Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y American Legion Post 637 February News Letter Dedicated to the men and woman that served in the United States Military. Their sacrifice maintained our nations safety and security. God bless all Veterans - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and may God continue to Bless the United States of America. Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion NEWSLETTER AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sylvia Thweatt - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER Hope everyone is doing well. Here we are halfway thru February and after talking to Ms. McGill from the City Hall, I doubt we will see each other at a Post meeting any time soon. It looks like the City Manager wants to wait for most of the residents to be vaccinated before the City Hall opens to meetings. Not much is going on with the Post right now. We are deciding on the dates for our Annual Picnic and Battle of the Bands, August and September, respectively. Our next Post meet- ing will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, February 16 starting at 6:30 pm. The link should be in your emails. In order to use the Zoom for free, we have 40 minutes to conduct the meeting so please, log in about 10 minute earlier so there are no interruptions when we start. Please join me and the Board in sending good thoughts and prayers to Maynard Johnson, our 2 nd Vice, and his family, Margaret, Rebecca, Charles and Anna. Maynard has been battling cancer for 14 years and unfortunately, it ’ s been decided to start a hospice care. Last month I shared with you some links to virtual tours and presentations. One of those presentations I ’ ve been attending is the Gettysburg Round Table. Last week I watched a presenta- tion on Strong Vincent, a young lawyer from Pennsylvania, who became famous as a U.S. Army officer during the American Civil War. He was mortally wounded while leading his brigade during the fighting at Little Round Top on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg and died five days later. That ’ s the short version and there is so much more you can learn about him. The reason I am sharing this story is a man named Oliver Wilcox Norton. He was a Private serving as bugler under General Butterfield, became Vin- cent ’ s bugler and the two formed a special bond. Without Norton, the story of Strong Vincent would fade away and would be forgot- ten. In July 1862, General Daniel Butterfield and his brigade were camped at Harrison ’ s Landing, Virginia, resting after the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. He was not happy with the standard bugle call which was used to announce to the troops it is time to go to sleep. He felt the call should sound more harmonious, so he rewrote the existing bugle call to what we now recognize as Taps. After he had Private Norton play it for the first time, buglers from other units became interested in the 24 - note tune and it quickly spread throughout the Army, and even caught on with the Confed- erates. Not long after Butterfield created “ Taps, ” it was played for the first time at a military funeral, for a Union cannoneer killed in action. The man ’ s commanding officer, Captain John Tidball, de- cided the bugle call would be safer than the traditional firing of three rifle volleys which could be confused by the nearby enemy as an attack. As for the name “ Taps, ” the most likely explanation is that it comes from the fact that prior to Butterfield ’ s bugle call, the lights - out call was followed by three drum beats, nicknamed the “ Drum Taps, ” “ The Taps ” and then simply “ Taps. ” When Butter- field ’ s call replaced the drum beats, soldiers referred to it as “ Taps, ” although this was an unofficial moniker, according to “ Taps ” historian and bugle expert Jari Villanueva. He notes that Butterfield ’ s bugle call was officially known as “ Extinguish Lights ” in American military manuals until 1891. Since that time, “ Taps ” also has been a formally recognized part of U.S. military funerals. There ’ s a monument commemorating the origins of “ Taps ” at Berkeley Plantation, the historic estate located at Harri- son ’ s Landing, VA. Berkeley Plantation also happens to be the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence , and William Henry Harrison , the nation ’ s ninth president. Stay healthy and safe. Please reach out if you need any assistance. Sylvia Thweatt Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 3 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y How Veterans, designated caregivers can get COVID - 19 vaccine from VA As of Feb. 3, 2021, VA is providing COVID - 19 vaccine to the following groups: • Veterans living in VA long - term care facilities Veterans who already receive care at VA and are at high risk from COVID - 19 based on VA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) risk criteria At many VA health care facilities, this group in- cludes all Veterans who are at least 75 years old. Each facility will determine when Veterans in this group can receive a vaccine. They ’ ll base this decision on vaccine availability, local needs, and the strict vaccine storage and handling requirements of the vaccines. • Family caregivers who are enrolled in VA ’ s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). PCAFC Caregivers are eligible for vaccination when the Veteran they care for becomes eligible. VA will tell the family caregiver if they can get a vaccine when VA invites the Veteran to get one. • VA health care personnel. Vaccinating VA health care personnel helps continue to provide care for Veter- ans. VA is first prioritizing Veterans who are actively receiving health care from VA. If Veterans are not currently receiving health care through VA, find out eligibility and how to apply here. How can Veterans find out when they can get the vaccine? Veterans and caregivers can sign up for an easy way to stay informed about getting a COVID - 19 vaccine through VA at https://www.va.gov/health - care/covid - 19 - vaccine/stay - informed. When Veterans and caregivers sign up, VA will also ask about vaccine plans. A local VA health facility may use this information to determine when to contact Veterans and caregivers once their risk group becomes eligi- ble. Note: VA will contact every eligible Veteran in each risk group. Veterans don ’ t need to sign up to get a vac- cine. Steve Gall The one thing I can give and still keep, is my word. Fair Winds and Following Seas Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 4 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ The American dream lives — not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- i c a h a s a f u t u r e , a n d a l l m a n k i n d h a s r e a s o n t o h o p e ” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 5 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Fees at national parks waived for veterans, Gold Star families have started. Starting this month, veterans and Gold Star families will be able to visit National Parks and other public lands for free, under a new initiative from the Department of the Interi- or announced on Wednesday, November 11. Active - duty service members and their families are al- ready granted free access to those sites under existing department rules. The new announcement broadens that benefit to more than 20 million more individuals in recognition of their service and sacrifice on behalf of the country. In a statement, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said the move gives all veterans “ free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect. ” The policy goes into effect starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Bernhardt and other federal officials made the an- nouncement during a ceremony at the Iowa Gold Star Museum, which focuses on the history of the state ’ s vet- erans and their families. “ Our veterans and Gold Star Families have made in- credible sacrifices to defend our freedoms and our homeland, ” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R - Iowa, said in a statement. “ Ensuring that they are able to enjoy all of the natural wonders of the country that they ’ ve served is one small way of saying thank you. ” The policy includes admittance to well - known sites like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Mount Rush- more in South Dakota, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Interior officials did not provide cost estimates for the move, but said that the policy change will affect about 2,000 public locations across the country. Fees for the sites can range from a few dollars per person to nearly $100 for some weekly and annual passes. For free access to the sites, veterans will have to pre- sent a Department of Defense Identification Card, a Veteran Health Identification Card, a government - issued Veteran ID Card or a state - issued U.S. driver ’ s license or identification card confirming an individual ’ s status as a veteran. Gold Star family members can use similar Defense De- partment identification cards to verify their status. National parks officials already run promotions through- out the year to offer free admission to all visitors on cer- tain holidays, including Veterans Day. While most national parks sites have remained open or re - opened in recent months amid the ongoing corona- virus pandemic, some programs and facilities still have limited access. Parks officials encourage all visitors to check with local parks administrators before traveling to the sites to ensure safe visits. Bernhardt also announced Wednesday plans to waives entrance fees to national parks, wildlife refuges and oth- er public lands for all 5th grade students and their fami- lies from now until Aug. 31, 2021. The move was made because many families may not have been able to take advantage of the department ’ s Every Kid Outdoors An- nual 4th Grade Pass program because of pandemic pre- cautions earlier this year. Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 6 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n ’ t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history ’ s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion ’ s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering - out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3 - 3 with the tie - breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson ’ s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90 - mile high - speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president ’ s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. The GI Bill Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 7 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 8 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y IWO JIMA at 76 The U. S. Marines invaded the island of Iwo Jima from February 19, 1945 to March 16, 1945. This was the first major defeat of the Imperial Japanese Army in 5,000 years. The Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945) was a major battle in which the United States Marine Corps and Navy landed on and eventually captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) during World War II. The American invasion, designated Opera- tion Detachment, had the goal of capturing the entire island, including Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 9 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran ’ s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion ’ s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran ’ s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA ’ s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill ’ s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet - level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA ’ s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender - specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. American Legion – 100 years old and 2.5 million strong Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 10 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini - mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non - veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at public.inquiry@mail.va.gov. Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 11 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y A Little History ........................... The Four Chaplains , also sometimes referred to as the "Immortal Chaplains" or the "Dorchester Chaplains", were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943, during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. The relatively new chaplains all held the rank of first lieutenant. They included Methodist minister the Reverend George L. Fox, Reform Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (Ph.D.), Roman Catholic Priest Father John P. Washing- ton, and Reformed Church in America minister the Rever- end Clark V. Poling. Their backgrounds, personalities, and denominations were different, although Goode, Poling and Washington had all served as leaders in the Boy Scouts of America. They met at the Army Chaplains School at Har- vard University, where they prepared for assignments in the European theater, sailing on board Dorchester to report to their new assignments. George Lansing Fox In 1942, Fox volunteered to serve as an Army chap- lain, accepting his appointment July 24, 1942. He began ac- tive duty on August 8, 1942, the same day his son Wyatt enlisted in the Marine Corps. After Army Chaplains school at Harvard, he reported to the 411th Coast Artillery Battalion at Camp Davis. He was then united with Chaplains Goode, Poling and Washington at Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts, where they prepared to depart for Europe on board the Dorchester Alexander David Goode He originally applied to become a Navy chaplain in January 1941, but was not accepted. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he applied to the Army, receiving his appointment as a chaplain on July 21, 1942. Chaplain Goode went on active duty on August 9, 1942, and was selected for the Chaplains School at Harvard. Chaplain Goode was then assigned to the 333rd Airbase Squadron in Goldsboro, North Carolina. In October 1942, he was transferred to Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts and reunited with chaplains Fox, Poling and Washington, who had been among his classmates at Harvard. Clark Vandersall Poling With the outbreak of World War II, Poling decided to enter the Army, wanting to face the same danger as oth- ers. His father, who had served as a World War I chaplain, told him chaplains risk and give their lives, too — and with that knowledge, he applied to serve as an Army chaplain, accepting an appointment on June 10, 1942 as a chaplain with the 131st Quartermaster Truck Regiment, reporting to Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on June 25. Later he reported to Army Chaplains School at Harvard, where he would meet Chaplains Fox, Goode, and Washington. John Patrick Washington Father Washington's first parish was at St. Gene- vieve's, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He later served at St. Ve- nantius for a year. In 1938, he was assigned to St. Stephen's in Kearny, New Jersey. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack of December 7, 1941, he received his appointment as a chap- lain in the United States Army, reporting for active duty on May 9, 1942. He was named Chief of the Chaplains Reserve Pool, in Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and in June 1942, he was assigned to the 76th Infantry Division in Ft. George Meade, Maryland. In November 1942, he reported to Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts and met Chap- lains Fox, Goode and Poling at Chaplains School at Harvard. The Four Chaplains Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 12 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sacramento County Veterans Services Established in 1946 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Veterans Services is respon- sible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans population of Sacramento County. DHA Veterans Services can assist you with the following: Service - Connected Disability Compensation Benefits Non Service - Connected Disability Pension Benefits Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Death Pension Benefits Aid & Attendance Entitlement VA Medical Care Eligibility & Access Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits California College Fee Waiver Program VA Life Insurance State Veterans Homes Requests for Military Records Discharge Upgrade Information Burial Benefits Other Ancillary Benefits & Programs - The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Person: 2007 19th Street Sacramento CA 95818 Phone: 916 - 874 - 6811 or E - mail: DHA - VET@saccounty.net ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost) Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 13 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y 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. ” Lowe ’ s Expands Military Discount Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 14 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Fritz & Company “Your Platinum Kohler Dealer” 5730 B Roseville Road Sacramento, CA 95842 Ph 916 - 344 - 0288 www.fritzgopower.com Email: fritzco1st@gmail.com 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. Veteran Owned Business in our area Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 15 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ 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 Friends, please send good thoughts and prayers to Maynard Johnson, our 2 nd Vice Commander Post 637, and his family, Margaret, Rebecca, Charles and Anna. Maynard has been battling cancer for 14 years and un- fortunately, it ’ s been decided to start a hospice care. Maynard, find solace in the amazing fight you have had and know that you are loved and have brought so much joy to others. You have served your country - U.S. Navy, Vietnam - and you have served our post. Peace be with you brother. Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 16 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y February 2, 1848 - The war between the U.S. and Mexico ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo . In exchange for $15 million, the U.S. acquired the areas encompassing parts or all of present day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyo- ming, and Texas. The treaty was ratified on March 10, 1848. Birthday - William Henry Harrison (1773 - 1841) the 9th U.S. President was born in Berkeley, Virginia. He took office on March 4, 1841 and died only 32 days later after developing pneu- monia from the cold weather during his inaugural ceremonies. February 14, 1849 - Photographer Mathew Brady took the first photograph of a U.S. President in office, James Polk February 15, 1898 - In Havana, the U.S. Battleship Maine was blown up while at anchor and quickly sank with 260 crew members lost. The incident inflamed public opinion in the U.S., re- sulting in a declaration of war against Spain on April 25, 1898, amid cries of "Remember the Maine and the hell with Spain!" February 20, 1962 - Astronaut John Glenn became the first American launched into orbit. Traveling aboard the "Friendship 7" spacecraft, Glenn reached an altitude of 162 miles (260 kilometers) and completed three orbits in a flight lasting just under five hours. Glenn was the third American in space, preceded by Alan Shepard and Virgil “ Gus ” Grissom who had each completed short sub - orbital flights. All of them had been preceded by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin who was the first human in space, completing one orbit on April 12, 1961 - a feat that intensified the already ongoing Space Race between the Russians and Americans. Glenn ’ s suc- cessful flight showed the Americans had caught up and was followed in September 1962 by President John F. Kennedy ’ s open call to land an American on the moon before the decade ’ s end. February 23, 1942 - During World War II, the first attack on the U.S. mainland occurred as a Japanese submarine shelled an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, causing minor dam- age. February 24, 1582 - Pope Gregory XIII corrected mistakes on the Julian calendar by dropping 10 days and directing that the day after October 4, 1582 would be October 15th. The Gregorian, or New Style calendar, was then adopted by Catholic countries, followed gradually by Protestant and other nations. Some February History Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 17 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y A Time of Giving Hello Post 637, I sincerely hope that all of you had a joyous Christ- mas and a happy and safe New Year celebration. The title of this article tells what 3 of your Board members and I along with one board member wife did on Christmas Eve. The idea came to me after Commander Thweatt and I volunteered to help the Citrus Heights PD hand out Christmas gifts to the needy in early December. I came up with the idea of feeding 50 homeless people on Christmas Eve afternoon. However the more I thought about it the more I knew I would need help. I first contacted our friend Joseph Sevier at Texas Roadhouse and got him to let me have 50 pulled pork sandwiches for $1.50 each along with coleslaw and mashed potatoes. I was going to add a gator aid with each meal along with napkins and maybe some candy. When the PD found out about this they were ever so gracious and donated a $100 gift card to help cover some of he cost in doing this. Well now all of a sud- den the food was covered and I had a little extra to help with the cost of the drinks. Next, was getting the help I felt I needed to make certain we did the best job possible. I got help from Steve Gall, James Miranda as well as Ron Myers and his wife Judy. Well when Ron's wife found out about it she said that we needed more to give out as did Steve Gall. Judy provided toiletries, hand soap and even feminine hygiene products along with warm clothing and a couple of pairs of shoes. I threw in a couple of heavy winter jackets and some thick warm socks. Steve Gall was kind enough to provide enough bags of chips so everyone got one. We met at Texas Roadhouse at 10:45, picked up the food, decided where we would start and off we went on what would prove to be a wonderful and joyful experience. As we went throughout the city we encountered peo- ple in need rather easily. There was really not much talking being done as we all were keeping an eye out for those we could help. We accomplished what we set out to do but I know that without a shadow of a doubt I could not have gotten everything done without the help of my fellow elves! They ALL came through when I needed them the most. The highlight of the day however, were two instances that occurred. One during our running's around and one after we were all done and standing around talk- ing about it at Steve Galls home. The first one was about half way through the day I asked Judy Myers what she thought of all we had done up to that point? She answered, “ I have not had this much fun on a Christmas EVER ”! I truly had to fight the emotions at her answer! The second was when we were gathered at Steve's home and both Steve's wife Patty and Ron's wife Judy started talking about what they felt we should do for next year! I really knew then that this event had been a total success! All of you Post 637 members should give James. Ron & Judy and Steve a big round of applause and a pat on the back for what they helped accomplish. In fact it was also discussed about maybe making this a Post event for this year. If we have enough help and can acquire enough donations we might be able to have 2 separate teams and really do some good. Thank you all for listening and I ask that you re- member something my dearly departed father told me many years ago. He said, “ Son, if someone asks you for help and it will not put you in any kind of a bind then give the help! However, if you give the help without being asked for it, at the end of the day you will feel much, much better ”. That is exactly how I felt on that Christmas Eve afternoon on my way home! Thank you Ron & Judy, thank you Steve and thank you James! You helped make my Christmas!!! Thank you for listening, Paul Reyes Semper Fidelis!!! Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 18 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y In Memory of the fallen Police Officer ’ s That died in the line of duty Post 637, On the 21st day of each month, we ask that all of you 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 Chaplain 916 - 692 - 5140 UNLOAD YOUR DISTRESS (Cast) all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 I've been told that the French translation of the phrase "Cast all your care upon Him" is "Unload your distresses upon God." Have you ever seen a dump truck get rid of its load? The driver simply pushes a button or pulls on a lever and the heavy load is discharged at the prescribed spot. The truck would be of no use if it carried its burden forever. We were never meant to be crushed under the weight of care. We can push the button of faith or pull the lever of trust, and our burden is discharged upon the shoulder of Him who said He would gladly bear it. Unload the anxieties of the present moment upon Him, for He cares for you. If He loved you enough to take away the burden of your sins, can't you trust Him to take away every lesser burden as well? HOPE FOR TODAY Imagine carrying a heavy suitcase filled with useless things every- where you went. Why would someone do that? That is what we do when we carry the burdens of worry and anxi- e t y I t ' s u n n e c e s s a r y a n d d o e s u s no good Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 19 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y POST 637 POST OFFICE R ’ S Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916 - 990 - 4895 Sylvia Thweatt Commander 916 - 792 - 9669 Ron Myers Adjutant 916 - 723 - 7324 Jim Monteton JAG Officer 916 - 726 - 9390 James Miranda Service Officer 530 - 919 - 5255 Vacant Photographer Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 Richard Tkach Assist. Sgt. at Arms 916 - 723 - 1932 Barry Fitzgerald Chaplain 916 - 692 - 5140 Vacant Assist. Service Officer David Paige Finance Officer 916 - 801 - 8554 Vacant Assist. Chaplain Maynard Johnson 2nd Vice Commander 916 - 824 - 2085 Jim Monteton Historian 916 - 726 - 9390 Stephany Sward Sgt. at Arms 916 - 967 - 7266 Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 20 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y February 1, 2003 - Sixteen minutes before it was scheduled to land, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart in flight over west Texas, killing all seven crew members. The accident may have resulted from damage caused during liftoff when a piece of insulating foam from the external fuel tank broke off, piercing a hole in the shuttle's left wing that allowed hot gases to penetrate the wing upon re - entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This was the second space shuttle lost in flight. In January 1986, Challenger exploded during liftoff.