NEWSLETTER August 2020.pdf - Thurman

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Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 1 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion Post 637 August 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 8 - August 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 Post Commander - Sylvia Thweatt 1st Vice Commander - Steve Gall 2nd Vice Commander - Maynard Johnson 3rd Vice Commander - Alex Candela Adjutant - Ron Myers Finance Officer - David Paige Chaplain - Barry Fitzgerald Sgt. at Arms - Stephany Sward Judge Adjacent - Jim Monteton Due to the Corona Virus, our post has not been operating very effectively. However, we did have an election this spring which resulted in a continuing Board of Post Officers for the year 2021. As you know our year starts on July 1 and ends the following year on June 30. On August 4th, your board met in the gazebo at Sylvan Cemetery for a swearing in ceremony. It was a low key meeting with much emphasis on safety. Welcome to the Board of Post Officers, American Legion Post 637 in Citrus Heights California. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 3 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY “The American dream lives—not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- ica has a future, and all mankind has reason to hope.” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 4 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 For those of you trying to explain to non military friends out there, this may help them understand those of us that served in the Military. We Are Veterans. We left home as teenagers for an unknown adventure. We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives. We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew. We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth. We found new friends and new family. We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed. We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times. We didn’t get enough sleep. We smoked and drank too much. We picked up both good and bad habits. We worked hard and played harder. We didn’t earn a great wage. We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events. We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again. We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all. We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others. Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t. Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t. Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare. We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacri- fices were physical. We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie. We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all. We have dealt with victory and tragedy. We have celebrated and mourned. We lost a few along the way. When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all. We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures. We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand. We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches. We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat. Being a veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away. It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift. People see a veteran and they thank them for their service. When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not. So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country. Try to remember the good times and grow from the bad times. Share your stories. But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 5 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY GHOST SOLDIER CEREMONY Hello Post 637, Post Ghost Soldier Hope everyone is doing well and you are all staying safe. This is a tentative time line: As you may know by now the annual Battle of the Arrival time – 1000hrs Bands & BBQ has been canceled due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, the Post Executive Board had the Welcoming comments – 1030hrs great forward thinking of still having the Ghost Soldier Presentation of colors – 1040hrs Ceremony where we honor a Gold Star Family! To say I was grateful to them for this would be an understate- Rifle Volley – 1045hrs ment! TAPS – 1040hrs It will however be a bit different considering what we are currently going through. The ceremony this year Amazing Grace – 1055hrs will be honoring United States Army Spc. Kevin Hila- Bio on Spc. Hilaman – 1100hrs man who was KIA on 26 June, 2011 in Kunar Prov- ince , Afghanistan. And it will be held at his grave site First presentation of items – 1110hrs at East Lawn Memorial Park located at 5757 Greenback Second presentation of items – 1115hrs Lane here in Citrus Heights. When you arrive just keep going straight into the cemetery and the grave site is at Comments by the family – 1120hrs the top of the small hill on the left. I will be arriving pri- or to 1000hrs so you will see me there. Closing comments and ending – 1130hrs I have spoken with his father who was overwhelmed with emotion that we would want to honor his son! I mentioned to him it is certainly our honor to do this. Below is a time line starting with arrival time, start time, what will be going on and of course the finish. If you feel well enough to attend please do so. As it stands right now, we will have some 20-25 people in attend- ance so we will have plenty of room for additional peo- ple that wish to go and pay their respects. Let’s see how many from our great Post will come and show Mr. Hilaman what we think of his son! Thank you for listening, Paul Reyes Past Commander Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 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 8 - August 2020 Page 7 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY The Coast Guard's official history began on 4 August 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construc- tion of ten vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. Known variously through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew. The service received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress that merged the Revenue Cutter Service with the Life-Saving Service, thereby providing the nation with a single maritime service dedicated to sav- ing life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. The Coast Guard began to maintain the country's aids to maritime navigation, including operating the nation's lighthouses, when President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the transfer of the Lighthouse Service to the Coast Guard in 1939. In 1946 Congress permanently transferred the Commerce Department's Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the Coast Guard, thereby placing merchant marine licensing and merchant vessel safety under their purview. The Coast Guard adopted its trademark racing stripe design in 1967, as a result of the recommendation made to President John F. Kennedy in the spring of 1963 by the industrial design firm of Raymond Loewy/William Snaith, Inc. The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and until Congress estab- lished the Navy Department in 1798 they served as the nation's only armed force afloat. The Coast Guard protected the nation throughout their long history and served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts. Our national de- fense responsibilities remain one of our most important functions even today. Since 2003 the Coast Guard has operated as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing the nation's laws at sea, protecting the marine environment and the nation's vast coastline and ports, and saving life. In times of war, or at the direction of the President, the Coast Guard serves under the Navy Department. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 8 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 9 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY August 15, 1945: V-J Day and the End of WWII The morning of August 15, 1945, dawned with the realization that after a long war resulting in some 60 million deaths worldwide, WWII was finally over and Victory in Japan (V-J Day) had arrived. Hours earlier, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s unconditional surrender, bringing WWII hostili- ties around the world to an end. President Harry S. Truman declared a two-day holiday and the war- weary world breathed a collective sigh of relief. It had been three months since Allies celebrated a Victory in Europe (V-E Day), on May 8, 1945. That celebra- tion, however, was tempered by the fact that war was still raging in the Pacific. With all attention being turned to Japan, Allied troops continued their assault in the Pacific. On June 21st, the US completed the capture of Okina- wa providing a base for troops to launch a final assault on Japan. In July, leaders from the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States met at the Potsdam Confer- ence where they agreed to insist upon an unconditional Japanese surrender. They warned that without a surren- der, Japan would face “prompt and utter destruction.” During the conference, President Truman hinted at the pos- sibility of a weapon that may change the tides of war. Components for that weapon, were in fact, already in route to the Pacific aboard the USS Indianapolis. After delivering atomic bomb components to Tinian, Japanese torpe- does sunk the Indianapolis on July 30th. Ironically, it wasn’t until V-J Day that word of the Indianapolis sinking reached the public, and on August 15th, the front page of many papers reported on both the Japanese surrender and the Indianapolis tragedy. Meanwhile, aviators were rehearsing the atomic bombing mission, making practice flights in preparation. The Potsdam Conference wrapped up on August 2nd. Within one week, two nuclear weapons would be dropped on Japan resulting in the deaths of some 200,000 people, many of them civilians. On August 6th, a B-29 bomber named Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb “Little Boy” on Hiroshima. A second B-29 bomber, Bockscar, dropped another atomic bomb, “Fat Man”, on Nagasaki three days later. The weapons delivered a devastating blow to Japan. In the early morning hours of August 14th, the Federal Communications was monitoring a Tokyo ra- dio broadcast when they heard that an announcement accepting the terms of the Potsdam Confer- ence was forthcoming. US Navy Admiral William Halsey, Jr. sent word to aircrews that were minutes away from their targets. “Cease firing, but if you see any enemy planes in the air, shoot them down in a friendly fashion”, he said. That evening, August 14, 1945, the news became official when President Truman announced the suspension of hostilities and the unconditional surrender of Japan at 7:00 p.m. Allies announced the surrender in their capitals at the same hour. As the news spread, throngs of people took to the streets, horns blasted, and bells tolled in celebration. An unoffi- cial V-J Day celebration began spontaneously. The United States would officially celebrate V-J Day when the official Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 10 You Are Invited 911 Memorial, Friday September 11, 2020 8:15 am Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights, started a 911 Memorial last year to honor those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We take time to salute the over 3,000 men and women that have died in a terrorist attack on America. This year the 911 Memorial service is being planned to be held on Friday, September 11, 2020, at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights at 8:15 am. We are planning on going forward with our ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. We are planning a 30 - 40 minutes in the gazebo. Folding chairs will be provided for those that want to sit but there will be no mandatory seating arrangements. We would love to have you here but if you are concerned about your health and do not want to attend - we understand. We are hoping that there will not be a problem. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 11 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY American Legion –100 years old and 2.5 million strong Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran’s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion’s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran’s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA’s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill’s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet-level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA’s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender-specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 12 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini-mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non-veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at [email protected]. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 13 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY On this the 75th Anniversary On August 6, 1945 the US dropped an atomic bomb (Little Boy) on Hiroshima in Japan. Three days later a second atomic bomb (Fat Man) was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. The Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, named after Enola Gay Tibbets, the mother of the pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets. On 6 August 1945, during the final stages of World War II, it became the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb. The bomb, code-named "Little Boy", was targeted at the city of Hiroshima, Japan, and caused the near-complete destruction of the city. Enola Gay participated in the second atomic attack as the weather reconnaissance aircraft for the primary target of Kokura. Clouds and drifting smoke resulted in a secondary target, Nagasaki, being bombed instead. Enola Gay, took off from North Field, in the Mariana Islands, about six hours' flight time from Japan, accompanied by two other B-29s, The Great Artiste, carrying instrumentation, and a then-nameless aircraft later called Necessary Evil, commanded by Captain George Marquardt, to take photographs. After the war, the Enola Gay returned to the United States, where it was operated from Roswell Army Air Field, New Mexico. Today the front end and cock pit are in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 14 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 8 - August 2020 Page 15 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 8 - August 2020 Page 16 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY 1944 January 7, 1944, the US Air Force announced the production of the first US Jet Fighter, The Bell P-59. The development of the aircraft was not fully disclosed to the public until it had successfully completed one hundred flights. The P-59 was designed under the direction of Lawrence Bell, president of Bell Aircraft, who was called to the nation’s capital by the commanding general of US Army Air Force to dis- cuss the design of a single seat jet fighter that would use General Electric’s A-1 centrifugal tur- bojet engine. After accepting the contract, Bell put engineers to work creating the top-secret “Model 27”. To disguise the design of the revolutionary jet fighter in development, a dummy propeller was attached to the nose of the aircraft. Though the P-59 failed to perform as well as other air- craft and was not used in active service, it is widely credited for launching America’s Air Force into the Jet age. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 17 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY History Freedom Isn’t Free Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Decla- ration of Independence? o Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. o Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. o Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. o Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. o They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? o Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. o Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well- educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. o Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags. o Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His posses- sions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. o Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. o At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson,Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had tak- en over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. o Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist-mill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. So, take a few minutes and silently thank these patriots. Remember: freedom is not and was never free! We need to thank these early patriots, in prayers, words, and deeds, as well as those patriots that are now still fighting to keep our freedom! We owe it to them to proclaim our patriotism now. -o-o-O-o-o Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 18 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 innocent. This criminal then looked to Jesus and said, "Jesus, remember Chaplain me when you come into your King- 916-692-5140 dom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). THE CRIMINALS ON THE CROSSES The believing criminal is a testimo- ny that forgiveness of sins is not based on any work of our own, for he was a convicted criminal-not a Jesus Christ was crucified with two saint. Instead, our salvation is criminals, one on His left side and based on God's grace through our the other on His right side. One of faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9). these convicted criminals joined Je- sus' scoffers by saying, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while Taken from the book "Why The Pas- you're at it!"(Luke 23:39). Just sion?" by Greg Laurie then, the other criminal protested, explaining that he and the other criminal deserved death for their evil deeds, but Jesus, however, was Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 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 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 8 - August 2020 Page 20 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 8 - August 2020 Page 21 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP NEWS Ron Myers Adjutant 916-723-7324 Post Membership 637 As of August 15th, we have 146 members that have renewed. The 2021 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2021 Paid % as of Post 637 260 146 56.15% 8-15-2020 * This include New Member’s & Transfers 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 August 18, 2020 6:30 pm (providing the restrictions have been lifted - If not then we will meet September 15) Citrus Heights City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. Citrus Heights, Ca. Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 22 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Guns N Stuff 5060 Roseville Rd North Highlands, CA 95660 916-334-3209 Veteran Owned DAVID PAIGE OWNER NOR CAL KITCHENS & BATH CABINETRY 11367 TRADE CENTER DR. #105 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95742 916-575-9777 www.norcalkb.com Did you know that our post is on Facebook? AmericanLegionpost637.com/ Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 23 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Advertising ……………………………. Reichert’s Funeral And Cremation Services Dignity Michael Moesch Community Outreach Memorial 7320 Auburn Blvd. Mesothelioma Guide: 1-888-572-9011 121 S. Orange Avenue | Suite 1450 | Orlando , FL Citrus Heights, CA 95610 32801 www.MesotheliomaGuide.com www.reichertsfuneral.com 916-729-2229 Fax: 916-722-9485 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 24 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY July 4, 2019 November 11, 2019 Independence Day Veterans Day July 10, 2019 December 7, 2019 2nd Qtr Ceremony Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Dixon January 8, 2020 August 4, 2019 4th Qtr. Homeless Coast Guard Day Service at Dixon August 24, 2019 April 6, 2020 Veterans Appreciation Picnic Army Day September 11, 2019 April 9, 2020 Patriot Day 1st Qtr Homeless September 14, 2019 Service at Dixon POW/MIA Recognition Day May 18, 2020 September 18, 2019 Armed Forces Day Air Force Day May 27, 2020 September 22, 2019 Memorial Day Sunday Fun Day June 14, 2020 October 5, 2019 Flag Day/Army Birthday 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ October 9, 2019 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. October 27, 2019 We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Heights City Hall in the Community Room. Navy Day November 10, 2019 Marine Corps Day Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 25 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion For God and Country We associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. POST MEETING LOCATION Community Room, City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights Meeting time is 6:30PM The following diagram may help you locate the exact location If you have information or an article you would like to add to the newsletter please send information to [email protected] Photo’s by Jack Mintz Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Volume 9 Issue 8 - August 2020 Page 26 FOR GOD - FOR COUNTRY - AND COMMUNITY Welcome Home Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion