District 21 Legionnaire Veterans Day 2020

21ST DISTRICT

LEGION

NAIRE

RIVERSIDE COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION

VETERANS DAY 2020

“Putting the Fight in the Fighting 21st District - Audacity, Audacity, always Audacity!”

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Greeting Fellow Legionnaires and Legion Family.

Part I: The Status of our Nation’s Current Plight On many occasions since the birth of our nation, the words of warning have gone out to alert of people and ideologies that threaten our cherished democracy. Our American Legion’s Four Pillars stand to protect our country’s legacy of liberty as they also stand in the way of those that wish our county evil.

Do not lose heart, for America has seen worse and Rudolph Valadez will again fight. America will outlive anarchy and sedition. We will walk again in freedom and safety.

We shall beat the current virus plague and be the better for it. However, we pray that this is not a dry run by an inimical nation. Bear with us that we may soon stand together, united in our endeavor. I look forward to visiting you.

Well what a year this has been.

COVID-19 hit and now all the Wild fires in CA devastating many of our Communities. Riverside County is one of the Counties battling fires as well. Our Units and Posts are helping the Communities whether they are victims of the fires or COVID-19.

Some of our Units have been vigilante and fearless in serving the homeless with masks and gloves on. At Veterans Village at March Air Base Units helping US Vets in providing for our Veterans and their families are ongoing.

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Kathy Newlen

Our Units and the Posts are trying different ways (thinking out of the box) to help our communities and our Veterans. Our Units working with other non-profit organizations to provide housing and furnishings for veterans and non-veterans that are homeless.

Part II: For the Good of the Legion Family Your dedicated District Staff is working that you shall succeed in all your Post needs as that Staff helps to meet those needs. This Staff will prove exceptional in this mission. The District is currently in the process of partnering up with a national news media entity that will come to your Post and make a video recording chronicling the story of your post to appear on your website and to sell that story to local governance and business companies; all for community exposure and the solicitation of donations.

The sharing of ourselves and caring for our communities is at the top of the list. Units are checking in on their membership. Helping and providing comfort, providing food or other essentials as needed, someone to talk to, and try to ease their fears.

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With Veteran’s Day just around the bend, think of what you can do to best honor them during this Pandemic. The Veteran Day Parades probably will not happen due to COVID-19 restrictions, even though they may be less restrictive.

PLUS INSIDE The Legion Act...............Page 9

Vandalism of El Soldado... Page 13

Veterans Day Retro........Page 16

The Good Times................. Page 24

21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020 C OM M A N DE R’ S M E S S AG E

21ST DISTRICT OFFICERS 2020 - 2021

Commander Rudolph Valadez 951-359-0902 • rudolphvaladez@sbcglobal.net First Vice Commander David Brambila 714-502-4316 • david@thecreativemarketing.com

(Continued from Page 1)

We at the District are organizing a Celebrity Golf Tournament in Palm Spring this coming April with the help of a national sports entity. The District will be the sole beneficiary of the proceeds. A banking account will be set up with funds to assist posts and Legionnaires in the District. Eventually, as the process matures, the project will encompass the Area, Department, and National for their benefit.

The District is already placing funding ideas in the hand of posts’ leadership. We have one successful Post that has proven its ability to imagine to fruition funding programs and projects that help that Post with surplus funds for its operations. (See the innovative programs, which together brought in $30,000.00 in a few months for that particular post) Rudolph Valadez, Commander 21st District, Riverside County

Second Vice Commander Larry Hernandez 909-342-3989 • hernandezlarryj@gmail.com Third Vice Commander Richard Chalupnik 951-354-8381 • pillar7ng@att.net Adjutant Tony Aguilar 760-567-9968 • psgolfta@aol.com Asst. Adjutant Amado C. Salinas II 760-835-0739 • aacaldist21@gmail.com Finance Officer Richard Chalupnik 951-354-8381 • pillar7ng@att.net Sergeant at Arms Alberto Navarro 323-637-8677 • alberto.navarro@outlook.com

P R E SI DE N T ’ S M E S S AG E

(Continued from Page 1)

The boundaries of social distancing and mask wearing are with us for a while. Do not let FEAR overcome you and take control of your life but use common sense, be cautious, be safe and keep the flame of HOPE in hearts.

