14th district legionnaire veterans day 2017

14TH DISTRICT

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

LEGION

NAIRE

FRESNO, KINGS AND MADERA COUNTIES

VETERANS DAY 2017

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

COMMANDER’S CORNER

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

COMRADES’ OF THE THUNDERING 14TH DISTRICT I can hardly put in to words the honor and pleasure I am experiencing being re-elected as your District 14 Commander. I am truly humbled by your show of trust and confidence in representing you at the Department Executive Committee level and throughout our District. I will continue to strive to do the best for you and our District as I possibly can.

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With that said, I cannot completely make this a true success without the help of our District Executive Body and you, the JD Bennett blue cap Legionnaires who mingle in our communities daily. It is the individual responsibility of each of us to make the Nation’s first and largest Veterans Service Organization a success. Do you carry American Legion applications with you? In your wallet, briefcase, folders, vehicle or any other place you can stuff a piece of paper? Do you stop a Veteran in the store or on the street that you pass and thank them for their service, then ask if they belong to the American Legion? Do you wear an American Legion shirt or ball cap when you are out and about? These are just a few of the many ways we can recruit. Our district has dropped in the over-all state standings the past year or so. We have the Department Headquarters in our District; we have everything at our disposal, right here in our backyard. Ask yourself…”Am I doing my part, am I doing everything I can to recruit new members into our great organization?"

Hello to the members of ALA District 14.

We are into the new fiscal year, with two district meetings behind us. I am happy to see that our attendance at meetings is growing.

Every Unit President should be attending district meetings to learn about the auxiliary programs, what is going on at the Gloria Jean Sinopoli Department level, when reports are due and what the other units are doing. It is also a good time to brag about your own unit and ask for any help you may need. All the district officers and chairman are here to help you, so ask them!

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e all know that membership is at the forefront of everything we W do. Without members we cannot support our veterans or children and youth programs. So please keep striving to maintain and renew your current members as well as recruit new ones. I would like to see our units attaining their Early Bird quota. First vice president and membership chair, Geni Lefler, handed out some very nice folders on membership at our first meeting that should be very helpful to you.

If you have questions or need help please get in touch with her.

If you did not hear, the American legion made the headlines of every major newspaper, television outlet and radio news network recently. The President of the United States, Donald Trump signed H.R. 457, the VA Appeals Modernization Act of 2017 right on the stage of our National Convention. This has never happened before; no President has ever signed a piece of Veterans legislation on stage of a Veterans Organization convention.

This piece of legislation amends Title 38; United States Code and will greatly enhance the way the appeals process is structured. The intolerable delays will no longer exist and the Veteran or their representative will be able to track the progress of their appeal, get timely updates and receive decisions much quicker.

As I reported at our first district meeting, National will be raising our per capita by $3.00, per member, in 2019. Each unit must decide how you will be handling this increase. If your unit intends to raise dues you must amend your Constitution and Bylaws to reflect the increase. It is an easy fix and must be done.

(Continued on Page 3)

(Continued on Page 3)

Our district meetings are every other month and our next meeting will be on January 6th at the Selma post.I am looking forward to seeing many of you there.I am serving as your District President again this year and am looking forward to visiting each unit. If I have not

PLUS INSIDE Veterans Day History......Page 4

Barbeque 2017............ Page 15

Mardi Gras................... Page 17

DEC New Commander... Page 28 1

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

14TH DISTRICT OFFICERS 2017 – 2018

Commander - JD Bennett, Post 23 Sanger

Post # Post Name & City 0002

Fresno Veterans Home, Fresno

rs be l d m s e oa ai er al Ls line nsf 17 M 7G 7P F Go 1 1 a n U 0 0 0 r % 2 2 P O T 2 33 19 6 1 0 26 78.79 %

0003 Hanford, Hanford

275

169

38

41

1 249

90.55 %

0004 Fresno, Fresno

46

23

11

3

0

80.43 %

2nd Vice Commander - Andy Reeve, Post 191 Kingsburg

0011 Madera, Madera

189

117

30

21

3 171 90.48 %

3rd Vice Commander - Derek Jones, Post 509 Fresno

0012 Selma, Selma

92

57

23

4

10 94 102.17 %

0023 William Lee Netzer, Sanger

81

78

3

1

0

82 101.23 %

0035 Reedley, Reedley

68

39

11

2

0

52

0036 Raisin, Parlier

12

11

1

1

0

13 108.33 %

0038 Fresno Star, Fresno

27

21

7

1

0

29 107.41 %

0055 Easton, Fresno

47

25

12

4

0

41

0100 Lemoore, Lemoore

144

79

15

39

6 139 96.53 %

0110 Oakhurst, Oakhurst

125

78

8

20

0 106 84.80 %

0144 Gerald Thomas, Corcoran

15

11

2

0

0

0147 Cecil Cox, Clovis

459

233

54 100 11 398 86.71 %

Service Officer - Gerald Green, Post 511 Fresno

0159 Lee E. Doyal Bicentennial, Piedra

32

11

1

5

0

17

53.13 %

Chaplain - Tom Skypeck

0191 Kingsburg, Kingsburg

32

12

5

4

0

21

65.63 %

Historian - Karen Balske, Post 147

0226 Orange Cove, Orange Cove

23

18

2

1

0

21

91.30 %

0245 Edward L. Griffin, Fowler

28

29

1

0

0

30 107.14 %

0355 Westland, Kerman

40

30

4

4

0

38

0509 Fresno Federal, Fresno

661

485

44

90

7 626 94.70 %

0511 State Center, Fresno

34

19

3

0

0

22

64.71 %

0594 George Van Vleet, Jr., Fresno

69

42

5

2

0

49

71.01 %

0621 Squaw Valley, Miramonte

56

39

4

16

2

61 108.93 %

1st Vice Commander - Les Chappel, Post 621 Squaw Valley

Sgt at Arms - Jim McClurg, Post 509 Fresno Finance Officer - Sarah Rolin, Post 621 Squaw Valley Executive Committee: Henry Lopez, Post 509 Fresno Jason Longcor, Post 110 Oakhurst Barbara Lowe, Post 509 Fresno Adjutant - Fran Kilgore, Post 147 Clovis Judge Advocate - John 'Doc' Bart, Post 23 Sanger

14TH AUXILIARY OFFICERS

District 14 Total

1st Vice President – Geni Lefler 2nd Vice President – Debbie Hurado

Treasurer – Sandra Urban-Felix Chaplain – Barbara Novak

2

13

76.47 %

87.23 %

86.67 %

95.00 %

2,588 1,645 290 360 44 2,335 90.22 %

President – Gloria Jean Sinopoli

Secretary – Sandra Johnson

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Academy Feed & Animal Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties C OM MA N DE R ' S C ORN E R

(Continued from Page 1) All Post Commanders: Please be aware the Department of California is going automated. All annual forms required to be submitted to Department will need to be filed on line this coming year.

The Post Certification of Officers, Consolidated Post Report and Annual Audit will be required to be submitted via Department website. It will be under the resources tab.

Fees will still be accepted by snail mail for the District.

The following is the remainder of the year scheduled District meetings: Nov. 4 – Department Headquarters (Hosted by Post 621) – Lunch at 1400/Meeting at 1500 Jan. 6 – Post 12 Selma – Lunch 1200/Meeting 1300 Mar. 3 – Post 3 Hanford - Lunch 1200/Meeting 1300 May 5 – Post 110 Oakhurst - Lunch 1200/Meeting 1300 June 2 – Post 509 Fresno – Caucus 1100/Lunch 1200/Voting 1300 I look forward to another successful year. Thank you again for reposing your trust in my leadership.

God bless America! God bless our Troops! God bless each of you!

JD Bennett Commander District 14

PR ESIDE N T' S ME SS AG E

THANK YOU to our

BRAVE VETERANS

Sun-Maid Growers of California

(Continued from Page 1) already made an official visit to your unit or not scheduled one please contact me to set one up. It is painless and actually is fun to hear about all the things we accomplish.

We are a small district and some of our units are small also but we do good work for our veterans, children and our communities. Veteran’s Day is coming up, so many of us will be at parades, dinners and at our Post’s various activities. Please celebrate and honor our veterans and military. They have made and are making tremendous sacrifices for us and our great country.

13525 S. Bethel Avenue Kingsburg, CA 93631

www.sunmaid.com ©2016 SUN-MAID GROWERS OF CALIFORNIA

I wish you all a happy holiday season. Happy Halloween, Veteran’s day, Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year!!

Yours in service, Gloria Jean Sinopoli District 14 Auxiliary President

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 H I S T O RY O F

VETERANS DAY W

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11,1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all 4

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

1ST VICE

COMMANDER My name is Anthony Aguilar and I am a member of the American Legion and Sons of Legion currently holding an executive position as a vice commander for the sons of Legion Post 509 in Fresno, California. I would like to take a Anthony Aguilar moment to share a little about myself, I graduated from Antioch High School located in the Bay area in 1990, in my junior year I attended California Boys State. The Boys State organization supports a program for youth with an interest in government leadership. I joined the Army at seventeen with my parents’ consent and enrolled in Infantry school, completed the program, and finished my service in the Army National Guard. While fulfilling my commitment to the National Guard I also pursued my education at California State University Fresno.

I was called into deployment during the Desert Storm conflict. In 1992, I was called to duty in the Federal service for the Los Angeles Riots, in which a verdict on a police brutality case was read and South-Central Los Angeles erupted in a civil uprising. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army, I sought

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a career in Law Enforcement that spanned for over 12 years. Unfortunately, due to an injury, I was forced to retire and in 2009 I was medically retired from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department.

I found the American Legion after retiring and joined in 2013, the Legion has offered me an opportunity to give back to the military which has afforded me a great starting point in my life. I appreciate that the American Legion and provides a multitude of community outreach events giving us as a body of retired military personnel a chance to support and provide for our country that we respect and esteem so much.

In my time as the vice commander of the Sons of Legion Post509, we have seen an approximately 40% increase in membership for the 2018 fiscal year. The goal of the Sons of Legion is to get more descendants of those who served our great nation and give an opportunity to honor those who came before them by serving and supporting our community.

Anthony Aguilar First Vice Commander Squadron 509 Sons of the American Legion

PROPERT Y OWNERS AIM TO HELP FRESNO'S

HOMELESS VETS

BY CORY JAMES

Close to 40 landlords interested in housing homeless veterans showed up to the event Friday to help take homeless veterans off the street and help clean up Fresno while doing it.

Playing badminton holds new meaning for Bobbi May because after being homeless for five years, the Navy veteran is now hitting the birdie in front of her own home for the first time.

Since 2011, May and her two kids have been couch surfing," It was horrible," she said.

She gave a tour of the new place they moved into just two days ago. It's an apartment she was able to get with the help of the VA and the San Joaquin Valley Veterans. "They're paying for my first, my last and my security deposit," May explained. "After that, then I'm receiving a grant that pays between three and nine months of my total rent.

Both organizations were at a meeting Friday for landlords to teach them about funding opportunities available to get homeless veterans off the street. May's landlord was there.

She houses six veterans and says homelessness is a serious problem here. "I wanted to educate myself so we could open up our units to help the rest of the population," the landlord said.

It's a move May appreciates as she celebrates being in her new home. "No one else would give me a chance," she said. "And I really believe that we deserve that chance."

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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office 559.225.1700 cell 559.286.9621 fax 559.261.9553 jwilliams@suncrestbank.com

BROTHER'S KEEPER

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Trying to preserve the memory of the service and sacrifices of our deceased as well as living veterans and those currently serving in our military continues to be at the top of my list of chaplain responsibilities. A recent trip I had to Hawaii with my wife reinforced this aspect of my Legion duties.

T

From our visit to Pearl Harbor and the airfield on Ford Island, I learned that the sailors whose Thomas Skypeck remains have remained with the Arizona are still considered to be on active duty. Then there is the Army Museum at Fort DeRussy that recognizes the challenges of that service's soldiers and airmen in the Pacific Theater. On a lighter note, a big "Thank you for your service." to personnel of all ranks and service branches as well as retirees and their families is clearly evident at the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach, one of the Defense Department's premiere R&R locations. Further, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (aka The VA) endeavors to meet medical and other needs of our veterans.

The above examples are aptly echoed by Christian Scripture (Genesis 4:9), for one, when God asks Cain "where is your brother Abel?" and Cain answers the question with a question: "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Truly, we ARE all our brothers' keepers. We owe it to those our organization represents to foster and support those efforts and programs that bring us together as an association of servicemen (and women) sharing a common purpose in our efforts for God and country.

May God bless all of you.

Thomas Skypeck District Chaplain 14th District

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 FRESNO

ORATORICAL PROGRAM

BY FRAN KILGORE, DEPARTMENT ORATORICAL CHAIRMAN

Plans have been made and dates have been set. This year the Department of California’s High School Oratorical finals will be held at the Clovis Memorial Veterans District in Clovis.

P

The Department of CA contest has been set for Sunday, March 4th at 1 p.m. I will be providing local hotel information in the next issue for the many out of towners who will be attending.

Fran Kilgore

The purpose of this article is to remind you that the time to plan your Post contest is NOW. Post contests need to be held in December or January. The District 14 contest will be held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District on Sunday, February 4th. The Area Three contest will be held, same location, on February 25th. This allows all documentation to be completed by the March 4th date for finals.

This is a very rewarding program, please consider holding a contest at your post. I will be glad to help you plan and facilitate a contest if you have never held one before.

If you are outside the Area Three, I will list all Area Commissioners so you will know who the one in your Area is. Do not hesitate to call them if you need information. Or you can call me, 559-977-8053.

Area 1 Smokey Davis Area 2 Alan Hale

smoky95692@att.net toodarnbusy@earthlink.net

530-633-2463 650-359-3277

Area 3 Fran Kilgore

fran58@hotmail.com

559-977-8053

Area 4 Byron Hobbis

bhobbis@gmail.com

562-941-5798

Area 5 Robbie Ogan

Robinogan@yahoo.com

909-809-2719

V E T E R A N S A F FA I R S D E N TA L INSURANCE PROGRAM

VADIP

BY SCOTT HOWELL

Delta Dental has recently announced their selection to continue as the dental benefits administrator for the VADIP Program through December 31, 2021. Below is a summary: • T here will be no change in VADIP eligibility requirements.

VADIP will continue to be available to Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and eligible beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA). An estimated 8.7 million Veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries are eligible to enroll in the VADIP. • E nrollment Starts Again on November 15, 2017 Any Veteran interested in enrolling in the VADIP can begin enrolling on November 15, 2017 for coverage to begin on December 1, 2017.

• I ntroducing the Delta Dental VADIP Prime Plan Veterans should consider the new Delta Dental VADIP Prime Plan for an increased level of coverage for major procedures included with basic levels of care. Full Prime plan coverage details will be posted on our website by November 15.

• C urrent Delta Dental VADIP Enrollees Receive Continued Coverage

Under the new contract, current VADIP enrollees in the Enhanced and Comprehensive plans will be able to continue their benefits with Delta Dental without disruption.

• D elta Dental VADIP Standard Plan is coming to an end Current Delta Dental VADIP Standard Plan enrollees will be notified that their plan is ending on December 31, 2017. They will be able to enroll in one of the other Delta Dental VADIP plans (Enhanced, Comprehensive or Prime) beginning on November 15, 2017 and up until December 31, 2017, with a plan effective date of January 1, 2018.

Delta Dental is currently updating their VADIP website in preparation to begin taking enrollments on November 15, 2017 and communicate to Veterans about these new and continuing dental benefits.

For more info go to deltadentalins.com/feds.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

VETERAN SUICIDES V E T E R A N S G AT H E R E D T O S U P P O R T B I L L T H AT W I L L T R A C K V E T E R A N S U I C I D E I N C A L I F O R N I A

BY CORY JAMES

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Military Police Veteran Norbie Lara knows the danger that comes with protecting our country and serving overseas. In 2004, while in Iraq, he was injured when the vehicle he was in was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade.

"Which took my arm, my lieutenant's left arm — she was sitting right behind me."

But Lara says the risk of returning home is often just as bad as being out on the battlefield, because for some it is a homecoming that ends in suicide.

"I lost a buddy, Tim, to suicide and I attempted to take my life a couple times."

Because of that, Lara is a supporter of this new bill — AB 242. The bill will require the State Department of Public Health to collect data on veteran suicides and report it to the legislature and the Department of Veteran Affairs each year.

Assemblyman Jim Patterson and Dr. Joaquin Arambula proposed it together.

"Getting ahead of the suicide, getting help when it's needed, not after it's too late, and I think this is a good first step," said Patterson.

And Arambula, an emergency room doctor, believes help starts with having adequate data to provide support.

"I believe we're able to start dealing with the mental health and substance abuse that comes from the trauma people are exposed to when they are at war."

It is a bipartisan effort that Lara says is life-saving, because he feels the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day is one too many.

"I feel like if I had the support system in place then I would have never attempted that and by the grace of God I'm still here."

Currently data on veteran suicide is collected by county coroner’s, but that information is not being used by the state to help come up with ways to improve suicide prevention outreach and other programs.

Today, and every day, we honor our fallen soldiers and their families with our heartfelt thanks. We also thank all service members, veterans and their families for their contributions and service to our country.

—Council President Paul Caprioglio, District 4 City of Fresno

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

3RD VICE

COMMANDER As your District Third Vice Commander, I am tasked with raising money through activities within the District. The first fundraising activity will be a BINGO game to raise funds for VA&R.

A

Derek Jones

Since 1971

The money collected for the buy-in will go directly to the fundraiser activity. There is room for 135players.

The game will be held at Fresno Federal Post 509, 3509 N. First Street, Fresno, CA, on November 5, 2017, 2-6 p.m.

Supper will be hamburgers, fries, coleslaw, and dessert at a cost of $7.00. There will be limited alternative burgers for non-meat eaters. The bar will be no-host. There will be no cash awards – prizes are gift baskets. This event will be open to the public, the American Legion Family (Legion; Auxiliary; SAL; Riders).

Remember, all proceeds will go directly to VA&R. Hope to see you there.

Thanks for your support.

Derek Jones 3rd Vice Commander

(559) 291-5220 2970 N. Clovis Ave., Fresno ClovisAveSelfStorageCA.com

Visa • MasterCard • American Express • Discover

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 POST 509

PEDDLER FAIR

BY MATTHEW AVILEZ, S.A.L., DETACHMENT 509

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One of Fresno Federal 509’s community service projects is their Peddler’s Faire. This is truly a Post Family event that brings together our Post, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders with a variety of local merchants and crafts persons for a great sales opportunity and some good R&R time at the snack bar. Our usual schedule is about eight events per year — monthly Faire dates September through December allow vendors to sell their Halloween to Christmastime wares, then February through May cover Valentines to Mother’s Day. As we are blessed with a large building including two hall that we rent out for private parties, our schedules are determined by the rental calendar. The Post provides the halls as dates are available, and the last several years our Squadron has hosted the events. The snack bar is manned by one of the family groups providing a variety of menus for either breakfast or lunch fare.

O

One-half of our usual vendors are crafts persons selling their handmade and custom designs including aprons, banners, cement statuary, dolls & clothing, decor, jewelry, photo plates, t-shirts, wreaths, and so much more. As well, a variety of foodstuffs like candies, jams, jellies, salsas are likely to be found. Then, we always have a great variety of antiques, repurposed goods, toys & collectibles and the like. The other half are a variety of direct sales vendors with accessories, books, cosmetics, housewares, jewelry, skin care, and more. Finally, we always allow our fellow veteran organizations and community organizations that serve our veterans and military to have space to showcase their products & programs.

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One new item we’ve added are Farmer’s Market vendors. We’ve invited many of our local produce vendors to come out and sell their fresh food goods — we’re excited to see if this works since it has the potential to double our foot traffic and will benefit all our vendors at the same time!

We welcome all of you to come sell, shop, eat and support Fresno Federal 509!

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PO Box 1122

Hanford, CA 93232-1122 FAX: (559) 582-7632

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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3566 W. Shaw Avenue, Fresno | (559) 271-1577 13

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

KINGS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 'ÙÊçÄ ó ã Ù Z « Ù¦ ͻ t ã Ù ç ã®ÊÄ ͻ t ã Ù ÊÄÝ Ùò ã®ÊÄ Since 1954, the District has served the northeastern 143,000 acres of Kings County by purchasing available ditch stock to keep precious surface water in the area. �he District also monitors local groundwater condi�ons and develops projects / programs to use as much surface water as possible to keep our groundwater resources reliable.

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties POST 621

BARBEQUE 2017 American Legion Post 621 under the leadership of Post Commander Frank Blankenship spent a couple of days spreading cheer and smiles at the CALVET Veterans Home in Fresno California.

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On 16 June 2017, during the height of the California heat wave, Post 621 Commander, Service Officer Andrej Romanenko, Adjutant Donna Puckett and Past Commander Steve Kleffman and members of Post 621 Auxiliary travFrank Blankenship elled to the CALVET Veterans Home to make and distribute cheer in the form of flavored snow cones. As a community project, Post 621 contacted Volunteer Services coordinators Whitney Fisher-Doyle and Jean Almeda not only to make and distribute snow cones but to donate the snow cone machine to the CAL-VET Fresno Veterans Home. The snow cone machine is currently being used by volunteers on Fridays dispensing snow cones and smiles to CAL-VET residents.

More than 120 snow cones were made and consumed on one of the hottest days of the year much to the delight of all who turned out. Many veteran residents and some staff commented that it had been 20 or 30 years since they last had a snow cone. It was wonderful to see so many happy and smiling faces with memories of by gone years.

Following that event Post 621 once again gathered together with coordination with Volunteer Services and arrived on 12 August,2017 and held a BBQ. This time Post 621 cooked and served 120 hamburgers/cheese burgers and 120 hotdogs and cold water and chips.

Post 621 was joined by the Mountain Rodeo association of Squaw Valley. Shane Gibbs of The MRA fired up the grill and was assisted by Rodeo Royalty contestants to help serve any and all personnel who were using walkers and wheelchairs. Their presence was greatly appreciated and made a wonderful addition of community youth involvement.

Mrs Sherian Eckenrod took charge of the snow cone machine as she does on most Fridays. She introduced us to her husband Gerry Eckenrod, a CALVET resident. Wheelchair bound,100 year old Gerry Eckenrod, smartly dressed enjoyed the outdoor event.

Mr. Eckenrod took part at Normandy Beach landing and is a former POW. It was a pleasure to meet Gerry and all the CALVET residents and the supporting staff.

Post 621 was more than happy to bring smile on the many veterans who reside at the facility.

Frank Blankenship Candidate for Department Commander 2017-18

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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A L I T T L E TA S T E O F

MARDI GRAS During my travels to Louisiana I was fortunate to be part of the Early Bird Party.

I have never been to Mardi Gras in Louisiana in February where they hold it in Baton Rouge, LA. From television and newspaper articles, it is a must to be done. Lots of laughs and loads of fun.

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As I mentioned I went to the Early Bird Party at the 40 & 8 National Promenade. I was expecting the Mildred Wright-Pearson usual scene - appetizers, talk, and drinking. I was wrong. As I sat near the door, ready to make my exit at the earliest convenience, in came the Party.

They had all kinds of decorated dress, carrying beads, parasols, and baskets. Everyone was decorated with beads of all colors, shapes, and lengths. There was plenty to eat and an open bar. During the event, they performed a grand march around the room and invited everyone to join the march. It really was a joyous event for all.

In asking questions, I was informed that each person makes their own outfit. Some of them costs hundreds of dollars to make. In was also informed that the group is called The Krewe of Elders. They are based out of Shreveport, LA, an does this year round as a fundraiser.

In researching this online, they are a Shreveport area non-profit organization for individuals who are 50 and older. It is for low-cost Mardi Gras participation. I met their Queen and King (Pam and Michael Brown). It was very informative and fun. A lot of their activities they have during the Mardi Gras season visiting those in hospitals, and nursing homes.

The individuals who were part of our Mardi Gras were Wanda Cunnningham - who provided me a lot of my information; Vlema Johnson; George Kalmabch; Doug and Connie Rivet; Julia Collins (Captain); Troy McGee; Lois Brigham, and Pam and Michael Brown (Queen and King). They truly gave us an experience in Mardi Gras – one I will not forget.

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson Grand Directeur Child Welfare 40 & 8

ABOUT US The Krewe of Elders is a Mardi Gras non-profit incorporated organization for people 50 and older located in Shreveport, LA. The Krewe was formed in 1998. The Krewe's function is to help provide a "budget friendly" way to be part of the fun and excitement that Mardi Gras brings to our area.

During the Mardi Gras season we visit nursing homes, children's hospitals, and veterans hospitals. In order to keep our Krewe going we have fund raisers that include cook outs, fish fries, barbecues and dances. We have a Coronation Ball and a Grand Ball. All the members will have an opportunity to ride on the Krewe's float in the Highland parade.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

ASSESSING MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR PTSD

The United States D r u g Enforcement Administration (DEA) has given formal approval to a controlled clinical trial to study the effectiveness of whole-plant cannabis as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) in military veterans, the California-based non-profit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies(MAPS) has reported as of April,1016.

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Combat veterans have an especially high propensity for PTSD and statistics show that about one out of every five military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan experience it. Given that cannabis is prohibited on a federal level, veterans have been treated with antidepressants and antipsychotics – medications that have had little success in treating severe PTSD symptoms but also causing a slew of deleterious side effects.

Many being treated in this way suffered from lethargy

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and depression and found themselves incapable of accomplishing the most banal of day-to-day activities and found it hard to hold down a civilian job.

Recent discoveries in the study of the endocannabinoid system, our bodies therapeutic hotspot, are yielding entire new avenues leading to the understanding and treatment of PTSD. Researchers have found that people with PTSD had lower levels of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid compound, compared with those who did not show signs of PTSD. In other words, one pillar of PTSD is an endocannabinoid deficiency: the body stops producing enough endocannabinoids to fill its own receptor sites. This is where marijuana plays a therapeutic role by replacing missing endocannabinoids in the nervous system. Researchers believe that cannabis-based pharmaceuticals may bring PTSD patients relief from their memories.

One veteran commented, “I have been treated by the VA for PTSD and MST for the last 14 years with benzodiazepines and antidepressants with ZERO results. It only compounded the problem. I am reluctant to tell the VA that I want to get the hell off these killer drugs

as I fear they might take my comp from me.”

Veterans are increasingly turning to the benefits of medical cannabis as an effective alternative to opioid-based and other antipsychotic medications to treat chronic pain and PTSD. The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs reported a greater than 75 percent reduction on a scale of post-traumatic symptom scores following cannabis therapy. In recent months, both the AMERICAN LEGION and AMVETS have resolved in favor of patient access to cannabis therapy.

The myriad of problems caused by PTSD cannot be fully unraveled by any medication but for some, cannabis has proven to provide respite where other therapies have not. Despite the strong need for the development of more effective PTSD treatments without the crippling side effects that waylay so many veterans, the promising option of pharmaceutical cannabis has been continually dismissed by government-backed research organizations.

PTSD patients are advised to first consult a medical professional before treating symptoms with cannabis.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

VETERANS QUESTION A N S W E R E D B Y T RUM P

BY ANGELA HART

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President Donald Trump on Wednesday bolstered his nationalist agenda before a group of admiring veterans gathered for the American Legion’s national convention and promised a stronger military to “win” the war in Afghanistan.

But days after he announced the U.S. would send 4,000 more American troops to the country, many veterans supportive of Trump questioned the broader strategy to retain a strong military presence in the Middle East.

“He’s been supportive of our military, and that’s something we haven’t had the last eight years,” said JD Bennett, a veteran from Fresno who served in the Marines from 1979 to 1985 and later retired from the Air Force.

Still, Bennett cast doubt on the mission in Afghanistan, and sending more soldiers to fight the wars in the Middle East.

“Do I think we’re going to make a difference?” he asked. “No.” “I hope we get the heck out of there as soon as possible,” said Gil Desmeules, 63, of Carson. “Get our boys home.”

'Time to heal the wounds that divide us,' Trump tells American Legion Speaking to the American Legion's annual convention in Reno on Aug, 23, 2017, President Donald Trump called for unity in the nation and vowed to give the military to tools it needs to prevail in Afghanistan.

McClatchy In his speech, Trump sought to strike a tone of unity, one day after riling his base with a more combative tone at a campaign-style rally in Arizona.

“It is time to heal the wounds that have divided us, and to seek a new unity based on the common values that unite us,” Trump said. “We are one people, with one home, and one flag.”

He added: “We are not defined by the color of our skin, the figure on our paycheck or the party of our politics,” Trump continued.

His comments came more than a week after violent protests in Charlottesville, Va., left one person dead. Trump didn’t immediately rebuke far-right extremist groups at the rally, further propelling the feeling of some that he is emboldening the actions of white supremacists.

Outside, hundreds of protesters denounced Trump’s divisive rhetoric many said fanned the flames of hatred, giving white supremacists a platform to spread their message of white nationalism.

(Continued on Page 28) 22

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

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

TERRY M. TILLEY, MMCM T HA N K YO U S T E R L I N G & S M I T H FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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Terry M. Tilley" MMCM, United States Navy retired, passed away on November 5. 2016. On April 28.2017, a burial with full military honors took place at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington. VA.

We would like to thank Sterling & Smith Funeral Directors for everything they have done for us and our Navy veteran. I am sure most funeral home owners and employees show sympathy, Concern and kindness to the bereaved. This funeral chapel met that expectation and more.

I spoke with Rosie at Sterling and Smith a' week before Terry died. I asked many questions 'which included the daily rate to keep Terry with them five or six months until his funeral at Arlington. She spoke with 'Ron and Tony and told me there would not be a daily rate and they said it would be their honor to keep Terry with them as long as needed.

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I let Terry know he would be entrusted to Sterling & Smith until he went to Arlington.

I also told him Ron and Tony Smith said it would be their honor to keep him at their funeral chapel and that they thank him and all veterans and military for their service to this country.

Terry lost his battle with ALS on November 5, '2016. I called Tony and Sterling & Smith took over from there. Rosie did the customary and Arlington arrangements with us which included options, details, and pricing. She was able to do this without making it feel like a business.

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On many occasions throughout this lengthy process. Ron and Tony continued to express to me their ap- preciation and respect for the military and veterans of this country.

Words cannot express our gratitude to Sterling. & Smith Funeral Directors for everything they have done for us and our veteran and Terry thanks you too.

From the family of MMCM Terry M Tilley. U.S. Navy retired.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 VETERANS CORNER

DEPLETED URANIUM

BY JOHNATHON CLINKSCALES

Depleted Uranium (DU) is what is left over after Uranium is processed. DU has most of its radioactivity taken out during processing. DU is 40% less radioactive than natural uranium. Because of its density and low cost, DU is used by the U.S. military to make armor on tanks. DU is the best metal to use in armor to protect service men and women. It is also used to harden projectiles because DU munitions penetrate targets better. The first time DU was used by the US on a large scale was during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990's.

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DU cannot cause harm as long as it stays out of the body. Just being in the area of intact tanks or supplies made with DU will not result in exposure. In order to pose a risk to your health, "exposure" to a substance means that there must be a source and that it gets into the body. Even when DU munitions are fired close by, DU in the air is not a health threat as long as the metal stays out of the body. Exposure to DU only occurs if it gets into the body via metal fragments or dust-like particles that are inhaled into the lungs, are swallowed, or become embedded under the skin (shrapnel).

Exposure to DU is the highest for service members who served in the Gulf War, Bosnia and Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom, near fires or explosions involving DU munitions or armor. If DU shrapnel enters the body, it could remain in the body.

DU particles can also be inhaled and taken into the body through smoke from burning DU-armored vehicles or exploded DU munitions. If you believe you may have been exposed to DU, contact your VA primary care provider or this office.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license and also issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Scott Holwell if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits, call or visit our office.

We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Scott Holwell, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call (559)852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

VA H O S P I TA L P O S T

VISITATION LIST 2017 Month Date

Post

January

Sunday 15

Squaw Valley

621 Sq Valley

February

Sunday 12

Terra Bella

779 Terra Bella

March

Sunday 12

Easton

055 Fresno

April

Sunday 16 (Easter)

Lemoore

100 Lemoore

May

Sunday 21 (BBQ)

Selma

012 Selma

June

Sunday 18 Fathers’ Day

Cecil B Cox

147 Clovis

July

Sunday 16

Hanford

003 Hanford

August

Sunday 13

Wm L Netzer

023 Sanger

September Sunday 17

Oakhurst

110 Oakhurst

October

Fresno Federal

509 Fresno

November Sunday 19

Fresno

004 Fresno

December Sunday 1

Madera

011 Madera

Sunday 05 (BBQ)

ATTENTION ALL PARTICIPATING POSTS + All visits start at 1300 (1:00 pm) in the Fresno VA Hospital’s Main Hospital Lobby.

Mike J. Kochergen • (559) 498-8378 • mike@allvalleyenv.com

+ Canteen books should be paid for in advance by the visiting Post (150.00). + You will be contacted prior to your visitation as a courtesy reminder. Please make checks payable to VAVS and mail the check/money order to Mildred S. Wright-Pearson, VAVS Representative, PO Box 233, Tranquillity, CA, at least one week before visitation. (See telephone contact number above). As a courtesy, you can present a check for the Canteen Books at the date of visitation.

Thank you for your cooperation in visiting our veterans. You are truly appreciated by the veterans and the Veterans Administration Hospital staff.

It is a pleasure working with you and representing you at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Fresno.

VAVS Committee

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

Firebaugh Police Dept.

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Robert Q. Bergstrom Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

VAVS NEWS

VA V O L U N TA RY S E R V I C E

There are many thing happening in VAVS. The Fresno VA Hospital’s Volunteer Services is updating the Walk of Honor.

Soon, new names will appear on the walls for viewing. There will be a dedication ceremony coming soon. Attendance is voluntary but it will be a great event for veterans past and present. Thank you for your service veterans. Thank you for your support families of veterans.

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Mildred Wright-Pearson

Chaplain Rommerein from the VA Hospital has launched a 12 week program for veterans and their families to help reduce the number of suicides within our ranks. You will be able to view the flyer provided on this topic.

There seems to be some disconnect for the annual VAVS Visitation Schedule. The schedule for the year comes out in December for the entire year. What I am finding is newly elected Commanders are not being informed about their upcoming visit.

To reduce the confusion on everyone’s part, I will be sending out the schedule in December and again in June. Once again, if there is a need to make some changes, please let me know as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.

We continue to have our semi-annual BBQ at the Community Living Center. It is always held in May and October. It is included on your Visitation Schedule and announced at District meetings. Every Post is welcome to attend and enjoy the day.

When it is called a District function, which it is, everyone – Post, Unit, Squadron, and ALR - can attend, represent, and be a part of the event. The current schedule is listed in this paper.

I want to thank all of you who support this District 14 program. It would not exist without your cooperation and dedication to the welfare of veterans in the Central Valley and its outlying areas.

For God and Country Mildred S. Wright-Pearson VAVS Representative District 14

1824 Fulton Street Fresno, CA 93721 Ph: (559) 237-9111

Veterans Welcome!

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 OUTPOST 14

DEC

PCC

NEW COMMANDER

PA S T C O M M A N D E R S C L U B Outpost 14 of the Past Commanders Club had its first meeting in a while on September 2, 2017, at Fresno Federal Post 509. At the meeting we initiated a new member: Lee Martinez, Past Commander of Fresno Federal Post 509. Welcome to the Club. As in keeping with tradition, Commander Martinez was voted in as the Second Vice for the Club.

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For those of you who do not know, the Past Commanders Club works to help new Commanders in learning to perform their duties. We also support a program that provides scholarships to LVN students. You might remember a student receiving her final check at a District Meeting held in Kerman, CA. Mildred Wright-Pearson

If you are a Past Commander and do not belong to this elite organization, contact any Past Commander with a gavel pin on their cap to find out how to join. The State Past Commanders Club State Board will be held November 17-19, 2017, at Fresno Federal Post 509. There will be many Past Commanders who are also Past Department officers who will be present. You are welcome to attend whether Past Commander or Post Legionnaire.

As your current Outpost 14 President, I extend an invitation to all Past Commanders, current and past, to become involved in this worthwhile Club.

On a final note, my prayers to out for Art Castro, our Department Commander who resigned due to poor health, and his family in their hour of need. God Bless You.

VETE R A NS QU E STIONS

For God and Country

“I grew up in Germany. I was taught in German schools about Hitler. I’ve read Mein Kampf … so many of the things he does are right out of the Hitler text book,” said Insel Angus, 60, an Army veteran who lives in Reno. “Denouncing the media, inciting hatred, dividing people.”

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson President Outpost 14

OUTPOST 14 MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES Name

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Unit Position

(Continued from Page 22)

Anti-Trump protesters held signs that read “alt-right is all wrong,” “quit using our veterans as props,” and “No Nazis, no KKK.” Sam Palomares, 22, and Everett George, 25, both of Fallon, Nev., carried signs protesting neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan sympathizers. They said they were disturbed by the violence in Charlottesville.

Contact

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson 509

President

Mswp48@gmail.com

James McClurg

509

1st Vice President

Mcclurg1@sbcglobal.net

Lee Martinez

509

2nd Vice President

Lee.post509@gmail.com

Lewis Edwards

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Secretary-Treasurer lewisedwards@att.net

James Leyser

4

State Board

histotec@yahoo.com

Anthony Guerrero

147

SGT-At-Arms

Angpc14@yahoo.com

John Hernandez

509

Chaplain

Hernande3488@att.net

Ellen McClurg

147

Associate

ellen@style-line.net

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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VETERANS CARE

FINANCIAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2017 Legion testifies on Veteran’s financial protection legislation

BY JOHNATHON CLINKSCALES

American Legion National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division Assistant Director Alex Zhang testified before Congress on Sept. 13 to give the Legion’s position on pending legislation.

Many times veterans are preyed upon by less than scrupulous organizations looking for a quick buck, Zhang said. These veterans are often in nursing homes or living paycheck to paycheck.

The hearing, held by the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, took place at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Witnesses spoke on three separate panels which included members of the House representatives, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) officials, as well as five veterans service organizations.

The American Legion supports H.R. 3122 and any legislation that aims to stop scams targeting veterans, he said.

“The American Legion recently assisted a homeless veteran who incurred a large debt after the VA removed her dependents from her benefits retroactively to 2005,” he said. “Due to her homelessness, she was unable to receive the VA’s letter advising her of the debt. Because she was unaware of her options, such as a repayment plan, the VA began recovery of the debt by garnishing all of her VA compensation.

“We owe it to the men and women who protected this country by defending them from organizations that thrive on scams targeting veterans,” Zhang said." We applaud Congressman Matt Cartwright for spearheading this initiative.”

“This went on for about a year before we were able to intervene and assist. It’s stories like this that show the importance of this draft bill. We cannot treat debt collection issues by looking at veterans as ones and zeros on a line item."

The Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017, currently a draft bill, spells out the steps a debt collector should follow when attempting to collect debt a veteran has incurred.

If a veteran owes the VA money, Zhang said they should repay, but should at least be treated with dignity and properly informed of their rights before collection starts. Many of these issues can be avoided if the VA remembers that veterans are humans with real-life issues, he said.

Zhang testified on the Legion’s behalf regarding H.R. 3122, the Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2017.

“H.R. 3122 is a step in a positive direction for veterans as it helps to create protections to prevent or minimize financial scams directed at veterans who are surviving on a minimal salary," Zhang said. “H.R. 3122 also creates a national standard directed by the GAO to other federal agencies to follow the guidelines set in this law.”

According to Zhang, this is a necessary precaution as there are many veterans who are unable to fully grasp the magnitude of correspondences sent to their home, or in many instances, never received a letter regarding a collection of debt.

“They are not the enemy and should not be treated as such,” Zhang said.

(Continued on Page 30)

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 OF F IC E R G U I DE U N I F OR M C A P S (Continued from Page 29) Zhang also addressed H.R. 1900, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act. This bill would designate the Veterans Memorial and Museum, currently being constructed in Columbus, Ohio, as a national museum.

Similar to the Legion, the museum has a four-pillar mission. These pillars, Zhang said, would represent the American veteran with profound respect by honoring them; connecting them to the civilian population; inspiring others to serve; and educating the youth about what these men and women have done for America.

“Truth be told, they raised over $75 million and are currently in the construction process of what looks to be a beautiful and thoughtful memorial," Zhang said.

“The American Legion wholeheartedly supports H.R. 1900.”

The museum is scheduled to open in summer of 2018

W E

A R E

C O M F O R T

K E E P E R S

W W W . C O M F O R T K E E P E R S . C O M

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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cares

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2/10/17 3:06 PM

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

FOOTBALL

' L I M P- W R I S T E D L I B S ' H AV E R U I N E D F O O T B A L L Echoing many media-phobic NFL owners, Robert Kraft, in defending football players’ disrespect of our veterans and our country, said, “There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics.” He was responding to President Trump, who denounced divisive, pampered millionaires insulting and disrespecting our flag, our veterans and our people.

And Trump, by defending our flag, our veterans and our country, is divisive?

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General Brady

Kraft spoke on behalf of a team called the Patriots. A Patriot is one who defends and supports his country. As Trump did. Kraft, unbelievably, defends anti-patriotic players, who have not invested one drop of blood for our freedoms, in their disrespect for those who died for their freedom. His team needs to change its name. If sports are unifying and politics divisive, nothing can be more divisive than sports becoming political.

But football has more problems than players and owners who hate our country. It is a dying sport. In my judgment, it was once the most American of all our sports, emblematic of our motto: E Pluribus Unum. You have a group of people of diverse talents joined by merit, not race or privilege, united as a team for one goal. It epitomized the toughness, diversity, ingenuity, fortitude and togetherness that made our country great. Alas, the limp-wristed liberals are ruining it.

What is happening in football is happening to sports in general and is a reflection of how wimpy we are as a people. It has been my great honor to know heroes from World War I until today. Those guys were tough, brutally honest and would have scorned any notion of political correctness. I have noticed a softness over the generations, probably a function of our obsession with comfort, which Kahlil Gibran called “that stealthy thing that enters the house as a guest, then becomes host, and finally master. ” Whatever the reason, we are becoming wimps. Can you imagine men like Ty Cobb or Honus Wagner wearing a glove to protect their pinkies from that cruel hard bat? Or Johnny Unitas complaining because he was thrown to the ground?

With honor, respect and pride

We thank our courageous military men and women for the sacrifices they and their families make for our they and their families make for our country every day.

Jim Hutton Senior VP – Financial Advisor

Consider what has happened to football. They have taken the punt return, once the most exciting play in football, out of the game. The great open-field runners of the past have been replaced by out-of-bounds runners, often to avoid a hit. The purpose of any play is to gain yards by hitting people. Not one single yard was ever gained out of bounds.

In the past every player on the field was subject to the same rules. Now some players are more equal/valuable than others and subject to the Hillary rule: the rules don’t apply to them.

Quarterbacks and receivers are as pad-protected as any other player – so why can’t they be hit like any other player? Many penalties are undefinable and decided by camera. There is a penalty flag on virtually every other play. The referees huddle more than the teams and often actually decide game outcomes. God help us if the race fascists discover that the referee in charge wears a white hat and the lesser referees wears black. And are their shirts black on white or white on black?

Combine all this with the ridiculous, obscene and juvenile gyrations of grown men celebrating how wonderful they are all over the field, and it is easy to see why fans are turning off.

I have heard all the medical stuff and understand. But the bottom line is wimpiness. If we don’t turn it around sooner or later, anti-wimps, who are not as comfortable as we are, will eat our lunch. I have never met a more dedicated sports fan than myself, but for the first time I switched channels when I saw millionaires disrespecting our country. (Tragically, many of these anti-patriots are blacks egged on by liberal Democrats who enslaved their ancestors and sponsored Jim Crow and segregation.)

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5250 N. Palm Ave., Ste. 111 Fresno, CA 93704

(559) 448-0140 A division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

3rd Friday of the month

7 pm — 11 pm

Fresno Federal Post 509 3509 North First Street

93726

LEGION MEMBER PRICES AT THE BAR.

OPEN TO THE PUBILC. MUST BE 21!

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS “For those who serve, we thank you.”

Polly Stacy Executive Director

Phone: 559-446-1266 Fax: 559-446-1265 7442 N. Millbrook Ave. Fresno, CA 93720

pstacy@cottonwoodfresno.com www.cottonwoodfresno.com

RCFE License #107206259 / #107206260

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

AB 1249

FACT SHEET SUMMARY For generations, veteran halls in communities across our country and state have been an invaluable resource for active military and veterans. AB 1249 would preserve important property tax exemptions by aligning state statute to reflect the unique nature of these congressionally chartered non-profit veterans’ service organizations.

PROBLEM Veteran halls play a vital role in providing essential programs and services to the military, veterans, their families, and the local community. Not only do they provide a crucial network of support for those who have served our country, but they also serve as meeting places for groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. They also serve as memorials and public education centers.

Veteran halls teach generations of Americans about the service and sacrifice of heroes who have bravely fought to defend our country.

Veteran service organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, are non-profit, Congressionally-chartered organizations that are allowed property tax exemptions under California statute for properties they own.

However, many veteran halls are not receiving the property tax exemptions for portions of their property that have social purposes due to confusion over a current state statute.

SOLUTION AB 1249 would align statute to reflect the unique nature of these veterans’ service organizations, since they are Congressionally-chartered organizations, required to serve social purposes. Assembly Bill 1249 would provide clarity to counties to preserve crucial property tax exemptions guaranteed to these organizations, and ensure they have the resources they need to continue serving those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

AB 1249 would ensure that veterans continue to receive the essential programs and support services they have earned, by conforming state law with federal funding of veterans’ halls.

SUPPORT • American G.I. Forum of California • American Legion - Department of California • AMVETS – Department of California • California Assessors’ Association • California Association of County Veterans’ Service Officers • California State Commanders Veterans Council • Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters • Vietnam Veterans of America – California State Council.

STAFF CONTACT Adam Capper Office: (916) 319-2021

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA

T H E U N I F OR M E D S E RV I C E S E M P L OYM E N T A N D R E E M P L OYM E N T R I G H T S AC T USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System. USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to the uniformed services.

REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS You have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you leave that job to perform service in the uniformed service and: • you ensure that your employer receives advance written or verbal notice of your service; • you have five years or less of cumulative service in the uniformed services while with that particular employer;

• have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or • are obligated to serve in the uniformed service; then an employer may not deny you: • initial employment;

• E ven if you don’t elect to continue coverage during

your military service, you have the right to be reinstated in your employer’s health plan when you are reemployed, generally without any waiting periods or exclusions (e.g., pre-existing condition exclusions) except for service-connected illnesses or injuries.

• reemployment; • retention in employment;

ENFORCEMENT

• you return to work or apply for reemployment in a timely manner after conclusion of service; and

• promotion; or

• T he U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment

• you have not been separated from service with a disqualifying discharge or under other than honorable conditions.

because of this status.

If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job and benefits you would have attained if you had not been absent due to military service or, in some cases, a comparable job.

RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION If you: • are a past or present member of the uniformed service;

• any benefit of employment

and Training Service (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaints of USERRA violations.

• F or assistance in filing a complaint, or for any other inIn addition, an employer may not retaliate against anyone assisting in the enforcement of USERRA rights, including testifying or making a statement in connection with a proceeding under USERRA, even if that person has no service connection.

HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION

• I f you leave your job to perform military service, you have the right to elect to continue your existing employer-based health plan coverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while in the military.

formation on USERRA, contact VETS at 1-866-4-USADOL or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/vets. An interactive online USERRA Advisor can be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm.

• I f you file a complaint with VETS and VETS is unable to resolve it, you may request that your case be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel, as applicable, for representation.

• Y ou may also bypass the VETS process and bring a civil action against an employer for violations of USERRA.

The rights listed here may vary depending on the circumstances. The text of this notice was prepared by VETS, and may be viewed on the internet at this address: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.htm. Federal law requires employers to notify employees of their rights under USERRA, and employers may meet this requirement by displaying the text of this notice where they customarily place notices for employees.

(559) 485-2504 38

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Serving Fresno & Kings County

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2017

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