14th District Legionnaire Memorial Day edition 2022

14TH DISTRICT

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

LEGION

NAIRE

FRESNO, KINGS AND MADERA COUNTIES

MEMORIAL DAY 2022

“The Nation that forgets its Defenders, will itself be forgotten.”

COMMANDER’S CORNER I

I hope everyone within the 14th District and their families are doing well.

Following a year and a half of pandemic isolation we are getting reacquainted with our brothers, sisters, friends and communities.

We have been re-learning programs we could accomplish with little effort before the pandemic.

I applaud the 14th District for the perseverance each and every one of you has shown Carlos Gonzales in transitioning back into a somewhat normal life. Our Buddy check program was a huge help to many of our isolated veterans.

Our nation has lost many over the years in protecting our freedom and the freedom of others. We have also lost many Veterans to Post Everlasting this last couple of years. Many good men and women lost to the pandemic.

Many today do not understand the sacrifices that were made to ensure our way of life and freedom.

Memorial Day is a recognized federal holiday for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

It is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE What is normal? I know we are not “back there” just yet, but things are looking up.

We were able to plan and attend more in person events this year, we’re holding District Meetings, attending DEC in Long Beach, 4 Chaplains was held in Sanger, our Girls State Luncheon was a go, and some Units have been able to hold fundraising events to help further our programs. It’s not been Debbie Hurado easy, and attendance is not where it was, but we are headed in the right direction. As the daughter of a Navy veteran, I am asking for “all (able) hands on deck” to get our programs and people back up and running to help service the needs of our veterans, military and their families. We still need to forge ahead with caution and common sense. Members who are able, now is the time to step up and maybe step out of your comfort zone to take on more than you have in the past. For those who are not yet comfortable or unable to meet in person, maybe you can help your Unit or District by doing things from home. We all need to think of new ways get things done. More hands make the workload lighter.

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May is the Auxiliary’s Poppy Month, and the perfect time to share the Poppy story with our communities. Not only can we educate people about wearing the poppy as a symbol of hope, and a way to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who gave all for their country, but also to let them know that 100% of their donations assist veterans and their families. I can recall, as a Junior member, sitting outside the “dime store”, handing out poppies and collecting donations.

We’ve gotten away from that, but maybe we should set up those tables and talk with people in our communities about who we are, what we do, and why we do it. We need new, and dare I say, younger members to keep our organization around for years to come.

Many of us visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers come together to place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national and area cemeteries.

With restrictions being relaxed, it seems like we are on track to have full Memorial Day programs at our cemeteries. Many Legion Posts will be setting out flags and crosses on the graves of veterans. If this is the case in your town, make sure

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PLUS INSIDE Vietnam War Vets Day.....Page 4

Oratorical Program.......Page 10

Call for Freedom.............Page 20

No Vet Left Behind.............Page 25 1

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

14TH DISTRICT OFFICERS 2021 - 2022

Commander – Carlos Gonzales, charlesspeedygonzales@yahoo.com 1st Vice – James Hoffman 2nd Vice – Anthony Agular, Aaguilar8@prodigy.net 3rd Vice – Gloria Gomez, gloriaglogomez@sbcglobal.net Adjutant – Carl Smith Finance Officer – Barbara Jung-Lowe Historian – Karen Bulske-Tobin, kbalske@comcast.net Judge Advocate – Mildred Wright- Person Sergeant at Arms – Derek Jones Service Officer – Henry Lopez Jr. Past Commander – Frank Ducar

BEST PRACTICES: LEGION MOBILE APPS Yes, The American Legion has Mobile Apps! https://www.legion.org/mobileapps

Many Legionnaires will be surprised to know, the first Legion Mobile App was released in 2010. Since the launch of the first Legion Mobile App eight years ago, several new apps have been launched and the mobile apps continue to be updated and improved.

There are four mobile apps, they are: • The American Legion Mobile App • The American Legion Claims Coach • Sons of The American Legion Mobile App • American Legion Baseball Mobile App A National Convention App is produced and distributed prior to each National Convention. Based on the feedback we have received, the 2017 Convention Mobile App was very well received as helpful tool for convention goers.

2

2

Fresno Veterans

ne s rs nli fer O be s / s L l m d n al e UF ai oa ra ot M P P T T G al Go 21 21 21 21 21 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 % 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 5 1 0 6 22 27.27%

3

Hanford

7

39

151

6

203

245

82.86%

4

Fresno

6

15

17

0

38

57

66.67%

11

Madera

1

26

80

3

110

170

64.71%

12

Selma

7

19

52

0

78

94

82.98%

23

W. Netzer

0

6

54

7

67

92

72.83%

35

Reedley

2

8

26

3

39

47

82.98%

38

Fresno Star

0

10

15

0

25

31

80.65%

100

Lemoore

10

21

109

14

154

164

93.90%

110

Oakhurst

4

7

63

0

74

100

74.00%

147

Cecil Cox

20

83

323

16

442

518

85.33%

191

Kingsburg

0

6

27

0

33

45

73.33%

226

Orange Cove

0

2

10

0

12

22

54.55%

245

E. Griffen

0

0

10

0

10

19

52.63%

355

Westland

4

4

27

1

36

31

116.13%

509

Fresno Fed.

48

58

594

16

716

683

104.83%

511

State Center

0

6

13

0

19

17

111.76%

594

G. Van Vleet

2

4

35

1

42

41

102.44%

615

Cecil Hinton

0

0

9

0

9

16

56.25%

621

Squaw Valley

5

7

45

0

57

66

86.36%

67

2,170

Post#

District 14 Total

116

326

1,661

2,480 87.50%

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties C OM M A N DE R ' S M E S S AG E

P R E SI DE N T ' S M E S S AG E

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This Memorial Day do not forget to take a break from whatever you are doing and remember the men and women who have given the greatest sacrifice over the years.

your unit has members there also. Auxiliary Units that have helped out at community events with their Legion Family, are finding new members that would like to get involved, so don’t pass up these opportunities.

We must also remember those grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters who lost loved ones who died defending our freedom.

Lastly, I would like to remind members that the Department Convention will be an in-person event this year, being held June 23-26 in Visalia. This is the perfect time to get a bigger picture of what our organization is doing. It is close enough that you may be able to go home each night, or for some of you to come for just a day or two. You don’t have to be a delegate or alternate, guests are welcome too. Each of us can make a difference, come find out what you can do.

Please renew your membership. Ask your post to support and participate in our 100 Miles of Hope program. I am looking to seeing all of you at this year’s State Convention.

Carlos Gonzales Commander District 14

Debbie Hurado, President Auxiliary District 14

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS 1 Year - Henry Lopez 2 Year - Gloria Gomez 2 Year - Mildred Wright-Person 3 Year - JD Bennett 3 Year - Augie Cano

DISTRICT 14 MEETING DATE AND LOCATION • May 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM, Post 147 CLOVIS • June 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM, Post 509 FRESNO EXECUTIVE AND PAST COMMANDER MEETING ARE AT LOCATIONS LISTED ABOVE EXECUTIVE MEETING 10AM – 11AM PAST COMMANDERS MEETING 11AM – 12PM LUNCH 12PM – 1PM MEETING 1PM – 3PM DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. I WILL GIVE AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE. Convention June 23, 2022 Pre-Convention Visalia, CA Time TBA, Location TBA June 26, 2022 Post-Convention Visalia, CA Time TBA, Location TBA

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY FOUR FRESNO VETERANS, FOUR DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

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One went to Vietnam as an advisor, years before American forces went en masse. The VHC-Fresno campus where the Vietnam veterans reside.

One had the greatest peanut butter and jelly sandwich of his life while manning a gun mount on a destroyer in the Tonkin Gulf.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MOBILE APP With The American Legion Mobile App, you can sign up new members of The American Legion.

When you "Just Ask" an eligible veteran to join your American Legion Post, your cell phone can now be used to process their application. You no longer need to keep a paper Legion application stuffed in your wallet, as long as you have your cell phone with the Legion Mobile App installed.

The Legion Mobile App will also allow you to: • Find out about the Legion • Join the Legion or use the app to help a veteran join • Renew membership • Get Legion news • Access Legion images • Follow the Legion • Find a post • Access myLegion.org, and • Access Emblem Sales Yes, the mobile app will allow new members to join, just remember your post is still responsible for verifying eligibility via the DD-214.

One tended to Vietnam War wounded at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

And another spent all of 56 hours “in country” as an artillery radioman at Hamburger Hill.

With today’s Vietnam War Veterans Day in mind, CalVet Connect visited with some Vietnam veterans who live at the Veterans Home of California-Fresno (VHC-Fresno).

Vietnam-era veterans currently comprise roughly one-third of California’s military veterans, but represent 743 of the 1706 veterans (44%) living collectively in CalVet’s eight Veterans Homes of California. Each veteran has his or her own memories to share – and some unique ones at that.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers veteran, West Point graduate and VHC-Fresno resident James A. James A., who graduated 11th among 511 cadets in his class at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1953, became an engineer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The U.S. military had advisors on the ground in Vietnam as early as the 1950s; In 1962, James joined them for a tour duty that lasted exactly one year to the day.

“I flew in (to Saigon) on Pan Am at 10 a.m. on April 16, 1962 – my dad’s birthday,” said James, now a bow-tie clad 92-year-old. “I left on a charter jet on April 16, 1963, at 4 p.m., wheels up.”

He served in the Military Assistance Advisory Group, and much of it in Saigon reviewing contracts with the locals who would build the mobile tent camps that would give the South Vietnamese Army a strategic advantage. Just one problem, he said.

“Their officers would not sleep in tents,” James said. “If they were going to have a military operation, we had to send in everybody to build a camp (with wood or metal buildings). Where’s the surprise in that? When the Americans came in, they slept in tents.”

It didn’t take him long to question what the United States was doing there in the first place.

“I could recognize it was a civil war and not a naked aggression, like the Korean War,” James said. “I did my job, but I did not agree we should have been here. One day a sergeant turned to me and said, ‘Captain, why are we here?’ I replied, ‘Sergeant, I’ll be damned if I know.’”

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022 V I E T NA M WA R V E T E R A N S DAY

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He got his answer when, shortly before he returned to the States, an officer told him the Army planned to ramp up its presence, transitioning from advisors to combatants. “He told me the number they were aiming for was 370,000 (troops),” James said.

By the time the war ended in 1975, more than 2.7 million Americans had served in Vietnam, and 58,220 died there, including 5,822 from California.

Navy veteran and VHC-Fresno resident Gary R. While battles raged on the mainland in the 1960s, Navy veteran Gary R. served aboard the destroyer USS Maddox as a boatswain’s mate and boat coxswain for the captain from 1967 through 1969.

The USS Maddox carries an important place in history. The so-called Tonkin Gulf incident happened in August 1964. The U.S. claimed the North Vietnamese patrol torpedo boats attacked the ship, distorting the facts of the incident to justify formally entering the war, according to the Navy Institute.

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Gary recalls times when the ship came under enemy fire. “We were in the Tonkin Gulf firing in support of the ground forces,” he said. “I had my head out the hatch. A shell landed 20 feet from the ship and knocked me for a loop. It hit the water near the bow.

His duties included spending long and tedious eight-hour shifts in the turret of a 5-inch/38-caliber gun. The joys were small and few, but stay with him to this day. “I remember them bringing up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the magazine for us to eat,” he said. “You get pretty hungry in the gun mount. Those were the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I ever ate.”

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Army Nurse veteran and VHC-Fresno resident Sharon H. Sharon H. didn’t go to Vietnam. Instead, the aftermath of battle came to her. She worked as a nurse at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, from 1966 through 1969, tending to soldiers, Marines, and sailors wounded in Vietnam. She saw the results of war from bedsides by caring for their wounds, helping them recover and to heal.

“When they came back, I did everything I could to make them feel like they were really, really great people,” she said. “Some of them cried when they came back because they’d lost best friends over there.”

She and her brother joined the Army at the same time. He went to Vietnam, and returned with a message in the event the Army sent her there as well: “He said, ‘Sister, if you do go to Vietnam, don’t make any friends.’” He’d lost several comrades during his tour of duty there. His words hit home because of what she’d seen at Walter Reed.

Today, she is on the Honor Guard at the Home. The Honor Guard represents the final escort, complete with the playing of “Taps.” “When somebody does pass away, I get to walk with them from whatever building they’re in out the door,” Sharon said. “It makes me feel good.”

Their friend until the end.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022 V I E T NA M WA R V E T E R A N S DAY

(Continued from Page 6)

Army veterans and VHC-Fresno resident Craig S. Craig S., an artillery communications specialist in the Army, got his Vietnam campaign medal before he actually got to Vietnam. When he finally arrived in August 1972, he stayed for just over two days.

How did that happen? Just as his unit left for Vietnam in 1971, he was reassigned to a base in Germany where he spent most of his first year. Finally, in August 1972, he received orders to rejoin them at the infamous Hamburger Hill.

“They trained us for what we were to accomplish in what was supposed to be 256 days,” Craig said. “We got all set up. I met a captain and got all set up on my job. I got orders that I was supposed to relay orders to the howitzers – the guns, as we used to call them. That never happened. I got shipped out in 56 hours.”

The sergeant he had worked under as a radio operator in Germany suffered a stroke, Craig said. “I don’t know why they shipped me back, but they did,” he said. “I was there until 1974.”

When that deployment ended, he returned stateside to bases in Colorado and Oklahoma before separating in 1982.

Craig is in a unique zone of his own: A veteran with 11 years in the Army, he is considered a Vietnam veteran because his campaign medal and 56 hours of duty in-country say so. “It’s kind of hard to relate (when Vietnam vets talk about their time there),” he said. I can’t say, ‘Oh, yeah, this is what I did.’ I can only explain what I was supposed to do.”

Indeed, the Vietnam War was many things: deadly and devastating, deceptive, controversial, brutal, political, and social, on the battlefields as well as at home.

This is the time of year when we honor those who served this nation in that unpopular war. It is a time to thank them, and to recommit to properly welcoming them home and supporting veterans, no matter the conflict or when and where they served.

And it is a day to reflect on the unique range of stories and experiences that are part of any war.

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1635 SHAW AVENUE, STE. 101, CLOVIS, CA 93611 ⚙ WWW.OE3.ORG ⚙ 559.229.4083 DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE WYATT MEADOWS DAN REDING Business Manager

STEVE INGERSOLL President

JUSTIN DISTON Vice President

BRUCE NOEL Rec. Corres.

Secretary

DAVE HARRISON Financial Secretary

NATE TUCKER Treasurer

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

40 ET 8 B O N J O U R L E G I O N FA M I LY

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®

T H A N K YO U TO OUR B R AV E V E T E R A N S

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The 40 & 8 is alive and well. We had our box car cover dedication last July 9, 2021.

When you get a chance, stop by Fresno Federal Post 509 and take a look. We are in the process of giving the box car a face lift. We will be restoring it to the original colors and plaques that represent the Providences in which the box car was used during the Great Wars.

If you had not heard, the 40 & 8 is an invitation only Mildred Wright-Pearson for veterans who are honorably discharged from US Military service. It is a Charitable Honor Society of American Veterans. Some of our programs are: Child Welfare; Nurse Scholarships; Medical Research (leprosy and tuberculosis); Americanism; V.A.V.S.; Youth Sports; and Pow/MIA. We are a fun society with many Locales throughout the State. Our District Locale is Fresno-Madera Voiture 31. One of our fun things to do is to wear red socks.

Don’t get caught without them! Fines, fines, fines!!!

To support our Nurse Scholarship Program, we sell raffle tickets. They are available through any 40 & 8 member of Locale 31. We sponsor graduating Nurses in the RN program. Let’s face the fact. We all need or will need nurses as our health wanes. A shortage of nurses affects the health of this Nation. Ask what you can do to help our Program.

As COVID retracts its ugly head, get out and have fun. Organizations need your in-person support. Do what you can. You never know when you may need help from an organization. Be charitable.

Merci Beaucoup,

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson Grande Cheminot Grande du California

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

ORATORICAL PROGRAM The Oratorical Program of the American Legion falls under the Americanism Pillar. It is a constitutional contest where students from 9-12th grade compete. They write an 8 to10 minute speech on any aspect of the constitution and orate it without any prompts or props. It is amazing to see these youths recite their speech. The ideas and thoughts they convey shows their mindset in relation to the constitution and America.

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Mildred Wright-Pearson

For several years I have been associated with this Program in one aspect or another. This year I was the Chair of the Oratorical Commission. Don’t think it is easy work. It is not. One of the major obstacles of the contest this year was COVID. Although the restrictions have been eased, when it comes to children, they remain more stringent.

We can be proud that the winner (Kyleen Lin) for the Department contest is from our District. She will travel to National to represent California. Wish her luck at National. She will compete with 55 other students to win. She will also be at our convention in June.

ADCO is honored to support the American Legion and proudly supports our veterans Thank You For Your Service

Every Post in this District can choose to become part of this Program. Children can entry from all educational forums – junior/high schools, home schooled, (Continued on Page 10)

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022 OR ATOR IC A L P RO G R A M

(Continued from Page 10)

magnum schools, etc. They don’t have to be associated with the American Legion. They earn money at each level, starting at the Post level and move up.

The Department contest hosted 5 youths this year. The most we have had in several years. Remember, there was a contest last year held at Cecil B. Cox Post 147. There were 4 youth at that contest.

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Our biggest problem is getting support from the community in assisting with this program. Legionnaires cannot be judges. Another problem that will be occurring next year is the need for background checks on everyone who will be associated with the youths during the process. It will not matter if the person is a Legionnaire or not. Each Post will be responsible for obtaining these background checks for their helpers for their contests. The objective is to keep our children safe in our Programs. It has always been like this for baseball and scouting. It has now been extended to other youth sporting competitions. Check the Risk Management Guidebook online from Department for further information.

If you wish to help with this Program, we are soliciting donations to help. Your donation will be able to assist with expenses for students and parents who travel and stay overnight for a contest – depending upon where they live and where the contest is held. It would help with obtaining medals, plaques, and other paraphernalia needed for the contest. If you would like to donate, please make the check/MO payable to Department of California. On the memo line, designate Oratorical Program.

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AMERICAN LEGION TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL MACKENZIE WOLF

American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard testified March 8 before a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. The leader of the nation’s largest wartime Veterans service organization (VSO) addressed lawmakers on critical issues and legislation veterans are facing.

A

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a stark reminder that peace is fragile, Dillard told lawmakers.

“At any time, with or without notice, military personnel may be called upon to defend freedom,” he said during the testimony. “An essential purpose of The American Legion is to ensure that those personnel are not forgotten after the fighting is done.”

Peer support is the backbone on which The American Legion continues to fight for service members and veterans, Dillard said.

Throughout various war eras The American Legion has led campaigns to ensure that service members exposed to toxins receive the proper benefits. Those battles include fighting for government accountability to service members exposed to dangerous toxins while in uniform, securing health-care benefits for bomb-test veterans who were exposed to atomic radiation and proving Agent Orange poisoned tens of thousands of Vietnam veterans.

Now The American Legion is fighting for Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes of burn pits in the Middle East.

Dillard called for Congress to take a three-pronged approach in his testimony: • Concede that exposure occurred to all veterans deployed to identified locations during the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror.

• E stablish a list of presumptive illnesses associated with exposure to burn pits and other toxic hazards where scientific evidence exists.

• C reate a framework for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish additional presumptive illnesses when scientific evidence shows an association.

“Veterans who are suffering now cannot wait decades to receive the care they need and rightfully deserve,” he said. “Whether a veteran was exposed to toxins in the jungles of Vietnam or a combat outpost in Iraq, we in The American Legion all stand as peers who have been down this road before and know the government can do better to accept responsibility and help these veterans as they confront illnesses caused by preventable exposures.”

(Continued on Page 14)

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022 A M E R IC A N L E G ION T E S T I F I E S ON C A P I TOL H I L L

(Continued from Page 13)

On March 3, Congress again took action on one of The American Legion’s legislative priorities when the House of Representatives passed the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021 — also known as the Honoring Our PACT Act. Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) Mark Takano, D-Calif., applauded the work of the VSOs for their efforts during the first session of the 117th Congress. Notably, the passing of the Deborah Sampson Act and the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act were signed into law. The American Legion lobbied strongly for both pieces of legislation.

“I want to personally thank the VSO community for the tremendous help you’ve provided during this legislative process,” Takano said. “The work is not over, but I was encouraged to see 42 VSOs send a very strong letter to the House leadership supporting the PACT Act. “We have big goals,” Takano added. “But I know that with your support and insight here today — along with the support of the administration — we will be able to deliver on them and fulfill the promises we’ve made to the nation’s veterans.”

Suicide prevention continues to remain at the top of The American Legion’s priorities. The organization has led from the front in these efforts by implementing year-round Buddy Checks conducted by American Legion posts and members.

The Buddy Check program is one of the best examples there is of peer support, Dillard said. Since its spring 2019 launch, The American Legion’s Buddy Check program has assisted approximately a half million veterans through outreach services performed by more than 3,600 Legion posts in 2020 and 3,800 in 2021.

Some veterans needed food, medicine or help in the home, said Dillard, but many were simply happy to hear another veteran’s voice during hard times.

“Isolation is no friend to the veteran who may be confronting post-traumatic stress disorder, possibly at risk of suicide – and in need of connection with others who understand,” he told the committees. “That is why we strongly support the expansion of Buddy Check into a national week of outreach by VA. “A National Buddy Check Week can help bridge the gap between veterans in need and VA services to help them.”

Recent surveys have shown that over 60% of veterans who die by suicide lacked consistent contact with VA and 40% were unaware they were eligible for VA mental health services.

“That is why we also strongly support the attachment of trained, peer-support specialists to posts of The American Legion and other Veterans organizations around the country,” Dillard added.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., applauded the Senate passing bipartisan legislation that she and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, sponsored together to build on suicide prevention efforts by directing VA to designate a “National Buddy Check Week.”

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(Continued on Page 17)

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AmericanLegion4x5HIREad21.indd 1

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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(Continued from Page 14)

American Legion peer support extends to immigrant veterans. Military service has opened a reliable pathway to U.S. citizenship. More than 760,000 immigrants have become naturalized U.S. citizens since the nation’s inception through serving this nation. However, said Dillard, this pathway has become obstructed as citizenship assistance programs have disappeared from military bases.

“U.S. veterans from other nations are serving honorably – and then discharging as resident alien non-citizens,” he said. “They come out confused.

Why did their service did not bring them citizenship, let alone expedited citizenship they believe was promised to them?”

In the worst cases, they are deported and disconnected from the VA benefits they earned.

Dillard thanked Takano for his leadership on behalf of veterans who served honorably but were later deported because obtaining U.S. citizenship was next to impossible for them while they were in service.

“The American Legion proudly supports the Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act that addresses naturalization during service and protects non-citizen veterans and their families from unwarranted deportation,” said Dillard.

Peer support drives much of The American Legion’s agenda, Dillard continued.

Improving VA health-care services for women, fighting for GI Bill education benefits for reserve and National Guard veterans, advocating for better quality of life for military personnel as stories of the deplorable living conditions at the barracks of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center came

to light, and demanding that U.S. Coast Guard personnel are protected from pay interruptions in the event of government shutdowns are just some of the ways in which The American Legion continues to fight for veterans.

American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Ralph Bozella told lawmakers that they are finding that caregivers who apply for those claims are being rejected at a rate of 86% to 87%.

“Today — as U.S. troops deploy to eastern Europe to defend our allies in case the war expands — history reminds us again that we never know when — or with what notice — men and women will be called upon to fight.

“We don’t know why those caregivers cannot appeal those claims through the VBA system,” he said. “That needs to be fixed. We have to care for those who care for our veterans.”

“How we treat them now — and in the years ahead, when the effects of their sacrifices are upon them — is certain to be more than a matter of compassion — but one of national security as well,” said Dillard.

As the largest ground war since World War II rages on European soil, it is disheartening to know that there are WWII veterans alive today that still do not have access to VA health care, Dillard said.

“The American Legion is fighting to correct this lapse with legislation pending in Congress. Our World War II veterans halted the spread of tyranny, securing our democracy for generations to come.”

Fewer than 240,000 WWII veterans remain and hundreds pass away every day, he added.

“Time is running out for these veterans.”

SVAC Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., highlighted issues currently being seen in VA’s caregiver program as a result of the department narrowing eligibility.

“I am disturbed by reports that veterans and caregivers … are being rejected at very high rates,” he said. “What is your membership experiencing with the caregiver program and the application and appeals process?”

SVAC Ranking Member Jerry Moran, R-Kan., highlighted the installment of a Project ATLAS pod at American Legion Post 5 in Emporia, Kan. This is the newest test site for the initiative involving The American Legion, VA and Phillips.

“Anything we can do to help support our veterans, especially in mental health care during this time, we are happy to be involved with,” said American Legion Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Katie Purswell. “The Kansas pod is now complete,” she added, noting they hope to begin seeing patients immediately.

“It’s critical things like the ATLAS pod go through because there are rural veterans and veterans who have trouble with access to internet to be able to go to their appointments,” Purswell said. “It’s vitally important that this pilot succeeds. We need to have more pods like this in other rural communities.”

Takano praised The American Legion for its support of veterans.

“You are a very special voice,” he told The American Legion panel. “Your voice is instrumental and essential in moving the Capitol to do the right thing and to keep our promises.”

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

100 MILES FOR HOPE W H E N T H E K I C K S TA N D S G O U P, H O P E W I L L F O L L O W

BY HENRY HOWARD

American Legion Riders have the opportunity to earn incentives while contributing toward the Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF) as part of the third annual American Legion 100 Miles for Hope.

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Last year, a special Riders Challenge ran for one month. This year, individual Riders and chapters have until Sept. 5 to log their miles, raise funds for the V&CF and earn special incentives.

“We were honored to be part of 100 Miles for Hope last year,” Riders Chairman Mark Clark said. “We are always happy to contribute toward worthy

causes. And the Veterans & Children Foundation is such a worthy cause.

While the American Legion Legacy Scholarship will always be our priority, this year’s longer time frame allows us to also provide assistance to our disabled veterans and families of servicemembers who are struggling.”

Proceeds of the 100 Miles for Hope campaign go directly to the V&CF. Those funds cover training, education and resources to support 3,000 accredited American Legion service officers, and provide aid to military families with minor children at home who are facing financial struggles through no fault of their own.

To register for 100 Miles for Hope, please visit this Emblem Sales page.

Please note: We are not using the Kilter app this year but have created an easier way to track your miles. Here are all the details.

(Continued on Page 19)

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“I was impressed last year with how many Riders and chapters supported 100 Miles for Hope,” Clark said. “But I know we can do even better this year. My chapter members and I will be doing a lot of riding in the next five months. I’d encourage other chapters to plan a ride — or rides — to support 100 Miles for Hope.”

For their fundraising efforts, Legion Riders can receive incentives. Here is a breakdown: Individual participants, including individual Legion Riders Tier 1: $100 in donations Incentive: downloadable certificate from national commander

ner uez, Ow om ig r d o R Roger ransmission.c sT s le y Pa

Tier 2: $250 in donations Incentive: coin from national commander Tier 3: $500 in donations Incentive: plaque from national commander American Legion Riders chapters can also earn rewards throughout the challenge for their fundraising accomplishments. Here are the details: RIDER’S CHAPTERS Tier 1: $500 in donations Incentive: downloadable certificate from national commander and chairman Tier 2: $1,000 in donations Incentive: plaque from chairman Tier 3: $1,500 in donations Incentive: plaque from national commander

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

CALL FOR FREEDOM AMERICAN LEGION CALLS FOR PEACE IN U K R A I N E , I S S U E S S TA N C E O N S T R AT E G Y THE AMERICAN LEGION

With two votes still waiting to be cast, a unanimous National Executive Committee of the nation’s largest veterans organization passed a formal statement today calling for “a peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine,” and opposing combat operations for U.S. troops unless certain conditions are fulfilled.

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“The American Legion was founded after World War I ravaged Europe,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. “We are extremely concerned about the horrific consequences that occur during war. There is absolutely no justification for Russia’s aggression. Our resolution calls for peace in Ukraine and, in conjunction with NATO and the Russian Federation, supports a European security architecture which considers the national security interests of all parties.”

According to Resolution 1: Statement on Ukraine, The American Legion will not support related U.S. combat operations unless the president clearly explains why such operations are in “our vital national interests” and mission guidelines are established to include a clear exit strategy. The resolution also states that the organization’s support for such a mission be contingent on congressional authorization for the use of military force and that American forces be commanded only by U.S. officers.

The resolution also makes clear that the organization would not support combat deployments of U.S. troops “in defense of non-NATO member countries,” because of Russia’s actions.

“We agree with the White House’s decision to not send troops to Ukraine, as we continue to support a strong national defense and a strategy of vigilance,” Dillard added. “This resolution once again reaffirms our unwavering support for our men and women in uniform and our efforts to ensure their well-being. The American Legion is always here to assist veterans in crisis.”

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The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope, now in its third year, takes place through Sept. 5 (Labor Day) in 2022. Proceeds from registrations and donations go directly to supporting disabled veterans and military families through The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).

To get registered, please visit the Emblem Sales web page.

Please note: We are not using the Kilter app this year.

Just like in the inaugural challenge during 2020, this year participants register for $30 and receive a T-shirt and a finisher’s certificate for downloading upon completion of their miles. There also is the option to decline the T-shirt. To learn more about this year’s 100 Miles for Hope challenge visit www.legion.org/100miles 21

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN I M P R O V E H E A LT H C A R E F O R O U R W O M E N V E T E R A N S

BY PAUL E. DILLARD, NATIONAL COMMANDER

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March was Women’s History Month.

This is a time for us to recognize the women who have served in every war since the American Revolution, as well as make great improvements in the care for women veterans today and in the future.

Today, women are the fastest-growing demographic in the military and veteran community – the number of women veterans is projected to be approximately 2.2 million in 2046. With this, VA must plan now to account for these demographic shifts and ensure that women veterans are provided high-quality care and resources.

Improved health care for women veterans is one of several American Legion legislative priorities for the second session of the 117th Congress. I testified on improved care for women veterans yesterday before joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.

An American Legion legislative victory for the first session of the 117th Congress was the passing of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, which will improve maternal health care for women. Continued improvements in VA’s reproductive care ensures that the needs of women veterans in areas of newborn, maternity and

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reproductive care are being met through comprehensive health services. This improved care will allow women veterans who seek health care through the VA feel that it is a system built with them in mind.

As we move forward in improved care for women veterans, it is important to advocate for new legislation which fills gaps remaining in care for our women veterans.

This means improving mammography services (Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options – MAMMO – for Veterans Act, S. 2533/H.R. 4794), mitigating the cost of contraceptive care, increasing access to child-care services and newborn care at VA medical centers, and studying the need for women-specific drug and alcohol dependency rehabilitation programs (H.R. 344, Women Veterans TRUST Act), as well as others.

This is also includes addressing gender-specific difficulties that affect women veterans, such as not being recognized as a veteran by VA employees, lack of awareness and understanding of VA health-care benefits, and that women veterans being more likely to experience mental health issues and military sexual trauma, as well as chronic pain management and musculoskeletal condition treatment. To address these problems and barriers to care, VA must have care models and standards that are gender-specific and culturally competent.

As women remain the fastest growing veteran demographic, The American Legion will continue to advocate for Congress and VA to meet the unique medical needs of women veterans. A veteran is a veteran, so let’s stand ready to care for and meet the needs of our women veterans and recognize the sacrifices they have made by improving their care.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

VETERANS TREATMENT COURTS GIVE OUR VETER ANS THE OPPORTUNIT Y TO LIVE A SOBER A N D S TA B L E L I F E W H I L E R E S T O R I N G T H E I R M I L I TA RY H O N O R

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When veterans return from combat, some turn to drugs and/or alcohol to cope with their experiences on the battlefield. Sadly, too many veterans end up in the criminal justice system as a result of their service. Veterans Treatment Courts give our veterans the opportunity to live a sober and stable life while restoring their military honor and their commitment to family and community.

Judge Robert Russell, presiding judge of the Buffalo Drug Court and Buffalo Mental Health Court, created the nation’s first Veterans Treatment Court in January of 2008 in response to the growing number of veterans appearing on his dockets who were addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and/or suffering from mental illness. Immediately following the launch of the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court, Judge Russell and his team were inundated by requests from courts, elected officials, veterans service organizations, and concerned Americans around the country witnessing the same increases in veterans entering the criminal justice system.

What are Veterans Treatment Courts?

The bonds of military service run deep. Veterans have many shared experiences not common among civilians. Research suggests that traditional community services may not be adequately suited to meet the distinct needs of veterans in the criminal justice system.

appear frequently in court for the judge to review their progress, and immediately receive rewards for doing well and sanctions for not living up to their obligations.

Who Participates in a Veterans Treatment Court?

Veterans Treatment Courts involve cooperation and collaboration with traditional partners found in Drug and Mental Health Courts, with the addition of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (Veterans Justice Outreach), Veterans Benefit Administration, state department/agencies of veterans affairs, Vet Center, veterans service organizations, volunteer veteran mentors, and other veteran support organizations.

The American Legion and Veterans Treatment Courts The American Legion provides an extremely valuable service to Veterans Treatment Courts. The American Legion can assist Veterans Treatment Courts by providing Service Officers, mentors, and linkages to federal, state and community veterans’ resources.

In Veterans Treatment Courts, those who served in our nation’s Armed Forces go through the treatment court process with their fellow veterans and are connected to the federal, state and local services that are uniquely designed for the distinct needs that arise from military service.

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code.

Veterans may also be eligible for specific programs and or benefits through their states’ veterans agency to include other agencies due to their veteran’s status.

Many veterans who enter the criminal justice system are unaware of their eligibility in VA programs and services. Veterans often require additional expertise from accredited American Legion Department (State) service officers in navigating the filing and/or appealing of a claim, peer support and guidance.

Veterans Treatment Courts follow the Drug Court model. Veterans Treatment Court participants receive first class treatment and other services they require to get back on track and lead constructive lives, yet they are also held accountable by a judge for meeting their obligations to society, themselves and their families.

Participants are regularly and randomly tested for alcohol/drug use, required to

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NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND

BY STEVEN B. BROOKS

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On the same stage where he was elected the 2021-2022 American Legion national Commander, Texas Legionnaire Paul E. Dillard shared his theme for his year: “No Veteran Left Behind.”

And then he shared why that sentiment is so critical.

“There are many consequences for a veteran who is left behind,” said Dillard, who was elected unanimously by delegates at the organization’s 102nd National Convention. “Isolation, denied benefits, lost opportunity, lack of decent housing or employment are just a few. But the most tragic outcome for a veteran left behind is suicide. We must not let them down. Male, female, Iraq vet, Vietnam vet, Korean vet, World War II vet – it doesn’t matter. We all serve, and we must be there for each other.”

Dillard shared some statistics on veteran suicide that he researched online. “Veterans are at a 50-percent higher risk of suicide than their non-serving peers,” he said.

“More than 114,000 men and women who have served in our armed forces have taken their own lives since 2001. That is nearly double the American lives lost in Vietnam. By 2030, it is estimated that the total of veteran suicides will be 23 times the number of post-9/11 combat deaths.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

UKRAINE

T O O S O O N T O S AY I F M O R E M A R I N E S W I L L DE PL OY TO E U R O P E , C O M M A N DA N T S AY S

BY PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN/STARS AND STRIPES

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The Marine Corps’ top officer said Wednesday that it’s still too early to tell whether more Marines will be sent to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Commandant Gen. David Berger made the comment as the number of U.S. troops on the Continent recently reached 100,000 for the first time in nearly two decades.

Berger spoke to reporters in northern Norway, where he was on hand for the 27-nation Cold Response exercise.

“There are Marines deployed in response to the conflict in Ukraine in many of the same countries (to which the Army has deployed soldiers) in a complementary role,” Berger said.

The number of Marines sent to Europe in that role was unavailable Wednesday. The service does keep about 1,500 Marines stationed in Europe, including a crisis response force stationed in Spain that works with U.S. Africa Command.

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About 3,000 Marines and sailors are on hand for Cold Response, the largest military exercise Norway’s hosted since the end of the Cold War. It has brought together some 30,000 troops from NATO and partner countries for land, sea and air drills that will continue until the beginning of April.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, sparked the deployment of thousands of U.S.-based service members for temporary missions in Europe. Many of those troops were sent to eastern Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine.

The personnel have been deployed to reassure allies, train with host-nation forces and contribute to contingency plans, U.S. European Command said in a statement last week.

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Berger said there are no plans to permanently deploy troops to Norway, which shares a roughly 120-mile border with Russia and has condemned the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine.

But he said the situation remains fluid.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “looks at the posture of all the U.S. military forces, where we are now and where we need to be in the future,” Berger said. “I don’t know how much the war in Ukraine might impact his thinking on that.”

Berger also thanked allies for helping to recover the bodies of four Marines who were killed Friday when their Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed about 25 miles south of Bodoe during training.

Norwegian, British, Dutch and Italian forces sent out search and rescue operations in severe weather to recover the Marines, Berger said, adding that Norwegian special operations forces had moved overland to recover the bodies despite avalanche threats.

“I can’t adequately express how grateful I am to all those nations and their military forces,” Berger said.

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Proud to support the American Legion and Our Veterans in Fresno and Kings County

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND

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commander, Alternate National Executive Committeeman, and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Veterans Employment & Education Commission and the Legislative Commission. He was elected as national vice commander in 2013.

“Each statistic represents a real man, a real woman, and impacts thousands of real families. That is why we must, folks, we must regularly continue our Buddy Checks – not just for past and present members, but for every veteran that we know. If you have any other ideas about what we can stop these tragedies, please share those ideas with your fellow Legionnaires and members of our national staff. There are many important issues facing veterans, but no issue is more important than this: to save a life. Real stories, Real people. No veteran – and I mean no veteran – left behind.”

A Vietnam War U.S. Navy veteran, Dillard joined The American Legion in 1969 and is a paid-up-forlife member of American Legion Post 265 in Lake Kiowa, Texas. He has served in leadership roles on every level of The American Legion, including post and department commander, national vice

Dillard said The American Legion will continue to advance the legacies of veterans “by sharing their love for this country with the next generation. We do this through our youth programs, such as Boys State, Boys Nation, Oratorical, Baseball, Junior Shooting Sports, JROTC and supporting Scouting. We also reach out directly to veterans through our Veterans & Children Foundation, Operation Comfort Warriors, National Emergency Fund, Buddy Checks and many scholarship programs.”

Dillard said when he testifies before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees during the 2022 Washington Conference; he wants to be able to paint a complete picture of what The American Legion does on a large scale.

“In order to give a full report in my testimony of The American Legion, we must strive for a 100-percent Consolidated Post Report,” he said. “I need to report on the hours donated, the monies raised to support our veterans and our programs. Although these are being done at the post level throughout the nation, we must complete the forms. The mission is not completed until the forms are filed.”

As for donations, Dillard said his Commander’s Project will be the Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), which provides vital support for military and veteran parents in unexpected financial crises, and support for American Legion service officers in their efforts to obtain care and earned benefits and opportunities for disabled veterans and their families.

Dillard said his goal is raise $2 million for the VCF, but added “the monies that are raised each year for Operation Comfort Warriors, the National Emergency Fund and the Child Welfare Foundation have been very successful and need to continue to be.”

Dillard said he has conducted one-on-one Zoom meetings with each department to establish membership goals. He’s also issued another challenge: a retention rate of 90 percent for 2021 members. “We must make personal contact to our members to thank them for their continued support of The American Legion by keeping their membership current, and ask them if we can count on them this year,” he said.

“Again insuring ‘No Veteran Left Behind.’”

Dillard has been married to his wife Donna since 1983. They have two children and two grandchildren – all members of the American Legion Family.

Donna served as Department of Texas American Legion Auxiliary president from 2017-2018.

“It is indeed an honor and privilege to be elected as your national commander of this great organization,” Dillard said. “As we continue to build a foundation for the future, we will ensure ‘No Veteran Left Behind.”

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

NATIONAL COMMANDER'S MESSAGE D I P L O M A C Y, S A N C T I O N S B E F O R E D E P L O Y M E N T

BY PAUL E. DILLARD, NATIONAL COMMANDER

WWII. The purpose of NATO has become painfully clear in recent days following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, a democratic, sovereign nation that is not a member of NATO but has aspired to be.

The last unprovoked attack – the likes of which has not been seen in Europe since World War II – has been agonizing. Infuriating as it was – and is – the United States “should exhaust all diplomatic and economic tools at its disposal before utilizing military force” to confront it. That was one key position established last weekend after I called an urgent meeting of The American Legion National Security Commission, composed of veterans who understand war and why it must be avoided, if at all possible, through non-deadly means.

A resolution originating from The American Legion’s Department of North Carolina and advanced by the National Security Commission – “Resolution 1: Statement on Ukraine” – was approved by the National Executive Committee on Monday. The resolution addressed the situation at hand and expressed values worth remembering as the war there continues:

The multi-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed after World War II to establish a “security architecture” that would provide assurances against aggression on the European continent. The deadly conquests of Nazi Germany were fresh on the minds of those nations that agreed to defend one another should attack come from an external force, as Hitler’s Third Reich had been, leading up to and during

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The American Legion believes in a “rules-based international order where the territorial boundaries of any sovereign nation should not be changed by force.”

NATO is an essential element of global and U.S. security “in an increasingly multi-polar world where rising powers have become increasingly adversarial…”

Russia has no role in the “security architecture” of NATO. The Article 5 “mutual defense clause” does not extend to non-NATO countries.

The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war.

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R ' S M E S S AG E

(Continued from Page 28)

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Such were the points The American Legion National Security Commission considered in the resolution, which calls for: “Peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine, in conjunction with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Russian Federation;” A European “security architecture that takes into account the national security interests of all parties;”

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Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Honor (HMO). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。

Y0040_GHHHXCVTE22_AD_M

Non-support for “the deployment of troops for combat operations in defense of non-NATO member countries in connection with the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict;” Urging “the administration to continue the supply of lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukrainian forces;” The “administration and U.S. Congress maintain a strong stance and resist any agreement that could undermine the strategic rationale for the normalization of agreements between NATO, Russia, and Ukraine;” If the administration demands troop deployment, the resolution sets four conditions: U.S. service members should not be deployed in support of combat operations in any theater unless four conditions have been fulfilled: 1. That there will be a clear statement by the president of why it is in our vital national interest to be engaged in a particular operation 2. Guidelines will be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy 3. That Congress is consulted and authorizes the use of military force 4. That it be made clear U.S. forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers It has been said before and is worth saying again. No one hates war more than a veteran who has been in one. We believe in a strong defense capable at any time of protecting Americans and citizens of allied nations. We also know its costs and don’t take lightly any decisions to enter combat – as some nations clearly do – without the right reasons or authority.

H5619-121-000-2022

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2022

VA BLUE BUTTON W H AT I S VA B L U E B U T T O N , A N D H O W C A N I T H E L P M E M A N A G E M Y H E A LT H C A R E ?

VA Blue Button is a feature of the My HealtheVet health management portal. It lets you review, print, save, download, and share information from your VA medical record and personal health record. With this tool, you can better manage your health needs and communicate with your health care team.

V

With VA Blue Button, you can: • Download a customized Blue Button report with information from your VA medical records, personal health record, and in some cases your military service record • D ownload a Health Summary that includes specific information from your VA medical records (like your known allergies, medications, and recent lab results) • B uild your own personal health record that includes information like your self-entered medical history, emergency contacts, and medicines • M onitor your vital signs and track your diet and exercise with our online journals • S hare a digital copy of the personal health information you entered yourself with your VA health care team through secure messaging

Heidi Nunes Plant Manager

Am I eligible to use all the features of VA Blue Button?

You can use all the features of this tool if you meet all of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true. You’re: • Enrolled in VA health care, and • Registered as a patient in a VA health facility

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490 F. Street • Lemoore, CA 93245 Office 559.925.7151 • Mobile 303.518.9574 hnunes@leprinofoods.com

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

IN HONOR OF

MEMORIAl DAY MONDAY, MONDA DAY DA AY MAY A 30 AY

20% off any restaurant ( with VA card or military id )

Discount is valid for one (1) guest per party and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must have a Chukchansi Rewards Club card and a valid government-issued photo ID acceptable to management.

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FOR YOUR SERVICE, COURAGE, AND DEDICATION

WE THANK YOU

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