NEWSLETTER October 2021.pdf - Thurman

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Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 October 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 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 has its own entrance on the side facing the Sam’s Club gas pumps. Please use this entrance because the main door will be locked. I am looking forward to seeing fa- miliar faces and to hear your stories. The meeting will start promptly at 1830 (6:30 pm). For those that would like to join us on Thursday, October 21, for the Unaccompanied Veterans Ceremony at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, we will be carpooling from the Sam’s Club behind the gas pumps. The ceremony starts at 1400 (2 pm) so we According to the weather forecast the rain is will be meeting at 1245 for 1300 (1 pm) departure. coming. That is good news even though it will be an adjustment for drivers, and we all know how that goes Dust of your uniforms, pull out your evening each beginning of rain season. So be careful out there. gowns. We are having an Armed Forces Ball! The com- mittee has been working hard on organizing a military On Saturday, September 25, Jim and I attended ball in Sacramento. The first step was to find a suitable an Eagle Scout ceremony for Jake Pritchard, Troop 226. venue and pick a date. After a long search, the venue We joined family and friends of this bright young man was secured, and the date was picked. Safe the date: in congratulating him on this accomplishment and wish- May 14, 2022, at the California Railroad Museum in ing him the best in future. Old Sacramento. I will share all the information with you as a get it, but I know for sure, there will be good I want to thank to all the Board members that food, music for your dancing pleasure, raffle and silent came out to man the Post booth during the Harvest festi- auction. val this past Saturday. Unfortunately, there was no in- terest this year to be a part of the parade. It was nice to Keep safe and reach out if you need ANYTHING see the community out having fun and interacting with each other after a long time of no events. I just wish our Sylvia membership would come out as well. I did not see a sin- gle member of this Post and that makes me wonder about our future. With that said, our next Post meeting, the first one in person since February 2020, will be on Tuesday, October 19. We have the Senior room at the CH Community Center reserved for years. The room Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916-215-0685 From VA News Starting in October, VA will hire and train new staff to ensure Veterans’ claims are adjudicated quickly by help- ing to reduce the expected increase in the backlog of claims (those that are pending for more than 125 days). VA is tak- ing the following proactive steps to help in the reduction: • Hire and train 2,000 new employees to assist in claims processing. • Utilize funds provided via the American Rescue Plan for overtime to ensure timely claims processing. Deploy requested Fiscal Year 2022 budget resources to support Agent Orange presumptive processing, as well as for general compensation and pension claims processing. As of October 11, there were more than 204,000 backlogged claims in an inventory of 603,000 total claims. VA identified more than 70,000 claims to review for additional entitlement stemming from the presumptive relationship be- tween Agent Orange and Parkinsonism, bladder cancer and hypothyroidism. Many of these will enter the backlog in October, which is projected to reach 260,000 pending claims. “VA is committed to ensuring timely access to benefits and services for all Veterans,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This includes making sure that Veterans who may have experienced adverse health effects from military related exposures can get access to the benefits they need. As we process claims – such as those for three new disa- bilities presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure, including proactive application of Nehmer provisions, as well as three new Gulf War particulate exposure presumptive’s – we anticipate the claims backlog to increase this fall. The hir- ing of new employees will help us resolve these claims more quickly.” Several factors have contributed to the recent backlog. Beginning in March 2020, operational changes necessi- tated by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an untimely delay of the Federal Records Center’s retrieval of documents, which led to suspended Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations. While these actions were necessary to pro- tect the health and safety of employees and Veterans, they slowed the processing time for claims. VA workload has also increased as a result of the aforementioned recent decisions and actions, including a court order mandating the review of previously denied Veterans on the basis of qualifying service in the 12 nautical miles surrounding Vietnam. The backlog has decreased by more than 14,000 claims since the end of August 2021. With continued improve- ment of VA’s ability to obtain C&P examinations and Federal Records, and with all requested resources received, VBA plans to address the impending increase and then further reduce the current claims backlog to 100,000 claims by April 2024. Steve Gall The one thing I can give and still keep, is my word. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Alex Candela 2rd Vice Commander 916-990-4895 Boys State We finally completed our Boys State obligation and final steps by actually presenting to Gabrie R. Delucio his Boys State Certificate and Medal. We Met face to face at Mesa Verde High School. He and his family attended and we staged the ceremony at the entrance, in front of the sign that says: MESA VERDE HIGH SCHOOL. We did it this way because Covid 19 played a major role in the way we had to do it this year. Normally we send our delegates to California Sac State. Where the boys meet with about 1,000 other boys from all over California. Because of the Covid, all of the boys had to attend the 1-week training at home via zoom. Surprisingly, the comments from the boys were very positive. Most of the boys said they liked doing it via zoom. Another positive thing that happened was when our District 6 chairman. Ted Hilliar, came back from the Americanism Directors Conference in Indianapolis, ID. Nationwide, Cal- ifornia had the largest number of delegates who completed this 2021 session of Boys State. We can be proud of this fact largely due to all of our efforts at the post level. Yes, we had a lot of dedicated folks who assisted our Task Force that created our "Virtual" session. Alex Candela 2nd Vice Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 5 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Fees at national parks waived for veterans, Interior officials did not provide cost estimates for the move, but said that the policy change will affect about Gold Star families have started. 2,000 public locations across the country. Fees for the sites can range from a few dollars per person to nearly Starting in 2020, veterans and Gold Star families will be $100 for some weekly and annual passes. able to visit National Parks and other public lands for free, under a new initiative from the Department of the Interior For free access to the sites, veterans will have to pre- announced on Wednesday, November 11. sent a Department of Defense Identification Card, a Active-duty service members and their families are al- Veteran Health Identification Card, a government-issued ready granted free access to those sites under existing Veteran ID Card or a state-issued U.S. driver’s license department rules. The new announcement broadens or identification card confirming an individual’s status as that benefit to more than 20 million more individuals in a veteran. recognition of their service and sacrifice on behalf of the country. Gold Star family members can use similar Defense De- partment identification cards to verify their status. In a statement, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said National parks officials already run promotions through- the move gives all veterans “free access to the iconic out the year to offer free admission to all visitors on cer- and treasured lands they fought to protect.” The policy tain holidays, including Veterans Day. goes into effect starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Bernhardt and other federal officials made the an- While most national parks sites have remained open or nouncement during a ceremony at the Iowa Gold Star re-opened in recent months amid the ongoing corona- Museum, which focuses on the history of the state ’s vet- virus pandemic, some programs and facilities still have erans and their families. limited access. Parks officials encourage all visitors to check with local parks administrators before traveling to “Our veterans and Gold Star Families have made in- the sites to ensure safe visits. credible sacrifices to defend our freedoms and our Bernhardt also announced Wednesday plans to waives homeland,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a entrance fees to national parks, wildlife refuges and oth- statement. “Ensuring that they are able to enjoy all of er public lands for all 5th grade students and their fami- the natural wonders of the country that they’ve served is lies from now until Aug. 31, 2021. The move was made one small way of saying thank you.” because many families may not have been able to take advantage of the department’s Every Kid Outdoors An- The policy includes admittance to well-known sites like nual 4th Grade Pass program because of pandemic pre- Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Mount Rush- cautions earlier this year. more in South Dakota, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY He’s one of our own McClain, who also serves as post chaplain, said he was contacted by Johnson’s family almost 20 months ago after they were notified Johnson’s remains had been properly For decades, members of U.S. Army Air Force 2nd Lt. identified. McClain said the post wanted to do something George M. Johnson’s family awaited word that his remains special for Johnson’s two surviving nieces – Janet Starr De- would be returned home to Seaford, Del. When they finally Cristofaro and Judi Thoroughgood – and their families were, members of Nanticoke Post 6’s American Legion Family were there to help ensure he got the return he’d And it did. Johnson’s remains were flown from Hickam Air earned. Force Base in Hawaii to BWI Airport in Baltimore on Sept. 28, where members of American Legion Riders Chapter 6 Johnson was a member of the 38th Bombardment Squad- were waiting on the tarmac to salute as the flag-draped cas- ron’s 30th Bombardment Group and was one of 10 service- ket was escorted off the plane and to the hearse. The Rid- men killed Jan. 21, 1944, when the bomber he was co- ers then provided an escort from the airport to the Cranston piloting crashed into a Tarawa lagoon in the South Pacific Funeral Home in Seaford. shortly after takeoff. Post 6’s Riders also organized an escort for Johnson’s Five individuals’ remains were recovered, three identified, hearse from the funeral to Odd Fellows Cemetery for the while Johnson was still listed as missing in action in 2019 – burial. “It was an incredible honor to be able to have some until it was realized that Johnson’s remains had been sent involvement in bringing him back,” ALR Chapter 6 Riders stateside and buried in a suburb of Buffalo, N.Y., in a grave Director Jack Thomas said. “We were all totally humbled by marked for Staff Sgt. John Roland “Jack” Busch. When it. It was very emotional. We just wanted to do it. He’s one Busch’s remains were identified in a coffin buried in Ceme- of our own. We didn’t know him personally, but his story tery 33 on Betio Island in the South Pacific, permission was was over eight decades. It was against all odds he would given by the Busch family to exhume the remains in New eventually wind up right next to his mother in the York for testing. (cemetery). And the fact we were able to have a hand in that, and to bring him home with honor, that humbled us.” A DNA revealed that Johnson’s remains were in the Buffalo gravesite in December 2019, but any hopes for a May 8, Members of Post 6 went to the viewing at the funeral home, 2020, homecoming ceremony and military burial in Seaford and then attended the funeral, which included full military were put on hold because of the pandemic. It wasn’t until honors and a flyover by a B-25 Mitchell bomber. The post Oct. 2 that Johnson’s family was able to watch him be in- hosted a repast following the funeral that included a sit- terred near his mother and other family members at Odd down dinner prepared by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6. Fellows Cemetery in Seaford, just across from Post 6. Members of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 6 placed U.S. flags every six feet around the post’s front lawn The post’s location was by no means how involved it be- to honor Johnson and his family, while the post’s sign read came in Johnson’s homecoming. From an escort from Balti- “Welcome Home Lt George M Johnson USAAF WWII.” more to Seaford to a post-funeral event, Post 6 did its part State senators also attended the repast, reading proclama- in welcoming home Johnson and honoring his surviving tions honoring Johnson. family. “To us, this was a once-in-a-lifetime happening, and we “I said ‘we’ve got to get in front of this, and (Post 6 Service wanted to do our best,” McClain said. “And it was such an Officer Bob McClain) said ‘I’ve called the people already honor to be part of it.” and they want us to be involved,’” said Roy Lamberton, Post 6’s historian and public relations officer. “And it just went Lamberton said he kept getting thanks from Johnson’s fami- from there. When they finally said they were going to fly ly during the course of the day. “I told them ‘This is what the (Johnson) in, the Riders just jumped on it. It was a true Legion does. This is in our charter. It’s in the Preamble,’” he (Legion) Family deal.” said. “This is what the Legion really is.” Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The American Legion District 6 Citrus Heights Post 637 You Are Invited Veterans Day, Thursday November 11, 2021 11:00 am Every year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights honors those that served in the defense of their county. We take time to salute the over 35 million men and women that have served in military service defending our country since 1775. This year the Veterans Day service is being planned to be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights at 11:00 am. We are planning on going forward with our Veterans Day ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. We are planning on doing the march through the cemetery and doing about 1 HOUR in the gazebo. The Harmony Express, will be presenting all the patriotic songs. The CHPD may be there to serve as an honor guard. Folding chairs will be provided for those that want to sit but there will standing room as well. We would love to have you here but if you are concerned about your health and do not want to attend - the Veterans will understand. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 11 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 12 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Letter from a Vet usual question, 'What outfit did you serve with?' As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Divi- my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with sion at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Iwo Jima... the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open. He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after The old man was looking at the engine. the war was over. As we talked, we heard the car engine I put my groceries away in my car, and continued to watch come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They the old gentleman from about twenty-five feet away. came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me. I told him I would just put the bill on I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag my AAA card. in his arm walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too, and took a few steps towards him. He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say my pocket. We shook hands all around again, and I said something. The young man put his grocery bag into what my goodbyes to his wife. looked like a brand-new Cadillac Escalade. He then turned back to the old man. I heard him yell at the old gentleman I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back saying: up to the station. Once at the station, I told them that they "You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age." had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but peeled rubber out of the parking lot. they refused to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket, looking ex- I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief, and mop actly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the men told me then that they were Marine Corps Reserves. engine. Once again, we shook hands all around and as I was leav- ing, one of them told me I should look at the card the old He then went to his wife and spoke with her; he appeared man had given to me. I said I would and drove off. to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough, and I approached the old man. For some reason I had gone about two blocks, when I He saw me coming and stood straight, and as I got near pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked him, I said, 'Looks like you're having a problem.' at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name was He smiled sheepishly, and quietly nodded his head. written: I looked under the hood myself, and knew that whatever 'Congressional Medal of Honor Society.' the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around, I saw a gas station up the road, and I told I sat there motionless, looking at the card and reading it the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no and I went inside. I saw three attendants working on cars. I one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines approached one of them, and related the problem the old had all come together because one of us needed help. He man had with his car. I offered to pay them if they could was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next follow me back down and help him. to greatness and courage, and an honor to have been in his presence. The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he A Veteran of the United State Marine Corps saw us, he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated en- Semper Fi gine), spoke with the old gentleman. When I shook hands with him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 13 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Lowe’s Expands Military Discount National home improvement retailer Lowe’s has expanded its everyday mili- tary discount program to include all honorably discharged veterans, as of May. The chain also has expanded the 10 percent discount to Lowe's online shop- ping, 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, alt- hough 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 mem- ber signs up for the discount 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 decade. Previously, the 10 percent discount at Lowe’s was available every day to active-duty service members, retired military and other veterans receiving VA benefits who showed their identification. For other honorably discharged vet- erans, 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The American Legion Post 637 in Citrus Heights, has supported Boy Scout Troop 228 in this city for many years. In return Troop 228 has supported Veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, helping us raise the many American flags as well as marching with us to give a salute and a prayer in the memory of all those that have served. Those Boy Scout’s that work extra hard and are successful, achieve the level of Eagle Scout. On Sat- urday September 25, 2021, at the Eagle Court of Honor, we recognized Jake Anthony Pritchard of Troop 228. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spir- it, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an ex- tensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are present- ed with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY “The quality of a person's life is in direct propor- tion to their commitment to excellence, regard- less of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vincent Lombardi Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 19 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY A Little Bit of Humor One day a man decided to retire, so he booked himself on a Caribbean cruise and proceeded to have the time of his life, that is, until the ship sank. He soon found himself on an island with no other people, no supplies, nothing, only bananas and coconuts. After about four months, he is lying on the beach one day when the most gorgeous woman he has ever seen rows up to the shore. In disbelief, he asks, “Where did you come from? How did you get here?” She replies, “I rowed over from the other side of the island where I landed when my cruise ship sank.” “Amazing,” he notes. “You were really lucky to have a row boat wash up with you.” “Oh, this thing?” explains the wom- an. “I made the boat out of some raw material I found on the island. The oars were whittled from gum tree branches. I wove the bottom from palm tree branches, and the sides and stern came from a Eucalyptus tree.” “But, where did you get the tools?” “Oh, that was no problem,” replied the woman. “On the south side of the island, a very unusual stratum of alluvial rock is exposed. I found that if I fired it to a certain temperature in my kiln, it melted into ductile iron I used that to make tools and used the tools to make the hardware.” The guy is stunned. “Let’s row over to my place,” she says. So, after a short time rowing, she soon docks the boat at a small wharf. As the man looks to shore, he nearly falls off the boat. Before him is a long stone walk leading to a cabin and tree house. While the woman ties up the rowboat with an expertly woven hemp rope, the man can only stare ahead, dumb struck. As they walk into the house, she says casually, “It’s not much, but I call it home. Sit down, please. Would you like a drink?” “No! No thank you,” the man blurts out, still dazed. “I can’t take another drop of coconut juice.” “It’s not coconut juice,” winks the woman. “I have a still. How would you like a Tropical Spritz?” Trying to hide his continued amazement, the man ac- cepts, and they sit down on her couch to talk. After they exchange their individual survival stories, the woman announces, “I’m going to slip into something more comfortable. Would you like to take a shower and shave? There’s a razor in the bathroom cabinet upstairs.” No longer questioning anything, the man goes upstairs into the bathroom. There, in the cabi- net is a razor made from a piece of tortoise bone. Two shells honed to a hollow ground edge are fastened on to its end inside a swivel mechanism. “This woman is amazing,” he muses. “What’s next?” When he returns, she greets him wearing nothing but some small flowers on tiny vines, each strategically positioned, she smelled faintly of gardenias. She then beckons for him to sit down next to her. “Tell me, she begins suggestively, slithering closer to him, “We’ve both been out here for many months. You must have been lonely. There’s something I’m certain you feel like doing right now, something you’ve been longing for, right?” She stares into his eyes. He can’t believe what he’s hearing. “You mean…” he swallows excitedly as tears start to form in his eyes, “You’ve built a Golf Course? Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY October Birthdays THOMAS BIRCH NICHOLAS BLOISE FRANCIS CARBULLIDO PAUL CARLETON CHARLES DIEHL MICHAEL DREILING WALTER ERNST HOWARD HARVEY JERRY HUNTER SR JAMES MONTETON CHARLES RICHARDS TIMOTHY SHIELDS GARY STEED THOMAS SULLIVAN HARRY WILLIAMS Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Happy Birthday Navy October 13, 1775 The U.S. Navy is the largest, most capable navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The U.S. Navy has the world's largest aircraft carrier fleet, with ten in service, two in the reserve fleet, and three new carriers under construction. The ser-vice has 328,194 per- sonnel on active duty and 101,199 in the Navy Reserve. It has 272 de- ployable combat vessels and more than 3,700 aircraft in active service as of February 2016. The U.S. Navy trac-es its origins to the Continental Navy, which was established during the American Revolutionary War and was effectively disbanded as a separate entity shortly there- after. It played a major role in the American Civil War by blockading the Confederacy and seizing control of its riv- ers. The U.S. Navy saw little action during World War I. It concentrated on mine laying operations against German U -Boats. It played the central role in the World War II defeat of Imperial Japan. The 21st century U.S. Navy maintains a siza- ble global presence, deploying in such areas as East Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is a blue-water navy with the ability to project force onto the littoral regions of the world, engage in forward areas during peace-time, and rapidly respond to regional crises, making it an active player in U.S. foreign and defense policy. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY In Memory of the fallen 148 Post 637, Police Officer’s On the 21st day of each month, we ask that all of you take a moment to show your support by remembering those who were That died prisoners of war (POW) and those who are still miss- in the line of duty - 2021 ing in action (MIA), as well as their families. The Chaplain’s Corner As we get to closer to the end of the year, we usually take stock of how the previous months have been and what we have achieved so far. However, this year, we have had a global situation that has thrown many people off course in their goals and desires. With all this happening, one is left to wonder how the rest of the year will turn out. When faced with uncertain times, we are to put our trust in God because He knows how things will turn out in the world and in our lives. When we keep our eyes on the Lord, we shift our focus from our problems to Him, and this strengthens us to face each day. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY IN MEMORIAL Harold Olling (1929-2021) Citrus Heights resident Harold Olling passed away at age 92 on Sept. 11, leav- ing behind his wife of 44 years and their four children. According to an obituary published Sunday, Olling was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He later worked as a civilian machinist and quality control specialist at Mather and McClellan Air Force bases, and at Forest Hill Lumber Mill. James Eugene Bohrer (1939– 2021) Citrus Heights resident James Bohrer, age 82, passed away on Sunday, August 29. He was a 1957 graduate of Patterson Co-Op High School and a Navy Vet- eran. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and later received an MBA degree from Webster University. Throughout his life he always balanced his entrepreneurial endeavors with his passion for teaching. From helping pa- tients overcome alcohol and chemical dependencies to teaching evening cours- es at the local university, Jim took great pride in his ability to connect with peo- ple through education. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on January 16, 1939, the son of Joseph Bohrer, Jr. and Charlene (Bohrer) Hillon. Jim is survived by five children, Dane, Chris, Charles, Daniel, and Catherine; three grandchildren, Amanda, Morgan, and Travis; two siblings, Timothy and Pamela; five nieces and nephews, Donnie, Darrel, David, April, Amber; and friends. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY POST 637 POST OFFICER’S Sylvia Thweatt Commander Stephan Gall Alex Candela 916-792-9669 1st Vice 2rd Vice Commander Commander 916-215-0685 916-990-4895 James Miranda Jim Monteton Ron Myers Chaplin Finance Officer Adjutant 530-919-5255 916-726-9390 916-723-7324 James Miranda Stephany Sward Service Officer Sgt. at Arms 530-919-5255 916-967-7266 Richard Tkach Assist. Sgt. at Arms 916-723-1932 Vacant Jim Monteton Vacant JAG Officer Historian Photographer 916-726-9390 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post 637 Membership Membership as of 10/17 is 124 of 274 renewed for 45.25% For those members who have renewed online during the month of August your new membership cards will go in the mail in early September. This is due to a problem with the new mylegion.org software that does not allow me to access that data. I must rely on Department of California to update me ate the end of each month. I apologize for any inconvenience. The 2022 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2022 Paid % as of Post 637 274** 124* 45.25% 10-17-2021 * This include New Member’s & Transfers Dues for the new year 2022 is $45.00 which covered July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Dues for the year 2022, still $45 Mail checks to: American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 NEXT MEETING - Live and In peron - Tuesday October 19, 2021 6:30 pm This will be at: Senior Room inside of Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Dr, Citrus Heights. (next to Sam's) Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 28 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 29 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 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 30 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 10/13 Navy Day 3/29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day 10/16 Howl’O’ Ween Parade & Harvest Fest MAY – National Military Appreciation Month 10/16 Howl’O’Ween Parade & Harvest Fest 5/15 Peace Officers Memorial Day 10/21 Unaccompanied Veteran Ceremony in Dixon 5/14 Armed Forces Ball 11/10 Marine Corps Birthday 5/15 Armed Forces Day 11/11 Veterans Day / Tomb of the Unknown 5/31 Memorial Day (May 30) 11/18 Unaccompanied Veteran Ceremony in Dixon 6/6 D – Day 12/7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance 6/14 Army Birthday / Flag Day 12/13 National Guard Day 7/4 Independence Day 12/16 Unaccompanied Veteran Ceremony in Dixon 8/4 Coast Guard Day 12/18 National Wreaths Across America 8/7 Purple Heart Day 2/3 Four Chaplains 9/11 Patriot Day 2/4 USO Birthday 9/17 POW Day 3/15 American Legion Birthday 9/18 Air Force Day 3/25 Medal of Honor Day 9/26 Gold Star Mom’s & Family Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 31 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] Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 10 - October 2021 Page 32 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion