American Legion District 15 Legionnaire , Veterans Day 2023

15TH DISTRICT

LEGION

NAIRE

“The Nation that forgets its Defenders 15th District Legionnaire

...will itself be forgotten.”

Saturday, November 11, 2023 | VETERANS DAY | 1

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties"

COMMANDER'S CORNER CHRIS WENZINGER 2023-2024

I am Chris Wenzinger, Commander of the 15th District for 2023-2024. First, thank you to the membership of the 15th District for your trust and support of me. I am truly grateful for all of your counsel, knowledge and experience.

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A little about me, I served from 1984-1990 in the United States Air Force. Currently I’m a member of Visalia Post 18 and serve as the 1st Vice Commander. And previously have served as the Post Sergeant at Arms and 1st Vice Commander.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

PLUS INSIDE...

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Being chosen District 15 President is awesome and daunting at the same time. There is so much to learn!

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There are now four units in District 15. Hopefully we can follow our Department President’s theme, “United as One,” by supporting each other as we continue to make a difference in the lives of our veterans, active-duty military/their families, and our communities.

A little personal privilege, thank you to the Junior Past 15th District Commander, Ralph Wenzinger, for his mentorship, leadership and service this past year. Yes for those of you that don’t know Ralph is my “senior” brother. We both follow in service to our country as our father did serving in the Navy during WWII. I know that we all wish Ralph well as he continues his path of service with the American Legion.

The Department of California has brought back the Unit Development and Revitalization (UD&R) chairman to help with the development of new units, to help resolve any membership issues, as well as to help those units that need mentoring and training. The chairman of UD&R is Tracy Varnell Fercho. Her contact information can be found on the Department website at calegionaux.org/programs/ udr. Each District may appoint a UD&R chairman if they feel the need.

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Flag Day...............................Page 4

Never Forget........................Page 11

Vet Entrepreneurship........Page 23

Porterville Blood Drive......Page 34

Health-Care Career Portal...Page 40 THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

2 | VETERANS DAY 2023

15th District Legionnaire

2023 - 2024

15TH DISTRICT OFFICERS COMMANDER Chris Wenzinger, Post 18

ADJUTANT Dennis Ragsdale, Post 221

1st VICE COMMANDER Thomas Heidtman, Post 63

JUNIOR PAST COMMANDER Ralph Wenzinger, Post 26

2nd VICE COMMANDER Bob Atchley, Post 20

FINANCE OFFICER David Graham, Post 26

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Henry Benavidez, Post 26

EXECUTIVE 1YR KERN Bobby Mahaffey, Post 26

FINANCE OFFICER David Graham, Post 26

EXECUTIVE 2YR KERN Tony Strauss, Post 221

CHAPLIN Robert Lassotovitch, Post 20

EXECUTIVE 3YR KERN

HISTORIAN Brian Adams, Post 20

EXECUTIVE 1YR TULARE Edward Patino, Post 779

JUDGE ADVOCATE Juan Lopez, Post 779

EXECUTIVE 2YR TULARE Donald Johnson, Post 18

SERVICE OFFICER Chris DuShane, Post 785

EXECUTIVE 3YR KERN Eddie Orosco, Post 20

THANK Y U. Rogers Jewelry is proud to support our local veterans.

Eric Kurtz, Post 124

thinkrogers.com

9500 Rosedale Highway • (661) 589-5416

DISTRIBUTORS PROCESSING INC We honor our brave Veterans and the men and women of our Armed Services.

2023 - 2024

15TH DISTRICT AUXILIARY OFFICERS

17656 Ave 168, Porterville, CA 93257 559.781.0297 • Fax 559.781.4321

3500 West Orchard Court P.O. Box 5100 Visalia, CA 93278 Tel: 559-625-9800 Fax: 559-625-9812 308 N. 2nd Street Porterville, CA 93257 Tel: 559-784-9090 Fax: 559-781-9154 gil@pinecpas.com www.pinecpas.com

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

15th District Legionnaire

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 3

C OM M A N DE R ' S M E S S AG E

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

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In a few days, we will celebrate Veterans Day; the day set aside to honor and thank those who have served in the armed forces of our nation regardless of when, where or branch. The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice of the ending of World War I, originally known as Armistice Day. On May 13, 1938 by congressional act, November 11th became a federal holiday. In 1954 again by congressional act at the urging of veterans the United States changed the name to Veterans Day to honor those that had served. History is and should remain important to all of us. From the preamble of The American Legion; “To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.”

We should focus on valuing all of the members of our units. Reach out to each member and let them know they are important, and they are welcome at each meeting and each activity in which the unit participates.

Encourage our members to become dedicated and active chairs for each of our core programs which are Americanism, Children and Youth, Education, Legislative, Poppy, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.

Let’s all support the American Legion’s “Be The One” initiative to reduce the alarming number of veteran suicides. Information can be found at BeTheOne.org.

I encourage you all be proud of your service to the United States. Be proud to be a veteran, wear those items that show your pride and service to a grateful nation.

Yes, a grateful nation. These parades and events are there by those that love, care and honor veterans for the sacrifices you have made in service our country. Please accept the gratitude and appreciation of those that say thank you for your service.

For some veterans this gratitude is long overdue and others in may be uncomfortable. But this gratitude comes from the heart of those that enjoy the freedoms that you all served to preserve.

A little request to all my veteran brothers and sisters, remember family and friends that have supported you; the families and friends supporting those currently serving now. But be mindful to pray for those serving now that they may return home to their family and friends. Make those buddy check calls to our fellow veteran brothers and sisters.

May God bless and watch over all Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Guardians that are serving so we may continue to enjoy our freedoms.

To all my brother and sister veterans, “Happy Veterans Day” and from one veteran to another, thank you!

For God and Country Chris Wenzinger 15th District Commander 2023 – 2024

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Linda Carmichael Auxiliary President 2023 – 2024

LEGION MOBILE APP

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4 | VETERANS DAY 2023

15th District Legionnaire

Knight's Jewelers

FLAG DAY

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Gino Valpredo

661.322.0926

725 East 19th Street • Bakersfield, CA 93305

Flag Day in the United States is a holiday that commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The flag resolution stated:

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"Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed in many schools and communities across the country.

People celebrate Flag Day by flying the flag, attending flag ceremonies, and learning about the history of the flag.

The first Flag Day celebration was held in 1885 by Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher. Cigrand believed that it was important to have a day to honor the flag and to teach children about its history and meaning. He urged his students to observe June 14 as "Flag Birthday."

In 1893, the Society of Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania passed a resolution calling for June 14 to be observed as Flag Day. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1894.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day. He called on Americans to "display the flag everywhere on that day and in the days immediately preceding and following it."

In 1949, Congress passed a law making Flag Day a national holiday. The law was signed by President Harry Truman on August 3, 1949.

Today, Flag Day is celebrated in many different ways across the United States. Schools often hold flag ceremonies, and communities may sponsor flag-raising events or parades. People also fly the flag on their homes and businesses to show their patriotism.

Flag Day is a day to honor the flag and to remember the sacrifices that have been made to protect it. It is also a day to learn about the history of the flag and its meaning.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

15th District Legionnaire

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 5

MEMBERSHIP REPORT DISTRICT 15 STANDINGS

Post # Post Name & City

Veteran Student Information

Cerro Coso Community College maintains a full-time program of Veterans’ services to assist veteran students and their dependents. The staff of the Counseling Office and Veterans Services representative at the IWV campus work with veterans and their dependents in claiming and receiving the educational benefits to which they are entitled.

What you need to know . . .

CHAPTER 30 Montgomery GI Bill

CHAPTER 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill

• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units to receive benefits beyond tuition reimbursement

• Students meeting eligibility requirements qualify for payment of Basic Housing Allowance (BAH), book stipend and tuition

• No restriction on location of class* *All units can be taken online 6-8 units ........... half-time 9-11 units ............ ¾ time 12+ units ........... full-time NOTE: Short-term classes will impact funding-see a counselor/educational advisor for more information

• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 units to receive housing allowance *Still eligible for tuition reimbursement and book stipend if less than 7 units

• BAH awards depend on current enrollment.

See VA Rep. for details.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:

CHAPTER 35 Dependents Educational Assistance

CCCC VA Representative 760-384-6291

• Veteran parent of dependent student must be either deceased or 100% disabled for student to qualify

veterans@cerrocoso.edu

s rs fer be s s L l d m n al e UF ai oa ot ra l M P P T T G oa 23 23 23 23 23 23 G 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 %

18

Visalia, Visalia

2

23

63

0

88

127

69.29%

19

Alta, Dinuba

1

8

16

0

25

44

56.82%

20

Porterville, Porterville

1

28

77

0

106

154

68.83%

26

Bakersfield, Bakersfield

10

77

241

0

328

602

54.49%

63

Fellows, Taft

4

9

32

0

45

64

70.31%

94

Exeter, Exeter

0

10

5

0

15

51

29.41%

124

Merle Reed, Delano

7

12

46

0

65

107

60.75%

128

Lindsay, Lindsay

0

11

0

0

11

14

78.57%

221

Tehachapi, Tehachapi

0

22

75

0

97

147

65.99%

682

East Bakersfield, Bakersfield

0

28

25

0

53

102

51.96%

711

Kern River Valley, Lake Isabella 0

9

19

0

28

54

51.85%

743

Charter Oak, Ivanhoe

0

7

6

1

14

19

73.68%

779

Terra Bella, Terra Bella

2

4

15

0

21

25

84.00%

785

Sierra, Visalia

11

37

97

0

145

191

75.92%

38 285

717

1

1,041 1,701 61.20%

CCCC Counseling 760-384-6219

• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units to receive benefits beyond tuition reimbursement • No restriction on location of classes *All units can be taken online

HELPFUL LINKS US Department of Veterans Affairs www.gibill.va.gov www.military.com www.ebenefits.va.gov Muskogee 888-442-4551 *Dial 1 then 0 to speak with a representative

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHAPTERS 31, 1606, OR 1607 | SEE VA REPRESENTATIVE

What you need to do . . .

• Request Certificate of Eligibility. Please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to request a copy of the certificate, if you have not received it yet: 888-442-4551.

• Meet or speak with our campus VA Representative, to discuss the best option for you. Bring Certificate of Eligibility.

• Meet with a counselor to discuss your career/educational goals and the best way to achieve those goals.

A copy of any transcripts you have (both military and those from other colleges), required by the second meeting with a counselor/educational advisor.

• Meet with a counselor/educational advisor EVERY SEMESTER to complete a VA Program Approval.

• Notify your counselor/advisor of ANY CHANGES to schedule-VA must be notified of changes in schedule EVERY SEMESTER or student may owe money back.

This information is specifically designed to assist students in registration and is not in any way meant to advise students of which chapter is best for them.

District 15 Totals

HENRY BENAVIDEZ Served in US Marine Corp.

DESERT STORM Post Commander American Legion Post 26 • Bakersfield, CA ADDITIONAL DUTIES: Represents 14 American Legion Posts in West Kern and Tulare Counties 15th District Sgt. at Arms 15th District Boys and Girls State Chairman

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

6 | VETERANS DAY 2023

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

OMAHA BEACH F R E N C H S OL DI E R S F I L L I N T H E L E T T E R S ON TOM B S TON E S OF FA L L E N A M E R IC A N S W I T H S A N D F ROM OM A HA B E AC H

Omaha Beach, one of the landing sites of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, is a place of deep historical significance. It was here on June 6, 1944, that American soldiers faced tremendous odds to secure a beachhead and begin the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. The sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and died on the beaches that day is honored by a unique tradition that has been carried on for many years by French soldiers and civilians alike.

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While attending an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Congresswoman Jackie Speier documented a powerful and emotional moment at the Normandy American Cemetery. Speier was visiting the grave of a friend's father during her 2019 visit when she witnessed a soldier rubbing sand onto a white headstone in order to make the letters more visible.

In a tweet sharing a video of the soldier's actions, Speier explained the purpose behind the sand rubbing.

She wrote, "The letters on the white crosses almost disappear in the brightness of the stone, so a soldier fills the indentations with sand from Omaha Beach to bring the name forward."

The video, which is only 45 seconds long, shows the soldier carefully rubbing sand onto the headstone of Maj. William A. Richards. After a few moments, he wipes away the excess sand with a sponge, revealing the clear inscription on the stone.

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15th District Legionnaire

15th District Legionnaire

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 7

OM A HA B E AC H

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For Speier, this small act of remembrance was incredibly moving. In her tweet, she wrote that it "sent shivers down my spine." According to WTHR, the soldier in the video was honoring the memory of Maj. William A. Richards, who served with the 112th Engineer Combat Battalion and entered the service in Michigan. Richards died on D-Day and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and World War II Victory Medal.

The Normandy American Cemetery, where Speier captured the video, is the final resting place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who died in the Normandy landings and subsequent operations during World War II. The cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy during the war.

Every year, French soldiers and civilians gather at Omaha Beach to collect sand from the shore. They then use this sand to fill in the letters on the tombstones of fallen American soldiers buried at the cemetery.

The tradition of filling in the letters on tombstones with sand reportedly began in the 1950s. At that time, the cemetery was maintained by French gardeners,

who noticed that the letters on the tombstones were becoming worn and difficult to read. They came up with the idea of using sand from the beach to fill in the letters, making them more legible and creating a poignant connection between the soldiers buried in the cemetery and the place where they had fought and died.

The tradition was continued by French soldiers stationed in the area, and over time it became a beloved ritual among the local population. Today, the sandfilling ceremony is held annually on the eve of D-Day, and it is attended by a mix of French and American military personnel, dignitaries and members of the public.

The tradition of collecting sand from Omaha Beach is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the fallen American soldiers. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, symbolizing the enduring friendship between France and the United States.

Filling in the letters on the tombstones is a small but powerful way to show gratitude for their sacrifice and ensure that their memory lives on for generations to come.

A S S E M B L Y M A N

DEVON MATHIS A S S E M B L Y

D I S T R I C T

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8 | VETERANS DAY 2023

15th District Legionnaire

Thank You for Your Service We’re Proud to Serve You

A M E S S AG E F ROM

KEVIN McCARTHY On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform who have served our United States Armed Forces with dignity and fortitude. Their unyielding commitment to safeguarding our nation is admirable, and their examples of sacrifice have inspired generations of freedom-loving men and women to also answer the call to serve.

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We are honored to provide quality care to all of our veterans.

You can tell a lot about a nation by the way that it treats its veterans, and in the Central Valley, reverence for our heroes runs deep. Here, veterans are welcomed with more than just open arms – they are met with assistance and resources to help them acclimate to civilian life.

That’s because taking care of our veterans must go beyond hosting parades, ceremonies, and memorials – it must culminate in action. One way our community celebrates these heroes is by coming together several times a year to hold Honor Flights so that veterans from Kern, Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties can visit their respective Memorials in Washington, D.C. and we can thank them for their service to our nation.

In the same spirit of service, I am proud to say that earlier this year, the House passed the VET TEC Authorization Act to ensure veterans continues to have expanded access to non-traditional educational courses through their GI benefits, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up and pass this bill.

In addition to VET TEC, not only did Congress shield veterans programs and funding from cuts in the debt ceiling deal, we also passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act which fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs, including veterans’ health care programs.

To all our veterans: Thank you.

May God bless our Veterans and the United States of America Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Call 877-960-3426 or visit us at fhcn.org to book an appointment.

Scan QR Code For an Appt.

Over 48 locations in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties providing quality health care for all.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

15th District Legionnaire

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 9

BAKERSFIELD NATIONAL CEMETERY V E T E R A N BU R IA L S

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Eligible individuals are entitled to burial in any open VA national cemetery that includes opening/closing of the grave, a grave liner, perpetual care of the gravesite, and a government-furnished upright headstone or flat marker or niche cover all at no cost to the family. Veterans are also eligible for a burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate.

For Veterans buried at private and other cemeteries, VA provides headstones, markers, or medallions to commemorate their service. Information on VA burial benefits is available from local VA national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000. To make burial arrangements at any open VA national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

In 2019, NCA launched an individual Veteran profile page www.vlm.cem.va.gov that has an interactive feature that allows family, friends, and others to preserve their Veteran’s legacy by posting tributes (comments), uploading images, share their Veteran’s military service timeline and achievements, biographical information, historical documents and more.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

10 | VETERANS DAY 2023

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

15th District Legionnaire

SHEPHERDS AND SAINTS Shepherds and Saints is a grass-roots effort that pair’s pure-bred long hair German shepherd pups with veterans in need of a companion. The dogs are provided free of charge to veterans who are willing to commit time and care to their development. The program is not funded by any government grants or awards, but by the generosity of the people living in the Central Valley.

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To be eligible for the program, veterans must meet the following criteria: • Be honorably discharged from the military • Have a physical and mental disability that makes it difficult to live independently • Be willing to commit to training and caring for a dog If you are a veteran who is interested in the Shepherds and Saints program, you can contact them at (559) 435-0999 or visit their website at www.shepherdsandsaints.org.

Here are some additional details about the program: • The dogs are raised and trained by volunteers.

• The dogs are evaluated for temperament and suitability for a veteran before being paired with a veteran.

• The program provides ongoing support to veterans and their dogs.

• The program is open to veterans from all over the United States.

Shepherds and Saints is a wonderful program that provides veterans with much-needed companionship and support. If you are a veteran who is looking for a furry friend, I encourage you to contact Shepherds and Saints.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

15th District Legionnaire

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 11

NEVER FORGET

T H E FA L L OF A F G HA N I S TA N

BY VINCENT J. “JIM” TROIOLA, NATIONAL COMMANDER

PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL VETERANS Kiel Taylor, CID General Manager Boys State Delegate 2001

(559) 592-2953 1345 N. Kaweah Avenue Exeter, CA 93221 exeterirrigation.com

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It was two years ago when we were collectively dismayed at how swiftly the Taliban reasserted control over Afghanistan. Once the withdrawal of American troops gained momentum, we only knew it was a matter of time.

Still the speed of the Taliban takeover unleashed anger, frustration, and concern for Afghanistan interpreters and other allies who risked their lives to help U.S. troops during the 20-year war.

Predictably, Taliban rule has plunged Afghanistan into a floundering economic state where human rights are compromised, malnutrition is rampant and education is shoved aside.

And our allies’ lives remain in danger.

As veterans we understand what it means to say, “No one gets left behind.” For two decades, our troops fought shoulder-to-shoulder with trusted Afghan allies who served as translators, protected troops from harm and fought for freedom. And to this day, the brave Afghan women who undertook missions with Green Berets and Navy Seals as Female Tactical Platoons have Taliban bounties on their heads.

We must continue our two-fold fight for them.

The United States must honor its promises and provide lasting protection for Afghans who have safely resettled in America as well as those who were left behind. The American Legion is urging Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow Afghans who fought alongside our service members the opportunity to apply for permanent legal residency after undergoing additional vetting.

Join this mission to support our Afghan allies by sending a message to Congress through our Grassroots Action Center.

Thank you for what you do every day on behalf of our nation’s veterans, service members, their families and the communities in which they live.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

12 | VETERANS DAY 2023

15th District Legionnaire

DISABLED VETS

5 0 , 0 0 0 DI S A B L E D V E T E R A N S N E E D YO U R SU P P ORT

BY VINCENT J. “JIM” TROIOLA

Tens of thousands of medically retired veterans recently edged a step closer to receiving increased service-related payments, thanks to the House Armed Services Committee.

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SAUCED, TOSSED & MADE TO ORDER! 11 MOUTHWATERING FLAVORS

But their fight is far from over.

And with your help, The American Legion can play an instrumental role in securing the passage of this legislation, known as the Major Richard Star Act. It would benefit veterans who were medically retired due to combat-related injuries before they were able to serve 20 years. These veterans would receive full retirement pay and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

BAKERSFIELD LOCATIONS 3720 Gosford Rd., Ste F • 661.835.9464

I encourage you to contact your members of Congress via this easy-to-use online form and tell them to pass this legislation immediately.

Albertson Shopping Center

2600 Oswell St., Ste E • 661.871.9464

The bill would reverse an unfair “tax” on medically retired veterans who are subject to an offset in retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability received. Retirement and disability are two programs with two very different intents provided for very different reasons. No one else is penalized when they receive retirement and disability concurrently.

The Richard Star Act was among The American Legion’s priorities for this session of Congress. Right now, there are 319 co-sponsors in the House who have signed onto the bill, with 122 Republicans and 197 Democrats. In the Senate, there are 66 co-sponsors who have signed on, including 22 Republicans and 42 Democrats. This type of bipartisanship is needed for this legislation to become law.

Oswell Street at Bernard Street behind Wendy’s

5628 Stockdale Hwy. • 661.489.5089 NOW OPEN! 1523 Panama Lane, Ste E 100 • 661.397.9464

So, too, is your involvement. Just because lawmakers have expressed support doesn’t mean the bill will actually be introduced and voted on. That’s why we are counting on you to take action now by contacting your lawmakers and voicing your support to pass the Major Richard Star Act. Let’s do it for the more than 50,000 medically retired veterans who need our assistance.

ROSEDALE LOCATION 4580 Coffee Rd., Ste B • 661.213.4567 Von’s Shopping Center at Hageman Road

3 WAYS TO ORDER WING STOP APP

WINGSTOP.COM THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

15th District Legionnaire

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 13

JOHN TRASK KOR E A N WA R

BY COMRADE WILLIAM CAHILL

John Trask served in the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, attached to the 75th Air Depot Wing in Chinhae, Korea, from 1951-1953. John worked in supply, and due to the highly sensitive requisitions he would process, he had a top secret clearance. In 2021, John learned of a program called Re-Visit Korea, and he was quickly accepted into the earliest available itinerary. John's son Steven served as his chaperone, and they flew out of LAX in Los Angeles on July 23rd on a 12 hour direct flight to Seoul, South Korea. John was seated in prestige class, and was surrounded by luxury, including champagne and slippers.

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They took John to Panmunjom at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which brought back a lot of memories. They then took a bullet train to Busan, where the train went upwards of 180 miles per hour and yet the ride was completely smooth, a testament to the advanced technological achievements of the South Korean people since the end of the war.

John and his son then attended a thank you banquet, and John was awarded another Ambassador of Peace medal, like the one he previously received at the Korean Consulate in San Francisco. John then visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery Korea (UNMCK), the only UN designed cemetery in the world which pays tribute to the brave soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who sacrificed their lives in order to preserve liberty in South Korea.

On July 27th, the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended formal hostilities in the Korean War, John attended a commemoration ceremony, where he was assigned an honor guard and publicly recognized for their heroic service. The President of South Korea then spoke, thanking the Korean War veterans for their heroism and service, and shook the hand of each veteran. The next day, John went back to Seoul and saw a floral tribute being presented at the Wall of Remembrance, as well as the war memorial tour.

The war memorial for Korea is Yongsan-gu and is a tremendous resource for young Koreans to learn about the historical struggle for their nation's independence and freedom. The amount of respect shown to this memorial as well as the Wall of Remembrance shows the South Korean people hold John and his friends close to their heart, and have never forgotten what his service has meant for them to grow up free and be allowed to prosper.

On July 29th, John left with bittersweet emotions. It was a fitting late-book chapter to his experience with Korea, and bridged the gap between the war-torn nation he left 70 years ago and the modern, thriving, free country it is today. John says the week instilled in him a sense of humility, honor, and great appreciation towards all who made the trip possible. Congratulations on being recognized by South Korea, the honor you have rightfully earned is shared enthusiastically by your fellow veterans!

Thank you Veterans! 10% OFF All Smogs.

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“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

14 | VETERANS DAY 2023

15th District Legionnaire

BE THE ONE

SU IC I DE SU RV I VOR E X TOL S B E T H E ON E M E S S AG E

BY HENRY HOWARD

purpose. It gave me a mission. Be the One is a fantastic campaign because anyone can ‘Be the One.’” The American Legion is highlighting the initiative, which aims to reduce the rate of veteran suicide by raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health treatment. Freeman’s presentation played a prominent role in the Feb. 17-19 event at American Legion Post 83 in Merced, Calif. The beefed-up revitalization connected veterans with service officers, raised awareness about suicide prevention and more.

Freeman, the California Area 3 vice commander, is the architect of the event. He drew a parallel between his mission and that of Be the One.

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Jeffrey Freeman shared his story of surviving a suicide attempt for the first time to a live audience.

“This is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Freeman, an Air Force veteran and member of American Legion Post 190 in Ripon, Calif. Freeman, who had previously shared his story on The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, relayed how a back

injury, subsequent fibromyalgia and inability to work led him down a spiral.

“I can say the Legion saved my life,” Freeman said during a presentation at a Veterans Campaign Awareness event Feb. 18 in Merced, Calif. “It was 10 years ago next month when I attempted suicide. And in the process of my recovery, I joined the Legion and that’s what gave me what I needed in the past 10 years. It gave me

Brewbakers Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

“If I can save the life of one veteran with my story, then I’ve accomplished my goal,” he explained. “By telling my story I can get veterans to realize the stigma of mental health treatment is not true. Asking for mental health treatment is not a weakness, it is strength. If I can get anyone understanding that and getting help, then I have accomplished my goal.”

American Legion Department Chaplain Dave Whalen also spoke about Be the One. “That’s what we need,” he said, referring to Freeman.

“People talking about their experience and educating (Continued on Page 15)

15th District Legionnaire

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 15

B E T H E ON E

(Continued from Page 14)

our comrades. I’m going to talk with you about a topic that is near and dear to my heart, veteran suicide.”

Whalen said that in order to make Be the One successful, it takes an entire organizational effort. Posts, districts and departments are encouraged to conduct events to raise awareness.

“The American Legion says, ‘enough talk,’” Whalen told the audience. “It’s time to put boots on the ground. Be the One has been created to start saving veterans’ lives. How is The American Legion going to achieve this? By making it OK for veterans to ask for help with mental health issues.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO Posts, districts and departments have conducted Buddy Checks, hosted educational symposiums and pushed out the Be the One message in other ways. There are promotional resources available at the Be the One webpage to assist in these events.

THANK YOU VETERANS

AMONG THEM: • Brochures: There are two trifolds available. One introduces Be the One and can be used to promote an event in your community. The second one, which is intentionally half blank, is intended for posts to customize with local resources and distribute to veterans in their community.

• Videos: There are videos available on the Legion’s YouTube playlist. You can also access the Vimeo channel, download videos and play them on a mobile device without WiFi. • Sample press release: A template for a press release to promote your event. Download the Word document, update it with your specific event information, and distribute it local media, community partners and others.

• Wallet cards: A collection of printable business-card sized with Be the One branding and QR codes. They can be used as single-sided cards, combined for double-sided cards, or added to the back side of a personal business card.

CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON Over the past 10 years the state-of-the-art half-mile raceway has transformed into a multi-use facility featuring the paved half-mile, a third mile clay oval, an eighth mile dirt oval, and motocross track.

KCRP plays host to racing events, concerts, car shows, training clinics, charity events, banquets, law enforcement training grounds and more.

13500 Raceway Blvd. | Bakersfield | 661-835-1264 ext. 3201

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16 | VETERANS DAY 2023

Full Service Distribution Center

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER

Affordable Warehousing

duct We ship your pro We warehouse your pr oduct

C ONTINUING A LEGACY OF S E RV I C E

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Scott Sanders Manager

446 W. Prosperity Ave Tulare, CA 93274

Office: (559) 686-5747 www.tulareindustrialcenter.com

BY VINCENT J. “JIM” TROIOLA

T

15th District Legionnaire

The American Legion Riders are at a crossroads in their inspiring annual fundraising drive.

After this year’s Legacy Run, we expect the overall total raised by the Riders to exceed $18 million for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship, including a record $1.3 million last year. Thanks to the commitment of the Riders and our Legion Family, the scholarship fund has reached a point where it can sustain itself through the foreseeable future. This year’s Legacy Run will be the final one in direct support of the scholarship that has provided life-changing funding for hundreds of college students who lost a parent or who is the child of a veteran who received a 50% or greater Department of Veteran Affairs service-connected disability rating since 9/11.

I am so pleased that American Legion Riders will continue to support children in need. As they say, “We ride for the kids.”

Let’s be clear that our commitment to fallen and disabled veterans has not changed. We are simply shifting resources to focus on another great cause, the Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).

That shift has been made possible due to the extraordinary dedication of and amazing generosity shown by American Legion Riders and supporters since our very first Legacy Run in 2006. Year after year, the Riders raise the bar and set new records, which has helped make the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund self-sustaining.

I have no doubt their generosity will continue throughout this year’s run and into the future.

Starting in 2024, the annual fundraising motorcycle ride will shift gears to the V&CF. The foundation funds two significant areas for The American Legion: (Continued on Page 17)

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PAS T NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R

(Continued from Page 16)

• Emergency grants for military families under the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program. Military families with minor children at home can apply for the grant when they are hit with unexpected financial crises. In just the last decade, The American Legion has allocated more than $6 million in TFA grants.

• Training for more than 3,000 accredited American Legion service officers who provide free assistance to approximately 750,000 veterans at any one time, all the time. American Legion service officers are directly responsible for veterans’ disability compensation of more than $16.3 billion per year.

While the mission of The American Legion Riders is changing, their dedication to supporting children will remain a constant.

“The Legacy Run, really, is about continuing our legacy of service to others, to our veterans and their children,” said Riders Chairman Mark Clark. “So, it’s really about the legacy we leave, more than it is attached to any one thing. I have always believed that the national Legacy Run should represent the fundraising priorities of our national leadership. They’ve come to us and asked us

for help, and I think the Riders can rally behind that, and they’ll be excited for the opportunity to ride for another cause, having been so successful supporting the Legacy Fund. I think they’ll be excited and see another opportunity for us to do something great with the Veterans & Children Foundation.”

The Legacy Scholarship has its own legacy of sorts. Throughout the years, it has helped students like Colton Clay of Colorado Springs, Colo. “This scholarship is special because it helps honor my dad and his service and sacrifices that he’s made. It’s awesome that I’m able to represent him going forward through this scholarship,” says Colton, the son of retired Army Lt. Col. Christopher Clay, an American Legion member.

Chairman Clark is excited not just for the future but the final drive for the Legacy Scholarship. In fact, he has set a goal to break $1.5 million in donations during this year’s campaign.

Let’s all rally behind the Riders. You can make a donation to support this year’s ride, register to join the Legacy Run or if you live along the route, come out and cheer them on.

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18 | VETERANS DAY 2023

IMPRISONED VETS NUMBER OF IMPRISONED VETERANS CONCERNS FORMER DEFENSE CHIEFS

BY TARA COPP

The Veterans Justice Commission offered that guidance after reports that a concerning number of veterans have been convicted of crimes since leaving military service.

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Two former Iraq and Afghanistan War-era defense secretaries are recommending that the government consider new ways to ensure that military service is taken into account when courts prosecute former service members.

The Veterans Justice Commission, led by onetime Pentagon chiefs Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta, offered that guidance after reports that a concerning number of veterans have been convicted of crimes since leaving military service.

The commission was tasked with examining the extent to which veterans are getting in trouble with the law, whether they are receiving appropriate transitional assistance when they no longer are in the armed services and how they are treated once they enter the criminal justice system.

Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel appears to introduce nominee to be Secretary of the Army Christine Elizabeth Wormuth at a Senate Armed Services Committee nomination hearing in Washington, May 13, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/AP, File) Both Hagel and Panetta led the Defense Department during the Iraq War, which marks its 20th anniversary this month, and the Afghanistan War, which ended abruptly in 2021 when U.S. forces withdrew from Kabul.

Hagel, a Vietnam veteran, said many of the stressors his generation faced are similar to those for this new generation of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, except that the United States had never been in a 20-year long conflict and there were unprecedented demands that the multiple, prolonged deployments put on the relatively small pool of people who serve.

While most veterans transition into civilian life without incident, the commission found that as many as 1 in 3 of the nation’s 19 million military veterans have reported being

(Continued on Page 19)

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I M P R I S ON E D V E T S

(Continued from Page 18)

arrested at least once in their lifetime, and that about 181,500 veterans are incarcerated and make up about 8 percent of the state prison population and 5 percent of the federal prison population.

FILE - Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta stands in the audience during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Sept.

7, 2022. (Andrew Harnik/AP, File)

For comparison, less than 1 percent of all U.S. adults volunteer to serve, according to the Pew Research Center.

“These veterans who do get in trouble, we’re not saying that they don’t have a price to pay, and they’re not going to serve their time, and that they’re not going to pay for whatever offense they may have committed,” Panetta said during a virtual media briefing of the commission’s findings. “What we are saying is by virtue of the fact that they did serve in uniform, and that they are veteran, that there are interventions that can be made, that they’re entitled to, by virtue of being a veteran.”

Those risks for veterans are elevated by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and substance abuse issues, the report said. “Once ensnared by the system, veterans often present a complex set of needs and risk factors that are distinctive from those characteristic of civilians without a military background. But multiple barriers prevent many veterans from receiving the targeted interventions they need,” the report found.

The multiple deployments “do have some impact” on the likelihood of incarceration, said commission director Army Col. Jim Seward.

Instead of prison sentences, the commission has recommended that state and federal statutes should “create or expand judicial diversion,” which would establish alternative treatments that could potentially allow for reduced charges, to avoid conviction or have a sentence lowered.

Beyond the prison alternatives, the commission is recommending that Congress should review how effective state and national databases are at identifying a person’s veteran status, and that military service and specifically combat exposure should be considered at sentencing, including in cases that involving violence.

Some of alternatives could include requiring veterans to enter and complete Veteran’s Treatment Centers programs that would allow them to address underlying issues that led to the criminal activity, and involving victims or family members to be involved in the supervision and treatment process of the veteran.

“Too many veterans are ending up in our criminal justice system, and while they must be held accountable for their behavior, our nation has a responsibility to honor their service and help them address the factors that often drive them to break the law,” Hagel said.

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15th District Legionnaire

WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR SPE C IA L A DV I S OR SHA R E S W H I T E HOU SE PL AN TO ADDRESS VETERAN SUICIDES

BY STEVEN B. BROOKS

GB

R

GREEN BOX RENTALS, INC.

(559) 733-5345

RENTALS ● SALES ● MODIFICATIONS

sales@greenboxrentals.com

6988 Avenue 304 Visalia, CA 93291

www.greenboxrentals.com

Terri Tanielian is the daughter of a Vietnam War Navy veteran who then served in law enforcement for

T 20 years. She credits him with instilling in her a sense of service.

He’s also the reason Tanielian, the Special Assistant to the President for Veterans Affairs, thanked The American Legion for its “Be the One” veteran suicide-prevention initiative during her address Feb. 28 at the Washington Conference.

“I am so grateful that suicide prevention is a high priority to The American Legion,” Tanielian said. “Not just because of my role in the work I do professionally, but also because its personal. You see, in 1999 my father became one of the veteran suicides statistics. Losing a loved one to suicide leaves not just an empty chair at the table, but many unanswered questions of what more you could have done to fix the systems that missed the signs and let him fall through the cracks.

(Continued on Page 21)

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Phone Fax

(559) 733-5345 (559) 651-4288

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Wendy Porter

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 21

W H I T E HO U SE A DV I S OR

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Executive Director

Office: 661.328.8600 Mobile: 661.706.7452 wendy@thewoundedheroesfund.org thewoundedheroesfund.org 3129 Standard St. Bakersfield, CA 93308

2416 Oak Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 ARSbakersfield.com

Ein# 80-0215850

Steve Bratcher Phone: (661) 324-6170 shop@arsbakersfield.com

ENTERLINE DESIGN & ENGINEERING 484 NORTH PROSPECT SUITE B PORTERVILLE, CA 93257

(559) 789-9999 WWW.CENTERLINEGROUP.NET

“More must be done to ensure veterans have the resources and support they need when and where they need them, especially before they experience crisis. So, on behalf of all families who’ve lost a veteran to suicide, and on behalf of the administration that is working like hell to improve prevention and treatment, I say thank you.”

Tanielian is a nationally recognized expert in veteran and mental health policy. She served as a Senior Behavioral Scientist at the RAND Corporation, leading several landmark studies examining the needs of service members, veterans, their families and their caregivers.

She said President Biden believes the nation’s most sacred obligation to members of the U.S. military is “preparing and equipping the troops we send into harm’s way, and then caring for them and their families when they return home. Driving forward with President Biden’s personal commitment to this obligation is the primary focus of my role at the White House.”

Tanielian said the president recognized early on the pressing issue of veteran suicides. “When the president named this a priority, I knew I was in the right place at the right time,” she said. “This is an issue I had been working my entire career to address. We know that far too many of our nation’s veterans and service members have died by suicide.

“You all know the statistics. And over the past decade, more veterans have died by suicide than have died from combat in the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror combined.”

Tanielian said while there is no single cause for a veteran taking his or her own life, nor a single solution to stopping that, “We know that every suicide is preventable.”

To further that effort, Tanielian said in November 2021 the White House unveiled a comprehensive strategy to reduce veteran suicides built around five key components: · Improving lethal means safety · Enhancing crisis care and facilitating care transitions; · Increasing access to and delivery of effective care; · Addressing upstream risk and protective factors; and · Increasing research coordination, data sharing and evaluation efforts.

Thank You

Veterans!

“The administration recognizes that suicide is a complex problem,” Tanielian said. “One that requires a comprehensive approach, one that leaves no stone unturned, but built on a foundation of science. An approach that harnesses the full breath of the federal government in close collaboration with states, territories, tribes and local governments.

“We also acknowledge that implementation requires close partnerships with nongovernmental organizations, including veterans service organizations, military support organizations and, especially, The American Legion.”

Tanielian noted that President Biden discussed improving suicide prevention programs in his State of the Union address earlier this year. “He announced new steps that we would be taking to expand support, address upstream risk factors like financial and legal issues for our veterans, and provide new federal resources to states and territories to help them implement actions at home as well,” she said.

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22 | VETERANS DAY 2023

PACT ACT BENEFITS VA B R E A K S T H E O N E M I L L I O N M A R K I N PA C T A C T B E N E F I T S C L A I M S F I L E D THE AMERICAN LEGION

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that veterans and their survivors have filed more than 1 million claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Biden signed it into law Aug. 10, 2022. VA has processed more than 551,000 of these claims, granting 77.9% of them and awarding more than $2.2 billion in earned benefits to veterans and survivors.

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Thanks to the largest outreach campaign in VA history, veterans and survivors are applying for their earned benefits at record rates. In this fiscal year alone, veterans and survivors have submitted 2.29 million total claims (PACT and non-PACT) — 40.4% more year-to-date than last fiscal year, which was the previous all-time record.

Veterans have also submitted more than 2.1 million “intents to file” during this fiscal year — 53.1% more than all of last fiscal year and also an all-time record.

The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in decades. VA encourages all eligible veterans and survivors to file a claim — or submit their intent to file a claim — for PACT Act-related benefits now.

Partly due to the PACT Act, VA is delivering more care and more benefits to more veterans than ever before.

Key results to date include: Delivering benefits to veterans and their survivors: VA has processed 1.85 million total veteran claims (PACT and non-PACT) thus far in this fiscal year —15.7% more to date than last fiscal year and already surpassing last year’s all-time record total of 1.7 million claims processed. Increasing veteran access to health care: Since Aug. 10, 378,995 veterans have enrolled in VA health care. This includes more than 158,691 enrollees from the PACT Act population (Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 era Veterans).

Screening veterans for toxic exposures: More than 4.4 million enrolled veterans have received 5-minute screenings for toxic exposures from VA under the PACT Act. Right now, there is also a special enrollment period for veterans to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Specifically, until 11:59 p.m., local time, Sept. 30, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for disability compensation benefits. VA encourages all of these veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care before the deadline.

For more information on VA’s implementation of the PACT Act, visit the PACT Act Dashboard. VA is publishing this dashboard every other Friday to document the implementation of this legislation and showcase its impact on veterans and survivors. The next dashboard, which will reflect the data in this release, will publish on Sept. 15.

Veterans and survivors may apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800MYVA411.

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15th District Legionnaire

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15th District Legionnaire

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 23

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

SI NCE

THE

19 8 2

CARPET SHOPPE ALL FLOORING

559 688 7411 “Shaw Authorized Dealer”

1878 N. Mooney Blvd., Ste. B

The National Veterans Employment & Education Division Staff of The American Legion had a week full of activities last week promoting veteran entrepreneurship and small business growth. They attended the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing, supporting the passage of the “Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Act”, extending the beneficial Boots to Business program. The staff also reviewed the “Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act” and attended a Congressional hearing on the same.

T

Further activities included research and efforts to enhance Federal contracting for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), especially focusing on the “Vets First” program expansion to the Department of Defense (DoD).

Despite setbacks with the inclusion of “Vets First” in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the staff remained dedicated to this cause.

On the housing front, they continued to follow up on the “Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023” or the “HOME Act of 2023,” emphasizing the need for transparency and consistency in the Veterans Affairs’ (VA) contracts for veteran-owned businesses.

The Division Staff analyzed the annual Scorecard for fiscal year 2022 released by the Small Business Administration (SBA), scrutinizing the percentage of contract dollars spent for prime and subcontracts for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) across various federal agencies. This analysis underlines the Division Staff’s ongoing advocacy for increased access and opportunities for SDVOSBs.

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24 | VETERANS DAY 2023

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DISTRICT MEETING PHOTOS

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15th District Legionnaire

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FAMILY DINNER Family dinner and Riders give gift cards to deserving student veterans from Porterville Jr. College, Mike Smith out going commander gets his History Book

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 25

26 | VETERANS DAY 2023

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P ORT E RV I L L E

15th District Legionnaire

LEGION

CHRISTMAS PARADE

GRADES CADETS

Porterville Christmas parade and Legionaries Ruben and Phil show off the new float.

Post 20 Legionnaires Alan Pundt, Tom Bear and Mike Brassword give the cadets high marks.

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A N N UA L

VETERANS DAY 2023 | 27

D O N AT I O N T O

VETERANS DAY DANCE

HONOR FLIGHT

Annual veterans day dance sponsored by the ALR Queen and her court dance the night away with the Commander and his wife, Bella.

Our Miss Porterville and her court donating to the Honor Flight Association of California. Post 20 represented by Ruben Bonilla and Brian Adams. William Goodreau accepts the check and was interviewed by the Porterville Recorder.

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“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

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15th District Legionnaire

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 29

MEANINGFUL WORK

T H E A M E R IC A N L E G ION HAS A G R E AT S T O RY T O S H A R E

BY VINCENT J. “JIM” TROIOLA, NATIONAL COMMANDER

T

The heart and soul of The American Legion is found at the post level.

That’s where dedicated American Legion Family members serve their communities, states and nation.

It’s where members preserve the memories of those who have fallen. They lead commemorations; carry out honor guard duties and more.

It’s where posts raise funds to support those in need. These donations go toward providing college scholarships, raising the spirits of disabled veterans and providing immediate grants to fellow Legionnaires recovering from natural disasters.

It’s where members mentor our youth in our many wholesome activities. This dedication is critical to developing the leaders of tomorrow in government, business and even Major League Baseball.

I appreciate all the hard and meaningful work conducted by posts throughout the year, which will undoubtedly continue this summer. At the same time, we also want

to recognize your dedication. Additionally, we want to have as thorough a documentation as possible to tell the real success story of The American Legion.

That is why it is so important to have as complete of a Consolidated Post Report (CPR) as possible. These are not just to record what large posts do in their communities. Small- and medium-sized posts also have great successes to share. If your post fulfills honor guard duties, participates in a youth program, holds a Memorial Day or other remembrance service, teaches flag etiquette or does any of the other American Legion initiatives, we want to know about it.

June 30 is the target date for finishing CPRs. As of today, National Headquarters has only received and recorded 3,567 CPRs from our 12,112 American Legion posts, for a completion rate of 29.5%. Many departments established a deadline of mid-June for 100% CPR reporting to the department. National Headquarters stands ready to tabulate those immediately upon receipt at Geiger Operations Center.

Thank you for what you do every day to fulfill our obligation to community service, from coast to coast and beyond.

Nutrient TECH would like to thank all of our Veterans and active service members. We Salute You!

Essential Concentrated nutrient solutions, fueled by SimplyFLO, for maximum safety and performance

Biosolutions Natural ingredients plus targeted nutrition provides synergistic benefits to improve crops

N

®

Concentrated OMRI listed & CDFA OIM registered organic suspensions developed using the same proprietary milling process unique to Nutrient TECH

.Nutrient.TECH THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

30 | VETERANS DAY 2023

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POST 779

104TH BIRTHDAY Terra Bella Post 779 invites all to celebrate our 104th birthday. Department Commander present!

Terra Bella Legionnaire of the year, Cadet color guard, Department Commander thank you and Terra Bella most active member award.

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 31

P ORT E RV I L L E

Service

Freedom

BAND A RAMA

Honor

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VETERANS DAY PARADE

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15th District Legionnaire

15th District Legionnaire

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 33

VA EXTENDS FINANCIAL RELIEF VA E X T E N D S F I N A N C I A L , B E N E F I T S AND CL AIMS RELIEF TO VETERANS

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced, April 3, a number of actions to provide Veterans with financial, benefits and claims help amid VA's COVID-19 response.

“As all Americans come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we want Veterans to be focused on their health and safety,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.

“That’s why we’re taking action to give those with pending debts, claims and appeals greater flexibility during these challenging times.”

The financial relief actions include the following until further notice: • Suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department.

• Suspending collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, as the Veteran prefers.

For benefit debts, Veterans can contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 to make arrangements.

For health care debts, Veterans can contact the Health Resource Center at 1-888-827-4817 to make arrangements.

The benefits and claims relief actions include giving Veterans the option to submit their paperwork late for the following actions: • Perfecting claims • Challenging adverse decisions • Submitting Notices of Disagreement • Submitting Substantive Appeals • Responding to Supplemental Statements of the Case

Gregg Glick

Veterans requesting claim extensions can simply submit them with any late-filed paperwork and Veterans do not have to proactively request an extension in advance.

For added convenience, VA will also accept typed/digital signatures instead of wet signatures on its forms. Those with questions can call 1-800-827-1000.

For Veterans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and need immediate action on their appeals, as opposed to a filing extension, the Board of Veterans' Appeals will Advance their appeal on Docket (AOD).

Highway and Parking Improvement Contractor 1641 Tulare Ave, Visalia, CA 93292 Ph: (559) 627-5373 • Cell: (559) 260-5606 • gglick@amcvis.com

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15th District Legionnaire

POST 20

P ORT E RV I L L E

BLOOD DRIVE

e e e e Construction deendeeconstruction@hotmail.com • License #655608

P

Post 20 Blood Drive Post 20 has been hosting a Blood Drive for the Central California Blood Center since October 2021. Prior to hosting their first Blood Drive, Post 20 sponsored a local Boy Scout who was working on his Eagle Scout project.

During the June 2021 Flag Day Ceremony, in Porterville, then Post 20 Commander Michael Smith was approached by the Boy Scout and his mother, who proposed his Eagle Scout Project. Prior to meeting with the Boy Scout and his mother, Commander Smith had been in the planning phase of bringing a blood drive to Porterville as the Central California Blood Center had closed their local officer several years back.

Meeting this Boy Scout was the perfect opportunity for Post 20 to help him out with his project and support the Boy Scouts of America. Between June 2021 and the time of the blood drive in August 2021, the Boy Scout remained in contact with Post 20 members.

On the day of the blood drive, the Central California Blood Center brought their mobile unit to collect blood. Despite being in the midst of the pandemic and having a limited number of chairs for donors to sit in, 38 units were collected from members of the community and Post 20.

Kern County

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Fourth District

(Continued on Page 34)

DAVID COUCH SUPERVISOR 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Room 504 | Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: 661.868.3680 | Fax: 661.868.3688 | Email: couchd@co.kern.ca.us

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P ORT E RV I L L E B L O OD DR I V E

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A short 8 weeks later, in October 2021, Post 20 marked its first blood drive with the Central California Blood Center. This blood drive has been held every 8 weeks since. Community members and Post 20 members alike come to donate blood at the Veterans Memorial Building, in Porterville. Since beginning their blood drive, Post 20 has seen 219 units (pints) donated as of their last blood drive in March 2023.

A few of the goals in starting this blood drive was to 1; strengthen the American Legions ties to the community and 2; provide a place to donate blood on a regular basis. An unexpected result, even though it cannot be conclusively proven, was a noted increase of blood drives held by other organizations in the Porterville community.

According to givingblood.org one pint of blood can save up to 3 lives.

The Eagle Scout project and regular scheduled Post 20 blood drive has been donated 257 units. This equates into a potential of 771 lives saved. As of the writing of this article, Post 20 is looking into hosting a blood drive every 4 weeks to accommodate more blood donors.

This blood drive had over 30 units of blood collected and saved over 100 lives.

Andy Barkate, MS President

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36 | VETERANS DAY 2023

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TROOPS DEPLOYING TO SUPPORT ISRAEL 9 0 0 U S T RO OP S DE P L OY I N G TO M I DDL E E AS T TO SU P P ORT I SR A E L , A DD S TA B I L I T Y, P E N TAG ON S AYS

BY DOUG G. WARE/STARS AND STRIPES

tants on Oct. 7 broke through a border fence between Gaza and Israel and killed hundreds of Israeli civilians.

Israel’s military has been carrying out airstrikes on Gaza in retaliation, which have killed scores of Palestinian civilians.

Ryder said the Pentagon is also sending two Iron Dome batteries to Israel. Iron Dome is a sophisticated air-defense system that tracks incoming enemy rockets and knocks them out of the sky. Since the Oct. 7 attack, Israel has intercepted dozens of rockets using Iron Dome batteries.

Almost 1,000 American troops have received orders to deploy to the Middle East to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas and provide stability in the region, the Pentagon said Thursday.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin decided several days ago to put 2,000 troops on pre-deployment orders to prepare for possible missions in the Middle East. On Thursday, the Pentagon said some of those orders have been activated.

“Approximately 900 troops have … deployed or are in the process of deploying,” said Air Force Brig. Gen Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s top spokesman. “These include forces that have been on prepare-to-deploy orders and which are deploying from the continental United States.”

Ryder said the deploying troops are part of existing plans that were previously announced to send a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery from Fort Bliss,

Texas, and Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Okla. Patriot and Avenger batteries are also being sent from Fort Liberty, N.C., and Associated Air Defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas.

THAAD is an air defense system that can intercept short-, medium- and long-range ballistic missiles with radar and shoot them down. Patriot and Avenger systems work in a similar way.

Ryder declined to say specifically where the deploying U.S. forces are going.

“I can confirm they are not going to Israel,” he said.

“They are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.”

The Pentagon said the number of U.S. service members who have pre-deployment orders might fluctuate depending on what is needed in the region, which has seen a severe increase of violence since Hamas mili-

(Continued on Page 35)

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The two batteries had been assigned to the Army at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., but will now be transferred to Israel. The Pentagon has said previously that it’s been sending Iron Dome interceptors to Israel.

U.S. military bases throughout the Middle East continue to see drone and missile attacks from militant groups. Since Oct. 17, there have been 16 missile or drone attacks on American bases – 12 in Iraq and 4 in Syria, where U.S. and coalition forces are fighting terrorist groups such as the Islamic State, Ryder said. The number of attacks was 13 on Tuesday.

One of the latest attacks occurred Thursday at an air base in Erbil in northern Iraq. Ryder said the attack caused no injuries and no significant property damage.

The Pentagon has not identified the groups behind the attacks but has said the militants are supported by Iran and are effectively Iranian proxy groups. The attacks caused almost two dozen injuries in the two countries, Ryder said, including 15 who received some form of traumatic brain injury.

“In all cases, members returned to duty,” he said.

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 37

POST 26

DAVE GRAHAM PHOTO BY LILLIAN L. MOSS

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To ensure veterans get the assistance, benefits and services they need, CalVet has divided California into eight regions each region is associated with its own email database. These databases are used to send out information pertaining to veteran events and programs in your local communities.

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NON-CITIZEN ENLISTMENTS SE NAT E B I L L R E N E WS E F F ORT TO E N L I S T N ON - C I T I Z E N S I N T H E M I L I TA RY

BY SVETLANA SHKOLNIKOVA/STARS AND STRIPES

Efforts to widen a pathway for non-citizens to join the U.S. military are being reignited with a new Senate bill aimed at easing recruitment troubles in the armed forces.

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Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is leading a renewed push to allow the Defense Department to enlist people who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, including those who entered the country unlawfully as children and are now protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.

In 2008, the Defense Department began an initiative to expand recruitment to certain non-citizens with medical, foreign language and other in-demand skills but the controversial program, called the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest, was suspended in 2017.

In the years since, nearly all the service branches have seen the gap between their recruitment goals and enlistment numbers widen. Only about 24% to 27% of young people ages 18 to 24 meet the requirements to serve and even fewer have the desire to enlist.

Residents who have temporary protected status and individuals who have an approved petition for an immigrant visa would also be eligible to serve in the military under the legislation as long as they meet the qualifications of the service branch.

“Our military services are facing unprecedented challenges meeting their recruitment goals — in part due to a historically small pool of eligible recruits,” Duckworth said.

“Allowing highly qualified, long-time residents of our great nation the opportunity to serve the country they’ve come to love is a commonsense way to give the services better access to talented potential recruits and improve our military’s readiness in the process,” said Duckworth, a former Army Black Hawk pilot and Iraq War veteran.

She said the bill, named the Enlist Act, would expand the pool of candidates and help the military fill its dwindling ranks. It would also give individuals who enlist under the proposed legislation an opportunity to become naturalized citizens, as non-citizen service members are now able to do through an existing process.

Non-citizens who want to join the military must have a permanent resident card, also known as a green card, and be able to speak, read and write fluently in English.

Previous legislative proposals to open the military to non-citizens and “Dreamers,” as young people impacted by DACA are often called, have failed to gain

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traction in Congress. But Duckworth said she is confident her latest effort, which also has been filed as an amendment to the Senate's version of the annual defense policy bill, could make progress.

She told reporters that she developed the bill with significant input from Republicans and has conferred with the leaders of Senate committees charged with overseeing the judiciary, homeland security and the armed services.

“The majority on each of those is very supportive and we’ve had very positive feedback from some of the minority staff as well,” Duckworth said. “So we’re continuing to work through it.”

Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, the nominee to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also expressed support for the measure during his confirmation hearing in the Senate last week.

“I do think about those who love this country, want to serve, want to raise their right hand and take an oath of office or an oath of enlistment,” he said. “If they want to serve and meet the qualifications, I think they all should be provided the opportunity.”

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 39

WITH HONOR ACTION MARINE VETERAN’S NONPROFIT AIMS T O A D D R E S S ‘ P O L A R I Z AT I O N ’ I N C O N G R E S S

BY STEVEN B. BROOKS

Rye Barcott founded the nonprofit With Honor Action as a way to promote and advance principled veteran leadership in elected public service. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran with tours in Iraq, Bosnia and the Horn of Africa said he feels his organization’s mission is now more important than ever.

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“(With Honor) is focused on tackling what I think is maybe the largest problem that we face at least in this town, if not our country, which is the polarization and dysfunction of our Congress,” Barcott told attendees at The American Legion’s Washington Conference on Feb. 28. “What we’ve done organizationally is we’ve helped support, recruit, and train, elect principled veterans … who’ve taken a pledge to serve across party lines, and serve with integrity, civility and courage.”

Barcott said With Honor Action has helped support around 30 members of Congress who participate in the For Country Caucus, a nonpartisan platform for veterans serving the House. But the total number of veterans serving in Congress is a concern for Barcott.

“Not long ago, Congress used to be about 70 percent veterans. Now, we’re right around the 20 percent mark,” he said. “But why does that matter? Obviously, it

matters because it is a common bond. It is service. And if you’re going to run again or want to serve again, you need to have a service mentality in this type of work – especially if you’re going to be committed to getting things done.”

One of With Honor Action’s mission is passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would provide Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces during the Global War on Terror with a more streamlined and efficient lawful permanent residency process.

“Our linguists, whether in Afghanistan or Iraq, were the most dangerous jobs next to our brave (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) guys,” Barcott said. “They were our partners. Now many of them are in a legal limbo. That’s not right, and (the Afghan Adjustment Act) is a way to adjust it. We’re going to push on that, and we’re going to get that thing done this year, God willing.”

Barcott said at his organization’s annual conference, he was approached and asked what With Honor Action’s special interest was. “Our special interest is the United States of America,” he said. “That’s what our special interest is. And that’s what (the Legion’s) special interest is. And that’s why I’m proud to be a lifelong Legionnaire.”

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HEALTH-CARE CAREER PORTAL TA S K F O R C E M O V E M E N T A D D S H E A LT H - C A R E C A R E E R P O R TA L

BY JEFF STOFFER PHOTO BY JERIC WILHELMSEN/THE AMERICAN LEGION

WE PROUDLY SALUTE OUR VETERANS

Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, Chairman of Task Force Movement, speaks during the Task Force Movement Credentialing Summit of The American Legion 104th National Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, August 30.

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Task Force Movement (TFM) is adding a third pillar to its initiative to accelerate veteran certification in specialized fields and help close critical gaps in the U.S. economy.

“We are facing a persistent shortage in medical personnel in the U.S. health system, which the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated,” TFM Chairman Patrick J. Murphy said after making the announcement to add health care to commercial trucking and cyber security to the American Legion-supported mission. He announced the plan at a credentialing summit Aug. 30 during The American Legion’s 104th National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. “Military personnel have been shown to be invaluable during times of domestic emergencies. During the pandemic, thousands were deployed across the country (Continued on Page 41)

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 41

TASK F ORC E M OV E M E N T

(Continued from Page 40)

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to support hospitals and health systems during the surges and then to implement broad sweeping vaccination plans. We as a country should be able to easily transform those coming out of the military with these skills to health-care positions that we need to fill by supporting the education, training and licensure of those that want to pursue much-needed positions in the health-care field.”

TFM was launched by the Biden administration in April 2022 to help veterans quickly obtain commercial driving licenses and help reduce supply-chain bottlenecks partly caused by a nationwide shortage of some 80,000 truckers. The American Legion was appointed a seat at that time on TFM’s steering committee.

At The American Legion’s 103rd National Convention last year in Milwaukee, Wis., TFM followed the push in trucking by announcing the opening of a second portal – cyber security – that seeks to fast-track veterans into a career field with some 750,000 vacancies nationwide, about 60,000 of which are in government.

Murphy told attendees of the summit – who included TFM members representing industry, labor, education, VA, the military, government, The American Legion and other veterans groups – that the task force’s success in training and placing veterans in trucking and cyber security depends on a diverse spectrum of stakeholders communicating with one another and sharing the same mission.

“We have made incredible strides,” Murphy told the group. “Over 300 partners within Task Force Movement, $5 million drive for 500 scholarships for veterans and military spouses to get CDL licenses. Over $500,000 raised for other scholarships … We were trying to soften pain points that Americans are facing right now.

Veterans can’t solve all the problems, but we will lead the charge to solutions.”

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE AMERICAN LEGION AND OUR VETERANS

The second American Legion/Task Force Movement Credentialing Workshop assessed progress made so far to break down barriers and find pathways to good careers in commercial truck driving and cyber security. Panel discussions addressed issues and needs that ranged from access to capital for commercial truck owner/operators to risks associated with elevators and escalators that are dependent on computer technology. Also discussed were a variety of education and training programs, along with an increasing need to fill positions in the aviation industry, many of which are uniquely suited for veterans.

Veterans with security clearances and military experience in technology also are poised to not only get good jobs in cyber security but to continue protecting U.S. national security. “Cyber-crime has gone up over 600% since COVID,” Murphy said, noting that a considerable percentage of GDP is lost each year to cyberattacks and that (hackers) “overseas are attacking our companies and small businesses, our families … every day, trying to steal our intellectual property.”

By working with schools and industry, TFM is debunking myths and misconceptions about cyber security qualifications, including the notion that a four-year college degree is necessary to get a job in the industry.

TFM’s trucking program, meanwhile, has involved skills-test waivers for veterans who drove military vehicles in the service and engagement with DoD Skill Bridge programs to help service members convert their military experience into careers in transportation.

(Continued on Page 43)

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MISCONDUCT P E N TA G O N R E P O R T C A L L S F O R R E F O R M S AT M I L I TA RY A C A D E M I E S T O TA R G E T I N C R E A S E I N S E X UA L M I S C O N D U C T

BY MATTHEW ADAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

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U.S. military academies must improve senior leadership and stop toxic practices such as hazing and shift behavior training into the classroom, Pentagon officials announced Thursday in a study to address the spike in sexual assaults and misconduct.

“What we’re seeing is that what may have been very effective in the past is now having unintended consequences because of the changing demographics … coming into the academy due to broader national trends,” said Elizabeth Foster, executive director of the Pentagon's Force Resiliency Office.

The study comes after student-reported survey results from the 2021-22 academic year showed an increase in sexual misconduct at the academies, which has been trending up since 2014 despite Defense Department efforts and attention from Congress. The rise in reports of sexual misconduct incidents is mirrored across the military, where research, programs and initiatives have increased to combat the problem, though they have not created a statistical change.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in March ordered eight actions laid out in a memorandum, shortly after the release of survey results that showed an 18% increase in student-reported sexual assaults at the academies.

Austin’s order included on-site evaluations by the Pentagon’s undersecretary for personnel and readiness at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., to examine the situation and find solutions.

The report released Thursday included immediate and long-term recommendations to be implemented at each institution. Some include improving access and communication options for victims of sexual misconduct seeking help while making certain that the lessons students are learning are reinforced in other environments.

“When cadets and midshipmen learn one thing about leadership or prevention in the classroom but don’t see that reinforcement in other settings it sends mixed messages about healthy norms and expectations for how they are to treat each other,” said Andra Tharp, the senior prevention adviser for the Force Resiliency Office. The major recommendations focus on the leadership structure at the academies, Foster said.

At the Air Force Academy, the study recommends the school target cadet hazing in the freshman class. At the Air Force and Naval academies, the report recommends they add seasoned officers and noncommissioned officers to work with other officers already on campus to provide mentorship and supervision. At West Point, the study recommends the school review how cadets are trained to become leaders.

The study also acknowledges other factors that college students across the country face. Foster said students are entering the academies with bad experiences ranging from assaults and harassment to attempted suicides and domestic violence. Student leaders aren’t trained to deal with those issues or provide proper support to the students, according to the report.

Defense officials said another problem is the use of social media, where bullying and harassment go unchecked.

“Our teams, when we went to the academies, we joined these networks to observe the discussion,” Tharp said. “There was just a lot of misinformation. When somebody says, ‘I think I need to get help, I think I need to talk to somebody,’ you might have voices that are deterring that.”

Austin also ordered each service branch secretary to submit by Oct. 31 an action plan to counter the sexual misconduct trends at the academies.

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 43

TASK F ORC E M OV E M E N T

(Continued from Page 40)

Industry needs often intersect, TFM Executive Director Elizabeth Belcaster explained. “The trucking industry has cyber security. We know that health care has cyber security. One industry vs. another, they all have cyber – health care, financial institutions … it’s every industry.”

While no two of the three industries prioritized by TFM are exactly alike, the model of putting a diverse group of stakeholders together and finding answers is the common approach. “This partnership has grit,” said Brandon McPherson, TFM treasurer and financial adviser. “From the start of Task Force Movement, we said we didn’t want to be a group that just had a bunch of meetings and nothing really happened. We wanted to move the ball. When we kicked off with trucking, we wanted to get people trained and licensed. We kicked that off immediately.

We got scholarships. We got people to support that.”

“I’m a big believer that a rising tide lifts all boats,” said Dave Harrison, executive director of workforce development for Fast port, a national career-placement company and TFM participant. “The wonderful thing about Task Force Movement is the White House put real emphasis on … public-private partnership. It takes leveraging labor, employers, CTEs … It takes everything. I have been working in this space, with veterans specifically in transportation, for a long time. A lot of the rough points are still there, but things are improving.”

The trucking portal led TFM into a collaboration last year with the U.S. Department of State by helping Afghan refugees who had assisted American forces during the war on terrorism re-start their lives in the United States – Operation Afghan Open Road.

Now, TFM is applying its recipe to the health-care industry. The shortage of providers nationwide has long been an issue, particularly in the Department of Veterans Affairs; recruitment and retention of VA nurses, doctors and specialists has occupied a high place on the Legion’s legislative agenda for most of the last decade.

Murphy said TFM’s success so far in trucking and cyber security led the administration to ask for the expansion to health care. “We have 2 million health-care professionals that we are short now, across America. Many of those are nurses, but we know that health care today is not episodic where you go once or twice a year to see a doctor. Health care is every single day – what you eat, how you exercise, are you sleeping well – those types of things.”

He added that the Legion’s Be the One initiative and recent collaboration with USAA to reduce veteran suicide drive the urgency of filling health-care positions.

“It’s important that we launch this today – to make sure that we also ‘Face the Fight.’ What does that mean? The American Legion has joined forces with USAA and others … there’s an over $40 million campaign to face the fight. What’s that?

We need to combat veteran suicide.”

TFM’s traction among veterans, spouses, employers, government agencies, educators, the military and others has unleashed a torrent of interest over the last year and a half, Belcaster explained.

“We get a lot of calls. We’re going to need a call center soon.”

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Proud To Support Our

MEDITATION

Veterans

H O W M E D I TAT I O N CAN REDUCE DEPRESSION

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

The short, dark and cold days of winter can contribute to depression for many people, including veterans. Meditation is a science-backed solution to effectively combat these feelings, whether they’re related to seasonal or other stresses. Those who practice meditation say they find it relieves stress, reduces PTSD symptoms, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, helps soothe pain, aids in managing depression and anxiety, and more.

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COMMON TYPES OF MEDITATION INCLUDE: MINDFULNESS Urges awareness and being present in the moment while letting go of negative emotions and judgment. This form can increase focus and memory, reduce impulsive reactions and improve relationship satisfaction.

GUIDED Uses the voice of a live person or recording to encourage you to form relaxing mental pictures or situations, using the senses to evoke feelings of calmness. This is a great option for beginners.

TRANSCENDENTAL Emphasizes reciting a mantra (word, phrase or sound) and repeating it throughout the meditation. Studies show it may help reduce stress, depression and burnout.

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PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION Focuses on tensing and then relaxing muscles, often starting at the toes and working up the body. This form of meditation promotes calmness and relaxation, and may help with chronic pain.

BREATH WORK Encourages mindful breathing, inhaling deeply and slowly by counting or using a cadence to reduce anxiety, improve concentration and increase emotional flexibility.

METTA OR LOVING-KINDNESS Promotes attitudes of love, kindness and compassion toward yourself and others, including enemies and sources of stress. The key is repetition of the message until one achieves an attitude of benevolence.

HOW TO GET STARTED: Starting a meditation discipline can be overwhelming. It’s normal to have racing thoughts and difficulty focusing, or feel like it isn’t working. The keys to meditation are consistency and compassion. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Calm, Headspace and Insight Timer are downloadable guided-meditation apps that can help guide you through your meditation journey. For consistency, build it into your daily routine. Pair meditation with a daily habit like brushing your teeth, showering, or right before you go to sleep.

Also, ease your way into it. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time and frequency of your practice. If you’re having acute stress or a panic attack, breath work and progressive muscle relaxation meditation can be powerful tools in overcoming them.

LEGION MEMBERSHIP Remember Membership is the foundation of the American Legion without it we don't exist we all worked together at one time to maintain the free nation that our forefathers created for us.

And as it says over the doors at our V.A. Hospital FREEDOM ISN'T FREE so work on our young brothers and sisters to join and become members of the largest Veterans organization in the USA 100 years old this year. God bless America.

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 45

JOIN THE

AMERICAN LEGION Open 24/7

WE REMEMBER & WE HONOR

OUR VETERANS I 661-218-1678

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If you have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941 and were honorably discharged or you are still serving active military duty honorably, you are eligible for membership with The American Legion.

VA Benefits Assistance Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. Your membership also helps support American Legion Department Service Officers nationwide who assist veterans in preparing claims and obtaining their full military healthcare benefits through the VA. A Voice in Our Nation's Capital The American Legion is the nation's most influential, effective and dependable advocate of veteran affairs fighting for better active-duty pay, improved housing for active-duty families and helping to ensure that the VA's medical system can properly care for veterans.

Monthly Magazine (a $30 value) Our nation's leaders speak directly to citizens on the pages of The American Legion Magazine. The American Legion's organizational goals are promoted using the words of talented writers, professional journalists and world leaders.

Family, Camaraderie and Continuing Service through Community Support Financial grants are among the ways The American Legion supports its members and families of military service members during times of financial hardship and natural disasters.

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46 | VETERANS DAY 2023

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PBS SHOW — AFTER-ACTION L I F E B E F O R E , D U R I N G A N D A F T E R T H E M I L I TA RY THE AMERICAN LEGION

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Air Force veteran Stacy Pearsall is the host of a new PBS show, “After Action,” which reveals the experiences of 21 diverse veterans through candid conversations about what life is like before, during and after service.

She is the guest on this week’s American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, hosted

by Jeff Daly and Ashley Gutermuth.

Pearsall, a member of American Legion Post 166 in Goose Creek, S.C., served as a combat photojournalist. “I've lost friends to suicide and have had my own battles,” she said. “If this show saves one life, then it's been worth it.”

On the show, Pearsall sits down with three other veterans to talk about one topic.

“Wherever that conversation goes, it goes,” she said, noting that sometimes veterans don’t have these types of conversations with family members. “’After Action’ is trying to achieve a more open dialogue, lifting the veil of the military experience and explaining why we are the way we are.”

There are five episodes already published and available for viewing on PBS. The show is an extension of the work she did with her Veterans Portrait Project. It began in 2008 while Pearsall was rehabilitating from combat injuries sustained in Iraq. It’s a way that she combines her skills with honoring the service of veterans.

To date, Pearsall has photographed veterans in 82 cities in all 50 states, documenting more than 8,500 veterans. “It’s important that we had a shared experience,” she said. “This puts people a little less on guard. And because I am a veteran my-

self, there are no ulterior motives. I’m not here to present anybody in a bad light.

I’m just here to photograph them as who they are as an individual.”

Pearsall’s “why” drives her motivation for these projects. “I do these things because I want to help,” she explained. “I don’t want others to have the experiences like I did. If you want to be part of the change, you have to be part of the solution.

My work through what I have done has been endeavoring to do that.”

Daly and Gutermuth also discuss: • The investigation following an intrusion of the home of Air Force One. There were three lapses in security that allowed a breach of the base. That is until a military spouse shot the intruder, points out Gutermuth, who is married to an Air Force Reserve pilot.

• One of the first Black Marines, George Johnson, is honored for his service. Johnson, 101, served during World War II as one of the Montford Point Marines.

• A National Guard veteran and his girlfriend were arrested and charged with plotting to destroy an electrical substation in Maryland. The self-identified Nazi was recently released from prison for possession of explosives. “When I read these stories I always wonder if I served with one of these pieces of filth,” wondered Daly, a Marine veteran.

Check out this week’s episode, which is among more than 160 Tango Alpha Lima podcasts available in both audio and video formats here. You can also download episodes on iTunes, Google Play or other major podcast-hosting sites. The video version is available at the Legion’s YouTube channel.

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VETERANS DAY 2023 | 47

CALIFORNIA VETERANS HEALTH INITIATIVE T O C O M B AT S U I C I D E A N D A D D R E S S M E N TA L H E A LT H Governor Newsom announced $50 million for the establishment of the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI). The CVHI will deliver a comprehensive, coordinated statewide approach to ending veteran suicide by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and direct services to effectively combat the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation.

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“On behalf of California’s veterans and their families, I would like to thank Governor Newsom and his Administration for their support of those who have worn this nation’s uniform. The Governor’s investment in the California Veterans Health Initiative displays his strong commitment to face a challenge that disproportionately affects California’s veterans and their families,” said CalVet Secretary Vito Imbasciani MD. “This is an unprecedented investment in the well-being of our veterans and their families, for which we are grateful.”

The CVHI will bolster awareness, outreach, and education efforts, as well as increase capacity through coordinated support of the community-based systems of care.

“It is vital veterans and their families have timely access to culturally competent mental health services,” said Keith Boylan, Deputy Secretary for Veteran Services.

“The CVHI will support a structure that not only ensures help is there when most needed, but far upstream before challenges become emergencies and worse yet, tragedies.”

Proud to support the American Legion and Veterans of Kern and Tulare Counties

Sal Guimarra Al Guimarra Robert Lee Corsaro John Guimarra Jr.

The Initiative consists of three main components, including: • Outreach and Education Campaign ($5 million). The CVHI will strategically address the risk factors associated with veteran suicide through an awareness campaign that educates veterans, stakeholders, partners, and the broader community on the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes surrounding veteran suicide.

The campaign will target prevention activities, and promote health and wellness.

• Veteran Mental Health Support Network ($40 million). The Initiative would expand access to mental healthcare for veterans and their families by supporting a network of veteran-specific mental health clinics throughout the state. Crisis intervention and treatment would be inclusive, equitable, and available to veterans regardless of age, period of service, type of service, discharge status, or disability rating.

• Veteran Suicide Surveillance and Review Program ($5 million). CVHI will establish a multidisciplinary team of professionals and stakeholders focusing on the identification and collection of veteran specific suicide data. Additionally, the team will coordinate a statewide assessment of veteran’s mental health and provide recommendations on future prevention, intervention, and post-intervention strategies.

George Guimarra Jr.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

48 | VETERANS DAY 2023

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

15th District Legionnaire

We must never forget the courage and sacrifice of our veterans.

It is our obligation and a symbol of our gratitude that we honor their service to our country.”

www.McCarthyforCongress.com Paid for by Kevin McCarthy for Congress

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS