NEWSLETTER February 2021.pdf - Thurman

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Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 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 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- Hope everyone is doing well. Here we are halfway thru erates. Not long after Butterfield created “Taps,” it was played for February and after talking to Ms. McGill from the City Hall, I the first time at a military funeral, for a Union cannoneer killed in doubt we will see each other at a Post meeting any time soon. It action. The man’s commanding officer, Captain John Tidball, de- looks like the City Manager wants to wait for most of the residents cided the bugle call would be safer than the traditional firing of to be vaccinated before the City Hall opens to meetings. three rifle volleys which could be confused by the nearby enemy as an attack. Not much is going on with the Post right now. We are As for the name “Taps,” the most likely explanation is deciding on the dates for our Annual Picnic and Battle of the that it comes from the fact that prior to Butterfield’s bugle call, the Bands, August and September, respectively. Our next Post meet- lights-out call was followed by three drum beats, nicknamed the “Drum Taps,” “The Taps” and then simply “Taps.” When Butter- ing will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, February 16 starting field’s call replaced the drum beats, soldiers referred to it as at 6:30 pm. The link should be in your emails. In order to use the “Taps,” although this was an unofficial moniker, according to Zoom for free, we have 40 minutes to conduct the meeting so “Taps” historian and bugle expert Jari Villanueva. He notes that please, log in about 10 minute earlier so there are no interruptions Butterfield’s bugle call was officially known as “Extinguish when we start. Lights” in American military manuals until 1891. Since that time, “Taps” also has been a formally recognized part of U.S. military Please join me and the Board in sending good thoughts funerals. nd and prayers to Maynard Johnson, our 2 Vice, and his family, Margaret, Rebecca, Charles and Anna. Maynard has been battling There’s a monument commemorating the origins of “Taps” at Berkeley Plantation, the historic estate located at Harri- cancer for 14 years and unfortunately, it’s been decided to start a son’s Landing, VA. Berkeley Plantation also happens to be the hospice care. birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and William Henry Harrison, the nation’s ninth Last month I shared with you some links to virtual tours president. and presentations. One of those presentations I’ve been attending is the Gettysburg Round Table. Last week I watched a presenta- Stay healthy and safe. Please reach out if you need any assistance. tion on Strong Vincent, a young lawyer from Pennsylvania, who became famous as a U.S. Army officer during the American Civil Sylvia Thweatt War. He was mortally wounded while leading his brigade during the fighting at Little Round Top on the second day of the Battle of Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall 1st Vice How Veterans, designated caregivers Commander can get COVID-19 vaccine from VA 916-215-0685 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 5 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 have started. 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 6 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 9 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 10 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY A Little History……………………… Clark Vandersall Poling The Four Chaplains, also sometimes referred to as the "Immortal Chaplains" or the "Dorchester Chaplains", With the outbreak of World War II, Poling decided were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to enter the Army, wanting to face the same danger as oth- to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship ers. His father, who had served as a World War I chaplain, SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943, during World War told him chaplains risk and give their lives, too—and with II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up that knowledge, he applied to serve as an Army chaplain, their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains accepting an appointment on June 10, 1942 as a chaplain joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went with the 131st Quartermaster Truck Regiment, reporting to down with the ship. Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on June 25. Later he reported to Army Chaplains School at Harvard, where he The relatively new chaplains all held the rank of first would meet Chaplains Fox, Goode, and Washington. lieutenant. They included Methodist minister the Reverend George L. Fox, Reform Rabbi Alexander D. Goode John Patrick Washington (Ph.D.), Roman Catholic Priest Father John P. Washing- ton, and Reformed Church in America minister the Rever- Father Washington's first parish was at St. Gene- end Clark V. Poling. Their backgrounds, personalities, and vieve's, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He later served at St. Ve- denominations were different, although Goode, Poling and nantius for a year. In 1938, he was assigned to St. Stephen's Washington had all served as leaders in the Boy Scouts of in Kearny, New Jersey. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack America. They met at the Army Chaplains School at Har- of December 7, 1941, he received his appointment as a chap- vard University, where they prepared for assignments in the lain in the United States Army, reporting for active duty on European theater, sailing on board Dorchester to report to May 9, 1942. He was named Chief of the Chaplains Reserve their new assignments. Pool, in Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and in June 1942, he was assigned to the 76th Infantry Division in Ft. George George Lansing Fox Meade, Maryland. In November 1942, he reported to Camp Myles Standish in Taunton, Massachusetts and met Chap- In 1942, Fox volunteered to serve as an Army chap- lains Fox, Goode and Poling at Chaplains School at Harvard. lain, accepting his appointment July 24, 1942. He began ac- The 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, Four Massachusetts, where they prepared to depart for Europe on board the Dorchester. Alexander David Goode He originally applied to become a Navy chaplain in Chaplains 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 12 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 13 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 14 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 15 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Friends, please send good thoughts and prayers to Maynard Johnson, nd our 2 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. “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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Some February History 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY A Time of Giving for those we could help. Hello Post 637, We accomplished what we set out to do but I know that without a shadow of a doubt I could not have I sincerely hope that all of you had a joyous Christ- gotten everything done without the help of my fellow mas and a happy and safe New Year celebration. elves! They ALL came through when I needed them the most. The title of this article tells what 3 of your Board members and I along with one board member wife The highlight of the day however, were two instances did on Christmas Eve. that occurred. One during our running's around and one after we were all done and standing around talk- The idea came to me after Commander Thweatt and ing about it at Steve Galls home. I volunteered to help the Citrus Heights PD hand out Christmas gifts to the needy in early December. I The first one was about half way through the day I came up with the idea of feeding 50 homeless people asked Judy Myers what she thought of all we had on Christmas Eve afternoon. However the more I done up to that point? She answered, “I have not thought about it the more I knew I would need help. had this much fun on a Christmas EVER”! I truly had to fight the emotions at her answer! The second I first contacted our friend Joseph Sevier at Texas was when we were gathered at Steve's home and Roadhouse and got him to let me have 50 pulled both Steve's wife Patty and Ron's wife Judy started pork sandwiches for $1.50 each along with coleslaw talking about what they felt we should do for next and mashed potatoes. I was going to add a gator aid year! I really knew then that this event had been a with each meal along with napkins and maybe some total success! candy. All of you Post 637 members should give James. Ron When the PD found out about this they were ever so & Judy and Steve a big round of applause and a pat gracious and donated a $100 gift card to help cover on the back for what they helped accomplish. In fact some of he cost in doing this. Well now all of a sud- it was also discussed about maybe making this a Post den the food was covered and I had a little extra to event for this year. If we have enough help and can help with the cost of the drinks. acquire enough donations we might be able to have 2 separate teams and really do some good. Next, was getting the help I felt I needed to make certain we did the best job possible. I got help from Thank you all for listening and I ask that you re- Steve Gall, James Miranda as well as Ron Myers and member something my dearly departed father told his wife Judy. Well when Ron's wife found out about me many years ago. He said, “Son, if someone asks it she said that we needed more to give out as did you for help and it will not put you in any kind of a Steve Gall. Judy provided toiletries, hand soap and bind then give the help! However, if you give the even feminine hygiene products along with warm help without being asked for it, at the end of the day clothing and a couple of pairs of shoes. I threw in a you will feel much, much better”. That is exactly couple of heavy winter jackets and some thick warm how I felt on that Christmas Eve afternoon on my socks. Steve Gall was kind enough to provide way home! enough bags of chips so everyone got one. Thank you Ron & Judy, thank you Steve and thank We met at Texas Roadhouse at 10:45, picked up the you James! You helped make my Christmas!!! food, decided where we would start and off we went on what would prove to be a wonderful and joyful Thank you for listening, experience. As we went throughout the city we encountered peo- Paul Reyes ple in need rather easily. There was really not much talking being done as we all were keeping an eye out Semper Fidelis!!! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 18 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 burden forever. Chaplain We were never meant to be crushed under the weight of care. We can 916-692-5140 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 UNLOAD YOUR DISTRESS present moment upon Him, for He cares for you. If He loved you (Cast) all your care upon Him, for enough to take away the burden of He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 your sins, can't you trust Him to I've been told that the French take away every lesser burden as well? translation of the phrase "Cast all your care upon Him" is "Unload your HOPE FOR TODAY distresses upon God." Imagine carrying a heavy suitcase Have you ever seen a dump truck get filled with useless things every- rid of its load? The driver simply where you went. Why would someone pushes a button or pulls on a lever do that? That is what we do when we and the heavy load is discharged at carry the burdens of worry and anxi- the prescribed spot. The truck ety. It's unnecessary and does us would be of no use if it carried its no good Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 19 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 20 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 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. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 21 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 As of February 13th, we have 222 members that have renewed. The 2021 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2021 Paid % as of Post 637 274** 222* 81.02% 2-13-2021 * 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 February 16, 2021 6:00 pm This will be an ‘On-Line’ meeting Post 637 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76460608711?pwd=VVdSaDlYZmMrWkZyTUdVdDF4SDQ4Zz09 Meeting ID: 764 6060 8711 Passcode: 1KFNHG Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 23 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 24 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 25 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 26 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 10 Issue 2 - February 2021 Page 27 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion