NEWSLETTER May 2020.pdf - Thurman

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Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 May News Letter Dedicated to the men and woman that served in the United States Military. Their sacrifice maintained our nations safety and security. God bless all Veterans - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and may God continue to Bless the United States of America. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 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 Here we are a month later and our situation seems to be worse than 30 days ago. I guess the infection numbers are going down, but personally I don’t know who to believe any more. I am pretty sure the number of people infected is much higher because not every single person has been tested. On the other hand, the number of patients who didn’t make it feels overstated because everyone that has passed, all of the sudden passed due to the COVID-19. The information, suggestions and rules are confusing, not consistent and some guidelines are right down mind boggling. But I really don’t want to get too deep into the issue of this lock down because it makes me angry how it’s been mishandled. I do want to mention though that it’s nice to see so many people, even whole extended families walking around the neighborhood. Majority of yards are look- ing nice, more and more landscapes are being finished and I do love the empty roads. Let’s talk about the Post related info now. It is looking like we will not have our May Post meeting. What it means is that we won’t be able to submit our Bylaws to the District until they are voted on, hopefully in June. We will also not have the second round of nominations and the election for the Executive Board in person. An email with a ballot was sent out in April explaining the need to nominate the new Executive Board via email. To my disappointment there were total of 11 email replies received. And that number in- cludes the sitting board members. I get that not every member of this Post does emails. But I also know there is more than 1 member that is computer savvy. Help me understand why nobody but 1 member at large re- turned the ballot. Next week you will receive an email with the second round of nominations and the election ballot. Please take a minute to review the nominees, if you have a different candidate in mind, write in your choice and take a vote. Your participation is greatly appreciated because, after all, it is your Post. Keep safe and healthy, body and mind, and if you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us. We will do what we can to help. Hoping to see you in June. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 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 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the Ameri- can Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War (1861-1865). By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service – 1775 to the present. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation calling for "Decoration Day" to be observed annually and nationwide. It was observed for the first time that year on Saturday May 30; the date was cho- sen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. According to the White House, the May 30 date was chosen as the optimal date for flowers to be in bloom. The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day week- end. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years. Historic Note………….. The first widely publicized observance of a ‘Memorial Day-type’ observance after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865. During the war, Union soldiers who were prisoners of war had been held at the Charleston Race Course; at least 257 Union prisoners died there and were hastily buried in unmarked graves. Together with teachers and missionaries, black residents of Charleston organized a May Day ceremony in 1865. The freedmen cleaned up and landscaped the burial ground, building an enclosure and an arch labeled, "Martyrs of the Race Course." Nearly ten thousand people, mostly freedmen, gathered on May 1 to commemorate the war dead. Flowers were brought to lay on the burial field. Today the site is used as Hampton Park. Years later, the celebration would come to be called the "First Decoration Day" in the North. Jim Monteton "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Mark Twain Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Alex Candela My dad worked for Pillsbury Mills located at 12 th and C street, down town Sacramento. Our house was about 100yds from the mill on C St. I can 3rd Vice remember my mom used to take his lunch to him. When we got to the doc, my mom would call out to one of the supervisors and ask “Where’s Cande- Commander la”? and the supervisor said He’s in the rail car. He called out to my dad and soon he popped his head up and he climbed up the ladder from the in- 916-990-4895 side of the car and then down the outside ladder. It amazed me to see how nimble and strong he was. Socially, he and My mom were deeply involved with the Mexican commu- Memorial Day 2020 nity here in Sacramento. We would have fiestas at a place called “The Mex- ican Center” located at 6th and W St. Across from South Side Park. My dad For this Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, I would like to honor my father, was the President of one of the Social Clubs at the Center: “Asunción: Jose Alejandro M Candela. He was a Mexican who lived the American Dream. Maria Morelos. Dad was the statewide President. My dad was very social He was born near Monterey, Mexico, in a small pueblo called Apodaca. and everybody seemed to like him. When he was in his teens, he, his brother and father would cross the border I remember at one of our Cinco de Mayo fiestas’, Betty Vasquez and her to work in Texas. Back in those days, the 30s and 40s, there was no prob- brother Bobby danced a folkloric number on stage. It was quite beautiful lem crossing the border to work in the United States. However, on one such and well done. trip to work in Texas, my grandfather and uncle were ready to go back home but my father decided to stay. My older sister told me that dad did not like Betty Vasquez? Who remembers back in the 60s, the Whether girl at his stepmother. So, he continued working in Galveston, on the docks un- KCRA, Channel 3? The one and only Betty Vasquez. loading banana boats. At one the many dances that were put on my Mom, took my dad’s hand and He eventually wound up in San Antonio, Tx where he met my mother and dragged him out on the dance floor. It was a slow dance and he did very married her. When World War II broke out, he joined the Army and was well. naturalized in Biloxi, Mississippi. Prior to that, as an illegal alien, people were known to call those who crossed the Rio Grande river as “wet back”. The reason I honor him, this Memorial Day, is because even While in the Army he was sent to France. One day, while in Niece, France, though he was permanently crippled in the war, he never gave up! He did guarding German Prisoners of war, he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in his every thing that he tried to accomplish. I never realized how important he left thigh. Due to the injury he could only bend the leg only about 20 de- was to me until now. He was just like every other man that took care of his grees and it was locked in that position forever and he was disabled for the family, fixed things around the house, was socially involved, and was happy rest of his life. The DAV, (Disabled American Veterans) provided him with most of his adult life. My dad lived the American Dream!! a steel brace with padding just below his L knee. And the braces were at- tached to all his L shoes for work and dress. He was able to walk but had a When I was a lot younger I often thought: ” Physically, am I going to end up very noticeable limp. When I was young, I never considered him to be disa- like dad? And as it turns out, I am like dad. bled because he could do almost anything he tried. When I think of my dad, I draw strength from him, “If my dad could do it, I However, this story is about the man who lived the “American Dream”. My can do it. Thank you, dad, for teaching me to become the man I am today father was truly one of those immigrants who came to America to live a productive, healthy and happy life. Alex Candela In 1951 he bought a house and we moved to North Highlands so I could go to school. The house was brand new. The construction yard was right be- hind our house. There were no lawns, front or back. My dad started shovel- ing and digging in the dirt because he was going to grow lawns for front and back. It was hard physical work but my dad didn’t let his disability stop him. He spread the seed and soon we had lawns that were lush and green. When it was time to cut the lawns, he started with a push mower. I could see that the work was difficult because dad was drenched in sweat. I re- member when he bought a new motorized mower with wheels that were chain driven. Boy, he loved that mower. When it was time to trim the grass in front my dad did something very unusual. He would lie down, horizontal and clip the edge of the grass using a scissor type of tool. When I was young, I never gave it a second thought. But now that I look back on it , I guess he did thing a little different to accommodate for the leg. Alejandro M Candela Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 6 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The History of Armed Forces Day On Aug. 31, 1949, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single -day celebration stemmed from the unification of the armed forces under one agency - - the Department of Defense. In a speech announcing the creation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas." He said, "It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Truman stated: "Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the uni- fied forces of our land, sea, and air defense." Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The GI Bill The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n’t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history’s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion’s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering-out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3-3 with the tie-breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson’s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90-mile high-speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president’s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Memorial Day 2020 To say that Memorial Day 2020 is going to be a bit different is quite an understatement! Social distancing, stores closed, businesses languishing in near bankruptcy. It is all around us! Yet we the American people will perceiver, we will fight and we will make it through to the other side! We have been through this before. Just think back to what we learned in school about the Great Depression. There are still people around that went through it. The ma- jority of us went through the crash of 2008 where all of a sudden there were no jobs anywhere and stayed that way for some 2-3 years. Yet we made it through. The resolve of the American people is beyond reproach and it will show this coming Memorial Day where I truly believe there will be gatherings all though out our great country honoring those that paid the ultimate price along with those that served but time has taken from us. We will listen to the playing of TAPS and I for one will certainly shed a tear or three. We will reminisce about our loved ones that have left this earth for greener heavenly pastures. We must NOT forget these heroes that gladly gave up their families, jobs and comfortable living to go to some far- off land and fight for what was right. To fight so that the fight did not come here, to fight against tyranny, to fight for those that could not take care of themselves. I so admire this younger generation that have proven an all- volunteer military could in fact work! These young people have showed that there are still those that cherish and love their country and want nothing more than to defend it! And they all know that if deployed there is no guaran- tee they will come back whole or come back at all, yet they take the oath just as we all did! I look at some of these current Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard and Marines and I tell myself “They all look like they have never shaved before. They all look like baby’s”! Then I think back to when I came home from basic training and was told the same thing! Yes ladies & gentlemen, this years Memorial Day is and will be different. However, the one thing that is the same is that it is a day to remember. To remember, as I previously said, all those that paid the ultimate price so that we could live in a free democracy! Where if we want, we can assemble, where if we want, we can protest, where if we want, we can gather and say “Thank You” for your service to our great nation! God Bless all of you and God Bless America Paul Reyes Past Commander Semper Fidelis !!! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 10 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The American Legion District 6 Citrus Heights Post 637 You Are Invited Memorial Day, Monday May 25, 2020 11:00 am Every year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights honors those that gave their lives in the defense of their county. We take time to salute the over 3 million men and women that have died in military service defending our country since 1775. This year the Memorial Day service is being planned to be held on Monday, May 25, 2020, at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights at 11:00 am. We are planning on going forward with our Memorial Day ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. We are not planning on doing the march through the cemetery and only doing about 30 - 40 minutes in the gazebo. The Harmony Express will not be in attendance and the CHPD will not be required for an honor guard. Folding chairs will be provided for those that want to sit but there will be no mandatory seating arrangements. We would love to have you here but if you are concerned about your health and do not want to attend - we understand. We are hoping that there will not be a problem with having a ceremony since according to the latest we will be off of our stay in place restrictions on Friday May 22. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 11 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 5 - May 2020 Page 12 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 5 - May 2020 Page 13 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Peace Officers Memorial Day Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state and Federal peace officers who have died, or have been disabled, in the line of duty. The Memorial takes place on May 15, and Police Week is the calendar week in which the Memorial falls. The event is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police and is implemented by the National FOP Memorial Committee. Other events of National Police week include the annual Blue Mass, Can- dlelight Vigil, Wreath Laying Ceremony, National Police Survivors Conference, Honor Guard Competition, and the Emerald Society & Pipe Band March and Service. The event draws 25,000 to 40,000 law enforcement officers and their families to Washington D.C. every year. The holiday was created on October 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor peace officers. John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962. The Proclamation Signed by President John F. Kennedy. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 14 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY There is Something About a Gunny A Marine Gunnery Sergeant was invited to dine with his Commanding Officer in the field mess. Well they both entered the facility and found it to be quite crowded. They then noticed a table with two empty chairs. There were three young Lieutenants sitting there and the Colonel asked if they might join them? The young officers of course said yes. After the Colonel and the Gunny ordered lunch, they engaged the three young men in casual conversation. At one point the Gunny mentioned that after meeting and socializing with numerous officers over the years he found that by observing certain characteristics of these officers he could determine how they obtained their commissions. The young officers were all intrigued and asked what he could tell about them. He turned to the officer on his left and said he received his commission by way of his college ROTC training. The young officer confirmed what the Gunny said and asked how he came about his findings? The Gunny said that by his conversation he seemed to have a strong academic background but limited military experience. The officer on his right had gone through OCS after being an enlisted man. The gunny replied he had a fine military background and lots of common sense but not much book learning. The third young officer asked the Gunny about himself. The Gunny replied he received his commission by way of the Naval Academy. The Lieutenant said he was correct and asked the Gunny if it was his high level of intelligence, military bearing or some other superior qualities acquired while at the Naval Academy? The Gunny replied, “No sir none of the above”. He said he simply noticed his class ring as the Lieutenant was picking his nose!!! Be careful with those Marie Corps Gunnery Sergeants, they will get you one way or the other! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 15 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 5 - May 2020 Page 16 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 5 - May 2020 Page 17 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 world, they never fail in their appoint- Chaplain ed tasks. Much has been written recent- ly about angels - often not based on the 916-692-5140 Bible but on popular legends. But an- gels are real, and God has commanded them to watch over us. Only in eternity will we know how many accidents they prevented, or ow often they kept Satan's God's Secret Agents malicious spirits at bay. In the mean- He will give his angels charge of you to time, we can take comfort in their pres- guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 ence, and thank God for the love He ex- presses for us through their service. A secret agent is one who seeks to protect his country, his king, or his HOPE FOR TODAY president against evil forces that are If you've ever had to fill in for a opposed to the one he serves. The Amer- coworker or hold down the fort while a ican Secret Service is charged with pro- spouse was away, you've likely been sur- tecting the president of the United prised by how much that person han- States. They do an excellent job, but dles. Likewise, we will be amazed at even they will tell you that someone who how busy God's angles have been over our is fiercely determined to assassinate lifetimes. the president could be success- ful. Taken from the book "Hope for Each God has His own secret agents - the Day" by Billy Graham angels. Unseen and unrecognized by the Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 18 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 916-331-8716 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 Jack Mintz Assist. Sgt. at Arms JAG Officer Photographer 916-723-1932 916-726-9390 916-966-9041 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 19 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 5 - May 2020 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 As of April 17th, we are at 100% of renewed. The 2020 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2020 Paid % as of Post 637 260 260 100 4-17-2020 * This include New Member’s & Transfers Dues for the new year 2020 is $45.00 which covers July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 Mail checks to: David Paige American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 NEXT MEETING Tuesday June 19, 20206 6:30 pm (providing the restrictions have been lifted) Citrus Heights City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. Citrus Heights, Ca. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY A little May History May 5, 1961 - Alan Shepard became the first American in space. May 7, 1992 - The 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, prohibiting Congress from giving itself pay raises. May 8, 1884 - Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) the 33rd U.S. President was born in Lamar, Missouri. May 10, 1869 - The newly constructed tracks of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railways were first linked at Promontory Point, Utah. May 29, 1736 - American revolutionary leader Patrick Henry (1736-1799) was born in Studley, Vir- ginia. May 29, 1917 - John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) the 35th U.S. President was born in Brook- line, Massachusetts. May 30, 1868 – Called Decoration Day - it was the first Memorial Day Memorial Day Ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. Begins at 10:30 am on Monday May 29, 2017 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 22 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 5 - May 2020 Page 23 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 5 - May 2020 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 4, 2019 November 11, 2019 Independence Day Veterans Day July 10, 2019 December 7, 2019 2nd Qtr Ceremony Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Dixon January 8, 2020 August 4, 2019 4th Qtr. Homeless Coast Guard Day Service at Dixon August 24, 2019 April 6, 2020 Veterans Appreciation Picnic Army Day September 11, 2019 April 9, 2020 Patriot Day 1st Qtr Homeless September 14, 2019 Service at Dixon POW/MIA Recognition Day May 18, 2020 September 18, 2019 Armed Forces Day Air Force Day May 27, 2020 September 22, 2019 Memorial Day Sunday Fun Day June 14, 2020 October 5, 2019 Flag Day/Army Birthday 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ October 9, 2019 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. October 27, 2019 We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Heights City Hall in the Community Room. Navy Day November 10, 2019 Marine Corps Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 25 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 9 Issue 5 - May 2020 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion