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Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 December 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. Merry Christmas Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 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 of the TV because there was nothing on but old and new fairy tales all day long. Not cartoons or animated movies, but real actors acting. To help you understand, we had total of 2 channels; Channel 1 from 8 am to noon and from 3 pm to 11:30 pm and Channel 2 from 5 pm to about 11 pm. Children programming was only a 5 minute “bedtime story” at 6 pm every day and Sunday morning fairytales so we hardly watched TV. The dinner was at 6 pm so we all dressed up and set down to the Christmas dinner consisting of carp soup, breaded and fried carp and potato salad. After the dinner me and my sister were anxious to go to see if there were any presents under the tree, but my mom always had to do the dishes and straighten up the kitchen. It was a torture but now I do understand. And then the doorbell rang which was a sign that baby Jesus was done leaving the presents thru the opened window. I could never figure out how my dad snuck out and rang the doorbell. After opening the presents, we hung out for a while and then migrated back to the TV where we all watched a special Christmas programming. I would always make a special dessert like canned pineapple with whip cream or banana with melted It’s Christmas time and there should be joy and happiness all around. chocolate and whip cream. It may seam not so special, but we didn’t have pineap- As I am experiencing rudeness, entitlement and lots of inconsiderate people I can’t ple, bananas or oranges available in stores. Only before Christmas, if you got help to remember the Christmas of my childhood. Christmas season started on lucky, you could find those, but a person could only buy two or three pieces. Next December 5, St. Nicholas Day. Traditionally, in the evening, St. Nicholas accom- day we enjoyed all our new gifts and went somewhere in the city. I always looked panied by an angel and the devil visited children to gift a basket with fruit, nuts and forward to December 26 because on that day all the aunts, uncles, cousins and chocolate. There was always a piece of coal as a reminder, that we were not always other family members and some friends congregated at my grandmothers to enjoy good. I remember one year a very close family friend was dressed as the devil and her wonderful cooking. She normally baked either a goose or a duck with dump- played his part so well scaring the bejesus out of me. Store windows were getting lings and sour crowd, preceded by a homemade soup and followed by a delicious dressed up in Christmas decorations, the Nativity Scenes were put up in churches, dessert. All that on top of her Christmas cookies and open face sandwiches. It was those that were opened, tree lots started filling up with fresh trees and wooden an all-day affair filled with food, alcohol for the grownups, stories and good time. barrels were being set up on many corners (I’ll get to that little later). My mom We all went home happy, carrying more food. started pre-making dough for Christmas cookies and then she would make a batch or two after she got home from work. We didn’t put up the tree until the December We have kept the tradition as much as we can here. We still bake the 24 and my dad was the one putting up the ornaments. My parents would always get Czech Christmas cookies and the traditional Christmas bread like German stollen. a Christmas chocolate box at work. It was an assortment of chocolate figures We make the potato salad exactly like my mom did but the carp part has been a wrapped in aluminum foil with a string, picturing Christmas characters. Those too struggle. We used to get them in Half Moon Bay but that went away. We tried it were hung on a tree along with sparklers right next to candles wedged in little few times at the Chinese market, but that was a hit or miss. A friend suggested to clips. Looking back, I am surprised there were not more trees on fire in those days. get a snapper or a rock fish so that is what we’ll do this year. I’ll let you know how Later, my dad constructed a string of electric candles. So back to those barrels all that went. We still open presents on Christmas Eve, those are from family and over the city. Czechia is known for raising carps for domestic sales as well as for friends. When my kids were little, they opened presents from Santa on Christmas export. This started long time ago when they build a vast number of lakes in South- Day and we had the ham and whole list of “fixings” that early afternoon. Now we ern Czechia. And every year they would raise carp for Christmas. It is not the same do it with my grandkids. kind you find here though, it’s bigger. It is a lazy fish so to make it move, there were few pikes put in as well. On about December 14 the barrels were filled with Have yourself a Very Merry Christmas and let’s hope the year 2021 will bring us peace and happiness. water and carps and the sales began. You could buy a live carp, take it home, keep it in the bathtub until Christmas Eve and then kill it yourself. Nope. We had the butcher kill it. After my mom cleaned the fish inside out, she cut it in manageable pieces for breading and frying later. The head and organs were cooked for broth that would become a carp soup. She would also pick few scales, clean them and kept them in her wallet till the next Christmas for good luck. Last part of the Christmas Eve dinner was homemade family recipe potato salad made a day before Christmas Eve. If you noticed, all the activities were centered around December 24. That is when we celebrated and still celebrate Christmas. So, on that morning my parents were busy with preparations and us kids were literally parked in front Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall Merry Christmas 1st Vice Commander 916-215-0685 Everything was left in the past after the start of the announcement: "NOW HEAR THIS, FLIGHT QUARTERS, FLIGHT QUARTERS, FLIGHT QUARTERS. MAN ALL FLIGHT QUARTERS.... The flight deck came alive with the smell of burnt jet fuel, and a roar of jet engines that I carry with me to this day. We scrambled to get the pilots in their aircraft in preparation for launch. This was something we had gone through many times in the past but this time the planes were fully armed, and flying into combat. I was summoned to one of the aircraft that was next to taxi to the cat with an unsafe nose gear indication. As I started to troubleshoot the complaint I noticed that the metal stop for the nose gear switch was bent and the micro switch was open. I tried to bend it back with my screwdriver with no luck, I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was the one of our mechanics because the pilot was getting nervous, because it was his turn to be launched. So I yelled to the mechanic for a hammer, he handed me a 16 ounce hammer from his belt, so I pried the lever up just enough to hit it with the borrowed hammer, the pilot was going completely bonkers when the indicator in the cockpit showed it was safe, he goosed the throttle and rolled to the catapult with a big smile on his face. Later in the cruise I received a letter of commendation, all for hitting a switch with a hammer. -- Steve Gall 1st Vice Post 637 The one thing I can give, and still keep is my word. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 4 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 If you have lost your Honorable Discharge Certificate, we can help to get a replacement. This must be done online, but our Post can assist. You will need to fill out a DD 180 Request Pertaining to Military Records, SF 180 (11-15) (archives.gov) And then request a replacement DD 256A for Army DD 256AF for Air Force DD 256CG for Coast Guard DD256MC for Marine Corps DD256N for Navy If you have a DD 214 it will help in speeding the process. Contact the Post Adjutant at 916-723-7324 or at [email protected] Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Haunting Mystery Solved by Covid19 Stay- At- Home Request I love to walk my dog, work in the garden, but by months on end I was driven to distraction. So, I tackled the cleaning of the spare bedroom where you know, we dump things that we think we will get to eventually or so we say… This began looking up a “MIA Name” on a bracelet that Jan had worn during and after the Vietnam War. The Name was Lt. Richard “Tito” Hannom. After some investigation I found that this young man was born on Janu- ary 24, 1941, in Tennessee and had grown up there and attended the University of Tennessee and married his wife Charlotte Shaw in 1964, they had a baby girl. He joined the Navy and for the next 2 ½ yrs. trained to become a pilot. He was assigned as a flight officer to At- tack Squadron 35, Carrier Air Wing 9, USS Enterprise (CVA-65)), Task Force 77, 7th Fleet. His aircraft was a Grumman Attack Intruder (A-6A) he had been assigned as Bombardier/Nav. and his pilot had been Lt Cdr. Sheu- rich. 3 Attack Intruders launched from the deck of the Enterprise on March 1, 1968 his plane was among them. Their bombing target was Haiphong about 45 miles northeast of Hanoi, their plane was the only one shot down. For over 50 years no one knew the fate of either pilot or bombardier as they were listed as POW/MIA. Then in 2017 his remains were found on a remote Vietnamese Island of TRA BAN and those were confirmed to be the young flight Lt. and thus he was accounted for on Sept. 25, 2018, and his remains were returned to the United States of America. A funeral was arranged at Discovery Park of America in TN. March 2, 2019 and burial was performed at East View Cemetery with full military honors given. (His name is located on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Panel 42E Line 019) I hope that you found this as interesting as I did researching it. Stay Well and Stay Safe. Sgt At Arms, Stephany Sward American Legion Post 637 Merry Christmas Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916-990-4895 1st Class Boatswain Mate Adolfo Solar Pearl Harbor, December 7,1941 On this December 7, 2020 I’d like to pay tribute to my uncle, Adolfo Solar who gave his all on December 7, 1941 in the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japa- nese. The next day president Franklin Deleno Roosavelt said this is “a date which will live in infamy”! My uncle, Adolfo Solar, was a first-class boatswain’s mate and happened to be top- side, on the deck of the USS Nevada when the bombing began. Most of the crew were still below decks eating breakfast and relaxing as it was a beautiful sunny day. Uncle Adolfo sprang into action by mounting the first anti aircraft gun emplacement he came to and started firing at the Japanese zeros that were bombing pearl harbor my uncle continued firing until a bomb landed near him and he was killed with shell fragments. He was credited with the “the early opening of fire by antiaircraft battery of the USS Nevada prior to the arrival of the battery officers at their stations, and thereafter controlling his gun in an outstanding manner until killed with shell frag- ments”. He was posthumously commended by the Secretary of the Navy, William Franklin Knox and as a result of his actions, the destroyer escort (DE 221) USS Solar was named in his honor. Adolfo Solar was born on 8 May 1900 in San Antonio, TX. He was the oldest of ten children and my mother Rosa Solar candela, was the 2nd youngest in the solar fami- ly. On 1 June 1922 he enlisted in the navy as a seaman second class at Houston, TX. He served four consecutive enlistments on the battle ship New Mexico before signing up for a 5th time and serving aboard Battleship Nevada. Alex candela 3rd vice USS Solar - DE 221 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 8 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 starting next month 2,000 public locations across the country. Fees for the sites can range from a few dollars per person to nearly Starting this month, veterans and Gold Star families will $100 for some weekly and annual passes. be able to visit National Parks and other public lands for free, under a new initiative from the Department of the Interi- For free access to the sites, veterans will have to pre- or 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 9 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY From American Legion—Post 637, Citrus Heights Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 12 The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christ- "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me The young man looked inside to see the biggest dia- mas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his there. The guy that shot me is still in the area." mond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an young man. "It means something to you." He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." "And now it means something to you," replied celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. George. "I got my memories. That's all I need." had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car was all about when the door opened and a homeless through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil man stepped through. though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain." company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you that little man of yours." was known by his customers, told the man to come and take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, The young man began to cry again as he handed sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." time. with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home George said. The front door of the office flew open. In burst a to your family." He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it The young man turned with tears streaming down handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done, there's George could tell that he had never done anything like offer is still good." coffee and it's fresh." this before. "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the drive- "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. the day after." way bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You George turned around to find that the stranger had There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. hurt." "I have been here. I have always been here," said the "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" Why?" broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing "Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see block looked cracked from the cold; the car was dead. away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned here now." a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to away. He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides "But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It I was gettin' a little chubby." closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went away." you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me back outside. He walked around the building, opened George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and the garage, started the truck and drove it around to to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," the same time. The young man released his grip on the will become a great doctor. he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 she runs real good." good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something people from being killed by terrorists. The young man George helped put the woman in the truck and for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and rent is due, my car got repossessed last week." take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a and you keep it as good as any man." truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard some- George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, times, but we make it through the best we can." "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid thing. And when your days are done you will be with he got something in his belly," George thought. things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. Martha again." George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go the garage where the truck had been. He thought he there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out." home where there is a big celebration planned." would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn't the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said. robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A po- "You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christ- put a new one on. lice car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops mas." "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birth- either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old one of the cops asked the wounded officer. day, Lord Jesus" Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find Merry Christmas!! drive the car anyway. As he was working, he heard me?" shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. This story is better than any greeting card. an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me." the young man. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS! George helped the officer inside as he remembered Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran." knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the George and the young man both looked puzzled at each bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been other. there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He "That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued. used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make lost his job." the policeman feel at ease. The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the "Something for pain," George thought. All he had stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to and whispered, "Why?" work." He put some water in a cup and gave the police- Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, man the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you George, and thanks for everything." an ambulance." "Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your That ought to solve some of your problems." buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went George went into the back room and came out with a out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dash- box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something board destroying the two-way radio. for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. She said it would come in handy some day." Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 13 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 14 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY December 7, 1941 FROM: Admiral Edward Kimmel, Commander in Chief of the United States Pa- cific Fleet TO: All major navy commands and fleet units Attack at the Pearl Harbor base. AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. One Moment of Silence for more than 2,400 Sailors, Marines and Soldiers that were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Oklahoma's casualties of 400 were second only to the USS Arizona, which lost 1,177 men. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY R I P General Yeager Charles Elwood Yeager - February 13, 1923 – December 7, 2020) - who was a United States Air Force Officer, flying ace, and record-setting test pilot who in 1947 became the first pilot in history confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight, has passed away. Yeager's career began in World War II as a private in the United States Army Air Force in 1941. After serving as an aircraft mechanic, in September 1942, he entered enlisted pilot training and upon gradu- ation was promoted to the rank of flight officer (the World War II USAAF equivalent to warrant officer), later achieving most of his aerial victories as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot on the Western Front , where he was credited with shooting down 11.5 enemy aircraft (the half credit is from a second pilot assisting him in a single shootdown). After the war, Yeager became a test pilot and flew many types of aircraft, including experimental rock- et-powered aircraft for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. As such, he became the first human to officially break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947 when he flew the experimental Bell X- 1 at Mach 1 at an altitude of 45,000 ft, for which he won both the Collier and Mackay trophies in 1948. He then went on to break several other speed and altitude records in the following years. Yeager later commanded fighter squadrons and wings in Germany, as well as in Southeast during the Vietnam War. In recognition of the outstanding performance ratings of those units, he was promot- ed to brigadier general in 1969, retiring on March 1, 1975. Yeager's three-war active-duty flying career spanned more than 30 years and took him to many parts of the world, including the Soviet Un- ion during the height of the Cold War. Throughout his life, he flew more than 360 different types of aircraft. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 17 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 18 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Lowe’s Expands Military Discount National home improvement retailer Lowe’s has expanded its everyday military dis- count program to include all honorably discharged veterans, as of May. The chain also has expanded the 10 percent discount to Lowe's online shopping, which will include free parcel shipping. It will provide for faster checkout and add the ability to use the discount at self-checkout in stores, said Lowe's spokeswoman Karen Cobb. But the procedure for getting the discount has changed: Active-duty service members, retirees and veterans must sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card to qualify for the discount. This is not a credit card. Spouses and dependent children up to age 18 can also get the discount, although the online signup process doesn’t include an option for “spouses” or "children." "The discount is linked to a MyLowes account, which can be shared by a household,” said Megan Lewis, a Lowe’s spokeswoman. “Once the service member signs up for the dis- count program, it will be linked to a MyLowes card that can also be used by their spouse.” Lowe’s has offered discounts to military members and veterans for more than a dec- ade. Previously, the 10 percent discount at Lowe’s was available every day to active-duty ser- vice members, retired military and other veterans receiving VA benefits who showed their identification. For other honorably discharged veterans, the discount was limited to three days – Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day. “The verification process is designed to be a simplified one-time signup,” Lewis said. “Military and veteran customers can simply present their MyLowes card at checkout rather than show military credentials each time.” Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 19 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 20 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY A woman is to command a nuclear- powered aircraft carrier for the first time in U.S. Navy history. Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, a helicopter pilot, will be in command of one of the ser- vice's 11 nuclear aircraft carriers in 2022. Although it is not yet known which of the ves- sels she will be at the helm of, Naval Air Forces have confirmed that the selection of a woman is historic. The appointment is the latest in a mete- oric rise for Bauernschmidt who made history in 2016 when she became the first female ex- ecutive officer of a nuclear aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, and was second-in- command of a crew of a 5,000-strong crew. Bauernschmidt, who is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin graduated from the Naval Academy in 1994, the same year women were allowed to serve on combat ships and planes. 'That law absolutely changed my life,' Bauernschmidt told CBS News in 2018. 'We were the first class that graduated knowing and feeling honored with the privi- lege to be able to go serve along the rest of our comrades in combat. 'There are a lot of times in life that you're a little nervous or afraid to do some- thing, because you think you're going to fail. Well, so what? I mean… what's the worst that's going to happen if I fail?' Bauernschmidt said. 'You know, If you fail you get up and you may realize in that failure that what you're really meant to do is something else.' She received her wings as a naval aviator in 1996 and flew with the Helicopter Ant-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 45 'Wolfpack' in San Diego. She also deployed with the destroyer USS John Young as part of maritime opera- tions in the Northern Arabian Gulf. Later, she was chosen to command Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. Bauernschmidt has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours in naval heli- copters aboard various aircraft carriers throughout her career and has served in ar- eas from Alaska to Southwest Asia according to her Navy biography. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 22 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 dience the Virgin Mary responded, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38. Chaplain But this birth also was like no other 916-692-5140 because of the One who was born. This was no ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. Amid the glitter and busyness of the season, don't lose sight of the miracle of THE ANTHEM OF HIS NAME that first Christmas. With the wise men, let us fall down and worship Him (Matthew God also has...given Him the name which is 2:11). above every name. HOPE FOR TODAY Philippians 2:9 Christ came with a mission: the cradle More than two thousand years ago, on a was always about the Cross. God came in the night the world has come to call Christmas, flesh to save His people, and nothing was a young Jewish maiden went through the expe- going to stop Him. If that doesn't inspire rience countless mothers had before awe, then we don't understand Christmas. her: she brought forth a child. But this birth was like no other in the history of the human race. For one thing, this child had no human father. As the an- From the book: "Hope for Each Day" by Billy gel had promised, "The Holy Spirit will come Graham upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you" (Luke 1:35). In humble obe- Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY POST 637 POST OFFICER’S Sylvia Thweatt Commander David Paige Ron Myers 916-792-9669 Finance Officer Adjutant 916-801-8554 916-723-7324 Stephan Gall Maynard Johnson Alex Candela 1st Vice 2nd Vice 3rd Vice Commander Commander Commander 916-215-0685 916-824-2085 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Christmas 1962 – from a soldier……………………… WOW, in thirty days it will be a year that I have been away from home. I just turned 18 when I got here in January 1962. Now I’m 19. This year has been really wild. Here I am 7000 miles from CONUS and in Octo- ber when I was celebrating my birthday, the Russian’s were trying to put nuclear weapons in Cuba. This is my first Christmas away from home. The temperature outside is a balmy 89 – not exactly white Christmas weather. There’s a really shabby attempt at a Christmas tree at the CO’s quarters and some of the guys have managed to pull a tree branch or two together in the middle of the hut. Many of the guys have received care packages from home – that’s what we call them – care packages. Not like those that C.A.R.E. actually sends to third world countries but for us it’s a real-life savior. Anything from home – pic- tures, cookies, tapes – and real food – not that crap they feed us and pretend it’s nutritional. They give it a grade – ‘C’. My favorite items from home were an Italian Salami and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Funny how the world seems a little more at piece during the Christmas holidays or at least for me. No en- emy movement detected. No planes or heavy equipment either. Even radio traffic has slowed down. Pow- er is on; lights are on; hot water available. The IG’s office will have some one here in a few days to see that we are being treated well during the holidays. We will even get real food – turkey (not in a can), gravy (from turkey drippings), mash potatoes (not powered), cranberry’s (not ‘red stuff’), pumpkin pie made from real pumpkins. Of course, they will report back to Washington that all is well and the troops had a wonderful holiday. We hope that it will last. But sure enough, day after Christmas all hell brook lose. I made it back. Many didn’t. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 25 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 As of December 12th, we have 199 members that have renewed. The 2021 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2021 Paid % as of Post 637 274** 199* 72.63% 12-12-2020 * 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 December 15, 2020 6:00 pm This will be an ‘On-Line’ meeting Post 637 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87135838555?pwd=RGkweWNMNy9zK3NvUVVPeGNQQWp5dz09 Meeting ID: 871 3583 8555 Passcode: 386429 Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 27 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 28 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 29 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 10/13 Navy Day 5/15 Armed Forces Day 11/10 USMC Day 5/22 National Maritime Day 11/11 Veterans Day/Tomb of the Unknowns 5/31 Memorial Day 12/7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance 6/6 D-Day 12/13 National Guard 6/14 Army Day/Flag Day 2/3 Four Chaplains Day 7/4 Independence Day 2/4 USO Birthday 8/4 Coast Guard Day 3/15 American Legion Birthday 8/7 Purple Heart Day 3/25 Medal of Honor Day 9/11 Patriot Day 3/29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day 9/17 POW May National Military Appreciation Month 9/18 Air Force Day 5/15 Peace Officers Memorial Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 30 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 9 Issue 12 - December 2020 Page 31 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion