Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 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. Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 How silly of me to think that we will be able to have our June meeting at the City Hall. We will not. And the way things are I don ’ t foresee us getting together in July either, which makes me very unhappy. It ’ s not only the business we need to conduct; it ’ s the lack of interaction we all miss. At least I do. And frankly, by not being able to meet and plan for the future events involving veterans and community, I personally feel unaccomplished and somewhat useless. The Board discussed possibility of still having the Veterans Picnic in August, but the Ru- sch Park said no. We are entertaining the idea of having a Post meeting in an open space and we will keep you posted. Here is another bad news, the Board also decided to cancel the Battle of the Bands. We are not sure if the venue will even be opened but the main reason was that as you know, this event heavily depends on sponsorships and donations. That includes vine, drinks, meat and sides. With the businesses being shut down for quite some time, we felt it would be inappropriate to ask. We also worried about the possibility of low ticket sales. Since there are no in person meetings, some of us participated in two online District meetings. Zoom meetings, among others, are being widely used now. It takes a little practice to get familiar with the features but there are tutorials available on YouTube. You can also call in via phone if you don ’ t want to use a computer. As a last resort, we would have a Zoom meeting in August if we are unable to meet in person. I promise there will be instructions sent in plenty of time ahead of the Post meeting. We are tentatively planning on having a ceremony on December 7 at the Veterans Grove at Rusch Park. More information to come. Keep safe. Reach out to us if you need ANYTHING Sylvia Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 Page 3 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 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 Page 4 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 Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 As we all take precautions to guard against COVID - 19, being able to access VA health care is very important. Reaching your VA care team online – rather than in person – can pro- tect you and others from exposure to infectious diseases. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie shared, “ Veterans have never had a more compelling reason to get a My HealtheVet ac- count than now. With My HealtheVet, Veterans can say in touch with their VA health care teams and get access to VA care from home. ” VA has many tools that can help you access care remotely, including My HealtheVet, VA ’ s online patient portal. With a free My HealtheVet Premium account, you can securely ac- cess tools online that help you manage your VA care from home: Secure Messaging: Send online secure messages to your VA health care team to ask them non - urgent health questions or to ask to set up a video telehealth appointment. VA Appointments: Rather than going to a VA facility, you can receive many types of care at home – either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect . You can set up telephone or video appointments by sending a secure mes- sage. Or you can use the VA Appointments tab on My HealtheVet. Prescription Refills: Request prescription refills and ship medi- cations to your home using My HealtheVet ’ s VA Prescriptions tool or the Rx Refill mobile app. Using these tools can help you get VA care while maintaining physical distancing. Even if you are healthy, the time to get a My HealtheVet account is now. That way, you ’ re prepared should you need to access VA care in the future. Start with My HealtheVet If you don ’ t have a My HealtheVet account yet, you can cre- ate an account at myhealth.va.gov by selecting “ Register ” in the top right. Check out the new user registration guide on the My HealtheVet website if you need help. You should make sure your account information matches your VA or U.S. Department of Defense records. If your infor- mation matches, your account will automatically be upgraded to Advanced level. Then there will be an “ A ” icon next to your name. The next step is upgrading to a Premium account to access all of My HealtheVet ’ s features. You can read more about those features on the My HealtheVet Premium webpage Upgrading to a premium account online Upgrading to a My HealtheVet Premium account is a free and secure process. Once you have an Advanced account, you can upgrade to a Premium account online with a sign - in part- ner. Sign - in partners are either DS Logon or ID.me. DoD issues DS Logons. It lets you access many VA and DoD sites with one username and password. To learn more about DS Logon, you can read our DS Logon guide on the My HealtheVet site. You can get a DS Logon Level 2 (Premium) account at myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil ID.me is a trusted identity verification partner for VA. If you need an ID.me account, you ’ ll need your smartphone, or a landline and a computer with an internet connection. Also, make sure you know your Social Security number and have proof of identity. Proof includes your driver ’ s license or pass- port. Learn more here: https://www.id.me/ Once you have a My HealtheVet Advanced account, and a DS Logon Level 2 (Premium) or ID.me account, sign in to your account using a sign - in partner and select “ Upgrade Now. ” The My HealtheVet website ’ s upgrading guide can help you complete the process of upgrading your account online using a sign - in partner. Upgrading your account online is simple — you can get start- ed today . And protect yourself from the spread of COVID - 19 by staying up to date with the latest information and guide- lines at https://www.va.gov/coronavirus - veteran - frequently - asked - questions/ and cdc.gov/coronavirus Steve Gall The one thing I can give and still keep, is my word. Fair Winds and Following Seas Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 Richard Baron, a 59 - year resident of Citrus Heights and vet- eran of World War II, recalls being eager to serve his country when more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Northern France on June 6, 1944. Around eight months prior to the D - Day invasion, Baron en- listed in the Navy while still a senior, along with three of his classmates from Lincoln High School. “ When four of us left, that made quite a dent in the school body, ” he said, noting the school ’ s small size when Lincoln ’ s population was just over 2,000. Baron completed basic training in San Diego where he was selected for specialized training and sent to Chicago. By June 1944, his original graduation date, he was already learning radio operations at the University of Chicago. Radio opera- tions training was rigorous, and Baron said he had little time off while studying for the fast - paced courses. Most of his pro- fessors at the university were civilian, but only Navy person- nel were allowed to teach the classified subjects he would later use to communicate with ships thousands of miles across the Pacific. Baron was focused on his studies as events in the European Theater were unfolding. News of the Normandy Invasion came by watching newsreels at the movies, or reading news- papers, and he remembers increased interest as events in Europe unfolded. Allied troops in the European Theater had already made progress in France after D - Day by the time Baron was assigned to what was then called the Canal Zone in Panama. After waiting 25 days in Norfolk, Virginia, he boarded a transport ship for a five - day voyage to Panama, recalling the sea sickness he endured as the flat - bottomed ship bobbed in rough seas. “ There ’ s no compassion for a sick sailor, ” Baron said. “ I ’ d be lying on the deck, and a sailor would pass me and step over me. I guess there was a reason that I was assigned to a land - based naval facility. ” Baron was assigned to a major radio facility in the 15th Naval District in the Canal Zone, one of only four primary radio com- munications centers operated by the Navy throughout the world. Baron ’ s facility at Panama would transmit coded mes- sages to ships throughout the Pacific Ocean. “ We were the communication link for the ships at sea in our geographic ar- ea, ” Baron said. “ Nine - tenths of the communication was one way. ” Baron said he would also relay messages from ships at sea to other radio facilities, eventually reaching the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Listening to Morse code became almost musical to Baron, who played trumpet in high school band. Using a typewriter to transcribe entire phrases, rather than letter by letter, he recalled being able to “ hear ” what the next phrase would be, based on the rhythm of the code. “ I ’ m typ- ing what I ’ ve heard, but yet I ’ m ‘ hearing ’ what ’ s coming, ” he said. “ But that ’ s after a lot, a lot, of practice. ” The messages Baron transmitted were coded, so he couldn ’ t say what they were. However, there were times he learned of ships returning through the Panama Canal that had been damaged in battle. “ We would know when a ship was coming through that ... had been bombed, ” he recalled. “ We (would) go down and be there for the ship and try to maybe have si- lent moments for the ship when it came in. ” Baron later learned two of his classmates from Lincoln High were killed in action on one of those ships. Although not the same classmates he enlisted with, it remains a solemn memory. While Baron remembers the end of the war in Eu- rope in 1945, he feels a greater connection with the end of the war in the Pacific the following year, because he was in contact with ships in the Pacific Theater. Baron was discharged in 1947 and married his high school sweetheart, Roberta Peach. Peach was two years younger than Baron and they wrote letters back and forth as she fin- ished high school while he was in the Navy. “ I looked at her and I said ‘ I ’ m gonna marry her ’,” Baron said of the first time they met. The newly weds lived in Sacramento while he at- tended Sacramento City College, and later Sacramento State to get his teaching credential in 1951. After college, Baron worked as the principal of two schools in Carmel for four years. He returned to Sacramento county to serve as a principal at schools in the Rio Linda Union School District, now known as Twin Rivers Unified. Baron, his wife, and their two sons eventually settled in Citrus Heights in 1961, which he remembers being a small rural community with oak trees lining both sides of Greenback Lane. “ Citrus Heights was very rural, ” he said. “ The center of the business district at that time was over off Mariposa and Ante- lope Road, where Hall ’ s Furniture happens to be. The original post office was right there. ” While living in Citrus Heights, Baron continued serving as a school principal in the Rio Linda district until officially retiring in 1984, although he continued as a substitute principal at schools in and out of the district for another ten years. Baron, whose wife of 68 years has since passed away, de- scribes his health at age 94 as “ excellent ” and has no need of a cane for mobility. He now keeps busy with grandchildren and great - grandchildren, and his sons still call him with ques- tions. He also serves on the board for the Arcade Creek Neighborhood Association, known as Area 4. “ If I reflect back on my life, I ’ ve had a very full life, ” said Bar- on. “ I ’ ve enjoyed it. I don ’ t regret any of it at all. ” Citrus Heights WWII Veterans Story Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 Page 6 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 Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916 - 990 - 4895 Alejandro M Candela Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 W e were in Hanger #4 of the Pima Air and Space Museum to view the beautifully restored B - 29, When I happened to take notice of a P - 51 Mustang near the big bomber. It ’ s name? "Bad Angel ” I was admiring its aerodynamic lines and recalled enough history to know that until the Mustangs came into service, the skies over the Pacific Ocean were dominated by Japanese Zeros. Then something very strange caught my eye. Proudly displayed on the fuselage of “ Bad Angel ” were the markings of the pilot's kills: seven Nazis; one Italian; one Japanese AND ONE AMERICAN. Huh? "Bad Angel" shot down an American airplane? Was it a terrible mistake? Couldn ’ t be. If it had been an unfortunate misjudgment, certainly the pilot would not have displayed the American flag. I knew there had to be a good story here. Fortunately for us, one of the Museum's many fine do- cents was on hand to tell it. In 1942, the United States needed pilots for its war planes lots of war planes; lots of pilots. Lt Louis Curdes was one. When he was 22 years old, he graduated flight training school and was shipped off to the Mediterranean to fight Nazis in the air over Southern Europe. Lt Louis Curdes arrived at his 82nd Fighter Group, 95th Fighter Squadron in April 1943 and was assigned a P - 38 Lightning. Ten days later he shot down three German Messerschmitt Bf - 109 fighters. A few weeks later, he downed two more German Bf - 109's. In less than a month of combat, Louis was an Ace. During the next three months, Louis shot down an Italian Mc.202 fighter and two more Messerschmitt's before his luck ran out. A German fighter shot down his plane on August 27, 1943 over Sa- lerno, Italy. Captured by the Italians, he was sent to a POW camp near Rome. No doubt this is where he thought he would spend the remaining years of the war. It wasn't to be. A few days later, the Italians surrendered. Louis and a few other pilots escaped before the Nazis could take control of the camp. One might think that such harrowing experiences would have taken the fight out of Louis, yet he volunteered for another combat tour. This time, Uncle Sam sent him to the Philippines where he flew P - 51 Mustangs. Soon after arriving in the Pacific Theater, Louis downed a Mitsubishi reconnaissance plane near Formosa. Now he was one of only three Americans to have kills against all three Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan. Up until this point, young Lt. Curdes combat career had been stellar. His story was about to take a twist so bizarre that it seems like the fictional creation of a Hollywood screenwriter. While attacking the Japanese - held island of Bataan, one of Louis' wingmen was shot down. The pilot ditched in the ocean. Circling overhead, Louis could see that his wingman had survived, so he stayed in the area to guide a rescue plane and protect the downed pilot. It wasn't long before he noticed another, larger airplane, wheels down, preparing to land at the Japanese - held airfield on Ba- taan. He moved in to investigate. Much to his surprise the ap- proaching plane was a Douglas C - 47 transport with American mark- ings. He tried to make radio contact, but without success. He ma- neuvered his Mustang in front of the big transport several times try- ing to wave it off. The C - 47 kept ahead to its landing target. Appar- ently the C - 47 crew didn't realize they were about to land on a Japa- nese held island, and soon would be captives. Lt Curdes read the daily newspaper accounts of the war, including the viciousness of the Japanese soldiers toward their captives. He knew that whoever was in that American C - 47 would be, upon landing, either dead or wish they were. But what could he do? Audaciously, he lined up his P - 51 directly behind the transport, carefully sighted one of his 50 caliber machine guns and knocked out one of its two engines. Still the C - 47 continued on toward the Bataan airfield. Curdes shifted his aim slightly and knocked out the remaining en- gine, leaving the baffled pilot no choice but to ditch in the ocean. The big plane came down in one piece about 50 yards from his bob- bing wingman. At this point, nightfall and low fuel forced Louis to return to base. The next morning, Louis flew cover for a rescuing PBY that picked up the downed Mustang pilot and 12 passengers and crew, including two female nurses, from the C - 47. All sur- vived. Later, Lt. Curdes would end up marrying one of these nurses! For shooting down an unarmed American transport plane, Lt. Louis Curdes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thereafter, on the fuselage of his P - 51 "Bad Angel", he proudly dis- played the symbols of his kills: Seven German, one Italian, one Japanese and one American. Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 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 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 Page 9 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion I know our world has been turned upside down and inside out. It ’ s not enough we ’ ve been dealing with the virus and lock- down, now there are civil unrests all over the country. I won ’ t talk about racism, police brutality or defunding, protesting, looting, destruction and reinventing history. I won ’ t discuss how the local governments are handling their cities or how the media is reporting on what is going on. This is not the platform for that. I do want to talk about our mental well - being. My head is spinning. Never in my life have I thought I would see United States in such turmoil. I want to share my state of mind during the past 3 weeks in hopes that some of you will relate and recognize that you are not alone feeling this way. At times I feel hopeless that we won ’ t be able to find our way out of this. I not so much worry about my future but the future of my kids and grandkids. I struggle with the possibility that I won ’ t be able to protect my family. I feel powerless that there is nothing I can do to stop the insanity. I feel sadness, anger, despair and fear. I find myself on this emotional rollercoaster fac- ing such intense emotions I have never experienced before. There have been times I just let the emotions take complete control over me because frankly I didn ’ t know what to do. About a week ago I was a part of an online meeting with my travel Guild. The topic was personal wellness and I am glad I joined in. I learned that oth- ers felt mixed emotions as well, how they tend to deal with them and what are the steps to keep yourself sane. I would like to share the Wellness Recovery Action Plan that I received during the ses- sion and I do hope that you will use it if you need to. Wellness Recovery Action Plan By Mary Ellen Copeland , Ph.D. The Wellness Toolkit Write down all the things you do to stay healthy and well. You can add to this list, anytime you like. These things can be hobbies, ac- tivities you like to do, people, health and wellness practices, spir- itual practices etc. You may refer to this list throughout the rest of the plan. There are 6 parts to the W.R.A.P. (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Daily Maintenance List • Here you can list all the words that describe you when you are well and at your best. (Responsible, humorous, talkative) • Write down all the things you need to do every day to keep feeling well and at your best (eat 3 healthy meals a day, walk for 20 minutes a day, take my supplements and medications after breakfast, avoid alcohol) Triggers: these are events or circumstances that set us off balance. Getting into argument with a loved one, feeling unsafe, anniversary dates of losses or trauma. List here all the things that you know set you off balance. Triggers Action Plan : Write down ideas you have for how to respond the next time some of these triggering events occur. (I will take 5 deep breaths; I will call my best friend, I will tell myself 2 good qualities I have) Early Warning Signs may be a result of a trigger or they can just appear out of the blue. (forgetting things, increase in smoking, paying bills late) Early Warning Signs Action Plan: List ideas you have of how to manage these signs. (go to a 12 step meet- ing, make an appointment with my social worker, do the things on my Daily Maintenance List whether I want to or not.) When Things Are Breaking Down is the point where you need to really pay attention in order to avoid a possible crisis. (Sleeping all the time/not sleeping at all, racing thoughts, calling in sick to work because you can ’ t get out of bed) When Things Are Breaking Down Action Plan : List very specific things you can do to manage. (Call my sponsor right after work, take a walk for 15 minutes after dinner, write in my journal for 15 minutes be- fore bed) Crisis Plan What I am like when I am well What are my symptoms List of people I would like to take over/ phone numbers/ Tasks for them to do List of people I don ’ t want involved Medications/Supplements/Health Care Prepara- tions I currently use Treatments/Complementary Therapies Home Care /Community Care/Respite Care Hospital or other Treatment facility I prefer be- cause Help from Others - things that will help reduce my symptoms Inactivating the Plan – actions that indicate I no longer need this crisis plan. Have it signed by yourself and witnesses even a notary public if you desire 6. Post Crisis Plan – here you let your supporters know what you might need after a crisis and when they will no longer need to do for you as you will be doing for yourself again! 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 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace, so, too, have tales of kindness. BENOUVILLE, France — The essence of war remembrance is to make sure the fallen are never forgotten. All it takes is a wreath, a tiny wooden cross, a little token on a faraway grave to show that people still care about their fallen hero, parent or grandparent. This year, though, the pandemic stepped in, barring all travel for families to visit the World War II graves in France's Normandy, where Saturday marks the 76th anniversary of the epic D - Day battle, when allied troops successfully stormed the beaches and turned the war against the Nazis. So anguished families turned to the next best thing — an English- man living on D - day territory, a pensioner with a big heart and a small hole in his agenda. For years, Steven Oldrid, 66, had helping out with D - Day events around the beaches where British soldiers had landed — and of- ten left their lives behind — be it organizing parking, getting pip- ers to show or getting sponsors for veterans' dinners. Laying wreaths though, seemed something special, reserved for families and close friends only. But in pandemic times, pandemic rules apply. Oldrid was first contacted in March. “ I was actually choked up when I got the first request," Oldrid said. “ I'm always on the other side. Always in the background," he said. “ They asked ‘ Steven, can you lay our wreath? Well, they sent me five, and then another one said, ‘ Can you lay one for my grand- dad?' ‘ Can you lay one for my dad ’?" Before he knew, it in this extraordinary year, he had become the extraordinary wreath - layer — proof that kindness cannot be counted in pounds, euros or dollars, but in time and effort to or- ganize a day around the wishes of others. As June 6 approached, the boxes of wreaths and grave markers piled up in his garage. And to soothe the nerves of families, he has also been filming live for Facebook several ceremonies and wreath - laying ’ s. Among those struggling with not being able to go to Normandy this year was Jane Barkway - Harney of the British veteran Glider Pilot Regiment Society, whose father participated in the D - day landings. “ It makes me feel physically sick because you feel as though you ’ re letting everybody down, ” she said. “ I feel so strongly that it is our right and our duty to go. ” Still, whatever Oldrid is asked “ I know he ’ ll say ‘ yes' because he actually doesn ’ t know the word ‘ no.' It is not in his vocabulary," said Barkway - Harney. Through it all, he keeps a smile. “ It ’ s not ever, never will be a burden, he said “ It ’ s a pleasure and an honor." What does he get in return? On the internet it is “ Thank you, Ste- ve. A big heart and thumbs up," he said. And from his previous work helping out families and friends of veterans, he knows something else is coming too. “ They do actually bring me some English products like teabags and salad cream, baked beans and crisps for the kids. ” Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 There was an army of people. Young, old, kids and families - placing 1,400 Cross ’ and Flags on the Veterans graves at Sylvan Cemetery. MANY HANDS MAKED LIGHT WORK. Normally we only have about 12 individuals. Today we had over 25! GREAT TURNOUT. Thank you all for coming and helping! Chris Bish (candidate for 6th Congressional District) and Cathy Cook for assembly - Were out early this morning placing Cross' & Flags on the 1,400 Veterans buried here at Sylvan Cemetery. Thanks Chris & Cathy. The ceremony held at 11:00 on May 25 was attended by over 100 community residence . Memorial Day 2020 Also in attendance Congressmen Amni Barra and Citrus Heights City Councilmen Brett Daniels. Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 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 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 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 Received a call today! What makes this call special from any other? Timing!!! Woke up this morning, not unlike so many other mornings in 68 plus years of life. We all do it every day. For me 24,872 times as of this writing, but who ’ s counting! It was about 10:40am, sitting in the drive through at Jack In the Box, waiting for my favorite breakfast, #21 & Small Coffee, please. A quick bite before getting to a Memorial Service at the local cem- e t e r y Been to these services many times at the same location, seeing for the most part, the same faces present and speakers. Heard a few songs, prayers, and even a history lesson on why we were here. I have to admit, it was a bit different. Not many in the audience, due to the Mini - History (Covid - 19) we are going through. It ap- pears as mentioned by one State Congressman present noted; “ We have been through times like this in the past as a community, state, nation, only to come out stronger. We will again, as a Proud Ameri- can Family. We heard about a Boy, standing near his father ’ s grave stone. I as many of you understand this emotion. At least for me, standing by my father ’ s gravestone, only to reach to the right and tough the one next to it at the same time. My brother (KIA 23 Feb. 1968). This is an important point to remember. As emotionally noted by an elderly man, standing in Army Greens, who proudly engaged the fellow servicemen, women and guests, a point, not lost to those who listen to the many T.V. channels and versions of what is believed today. Our founding principles are as so many values we hold dear, being tread upon, soiled, and plain disrespected. Today, a day of remembrance. Remembrance of what? is the ques- tion. Those who died, or what they died for? I think in the planning, execution of today ’ s event emotionally gave us the answer to both. For me, it was good to hear the heartfelt thoughts, seeing faces not seen for a while. It was busy, and only a few acknowledged my presence. Even got a quick back rub! (Dam, didn ’ t follow Safe Dis- tancing) and enjoyed it. Values are shown on how we respect each other and communicate. This one day we all practice in our own ways. Isn ’ t it nice to romanticize how over the years, young men and women rise to the occasion to join the military in times of conflict, and serve our country. We cling to it, savor it, and on Memorial Day, honor it. I too, have that quiver in my heart when hearing the pledge, the anthem and patriotic songs. I ’ d like to say “ How Could You Not? ” and feel I ’ m speaking to every American. But history has shown many enjoy our way of life, for themselves, but not for our country. We just have to live with it, and do the best we can, to hold our own feelings of honor true. We can mostly. An empty chair in front, draped by a well - recognized flag. Black with white letters and a lowered head. We see it many times at mili- tary ceremonies, organizations supporting us, and those fallen, or missing. How many really feel that anguish having a loved one simple vanishes? I met one today, someone familiar to many of us locally. She looked at that chair, no doubt, thinking of her father, who has no grave stone to touch. Lost in 1962, in rout to Saigon Vietnam, along with 92 other Army Rangers/Communication specialists. They left a base we all know and many visit, Travis AFB. A few stops for refueling along the way and somewhere 270 miles west of Guam, gone, never to be seen or heard from again. Any of them! To this day, none are recognized as MIA ’ s. No grave, no name on the wall in Washington D.C.? I at least have my brother ’ s name in Wash- ington D.C. and here on the Vietnam memorial. Also on the Base of the Statue at the Marin County Civic Center. Memorial Day, recog- nized the fallen? Really! We talked about the years of trying to get her dad and those lost, officially accounted for, as True MIAs. There is one Congressman who is trying, but unfortunately not from our state! Remember Sgt. John A. Karibo (US Army) (MIA 16 March 1962). A name to think of when looking at that flag ( www.N6921C.com ). Maybe someday, we will see his name etched forever as so many others are. Our hearts are with you as you go through this struggle. But there ’ s another side of reality, and those who have served in a combat zone, under fire, will tell you “ It ’ s not always about God and Country, but the guy next or in front of you, that we fight for. ” Numbers of those lost in conflicts over the years were mentioned. They were our men and women. But remember, in conflict some- one has to die! Does it matter if our side or the other, WAR is simp- ly kill before you get killed? Them, Us, the other guy. All have a country they love; all are Brothers, Sisters, Fathers or Sons and Daughters. Memorial Day is about all of them. continued Volume 9 Issue 6 - June 2020 Page 15 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion This may be a strange way to think, and I ’ m sure there will be many opinions, as to what was just said. Simple fact, lying there dead, is just another child to someone, who raised their hand. I respect my fellow American Citizens, and raised my hand to al- low you to feel and believe what you wish, from hearing such a statement. We all in our own way fought to allow you the oppor- tunity to do it, as those did, you honor today. Now about that phone call! It was a voice I once heard a few years back, again a phone call. “ Hi this is Ron Long, you don ’ t know me, but I was with your brother when he got shot! I don ’ t mean to impose, but would you like to talk, know what happened? ” Needless to say, (I was driving in my car, and the call was on the speaker, with another person with me) shocked. Couldn ’ t take the call under those circumstances, so said “ I will call you back ”. Easy said, not so easy done. I wasn ’ t sure, how I would feel, after so many years (50 plus) since his death. A life time has gone by. I tussled with it for a number of months. Emotions all over the place. Feeling scared, sad, unsure what and how it would leave me. Then I realized that maybe it wasn ’ t so much for me, but for Ron. I have learned to live with my brother ’ s death, not hard after all these years. Has Ron? Is this going to help him to move on, help heal those emotions I couldn ’ t possibly have that he experi- enced? The answer is both. Plain and simple. He has family in the Sacramento Area and lives in Southern Cali- fornia. Another call, could we meet for coffee? Well we could play the numbers game about how many cups of coffee I had in my life, but this surly would be like no other cup I have ever had. We met! I learned many things about that date and the months leading up to it, about my brother. A liked guy, caring about others and his times walking POINT. They were with The 101 st Screaming Ea- gles, AIREBORNE. Remember, TET had just happened and they were up along the DMZ. Countries stacking their own Divisions along the line on each side. Contact almost every day. As I said earlier, if contact, someone most likely will die. My brother was walking Point, entering a village. Straw huts as usual. Except this time a reinforced bunker, under the straw. His was hit, as was the sergeant behind him, and Ron, third in line was lucky that day. They suppressed the position, and the ser- geant died in Ron ’ s arms. He got to my brother and got him a medevac to a field hospital. Too much damage and his dreams died that day. The elderly man who hosted our service today said it right. May- be he could have invented a cure for cancer. Or simply raised a family who had a child who could? We will never know of the lost successes. My brother did accomplish what he wanted to, protect and save the lives of others in his patrol, unit. If your eyes are tearing up, believe me, at this point; mine too, but stay with me. I told you there was a point earlier to remember. My brother ’ s story isn ’ t so different from many over the centu- ries. War is not always about pride in country or a way of life. It ’ s simply down to how human nature reacts with the circumstances presented to them on any given day or hour. Yes, this was n