telehealth and in You can keep up with your health care your community. issues by subscribing to the bi-weekly To help you learn more about your VA 'My HealtheVet Update' at https:// health care options, we have created a www.myhealth.va.gov/subscribe. booklet that provides information on: Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Paralyzed Veterans of America The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a Veterans Service Organization in the United States of America, founded in 1946. The organization holds 34 chapters and 69 National Service Offices in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is based in Washington, D.C. The group holds a Congressional Charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. Mission Paralyzed Veterans of America describes itself as having "developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members—Veterans of the United States who have experienced Spinal Cord Injury or dysfunction". It is also involved with promoting and protecting the civil rights of the disabled. Programs and services Paralyzed Veterans of America says it delivers holistic recovery and transition for severely disabled veterans through integrative programs and services that fulfill all needs. These programs and services include veterans’ benefits and PAVE program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment), medical services and health policy, research and edu- cation, architecture, government advocacy and legislation, and sports and recreation. In 2017, the organization cele- brated the passing of legislation that enables the VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment. The services will be available January 19, 2017 through September 30, 2018 and Paralyzed Veterans worked hard to achieve that suc- cess for its members.[1] The organization's professional staff is augmented by local chapters and at-large membership activities, corporate relations, and public/media engagement. While the organization's programs and services particularly target veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, it also offers services to able-bodied, ill, wounded, and injured veterans as well as to dependents, survivors, and caregiv- ers to the global disability community. All support is offered free of charge to veterans and families and without govern- ment funding. Programs are funded by the support of individual donors and corporate sponsors. Ratings The organization received a Gold Star rating from Guide Star based on organizational mission, [2] impact, financial data, and commitment to transparency in accordance with GAAP. PVA received a rating of zero out of four possible stars from Charity Navigator, based primarily on the fact that the organization spends less than one-third of its expenses on the programs and services it delivers, and more than two-thirds on fundraising and administration Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY June 14 officially is the day we call Flag Day and celebrate our Grand Old Flag. June 1777 it first went up the flag pole to see how many would salute it. It was different then and it is still different today. Not to disparage flags from other countries but….. our flag is unique while beautiful. When it fly’s it speaks. It say’s who we are and what we are about. You may mistakenly think that flag of Ireland might be Italy or maybe even Mexico. You might get confused about which way the Red, White and Blue goes on the French flag vs. the Russian flag or maybe your not sure which flag repre- sents Colombia and which is Venezuela. But I Believe that there isn’t a person in the world that doesn’t recognize the Red, White and the Blue of Old Glory. And more importantly what it stands for. When countries are being over run by the enemy – it’s the flag that they want to see coming over the hill and on the shoulder of a military force. When countries are hit by national disasters – ty- phoons, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis – that flag tells them that they have a chance. It’s the Ameri- can Military behind Our Flag that comes to the rescue. For our help we do not take land or natural resources. Unlike many other countries, we do not loot and plunder those that we are helping. Our flag says that and much, much more. On Memorial Day, I reminded everyone in attendance at our ceremony that “heroes don’t wear a cape – they wear dog tags”. Dog tags and they fly a very unique and beautiful flag. If you don’t own one – go out and buy one and fly it on June 14. And if it feels good – fly it every day. Jim Monteton Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY CITY IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? The City of Citrus Heights is looking for volunteers at City Hall and the Community Center. Volunteer opportunities include reception desk, transportation permits, gardening, client reimbursements, filing, special projects, and much more. Volunteering is an easy way to get involved in your community. There is so much to do an not enough hours in the day to get it all done; volunteers bridge the gap, selecting work that is enjoyable and rewarding to them. We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and value the significant contribution they make; truly, we could not do it without them. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 11 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 6 - June 2019 Page 12 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 13 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 6 - June 2019 Page 14 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 6 - June 2019 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 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY People and Events in History in June June 1, 1926 – A favorite of the GI’s, Marilyn Monroe was born. June 4, 1944 - During World War II in Europe, Rome was liberated by the U.S. 5th Army, led by General Mark Clark. June 6, 1944 - D-Day, the largest amphibious landing in history, began in the early-morning hours as Allied forces landed in Normandy on the northern coast of France. Operation Overlord took months of planning and involved 1,527,000 soldiers in 47 Allied divisions along with 4,400 ships and landing craft, and 11,000 aircraft. June 6, 1755 - American patriot, Nathan Hale, was born. During the American Revolution, he volunteered for a dangerous spy mission in Long Island and was captured by the British. Brought before British General William Howe, Hale admitted he was an American officer. Howe ordered him to be hanged the following morning. As Hale mounted the gallows he uttered, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." June 12, 19224 – George H. W. Bush, the 41st U.S. President, was born. During World War II, he became the youngest pilot in the U.S. Navy. June 13, 1786 - American Army General Winfield Scott was born. Nicknamed "Old Fuss and Feathers" be- cause of his formality, he served in three wars; the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the American Civil War. June 14, 1775 - The first U.S. Military service, the Continental Army consisting of six companies of riflemen, was established by the Second Continental Congress. The next day, George Washington was appointed by a unanimous vote to command the army. June 14, 1777 - John Adams introduced a resolution before Congress mandating a United States flag, stating, "...that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation." This anniversary is celebrated each year in the U.S. as Flag Day. June 20, 1782 - The U.S. Congress officially adopted the Great Seal of the United States of America. June 20, 1924 - American military hero and actor Audie Murphy was born. He was the most decorated Ameri- can soldier of World War II, awarded 37 medals and decorations, including the Medal of Honor. June 25, 1876 - General George A. Custer, leading 250 men, attacked an encampment of Sioux Indians near Little Bighorn River in Montana. Custer and his men were then attacked by 2000-4000 Indian braves. Only one scout and a single horse survived 'Custer's Last Stand' on the Little Bighorn Battlefield. June 25, 1950 - The Korean War began as North Korean troops, led by Russian-built tanks, crossed the 38th parallel and launched a full scale invasion of South Korea. June 28, 1914 - Archduke Francis Ferdinand, Crown Prince of Austria and his wife were assassinated at Saraje- vo, touching off a conflict between the Austro-Hungarian government and Serbia that escalated into WW I. June 30, 1971 - The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was enacted, granting the right to vote in all fed- eral, state and local elections to American citizens 18 years or older. The U.S. thus gained an additional 11 mil- lion voters. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 17 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 6 - June 2019 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY VA U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Dear Veterans and Stakeholders, The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to team up to combat illegal robocalls targeting Americans, including Veterans and their families. Each year, the FCC receives more than 200,000 complaints about unwanted calls. While this may seem like a big number, it pales in comparison to the millions of robocalls being made each day. The calls inter- rupt dinners and family time; they flood landline and mobile phones. Scam calls frequently solicit money for fake charities, including ones claiming to support America’s Veterans - some even claiming to be VA repre- sentatives. We know that scam activity increases during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, so the FCC and VA urge you to be vigilant. We offer the following tips to help you avoid unwanted calls and scams. • Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Scammers may spoof their caller ID to display a fake number that appears to be local. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately. • Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maid- en names, or passwords in response to unexpected or suspicious calls. • Be sure to set a password for all voice mail accounts to avoid being hacked. Register your number on the Do Not Call List to block calls from legitimate telemarketers. Ask your phone company about call-blocking tools and services for your landline phone, and check for help- ful apps that you can download to your mobile phone. Please help spread the word about robocall fraud among those who may need assistance particularly those who are frequently targeted by phone scams. For more information, visit: fcc.gov/robocalls. Sincerely Veterans Benefits Administration Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 19 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 same. Your value and mine do not come from what we do, the clothes we wear, the Chaplain house we live in, or the type of car we drive. Our value comes from the fact 916-692-5140 that God made us and loves us, and Christ died for us. Our value comes from the fact that He adopted us into His family, and we are now His children forever Don't depend on possessions or posi- VALUABLE TO GOD tion for your identity. Get your identi- "He who trusts in his riches will fall, ty from Christ, for you are of infinite But the righteous will flourish like fo- worth to Him! liage." Proverbs 11:28 HOPE FOR TODAY A certain rich man died and the ques- How do you identify yourself? Is it tion was asked at his funeral, "How much based on something that can change in a did he leave?" moment: marital status, job, or material "He left it all," came the reply. possessions? Seek your identity in the Often, I hear someone introduced this unchanging love of God. way: "This is Bob, and he works for...," as if where a person works or what a per- From the book "Hope for Each Day" by son does determines his or her value. Billy Graham (I have noticed it is usually only the well-to-do or those who are thought of as "successful" who are introduced this way.) Yet God does not judge us by our suc- cess. He loves each person the Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY POST 637 POST OFFICER’S Paul Reyes Commander David Page Ron Myers 916-743-2008 Finance Officer Adjutant 916-801-8554 916-723-7324 Sylvia Thweatt Stephan Gall Alex Candela 1st Vice 2nd Vice 3rd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-792-9669 916-215-0685 916-990-4895 Barry Fitzgerald Maynard Johnson James Miranda Chaplain Historian Service Officer 916-692-5140 916-331-8716 530-919-5255 Vacant Richard Tkach Vacant Assist. Chaplain Sgt. at Arms Assist. 916-723-1932 Service Officer Jim Monteton Jack Mintz JAG Officer Photographer 916-726-9390 916-966-9041 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 21 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 6 - June 2019 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 10 Funny Military Jokes 1. Military Hospital. 2. Requesting a three day pass. 3. Hostile Happy Hour. 4. Giving sad news to the troops. 5. Mickey & Donald. 6. Giving very odd excuses. 7. Funny transcript of an actual military conversation. 8. Recruiting military pilots. 9. Soldier’s joke on his ex-girlfriend. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Post Membership As we finish our second half of the 2018/2019 year, we find ourselves behind. We have normally try to past 100% by December 31 each year. This month we find ourselves short of the 276 goal. The 2019 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2019 Paid % as of Post 637 276 253 91.67% 6-14-201 * 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: American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 David Page—Finance Officer Michael Moesch Community Outreach Citrus Heights City Hall Mesothelioma Guide: 1-888-572-9011 6360 Fountain Square Dr. 121 S. Orange Avenue | Suite 1450 | Orlando , FL Citrus Heights, Ca. 32801 NEXT MEETING www.MesotheliomaGuide.com Tuesday June 18, 2019 6:30 pm Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Sacramento Food Bank & Families Services Brings Fresh Produce to Urban Neighborhoods Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), provider of food and support to 135,000 of the 242,000 members of the Sacramento community who are food insecure, just got more mobile. Its new, Produce for All truck can motor to a destination, and because of its nifty design, roll up its side doors and distribute food akin to a famers’ market. Anyone (no questions asked) can select fresh produce of their choosing from the open-air bins. The quality groceries come from regional farms and a variety of other sources. The traveling produce truck, on the road due to the generosity of a Sutter Health Community Benefit invest- ment, is an important addition to SFBFS’ 224 partner agencies that help to expand food distribution throughout the county. “When one in four children in Sacramento County lives in poverty, and nearly half of our seniors don’t have enough income to meet the most basic of expenses, our services are more important than ever before,” says Blake Young, President/CEO. “Our new Produce for All truck will increase our capacity to serve more residents where they live.” Transportation to one, centralized food bank in the county is often an overwhelming obstacle for food inse- cure families. Those who must rely on public transportation, seniors, families, the working poor, the unemployed and the disabled, can find navigating the system challenging. When fresh produce can come to them, a healthier lifestyle is more likely. SFBFS’ Produce for All truck, transporting food from local growers and donors to as many as 300 families at any given stop, is also a neighborhood-by-neighborhood link to additional services such as CalFresh, employment, housing and healthcare. “No one - regardless of income level, age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status or community of residence - is invulnerable to the possibility of experiencing food insecurity sometime in their lives,” says Young. And when that happens, by providing healthy food, we may be able to offer other assistance related to the root cause of pov- erty.” SFBFS’ Produce for All truck offers a robust calendar of regularly scheduled stops. To view a calendar listing of current Produce for All food distributions, visit: www.sacramentofoodbank.org/produce-for-all/. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) offers compassionate support and a compass for families navigating diffi- cult times. With 15 diverse programs and services, a staff of 83 employees, several thousand volunteers and the financial support of the community, SFBFS guides families on their journey through support and education. Since 2014, SFBFS has served as the main food bank of Sacramento County. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 25 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 6 - June 2019 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Reichert’s Funeral And Cremation Services Dignity Memorial 7320 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights, CA 95610 www.reichertsfuneral.com 916-729-2229 Fax: 916-722-9485 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 4, 2018 November 11, 2018 Independence Day Veterans Day July 11, 2018 December 7, 2018 2nd Qtr Ceremony Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Dixon January 9, 2019 August 4, 2018 4th Qtr. Homeless Coast Guard Day Service at Dixon August 25, 2018 April 6, 2019 Veterans Appreciation Picnic Army Day September 11, 2018 April 10, 2019 Patriot Day 1st Qtr Homeless September 14, 2018 Service at Dixon POW/MIA Recognition Day May 18, 2019 September 18, 2018 Armed Forces Day Air Force Day May 27, 2019 September 23, 2018 Memorial Day Sunday Fun Day June 14, 2019 October 6, 2018 Flag Day/Army Birthday 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ October 10, 2018 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. October 27, 2018 We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Heights City Hall in the Community Room. Navy Day November 10, 2018 Marine Corps Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 6 - June 2019 Page 28 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 6 - June 2019 Page 29 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion