Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y American Legion Post 637 March News Letter Dedicated to the men and woman that served in the United States Military. Their sacrifice maintained our nations safety and security. God bless all Veterans - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and may God continue to Bless the United States of America. Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion NEWSLETTER AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Paul Reyes - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER Hello Post 637, I hope this newsletter finds you all doing well. The month of March is always a very important month for us. The biggest reason is because we start nominations at this month ’ s meeting for the various positions within the Post. The positions up for reelec- tion are Post Sgt. at Arms, 3 rd Vice Commander, 2 nd Vice Commander, 1 st Vice Commander and of course Post Commander. Do not forget that this is your Post and your vote counts and without your input we can- not properly move forward. This month ’ s meeting is Tuesday March 19 th and it is very important that as many of you participate and be heard as to who you want to lead this GREAT Post for the 2019 - 2020 Legion Year. We will be having several special guests that evening as well as a pretty good raffle like we did last month so bring that extra fiver you have in the glass jar bur- ied under the front porch to have a chance at a great prize! The next reason March is important does not affect all of you but it does affect a few of us. On March 28, 2017 President Trump signed into law the “ Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017” recognizing March 29 th as Vietnam Veterans Day. Over 40 years after the end of the Vietnam war all those that chose to answer their countries call at that time will finally be honored and properly thanked for their sacrifices. I would ask that all of you receiving this newsletter that are Vietnam Veterans, to please come to this month ’ s meeting so you can be recognized with a big thank you and a “ Welcome Home ”. Also if you know of someone who is a Vietnam Veteran please invite them to come with you so they also can be recog- nized. Thank you for listening, Paul Reyes Commander Semper Fidelis !!! Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 3 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ The American dream lives — not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- i c a h a s a f u t u r e , a n d a l l m a n k i n d h a s r e a s o n t o h o p e ” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 4 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y March is the Month for Nominations Post 637 it ’ s that time of the year once again that we need both your selections and eventual votes for a new Executive Board. As usual the positions up for nomination and vot- ing are a follows; Sgt. at Arms 2 nd Vice Commander 1 st Vice Commander Post Commander All other positions are appointed positions. I would certainly like to see some of our newer members maybe step up and accept a nomination or even an appointment. Change is always good and good change is even better. Nominations will be heard and accepted during our March, April, and finally our May meetings and voting will also be in May. Start thinking about who you might want in which chair and nominate them. However, I would suggest that you speak with the potential nomi- nee to make certain they are interested and will be a good choice. Paul Reyes Commander Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 5 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion AFV ACCESS FOR VETERNS Energy Solutions RUNNING A FUND RAISER? WE HAVE AN IDEA. SOLAR A ccess f or V eterans was started to raise money for VETERANS FOR LIFE a 501(c)3 non - profit organization. In addition to raising money for Veterans, we partner with other 501(c)3 non - profits, like Volunteers of America to help them raise money for their projects. Recommend Solar to Family and friends and neighbors and associates, if they are interested, Access for Veterans Energy Solutions will send a representative out to explain how solar works and makes sure SOLAR is right for them. Not all homes are right for SOLAR. Once your friend or family member decides to put SOLAR on their home and is installed, $250.00 is sent to your organization, school, or Church and $250.00 is sent to American Le- gion or VFW, and $250.00 is given to Veterans for Life. It ’ s a great way to raise money to assist veterans to get off the street and transition back to civilian life and a great way to help fund your programs. Harry G. Williams, President harry@AccessForVeterans.com 916 - 205 - 5352 Sid Williams, CEO sid@AccessForVeterans.com 916 - 990 - 6151 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 6 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y I often wonder why so few of our members attend our monthly Post meetings. It could be a lack of interest, busy schedule or simply they just don ’ t want to drive. I can understand because there are days I don ’ t want to get out there and share the road with all the crazy drivers. Well here is a fairly new option for residence of Citrus Heights, Orangeville, Fair Oaks and Antelope. It ’ s called a SmaRT Ride and it ’ s a very convenient and affordable way to get around locally. This program is an on demand Monday thru Friday 6 am to 9 pm ride service that will pick you up and drop you off at a location of your choosing. You just schedule your ride in the morning the day of your trip and you are set. This is a ride sharing program so you need to leave an extra time for your trip as the driv- er will pick up other customers on the route. There are 3 ways to schedule a ride. For those smartphone savvy, there is a Micro transit app you can download for free where you create a free account and schedule your ride whenever you need one. You can also go online to ondemand.sacrt.com to request your ride. For those who prefer the old fashion phone call, the number is 916 - 556 - 0100. Single tickets or day passes are available. The cost per ride is $2.50 or $7 for a day pass for ages 19 - 61 and $1.25 or $3.50 for ages 62+ and anyone with disabilities. If you have a group of 5 or more traveling from the same pick up location to the same destination, the ride is free. I encourage you to use this service because it was created for folks like you. No more excuses missing a Post meeting. Come and see us, you may run into an old friend or you may make a new one. You may learn some- thing new or more importantly you may share an information or an idea that will benefit all of us. We need each and every one of you to make this Post better. Sylvia Thweatt 1st Vice Commander 916 - 792 - 9669 Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 7 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Kidnap Scam Update 01 ► Army CID Warning A parent in an Army family got a threatening phone call recently from someone claim- ing a child in the family had been abducted, and demanding money for the safe return of the child. The parent called the school and learned the child was safe and in class. Virtual kidnap- ping hoaxes aren ’ t a new type of scam, but because this recently happened to someone in the Army community, a warning has come out from officials at the Army ’ s Criminal Investiga- tion Command. The scam usually involves a phone call in which the caller claims to have taken a child or a loved one. The caller says something like “ I ’ ve kidnapped your kid. Send money or the kid dies, ” according to CID. Victims of this scam have reported hearing screams, crying or pleas for help, all effects that are fake to persuade the victims to respond to the demands. The scammers appear to choose their victims randomly. “ They dial sequential numbers until the call is answered by someone they can shock into believing that their child has been kid- napped, ” CID officials said in a release 27 JUN. “ The caller's approach is forceful, well scripted and can be very convincing." If you get such a call, the CID advises trying to end the phone call and then confirm the safety of the person who the caller claims to have taken or ask the caller to put the child on the phone. Do not confirm or tell them any details about you or your family, officials say. Re- member the scammers work on fear and impulsiveness to try to coerce “ ransom ” money from their victims. If you need to buy time, ask the caller to repeat the requests and tell them you need time to respond, officials advise. If you do suspect a real kidnapping is taking place, do not hesitate to contact the nearest FBI office, CID or law enforcement agency. [Source: ArmyTimes | Noah Nash | June 27, 2018 ++] Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 8 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Stephan Gall 2nd Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 Honoring Those Who Served Free Military Burial with Honors for Veterans. Veterans of the US military are eligible for Military Funeral Honors if they served in the active military and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or if they were a member or former member of the selected reserve. The military will provide the Military Funeral Honors to the eligible beneficiary, which consists of the ceremo- nial folding and presentation of the American flag and the sounding of Taps. The ceremony is normally provided by a military funeral honors detail of two or more uniformed military per- sonnel, with at least one being a member of the veteran ’ s parent service. Let your family know if you desire Military Funeral Honors Public Law 106 - 65 requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, but the gov- ernment doesn ’ t have the resources to track down each veteran at the time of death. It is your duty to let your family know your desires so they can make your funeral arrangements after you pass. You should also let your family know the location of your DD Form 214 (verification of military service) or other discharge documents, which they will need in order for you to receive Military Funeral Honors. You may also wish to request a full copy of your military service records as having this documentation on hand will ex- pedite the process. How to Arrange Military Funeral Honors To arrange Military Funeral Honors, contact your local funeral home. Upon request of the next of kin or author- ized representative, the funeral director requests the honors from the Military Service in which the veteran served. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration cemetery staff can also assist with arranging Military Funeral Honors at VA national cemeteries. When military funeral honors at a na- tional cemetery are desired, they are arranged prior to the committal service by the funeral home. Headstones and Markers Military Funeral Honors also includes a headstone and marker for the veteran and eligible dependents. Styles include flat bronze, flat granite, flat marble, and upright marble. Again, the funeral director can provide more information. Free Burial at Sea for Veterans Burial at sea was a Navy tradition of yore, but it is still available for veterans who wish for it. Burial at sea ser- vices are performed while the vessel is on official duty, so it is impossible for family members to be present. Following the burial at sea, the ship ’ s commanding officer will notify the surviving family members of the date, time, latitude, and longitude at which the burial took place. Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 9 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a Veterans Service Organization in the United States of America, founded in 1946. The organization holds 34 chapters and 69 National Service Offices in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is based in Washington, D.C. The group holds a Congressional Charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. Paralyzed Veterans of America describes itself as having "developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members — Veterans of the United States who have experienced Spinal Cord Injury or dysfunction". It is also involved with promoting and protecting the civil rights of the disabled. Paralyzed Veterans of America says it delivers holistic recovery and transition for severely disabled veterans through integrative programs and services that fulfill all needs. These programs and services include veterans ’ benefits and PAVE program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment), medical services and health policy, research and edu- cation, architecture, government advocacy and legislation, and sports and recreation. In 2017, the organization cele- brated the passing of legislation that enables the VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment. The services will be available January 19, 2017 through September 30, 2018 and Paralyzed Veterans worked hard to achieve that suc- cess for its members. [1] The organization's professional staff is augmented by local chapters and at - large membership activities, corporate relations, and public/media engagement. While the organization's programs and services particularly target veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, it also offers services to able - bodied, ill, wounded, and injured veterans as well as to dependents, survivors, and caregiv- ers to the global disability community. All support is offered free of charge to veterans and families and without govern- ment funding. Programs are funded by the support of individual donors and corporate sponsors. The organization received a Gold Star rating from Guide Star [2] based on organizational mission, impact, financial data, and commitment to transparency in accordance with GAAP. PVA received a rating of zero out of four possible stars from Charity Navigator, based primarily on the fact that the organization spends less than one - third of its expenses on the programs and services it delivers, and more than two - thirds on fundraising and administration Mission Programs and services Ratings Paralyzed Veterans of America Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 10 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Replacing Purple Heart Citation Sgt. Grit, In the 4 June issue, Sgt. Ron Myers, a Vietnam veteran, inquired about getting a re- placement Purple Heart citation. I contacted Mr. Mosley at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Here is his response: Mr. Dillon, Yes, this is a service that MMMA - 3 can provide for the veteran, please have him to sub- mit a signed request and we will be able to assist him in getting a replacement certifi- cate. Have the veteran submit the following items to the address listed below: 1. Signed request to MMMA - 3 - Requesting a replacement certificate for the Purple Heart. 2. DD214, service number or social security number so we can order his official records. 3. Have the veteran mail his request to the following address: HEADQUARTERS US MARINE CORPS MANPOWER MANAGEMENT DIVISION MMMA 2008 ELLIOT ROAD QUANTICO VA 22134 - 5030 Once we receive the signed request MMMA - 3 will do the following: 1. Order the veteran official records from Nation Personnel Records Center. 2. Review his records to adjudicate the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the purple heart during his tour in Vietnam. 3. Once adjudicated the certificate will be completed and forwarded to the veteran. 4. The veteran personnel records will be updated to reflect the awarding of the purple heart certificate. Sir, as soon as we get the request we will order his records, but depending how long it takes to receive the records this adjudication process could take up to six months. Wayne Dillon SgtMaj USMC (Ret.) 1975 - 2003 Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 11 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y CITY IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? The City of Citrus Heights is looking for volunteers at City Hall and the Community Center. Volunteer opportunities include reception desk, transportation permits, gardening, client reimbursements, filing, special projects, and much more. Volunteering is an easy way to get involved in your community. There is so much to do an not enough hours in the day to get it all done; volunteers bridge the gap, selecting work that is enjoyable and rewarding to them. We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and value the significant contribution they make; truly, we could not do it without them. Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 12 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n ’ t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history ’ s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion ’ s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering - out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3 - 3 with the tie - breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson ’ s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90 - mile high - speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president ’ s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. The GI Bill Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 13 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 14 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y WW II - In December 1941, with U.S. involvement in war soon expected on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Yards and Docks, recommended estab- lishing Naval Construction Battalions. With the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States' entry into the war, he was given the go - ahead. More than 325,000 men served with the Sea- bees in World War II, fighting and building on six continents and more than 300 islands. In the Pacific, where most of the construction work was needed, the Seabees landed soon af- ter the Marines and built airstrips, bridges, roads, gasoline storage tanks, and Quonset huts for warehouses, hospitals, and housing. They often operated under fire and frequently were forced to take part in the fighting to defend themselves and their construction projects. In the Pacific Theater they built 111 major airstrips and 441 piers, tanks for the storage of 100 m gallons of fuel, housing for 1.5 million men and hospi- tals for 70,000 patients. Korea - The Korean War saw a call - up of more than 10,000 men. The expansion of the Seabees came from the Naval Reserve Seabee program where individuals volunteered for active duty. The Seabees landed at Inchon with the assault troops. They fought enormous tides as well as enemy fire and provided causeways within hours of the initial landings. Their action here and at other landings emphasized the role of the Seabees, and there was no Seabee demobilization when the truce was declared. During the Korean War, the Navy realized they needed a naval air station in this region. Cubi Point in the Philippines was selected, and civilian contractors were initially selected for the project. After seeing the forbidding Zambales Mountains and the maze of jungle, they claimed it could not be done. The Navy then turned to the Seabees. The first Seabees to arrive were MCB - 3 on October 2, 1951; followed by MCB - 5 on November 5, 1951. Over the next five years, MCB - 2, - 7, - 9, - 11 and - 13 were also deployed to Cubi Point. Seabees cut a mountain in half to make way for a nearly two - mile - long runway. Cubi Point turned out to be one of the larg- est earth - moving projects in the world, equivalent to the con- struction of the Panama Canal. The $100 million facility was commissioned on July 25, 1956, and comprised an air station and an adjacent pier that was capable of docking the Navy's largest carriers. Following Korea, the Seabees embarked on a new mission. From providing much needed assistance in the wake of a devastating earthquake in Greece in 1953 to providing con- struction work and training to underdeveloped countries, the Seabees became "The Navy's Goodwill Ambassadors". Sea- bees built or improved many roads, orphanages and public utilities in many remote parts of the world. Antarctica - In 1955, Seabees began deploying yearly to the continent of Antarctica. As participants in Operation Deep Freeze, their mission was to build and expand scientific bases located on the frozen continent. The first "wintering over" par- ty included 200 Seabees who distinguished themselves by constructing a 6,000 - foot (1,800 m) ice runway on McMurdo Sound. Despite a blizzard that once destroyed the entire pro- ject, the airstrip was completed in time for the advance party of Deep Freeze II to become the first to arrive at the South Pole by plane. Vietnam - Seabees were deployed to Vietnam throughout the conflict beginning in small numbers in June 1954 and extend- ing to November 1972. By 1962, they began building camps for Special Forces. In June 1965, Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin G. Shields, part of Seabee Team 1104, was actively engaged at the Battle of Dong Xoai and was posthu- mously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions there. Shields remains the only Seabee ever to be awarded the Medal of Honor. These "Civic Action Teams" continued into the Vietnam War where Seabees, often fending off enemy forces alongside their Marine and Army counterparts, also built schools and infrastructure and provided health care ser- vice. Beginning in 1965, full Seabee battalions (NMCBs) and Naval Construction Regiments (NCRs), along with other unit types, were deployed throughout Vietnam. Seabees from the Naval Reserve provided individual personnel early on to aug- ment regular units and two battalions, RNMCB - 12 and RNMCB - 22. From the Cold War to terrorism , Persian Gulf War, Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom then onto Disaster relief and recovery after: 1969 Hurricane Camille, a devastating flood that hit Ethiopia, 1994 Northridge earth- quake , 1992 Homestead, Florida following Hurricane An- drew, humanitarian efforts in Somalia, the Haitian Relief ef- fort, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base , Cuba , 1995 Croatia to support the Army by building camps as part of Operation Joint Endeavor , the peacekeeping effort in Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina , 1998, Hurricane Georges – just to name a few. Happy Birthday SEABEES March 5, 1942 Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 15 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y March 2, 1793 - American soldier and politician Sam Houston (1793 - 1863) was born in Rockbridge County, Vir- ginia. March 5, 1942 - The birth of the Navy Seabee ’ s. March 6, 1836 - Fort Alamo fell to Mexican troops led by General Santa Anna. The Mexicans had begun the siege of the Texas fort on February 23rd, ending it with the killing of the last defender. "Remember the Alamo" became a rallying cry for Texans who went on to defeat Santa Anna in the Battle of San Jacinto in April. March 10, 1862 - The first issue of U.S. government paper money occurred as $5, $10 and $20 bills began circula- tion. March 14, 1879 - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) was born in Ulm, Germany. March 15 - Birthday - Andrew Jackson (1767 - 1845) the 7th U.S. President was born in a log cabin in Waxhaw, South Carolina. As a boy he volunteered to serve in the American Revolution. Captured by the British, he refused an order to clean an officer's boots and was slashed by his sword. Jackson later gained fame as a hero during the War of 1812. In politics he helped form the new Democratic Party and became the first man from an impoverished background to be elected President, serving from 1829 to 1837. March 17th - Celebrated as Saint Patrick's Day commemorating the patron saint of Ire- land. March 23, 1775 - Patrick Henry ignited the American Revolution with a speech before the Virginia convention in Richmond, stating, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" March 31 - Birthday - Boxing champion Jack Johnson (1878 - 1946) was born in Galveston, Texas. He was the first African American to win the heavyweight boxing title. People and Events in History in March Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 16 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 17 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran ’ s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion ’ s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran ’ s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA ’ s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill ’ s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet - level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA ’ s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender - specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. American Legion – 100 years old and 2.5 million strong Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 18 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini - mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non - veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at public.inquiry@mail.va.gov. Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 19 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Just wanted to let you know that members of the post went and visited Jack Mintz this morning and he is getting stronger. He is at Windsor El Camino on Carmichael Ave in Carmichael, Room 12B. If you have the time, stop by and say hello. F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Jack Mintz Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 20 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sacramento County Veterans Services Established in 1946 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Veterans Services is respon- sible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans population of Sacramento County. DHA Veterans Services can assist you with the following: Service - Connected Disability Compensation Benefits Non Service - Connected Disability Pension Benefits Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Death Pension Benefits Aid & Attendance Entitlement VA Medical Care Eligibility & Access Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits California College Fee Waiver Program VA Life Insurance State Veterans Homes Requests for Military Records Discharge Upgrade Information Burial Benefits Other Ancillary Benefits & Programs - The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Person: 2007 19th Street Sacramento CA 95818 Phone: 916 - 874 - 6811 or E - mail: DHA - VET@saccounty.net ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost)