14th district memorial day 2017

14TH DISTRICT

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

LEGION

NAIRE

FRESNO, KINGS AND MADERA COUNTIES

MEMORIAL DAY 2017

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

COMMANDER’S CORNER

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

COMRADES’ OF THE THUNDERING 14TH DISTRICT

Hello to the members of ALA District 14.

Hello my fellow Legionnaires.

Well, we are close to the end of another Legion year, elections and conventions are upon us once again. I say convention(s), because I am including our entire Legion family. I must say, this has by far been my busiest year with the American Legion and the most gratifying as well. Post visits, Department Executive Committee meetings, District meetings, VA meetings and events, speaking engagements, traveling (to Washington D.C. and Sacramento), Military and JD Bennett Veterans events, fundraisers, meeting many new people and visiting with many good friends and Legionnaires across the State and Nation. Oh…and getting married at Department Headquarters.

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I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and reposing the trust and confidence in me to lead the Thundering 14th District this past year. We had one of our most successful fundraisers this year that I was able to coordinate with the Central Valley Mustang Club. They donated $3660.50 and I am excited to announce they have chosen the 14th District again this coming year to donate proceeds from their Car Show. We had a fairly good turn out this past year of Legionnaires, but I would really like to see more Legion caps out there this year. Please support them and thank them if you get the opportunity.

It is so rewarding to have The American Legion Department of California Headquarters right here in the heart of Central California, in the Thundering 14th District. Not only did we put on the largest and most successful Convention in many years, we were able to gain the honor of having Headquarters in our District. With that honor, we have partnered with the DoC to host the annual Four Chaplains event the last two years, with the highest attendance ever. Our District Chaplain, Tom Skypeck has been an integral part of that success and I want to commend him for the outstanding job he has done, not only as our District Chaplain, but for his efforts to assist in the Statewide Four Chaplains event. The Thundering 14th is back!

(Continued on Page 3)

As we come to the close of our fiscal year it time to wrap things up. Hopefully all your year- end reports have been made, you are ready to elect new officers and planning to attend convention in June. Our department convention will be held in Riverside this year from June 22nd thru June 25th.

Gloria Jean Sinopoli

We all know that membership is at the forefront of everything we 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. Membership still counts until after National convention.

Our district meetings are every other month and our next meeting will be on May 6th at Oakhurst post and unit. I would like to see every Unit President in attendance. This is where you learn what is going on in the Auxiliary state wide; learn about the various programs and the information you need to carry them out. On June 3rd we will have our last district meeting of the year as well as pre-convention caucus. All delegates to convention, elected by their units, should attend this meeting as we will be assigning convention meetings to attend on Thursday morning of convention. I hope to see every unit represented at convention as this is how we reach our voting strength. Please invite your new members to attend as well. They can attend as guests or if your unit wishes they can be elected as delegates or alternates.

We will be welcoming our Department President, Wendy O’Brien, to our May district meeting. She will be making her official visit to our district. Please attend this meeting to meet and welcome the department president.

(Continued on Page 2)

PLUS INSIDE Commander's Charity... Page 10

Challenge Complete..... Page 13

Legislative Agenda...... Page 31

Oratorical Contest........ Page 34 1

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 PR E SI DE NT'S ME SS AGE

14TH DISTRICT OFFICERS 2016-2017

Commander - JD Bennett 1st Vice Commander - Fran Kilgor 2nd Vice Commander - John Hernandez 3rd Vice Commander - Les Chappel Sgt at Arms - Derek Jones Executive Committee: Jason Longcor Henry Lopez Glen Barber Judge Advocate - John 'Doc' Bart Adjutant - Sarah Rolin

(Continued from Page 1) I have enjoyed my year as your district president. It was a pleasure to visit all the units in the district and hear about how you work your programs and how important they are to you as individuals. It is very interesting how each unit has favorite programs and how they work them. The units various fund raising efforts were also interesting and I enjoyed attending them. Thank you for all your hospitality, donations to my special project and your support.

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. Memorial Day is coming up, so many of us will be at memorial services at the various cemeteries and at our Post’s. Use your poppies to decorate and display at these places to help remind all of us of all the sacrifices that have been made by all of our veterans, current military members and their families.

Here is a list of the 14th District officers for 2016-17.

President – Gloria Jean Sinopoli 1st Vice – Sandra Urban-Felix 2nd Vice – Geni Lefler Secretary – Sandra Johnson Treasurer – Kae Orcutt-Bonanno Chaplain – Barbara Novak We are here to help you in your units in any way we can.

Yours in service,

Finance Officer - Theresa Granados Gloria Jean Sinopoli District 14 Auxiliary President

Chaplain - Tom Skypeck

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Honors Veterans

14TH AUXILIARY OFFICERS President – Gloria Jean Sinopoli 1st Vice President – Sandra Urban-Felix 2nd Vice President – Geni Lefler Secretary – Sandra Johnson Treasurer – Kae Orcutt-Bonanno Chaplain – Barbara Novak

Jennette Williams Fresno Market President

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

(Continued from Page 1) The American Legion, Department of California has made great strides this year. This is largely, in part, due to our very own District Judge Advocate and State Adjutant, John ‘Doc’ Bart. We have one of our own from the Thundering 14th District at the helm leading the way for the State of California. The move to Sanger has proven to be, not only a great location move, but a great financial move as well. Not including Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation (VA&R), which is possibly our largest program; the AL-DoC has come in under budget. That is a great accomplishment. If you see Doc, tell him what a great job he is doing.

I had the honor and privilege of driving our National Commander, Charles Schmidt around during his December visit to California and actually got to know him on a more personal level. He is very focused on the American Legion and I have full confidence and trust in all he has done for us this past year. He is very straight forward and direct with his determination to keep the American Legion at the pinnacle of success, strength and membership we have enjoyed for years. During his testimony in Washington D.C. during our National Legislative days, he was strongly focused on updating the VA system and focusing on legislation and the financial means to continue to care for our Brothers and Sisters who have given so much to this great Nation. It was a great pleasure getting to know him and spending time with him.

Since 1971

Again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of your support. This has not been a position I have taken lightly and I have tried to give my all to serve you and our Veterans community to the best of my ability. I want to thank the 14th District Executive body for the great work this year.

Fran Kilgore; 1st Vice Commander John Hernandez; 2nd Vice Commander Les Chappel; 3rd Vice Commander Derek Jones; Sergeant at Arms Glen Barber, Jason Longcor, Henry Lopez; Executive Committee Sarah Rolin; Adjutant and Finance Officer Tom Skypeck; Chaplain John ‘Doc’ Bart; Judge Advocate Gerald Green; Service Officer I look forward to our continued success in the Thundering 14th District. May God bless each of you!

For God and Country, JD Bennett Commander District 14

(559) 291-5220 2970 N. Clovis Ave., Fresno AT 8:00 AM

559.896.3243

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10951 E. Mountain View | Selma, CA 93662 3

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017

VETERANS CORNER

BURIAL BENEFIT UPDATE

BY SCOTT HOLWELL

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A rule recent change at the US Department of Veterans Affairs now allows veterans to apply for burial in national cemeteries before their death, rather than requiring family members to apply on their behalf after it. Veteran burial benefits previously were approved at the "time of need." For families, that meant waiting until after the veteran died to apply for the benefits via fax or email by sending in a copy of the veteran's DD-214 or separation documents and then following up by phone. The rule change instead allows veterans to be approved for burial in a VA national cemetery "pre-need," or before death, through a form submitted by fax, email or mail. The form can be filled out by the veteran or by someone else on his or her behalf.

Burial locations are assigned based on availability at the time of need, VA officials said. Although veterans cannot reserve a gravesite, they can indicate on the form a cemetery preference. Doing so allows VA officials to predict need at cemeteries, and may help inform decisions for those choosing a burial site after the veteran's death, officials said. The predetermination process qualifies veterans for burial in 135 cemeteries and 33 soldiers' lots operated by the VA nationwide. The process does not include Arlington National Cemetery, which is operated by the U.S. Army and uses a different application system.

After receiving the burial benefits application, the VA will provide written notice of its decision regarding eligibility, officials said in a release. The decision and supporting documents will then be stored electronically by the VA to make burial arrangements faster when they are needed, they said.

In addition to burial in a national cemetery, the VA provides most veterans who were not dishonorably discharged with a government headstone or marker, a burial flag and a presidential memorial certificate after death. Some veterans’ survivors also qualify for burial allowances, designed to cover some burial and funeral costs. Our office can assist with the application and answer any questions regarding this and many other benefits.

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

MEMBERSHIP REPORT 0002 Coalinga, Coalinga

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

39

1 247 89.82 %

0004 Fresno, Fresno

46

23

11

2

0

0011 Madera, Madera

189

115

30

21

2 168 88.89 %

0012 Selma, Selma

92

57

23

4

6

90

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

10

1

1

0

12 100.00 %

0038 Fresno Star, Fresno

27

1

7

1

0

29 107.41 %

0055 Easton, Fresno

47

25

12

4

0

41

0100 Lemoore, Lemoore

144

77

15

36

4 132 91.67 %

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

227

54

98 11 390 84.97 %

0159 Lee E. Doyal Bicentennial, Piedra

32

11

1

5

0

17

53.13 %

0191 Kingsburg, Kingsburg

32

12

5

4

0

21

65.63 %

0226 Orange Cove, Orange Cove

23

18

2

0

0

20

86.96 %

0245 Edward L. Griffin, Fowler

28

29

1

0

0

30 107.14 %

0355 Westland, Kerman

40

27

4

4

0

35

0509 Fresno Federal, Fresno

661

464

44

85

7 600 90.77 %

0511 State Center, Fresno

34

15

3

0

0

18

52.94 %

0594 George Van Vleet, Jr., Fresno

69

41

5

2

0

48

69.57 %

0621 Squaw Valley, Miramonte

56

36

4

15

2

57 101.79 %

Post # Post Name & City

District 14 Total

36

13

78.26 % 97.83 % 76.47 %

87.23 %

86.67 %

87.50 %

2,588 1,602 290 345 33 2,270 87.71 %

AMERICAN LEGION, FRESNO DISTRICT 14

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

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017

C A N D I DAT E

P E R S ONA L

CHARLES CAMARATO Charles “Chuck” Camarato Candidate 2017/2018 Sergeant At Arms Department of California Chuck served as a United States Marine during the Iran Hostage Crisis, Beirut and Grenada. Chuck joined the American Legion in 1993, where he began his Legion career in the 3rd District, Area One. Chuck served as a Post Commander in 1996, and as a District Commander in 1997.

Charles Camarato

Chuck then relocated back to his home area of San Diego, where he served as a Post Commander from 2011 till 2014, in the 22nd District, Area Five.

Chuck has also served on two Department Commissions, Leadership and National Security, with two years as National Security Chairman.

In 2015, Chuck served as Department of California Membership Director, South.

Chucks experience as a Sergeant at Arms, stems from four years as the 5th Area Sergeant at Arms, and two years as the State PCC Sergeant at Arms. Chucks wife Lauree, is currently the Auxiliary Unit 731 President and Auxiliary 22nd District Secretary.

Chuck is also the Father of two sons, both Legionnaires and OEF combat veterans.

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RESOLUTIONS

BY THOMAS SKYPECK, 14TH DISTRICT CHAPLAIN

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We all know the routine: Resolutions proposed on January 1 often “go south” within a few months, weeks or even days after they’re made. The desire is there, but the effort is lacking or interrupted.

One definition of a resolution, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “the will or intent of [a person or] a body of persons.” A related description is “a pledge” or “promise.” Another aspect and warning about making a resolution comes from Scripture which says: “If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do all according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” (Numbers 30:2) Whatever definition or explanation we choose is apropos to the mission of The American Legion as reflected in the organization’s Preamble; among its statements of resolve that clearly evoke the need for personal action are the mandates to “inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation,” and “to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”

Although we are well into the current American Legion year, we can, today, still make resolutions as individuals and/or as a group to benefit our organization and its purpose in the upcoming “New Legion Year.” This needs to include an effort to bring in new members and bring back those who, for whatever reason(s), have been inactive. It also means volunteering for and following through with support for Post activities and those of the Legion Auxiliary. It means attending Post meetings to have a voice and take part in the business of the American Legion at all levels.

In our work as Legionnaires, let a strong “resolve” to put forward our best efforts always guide us in our service to God and Country.

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

A LITTLE THING

CAN MEAN A LOT There is a usually small word in the languages of the world that carries a lot of clout. It defines the reason for a lot of our human feelings and actions. Many of us carry this word around with us every day, but hardly pay attention to it. It’s on the folding money in your wallet and the change in your pocket, attesting to our reliance on God. The word is “TRUST.”

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Notwithstanding other beliefs, three of the world’s prominent religions -- Christianity, Judaism and Islam – cite our need to behave in ways that trust in God and one another. For example, Proverbs 11:13 notes: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” The Torah urges all to trust in the many wonders the Lord has done for us. The Quran reminds man to trust in a merciful and ever-forgiving Allah.

Thomas Skypeck

Various analysts of human behavior warn us that Trust is “a valued character trait” often lacking in today’s world. I think many of us would agree that these days it is much more than parents worrying how their sons and daughters will behave on their first date. We see this matter arising, for example, in the debate about the news media giving accurate and truthful reporting of the news, and our political leaders gridlocked on various issues and wavering on promises. [Can we trust that our federal and state governments will provide us with the best health care and retirement options?]

The TRUST FACTOR is vital in the military. We expect the “weapons of war” to work as advertised if and when needed. We trust our soldiers, sailors and airmen to hold true to values and standards that have made our military a respected cultural institution at home and abroad. We expect our military system to provide for the next of kin of deployed service members. And we expect our country to help repair and return to useful lives those who come home less than what they were when they answered the call to serve.

So, what can we as Legionnaires do, individually and together, to keep the bar high on the trust factor? We can “tip the scale" by practicing the values and intentions stated in our organization’s Preamble (that also should be in our wallets).

Whenever the opportunity arises, we need to show our support for the Constitution of the United States; “perpetuate” Americanism, especially in support of the Legion’s programs for youth; promote law and order; remember and revere our living and deceased veterans; and obligate ourselves, however we can, to “safeguard the principles of justice, freedom and democracy” that have served us well as a nation that says “In God We TRUST.”

Thomas Skypeck District Chaplain 14th District

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 A WO R D F R OM YO U R

DISTRICT 14 ADJUTANT

BY SARAH ROLIN

Hello everyone, Sarah here, your District 14 Adjutant. We have had a lot of ups and downs this last year, luckily, mostly ups.

Having Post 159 leadership walk away from their post was a definite down.

I know that many people and many posts did everything that they could to

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Sarah Rolin

same thing, meaning your Post will die.”

While the room sat silent he continued to say, “we need to stop working our personalities and start working our programs.”

Being a military organization we tend to have a lot of type A personalities that want to take the lead, who want to contribute. To serve veterans. Type A personalities do not tend to work well with others and can cause people to lose sight of the overall mission because as Doc said, we are working our personalities.

bring life back to Post 159.

So, what failed? In my opinion it was a lack of heart within the post itself. It was also a lack of comradeship among other people and posts. While many people and posts stepped up to help, many others had the mindset of, if we help them, what do we get? That kind of mindset will be the doom of the American Legion.

This was a topic of discussion during the last district meeting in Lemoore.

During the March meeting, we had the privilege to hear John “Doc” Bart, Department Adjutant, speak about the American Legion and what he sees are the problems and what are some of the solutions. He was adamant that we need to change how we do things or our posts will die.

“We have a mission to serve veterans,” he said. “We are one team, the American Legion team. We are here to serve veterans.”

The speech ended and was met with loud applause. A sense of mutual desire to keep going, to keep fighting the good fight filled the room.

Moving forward we need to stop and ask ourselves, am I working my personality and letting pride take over? Or am I still focused on the mission? As the Legion continues to transition to the world as it is now, we must transition with it.

It has been proven by other veteran organizations outside of the Legion, namely the Wounded Warrior Project that veterans do care and veterans do want to be involved with an organization that is veteran orientated.

The American Legion will die.

“I see what is happening to this American Legion across the Nation,” he said. “We cannot keep doing what we have been doing, because we will continue to get the

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It has been shown that only a fraction of what the Wounded Warrior Project brings in goes to the veterans themselves, the rest to overhead and salaries. At the American Legion, we are opposite of that, yet we are

the ones losing members. We are the ones that will not be around if we continue down this path.

The reason is because the American Legion’s image is not of a fun organization where veterans can continue to serve and be useful to society. No, our image is just a bunch of old veterans, sitting around the bar and getting drunk. This is reinforced every time I talk to someone about joining the Legion.

This was reinforced by Doc at the March meeting when he shared a story about a Legionnaire who transferred out of Post 1000 to a local post, but within 4-months of transferring decided he no longer wanted to be a Legionnaire because all anyone every did was get drunk at the bar and talk bad about each other.

We need to step-up or we will all be just like Post 159.

The American Legion will cease to exist and the good work that is being done and has been done will no longer be.

I challenge you as an individual and at your Post to find ways to increase membership. We can no longer an American Legion that sits around telling war stories at the bar. We need to work our programs. We need to get creative. We need push out of our comfort zone.

“We are warriors, we can do this.” – John “Doc” Bart

Sarah Rolin Department Webmaster District 14 Adjutant District 14 Financial Officer

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017

COMMANDER'S CHARITY C O M M A N D E R’ S P R O J E C T H E L P S N E E DY C H I L DR E N A N D S E RV I C E OF F I C E R S

THE AMERICAN LEGION

American Legion service officers today are helping more than 700,000 veterans and their families, free of charge, file disability claims, benefits applications and other forms of assistance. Meanwhile, military and veteran families with minor children at home, when struck with unexpected costs that leave them unable to pay for basic household needs, receive more than $500,000 in emergency funding a year from The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program.

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Both programs depend on charitable contributions to offer the free assistance.

That’s why American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt has made service officer training and Temporary assistance for needy families with children at home the focus of his fundraising project this year.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to help National Commander Schmidt reach his goal of $1 million for service officer training and $1 million for Temporary Financial Assistance before the 99th American Legion National Convention in Reno in August, checks can be made payable to American Legion Charities (write “Commander’s Charity Fund” on the memo line) and mailed to: The American Legion National Headquarters 5745 Lee Road Indianapolis, IN 46216 Safe and convenient online giving is also available for those who would like to help the commander reach his goal of assisting needy children and service officers. To make an online donation, visit www.legion.org and send your gift using a credit or debit card. It is also possible to make an online donation a recurring donation.

Those who have questions, or would like to make a contribution by phone, can call 1-800-433-3318.

All donations to the Commander’s Charity Fund are processed through American Legion Charities, which has tax-deductible 501(c)(3) status. One-hundred percent of all gifts to the Commander’s Charity Fund goes directly to help service officers and needy families.

“Our post motto is veterans first, so we believe in Commander Schmidt’s project of supporting TFA and service officers,” Newport Beach, Calif., American Post 291 Commander Douglas Nye said recently after his post presented the commander with a check for $5,000 to help. “And we believe in what The American Legion does. His fundraising project hits home because we have a lot of vets … that need our help.”

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

PAST COMMANDERS’ CLUB OF C A L I F OR N IA

The Past Commanders’ Club has been working on increasing their service to the Department of California. In times of decreasing membership and increasing costs, the ability to tap a huge pool of past commanders for advice and council can be a strong resource for Post, County, District and Department leaders. They just need to contact an Outpost, Area Vice President or State Headquarters.

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You don’t need to contact anyone to MENTOR A POTENTIAL LEADER. In fact, it’s your unwritten duty as a leader to mentor someone. Tom Peters said, “Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders,” and Lord knows we need them.

Be the mentor you wish you had.

Robert C. Heinisch

There are more than 50 different definitions of “Mentor” all based on one core description. “The term ‘Mentor’ is used for anyone who is a positive, guiding influence in another person’s life.” By guiding, you’re not trying to create another you, you’re trying to allow the individual to create himself or herself.

You don’t need a formal agreement to mentor anyone; in fact they don’t have to know you are helping them – they will figure it out eventually. You may want to tell someone that you’d like to help, or you may mentor several people at the same time. It’s up to you, and it’s not a full-time job.

Area 3 is blessed with many experienced mentors. Just because your Area has some of the best mentors doesn’t excuse you from exercising your right to mentor someone. Try it – mentoring changes lives.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction” – John C Crosby.

Robert C. Heinisch President 2016-2017

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 F R E S N O VA M E D I C A L C E N T E R

VA VOLUNTARY SERVICES V

VA Voluntary Service at the Fresno VA Medical Center is very fortunate and proud to have the enduring support of American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Riders and the Sons of the American Legion!

As I write VA Central California is about to celebrate “Volunteer Recognition Week.” I would like to express appreciation for the support and leadership of American Legion Area 3, Vice Commander, Mildred-Wright Pearson and District 14 Commander, JD Bennett who both serve on the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) Advisory Council. Ms. Wright Pearson also serves on the VAVS Executive Council. Through their leadership many members have a renewed commitment to providing voluntary service as well as resource support through monetary and in-kind donations.

In addition, the American Legion Clovis Post 147 spearheads an annual Golf Tournament to be held May 25th benefitting VA Central California. Post 509 recently donated hundreds of canned goods for programs, including; homeless, mental health and female health.

Each year the American Legion (and their sub organizations??) Volunteers provide local Veterans with thousands of hours of voluntary service, monetary program support, in-kind donations and beautiful handcrafted items. The impact the American Legion, Auxiliary, Riders and Sons make does so much to raise Veteran morale and promote healing – physically, mentally and spiritually.

If you wish to volunteer or donate visit www.fresno.va.gov/giving, email v21freVAVSStaff@va.gov or call the Voluntary Service Office at telephone number 559-228-6907.

Thank you!

Mary Golden Program Manager, Voluntary Service

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COMPLETING A

CHALLENGE

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One Bedroom & Studios The Rolling Stones wrote a song called “Time Waits for No One,” in 1973,and recorded it in 1974. Poet, Geoffery Chaucer, born in the 1300s, quoted “Time and Tide Wait for No Man.”This title and quote is indicative of our life and what we do with it while we are still able to do so.

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Handicap Accessible Units Available For More Information, Please Call Our Salvation Army Silvercrest Residence Fresno Silvercrest Residence

My time as the Third Area Vice Commander for the Department of California is drawing to a close. It has been a wonderful experience in learning about the Legion and dealing with people, situations, and values. This has occurred not only within the Third Area. I have ventured to other States and Areas in person and through verbal and written communication.

Mildred Wright-Pearson

Keeping an open mind, with a willingness to listen and learn – nobody knows everything – gives a whole new perspective in aspects of the Legion and Legion activities. With each of these encounters, the clock is ticking. Sitting around, waiting for insight and knowledge to come to you is a waste of time.

So I challenged myself to make the most of my position by attending as many functions as I could and get the most out of each encounter. There were many variations on conducting meetings. The correctness of how a meeting was held was not my priority. My emphasis was placed on observing the commitment to the Preamble, the Four Pillars, and support of Legion programs.

With time, things change. It is my hope that they will always change for the better. I have enjoyed representing the Third Area. I thank each of you for your support throughout the year and wish all of you the time you need to fulfill any challenges you have made for yourself. I know I have.

For God and Country,

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

Veterans Welcome!

Thank You

Veterans!

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson Area 3 Vice Commander Honesty, Integrity, Respect

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 C O M M A N D E R C A N D I DAT E

ART CASTRO

Wish you all had a very happy Easter.

I thank Mildred for allowing me the privilege of writing a short article in your newsletter. As you all might know I am running for Department Commander for 2017-18 with a message of continued progress and full throttle on membership.

I

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Our Veterans

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Our Legion is facing new challenges that we have always had but not to the degree that we are now facing and it Art Castro has become a major concern. We have outstanding comrades that take up the challenge of staffing the numerous programs and we have been very successful. We can continue that progress but only if we maintain our level of membership and increase it by substantial numbers. That is the challenge facing not only California but the entire country.

We have lost half of what we had just 9 or 10 years ago in California. Therefore, the challenge we face today. We can and will face that hurtle and succeed simply because we are committed and we do have outstanding Legionnaires that are working hard.

The membership team is making black smoke with revitalization events all over the state and has signed up a good number of Post 1000 members into community posts.

A change in leadership does not mean a change in what our focus will be. Membership Full Speed ahead, Membership Full Throttle. Both mean give it all you got. No gap and no slack. Focus on posts that have been out of the mainstream of activity. Success starts at the post level. A working successful post translates into a successful District and on up the chain. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to communicate with an outstanding District.

In Service, Art Castro Candidate for Department Commander 2017-18

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

We are proud to support our veterans and active duty service members.

Proud to Support the Veterans, the Military and their Families.

Discover more than ever before at Hanford Mall. Find all the latest styles, great gifts, and experience more new stores and restaurants around every corner. Shop all your favorite stores including: The Children’s Place, Azkara, Kay Jewelers, Bath & Body Works, Journeys, Sheikh and Foot Locker, just to name a few. Experience the newest restaurants including: Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, Pieology, Dunkin Donuts, and your favorites, Que Pasa Mexican Café, Applebee’s and Chili’s. Hanford Mall is the place to discover more fashion, food and fun for everyone.

Shops • Food • Movies • More

Thank you for your service to our country.

HANFORD MALL JCPenney, Kohl’s, Sears, Ross Dress for Less and Cinemark along with over 60 stores and restaurants. 1675 West Lacey Blvd., Hanford, CA 93230 • 559.583.1200 • HanfordMall.com

B A K E R S F I E L D • F R E S N O • SA N D I E G O • K L E I N L AW. C O M

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! On your next visit, please ask for your “Forever Coupon.”

It’s our way of saying “Thank You” for your service and sacrifice. Each time you shop in our store, you will receive $3 OFF your purchase of $35 or more.

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3566 W. Shaw Avenue, Fresno | (559) 271-1577 15

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017

SOCIETY

THE FORTY AND EIGHT As I have informed you before, the Forty and Eight is a by invitation Society. It is a fun Society. The Society has some of the programs that are the same as some part of the American Legion. It mainly provides support for children activities and programs, and nursing scholarships.

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As the Grand Directeur of Child Welfare, my duty is to sell Child Welfare pins to support programs that Mildred Wright-Pearson provides money to children and their families when a disaster occurs. A disaster can be a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, volcano, etc. There are other criteria that must be met before any funds can be expended.

Unlike the American Legion, any Honorably Discharged veteran can become a member, if invited and voted upon, regardless of gender. There are no date limitations, just honorable service. The Forty and Eight is the only organizational Society that is allowed to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every Memorial Day since 1920.

Our most visible symbols in the Forty and Eight are our Locomotives and the one Box Car given to the State of California. The California Box Car is located at 3509 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726, on the property of Fresno Federal Post 509. If you haven’t seen it, come visit.

Merci Beau Coup Mon Ami. Mildred S. Wright-Pearson Grand Directeur Child Welfare La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Cheavaux

16

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

CAN I GET A WITNESS! Knowing God Personally

Department Chaplains Conference – June 22, 2017 There will be a Chaplains Conference held on Thursday afternoon (tentatively 3:00 p.m.), June 22nd at the State Convention in Riverside.

All Chaplains (Post, District & Area) are invited to attend and meet with our Religious Emphasis Committee to discuss the future of the Chaplaincy. Purpose: to revive and energize the Chaplaincy. Please check the meeting schedule for the correct time and room number.

SAL, Auxiliary and ALR Chaplains are welcome.

Our Chaplaincy, being non-denominational and non-sectarian.

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 ORANGE COVE

HARVEST FESTIVAL Some photos from the Orange Cove, Orange Harvest Festival Parade. The Orange Harvest Festival is an annual tradition celebrating the Orange Blossom Trail. Family friendly festivities include live entertainment, food booths, crafts, displays, classic cars, fire and law enforcement demonstrations, children's train and bounce house. The festival begins with a parade down Park Boulevard.

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In attendance this year is: Don Schroeder, who has been a legion member for over 50 years.

Leo McKinney, who has been a legion member for over 50 years and Past Commander. Leo is a former mayor of Orange Cove and attended Boys State more than 60 years ago.

Efran Balderas, who has been a legion member for 5 years after 35 years of active duty.

Edward Jakubowski, Past Post #226 Commander and current 14th District Boys State Chairman.

Not Pictured: Manuel Ferreira, the current Post #226 Commander, and President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Manuel organized the parade and festival this year.

Andy Dotson, Past Post #226 Commander, and current Finance Officer. He was organizing the Post food / fundraiser booth.

Gus Collin, Executive Committee. He was organizing the Post food / fundraiser booth.

Edward Jakubowski Past Post Commander Orange Cove Post 226

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

CAL / VAR F O U N DAT I O N

BY MARILYN RIDEAUX

Since October last year, I have been promoting the California Legionnaire’s “optout” campaign. This program allows members who receive the California Legionnaire by U.S. Postal mail to voluntarily discontinue that process and utilize the Department website, www.calegion.org, to view it and even download to their computer.

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I believe in the “opt-out” program because it is a way to help save the Department funds that could be earMarilyn Rideaux marked for needed programs such as veteran rehabilitation, California VA&R. For more than 80 years, the VA&R Division has provided much needed service and financial assistance to veterans in California. These services are provided through the American Legion CA-VA&R Division. In case you did not know, the Department of California has three offices in the state, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Diego which are staffed with experienced veteran service officers.

With no government funding or subsidy, we rely on fundraising efforts of the Ways & Means Commission and generous contributions from members like you.

Without adequate funding, the Department of California will be unable to maintain our staff of veteran service officers as well as counseling staff housed at VA hospitals. Veterans who need their services and our financial assistance will suffer the most. You can continue to support the VA&R Division by participating in the annual calendar program, address labels, Christmas cards, and the Fall and Spring sweepstakes.

Some of you may be thinking that The American Legion is always trying to get in your pocket. As a matter of fact, I’ve received several “opt-out” requests that want to opt out of receiving ALL correspondence from the Legion because they can no longer afford to contribute and that is completely understandable.

Note: “As Editor of the California Legionnaire, I cannot make that happen.”

If you can, give what you are able. After all, there is a ( × ) Other $ option on those donation cards. Check it out!

21

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 V O L U N TA RY S E R V I C E S

OUR VAVS

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Our VAVS program is in existence to help those veterans housed in the VA hospital and CLC by brining joy into their lives through visitations, BBQs, and volunteerism. So far, we are doing a pretty good job. As with anything, there can be improvement.

O

For instance, some Posts are not performing their visitations as per the schedule and are not informing the VAVS committee that they aren’t available Mildred Wright-Pearson to perform the duty. What does this do for the American Legion? It makes our organization not reliable. Veterans see this and they remember.

Currently, the Voluntary Services Department of the Fresno VA is requesting volunteer drivers for the Tulare area. You would not use your own vehicle for this. There are DAV vans available for the drive and return from appointments. They are also seeking volunteers for “No Veteran Dies Alone” and sitting with patients for fall prevention.

The VA has activities that are geared for all veterans, not just for patients. On June 23, 2017, it will be Veterans Appreciation Night at Fresno Grizzlies. Contact Jon Stockton jstockston@fresnogrizzlies.com. If you have not done so, you might want to check with the Volunteer Service Office to find out what other activities are available.

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22

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

Monday, May 29, 2017 9:30am-12:30pm

August

Sunday 13

Wm L Netzer

023 Sanger

September Sunday 17

Oakhurst

110 Oakhurst

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October

Fresno Federal

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November Sunday 19

Fresno

004 Fresno

December Sunday 1

Madera

011 Madera

Hubbard Baro Memorial Presents

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Come join us for a day filled with Pride and Honor.

Food & Drinks, Flag Salute, Obstacle Courses with Drill Sergeants, and Pictures with our Soldiers! *All proceeds benefit the Fresno Veterans Hospital*

Sunday 05 (BBQ)

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

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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

23

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017

A M E R I C A N L E G I O N A D V O C AT E S FOR VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

BY JOE PLENZLER

T

The American Legion testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce today to represent the views of entrepreneurial veterans and press for additional assistance for veterans who want to start small businesses.

Joe Sharpe, director of the Legion’s National Veterans Employment and Education Division, urged members of Congress to give veterans the resources they need to start businesses in order to further stimulate the nation’s economic recovery.

Sharpe said, “Veterans, when compared to their civilian counterparts, are more likely to start a business and are generally more successful at creating a lasting small business.”

One of the top impediments facing entrepreneurial veterans is access to capital to develop a minimally viable product or service, create a market, and scale their businesses.

“One of the leading barriers to small business financing is requiring that debt be secured by equity in fixed assets,” said Sharpe.

Most veterans leaving military service lack the equity necessary for traditional bank loans.

Sharpe said, “One solution is to re-introduce legislation such as S.1870 - The Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2016,” that the American Legion spearheaded last Congressional session.

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Jon Tester, D-Mont., sponsored the bill and successfully navigated it through the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship last year, but was canceled with the end of the 114th Congress last November.

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The 2016 VET Act would have created a pilot program to enable veterans who did not desire to go to college to use money from their G.I. Bill benefit to start a small business.

Committee chairman Rep. Steve Knight, R-Calif., expressed interest in the Legion’s VET Act legislation and requested more information.

“It’s ideas like this that drive our economy forward,” Sharpe said. “It is veterans who will lead the way.”

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

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

VETS MUST PAY BACK 1 0 , 0 0 0 C A L I F OR N IA V ET E R A N S OR DE R E D T O PAY B A C K E N L I S T M E N T B O N U S E S

BY MEG WAGNER, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

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Nearly 10,000 California veterans must pay back hefty reenlistment bonuses they earned a decade ago when they signed up to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon has ordered.

Many of the California National Guard soldiers received more than $15,000 to reenlist in the mid-2000s, when the country was struggling to fill the force as two overseas wars raged on, the Los Angeles times reported.

But Pentagon investigations determined the California Guard handed out bonuses too liberally, giving them to many soldiers who didn’t qualify, as state officials faced difficulties meeting enlistment quotas.

And instead of forgiving the overpaid soldier, many of whom served multiple tours of duties overseas in exchange for the funds, the California Guard has asked for the cash back.

“I feel totally betrayed,” said Susan Haley, a former Army master sergeant who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 after she was improperly given a $20,500 bonus for her six-year reenlistment. She now pays the Pentagon $650 a month to slowly chip away at her debt.

“They’ll get their money, but I want those years back,” she said.

The California Guard has asked about 9,700 soldiers and veterans to pay back their bonuses. Those who don’t will face interest charges, tax liens and wage deductions.

Officials admitted the request is financially devastating for many of the veterans — but said they can’t do anything about it.

“At the end of the day, the soldiers ended up paying the largest price,” Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, deputy commander of the California Guard, told the newspaper “We’d be more than happy to absolve these people of their debts. We just can’t do it. We’d be breaking the law.”So far, the guard has recovered more than $22 million from overpaid soldiers.

The problem came to light in 2010, after federal officials launched an investigation into reports of improper bonus. Last month, auditors hired by the California Guard wrapped up their work reviewing the enlistment bonuses given to 14,000 soldiers in the mid2000s.

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In 2011, amid the investigation, the California Guard’s incentive manager Army Master Sgt. Toni Jaffe pleaded guilty to filing false claims for handing out more than $15 million in bonuses to ineligible soldiers. She is serving a 30-month prison sentence.

Many indebted soldiers and veterans have filed appeals hoping their debts will be absolved. However, during the long, guarantee-less process, interest accrues and jacks up service members’ debt even further.

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Robert Richmond said he earned a $15,000 bonus when he reenlisted. The Army sergeant first class — who suffered permanent brain and back injuries when he was hit with a roadside bomb during a 2007 redeployment — now owes $19,694.62 thanks to the interest and penalties he’s incurred as he filed appeals.

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“I signed a contract that I literally risked my life to fulfill,” Richmond said. “We want somebody in the government, anybody, to say this is wrong and we’ll stop going after this money.”

25

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 COLLEGE FEE

WAIVER PRORAM

BY SCOTT HOLWELL

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California offers many benefits to California veterans. Eligibility requirements differ; some require a service-connected (S/C) disability rating, while others don’t. One of the most used benefits is the California College Fee Waiver Program.

The California College Fee Waiver Program benefits the children of U.S. veterans.

Students meeting the eligibility criteria may get their college tuition fees waived if they attend a California Community College, a California State University, or University of California campus. This benefit can be used in conjunction with other available grants, scholarships, student loans, etc.

To be eligible, a child must have a parent who is deceased from a S/C disability or is a disabled veteran (0% or more S/C disabled), and must earn less than $12,486.00 per year. This is student income, NOT parent income. Applicants to the program must submit proof of income, such as a tax return from the previous year. If the student had no income, a statement to that effect can be obtained from either the Franchise Tax Board at 800-852-5711, or the IRS at 800-829-1040. There is NO AGE LIMIT for this section of the program!

Additionally, a spouse or child (up to age 27) can receive a waiver if the veteran is S/C deceased or rated 100% S/C disabled. There is no income limit for a spouse or children of S/C deceased or 100% S/C disabled veterans under this section of the program.

Certain dependency documents may also need to be provided in order to establish relationship to the veteran. You can pickup an application at the Kings County Veterans Service office. We can assist with completing the application, and file it with the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office.

We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can also get information on the web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office website 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 852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.

26

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MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER O Lord, we pause to remember this Memorial Day the men and women of our Armed Forces, who have served this country at home and abroad during these 238 years of our nation’s independence. It is a great and sacred trust that brings us together, Lord, on this day set aside for remembrance. It is a remembrance worth making — a day of tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of all that America stands for.

To memorialize the dead is to pay homage not only to the fallen, but also to their spirit of sacrifice and valor. The loss of these valiant men and women tears the very fabric of the family and the nation. We pray for all veterans, those in good health and those wounded still in hospitals around the world fighting to regain their health.

We pray for those still held a prisoner of war on foreign soil, or who are listed as missing in action. Truly all of these veterans are America’s first and finest citizens — they’ve proven it. We commend them to You, Heavenly Father, those who have left for us a priceless heritage which serves as part of the life and freedom we now enjoy. We ask this in Your Name. Amen.

Mike J. Kochergen • (559) 498-8378 • mike@allvalleyenv.com 27

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

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Dustin@MacielMortgage.com Office 559-589-6044 Direct 559-381-0266 Fax 559-589-6047

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

OFFICER GUIDE

UNIFORM CAPS The Post Officer Guide and Manual of Ceremonies states the following about the uniform cap.

"Wearing the American Legion cap, uniform and regalia�

1. T he Legion cap, uniform or regalia should be worn by its members only when in attendance at official Legion meetings or ceremonies, as official guests at patriotic or other civil functions, or by individuals when officially representing The American Legion on public occasions. For all ceremonies, the uniforms adopted by a department are recommended. However, an official American Legion cap, dark blue or black civilian coat, dark trousers, white shirt, black four-in-hand tie, black shoes and socks make an attractive uniform. A Legionnaire is considered to be in uniform if wearing an official American Legion cap. Therefore, it is not proper to wear a Legion cap while eating a meal at an official American Legion or civic luncheon or dinner.

2. T he cap should be worn in a place of worship only by the guard of honor, color guard and commander of the same while in marching order or standing guard. When one is seated, the cap should be removed.

3. P osts marching in formation into a place of worship should uncover at the door, hold the cap with the right hand over the heart until arriving in the pews and commanded to take seats, and remain uncovered during the entire service. At the close of the service, upon command, the post shall rise, hold the cap with right hand over the hearts, march out of the place of worship, and recover after marching through the door. Note: The cap should be held over the heart as one approaches the casket, and is not at any time worn in a place of worship except by the guard of honor, color guard or commander of same while in marching order or standing guard.

4. L egionnaires not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship, remain uncovered during the entire service and re-cover after leaving the place of worship.

5. A t the graveside, the cap should be held in the right hand over the heart during the entire service.

In cold and inclement weather, the cap should not be doffed.

6. I n meetings, the cap should be worn except during the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and while standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades, when it should be held with the right hand over the heart.

7. A Legionnaire wearing a cap should behave in proper accordance as to salutes, etc., the same as if wearing a military uniform. If not wearing a cap, observe ordinary rules of etiquette for civilian dress.

8. F emale Legionnaires should wear their caps in the manner prescribed for women in the armed forces.

This is suitable for most situations, but taste and common sense should prevail. By American Legion tradition, a female Legionnaire may leave her cap on during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, prayer and meals.

(Continued on Page 30)

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL 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)

9. L egionnaires wishing to attach decorations and/or other official insignia to their caps are advised of a National Executive Committee resolution on the subject, excerpted below."

Official American Legion caps The following regulations standardize the use of lettering, insignia, etc., on the official American Legion cap, as based on Resolution No. 58, adopted by the National Executive Committee, April 30 May 1, 1964.

Post caps (members and officers) – All blue, piped in gold and lettered in gold with optional basic lettering (Style 1 or Style 2), and additional lettering and restrictions as indicated below: (a) S tyle 1 – Post numerals at right front between piping and front crease. Department name in full on left side beneath emblem. Lettering on emblem side to be in straight line. Example: “20” (at right front) – “Illinois” (on left side beneath emblem). (b) S tyle 2 – Post numerals at right front between piping and front crease. Town name in full and department abbreviated on left side beneath emblem. Lettering on emblem side to be in straight line.

Example: “20” (at right front) – “Minneapolis, Minn.” (on left side beneath emblem). (c) S tyle 2 – Shall not be used when the post town is not physically located within the recognized geographic and/or postal boundaries of the department of which the post is a member. Example: Stuttgart, Germany, a part of the Department of France. Such a post may place its location and country on the right side of the cap, if desired. Example: “8” (at right front) – “France” (on left side beneath emblem) – if desired, “Munich, Germany” (on right side).

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(d) W here additional lettering is desired, it must be on the right side of the cap. Lettering restricted to name of post, such as “J.S. Jones,” or officer title, such as “Commander” or “Past Adjutant.”

Where present or past officer cap insignia or badges are used in place of embroidered titles, these must be on right side of cap. (e) C onsecutive membership insignia, membership stars and/or decorations (authorized American Legion or military services) must be attached to the right side of cap. Fraternal or civil organization insignia cannot be used on American Legion caps. (f) Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps. (g) A n individual member placing an order directly with Emblem Sales must provide the member ID number.

Restrictions (a) The left side (emblem side) of any American Legion cap cannot contain other than the official American Legion emblem, and lettering as set forth previously in this resolution for post, county, district, department or national caps. (b) N o member of any organization, such as drum and bugle corps, bands and so forth, sponsored by any post or intermediate organizations between the department and post levels, or by any department, shall wear the overseas caps having the color, or combination of colors, authorized for the sole use of county, district, department or national officers, when the members of uniformed groups are not appearing in the full uniform of their group.

Post 1000 Uniform Caps Post 1000 members are not eligible to purchase an American Legion uniform cap. Purchase of a uniform cap is reserved for Legionnaires registered in a local post.

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30

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

NATIONAL COMMANDER

U SE S L E G ION L E G AC Y TO A DVA N C E L E G I SL AT I V E AG E N DA

BY JOHN RAUGHTER

Weaving in The American Legion’s 2017 legislative priorities into a narrative of the organization’s 98-year history, National Commander Charles E. Schmidt skillfully led Legion testimony before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs committees.

House VA Committee Chairman Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tennessee) praised the Legion for its expertise and monitoring of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “We ask that The American Legion remain engaged in visiting and reporting on what is happening at the local level with VA facilities,” said Roe, who is a physician and Legionnaire. “Please continue to keep Congress informed about the veteran experience, especially with regard to disability claim processing and the delivery of health care from VA and non-VA providers in the community. Your System Worth Saving task force has been invaluable as we address the challenges facing VA.”

“Nearly117,000 Americans gave their lives to successfully liberate Europe. Among our ranks, they are never forgotten,” Schmidt said of World War I veterans. “The American Legion was born of this generation, which inspires us and our legislative agenda today just five weeks away from the 100th anniversary of U.S. entry into the war that was supposed to end all wars.

But it didn’t …The American Legion’s legislative agenda, in a new era of global war, bears many resemblances to that of our first generation.”

Referring to the wait-time manipulation scandals of 2014, Schmidt said, “At one point in the not-so-distant past, for instance, quality was the prevailing problem at VA, not access. So we all worked together to turn VA into what is now described by its patients and most experts as ‘the best care anywhere.’ An unpredicted result of higher VA quality, in many areas, became the long line to get appointments. Easing access to care is now VA’s prevailing problem, and there is no reason we cannot achieve a solution by working together, as we have before.”

Schmidt added that those priorities include “compassionate treatment for service-connected mental health conditions, defined as ‘shell shock’ or ‘combat fatigue’ at the time, now known as ‘post-traumatic stress disorder.’”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) opened the hearing with an important assurance to The American Legion. “We don’t want to privatize the VA,” Tillis said. “I want to underscore that. Anyone here who tells you that this chair or any member of this committee is intent on privatizing VA is not right.”

(Continued on Page 33)

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R L E G I SL AT I V E AG E N DA (Continued from Page 33) Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minnesota) offered some bipartisan agreement. “It’s disinformation and disingenuous to talk about people wanting to privatize VA,” he said. “We want to fix it. We want to modernize it. We want to make sure that we deliver the care where the veteran needs it but with an understanding of the core mission that VA needs to be there.”

Schmidt continued the Legion’s push to modernize the veterans appeals process, which if left alone will cause veterans to have to wait 10 years by 2027 to have an appeal decided. “No one should have to wait a decade for an answer from VA. As our American Legion social media hashtag campaign states, ‘veterans deserve better.’ I am asking now for your support to pass a VA appeals modernization bill.”

VA was not the only topic on the table. Recalling The American Legion’s Flag Conference of 1923, which changed the course of history, Schmidt told lawmakers, “The American Legion will not budge on its reverence for our flag, supported by over 80 percent of the public, and asks once again: ‘Will you please pass a constitutional amendment to return to Congress the power to protect the United States flag from physical desecration?' It is not, as the Supreme Court narrowly determined in a 5-4 vote, an act of free speech. It is behavior. It’s intentional desecration, which can incite violence, and defies everything our nation stands for.”

With the Legion's centennial rapidly approaching, Schmidt reminded the committee members that legislation is being drafted for the U.S. Mint to strike a commemorative coin and issue a U.S. postage stamp. “We would be honored to count on your support for both the coin and the stamp, in tribute not so much to The American Legion as a branded veterans service organization, but to The American Legion as a symbol of democracy, liberty, fairness and opportunity.”

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2017 TOP THREE

ORATORICAL CONTEST FINISHERS Earn Spot in NSDA tournament

BY THE AMERICAN LEGION

Kumar competed in the extemporaneous category, and said both the Legion and NSDA’s competitions encourage competitors “to analyze and present a topic in a novel and comprehensible way that forces you as a speaker to think in a completely different way,” said Kumar, who is currently attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. “Nevertheless, competing in The American Legion’s contest provided invaluable experience on speaking and speech crafting.”

The inspiration for Kumar’s winning Oratorical Contest speech came when he looked into his backyard and saw the construction of a new home from its “simple foundation to full structure. I drew a connection between the simple but solid foundation of a house and that of our nation, the U.S. Constitution,” he said. “That analogy became the cornerstone of my speech.”

With the foundation of his prepared oration set, Kumar knew that “perfection in speaking would not set him apart so much as the message,” he said. “I focused on selecting the right historical examples, analogies and mannerisms that would punctuate my unique points to the audience.”

A

Ashwath Kumar won The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest, “A Constitutional Speech Contest,” in 2014 for his oration titled “This Great House.” Besides earning an $18,000 college scholarship for his first-place finish, Kumar, of Columbia, Mo., earned an automatic berth into the tournament of the National Speech and Debate Association

(NSDA).

Kumar’s opportunity to compete in the NSDA tournament alongside 5,000 of the top orators in the country - and earn further scholarship aid - is thanks to the relationship between the NSDA and the Legion that formed in 2010. Through the relationship, the top three finishers in the Legion’s National Oratorical Contest qualify to enter into the NSDA’s original oratory or United States extemporaneous speaking category.

“Together, The American Legion and the NSDA foster numerous opportunities across the country for students to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals and honorable leaders of our global society,” said Steve Schappaugh, director of community engagement for NSDA. “While the NSDA trains coaches and students, The American Legion inspires these students with the opportunity to apply those skills in its Oratorical Contest. Students in speech and debate become better thinkers and, as a result of the Legion’s Oratorical Contest, advocates for patriotism and honor.”

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Kumar also gathered a greater understanding of what expectations were like at the national level by watching online videos of past Oratorical Contest winners. “While I always set out to have my own voice, past videos helped me understand the general setting and structure of the contest in ways that words alone could not,” he said.

The American Legion’s 2017 National Oratorical Contest is April 22-23 in Indianapolis, where 53 high school orators, who will be representing their respective Legion departments, will compete for a top-three finish and $48,000 in scholarships - as well as, for those top three, an opportunity to compete in NSDA’s tournament June 18-23 in Birmingham, Ala. For more information about the NSDA, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

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