NEWSLETTER August 2019.pdf - Thurman

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Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 August 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 8 - August 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 Sylvia Thweatt - Commander community. It takes a dedicated person to get the infor- mation to the full-time professionals to make certain that every veteran and dependents are adequately represented.” It seems like a very demanding position but if it’s shared among several Service Officers, it is quite manageable. Our Post use to have three Service Officers but unfortunately we are down to one. James Miranda is a very capable Service Officer but with his involvement with charitable work in oth- er organizations, he is stretched thin. Therefore we are look- ing for at least 2 more Service Officers and here is where we need your help. If you are interested to join our Board as a Service Officer or you know a veteran that would like and fit I hope those that like the warm weather are enjoying it and this position, please let us know. There is training available those who prefer colder temperature are staying indoor and on Legion website and the Board is also available to help. cool. I hope you will join us at our 10th Annual Veterans Picnic on I am happy to say that our new website is up and running. August 24 at the Rusch Park. It’s always a good day to come Now, it is not fully completed yet, but we are well on the out and see your old friends, meet new people or chat with way. The address is www.chalpost637.org so check it out your board members while browsing the recourse booths, and please let me know if you have any suggestions or rec- listening to the music by DJ Carlos Verrett and having some ommendations. burgers or hotdogs. You may event win a door prize. So As you may probably know, one of the board positions is a mark your calendars and come out to see us. position of Service Officer. The following is an excerpt from In case you don’t know, our annual fundraiser, the Battle of the Officers Guide and Manual “The duties of the Post Ser- the Bands benefiting Vets helping Vets fund, is in October vice Officer call for a competent and dedicated person, pref- and we need to sell as many tickets as possible. So we need erably one who can serve indefinitely, and should have a your help spreading the word and selling tickets. If every deep interest in fellow veterans, the post, and community. If single one of you would sell at least one ticket that would the Service Officer is readily available to those needing as- help us tremendously. Tickets can be purchased on Event- sistance, it will be helpful. Electing someone that works and brite website for $20 (no fee) or from any board member for lives close by will likely improve effectiveness.” “The Post the same price. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on Service Officer is responsible for bringing to the attention of the day of the event, but those tickets will cost $25. all veterans and their dependents the rights and benefits granted them by law—law for which the American Legion We would love to hear from you about anything you’d like can accept a major share of credit. The Service Officer must to talk about. You can reach out to any board member you know how to utilize the expert services available through choose. And as always, stay safe. Legion channels, as well as those of other agencies in his Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 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 8 - August 2019 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall VIEW ALL 8 FIRMS › 1st Vice • itemized bills for medical expenses • information about future expected medical expenses Commander • a statement from your treating physician 916-215-0685 • a VA medical exam report (mental and/or physical), and a statement from your employer about your time away from work. When you are injured by a VA doctor or other employee of the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA), you have two legal remedies avail- Federal Court FTCA Claim able to you. You can file a claim with the VA for disability compensa- If the VA denies your administrative VA claim, you have six months tion (commonly referred to as a Section 1151 claim), and/or you can from the date of that denial to file your FTCA lawsuit. If the VA did not make a decision on your administrative claim after seek money damages under the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA). The purpose of this article is to explain your rights under the FTCA. six months, it is called a "constructive denial," meaning that your claim has been denied. You have six months from the date of a con- structive denial to file an FTCA lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit Federal Torts Claims Act vs. Section 1151 You can file a lawsuit under the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) within this time frame, you may lose your right to get money damages when any employee of the VA acts negligently and causes you an in the federal courts. injury. In contrast, Section 1151 is limited to claims of injury resulting You'll need a disability lawyer or personal injury lawyer to file your from a VA hospital, outpatient clinic, medical examination or surgery. FTCA lawsuit. Under the FTCA, a negligent act by any agent of the VA (for example, even a janitor leaving a wet floor on which you slip and get hurt) canOffset of Section 1151 Benefits be the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit. This means that the If you get an FTCA settlement and are awarded Section 1151 bene- fits (disability compensation), the VA won't pay you the disability com- FTCA covers many more negligent acts than Section 1151 benefits do. pensation benefits until the total amount of the settlement is "offset." What this means is that no VA benefits will be paid to you for your injury until the total amount of benefits withheld b the VA equals the It's usually less complicated to get benefits under a Section 1151 claim than under an FTCA claim. The paperwork is easier to file, and total amount of your FTCA settlement. This is to prevent you from the evidence required in a Section 1151 disability compensation claim being compensated twice for the same injury. is typically less than that required in an FTCA claim. How to Avoid the Offset Your attorney can structure your written FTCA settlement to avoid the FTCA Damages Unlike the VA rating system for service-connected disabilities, money offset, or at least to reduce it. Also, any offset will not occur until after damages under the FTCA are not based on an evaluation of how the FTCA settlement or court judgment of your lawsuit becomes final. While the VA is appealing a court decision in your FTCA case, for your disability impacts your ability to earn a living. Instead, the money damages you could win are calculated based on your suffering and example, you are entitled to your full Section 1151 benefits. For this the economic loss that has resulted from your injury. And unlike disa- reason, it can be beneficial to file for Section 1151 disability compen- bility compensation, which is paid monthly over a number of years, sation as early as possible after injury. you receive payment in one lump sum if you win an FTCA lawsuit. When the Offset Doesn't Apply It is important to remember, however, that these cases are difficult to win and can go on for many years. If your injury occurred while you were receiving treatment for a ser- vice-connected disability, and the injury caused a worsening of the service-connected disability or a new disability, any compensation How to File an FTCA Claim First, it is critical to have an attorney file an FTCA claim. These claims you receive under Section 1151 will not be offset by an FTCA settle- are not easy to win and you will need expert assistance. Use ment. You will be entitled to receive the full amount of increased disa- our lawyer directory to find a personal injury lawyer (rather than a bility compensation and FTCA damages without any reduction in your disability lawyer) to help you. benefits. Administrative FTCA Claim Attorneys' Fees The first step is to file an administrative FTCA claim with the VA. This Attorneys are limited in how much they may charge you for helping with your FTCA claim. For helping you win an administrative FTCA is done using Standard Form 95, Claim for Damage, Injury or Death. The statute of limitations for filing this claim is two years from the time claim with the VA, an attorney can charge you no more than 20% of of injury. Unlike most other VA claims, you do not file this application the monetary award the VA gives you. For representing you in a law- with your VA regional office. Instead, you file it with the VA Regional suit, an attorney can charge you no more than 25% of the damages Counsel that is responsible for the region where your injury took you are ultimately awarded. You only have to pay the fee if you win your case, and most attorneys will front any costs that need to be place. paid in order to file the lawsuit. Your claim should state your injury, the negligence that you believe caused the injury, and a definite sum of damages you would like to Steve Gall receive. A federal court can't award you any more damages than you ask for in your administrative claim, so it is critical to get expert assis- tance in determining the amount of damages to claim. CONTACT ALL Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Alex Candela reality, but an example of how politics could be done 3rd Vice better. We sought to rise above the mob and fight for the candidates who had substance, as opposed to a Commander memorable name. 916-990-4895 What I learned at Boys State goes far beyond gov- ernment or even politics, I learned how to get my The letter below was sent to us from a 2019 voice heard, even if my opinions are unpopular. I Boys State Delegate from the 5th District. I am learned why divisive politics exists and most im- sharing it with you as it is very heartwarming portantly that unity can still exist in this world. I and goes to the core of the experience that all learned that family is most important, even if your of us try to deliver to our future leaders. family is a bunch of teenage boys that you aren’t even related to. I think it goes without saying that Alex Candela, 3rd Vice Commander none of these lessons can be found in any textbook, ********************************************** the only way to learn it is to experience it. The trajec- tory of my life has been altered by this program, and American Legion, for that, I am thankful beyond words. I write to you today because I recently arrived home from Boys State and would love to fill you in on the I pray that the American Legion continues this pro- details of my experience, and extend my immense gram, knowing that every dollar spent is an invest- gratitude to you and your post for sponsoring me. ment in America, that every Boys State delegate re- turns home with not only the skills to make the change they want to see in the world, but also the Prior to attending the program, I had heard that it passion to see these plans through. I know now why would be “a week that shapes a lifetime,” and that I America is the greatest country in the world, I know would be forever altered by it. One cannot truly ap- now what it truly means to be an American. preciate or understand how correct those statements are until they’ve been through it. At Boys State I watched as party lines were drawn, and people who For God and country, had been randomly assigned to a party swore loyalty to it as if they had been a Whig their entire life. I saw the worst of divisive politics at political party meet- Hunter Larson ings when candidates deliberately pandered to their audience instead of focusing on issues. I even wit- nessed an entire party tell its members who to vote for in the primaries to ensure that the other party wouldn't even make this on the ballot in the general election. I remember thinking to myself, how this could possibly be, how does a civilized organization of boys turn into Lord of the Flies in a matter of days? I then realized that everything I was witnessing corre- lated directly to the real world, that I in fact, was wit- nessing a realistic manifestation of the political cli- mate that we see today. I believe that everyone was somewhat aware of this, some ignored it, and a few people such as myself wanted to change it. We real- ized we had to stop brushing it of as the status quo and make Boys State more than a reflection of our Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY August 1945 - End of World War II - Japan During the 3 years, 8 months of War with Japan, that started with the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and ended with the surrender of Japan August 14, 1945, "We the People of the United States of America" produced the following: 22 aircraft carriers 8 battleships 48 cruisers 349 destroyers 420 destroyer escorts 203 submarines 34 million tons of merchant ships 100,000 fighter aircraft 98,000 bombers 24,000 transport aircraft 58,000 training aircraft 93,000 tanks 257,000 artillery pieces 105,000 mortars 3,000,000 machine guns and 2,500,000 military trucks We put 16.1 million men in uniform in the various armed services, invaded Africa, in- vaded Sicily and Italy, won the battle for the Atlantic, planned and executed D-Day, marched across the Pacific and Europe, developed the atomic bomb and, ultimately, con- quered Japan and Germany. It’s amazing what America did in those days All of you already know the story so here’s to THE FINAL TOAST Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 7 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 8 - August 2019 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY ALL CITRUS HEIGHTS VETERANS AND ACTIVE SERVICEMEN AND SERVICEWOMEN & FAMILIES Let us Honor you for your service to our Country Saturday, August 24,2019 10:00 am to 3:00 pm RUSCH PARK 7801 Auburn Blvd Citrus Heights, CA - Marine Corp Honor Guard - VA Representatives - Resources for Veterans & Families - Entertainment / Children's activities Post 637 Free BBQ Lunch for All Veterans Active members of the Armed Forces And Their Families Presented by the American Legion Post 637 Covered, accessible picnic tables available Or you can bring your blankets, chairs and umbrellas Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stones Casino Doing Great Work On July 20, Stones Gambling Hall celebrated 5 years in Citrus Heights ( July 18, 2014 - July 18, 2019). Besides the card room of Stones, there is an incredible restaurant — Sammy’s. It is one of the best in the area - Four Stars! If you want more than just burgers and pizza, try Sammy’s. And to all the veterans in our area — Stones donates food and water to support our Veterans Appreciation Picnic each year. Now that there is an established date to remember all the Vietnam Vets (March 29), Stones & Sammy’s has a Veterans ‘Free’ Breakfast every year. When you drive up to the front of Stones you will notice that there is an American flag, California flag and a MIA/POW flag flying. Stones is truly community friendly and supportive of all the military, military veterans, police and fire officers. Stones Casino & Sammy’s 6510 Antelope Rd Citrus Heights, CA 916-735-8440 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 11 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 8 - August 2019 Page 12 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Save The Date October 5, 2019 Food, Wine, Beer and Non-Alcoholic Drinks Included in Ticket Price of $20 on line or $25 at the gate - 12 years and under FREE - Historic Rusch Home & Gardens @ Rusch Park 7301 Antelope Road Citrus Heights Gates Open: 10:30 AM/Opening Ceremony 11:00 AM Host: American Legion Post 637, Citrus Heights Proceeds go to the “VETS HELPING VETS FUND” Buy your tickets online: www.eventbrite.com (search for “Battle of the Bands”) Or Buy your tickets at the gate Ticket information: Sylvia 916-792-9669 /[email protected] Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 13 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 8 - August 2019 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Hello Post 637, Just wanted to make sure all of you knew about a member whose birthday was on Wednesday August 14th. This individual has taken on great responsibilities over the last couple of years that I truly do not know how this individual managed to get so much done. We need to be apprecia- tive of all that has been taken on and done by this person as I know that not too many of us could do what this member has taken on. Please join me in wishing Commander Sylvia Thweatt a very Happy 20something Birthday! Paul Reyes Past Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The Coast Guard's official history began on 4 August 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construc- tion of ten vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. Known variously through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew. The service received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress that merged the Revenue Cutter Service with the Life-Saving Service, thereby providing the nation with a single maritime service dedicated to sav- ing life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. The Coast Guard began to maintain the country's aids to maritime navigation, including operating the nation's lighthouses, when President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the transfer of the Lighthouse Service to the Coast Guard in 1939. In 1946 Congress permanently transferred the Commerce Department's Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the Coast Guard, thereby placing merchant marine licensing and merchant vessel safety under their purview. The Coast Guard adopted its trademark racing stripe design in 1967, as a result of the recommendation made to President John F. Kennedy in the spring of 1963 by the industrial design firm of Raymond Loewy/William Snaith, Inc. The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and until Congress estab- lished the Navy Department in 1798 they served as the nation's only armed force afloat. The Coast Guard protected the nation throughout their long history and served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts. Our national de- fense responsibilities remain one of our most important functions even today. Since 2003 the Coast Guard has operated as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing the nation's laws at sea, protecting the marine environment and the nation's vast coastline and ports, and saving life. In times of war, or at the direction of the President, the Coast Guard serves under the Navy Department. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 16 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 8 - August 2019 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY On this the 74th Anniversary On August 6, 1945 the US dropped an atomic bomb (Little Boy) on Hiroshima in Japan. Three days later a second atomic bomb (Fat Man) was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. The Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, named after Enola Gay Tibbets, the mother of the pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets. On 6 August 1945, during the final stages of World War II, it became the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb. The bomb, code-named "Little Boy", was targeted at the city of Hiroshima, Japan, and caused the near-complete destruction of the city. Enola Gay participated in the second atomic attack as the weather reconnaissance aircraft for the primary target of Kokura. Clouds and drifting smoke resulted in a secondary target, Nagasaki, being bombed instead. Enola Gay, took off from North Field, in the Mariana Islands, about six hours' flight time from Japan, accompanied by two other B-29s, The Great Artiste, carrying instrumentation, and a then-nameless aircraft later called Necessary Evil, commanded by Captain George Marquardt, to take photographs. After the war, the Enola Gay returned to the United States, where it was operated from Roswell Army Air Field, New Mexico. Today the front end and cock pit are in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 18 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 8 - August 2019 Page 19 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Veterans Gallery– Veterans Building 401 Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA Now - Through December 26, 2019 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY In May of 1861, 9-year-old John Lincoln "Johnny" Clem ran away from his home in Newark, Ohio, to join the Union Army, but found the Army was not interested in signing on a 9 -year-old boy when the commander of the 3rd Ohio Regiment told him he "wasn't enlisting in- fants," and turned him down. Clem tried the 22nd Michigan Regiment next, and its commander told him the same. Determined, Clem tagged after the regiment, acted out the role of a drum- mer boy, and was allowed to remain. Though still not regularly enrolled, he performed camp duties and received a soldier's pay of $13 a month, a sum collected and donated by the regi- ment's officers. The next April, at Shiloh, Clem's drum was smashed by an artillery round and he became a minor news item as "Johnny Shiloh, The Smallest Drummer". A year later, at the Battle Of Chickamauga, he rode an artillery caisson to the front and wielded a musket trimmed to his size. In one of the Union retreats a Confederate officer ran after the cannon Clem rode with, and yelled, "Surrender you damned little Yankee!" Johnny shot him dead. This pluck won for Clem national attention and the name "Drummer Boy of Chickamauga." Clem stayed with the Army through the war, served as a courier, and was wounded twice. Between Shiloh and Chickamauga he was regularly enrolled in the service, began re- ceiving his own pay, and was soon-after promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was only 12 years old. After the Civil War he tried to enter West Point but was turned down because of his slim education. A personal appeal to President Ulysses S. Grant, his commanding general at Shiloh, won him a 2nd Lieutenant's appointment in the Regular Army on 18 December 1871, and in 1903 he attained the rank of Colonel and served as Assistant Quartermaster General. He retired from the Army as a Major General in 1916, having served an astounding 55 years. General Clem died in San Antonio, Texas on 13 May 1937, exactly 3 months shy of his 86th birthday, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 21 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 Romans 10:9 For everyone who calls on the name Chaplain of The Lord will be saved. 916-692-5140 Romans 10:13 Now, that bible promise is a seed, and if we receive that seed, then that seed doesn't care about The Law of The Seed what we have done (a criminal past, etc.), the color of our skin, or the You can dig a hole and plant an level of our education. The seed is apple seed. Then you can begin to just a seed and it does what it is hope for an orange tree. Guess called to do---bring forth eternal what! It's not going to hap- life. This seed wants to be planted pen. Why? Because seeds always in our hearts. produce after their own kind. This is an unchanging law that God has We are saved not because of the built into our universe. righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy. Titus 3:5 Now, the bible says that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that Choose The Good Seed God has raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY POST 637 POST OFFICER’S Sylvia Thweatt Commander David Paige Ron Myers 916-792-9669 Finance Officer Adjutant 916-801-8554 916-723-7324 Stephan Gall Maynard Johnson Alex Candela 1st Vice 2nd Vice 3rd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-215-0685 916-331-8716 916-990-4895 Barry Fitzgerald Vacant James Miranda Chaplain Historian Service Officer 916-692-5140 530-919-5255 Vacant Tom Sullivan Vacant Assist. Chaplain Sgt. at Arms Assist. Service Officer Richard Tkach Jim Monteton Jack Mintz Assist. Sgt. at Arms JAG Officer Photographer 916-723-1932 916-726-9390 916-966-9041 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 23 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 8 - August 2019 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do as soon as possible. As of August 15th, we at a very low 48.84% of those renewed. I know it is all too easy to put your renewal notice away or put it to the “later” pile, but it is important that you renew now. The 2020 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2020 Paid % as of Post 637 260 129 49.61 8-17-2019 * This include New Member’s & Transfers Dues for the new year 2020 is $45.00 which covers July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 Mail checks to: David Paige American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 NEXT MEETING Tuesday August 20, 2019 6:30 pm Citrus Heights City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. Citrus Heights, Ca. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Guns N Stuff 5060 Roseville Rd North Highlands, CA 95660 916-334-3209 Veteran Owned DAVID PAIGE OWNER NOR CAL KITCHENS & BATH CABINETRY 11367 TRADE CENTER DR. #105 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95742 916-575-9777 www.norcalkb.com Did you know that our post is on Facebook? AmericanLegionpost637.com/ Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Reichert’s Funeral And Cremation Services Dignity Michael Moesch Community Outreach Memorial 7320 Auburn Blvd. Mesothelioma Guide: 1-888-572-9011 121 S. Orange Avenue | Suite 1450 | Orlando , FL Citrus Heights, CA 95610 32801 www.MesotheliomaGuide.com www.reichertsfuneral.com 916-729-2229 Fax: 916-722-9485 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 4, 2019 November 11, 2019 Independence Day Veterans Day July 10, 2019 December 7, 2019 2nd Qtr Ceremony Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Dixon January 8, 2020 August 4, 2019 4th Qtr. Homeless Coast Guard Day Service at Dixon August 24, 2019 April 6, 2020 Veterans Appreciation Picnic Army Day September 11, 2019 April 9, 2020 Patriot Day 1st Qtr Homeless September 14, 2019 Service at Dixon POW/MIA Recognition Day May 18, 2020 September 18, 2019 Armed Forces Day Air Force Day May 27, 2020 September 22, 2019 Memorial Day Sunday Fun Day June 14, 2020 October 5, 2019 Flag Day/Army Birthday 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ October 9, 2019 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. October 27, 2019 We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Heights City Hall in the Community Room. Navy Day November 10, 2019 Marine Corps Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 28 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion For God and Country We associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. POST MEETING LOCATION Community Room, City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights Meeting time is 6:30PM The following diagram may help you locate the exact location If you have information or an article you would like to add to the newsletter please send information to [email protected] Photo’s by Jack Mintz Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 8 - August 2019 Page 29 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion