NEWSLETTER May 2021 (2).pdf - Thurman

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Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 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 10 Issue 5 - May 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 ceremony we are planning at the Rusch park. Jim Monteton is working with the park to finalize this event; it should start at about 6:30 pm. I am sure you all are aware that we did not have much rain this winter and we are heading to the drought time once again. Conservation is a big topic right now and there is a lot of information out there for you. For a while now, I have been trying to figure out how to convert part of my front yard to mow and water less. Since I live in Antelope, my water district is California American Water. They had a free webi- It is hard to believe we are halfway thru the May al- nar last month with a lot of information on this sub- ready. It’s warming up so make sure you hydrate, ject and I would like to share that with you. Watering apply plenty of sunscreen and wear sunglasses and times should not be more than five minutes. If you hats. There are few upcoming events I would like to water longer, the soil will get saturated, the air pock- share with you. Our next Post meeting is on Tuesday, ets essential to healthy soil will diminish and the ex- tra water will end up on the street. As the tempera- May 18, starting at 6:30 pm via Zoom. The link will ture continues to rise, you can add a second and third be provided. I don’t have any updates on when we time to water. I am amazed how many people water will be able to meet in person at the City Hall but I during the day. It’s not just private citizens but the will keep you posted as soon as I hear anything. school districts and companies as well. When you Needless to say, I am looking forward to seeing all water during the day, large percentage of water evap- your faces. It’s time for the second round of nomina- orates before it hits the ground. The best times to wa- tions and an election of officers for 2021-2022. ter are early morning or after sunset. For your shrubs and plants, it is recommended to use the drip system Please be sure TO join us for the Post meeting, so and wood chips to minimize evaporation. I visited your voice can be heard. The Veterans Picnic is two website that I found helpful and full of recours- scheduled for August 28 at the Rusch park, the Battle es. They are https://www.amwater.com/caaw/ of the Bands will be on September 25 at the histori- Conservation and https:// cal Rusch House and Gardens. I hope you will try to www.cawsacramentogardening.com. join us for at least one of these events. If you would Stay safe and reach out if you need ANYTHING. like to help us in organizing either event as a mem- ber of the committee, please let me know. Your input Sylvia is welcomed and would be very appreciated. June 14, the Flag Day, is a tentative date for Flag retirement Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 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 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 4 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 5 - May 2021 Page 5 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 5 - May 2021 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The American Legion District 6 Citrus Heights Post 637 You Are Invited Memorial Day, Monday May 31, 2021 The Citrus Heights post of The American Legion #637 will hold a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 31, 2021 at the 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 Sylvia Thweatt. Invited speakers are Supervisor 4th District Sue Frost, Citrus Heights Mayor Steve Miller, 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 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY WHERE HAS OUR PRIDE GONE All of us that have served our great nation are proud of our service. We are proud of what our country stands for. We are proud of what our flag stands for and we are ALL proud Americans. However one thing I have noticed is not to many will demonstrate our pride by say flying our National Ensign. Now I do not mean our Post members but the general public. Around the end of April I noticed a young man driving a big huge pickup truck and haul- ing a trailer. The trailer showed his business name and it read “All American Clean Up”. Their were several American flags throughout the signage and he was flying a flag from behind his truck. I managed to catch up and I hollered to him that seeing a young man like himself flying “Old Glory” from the back of his truck made this old retired Marine feel awful good! He said he also is a Marine! He served 2001-2007. I asked how many deployment and he said 3, 2 to Iraq and 1 to Afghanistan. I went on to tell him I was happy for both he and his family that he came back safe. The reason I bring this up is because in channel surfing some never before tried channels I cam across a cartoon channel and right as I clicked on it the title of the cartoon was “Bugs Bunny, Patriot”. It was a “short” that was shown in theaters and it was back in the early to mid 40's because of its content. It showed Bugs singing and dancing and telling all Americans to buy bonds in an effort to help the war effort. As the cartoon ended a mes- sage showed up on the screen for all in the theater to sing “OUR” National Anthem! We will NEVER see this in theaters today! Why, because it might hurt someone's feelings! In an effort to not get political I will leave it at that. However, we should all show our pride every day of our lives for being able to live, work and play in the greatest country in the world that affords us all kinds of freedoms we would not have anywhere else. Fly that flag, wear that Veteran ball cap proudly and when told “thank you for your service” always answer “Thank you for your support, it was my honor”! Be a proud Veteran but most importantly, be a proud American! Thank you for listening and Semper Fidelis!!! Paul Reyes Past Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 9 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 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 10 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 5 - May 2021 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Some May History May 1, 1960 - An American U-2 spy plane flying at 60,000 feet was shot down over Sverdlovsk in central Russia on the eve of a summit meeting between President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Russia's Premier Nikita Khrushchev. The sensational incident caused a cancellation of the meeting and heightened existing Cold War tensions. The pilot, CIA agent Francis Gary Pow- ers, survived the crash, and was tried, convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Rus- sian court. Two years later he was released to America in exchange for an imprisoned Soviet spy. On his return to America, Powers encountered a hostile public which apparently believed he should not have allowed himself to be captured alive. He died in a helicopter crash in 1977. May 5th - Celebrated in Mexico as Cinco de Mayo, a national holiday in remembrance of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in which Mexican troops under General Ignacio Zaragoza, outnum- bered three to one, defeated the invading French forces of Napoleon III. May 5, 1865 - Decoration Day was first observed in the U.S., with the tradition of decorating soldiers' graves from the Civil War with flowers. The observance date was later moved to May 30th and included American graves from World War I and World War II, and became better known as Memorial Day. In 1971, Congress moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, thus creating a three-day holiday weekend. May 5, 1961 - Alan Shepard became the first American in space. He piloted the space- craft Freedom 7 during a 15-minute 28-second suborbital flight that reached an altitude of 116 miles (186 kilometers) above the earth. Shepard’s success occurred 23 days after the Russians had launched the first-ever human in space, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, during an era of intense technological competition between the Russians and Americans called the Space Race. May 8, 1942 - During World War II in the Pacific, the Battle of the Coral Sea began in which Japan would suffer its first defeat of the war. The battle, fought off New Guinea, marked the first time in history that two opposing naval forces fought by only using aircraft without the opposing ships ever sighting each other. May 11, 1969 - During the Vietnam War, the Battle of "Hamburger Hill" began. While at- tempting to seize the Dong Ap Bia Mountain, U.S. troops repeatedly scaled the hill over a 10- day period and engaged in bloody hand-to-hand combat with the North Vietnamese. After fi- nally securing the objective, American military staff decided to abandon the position, which the North Vietnamese retook shortly thereafter. The battle highlighted the futility of the overall American military strategy. May 20, 1862 - President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act opening millions of acres of government owned land in the West to "homesteaders" who could acquire up to 160 acres by living on the land and cultivating it for five years, paying just $1.25 per acre. May 25, 1787 - The Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia with delegates from seven states forming a quorum. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 12 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 5 - May 2021 Page 13 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 5 - May 2021 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Veteran Owned Business in our area Fritz & Company “Your Platinum Kohler Dealer” 5730 B Roseville Road Sacramento, CA 95842 Ph 916-344-0288 www.fritzgopower.com Email: [email protected] At Fritz & Company we believe quality KOHLER products, properly installed and applied in usage properly and maintained on a timely basis, will pay for themselves in peace of mind and reliable operation. Our Business is: About serving you. Your emergency power need IS our business. Our technicians are factory trained and certified. The technical aspects of generators and transfer switches are con- stantly evolving. It is important that we stay as current as possible with the new products that are unveiled several times each year! Who Are WE? Our co-owner, Bill Lane, also lead technician and sales manager, has been it the power generation industry for over 5 decades. A former Detroit Diesel Industrial Instructor and Field Service Engineer, Bill has been involved in the design stage, installation and maintenance phases of many of the emergency power systems that exist in Northern California, there are few systems that he is unknown to him. Owner and General Manager, Carol Lane heads up the parts and accounting departments, as well as being a factory certified technician. In August of 1994, we stepped into the world of being self-employed. Over the years we have developed a customer base of homeowners, radio and communication sites, businesses, ranches, special event centers, medical facilities, community service districts and county agencies across North-Eastern California, from Sacramento to the Sierra’s. We enjoy what we do, and most of that is helping educate people about the emergency generator systems that would be best suited to their needs. We provide onsite review of clients needs and work to stay within budgets. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 17 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 5 - May 2021 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY May Birthdays DAVID BAIERL STEVEN BARNETT ROBERT CASEY FREDERICK COUSINEAU DANIEL DELLACRUZ DAVID DUNN ROBERT GLYNN EUGEN HAYES JON KEHLET JOSE KUPPAMALA RONALD MYERS MARVIN PRYDE STEPHEN ROSENTHAL HENRY SANDERS CLARION SMITH EARLE TRAVIS DONALD VIETS CLIFFTON WAKE Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 19 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY In Memory of the fallen Post 637, Police Officer’s 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 in the line of duty 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 Chaplain DO ANGELS EVER APPEAR IN HUMAN FORM? Yes, some angels appear in human form. In Genesis 18 and 19, angels ap- pear as men to Abraham and Lot. If you read the story carefully, you see that these angels ate, washed, walked, grabbed hands - they took a physi- cal form. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." If you really believe in an- gels and would enjoy entertaining or honoring them (as a thank-you ges- ture perhaps for everything they do for you), consider improving your hospitality to strangers. Not until eternity will you know if any of the strangers you encountered were angels, but the possibility is exciting! Taken from the book "Answers to your questions about Heaven" by David Jeremiah Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Armed Forces Day Armed Forces Day is a special holiday for people all over the world to come together and thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. First conceived by President Harry S. Truman, the holiday was established in 1949. The creation of a single day celebration for all five branches of the United States military made sense due to its recent unification under the Department of Defense. Today, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of every May, this year fall- ing on May 15. Be sure to mark your calendar & support our military! The history of the United States Armed Forces spans over two centuries. The United States rapidly evolved from being a new nation fighting for independence against Great Britain between 1775 and 1783, to fighting in the landmark American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, to proving their val- or and strength during World War II, and finally emerging as a world superpower towards the end of the 20th century. The U.S. armed forces comprise five branches of the military: the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard. The origin of the United States Army dates back to 1775 when the Continental Congress es- tablished the Continental Army, Continental Navy, and Continental Marines, commanded and led by General George Washington. This newly assembled military force fought the British during the Ameri- can Revolutionary War with French soldiers by its side, leading to the Treaty of Paris and its inde- pendence. In 1789, the new Constitution delegated the president as the commander in chief of the military, with the authority to create laws, levy taxes, and declare war. Ever since its formation, the primary responsibility of the Army division of the Armed Forces is to fight battles on land and deploy the military for takeover. The United States Army Corps of Engi- neers mainly control the rivers of inland America. Following the war against the British Army, the U.S. Army was still relatively small and operating in peacetime. This changed in the 1940s when the Air Force became a completely separate unit outside of the Army Air Forces. In 1947, control of the U.S. Army switched over from the War Department to the Defense Department. The major wars that the U.S. Army participated in were the Indian Wars of the 1790s, the War of 1812, the American Civil War in 1861, the Spanish-American War of 1898, World Wars I and II in 1917 and 1941 respectively, the Korean War in 1950, and the Vietnam War in 1965. The U.S. military also took part in the Gulf War in 1991 and the war in Afghanistan. As of 2019, the Armed Forces of America fall under the command of the Department of De- fense and the Coast Guard, which is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security. The President of the United States is the commander in chief and they exercise their authority through the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who supervises com- bat operations. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 21 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 John- Alex Candela son 1st Vice 3rd Vice 2nd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-215-0685 916-990-4895 Barry Fitzgerald Jim Monteton James Miranda Chaplain Historian Service Officer 916-692-5140 916-726-9390 530-919-5255 Vacant Stephany Sward Vacant Assist. Chaplain Sgt. at Arms Assist. 916-967-7266 Service Officer Richard Tkach Jim Monteton Vacant Assist. Sgt. at Arms JAG Officer Photographer 916-723-1932 916-726-9390 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Peace Officers Memorial Day Peace Officers Memorial Day is an observance but it is not a federal public holiday in the Unit- ed States. Some people may take some time off work, such as an extended lunch break if a memorial service is held at noon, to attend a memorial service on this day. Many people in the United States will pay tribute to officers who lost their lives or were injured in their jobs. According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), about 140-160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss. Many businesses and community members across the nation, especially those who lost family members, friends or colleagues who were local officers, will lower their flags in remembrance of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Some police departments hold an annual law enforce- ment memorial ceremony on this day. Each year, the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary organizes a national memorial ser- vice on the day, drawing thousands of people from many parts of the United States. The service is followed by the placement of a memorial wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. On this day, people are also reminded of the need to be vigilant against all forms of crime. The idea of a Peace Officers Memorial Day came into effect on October 1, 1961, when Con- gress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor law enforcement officers. President John F Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962. Each year, the president of the United States proclaims May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of each year during which such May 15 occurs as Police Week. According to the Legal Information Institute, the president is requested to issue a proclamation to: designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day; to direct government officials to display the United States flag at half-staff on all government buildings; and to invite state and local governments and the people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 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 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 As of April 17th, we have 224 members that have renewed. The 2021 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2021 Paid % as of Post 637 274** 224* 81.75% 3-17-2021 * This include New Member’s & Transfers ** Increase Change from 260 Dues for the new year 2021 is $45.00 which covered July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Dues for the year 2021, still $45 Mail checks to: David Paige - American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 NEXT MEETING Tuesday May 18, 2021 6:30 pm This will be an ‘On-Line’ meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88019651641?pwd=K0tEOS9Sd0dybHdaWkoxMXZlQlpBUT09 Meeting ID: 880 1965 1641 Passcode: 893692 Please join our meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 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 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 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 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 6/6 D – Day 11/11 Veterans Day / Tomb of the Unknown 6/13—Cpl. Singh Memorial Ceremony 12/7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance 6/14 Army Birthday / Flag Day 12/13 National Guard Day 7/4 Independence Day 12/18 National Wreaths Across America 8/4 Coast Guard Day 2/3 Four Chaplains 8/7 Purple Heart Day 2/4 USO Birthday 8/28 Veterans Picnic 3/15 American Legion Birthday 9/11 Patriot Day 3/25 Medal of Honor Day 9/17 POW Day 3/29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day 9/18 Air Force Day MAY – National Military Appreciation Month 9/25 Battle of the Bands 5/15 Peace Officers Memorial Day 9/26 Gold Star Mom’s & Family Day 5/15 Armed Forces Day 10/13 Navy Day 5/31 Memorial Day (May 30) 11/10 Marine Corps Birthday Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 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] Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 5 - May 2021 Page 29 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion