NEWSLETTER March 2020.pdf - Thurman

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Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 9 Issue 2 - February 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 that some stores have raised their prices as well which I find unacceptable and would like to hear more if you have the information. Just so you know, during the state of emergen- cy that has been declared in California, price gouging is ille- gal and you need to report it. Bellow you can see the ways to do it. As you know many events have been cancelled or postponed. The board is continuously communicating about Post events and we will keep you updated. I will ask you to reach out if you need any help or if I hope everyone is doing well during this crazy you know a veteran that does. We will do our best to assist time. I thought the political turmoil was nuts but the current with anything you need. No judgement. Every one of you is unwarranted panic has certainly topped that. I am not going a part of this family and we need to support each other. to give you any numbers of infected patients nor will I over- Stay healthy whelm you with information about the virus. You have been bombarded with those facts and also misinformation Sylvia Thweatt enough. It is amazing to me how many companies and or- ganizations I have ever dealt with are sending me emails how much they care about their customers’ well-being dur- ing the epidemic. I am just going to say please use your common sense. Hand washing and having supplies should always be a thing. What gets me really angry is the mind set of large number of people that decided this is the end of the world and bought out pretty much everything leaving the rest scrambling. What makes me mad is the inability of stores to limit the number of items allowed per person so there are supplies for everyone. What make me furious are the lowlifes that are now offering to sell these products for much higher price. I have heard, but that is not confirmed, Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY First and foremost to all of you…………….Welcome Home! Please find enclosed a flyer for the annual Vietnam Veterans meal that Stones Gambling Hall here in Citrus Heights puts on - Sunday March 29. The meal will be served from 11am until 8 pm on that day. Please have a good meal and toast our brothers and sisters that did not make it home. They deserve it and it would be the least we could do. Thank you for listening, Paul Reyes GySgt United States Marine Corps (ret) RVN – 69/71 Semper Fidelis !!! Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY “The American dream lives—not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- ica has a future, and all mankind has reason to hope.” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916-215-0685 As some of you may know I received a Hardship Discharge from the US Navy in April 1971. This was not what I requested or wanted. I requested a transfer because my first wife was very ill. I enrolled in Jr College with a major in Law Enforcement. I soon was recruited and joined the West Valley College Campus Patrol. I was promoted to Sargent the second year of study. Along with that ma- jor was a requirement that you team with a Police department to start working as a student officer. After my interview and being vetted I was cleared for duty. The first night I reported to the Campbell Police Department, I reported to roll call for assignment. Of course, being a student, I had to wear my campus patrol uniform with no weapon. I was assigned an officer partner, an old Chevron work friend, named Dennis. So, we hit the streets. The first stop was to a uniform sup- ply shop because my longtime friend decided, that I should at least carry a night stick. When I questioned him, he said that he had cleared it with the Watch Commander and to just keep quiet. Most of the evening we patrolled the city with no major incidents. It was getting close to the end of swing shift when we were to respond to a report of a fire, a large apart- ment complex - here we go Code 3. We were first officers on the scene, soon followed by the fire depart- ment. Our job was as traffic control. Dennis told me to make sure no cars came down the Street. I was armed with a five-battery flashlight, and a brand-new nylon baton. Two fire trucks and a Chief vehicle all at the scene with lights left on. Then another patrol car arrives for the other end of the street. All of a sudden, a car pulls up trying to go past the road barrier. Yep, you guessed it - that would be me armed with my flashlight and baton to stop them. I put my hand up and told him to stop. He pushed me with his bumper telling me I did not have authority to make him stop. I pulled my new nylon baton out of its ring holding it in the middle of the stick with my left hand, and slammed it down on the hood of his car and yelled stop. Well needless to say he stopped and then went off on me. He started in with swearing at me and telling me that I was a PIG and my wife was a pig and some other things about my wife I won't go into. When I thanked him, and told him I knew I picked the right woman it was like pouring gas on a fire. He kept yelling “YOU'RE A PIG” over and over. He finally stopped and asked me why I wouldn't react. I calmly said “because I know that I am not a pig. Yep more gas on the fire. He then asked why do you think that you are not a pig? I very quietly said, “because I am only a Piglet”. Dennis was standing there uncontrollably laughing. But it was a nickname that just would not die, but I was recruited as a reserve officer shortly after that night, and from then on was armed. At the first party I attend- ed I was given a patch of you quested it - a Piglet. I sewed it on the inside of me uniform jacket. Steve Gall Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion -- Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 8 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 2 - February 2020 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY March 13 is a special day to honor the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs. On March 13, 1942, the U.S. Army began training dogs for their new War Dog Program, or “K9 Corps.” According to History.com, the American Kennel Association and a group called Dogs for Defense worked together. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 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 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 11 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 2 - February 2020 Page 12 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 2 - February 2020 Page 13 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO DIRECTING ALL INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE COUNTY TO STAY AT HOME OR AT THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE EXCEPT THAT THEY MAY LEAVE TO PROVIDE OR RECEIVE CERTAIN ESSENTIAL SERVICES OR ENGAGE IN CERTAIN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES AND WORK FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES; EX- EMPTING INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS FROM THIS ORDER BUT URGING THEM TO FIND SHELTER AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO PROVIDE IT; DIRECTING ALL BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES TO CEASE NON- ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS AT PHYSICAL LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTY; PROHIBIT- ING ALL NON-ESSENTIAL GATHERINGS OF ANY NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS; AND ORDERING CESSATION OF ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DATE OF ORDER: MARCH 19, 2020 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 14 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 was Easter Sunday, thought that in the night the Austrian army had moved into Chaplain Feldkirch and the bells were ringing in ju- bilation. Napoleon ordered a retreat, and 916-692-5140 the battle at Feldkirch never took place. The Easter bells caused the enemy to flee, and peace reigned in the Austrian countryside. As Easter is celebrated each year, churches and cathedrals around the world THE VICTORIOUS CHIME will ring their bells-not to sound Christ's death knell but to declare Christ's victory "I, even I, am the Lord, over death. He is risen Lord, and because of Him our final enemy-death-has been de- And besides Me there is no savior." feated, and peace reigns in our hearts! Isaiah 43:11 HOPE FOR TODAY It is said that during Napoleon's Austrian Every person faces different trials and campaign his army advanced to within six circumstances in life. But, when Christ miles of the town of Feldkirch. It looked conquered the grave, He defeated the one as though his men would take it without re- enemy that every person was going to have sistance. But as Napoleon's army advanced to face. Oh, death, where is your sting? toward their objective in the night, the Christians of Feldkirch gathered in their Taken from the book: little church to pray. It was Easter eve. Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham The next morning at sunrise, the bells of the village pealed out across the coun- tryside. Napoleon's army, not realizing it Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 2 - February 2020 Page 15 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 2 - February 2020 Page 16 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 2 - February 2020 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do as soon as possible. As of March 15th, we are at 96.16% of those renewed. I know it is all too easy to put your renewal notice away or put it to the “later” pile, but it is important that you re- new now. The 2020 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2020 Paid % as of Post 637 260 250 96.16 3-15-2020 * 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 April 21, 2020 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 2 - February 2020 Page 18 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 2 - February 2020 Page 19 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 2 - February 2020 Page 20 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 2 - February 2020 Page 21 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 2 - February 2020 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion