NEWSLETTER May 2019 (1).pdf - Thurman

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Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 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 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- uals that will be sworn in at the July meeting will be 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! Hello Post 637, Thank you for listening! 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 Paul Reyes last couple of years, I have noticed how much smaller the number of participants at our various events have Commander been. One that really got my attention is the march Semper Fidelis !!! 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! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 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 5 - May 2019 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 2nd Vice Commander 1st 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Sylvia Thweatt members of this Post. I can understand that medical rea- 1st Vice sons can prevent one from attending. It can also be an issue of transportation or being already committed to a Commander family event but that does not cover the whole Post. I 916-792-9669 would like to encourage you to plan to attend this year and see what we do. As you probably know, your Post puts on a Vet- erans Appreciation Picnic every August. This is a free We need your input so we know what direction event for Veterans and their families where one can find we should take in the upcoming years. It’s been said assortment of resources, have a burger or a hot dog, many times before, this is your Post and the Board can’t meet new friends or reconnect with the old ones. As possibly try to figure out what the membership needs part of this event we hold two special ceremonies. One and wants. You have paid the dues and therefore it’s is to honor a special guest and the other is to announce your right to have a say so what the Post is doing. So Citrus Heights Police Officer of the Year. In the past please, please, please, get involved. the number of attendees from our own Post has been pretty low and I am not sure why. There are about 260 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY my of Medicine report in 2016, the VA took 20 Stephan Gall months before it sent recommendations to the White House that bladder cancer, hypertension, hy- 2nd Vice perthyroidism and Parkinson’s-like tremors be add- ed to the list. Commander The recommendation hasn’t made it past the White 916-215-0685 House’s Office of Management and Budget. Last year, VA officials told the House Committee on Vet- By NIKKI WENTLING| erans’ Affairs that the Office of Management and STARS AND STRIPES, Published: April 17, 2019 Budget is waiting for results of ongoing mortality and morbidity studies, which could provide more WASHINGTON — A group of lawmakers intro- evidence of a connection between the diseases and duced legislation that would add nine more diseases Agent Orange. to a list of conditions presumed to be caused by the chemical herbicide Agent Orange, giving veterans On Tuesday, Cashour said some of those results will who suffer from them a fast-track to Department of be published as early as mid-2019. Veterans Affairs disability compensation and health But some lawmakers don’t want to wait on the ex- care. ecutive process. The Keeping Our Promises Act, introduced last Fitzpatrick, along with Reps. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., week, adds prostate cancer, bladder cancer, hypo- Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Scott Tipton, R-Colo., thyroidism, hypertension, stroke, early-onset pe- Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., ripheral neuropathy, AL amyloidosis, ischemic heart Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., and Mike Thompson, D- disease and Parkinson-like syndromes to a list of Calif., are trying to use a legislative route. diseases presumed to be caused by Agent Orange Boyle estimated it would help tens of thousands of exposure during the Vietnam War. Vietnam War veterans. Researchers with the National Academy of Medicine “This bipartisan legislation makes good on that released findings in November that there was promise by ensuring all servicemembers exposed to “suggestive” evidence that eight of the diseases these herbicides and chemicals as a part of their could be caused by Agent Orange. For hypertension, military service get the health care they need,” researchers found that “sufficient” evidence exists. Boyle said in a statement. “Not one more service- “American heroes affected by Agent Orange deserve member should be forced to suffer in this way with- the peace of mind knowing that the federal govern- out the best care our federal government has to of- ment recognizes the existing link between their ex- fer.” posure and illness,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R- Penn., one of eight lawmakers who banded together The bill is likely to face an uphill battle in Congress, to introduce the legislation. where veterans and advocates have fought for years to prove toxic exposures and secure VA benefits. VA experts have begun a “formal, deliberative re- Attempts failed in Congress last year to approve view” of the National Academy of Medicine’s latest benefits for “blue water” Navy veterans – sailors report, VA Press Secretary Curt Cashour said Tues- who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam and day. The review is expected to be complete in the argue they were exposed to Agent Orange. The vet- summer, at which time the agency will make recom- erans could be close to getting VA benefits, but the mendations about presumptive conditions, he said. victory was won in court, not Congress. During a Senate hearing March 26, Richard Stone, the executive in charge of the Veterans Health Ad- The VA opposed the legislative effort to approve ministration, guessed the review would be complete benefits for blue water Navy veterans, citing high within 90 days. costs and insufficient scientific evidence. The agency has not yet issued an opinion on the Keeping Our “We’re working our way through that right now,” Promises Act. Stone said of the national academy report. Recommendations would be sent to VA Secretary [email protected] 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- Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916-990-4895 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 3rd Vice Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMORIAL DAY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 10 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 5 - May 2019 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 12 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 5 - May 2019 Page 13 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 5 - May 2019 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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." Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 18 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 5 - May 2019 Page 19 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 5 - May 2019 Page 20 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 5 - May 2019 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Vietnam War The Vietnam War began November 1, 1955 and ended April 30, 1975. The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, and in Vietnam as the Re- sistance War Against America or simply the American War, was a conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam. The North Vietnamese army was supported by the Soviet Union, China and other communist allies and the South Vietnamese army was supported by the United States, South Korea, Australia, Thailand and other anti-communist allies. From 1955 to 1975, more than 3 million Americans fought in the Vietnam War. By war’s end, 58,220 American combatants were killed ( 8 were women ), more than 150,000 wounded and 21,000 had been permanently disabled. While we tend to associate Vietnam with the draft, two-thirds of those who served in the conflict did so voluntarily. The average age of the U. S. troop killed in Vi- etnam was 24 years. The first American soldier killed in the Vietnam War was T-Sgt. Richard B. Fitzgibbon Jr. , U. S. Airforce. He is listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having a casualty date of June 8, 1956. His name was added to the Wall on Memorial Day 1999. Charles McMahon (May 10, 1953 – April 29, 1975) and Darwin Lee Judge (February 16, 1956 – April 29, 1975) were the last two United States servicemen killed in Vietnam during the Vi- etnam War. The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon. Welcome Home Brother’s And Sisters Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 22 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 5 - May 2019 Page 23 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 5 - May 2019 Page 24 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 of this bed." Chaplain Maury reasoned there must be specific pat- 916-692-5140 terns of wind and water movement that created paths and would allow a ship to move faster in the water. He was the first to recognize that the ocean was a circulat- The Paths of the Sea and the Pathfinder ing system with interaction between wind and water. He made detailed studies of "Matthew Fontaine Maury, Pathfinder of the winds and currents from ship's logs. By Seas", written by Charles L. Lewis and pub- taking advantage of these winds and cur- lished in 1927 by the U. S. Naval Institute, rents, he plotted ship routes across the recounts many incidents in Maury's ife. ocean. These routes form the basis of an international agreement. His work enabled According to his life story, Maury was once shipping companies to save thousands of confined to bed during an illness. Each dollars and reduce the possibility of acci- night, his son read the Scripture to dents. him. When the boy read Psalm 8:8, "The fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth This is from the book "Science in the Bible" through the paths of the seas," he saw, in by Jean Sloat Morton this passage, the paths of the sea. Maury said, "If God said there are paths in the sea, I am going to find them when I get out Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 25 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 5 - May 2019 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY I am very proud to announce that earlier this week, Sacramento County approved an ordinance that provides FREE business licenses to Veterans. This was an effort that I have been pushing for since I took office last year, because I believe we should do whatever we can as a county to support and honor our local veterans. Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices, and this is a small way we can acknowledge their service. To be eligible for this fee waiver, an individual must be a Veteran of the armed services, who has been honorably discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions from any branch of the United States military. The Tax and License Collector may require documentation as proof of military service and honorable discharge or release status to verify applicant eligibility. For more information about business licensing, click the link below: http://www.finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/BusLicFAQ.aspx Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 A Respite An exceptionally cranky woman "in her twilight years" was arrested for shoplifting at a gro- cery store. She gave everyone a hard time, from the store manager to the security guard to the arresting officer who took her away. She complained and criticized everything and everyone throughout the process. When she appeared before the judge, the judge asked her what she had stolen from the store. The lady defiantly replied, "Just a stupid can of peaches you old fool." The judge then asked why she had done it. She replied, "I was hungry and forgot to bring any money with me." The judge asked how many peaches were in the can. She replied in a nasty tone, "Nine! But why do you care about that?" The judge answered patiently, "Well, ma'am, because I'm going to give you nine days in jail -- one day for each peach." As the judge was about to drop his gavel, the lady's long-suffering husband raised his hand slowly and asked if he might speak. The judge said, "Yes sir, what do you have to add?" The husband said meekly, "Yes Your Honor. She also stole two cans of peas." Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 28 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Post Membership As we start our second half of the 2018/2019 year, we find ourselves behind. We have normally try to past 100% by December 31 each year so we need a strong finish. This month we find our selves at just short of 84%. The 2019 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2019 Paid % as of Post 637 276 233 84.42% 5-15-2019 * This include New Member’s & Transfers Dues for thid year 2019 is $45.00 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019) 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 May 21, 2019 6:30 pm Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 5 - May 2019 Page 29 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 5 - May 2019 Page 30 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 5 - May 2019 Page 31 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 5 - May 2019 Page 32 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 June 22, 2019 October 10, 2018 Red White Blue Parade 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 5 - May 2019 Page 33 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 5 - May 2019 Page 34 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion