NEWSLETTER March 2019 (1).pdf - Thurman

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Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 2 AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 NEWSLETTER FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY COMMANDERS CORNER Paul Reyes - Commander 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 29th 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 Hello Post 637, month’s meeting so you can be recognized with a big thank you and a “Welcome Home”. Also if you know I hope this newsletter finds you all doing well. of someone who is a Vietnam Veteran please invite The month of March is always a very important them to come with you so they also can be recog- month for us. The biggest reason is because we start nized. nominations at this month’s meeting for the various Thank you for listening, positions within the Post. The positions up for reelec- tion are Post Sgt. at Arms, 3rd Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander and of course Post Commander. Do not forget that this is your Post Paul Reyes and your vote counts and without your input we can- Commander not properly move forward. Semper Fidelis !!! This month’s meeting is Tuesday March 19th 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! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY “The American dream lives—not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- ica has a future, and all mankind has reason to hope.” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 2nd Vice Commander 1st Vice Commander Post Commander All other positions are appointed positions. I would certainly like to see some of our newer members maybe step up and accept a nomination or even an appointment. Change is always good and good change is even better. Nominations will be heard and accepted during our March, April, and finally our May meetings and voting will also be in May. Start thinking about who you might want in which chair and nominate them. However, I would suggest that you speak with the potential nomi- nee to make certain they are interested and will be a good choice. Paul Reyes Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY AFV ACCESS FOR VETERNS Energy Solutions RUNNING A FUND RAISER? WE HAVE AN IDEA. SOLAR Access for Veterans 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 [email protected] 916-205-5352 Sid Williams, CEO [email protected] 916-990-6151 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Sylvia Thweatt 1st Vice Commander 916-792-9669 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 ++] Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Paralyzed Veterans of America The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a Veterans Service Organization in the United States of America, founded in 1946. The organization holds 34 chapters and 69 National Service Offices in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is based in Washington, D.C. The group holds a Congressional Charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. Mission Paralyzed Veterans of America describes itself as having "developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members—Veterans of the United States who have experienced Spinal Cord Injury or dysfunction". It is also involved with promoting and protecting the civil rights of the disabled. Programs and services Paralyzed Veterans of America says it delivers holistic recovery and transition for severely disabled veterans through integrative programs and services that fulfill all needs. These programs and services include veterans’ benefits and PAVE program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment), medical services and health policy, research and edu- cation, architecture, government advocacy and legislation, and sports and recreation. In 2017, the organization cele- brated the passing of legislation that enables the VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment. The services will be available January 19, 2017 through September 30, 2018 and Paralyzed Veterans worked hard to achieve that suc- cess for its members.[1] The organization's professional staff is augmented by local chapters and at-large membership activities, corporate relations, and public/media engagement. While the organization's programs and services particularly target veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, it also offers services to able-bodied, ill, wounded, and injured veterans as well as to dependents, survivors, and caregiv- ers to the global disability community. All support is offered free of charge to veterans and families and without govern- ment funding. Programs are funded by the support of individual donors and corporate sponsors. Ratings The organization received a Gold Star rating from Guide Star based on organizational mission, [2] impact, financial data, and commitment to transparency in accordance with GAAP. PVA received a rating of zero out of four possible stars from Charity Navigator, based primarily on the fact that the organization spends less than one-third of its expenses on the programs and services it delivers, and more than two-thirds on fundraising and administration Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY CITY IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? The City of Citrus Heights is looking for volunteers at City Hall and the Community Center. Volunteer opportunities include reception desk, transportation permits, gardening, client reimbursements, filing, special projects, and much more. Volunteering is an easy way to get involved in your community. There is so much to do an not enough hours in the day to get it all done; volunteers bridge the gap, selecting work that is enjoyable and rewarding to them. We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and value the significant contribution they make; truly, we could not do it without them. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 12 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The GI Bill The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n’t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history’s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion’s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering-out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3-3 with the tie-breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson’s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90-mile high-speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president’s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 13 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY struction work and training to underdeveloped countries, the Happy Birthday SEABEES Seabees became "The Navy's Goodwill Ambassadors". Sea- bees built or improved many roads, orphanages and public March 5, 1942 utilities in many remote parts of the world. Antarctica - In 1955, Seabees began deploying yearly to the WW II - In December 1941, with U.S. involvement in war soon continent of Antarctica. As participants in Operation Deep expected on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Chief of Freeze, their mission was to build and expand scientific bases the Navy's Bureau of Yards and Docks, recommended estab- located on the frozen continent. The first "wintering over" par- lishing Naval Construction Battalions. With the attack on Pearl ty included 200 Seabees who distinguished themselves by Harbor and the United States' entry into the war, he was given constructing a 6,000-foot (1,800 m) ice runway on McMurdo the go-ahead. More than 325,000 men served with the Sea- Sound. Despite a blizzard that once destroyed the entire pro- bees in World War II, fighting and building on six continents ject, the airstrip was completed in time for the advance party and more than 300 islands. In the Pacific, where most of the of Deep Freeze II to become the first to arrive at the South construction work was needed, the Seabees landed soon af- Pole by plane. ter the Marines and built airstrips, bridges, roads, gasoline Vietnam - Seabees were deployed to Vietnam throughout the storage tanks, and Quonset huts for warehouses, hospitals, conflict beginning in small numbers in June 1954 and extend- and housing. They often operated under fire and frequently ing to November 1972. By 1962, they began building camps were forced to take part in the fighting to defend themselves for Special Forces. In June 1965, Construction Mechanic 3rd and their construction projects. In the Pacific Theater they Class Marvin G. Shields, part of Seabee Team 1104, was built 111 major airstrips and 441 piers, tanks for the storage of actively engaged at the Battle of Dong Xoai and was posthu- 100 m gallons of fuel, housing for 1.5 million men and hospi- mously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions there. tals for 70,000 patients. Shields remains the only Seabee ever to be awarded the Korea - The Korean War saw a call-up of more than 10,000 Medal of Honor. These "Civic Action Teams" continued into men. The expansion of the Seabees came from the Naval the Vietnam War where Seabees, often fending off enemy Reserve Seabee program where individuals volunteered for forces alongside their Marine and Army counterparts, also active duty. The Seabees landed at Inchon with the assault built schools and infrastructure and provided health care ser- troops. They fought enormous tides as well as enemy fire and vice. Beginning in 1965, full Seabee battalions (NMCBs) and provided causeways within hours of the initial landings. Their Naval Construction Regiments (NCRs), along with other unit action here and at other landings emphasized the role of the types, were deployed throughout Vietnam. Seabees from the Seabees, and there was no Seabee demobilization when the Naval Reserve provided individual personnel early on to aug- truce was declared. During the Korean War, the Navy realized ment regular units and two battalions, RNMCB- 12 and they needed a naval air station in this region. Cubi Point in the RNMCB- 22. Philippines was selected, and civilian contractors were initially From the Cold War to terrorism, Persian Gulf War, Iraq War and selected for the project. After seeing the forbidding Zambales the War in Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom then onto Mountains and the maze of jungle, they claimed it could not Disaster relief and recovery after: 1969 Hurricane Camille, a be done. The Navy then turned to the Seabees. The first devastating flood that hit Ethiopia, 1994 Northridge earth- Seabees to arrive were MCB-3 on October 2, 1951; followed quake, 1992 Homestead, Florida following Hurricane An- by MCB-5 on November 5, 1951. Over the next five years, drew, humanitarian efforts in Somalia, the Haitian Relief ef- MCB-2, -7, -9, -11 and -13 were also deployed to Cubi Point. fort, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, 1995 Croatia to Seabees cut a mountain in half to make way for a nearly two- support the Army by building camps as part of Operation Joint mile-long runway. Cubi Point turned out to be one of the larg- Endeavor, the peacekeeping effort in Sarajevo, Bosnia and est earth-moving projects in the world, equivalent to the con- Herzegovina, 1998, Hurricane Georges – just to name a few. 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- Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY People and Events in History in March 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion –100 years old and 2.5 million strong Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran’s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion’s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran’s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA’s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill’s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet-level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA’s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender-specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini-mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non-veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at [email protected]. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 19 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Jack Mintz 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Sacramento County Veterans Services Established in 1946 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Veterans Services is respon- sible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans population of Sacramento County. DHA Veterans Services can assist you with the following: Service-Connected Disability Compensation Benefits Non Service-Connected Disability Pension Benefits Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Death Pension Benefits Aid & Attendance Entitlement VA Medical Care Eligibility & Access Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits California College Fee Waiver Program VA Life Insurance State Veterans Homes Requests for Military Records Discharge Upgrade Information Burial Benefits Other Ancillary Benefits & Programs - The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Person: 2007 19th Street Sacramento CA 95818 Phone: 916-874-6811 or E-mail: [email protected] ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost) Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Department of Defense To Open Online Exchange Shopping To All Veterans The Army & Air Force Exchange Service or AAFES (what we used to call the PX & BX while on active duty) will soon be available ON-LINE as another earned benefit to veterans for their service. The Army, Air Force, Navy and Ma- rine exchanges will start permitting all honorably discharged veterans to shop online, (think Amazon, but only cheaper with no taxes.) The target start date is Veterans Day, November 11, 2017 but, you must register first. Registration begins June 1, 2017. You must call 1-844-868-8672 after June 1 to register. SEND THIS TO ALL OF YOUR VETERAN FRIENDS AND RELATIVES DoDto Open Online Exchange Shopping to Veterans > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE> Article Check the site above for more information. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Lest We Forget This is from an article that was first published in April, 1970 as a reminder called “Lest we forget ”. See if this doesn’t sound familiar. In May of 1919 at Dusseldorf Germany, the Allied Forces obtained a copy of the “Communist Rules for Revolution”. Fifty years later the Reds are still following these rules. The rules are as follows: A. Corrupt the young and get them away from religion, get them interested in sex. Make them superficial, destroy their ruggedness. B. Get control of all means of publicity thereby: 1. Get the people’s minds off their government by focusing their attention on athletics, sexy books and plays and other trivialities. 2. Divide the people into hostile groups by constantly harping on controversial matters of no importance. 3. Destroy the people’s faith in their natural leaders by holding the latter up to contempt, ridicule and obloquy. 4. Always preach true democracy but seize power as fast and a ruthlessly as possible. 5. By encouraging government extravagance, destroy its credit, produce fear of inflation with rising prices and general discontent. 6. Foment unnecessary strikes in vital industries, encourage civil disorders and foster lenient and soft attitude on the part of government toward such disorders. 7. By specious argument, cause the breakdown of the old moral virtues, honesty, sobrie- ty, confidence, faith in the pledged word and ruggedness. C. Cause the registration of all firearms on some pretext, with a view toward confiscating them and leaving the population helpless. That was then but today we must ever be vigilant to protect all the freedoms that we enjoy in this great country—Lest we forget! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Alex Candela 3rd Vice CALIFORNIA BOYS STATE Commander 916-990-4895 Today was a good day for Post 637 because as of today we now have two Delegates and one Alternate that we have chosen to represent Mesa Verde High School and our very own Post 637. The two young gentlemen selected as delegates are: Johnathan Sand. He brought a very impressive resume (We conduct the interviews as if they are going to a job interview) And for many this is the first time to have experienced an interview. He has been in Boy Scouts for 5 years and is working on his Eagle Scout project. His GPA 4.375 and is a 3- sport athlete, Cross Country, soccer and Volleyball. He is a musician and plays the piano, trumpet, tuba, baritone Sax and has been in the school’s Concert band for 3 years. After graduation, he plans to enter an academy of one of our service branches. He’s very well rounded and definitely has eye on achieving his goals. Victor N. Robles was also selected as the second Delegate. He’s another musician and plays the trumpet and Bassoon. The type of music he leans to is JAZZ. He has played at the CH HALOWEEN parade/ event that the city holds each year, He belongs to a Jazz band club outside of school and has played a few gigs in our community. He has a GPA of 3.75 and is very goal oriented. When he graduates from High School he wants to Join the Marines and try out for the National Marine Corps Band. He has set his goals high and is bound and determined to reach them. Roberto Silva was selected as our Alternate. As the Alternate when the 82nd Boy’s State session starts in June 22-29 at SAC STATE, if one of the delegates chosen has an acci- dent or experiences something catastrophic while on the way to the session, the Alternate will take the place of the delegate who drops out. Roberto is a math and science student. After High School he wants to go to Sac State and to study to become an architect. He is amazed at how tall some buildings are built. However, his passion is soccer and I can say, with confidence, that he is a soccer super athlete because when he first came to Mesa Verde HS, as a freshman, he was automatically moved up to the varsity Soccer team and was ulti- mately made captain of the team. His GPA is 3.7 has a good understanding of what he wants to make for his future. All these young men are well rounded, know what they want and they want to grow as individuals so they can get more involved with the community and help people as best they can Alex Candela 3rd Vice Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Lowe’s Expands Military Discount National home improvement retailer Lowe’s has expanded its everyday military dis- count program to include all honorably discharged veterans, as of May. The chain also has expanded the 10 percent discount to Lowe's online shopping, which will include free parcel shipping. It will provide for faster checkout and add the ability to use the discount at self-checkout in stores, said Lowe's spokeswoman Karen Cobb. But the procedure for getting the discount has changed: Active-duty service members, retirees and veterans must sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card to qualify for the discount. This is not a credit card. Spouses and dependent children up to age 18 can also get the discount, although the online signup process doesn’t include an option for “spouses” or "children." "The discount is linked to a MyLowes account, which can be shared by a household,” said Megan Lewis, a Lowe’s spokeswoman. “Once the service member signs up for the dis- count program, it will be linked to a MyLowes card that can also be used by their spouse.” Lowe’s has offered discounts to military members and veterans for more than a dec- ade. Previously, the 10 percent discount at Lowe’s was available every day to active-duty ser- vice members, retired military and other veterans receiving VA benefits who showed their identification. For other honorably discharged veterans, the discount was limited to three days – Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day. “The verification process is designed to be a simplified one-time signup,” Lewis said. “Military and veteran customers can simply present their MyLowes card at checkout rather than show military credentials each time.” Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY VA U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Dear Veterans and Stakeholders, The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to team up to combat illegal robocalls targeting Americans, including Veterans and their families. Each year, the FCC receives more than 200,000 complaints about unwanted calls. While this may seem like a big number, it pales in comparison to the millions of robocalls being made each day. The calls inter- rupt dinners and family time; they flood landline and mobile phones. Scam calls frequently solicit money for fake charities, including ones claiming to support America’s Veterans - some even claiming to be VA repre- sentatives. We know that scam activity increases during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, so the FCC and VA urge you to be vigilant. We offer the following tips to help you avoid unwanted calls and scams. • Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Scammers may spoof their caller ID to display a fake number that appears to be local. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately. • Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maid- en names, or passwords in response to unexpected or suspicious calls. • Be sure to set a password for all voice mail accounts to avoid being hacked. Register your number on the Do Not Call List to block calls from legitimate telemarketers. Ask your phone company about call-blocking tools and services for your landline phone, and check for help- ful apps that you can download to your mobile phone. Please help spread the word about robocall fraud among those who may need assistance particularly those who are frequently targeted by phone scams. For more information, visit: fcc.gov/robocalls. Sincerely Veterans Benefits Administration Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY In Memory of the fallen Post 637, Police Officer On the 21st day of each month, we ask that all of you That died take a moment to show your support by remembering those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are still miss- ing in action (MIA), as well as their families. The Chaplain’s Corner Barry Fitzgerald in exactly the same manner as you saw Him go into heaven." Then they re- Chaplain turned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusa- 916-692-5140 lem, a Sabbath day's journey away. The Prophet Zecharaiah predicted five hundred years before Christ was Christ Predicts His Own Return born that His foot would first touch the earth at the Mount of Olives. In Acts 1:8 Christ spoke His fi- (Zecharaiah 14:4-8) nal words to His disciples before He Now that's the very place He left physically left this earth. from! So He's coming back in the same way and to the same place. The disciples stood there, star- tled by the fact that Jesus had gone, Zecharaiah goes on to tell us and in a very sensational way, to say that the Mount of Olives will be split the least. While they stood there in two by an incredible earthquake the dumbfounded, two angels appeared to moment Christ's foot touch it. A geo- them in the form of men, clothed with logical fault has been discovered dazzling white garments. Verses 11 which runs in exactly the direction and 12 continue: “You men of Galilee, this prophecy predicts! The main rea- why are you standing looking into the son it hasn't split open until now is sky? This same Jesus, who was taken that it's waiting for the "foot"! up from you into the sky, will return Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY POST 637 POST OFFICER’S Paul Reyes Commander David Page Ron Myers 916-743-2008 Finance Officer Adjutant 916-801-8554 916-723-7324 Sylvia Thweatt Stephan Gall Alex Candela 1st Vice 2nd Vice 3rd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-792-9669 916-215-0685 916-990-4895 Barry Fitzgerald Maynard Johnson James Miranda Chaplain Historian Service Officer 916-692-5140 916-331-8716 530-919-5255 Vacant Richard Tkach Vacant Assist. Chaplain Sgt. at Arms Assist. 916-723-1932 Service Officer Jim Monteton Jack Mintz JAG Officer Photographer 916-726-9390 916-966-9041 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 28 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY I am very proud to announce that earlier this week, Sacramento County approved an ordinance that provides FREE business licenses to Veterans. This was an effort that I have been pushing for since I took office last year, because I believe we should do whatever we can as a county to support and honor our local veterans. Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices, and this is a small way we can acknowledge their service. To be eligible for this fee waiver, an individual must be a Veteran of the armed services, who has been honorably discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions from any branch of the United States military. The Tax and License Collector may require documentation as proof of military service and honorable discharge or release status to verify applicant eligibility. For more information about business licensing, click the link below: http://www.finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/BusLicFAQ.aspx Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 29 Esther Ross Over a century ago, the 17 year old daughter of an Arizona pharmacist had traveled over three days and 2,400 miles to New York to represent her youthful state as the chosen christener of a ship. It was the Brooklyn Navy ship yards on June 19, 1915 and over 50,000 people gathered un- der bright blue skies to cheer on young Esther Ross. Governor George W. P. Hunt of the newly formed 48th state in the union, had chosen Es- ther to represent the state. Unbeknownst to all that day, this event would forever change the inno- cents of this Prescott Arizona girls life. Esther Ross practiced with syrup bottles filled with water tied to a rope and to the top of a tree. She worked at hitting the tree and smashing the bottle. Then she learned that she would have to smash two bottles at the same time. Because of the emerging temperance movement, the ship would have to be christened with one bottle of Champagne and one bottle of water. While satisfying the movement it ignored maritime traditions. The christening followed her until the day she died on August 12, 1979. For on that sunny day June 19, 1915 in Brooklyn, Esther Ross christened the USS Arizona. A ship that will live in infamy. Rest in Peace men of the USS Arizona Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 30 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Post Membership As we start our second half of the 2018/2019 year, we find ourselves a little behind. We have normally try to past 100% by December 31 each year so we need a strong finish. This month we find our selves at just short of 80.8%. The 2019 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2019 Paid % as of Post 637 276 223 80.8% 2-15-2019 * This include 2‘New Member’s Dues for new year 2019 is $45.00 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019) Mail checks to: American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 David Page—Finance Officer Michael Moesch Community Outreach Citrus Heights City Hall Mesothelioma Guide: 1-888-572-9011 6360 Fountain Square Dr. 121 S. Orange Avenue | Suite 1450 | Orlando , FL Citrus Heights, Ca. 32801 NEXT MEETING www.MesotheliomaGuide.com Tuesday February 19, 2019 6:30 pm Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 31 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Sacramento Food Bank & Families Services Brings Fresh Produce to Urban Neighborhoods Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), provider of food and support to 135,000 of the 242,000 members of the Sacramento community who are food insecure, just got more mobile. Its new, Produce for All truck can motor to a destination, and because of its nifty design, roll up its side doors and distribute food akin to a famers’ market. Anyone (no questions asked) can select fresh produce of their choosing from the open-air bins. The quality groceries come from regional farms and a variety of other sources. The traveling produce truck, on the road due to the generosity of a Sutter Health Community Benefit invest- ment, is an important addition to SFBFS’ 224 partner agencies that help to expand food distribution throughout the county. “When one in four children in Sacramento County lives in poverty, and nearly half of our seniors don’t have enough income to meet the most basic of expenses, our services are more important than ever before,” says Blake Young, President/CEO. “Our new Produce for All truck will increase our capacity to serve more residents where they live.” Transportation to one, centralized food bank in the county is often an overwhelming obstacle for food inse- cure families. Those who must rely on public transportation, seniors, families, the working poor, the unemployed and the disabled, can find navigating the system challenging. When fresh produce can come to them, a healthier lifestyle is more likely. SFBFS’ Produce for All truck, transporting food from local growers and donors to as many as 300 families at any given stop, is also a neighborhood-by-neighborhood link to additional services such as CalFresh, employment, housing and healthcare. “No one - regardless of income level, age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status or community of residence - is invulnerable to the possibility of experiencing food insecurity sometime in their lives,” says Young. And when that happens, by providing healthy food, we may be able to offer other assistance related to the root cause of pov- erty.” SFBFS’ Produce for All truck offers a robust calendar of regularly scheduled stops. To view a calendar listing of current Produce for All food distributions, visit: www.sacramentofoodbank.org/produce-for-all/. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) offers compassionate support and a compass for families navigating diffi- cult times. With 15 diverse programs and services, a staff of 83 employees, several thousand volunteers and the financial support of the community, SFBFS guides families on their journey through support and education. Since 2014, SFBFS has served as the main food bank of Sacramento County. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 32 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Guns N Stuff 5060 Roseville Rd North Highlands, CA 95660 916-334-3209 Veteran Owned DAVID PAIGE OWNER NOR CAL KITCHENS & BATH CABINETRY 11367 TRADE CENTER DR. #105 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95742 916-575-9777 www.norcalkb.com Did you know that our post is on Facebook? AmericanLegionpost637.com/ Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 33 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Reichert’s Funeral And Cremation Services Dignity Memorial 7320 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights, CA 95610 www.reichertsfuneral.com 916-729-2229 Fax: 916-722-9485 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 34 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 4, 2018 November 11, 2018 Independence Day Veterans Day July 11, 2018 December 7, 2018 2nd Qtr Ceremony Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Dixon January 9, 2019 August 4, 2018 4th Qtr. Homeless Coast Guard Day Service at Dixon August 25, 2018 April 6, 2019 Veterans Appreciation Picnic Army Day September 11, 2018 April 10, 2019 Patriot Day 1st Qtr Homeless September 14, 2018 Service at Dixon POW/MIA Recognition Day May 18, 2019 September 18, 2018 Armed Forces Day Air Force Day May 27, 2019 September 23, 2018 Memorial Day Sunday Fun Day June 14, 2019 October 6, 2018 Flag Day/Army Birthday 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ June 22, 2019 October 10, 2018 Red White Blue Parade 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. October 27, 2018 We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Heights City Hall in the Community Room. Navy Day November 10, 2018 Marine Corps Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 35 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion For God and Country We associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. POST MEETING LOCATION Community Room, City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights Meeting time is 6:30PM The following diagram may help you locate the exact location If you have information or an article you would like to add to the newsletter please send information to [email protected] Photo’s by Jack Mintz Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 8 Issue 3 - March 2019 Page 36 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion