Issuu

14TH DISTRICT

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

LEGION

NAIRE

FRESNO, KINGS AND MADERA COUNTIES

MEMORIAL DAY 2018

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

COMMANDER’S CORNER COMRADES’ OF THE THUNDERING 14TH DISTRICT As we come to the end of another American Legion year, my time as the Thundering 14th District Commander is almost complete. We have accomplished quite a bit over the last 2 years. We hosted a very successful State Convention, we have raised more money than in previous years, donated funds to our VA&R program, the Legacy fund, para-Olympics, a state of the art, beautiful Bingo board at the VA’s Community Living Center and other great programs. We hosted the National Commander, Charles Schmidt along with Department during his 2016 tour and have participated in the JD Bennett Fresno and Sanger Veterans Parades. The 14th District partnered with Department again, for the third year now to host the Four Chaplains event held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sanger, which our District Chaplain, Tom Skypeck was a big part of, helping to coordinate and participate in making the event a huge success.

As your District Commander, I have attended the last two National and State conventions, National Legislative week in Washington D. C., the Department Executive Committee meetings, each of the Area 3 Vice commanders meetings, most of the department finance committee meetings, VA&R meetings and many other Department, Area and District meetings, some required, some not. I have attended the VA Hospital townhall and VAVS meetings, and many VA events. I was a guest speaker at the Pearl Harbor memorial event at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District building which was a beautiful tribute. I was hoping for a better year in membership, but I guess we can’t be number one in everything.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We are well into our fiscal year, with only two more District meetings to go. 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 Department level, when reports are due and what the other Units Gloria Jean Sinopoli 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!

By now you all have made your end of year reports. I hope District 14 will be recognized at convention with 100% reporting. 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. Dues can still be paid until convention in June. Many units received membership achievement awards at the D.E.C. meeting in January. First Vice President and Membership Chair, Geni Lefler is always available to help you. If you have questions or need help please get in touch with her.

I have learned a lot about the Legion in the past few years, Serving as the Area 3 Vice President for the American Legion Riders, Chairman for a State Convention and a Riders convention, being the Area 3 Membership Chairman, sitting on the Department Audit committee, selected to a State Commander’s Adhoc committee (which was responsible for relocating the Department Headquarters to Sanger), been the designated driver for two National Commander tours of California, appointed to the National Legislative committee and two tours as your District Commander. It has been a busy few years, but I truly

We will all be celebrating Memorial Day in May. May is also poppy month. I know all of our Units have received their poppies. Offer them to the public, your members, Post, SAL and Riders as well. We all need to wear a poppy during May to honor our veterans. Any monies collected are used exclusively to aid veterans and their families. Remember the American Legion Auxiliary poppy is the only poppy made by hand by our veterans and we pay them to do this. Our next two District meetings are important. On May 5th we will be

(Continued on Page 3)

PLUS INSIDE Natl' Commander Visit....Page 4

Oratorical Program........Page 8

Legion Birthday........... Page 12

Caregiver Benefits....... Page 17 1

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018

14TH DISTRICT OFFICERS 2017 – 2018

Commander - JD Bennett, Post 23 Sanger

ne s rs nli fer l be s O s L l m d d n F i i ta e oa M PU Pa Pa 8 Tra 8 To G al 8 8 8 8 8 Go 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Post# Post Name & City % 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0002 Fresno Veterans Home, Fresno 2 6 1 12 0 21 36 58.33% 0003 Hanford, Hanford

141 12 226 252

89.68%

0004 Fresno, Fresno

29 49

59.18%

2nd Vice Commander - Andy Reeve, Post 191 Kingsburg

0011 Madera, Madera

102 11 165 192

85.94%

3rd Vice Commander - Derek Jones, Post 509 Fresno

0012 Selma, Selma

91 95

95.79%

0023 William Lee Netzer, Sanger

64 85

75.29%

0035 Reedley, Reedley

40 71

56.34%

0036 Raisin, Parlier

12 15

80.00%

0038 Fresno Star, Fresno

90.00%

0055 Easton, Fresno

35 50

70.00%

0100 Lemoore, Lemoore

10 143 147

97.28%

0110 Oakhurst, Oakhurst

95 109

87.16%

0144 Gerald Thomas, Corcoran

10 121

8.26%

0147 Cecil Cox, Clovis

Service Officer - Gerald Green, Post 511 Fresno

0159 Lee E. Doyal Bicentennial, Piedra 0

4 122

3.28%

Chaplain - Tom Skypeck, Post 147 Clovis

0191 Kingsburg, Kingsburg

29 35

82.86%

Historian - Karen Balske, Post 147

0226 Orange Cove, Orange Cove

22 26

84.62%

0245 Edward L. Griffin, Fowler

28 31

90.32%

0355 Westland, Kerman

30 43

69.77%

0509 Fresno Federal, Fresno

404

1 568 630

90.16%

0511 State Center, Fresno

26 37

70.27%

0594 George Van Vleet, Jr., Fresno

41 72

56.94%

0621 Squaw Valley, Miramonte

49 64

76.56%

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 President – Gloria Jean Sinopoli 1st Vice President – Geni Lefler 2nd Vice President – Debbie Hurado Secretary – Sandra Johnson Treasurer – Sandra Urban-Felix Chaplain – Barbara Novak

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

District 14 Total

305

209 30 405 401 101.00%

328 1374 79 2160 2 713 79.62%

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

(Continued from Page 1) enjoy working with Veterans and the Legion is one of the greatest assets to our Brothers and Sisters who have served this Nation with honor. Thank you for your support and reposing the trust in me to lead this District with pride, honor and integrity. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity and an honor to have served alongside of my fellow Comrades, Countrymen and Veterans. Iâ€™m not sure what this next year will hold in store, but I do plan on running as the Area 3 Vice Commander for the 2019-2020 year and I hope I have garnered your respect and trust to serve you again in this capacity. Please attend a local Memorial Day event and pay your respect to those who have paved the way for all of us to follow. God bless each of you, our Troops and our Great Nation. Semper Fidelis! For God and Country!

JD Bennett Commander District 14

PR ESIDE N T' S ME SS AG E

(Continued from Page 1) meeting at the Oakhurst Post and Unit. In June we will meet at the 509 Post in Fresno. The date is June 2nd. We will have nomination of District officers at the May meeting. Please step up and help your District. These are not difficult positions. You will learn more about the ALA and have some fun. June District meeting will be at 10am with lunch and June pre-convention caucus to follow. Please make sure all convention delegates and alternates from your unit attend even if they will not be attending convention. These are the only people who can vote for District officers. Convention will be in Sacramento this year, June 21st through June 24th. I would like all the delegates and alternates who will be attending convention to be available for committee meetings on Thursday, June 21st. We have several to cover and need you all there to help.

full service bar!

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. I am happy to have served as your District President for the past two years and am very proud of this District. Thank you for all the courtesies extended to me during unit visitations and your warm welcomes.

Gloria Jean Sinopoli District 14 Auxiliary President

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 N AT I O N A L C O M M A N D E R

VISIT TO CALIFORNIA N

National Commander Denise Rohan, the first female National Commander of the American Legion made her visit to California in December 2017. Commander Rohan and her Aide de Camp, Mike Rohan (Yes, her Husband) landed in San Diego December 8 and started their weeklong tour. They were met at the Airport by National Executive Committeeman Janet Wilson, Department Commander Bob Heinisch, Department Adjutant Doc Bart, ALR President Mick Sobczak, ALR Sergeant at Arms Caleb Homer and myself District 14 Commander and designated driver for the tour. We were escorted to the hotel by the ALR President and Sergeant at Arms. Let it be known to all, the National Commander was escorted by the American Legion Riders every mile of her California trip. This was coordinated and executed by the ALR Sergeant at Arms who deserves a huge “Thank you” for his tireless effort. She and her Aide had a relaxing first day on Saturday, starting with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then to Post 416 in Encinitas for the viewing of the annual Army/Navy game. She was pleased with the results being a former Army Soldier. Day two we visited the USS Midway and received a warm welcome by the docents who showed the utmost respect to our Commander, followed by a visit to Post 255 in National City for lunch served by the local High School Marine ROTC Unit and then off to Post 365 in Vista for dinner, where a new member of their Post was sworn in by National Commander Rohan. On day three, we were off to Orange County with a brief stop at the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery were Commander Rohan received a $5000 dollar check to her charity. We continued on to Post 679 which meets at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, with a full tour and lunch. Later that day for dinner, we were at Post 132 in Orange for a special presentation and dinner. Day four of the tour took us to the USS Iowa, American Legion Post 61 for a fantastic lunch and tour of the magnificent Destroyer Class Battleship 61. Pasadena Post 13 hosted dinner. Post 13 has a really nice memorial to their fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Day five started with a drive from Pasadena to Simi Valley where we were expecting a smoke filled visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. We were fortunate and missed all the smoke from the Ventura fires. After a delicious, gourmet lunch prepared by President Reagans personal chef; hosted by Post 283, Pacific Palisades, we received a tour of this beautiful, sprawling Library and museum. The next leg of the trip was up the beautiful California coast line with miles and miles of ocean shore line to view. We definitely have beautiful sunsets in California. We made it to Post 66 in San Luis Obispo just in time for the last of the BBQ dinner, but were welcomed the next morning Day six by a delicious pancake and egg breakfast hosted by Post 66 and District 16 where Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry, U.S. Army (retired) was the guest of honor and speaker. We pulled in to San Francisco in the mid-afternoon and were met at the War Memorial Building by Area 1 Vice Commander Nelson Lum, (retired SFPD) and many of his former SFPD Motorcycle counterparts. After a short tour of the Memorial, Commander’s Rohan and Heinisch were whisked away in a 1947 Rolls Royce escorted by a full SFPD Motorcade through the city streets to our hotel. They shut down major city streets during downtown San Francisco rush hour traffic specifically for our National Commander and her entourage. We received the same escort from the hotel to Cathay Post 384 and the Restaurant for dinner. This was one of the most impressive, if not ‘the most’ impressive escort I’ve ever been 4

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties associated with. I’m guessing a minimum of 40 Motorcycle Officers leap frogging from intersection to intersection, stopping traffic, buses, trollies, taxis and pedestrians. As I said, it was impressive. On our last evening, after a great dinner at Post 77, our Jr. Past Commander Gary Leach’s Post, the Commander let her hair down, so to speak and actually was on the floor playing with Chloe, Caleb Homer’s Service K-9. Our National Commander had a great time in California and was impressed with her mile by mile escort by the American Legion riders. Even though the Commander’s tour did not bring her through the 14th District and the Central Valley, we showed her a great time and what the golden state has to offer. With the Commander being from Wisconsin, she is obviously a ‘Cheesehead.’ We had a few good debates on who has the better cheeses. We had a great time with Commander Rohan and her Aide, had many great discussions and learned a lot of how our National Organization is moving forward. Thank you Commander Rohan and Mike for a great trip.

District Council 16 Northern California • Northern Nevada International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Jeff Roberts, Business Representative 4650 E. Weathermaker Avenue • Fresno, CA 93703 Ph: (559) 255-2113 • Fax: (559) 255-3806 • Email: Jeff@Dc16.us

ank you to our vets and current active military!

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 POST 191

POST 621

KINGSBURG

SQUAW VALLEY

Kingsburg Post 191 has started 2018 in the usual fashion. Our meetings this year have moved from Kady’s Kitchen to the refurbished Kingsburg Train Depot. It’s right in the center of town and easy to get to. The meeting room is upstairs in the old cargo loft. Luckily there is an elevator for those of us who are carrying a heavy load or just don’t walk upstairs very well. We have succeeded in choosing our representative for Boys State. We had ten nominations and while several would have been a good candidate.

The American Legion Post 621 of Squaw Valley has started the 2018 year with feet on the ground running. We’ve made our first of many visits to the patients at the Fresno VA Hospital, had a pancake breakfast fundraiser, picked our delegates and alternate from Reedley High School for the Boys State program. Notified Dunlap Leadership Academy they’ll be getting two scholarships from our group, assisted with a Rally Dinner raising money for Veterans Affairs in Fresno, and on the 31st of March, with the Women’s Auxiliary, youngsters participated in the Easter Egg Hunt at the Squaw Valley Library. Phew, that’s just through the end of March.

Our next projects are of course recruiting candidates for Post Officers and preparing for the Memorial Day celebration that we host at our local Cemetery. While the local VFW assists us with the Avenue of Flags and the 21-gun Salute, our Legion Post celebrates each Veteran by marking each gravesite with an American Flag and a White Cross with a Poppy on it.

In the planning stages: Dunlap School students are creating Patriotic Essays for us to read at the Memorial Services. The Squaw Valley Library has a yard sale we’ll be doing a BBQ fundraiser there. The Squaw Valley Cemetery needs a little cleaning up. The Memorial Garden will be getting a new tribute to all branches of the military. Cal Vet Home in Fresno has invited us to their BBQ and we’ll be assisting with the cooking and serving of the yummy food.

Our set up for Memorial Day will last for three days. On Friday we will place stakes to put the flags in. Luckily, we have the support of the Mesa program at the junior high. We get about 10 students with teachers to come out and help do this task. Saturday morning, we invite the community to come out and place the Flags and Crosses on each gravesite. Then on Memorial Day we conduct a short program. That afternoon at 3pm (1500) the community is invited back to help put everything away for another year.

July we will be showing our patriotism at the Flag Ceremonies. August will have us busy with fundraising plans at the Rodeo event in September. In October we’ll hand out candy at the Trunk or Treat. Dinner With A Vet will be held in November, the Grants Tree Ceremony at Kings Canyon National Park, as well as the Veterans Day Parades in Fresno and Sanger are events which will be covered by our group. December we’ll be in the Clovis Light Parade.

Hope to see you on Memorial Day.

We’re happy to support our communities and share the meaning of The American Legion at the same time. Andy Reeve Post Commander Post 191

Cheryl Brunkhorst Post 621 American Legion member

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

Gerry Hudson Cell (559) 351-7786 Ofﬁce (559) 268-6285 Toll Free (800) 959-5532 Fax (559) 442-3507

C HA PL A I N ' S C OR N E R

UNITY AND ONGOING SERVICE

Material Handling Equipment • Sales • Service • Parts • Rentals

3183 S. Golden State Blvd. • Fresno, CA 93725 • WholesaleEquipment.net For this article’s message, I asked myself why I am in The American Legion and, for that matter, on this planet. Also, what have I achieved and what more should I try to do? Scripture and two recent Legion events gave me the answer I’ve heard before: God put all of us in this world to SERVE, SERVE A PURPOSE or to BE SERVED.

Paving the way to the future. Grading and Paving Contractor.

In Scripture, St. Paul tells the Philippians: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vain glory; rather humbly Thomas Skypeck regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.” (Phil. 2:3,4) And, there is the well-known story of The Good Samaritan (Lk: 11: 29-37) who saw the need to serve another less fortunate than himself.

Jim Crawford Construction 1189 Hoblitt Avenue Clovis CA 93612 Off: 559.299.0306 | Fax: 559.299.1958 jcrawfordconst.com Lic. #472099

When you think about it, we are often reminded of the role of service in our lives; for instance, by such things as mottos on police cars that tell us that our protectors are “sworn to serve,” tipping or not tipping a “server” at a restaurant, a convict “serving” time, a parent telling others his/her child is in the [military] “service,” a hospital patient enjoying his “service dog,” or calmly handling an unruly computer server. The examples abound.

Jennette Williams Fresno Market President

office 559.225.1700 cell 559.286.9621 fax 559.261.9553 jwilliams@suncrestbank.com

663 W. Nees Ave. • Fresno, CA 93711 • www.suncrestbank.com

Proud to Support the American Legion and our veterans in Fresno 1680 E. Herndon Ave #101 • Fresno, CA 93720 • (559) 432-4200

The American Legion gives ample opportunities for its members to serve America’s veterans their community, state and nation through its various programs. A moving example of what can be achieved when we come together as Legionnaires in service to others is the Legion’s tradition of remembering our deceased veterans as recalled with the annual “Four Chaplains Inter-Faith Tribute” honoring the four Army chaplains who, on February 3, 1943, died together after giving up their life vests to soldiers aboard the Army transport ship U.S.A.T. Dorchester that was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank near Greenland. This year’s third Department-District-partnered fete on February 10 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Sanger was another unparalleled success. In addition to again thanking all who were involved in this event, I want to especially recognize Department Chaplain John Aldridge, Events Coordinator Cheryl Ing at Department Headquarters and Gloria Sinopoli and District 14 Auxiliary members for their work in planning and attending to many details for this program. Also, District Commander J.D. Bennett for his unfailing support. Another example of working together and service was driven home at my post’s American Legion birthday celebration; it was the recognition of first responders in our community and a well-deserved pat on the back for members of our post who have often gone the extra mile ensuring the successful functioning of our post and its programs. These were more than the so-called 10 percent who do all the work; they were there when needed and beyond. They were there not to have their names in a program, but because they fully bought into things being done for the common good, so how do I compare? Let’s just say I have more work to do. They truly reflect the importance of unity and ongoing service. For God and Country.

Plumbing, Heating and More! Sanger: 559.875.1812 Fresno/Clovis: 559.454.1800

Contractor Lic.# 708730 • Backflow Lic.# 08705

Thomas Skypeck District Chaplain 14th District

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 C A L I F OR N IA H IG H S C HO OL

ORATORICAL PROGRAM FINALS O

On March 4, 2018 the Department of California High School Oratorical Program finals were held in Clovis. Six students, one from each Area of CA participated.

First place went to Nathan York of National City, Area 5. Second place went to Aaron Linares of Modesto, Area 3. Nathan will compete in the National finals on April 14 and 15 in Indianapolis. We believe California will be well represented by Nathan; he has a good chance of going to the top. Now is the time for your Post to be planning for next year. Post level contests should be scheduled for December or January to allow time for District, Area, and Department contests to follow. This is one of the Legion’s best programs but it is also one that is most often overlooked. If it doesn’t happen at the Post level, it doesn’t happen. I hope all Post Commanders will encourage someone in their Post to hold a contest next year. If you need help I will be there, just call me. The Oratorical Committee will be meeting at Convention on Thursday morning. All interested parties are invited to join us.

Tejas Sood, Ella Michaels, First place winner Nathan York, Second place winner Aaron Linares, Arvind Kannappan, and Andrew Charroux.

Owner riguez, n.com d o R r Roge missio sTrans Payles

AT 8:00 AM

559.896.3243

10951 E. Mountain View | Selma, CA 93662

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

Your skin care expert

Our top priority is to provide you with the highest standard of skin care available. Your skin deserves the best, and we are confident that we can deliver the highest quality dermatological care that will keep your skin healthy and beautiful for years to come!

We offer these proven aesthetic treatments: • • •

• • •

Botox® Cosmetics Chemical Peels Dermal Fillers: ■ Juvéderm® ■ Radiesse® ■ Sculptra® Aesthetic Fraxel® Thermage® Microdermabrasion

• • • • • • • •

Tumescent Liposuction • Tattoo Removal • CoolSculpting® • Laser Skin Resurfacing Laser treatment for removal of red and brown lesions Laser Hair Removal Vein Treatments Skin Care products

Smartlipo Triplex™ Cellulaze™ miraDRY®

Kathleen L. Behr, M.D.

Board Certified Dermatologist 1125 E. Spruce Ave., Suite 207 Fresno, CA 93720

(559) 435-SKIN (7546) www.435skin.com

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018

CALPA NEWS This year has been going by quickly. There are changes that have been made and more that need to be made. I donâ€™t want any of the membership to become discouraged during this change. We are very close to becoming a 501-C (3). There are many things that need to occur once the transaction has been made. It is my hope that each of you will step up to assist and be a positive factor in change. The most important thing is to remain steadfast in membership.

There has to be accountability at each level of membership. I am still in the process of attempting to obtain a webmaster to develop an outstanding website Mildred Wright-Pearson that we can be proud of. I have been informed that we will need a new CALPA Secretary and I will not be the President next year. Anyone interested in becoming more involved in this organization should be present at the convention luncheon in June to run for election. In the meantime, membership is still open at $10.00 per year. If you want a cap pin and lanyard, it will be an additional $15.00. If you want just the cap pin or lanyard, they are $10.00 each. All renewals are $10.00. Any Legion family can apply. At this time, do not use the calpaonline.com address to apply or pay for membership. The new application with instructions have been placed in the California Legionnaire. If you would like more information, please contact our Secretary, Clara Pon, at calpamembership@gmail.com. Sharing Media/Communication Ideas Mildred S. Wright-Pearson CALPA President 2017-2018

CertiďŹ ed Professional Building Designer

john ford

drafting and design

American Institute of Building Design Title 24 Calculations Energy Consultant - HERS Rater

635 Barstow Ave Ste 20 Clovis, CA 93612 Ph: (559) 323-4375 Fax: (559) 323-4381 jdraw@aol.com

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

GREETINGS For those who may not know me, my name is Eric Kurtz, and I am the candidate for Department Sgt-at-Arms for the 2018 – 2019 year for the American Legion Department of California. My focus as Sgtat-Arms is ritual and protocol which can be found in the Officer’s Guide and By-Laws, with there being other latitude for certain things, and it is very helpful to have the most recent version of Robert’s Rule of Order. I am looking forward to the upcoming year Eric Kurtz with the many meetings and events that I will be attending. The most important part of the year is reconnecting with friends and connecting with new friends. It is very important for me to remember that it is the Blue Caps at the post level which are the members that I serve. I look forward to your support at convention at Sacramento in June.

FORD OF CLOVIS

For God and Country

Destination for New & Used Vehicles!

Eric Kurtz

Thank you

Veterans! Monday - Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 7:30pm

920 W. Shaw, Clovis

559-765-0447 www.futurefordclovis.com

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 POST 147

CECIL B. COX

A M E R I C A N L E G I O N B I R T H DAY PA R T Y BY MATTHEW AVILEZ, S.A.L., DETACHMENT 509

Each year members of American Legion (Cecil Cox) Post 147, celebrate the American Legion Birthday. This year's celebration was held on March 13, 2018 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. The event included entertainment (karaoke) dinner, raffle, introduction of Rodeo Queen candidate (Kaityn Dermotte), and presentation of awards. Dinner consisted of corn beef and cabbage or chicken and dessert. Clovis East High School ROTC served dinner and assisted in clean-up.

After dinner several awards were presented: Fireman of the Year Fred Edwards, Policeman of the Year Scott Borsch, Legion Medals of Appreciation to Finance Officer David Robertson and Adjutant Lea Minyard, three Quilts of Valor, and Legionnaire of the Year. The Quilts of Valor were presented to Eric Amador (Navy), Mike Rose (Marine), and Nashwan Yquob. The final award was presented to worthy recipient Jim Pacini - Legionnaire of the Year. Another enjoyable American Legion Birthday was concluded!! Next year will be the highly anticipated 100th Birthday for American Legion!!

Karen Balske Member Post 147

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018

LOW INCOME HOUSING 62 & OLDER, OR UNDER 62 With A Mobility Impairment

One Bedroom & Studios Handicap Accessible Units Available For More Information, Please Call Our Salvation Army Silvercrest Residence Fresno Silvercrest Residence 1824 Fulton Street Fresno, CA 93721 Ph: (559) 237-9111

Veterans Welcome!

Ornamental Supply Co., Inc.

Competitive Pricing - Exceptional Service Angle - Channel - Tube - Pipe - Sheet Metal - Beams Flat Bar - Gate Operators - Gate Accessories Los Angeles - Sun Valley - Pomona - Fresno - San Diego www.ramcaststeel.net

SANGER NURSERY INSECTICIDES // HARDWARE Everything for the home, farm and garden. U Cart Cement Small Engines Sales and Service Hardware • Plumbing Supplies Paint • Sprinklers • Electrical Supplies Lawn Equipment • Chain Saws • Tools

875-5581 2720 Jensen • Sanger Open: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm www.SangerNursery.net 14

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties 40 & 8

POST 509

NEWS FROM FRESNO

HELLO FROM

LA SOCIÉTÉ

We are hoping to have our first annual Army Birthday Ball on June 16th. Formal dinner and dance with DJ Alex and a great program in between. See Mildred Wright-Pearson or myself for tickets - $35 a couple or $25 per person. Barbara Jung-Lowe

We will hold a small Flag Day Ceremony on June 14, 2018, in conjunction with Home Land Security. They will be swearing in new citizens at that time - come join the fun and greet our new citizens. Membership meetings are the Third Monday of each month and all are welcome to attend.

Barbara Jung-Lowe Commander Fresno Federal Post 509

Many of you may not know about this organization. It is not a secret society, it is an Honor Society organization that was once part of the American Legion but is no longer. It gets its membership by invitation only. You must be an honorably discharged veteran of the US Armed Forces. You do not have to be a member of the American Legion or any other organization. Once vetted, we accept veterans, male and female. La Société has been around since the 1920s.

Fresno Federal Post 509 is busy as usual. We continue with Karaoke night the first Friday of each month and a DJ Dance the third Friday of each month. The events last from 7- 11 p.m. There is food served at each evening activity. Bingo is going strong every Wednesday. The first game starts at 6:15pm. Basic buy-in is $20. Mildred Wright-Pearson

Currently, we are restoring the Merci Box car that is on display at Fresno Federal Post 509, 3509 N. First Street, Fresno, CA. It is one of our symbols of the organization. The Box car was sent to us from the French Republic as a “Thank You” for the assistance the American military provided to the French during WWI and WWII. It had been designated as an historic military monument. It also represents this country’s desire for external democracy for countries needing help. We hope to have this Merci Box car project completed by the end of the summer. To further identify us, we are the ones wearing red – red vests or red jackets, red socks, and our “funny caps” called a chapeau. We have many programs that we support: Americanism, Box Car, Child Welfare, Pow/MIA, Youth Sports, to name a few. We support these programs by selling pins for each program. When purchased, these pins can be given to help support activities and programs within your Posts. Pins usually cost between $5-6.00 each. As a Grand Officer of La Société, I would appreciate your support of the activities we are engaged in that contributes to the wellbeing of veterans, their children and the community and their children. Help us in this endeavor if you are asked to purchase our program pins. Merci Beau Coup. Veterans Serving Around the World.

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson Grand Directeur Child Welfare La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS CST2004780-10

7461 North First, Suite 102 • Fresno, CA 93720 559-447-5767 • ShoppeTravel.com

Thank you for your service!

“Insurance Protection Through Service & Excellence, Competitive Pricing & Loyalty Between Us & Our Customers”

Water Resources • Irrigation and Drainage • Planning and Design 887 North Irwin Street

PO Box 1122

PH: (559) 582-9237

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

License # 107203197

www.vintagegardens.org

A division of the Central California Nikkei Foundation

Palm Bluffs • 431-6892 / fax 447-9538 7280 N. Remington Ave. / Fresno, CA 93711 Shaw & West • 229-1896 2083 W. Shaw Ave. / Fresno, CA 93711 Dry Cleaning • Laundry Services • European Finishing • Alterations Carpet Cleaning • Window Coverings • Tile & Grout • Air Duct www.jonescleaning.com • www.americasbestcleaners.com

Providing services that create health and wellness centered environments that foster the wellbeing of each person. A unique blend of comfort, personalized care and security with independence & dignity.

Discover the Good Life

Call Us! (559) 252-4036 540 S. Peach Ave., Fresno, CA 93727

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

CAREGIVER BENEFITS FOREFRONT OF C ON G R E S S I ONA L T E S T I M ON Y

L E G I O N N A I R E S R A L LY I N D C

STORMING THE HILL

BY MARY DEVER

As DAV continues to push for comprehensive caregiver benefits for veterans of all eras, DAV Deputy National Legislative Director Adrian Atizado testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee recently regarding the current program, potential improvements and current legislative proposals that would authorize its expansion.

In attendance was DAV past national commanders, Dennis Joyner and Dave Riley, and their wives and caregivers, Donna and Yvonne. “How can we look these men and women in the face – some of whom are here with us today – and tell them that their service and sacrifices do not merit equitable access to all caregiver benefits?” Atizado asked in his testimony. “How can we say that their spouses, parents, siblings, children and close friends who also sacrifice to be their caregivers do not deserve the same support as those caring for post-9/11 veterans?” At the hearing, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin spoke about a path towards expansion of the program targeting veterans and family caregivers with the greatest need. Atizado, and other veterans service organizations on the panel, voiced support for that idea with the caveat that it could be a good starting point, but not the final solution. “We are not adverse to the Secretary’s proposal,” said Atizado. “I want to make sure the committee is sensitive to the urgency of having to do this. Every day we have members who are passing away and family caregivers who are impoverishing themselves and need help now.” The push for comprehensive caregiver benefits for veterans of all eras is part of DAV’s Unsung Heroes Initiative—DAV’s national campaign to bring awareness to the selfless service of the nation’s veteran caregivers, as well as the many unique challenges they face. Find out more and take action at www.unsungheroesinitiative.org.

BY JEFF STOFFER

American Legion national staff, led by Legislative Commission Chairman Paul Dillard of Texas, had a recurring message Monday afternoon in the nation’s capital: “it just makes sense.”

Those words accompanied many message points from American Legion Legislative Division Director Matthew Shuman and Assistant Director Jeff Steele as they briefed hundreds of veterans gathered in Washington, D.C., at the annual “Know Before You Go” review of legislative priorities. Legionnaires from across the country will personally deliver those priorities to their congressional representatives this week. Priorities such as improved efforts to use VA services to prevent veteran suicide, provision of qualified VA medical staff to better serve the nation’s growing number of women veterans, the installation of a long-awaited DoD-VA electronic medical records system and the streamlining of nine different non-VA health-care programs into one that VA fully manages were among the issues Legionnaires will take to Capitol Hill. “It just makes common sense when you (leave DoD) and become a veteran, you should have one medical record that follows you everywhere,” Shuman said, noting that progress is being made toward a fully interoperable electronic records system that can untangle information-sharing issues between VA and DoD for veteran patients. Shuman said the project needs to be funded, however, without the forfeiture of VA medical services. The Choice Program, which allows veterans to use non-VA providers if they live far from VA services or near facilities that are overbooked, expires in May. That program, initiated in 2014 after veterans were found nationwide to be waiting for appointments that had not in fact been scheduled, allows VA-enrolled patients to use non-VA services from community providers, but only when necessary. “We are 100 percent opposed to privatization,” Shuman told the Legionnaires, warning them that some legislation now in Congress “calls for just that.” The American Legion is taking to Congress conditional support for continuation of the Choice Program. National Commander Denise H. Rohan is scheduled to testify before a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs Wednesday to explain that The American Legion puts efficient and timely health care first for the nation’s veterans, and if achieving that goal means the use of non-VA providers, steps must be taken to ensure quality and fair, timely compensation for community providers. “A community care option is now a basic expectation for enrollees in VA’s health-care system,” according to drop-sheets Legionnaires were given at the Monday briefing. However, “excessive outsourcing would render (the Veterans Health Administration) too small to function economically or preserve quality of care and essentially dismantle it. Congress should pass legislation to unify VA’s multiple non-VA care programs, with VA as the coordinator and guarantor of care.”

(Continued on Page 33) 17

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018

5 FACTS ABOUT MILITARY SUICIDES FOR PTSD BY ERLC

Suicide has become the leading cause of death in the U.S. military—exceeding accidents, car crashes, and even combat. Historically, the suicide rate in the military has been below the civilian rate. But since the early 2000s, the rate of suicides has been steadily increasing and the problem, as Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno says, is “going to go on for many years.”

Here are five facts you should know about military and veteran suicides: 1. In 2012, the number of military suicides exceeded the total of those killed in combat. According to the Pentagon, suicides of active-duty troops surged to a record 349, almost one per day. The Army, by far the largest of the military services, had the highest number of suicides at 182. The Navy had 60, the Air Force 59, and the Marine Corps had 48. 2. Data released by the Pentagon for 2008-2011 shows that 52 percent of military suicides were by those who did not deploy to a combat zone; 34 percent deployed but in a non-combat role; only 14 percent were combat veterans. 3. A study conducted by the Army found that being deployed increased suicide risk for women more than it did for men, though suicide risk still remained lower for deployed women than for deployed men. Additionally, the study identified a correlation between demotion and suicide risk: soldiers who had been demoted in the past two years experienced increased suicide risk, compared to those without such demotions. There was also increased risk in soldiers without at least a high school

diploma or a GED certificate, compared to soldiers with similar or higher degrees. The data suggest that being male, white, or a junior enlisted rank put individuals at the highest risk of suicide. 4. Analysis of military suicides in 2011 found that service members who were divorced had a 55 percent higher rate of suicide than those who were married. That study also found that most service members who attempted suicide (about 65 percent) had a known history of behavior problems, while a smaller percentage (45 percent) who killed themselves had such a history. 5. Although veterans make up only 10 percent of the population, they account for nearly one in five of all suicides in America. The suicide rate for veterans is nearly double that of the civilian population, and every day, 22 veterans take their own lives—about one suicide every 65 minutes. More than 69 percent of all veteran suicides were among those 50 and older. Mental-health professionals say they are likely to be Vietnam veterans who give up on life after their children are out of the house or a longtime marriage falls apart. If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room. Remove any access they may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications. Call 911 or the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Dairy Auction Every Monday • Heifer Auction 1st Wednesday Each Month Feeder & Beef Sale Every Thursday • Video Auction Last Thursday Every Month DOUG BELEZZUOLI • Mobile: 559.816.2806 • Office: 559.582.0404 • Email: Doug@OverlandStockyard.com 18

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Service Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

Freedom isn’t free . . . Thank you for your Service!!! 5% Veteran’s Discount

5654 E. Westover Ave., Suite 111, Fresno, CA

559-347-9500 www.precisionmechanicalsolutions.com Providing Superior Service, Products & Solutions

Visit our website at: www.precisionmechanicalsolutions.com

Vulcan Materials Company

Honors Veterans

PTSD

T H E I E D T H AT AWA I T S WA R V E T E R A N S AT H O M E

Veterans returning from war can breathe a sigh of relief that the immediate, daily dangers of combat are behind them. But long after they step off the battlefield, our country’s warriors continue to fight a silent war that leaves invisible wounds just as painful as the physical ones endured during combat. Meet the emotional Improvised Explosive Device (IED) known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although many of our veterans endure the fallout of this silent bomb on a daily basis, most of us would hardly be able to recognize it. Given that as many as one-third of returning Iraq War veterans are battling PTSD or depression as you read this post, it’s time to clear up the widespread misunderstanding about what this stress disorder is and what it is not. First, what it isn’t: PTSD is not a fabricated condition, and it’s not a bout of the blues that can be worked out in a counseling session or two. Further, it’s not a disorder that only affects veterans who have seen the worst of the worst. PTSD is prevalent, painful and persistent.

Wa lt on  M i t c h el l AT T O R N E Y S AT L A W

GRANT N. MITCHELL 815 N Street Phone: (559) 875-5505 Sanger, California 93657 Fax (559) 875-9892 gmitchell@waltonmitchell-law.com

Fresno Roofing Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

PTSD is an IED planted in the landscape of our veterans’ hearts and minds, triggering harm without a moment’s warning. Just as an IED destroys everything within a few miles’ radius, PTSD affects all aspects of a veteran’s life, often taking family and friends as extended casualties of this silent, invisible war. When the aggressor is PTSD, little escapes undamaged, whether we can see it or not. If we can’t see PTSD, then how can we identify it? Understanding how it affects our veterans is a good starting point. The re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD are probably what you’ve heard of before: flashbacks and vivid nightmares of horrific war scenes, which can be triggered by even the smallest reminder of the atrocities of battle. PTSD also spurs avoidance symptoms, which cause a warrior to stay away from places, events or objects that remind him or her of painful experiences. The avoidance and re-experiencing aspects cause serious emotional issues that plague our veterans as they struggle to transition into civilian life: guilt, depression, emotional numbness, constant fear, and overwhelming tension that can make tasks as simple as eating and sleeping incredibly difficult. The first step in combating PTSD is to raise awareness about this crucial issue affecting our veterans. Harvesting Happiness 4 Heroes carries out that mission everyday by offering free, stigma-free comprehensive services for returning warriors and their families, and by educating the public on the true costs of PTSD. It’s a battle we should all be fighting alongside our veterans.

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 A M E R I C A N L E G I O N D E PA R T M E N T

ORATORICAL FINALS P

Eleventh grader, Nathan York of National City, took home top honors in our March 2018 finals. He was awarded a scholarship check for $1,200 from The American Legion, Department of California. As First Place winner he will compete at the National Finals in Indianapolis.

Six high school contestants competed in this contest, as they do each year. Each contestant delivered a prepared oration on the U. S. Constitution as well as an oration on a randomly assigned constitutional topic. Nathan York impressed the judges with a speech titled “Our Dying Democracy”. He earned a scholarship check for $1,200. In April he will fly to Indianapolis to participate in the National Finals where the winners are paid scholarships of First Place $18,000, Second Place $16,000, and Third Place $14,000.

County Care Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

Since 1938, The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has encouraged the nation’s high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and to hone their public speaking skill. For more information, please visit www.legionlorg/oratorical or call Fran Kilgore 559-977-8053.

We Support our Veterans We are your partners in agriculture – your success is our success. FarmCreditWest.com 800.909.5050

Committed. Experienced. Trusted.

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

L E G I S L AT I O N P R O V I D I N G

ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE HEADED TO PRESIDENT'S DESK BY TIFFANY HAVERLY

Chairman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) released the following statements after the House passed the Senate’s companion to Rep. Zeldin’s legislation to expand access to adult day health care.

“Our country made a promise to care for the men and women who sacrificed for our freedoms,” said Roe. “I’m proud this legislation would expand access to adult day health care for veterans who qualify for, but are not currently utilizing, nursing home care, and would provide America’s heroes with companionship and care as they age. I’m grateful for Rep. Zeldin’s leadership on this important legislation, and I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.” “This is an important piece of legislation that provides a valuable and necessary service to our nation’s veterans, and I am pleased to announce this bill now heads to the President’s desk,” said Zeldin. “By expanding access to Adult Day Health Care programs, we can ensure that all veterans receive the best and most efficient outpatient services that provide each veteran with the assistance and special attention they need, while still allowing them to maintain their independence. This important legislation will expand care for disabled veterans on Long Island and across our country, allowing each veteran to lead a much more fulfilling life, while keeping families together and strong. Expanding Adult Day Health Care for our disabled veterans is a top priority, and I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate, especially Senator Orrin Hatch and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe, for passing this commonsense legislation and look forward to the President signing it into law.” The State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017 S. 324 is similar to H.R. 1005 – Rep. Zeldin’s bill that passed the House on a voice vote on May 23, 2017 – and would direct VA to enter into an agreement or a contract with state veterans homes to pay for medical supervision model adult day health care for a veteran eligible for, but not receiving, nursing home care. This bill requires the Secretary to establish a payment rate through regulations but until that rate is published stipulates that payment under each agreement or contract between VA and a state home must equal 65% of the payment that VA would otherwise pay to the state home if the veteran were receiving nursing home care.

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 H O W T O AV O I D

VA SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS I

It’s no secret that scholarships are a great way to find free money for college. While it’s now easier than ever to search for scholarship opportunities online, easier navigation on the internet also makes it easier for online scammers.

Unfortunately, many families have fallen victim to scholarship scammers who are stealing millions of dollars from families every year. Your goal is to get money for college, and it shouldn’t cost you anything to apply for scholarships. The good news is that there are red flags to look out for to avoid becoming the victim of a scholarship scam. A general rule of thumb – if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Learn the signs to protect yourself against being defrauded and find scholarships that are right for you. Here are 3 tips to avoid scholarship scams: Be cautious of fees: Applying for scholarships should not cost money. Be cautions of scholarships with application fees and never pay to get scholarship information. Scholarship databases are free and readily available online. Be on the lookout for phrases like “Guaranteed or your money back.” Scholarship websites can’t guarantee that you will win a scholarship because they’re not deciding on the winner. Legitimate scholarships won’t require an upfront fee when you submit the application. Protect your data: Never reveal financial information such as your social security number, credit card numbers, checking information or bank account numbers to apply for scholarships. Scholarship scammers could use this information to commit identity theft. Get a second opinion: If you’re still unsure, talk with trusted organizations about which websites they recommend. School counselors, librarians, financial aid offices, and local community organizations have knowledge and tools to guide you in the right direction.

Dan Sardella

3348 Claus Road • Modesto, CA 95355 O: (209) 551-1424 • C: (209) 765-9292 • F: (209) 551-0942 daniel.sardella@cpsagu.com • www.cpsagu.com

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S A F FA I R S

PHONE NUMBERS 2018

• Benefits 1-800-827-1000 • Medical Centers 1-800-827-1000 • Persian Gulf War Helpline 1-800-749-8387 • Locate the closest VMAC or VA Regional Office 1-877-222-8387 • National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 1-800-838-4357 (1-800-VET-HELP) • Focus on Recovery Helpline (alcohol/drugs) 1-800-374-2800 or 1-800-234-1253 • National Aids Hotline 1-800-342-2437 • National Crisis Hotline 1-800-784-2433 • National Suicide Support Number 1-888-784-2433 (1-888-SUICIDE) • Travelers Aid International 1-202-546-1127 • Dept. of Health & Human Services Drug & Alcohol Treatment 1-800-662-4357 • National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 1-800-950-6264 • National Mental Health Association 1-800-969-NMHA • Food Stamps Information Line 1-800-221-5689 • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Information Line 1-800-772-1213 • Women in Community Service (WICS) Location information line 1-800-442-9427 • National Personnel Records Center fax line (to obtain DD214) 1-314-801-9201 VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS • The American Legion 1-317-630-1323 • AMVETS 1-877-726-8387

Myovich Trucking 745 E Street • Fresno, CA 93706

• Blinded Veterans Association 1-800-669-7079 • DAV-Disabled American Veterans 1-859-441-7300 • Jewish War Veterans 1-202-265-6280 • Military Order of the Purple Heart 1-703-642-5360 • Non Commissioned Officers Association 1-703-549-0311 • Paralyzed Veterans of America 1-800-424-8200 • VFW -Veterans of Foreign Wars 1-816-756-3390 • Vietnam Veterans of America 1-301-585-4000

Proud to support the American Legion and Veterans in Fresno 25

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 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 5250 N. Palm Ave., Ste. 111 Fresno, CA 93704

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

Purchase·Refinance USDA FHA·VA Conventional Pre-Qualify with us First! It’s Free!

1507 N. 11th Avenue Hanford, CA 93230 559-585-7400 www.KingsMortgage.com Licensed by the Department of Corpora�ons under the California Residen�al Mortgage Lending Act‐NMLS 264441

www.huttonotta.com

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

VAVS NEWS

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

Where do I begin. There is so much happening with the VA hospital and VAVS. The VA Hospital is really stepping up for ensure the appropriate care of veterans and identifying places and events for additional help to all veteran in need.

The Army is 243 years old on June 14, 2018 Celebrate at the Army Birthday Ball being held at Fresno Federal Post 509

June 16, 2018

Before I begin with the VA Hospital though, let me discuss what is going on with our District VAVS proMildred Wright-Pearson gram. We are at a critical point on funding our program. The VAVS moneys ($0.10 per member based upon previous membership year) that are contributed to District, are essential to be paid for the continued viability of the program. Currently, we are running at a deficit. This program supports the BINGO played at the CLC (Community Living Center), the monthly visitations once a month, and the semi-annual BBQ held at the CLC. No monies have currently been given to this program from the District over the past two years. Posts have paid for their canteen books, all except one which I will not name. We are coming up to our May BBQ and need help. If your Post is willing to help with additional funds to keep this program going, please send a check or money order made out to “VAVS”, PO Box 233, Tranquillity, CA 93668. Thank you for any help you provide. Now, about the VA Hospital happenings: • R esume writing workshop: for Fresno County residents who would like employment with the Federal government. Call (559) 230-4026 for details • WARP: Wellness recovery for hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support. Held Wednesdays, 1300-1400, in Building 27, front lobby of the first floor • Community Based Outpatient Clinics –

o Tulare Clinic – (559) 684-8703

o Merced Clinic – (209) 381-0105

o Oakhurst Clinic – (559) 683-5300

3509 N. First Street Fresno, CA 93726

1700 - 2300 No Host Bar - Member Prices (Social Hour 1700-1800) Couples $35.00 Singles $25.00 Choice: Roast Beef or Chicken Dinner RSVP by May 31, 2018 300 Tickets Available (559) 224-0522 All Service Branches are Invited to Attend

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 OUTPOST 14

PCC

PA S T C O M M A N D E R S C L U B

VAVS NE WS

(Continued from Page 27) • Annual Day of Remembrance: May 17, 2018, VA Hospital,1700-1900 hrs. • 14th District American Legion BBQ: May 20, 2018, VA CLC BBQ area, 1130 hrs. • Army Birthday/Flag Day: June 14, 2018, VA Hospital, 1000-1130 hrs. • Independence Day Celebration: July 3, 2018, VA Hospital, 1000-1130 hrs.

The Outpost is alive and well. We miss those of you who are members and have not come to meetings. As you may know, the meetings are held before each District 14 meeting, at 1000 am. The District has had some Post loses over the last few years. It is up to us as Past Commanders to help to mend this leakage. We should be the stop-gap that aids those new commanders to get through their elected year and help current Post commanders.

Mildred Wright-Pearson

We have fun and make plans to assist those Posts who require our help. All that is needed is just ASK! We may not know everything because things are constantly changing, but we know where to look and whom to ask for good advice. If you find your Post at a loss in trying to figure out how to complete forms, update bylaws, increase membership, etc., we can assist. Don’t throw your hands in the air and give up! Your Post is important to the District and the American Legion as a whole. Any in-coming Commanders can be a member, once you have held your first meeting. The application for membership is $15.00 to join our Outpost. Thereafter, it costs $10.00 per year to maintain membership. Those wishing assistance from our Club, which is unique to California, should seek out a current member. We are easy to spot. We are the ones who have a gavel pin on our cap or lapel. One of our programs is nursing scholarship for LVNs in the Clovis school area. If you are interested in joining our Outpost (which serves District 14 and 27) and helping out our cause, we would be glad to have you. God Bless.

• Coast Guard Birthday: August 3, 2018, VA Hospital, 1000-1130 hrs. • Air Force Birthday: September 18, 2018, VA Hospital. 1000-1130 hrs. • Navy Birthday: October 12, 2018, VA Hospital, 1000-1130 hrs. • Walk of Honor: November 3, VA Hospital, 1000-1130 hrs. • Marine Corp Birthday: November 9, 2918, 100-1130 hrs. • D AV gift Distribution, Visit & Luncheon: November 11, 2018, VA Hospital, 1000-1200 hrs.

In addition, the VA is starting to accept named for the Walk of Honor. The veteran application must have been completed an honorably discharged veteran verified by a DD214, have served in the US Armed Forces, and can be currently serving or deceased. The cost has not been determined as of yet. The application will be placed on a list and notification will be made to the applicant about the cost of the plaque, once determined. Remember to support your VA Hospital. It is there to help our veteran population. It cannot specifically ask for donation but is willing to accept donations (not only monetary) from your Post. The VA is still looking for drivers in the Tulare area. Check it out and see if you qualify.

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson VAVS Representative District 14

Veterans Standing for Veterans

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson PCC President Outpost 14

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

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. â€”Council President Paul Caprioglio, District 4 City of Fresno

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Heidi Nunes Plant Manager

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

McCarty’s Collision Center

Thank You Veterans! 559-476-2900 3950 N. CHESTNUT AVE • FRESNO, CA www.us486.AlphaGraphics.com

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE

ADAM C. GRAY ASSEMBLYMEMBER, TWENTY-FIRST DISTRICT

CAPITOL OFFICE P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249 916.319.2121

DISTRICT OFFICE 690 W. 16th St. Merced, CA 95340 209.5726.5465

DISTRICT OFFICE 1010 Tenth St., Ste. 5800 Modesto, CA 95354 209.521.2111

assemblymember.gray@assembly.ca.gov

Campos Brothers, S&P Farms Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

1870 Dockery Ave. Selma, CA 93662

(559) 896-3500

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

BUY A FL AG

FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION Legion testifies on Veteran’s financial protection legislation BY JOHNATHON CLINKSCALES

Made in the USA, a flag from the American Legion supports our mission and supports your local community. The flag program contributes to: • Military Families • Veterans • Children Easy to order; simply visit the website or call. • www.americanlegionflags.com • 1-888-453-4466 Available flags and products: • A merican Flags (outdoor and stick flags) • State Flags (outdoor and indoor) • Military Flags (service and POW/MIA) • F lag Accessories (stands, display cases, poles, tops)

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018

VETERAN ID CARD

Special Financing available

On select flooring products. On purchases made with your Carpet One Credit Card.

FREE ESTIMATES

• Carpet • Vinyl • Hardwood • Tile • Laminate

In stock carpet

installed for $2.19 ft

Some veterans have been told their military service cannot be verified while attempting to apply for the Department of Veterans Affairs' new ID card. But sources disagree on what's causing the problem.

Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 5:30pm • Saturday: 10am - 3pm 741 Academy Ave. • Sanger, CA 93657 • 559.875.4030

1100 G Street • Reedley, CA 93654 • 559.638.3850

The ID card, mandated by Congress in 2015 and rolled out last year, is free for all honorably discharged veterans of any era. It is designed to function as proof of service at private businesses and save veterans the trouble of carrying around their DD-214s to show they served. It is not considered an official federal ID and does not qualify veterans for federal benefits. But the application process and card printing program have encountered a parade of glitches, including website problems and a delay in printing and shipping the cards. The online application uses the ID.me authorization system, which is meant to allow veterans to easily verify their identity and service before uploading a photo and other details for the card. But some veterans complain that they receive an error message saying their military service cannot be authenticated when they attempt to apply for the card. Officials with ID.me said the problem can be blamed on a glitch between their system and the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS), causing users who created ID.me accounts in the past to receive an error message that their records were not found, according to information provided to veterans who contacted the ID.me help desk. "This issue is unfortunately not something that ID.me can address from our end and will require that the VA addresses this communication problem between the DoD's DEERS database and the VA application," the help desk email response said. The ID.me system is used by hundreds of online businesses and many federal websites to verify identity. Although exact data on how many users are enrolled in ID.me was not immediately available, VA officials said last year that the program was selected for the new ID card system in part because it is already broadly used. VA officials, however, disagreed with ID.me's explanation of the cause of the problem. They said the records failure is instead an issue created by bad data. "The issue is not between ID.me and DEERS, but rather that VA and DoD systems (including DEERS) have inaccurate data in some cases," Curt Cashour, a VA spokesman, said in an email. "For example, if a Veteran's Social Security number is inaccurate in DEERS or in a VA backend system, then VA may not be able to automatically verify the Veteran's eligibility for the ID card." Cashour said the VA's fix for this problem is to ask veterans to manually upload their DD-214 forms, which show proof of service. Those who continue to face problems can email VIC@ va.gov for help, he said.

We Honor Veterans

AseraCare Hospice Professionals on a Mission to Serve

But veterans attempting to apply for the ID said the DD-214 upload system has also given them problems. "When you go into ID.me and fill out the information and then go through the process of trying to send a copy of your DD-214 to them, [it] fails," one veteran told Military.com via email. "This has happened to me every time I have tried it." (Continued on Page 33) 32

650 W. Alluvial Ave. • Fresno, CA 93711 • (559) 447-2540

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties VETERAN ID CARD (Continued from Page 32)

A LEGACY OF

SILENCE

"I tried to apply for a Veteran ID Card in February. I got to a point where the message said, 'We need more information to process your request,' " another veteran wrote in an email to Military.com last month. "The VA help line ... told me, after a 4-hour wait on hold, that there was a glitch and that they would fix it soon. It is a month later and the message is still there on my file." About 74,500 veterans have successfully applied for the ID card, Cashour said. Although cards can be printed at home from the VA website, hard copies are scheduled to be mailed to veterans starting this month.

S TOR M I N G T H E H I L L (Continued from Page 17) Among the issues on the Legion’s legislative agenda this week are: • Expansion of support and benefits for the estimated 5.5 million Americans who are caregivers for disabled veterans of all war eras. • Increased resources and assurance that the growing percentage of women veterans receives VA health care equal to that of their male counterparts, provided by physicians qualified to deliver gender-specific care. • Measures to improve recruitment and retention of VA health-care providers, emphatically those who work in mental health. • Full funding to help VA achieve its goal to eradicate veteran homelessness in America. • Oversight to ensure that a lifetime electronic health record system connecting DoD and VA is properly funded, effective and seamless no matter where a veteran might be seeking care. • Mandate end-of-service physical examinations for all military personnel at separation, a requirement that is now only partially authorized for the reserve component. • Continued support, emphasis and funding for effective programs that seek to reduce the veteran suicide rate. Shuman explained that veterans who use VA services are less likely than others to commit suicide. • Prohibition of employer pressure to force deployed active-duty, National Guard or reservists to waive their Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protections caused by deployment. • National security measures to improve cybersecurity, military quality of life and adequate funding and resources for the U.S. Armed Forces now at war. • Support for H.J. Res. 61 and S.J. Res. 46, that would allow Congress to approve a constitutional amendment to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag. “At some point, this country will see the light (on the flag amendment),” Steele said. Until then, he added, flag protection will never leave The American Legion’s legislative priority list.

Recently a vet I know called me about his brother. They both served in Iraq, at different times. One brother’s transition back into civilian life went, if not easily, then smoothly. He was soon back into his family, work, and community. Not so for his brother, who’d missed out on the support programs that were in place. His brother hit snag after snag. One bad thing led to the next. His decline was rapid and his situation seemed hopeless. He was angry and alienated.

I thought of how critical support is during the transition. For a recruit, military training is physically rigorous. It includes learning new job skills and brings a whole new way to live and be. But when a soldier’s military commitment is over, there’s an abrupt halt in lifestyle, in job, in routine. Veterans return to a world that kept changing and turning while they were away. A world that often feels foreign. We know that many veterans don’t, or can’t, talk about their experiences. We see what that kind of silence does to the vet, but the family is affected too. Think about it. If you don’t have a veteran in your immediate family, there’s probably a grandfather, uncle, aunt or cousin, right? How often do you hear them talk about their experiences in the military? They might tell stories, but the stories are always the same, as if they’re kept in mothballs, rolled out for amusement from time to time. The experiences they share are limited. You have the sense you’re not hearing the whole story. In our time, it’s not uncommon for three generations to all be veterans of different wars. That’s three wars, each one with its own particular kind of hell. Those untold stories impose a silence on the whole family, not just the veteran. Young children whose fathers saw combat grow up thinking PTSD is just how Daddy is. Parents, spouses and other family members try to tiptoe around anything that might be a sensitive trigger to a bad memory. It’s hard to help a loved one, and even harder to watch them struggle without help. The paradox of close family not being in close communication mirrors the experience of the returning vet: everything that should feel the way it did is now different. And we’ve seen that it’s generational. With 18,000 new troops headed for Iraq this year, it’s a legacy likely to continue. Not the legacy you’d choose. Once that journey of alienation starts, it’s hard to reverse. But it’s not impossible. That’s what we’re here for. When families can’t talk to each other, they can talk to us. Our Lifeline for Vets hotline has always been open to all vets and their families. Families are often the ones who call us before there’s a crisis. They call for information and help for their vets and support for themselves. It’s vet-to-vet when it needs to be. Families and loved ones who call get to talk to someone who knows firsthand what it feels like to be a vet. If you or someone you know is a vet in trouble, here’s our number: 888.777.4443.

Legionnaires posting photos and messages about their visits on Capitol Hill this week and during the national commander’s testimony are encouraged to use the hashtag #LegionStormsHill on social media channels. 33

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 DISTRICT 14

NEWS LETTER Back in 2011 when I was Commander of Post 621 in Squaw Valley it was brought to my attention by an employee at the Kings Canyon National Park that the General Grant tree known for being our nations Christmas tree was also known as the only living Shrine to all of our fallen military personal in all wars.

Jackie Weiner was doing one of her daily guide tours on Nov 11, 2010 an thought how sad it was that no one was present to honor our fallen warriors and she wrote an article on the subject and was responsible for getting it published in our small circulated newspaper. I saw the article and thought it would be a project for Post 621. The next Post meeting we had it was presented to the comrades and we voted to go forward with the idea. We talked to other Posts and all we got was negative responses, but my committee and I decided to go forward with it. We contacted the Superintendent of the park and made an appointment. When we presented our idea to their Board they were ecstatic about the idea of displaying a plaque honoring our veterans. They said it would have to be at our expense. We told them that was not a problem and they told us an approximate price. Which later turned out to be about half the price they quoted. They told us they could not give us credit for the idea and we replied it didnâ€™t matter we just wanted the shrine for our veterans. When the plaque was completed, Post 621 was credited for its effort. Post 621 has a short ceremony every November 11th at 11:11 am to honor our fallen veterans. Entrance to the Park is free that day. If you come, be sure to carry chains! In 1956 President Eisenhower dedicated the General Grant tree to be the only living shrine to our fallen heroes in all wars. If youâ€™re in the Kings Canyon National Park, make it a special effort to go and see one of the largest trees in the world - THE GENERAL GRANT

Serving Fresno & Kings County

t f i G e e Fr

FOR ALL GUESTS!

Visit us Monday, May 28 to receive your FREE Memorial Day Lapel Pin.

One per guest/account. Available at the Rewards Club while supplies last.

A Special Salute to our Veterans!

t e f f u B e Fre WITH MILITARY ID

Must have a Chukchansi Rewards Card and a valid government-issued photo ID acceptable to management. No in-lieu-of gifts or rain checks will be offered. Restrictions apply.

SI N

Memorial Day, Monday, May 28

SI N