Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 May 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 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Paul Reyes - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER Hello Post 637, Well here we are in the month of May and the start of the summer season and all the various events we will either be hosting or participating in. Over the last couple of years, I have noticed how much smaller the number of participants at our various events have been. One that really got my attention is the march through the cemetery at both the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. I remember seeing and hav- ing 10 - 15 Post members plus all of the other organiza- tions represented at this march. If I remember last year ’ s Memorial Day march had maybe 5 - 6 in attend- ance! This is not how our Post should be represented. It doesn ’ t matter if you cannot “ march ” anymore but rather that you at east participate. In step or out of step does not make a difference. Being there to be part of the Post detail and paying your respects is what is im- portant. So, lets see how many of our proud Post 637 members we can get to make this Memorial Day ’ s march one of the best ever! Do not forget that at this month ’ s meeting we will be holding the final nominations and then voting, if needed, for the incoming Post Officers. The individ- u a l s t h a t w i l l b e s w o r n i n a t t h e J u l y m e e t i n g w i l l b e YOUR choices! If you feel someone else should be nominated then get to the meeting and make your voice be heard by nominating who you think should be in that particular position. Never forget that it is YOUR Post and your word counts! Thank you for listening! Paul Reyes Commander Semper Fidelis !!! Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 May is the Month for Nominations Post 637 it ’ s that time of the year once again that we need both your selections and eventual votes for a new Executive Board. As usual the positions up for nomination and vot- ing are a follows; Sgt. at Arms 2 nd Vice Commander 1 st Vice Commander Post Commander All other positions are appointed positions. I would certainly like to see some of our newer members maybe step up and accept a nomination or even an appointment. Change is always good and good change is even better. Nominations will be heard and accepted during our March, April, and finally our May meetings and voting will also be in May. Start thinking about who you might want in which chair and nominate them. However, I would suggest that you speak with the potential nomi- nee to make certain they are interested and will be a good choice. Paul Reyes Commander Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Sylvia Thweatt 1st Vice Commander 916 - 792 - 9669 As you probably know, your Post puts on a Vet- erans Appreciation Picnic every August. This is a free event for Veterans and their families where one can find assortment of resources, have a burger or a hot dog, meet new friends or reconnect with the old ones. As part of this event we hold two special ceremonies. One is to honor a special guest and the other is to announce Citrus Heights Police Officer of the Year. In the past the number of attendees from our own Post has been pretty low and I am not sure why. There are about 260 members of this Post. I can understand that medical rea- sons can prevent one from attending. It can also be an issue of transportation or being already committed to a family event but that does not cover the whole Post. I would like to encourage you to plan to attend this year and see what we do. We need your input so we know what direction we should take in the upcoming years. It ’ s been said many times before, this is your Post and the Board can ’ t possibly try to figure out what the membership needs and wants. You have paid the dues and therefore it ’ s your right to have a say so what the Post is doing. So please, please, please, get involved. Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Stephan Gall 2nd Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 By NIKKI WENTLING | STARS AND STRIPES, Published: April 17, 2019 WASHINGTON — A group of lawmakers intro- duced legislation that would add nine more diseases to a list of conditions presumed to be caused by the chemical herbicide Agent Orange, giving veterans who suffer from them a fast - track to Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation and health care. The Keeping Our Promises Act, introduced last week, adds prostate cancer, bladder cancer, hypo- thyroidism, hypertension, stroke, early - onset pe- ripheral neuropathy, AL amyloidosis, ischemic heart disease and Parkinson - like syndromes to a list of diseases presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. Researchers with the National Academy of Medicine released findings in November that there was “ suggestive ” evidence that eight of the diseases could be caused by Agent Orange. For hypertension, researchers found that “ sufficient ” evidence exists. “ American heroes affected by Agent Orange deserve the peace of mind knowing that the federal govern- ment recognizes the existing link between their ex- posure and illness, ” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R - Penn., one of eight lawmakers who banded together to introduce the legislation. VA experts have begun a “ formal, deliberative re- view ” of the National Academy of Medicine ’ s latest report, VA Press Secretary Curt Cashour said Tues- day. The review is expected to be complete in the summer, at which time the agency will make recom- mendations about presumptive conditions, he said. During a Senate hearing March 26, Richard Stone, the executive in charge of the Veterans Health Ad- ministration, guessed the review would be complete within 90 days. “ We ’ re working our way through that right now, ” Stone said of the national academy report. Recommendations would be sent to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, who would choose when – and whether – to act on them. The VA previously recommended that some of the conditions be added. After the last National Acade- my of Medicine report in 2016, the VA took 20 months before it sent recommendations to the White House that bladder cancer, hypertension, hy- perthyroidism and Parkinson ’ s - like tremors be add- ed to the list. The recommendation hasn ’ t made it past the White House ’ s Office of Management and Budget. Last year, VA officials told the House Committee on Vet- erans ’ Affairs that the Office of Management and Budget is waiting for results of ongoing mortality and morbidity studies, which could provide more evidence of a connection between the diseases and Agent Orange. On Tuesday, Cashour said some of those results will be published as early as mid - 2019. But some lawmakers don ’ t want to wait on the ex- ecutive process. Fitzpatrick, along with Reps. Annie Kuster, D - N.H., Bruce Westerman, R - Ark., Scott Tipton, R - Colo., Elise Stefanik, R - N.Y., Joe Cunningham, D - S.C., Brendan Boyle, D - Penn., and Mike Thompson, D - Calif., are trying to use a legislative route. Boyle estimated it would help tens of thousands of Vietnam War veterans. “ This bipartisan legislation makes good on that promise by ensuring all servicemembers exposed to these herbicides and chemicals as a part of their military service get the health care they need, ” Boyle said in a statement. “ Not one more service- member should be forced to suffer in this way with- out the best care our federal government has to of- fer. ” The bill is likely to face an uphill battle in Congress, where veterans and advocates have fought for years to prove toxic exposures and secure VA benefits. Attempts failed in Congress last year to approve benefits for “ blue water ” Navy veterans – sailors who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam and argue they were exposed to Agent Orange. The vet- erans could be close to getting VA benefits, but the victory was won in court, not Congress. The VA opposed the legislative effort to approve benefits for blue water Navy veterans, citing high costs and insufficient scientific evidence. The agency has not yet issued an opinion on the Keeping Our Promises Act. wentling.nikki@stripes.com Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Legion The American Legion was founded after WW1 in 1919 in order for vets to help them assimilate back into civilian life. Now, with a current membership of over 2.2 million wartime veterans in over 14,000 Posts, it is the nation ’ s largest Veterans organization. World - wide we rank # 1 with American Le- gion Posts in South America, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, and Europe, England, France and Ger- many. The goals of the American legion have grown and are based on 4 main Pillars: 1) Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. Many vets need help assimilating back into society. VA and Medical Benefits for wartime injuries, PTSD. Educational Benefits, Vets helping vets. Each member has one vote in Congress through our National Commander. 2) National Security Supporting our national defense, Homeland Security, Boarder Control and Supporting our Military are priorities 3) 100% Americanism. We salute the flag; pledge of allegiance; Honor the dead on Memorial Day; Veterans Day, Homeless Vets Funerals at Riechert ’ s Funeral Chapple and Dixon National Cemetery each quarter 4) Children and youth American Legion Baseball; Boy ’ s and Girl ’ s State; Boy Scouts of America, troupe 228 and our Scholar- ship Program National Oratorical Contest - $20,000 cash prize and Vets Appreciation day Pic- nic. Alex Candela 3 rd Vice Commander Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916 - 990 - 4895 Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 A Touching Tribute On Friday 3 May I was out to dinner in Roseville at a pretty well - known spot called BJ ’ s. Although it was early, 5:15 or so in the evening, parking was at a premium. Well I finally found a spot, parked and headed to the front door. As I got closer to the building, I noticed a solitary parking spot that was not being used. I thought maybe if I was quick enough, I could get back to my car and take this spot. I then saw a pole with a very beautiful, at least to me, sign on it. It had a picture of the Purple Heart Medal and the sign read “ Combat Wounded Only ”! After I finished my dinner and as I was walking out, I stopped at the front desk and asked to speak with the restaurant manager. Come to find out his name was Todd Cline. A very nice individual in fact as he asked me what he could do for me? I said to him “ You kind of already did ”! “ You see I noticed the Combat Wounded parking space you have out there. I am not com- bat wounded but I know quite a few that are and for all of them I would like to say THANK YOU for what you do to honor them ”! He noticed my ball cap and he went on to say thank you for my service and that we are welcome there any time. I also told him I had taken a picture of the sign and I was going to write an article on what I saw and it would go into our newsletter that would reach some 300 plus members. He got a big charge out of that especially when I told him I would send him a copy so he could read it himself. So, if any of you members of Post 637 get hungry go on out to BJ ’ s in Roseville, have a nice dinner and then ask for Todd Cline and tell him thank you for that parking spot. I am sure he will be very thankful for your gesture. Paul Reyes Commander BJ ’ s Restaurant & Brewhouse 1200 Roseville Parkway Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War (1861 - 1865). By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the mili- tary service – 1775 to the present. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander - in - chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation calling for "Decoration Day" to be observed annually and nationwide. It was observed for the first time that year on Saturday May 30; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. According to the White House, the May 30 date was chosen as the optimal date for flowers to be in bloom. The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three - day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years. Historic Note .............. The first widely publicized observance of a ‘ Memorial Day - type ’ observance after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865. During the war, Union soldiers who were prisoners of war had been held at the Charleston Race Course; at least 257 Union prisoners died there and were hastily buried in unmarked graves. Together with teachers and missionaries, black residents of Charleston organized a May Day ceremony in 1865. The freedmen cleaned up and landscaped the burial ground, building an enclosure and an arch labeled, "Martyrs of the Race Course." Nearly ten thousand people, mostly freedmen, gathered on May 1 to commemorate the war dead. Flowers were brought to lay on the burial field. Today the site is used as Hampton Park. Years later, the celebration would come to be called the "First Decoration Day" in the North. Jim Monteton "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Mark Twain MEMORIAL DAY Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 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. 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. 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. The organization received a Gold Star rating from Guide Star [2] based on organizational mission, 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 Mission Programs and services Ratings Paralyzed Veterans of America Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Peace Officers Memorial Day Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state and Federal peace officers who have died, or have been disabled, in the line of duty. The Memorial takes place on May 15, and Police Week is the calendar week in which the Memorial falls. The event is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police and is implemented by the National FOP Memorial Committee. Other events of National Police week include the annual Blue Mass, Can- dlelight Vigil, Wreath Laying Ceremony, National Police Survivors Conference, Honor Guard Competition, and the Emerald Society & Pipe Band March and Service. The event draws 25,000 to 40,000 law enforcement officers and their families to Washington D.C. every year. The holiday was created on October 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor peace officers. John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962. The Proclamation Signed by President John F. Kennedy. Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 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. Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 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 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 The American Legion District 6 Citrus Heights Post 637 You Are Invited Memorial Day, Monday May 27, 2019 The Citrus Heights post of The American Legion #637 will hold a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Veterans Memorial and gazebo located at the Sylvan Cemetery at 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights. This service will honor those who served and died in the defense of this great nation. This event is hosted by Sylvan Cemetery and The American Legion, Post #637, Commanded by Paul Reyes. Invited speakers are Supervisor 4 th District Sue Frost, Citrus Heights Mayor Jeannie Bruins, Citrus Heights Police Chief Ron Lawrence and members of the Citrus Heights City Council. Others present will be Citrus Heights Boy Scout Troop #228, the Folsom Harmony Express singers, the Citrus Heights Police Department Honor Guard, Rifle/Honor Guards of the Sons Of Union Veterans of the Civil War and The Sons of the American Revolution. The order of activities are as follows: 10:30 am Veterans assemble at south end of the cemetery. The procession along the ‘Avenue of Flags’ concluding at the Veterans Memorial. 11:00 am Memorial service in the cemetery’s gazebo with local leaders, American Legion and singers Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 The History of Armed Forces Day On Aug. 31, 1949, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army , Navy and Air Force Days. The single - day celebration stemmed from the unification of the armed forces under one agency - - the Department of Defense. In a speech announcing the creation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas." He said, "It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Truman stated: "Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the uni- fied forces of our land, sea, and air defense." Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 A little May History May 5, 1961 - Alan Shepard became the first American in space. May 7, 1992 - The 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, prohibiting Congress from giving itself pay raises. May 8, 1884 - Harry S. Truman (1884 - 1972) the 33rd U.S. President was born in Lamar, Missouri. May 10, 1869 - The newly constructed tracks of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railways were first linked at Promontory Point, Utah. May 29, 1736 - American revolutionary leader Patrick Henry (1736 - 1799) was born in Studley, Vir- ginia. May 29, 1917 - John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917 - 1963) the 35th U.S. President was born in Brook- line, Massachusetts. May 30, 1868 – Called Decoration Day - it was the first Memorial Day Memorial Day Ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. Begins at 10:30 am on Monday May 29, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 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 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 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 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 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 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)