Kathy Newlen, President 21st District, Riverside County

E-Board West William Ashton 760-995-5216 • batman1952@msn.com Chaplin Dave Mader 913-731-7489 • davem40@yahoo.com E-Board East Arturo Aguilar 951-217-1038 • aguilar78@msn.com E-Board Central Marquis Palmer 951-500-9551 • americanpalmer@gmail.com Judge Advocate Russ Mills 909-631-1970 • goinupsoon@sbcglobal.net Service Officer Johnnie Griffitts 760-535-8523 • thegriffitts1@gmail.com Jr. Past Commander Monique Clemmons 510-508-5709 • meclemons72@yahoo.com Resolutions Committee Donna Griggs dgriggs@gmail.com

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LEGION MOBILE APP

Serving Riverside County

MEMBERSHIP REPORT DISTRICT 21 STANDINGS

Post# Post Name & City

e lin rs rs n e b O sfe al Ls m d d n F i i al t e M PU Pa 0 Pa 0 Tra 0 To l Go 0 0 0 0 oa 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 G 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 %

53 Harold W Hyland, Hemet

2

47

35

97

11

192 374

51.34%

79 Riverside, Riverside

2

58

67 121

7

255 391

65.22%

200 Lynn Mort, Lake Elsinore

0

28

34

34

3

99 264

37.50%

216 William H Jameson, Corona

0

6

15

18

3

42

71

59.15%

289 Carl R Meairs, Riverside

0

16

32 79

7

134 262

51.15%

328 Norco, Norco

2

48

64 181

10

305 648

47.07%

428 San Gorgonio Pass, Banning

0

12

22

1

9

44 123

35.77%

500 Mira Loma, Jurupa Valley

3

11

21

51

1

871

59

54.72%

519 Owen Coffman, Palm Springs

2

62

102 227

13

406 813

49.94%

574 Morrison Memorial, Moreno Valley 7

36

28

44

6

121 260

46.54%

595 Perris, Perris

0

53

31

65

6

155 290

53.45%

739 Herman Granados, Indio

0

46

53 137

16

252 401

62.84%

742 Joe Dominguez, Corona

3

16

36

70

1

126 220

57.27%

800 Idyllwild, Idyllwild

2

22

15

86

0

125 224

55.80%

848 San Jacinto, San Jacinto

0

26

36

61

10

133 267

49.81%

852 Temecula/Murrieta, Murrieta

1

23

51

73

18

166 343

48.40%

951 Fellowship, Riverside

0

3

16

9

2

30

56.60%

District 22 Totals

24

53

513 658 1,354 123 2,672 5,163 51.75%

14995 RIVER RD | CORONA, CA 92800 MARYGAIL@RAAHAUGES.COM

SHOTGUN, PISTOL & RIFLE RANGE

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

DISTRICT 21 POSTS E–BOARD EAST Post 53 Harold W. Highland, Hemet Post 428 San Gorgonio Pass, Banning Post 519 Owen Coffman, Palm Springs Post 739 Herman Granados, Indio Post 800 Idyllwild, Idyllwild Post 848 San Jacinto, San Jacinto

THE SPIRIT OF WWII GENERATION NEEDED TO STOP T H I S M I S G U I D E D G E N E R AT I O N

BY REES LLOYD

It is increasingly clear that the spirit of the WWII Generation which saved American freedom from “foreign enemies,” is needed to save America from the treasonous violent protests by the “domestic enemies” of the contemporary Misguided Generation.

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E–BOARD CENTRAL Post 53 Harold W. Highland, Hemet Post 200 Lynn Mort, Lake Elsinore Post 595 Perris, Perris Post 574 Morrison Memorial, Moreno Valley Post 852 Temecula/Murrieta, Murrieta E–BOARD WEST Post 79 Fairmont Park, Riverside Post 216 William H. Jameson Jr., Corona Post 289 Carl R. Meairs, Riverside Post 328 Norco, Norco Post 500 Mira Loma, Jurupa Valley Post 742 Joe Dominguez, Corona

Rees Lloyd

MEDIA ADDRESSES 21st District www.caldistrict21.org

Post 500

Mira Loma

miralomapost500.org Post 53, Hemet www.alpost53.org Post 79

(Fairmont Park) Riverside

americanlegionpost79riverside.com

Post 519

Palm Springs

americanlegionpalmsprings.org Post 848

San Jacinto

Post 200, Lake Elsinore legionpost200.org

legionpost848.org/Join.htm

Post 328, Norco americanlegionpost328.org

Temecula/Murrieta

Post 852,

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al852tmv.org

From Victory Over Japan (VJ Day), August 15, 1945, to VJ Day 2020, America has devolved from the patriotic heroism of the WWII Generation based on love of God, Country, and Freedom, to a treasonous insurrectionist segment of the contemporary generation —ungrateful descendants of the WWII Generation — seeking to overthrow the American Constitutional Republic by force and violence, based on hatred of God, Country, and Freedom in favor of Marxist Socialism/Communism.

“VJ-Day,” August 15, 2020, was the 75th anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese Empire in WWII. Germany under Adolph Hitler’s “National Socialist Workers Party (NAZI), surrendered on May 8, 1945.

Thus, the Japanese surrender effectively ended WWII—the deadliest war in the history of the world.

WWII was won by the tremendous service and sacrifice of the WWII Generation, often referred to as The Greatest Generation. More than 16-million Americans served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. More than 1-million of those veterans were wounded, and 400,000 gave their lives for our freedom.

Every one of those veterans took the same oath, which includes “to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” The WWII Generation fulfilled that oath, defeating all “foreign enemies.” Every American living today owes his or her freedom to the sacrifices made by the WWII Generation.

Ironically, 75 years after the Japanese surrender on VJ Day, America and American freedom are under attack by “domestic enemies” — descendants of the WWII Generation. They are attempting by insurrectionist force and violence to destroy American freedom by rioting, looting, burning of businesses, buildings, and the Flag under which all veterans have served, establishing self-governing “autonomous” zones in cities, invasion of suburban residential areas demanding White people turn over their homes, beating, maiming, and even murdering police officers and innocent people, including children.

Serving Riverside County

STORM VICTIM SUPPORT N AT I O N A L C O M M A N D E R O X F O R D PLED GES SUPPORT TO STORM VICTIMS

We Salute and Thank Our Veterans – Past, Present and Future.

You are Our H eroes.

Lic #906115

“A Family You Can Trust”

• Family-owned and operated for over 45 years • 100% of Hyde’s AC Service Techs are NATE Certified • Extended Summer Hours-8 am to 8 pm, Mon.-Sat. • Ask about our Maintenance Program • Now offering Electrical Services

THE AMERICAN LEGION

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American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement regarding Hurricane Laura’s destructive path along the Gulf Coast: “The American Legion extends its support and prayers to those impacted by Hurricane Laura. Right now, priority one is saving lives.

When the danger subsides, the clean-up and recovery begins. The American Legion Family has a number of support programs for our members to include Temporary FiBill Oxford nancial Assistance and a National Emergency Fund. TFA grants are also available to eligible active-duty service members with minor children in the home. We have American Legion posts across the country that will offer their own forms of assistance as well. I have directed our national staff to maintain regular communications with the impacted departments to ensure that we do everything we can to help those in need. For now, people with inquiries can call our Louisiana American Legion Department Adjutant, Tony Betts (337) 652-5072 or email tonyb_la@hotmail.com or adjutant@lalegion.org.

The Texas American Legion can be contacted at (512) 472-4138 or billw@txlegion.org.

More details will be released at www.legion.org during the coming days.”

Oxford also pointed out that Americans can contribute to charities which help recovery efforts by donating to The American Legion National Emergency Fund or Veterans & Children Foundation at legion.org/donate or by sending a check to either of those charities at The American Legion, P.O. Box 361626, Indianapolis, IN 46236.

42-949 Madio St. Indio, CA 92201 760.360.2202 www.HydesAC.com

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

VETS AND COVID-19

8 WAY S V E T E R A N S A R E PA R T I C U L A R LY AT R I S K F R O M T H E C O R O N AV I R U S PA N D E M I C

Among the most hard-hit are veterans, who are particularly susceptible to both health and economic threats from the pandemic. These veterans face homelessness, lack of health care, delays in receiving financial support and even death.

3. Benefits unfairly denied When a person transitions from active military service to become a veteran, they receive a Certificate of Discharge or Release. This certificate provides information about the circumstances of the discharge or release. It includes characterizations such as “honorable,” “other than honorable,” “bad conduct” or “dishonorable.” These are crucial distinctions, because that status determines whether the Veterans Administration will give them benefits.

I have spent the past four years studying veterans with substance use and mental health disorders who are in the criminal justice system. This work revealed gaps in health care and financial support for veterans, even though they have the best publicly funded benefits in the country.

Research shows that some veterans with discharges that limit their benefits have PTSD symptoms, military sexual trauma or other behaviors related to military stress. Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have disproportionately more of these negative discharges than veterans from other eras, for reasons still unclear.

Here are the eight ways the pandemic threatens veterans:

VA hospitals across the country are short-staffed and don’t have the resources they need to protect their workers. AP/Kathy Willens. The Veterans Administration frequently and perhaps unlawfully denies benefits to veterans with “other than honorable” discharges.

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From the elderly who are facing deadly outbreaks in nursing homes to communities of color facing higher infection and death rates, different groups face different challenges from the corona virus pandemic.

1. Age and other vulnerabilities In 2017, veterans’ median age was 64; their average age was 58 and 91% were male.

The largest group served in the Vietnam era, where 2.8 million veterans were exposed to Agent Orange.

Younger veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan were exposed to dust storms, oil fires and burn pits, and perhaps as a consequence have high rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Many veterans have requested upgrades to their discharge status. There is a significant backlog of these upgrade requests, and the pandemic will add to it, further delaying access to health care and other benefits.

Age and respiratory illnesses are both risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. As of April 13, 241 patients in Veterans Administration health care facilities had died of COVID-19 and 4,000 have tested positive.

4. Diminished access to health care Dental surgery, routine visits and elective surgeries at Veterans Administration medical centers have been postponed since mid-March. VA hospitals are understaffed – just before the pandemic, the VA reported 43,000 staff vacancies out of more than 400,000 health care staff. Access to health care will be even more difficult when those medical centers finally reopen.

2. Dangerous residential facilities Veterans needing end-of-life care, those with cognitive disabilities, or those needing substance use treatment often live in crowded VA or state-funded residential facilities.

As of Monday, April 13, 1,520 VA health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19, and thousands of health care workers are under quarantine. The VA is asking doctors and nurses to come out of retirement to help already understaffed hospitals.

State-funded “Soldiers’ Homes” are notoriously starved for money and staff. The horrific situation at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where more than 40 veteran residents have died from a COVID-19 outbreak, illustrates the risk facing the veterans in residential homes.

5. Mental health may get worse An average of 20 veterans commit suicide every day. A national task force is currently addressing this scourge.

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DISTRICT 21 POST SOCIAL FEEDS Post 53, Hemet Facebook: American Legion Hemet Post 53

Post 800,

Idyllwild Facebook: American Legion Post 800 Idyllwild, CA

Post 289, Riverside Facebook: American Legion Post 289

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Post 848,

San Jacinto

Post 739, Indio Facebook: Indio American Legion Post

Facebook: American Legion Post 848

Post 595, Perris Facebook: American Legion Perris Post 595

Temecula/Murrieta Valley

Post 852 Facebook: American Legion Post 852 Temecula/Murrieta, CA

Serving Riverside County V E T S A N D C OV I D - 1 9

(Continued from Page 6)

This Veterans Day, may we recommit ourselves to those ideals that so many have fought to preserve and protect.

May we stand behind those brave men and women who risk their lives so that we may live, honoring their unmatched courage with unyielding respect and gratitude.

Happy Veterans Day. RICHARD D. ROTH, Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.) Senator, 31st District 3737 Main Street, Suite 104, Riverside, CA 92501 Phone: (951) 680-6750 Fax: (951) 680-6757 E-mail: senator.roth@senate.ca.gov sen.ca.gov/roth facebook.com/majgen.roth twitter.com/generalroth

But many outpatient mental health programs are on hold or being held virtually. Some residential mental health facilities have closed.

Under these conditions, the suicide rate for veterans may grow. Suicide hotline calls by veterans were up by 12% on March 22, just a few weeks into the crisis.

6. Complications for homeless veterans and those in the justice system An estimated 45,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and 181,500 veterans are in prison or jail. Thousands more are under court-supervised substance use and mental health treatment in Veterans Treatment Courts. More than half of veterans involved with the justice system have either mental health problems or substance use disorders.

As residential facilities close to new participants, many veterans eligible to leave prison or jail have nowhere to go. They may stay incarcerated or become homeless.

Courts are moving online or ceasing operations altogether. It is unclear whether participants will face delays graduating from court-supervised treatments.

Further, some Veterans Treatment Courts still require participants to take drug tests. With COVID-19 circulating, participants must put their health at risk to travel to licensed testing facilities.

7. Disability benefits delayed In the pandemic’s epicenter in New York, tens of thousands of veterans should have access to VA benefits because of their low income – but don’t, so far.

The pandemic has exacerbated existing delays in finding veterans in need, filing their paperwork and waiting for decisions. Ryan Foley, an attorney in New York’s Legal Assistance Group, a nonprofit legal services organization, noted in a personal communication that these benefits are worth “tens of millions of dollars to veterans and their families” in the midst of a health and economic disaster.

All 56 regional Veterans Administration offices are closed to encourage social distancing.

Compensation and disability evaluations, which determine how much money veterans can get, are usually done in person. Now, they must be done electronically, via telehealth services in which the veteran communicates with a health care provider via computer.

But getting telehealth up and running is taking time, adding to the longstanding VA backlog. Currently, approximately 75,000 veterans wait more than 125 days for a decision. (That is what the VA defines as a backlog – anything less than 125 days is not considered a delay on benefit claims.)

8. Obstacles to getting stimulus checks Veterans with the greatest financial need may not automatically receive their stimulus checks. Currently, those living on tax-exempt income from the VA must file a tax return to get a check.

But e-filing a tax return is a significant obstacle for many, especially severely disabled veterans who may not have computers or know how to use e-file software.

There are many social groups to pay attention to, all with their own problems to face during the pandemic. With veterans, many of the problems they face now existed long before the coronavirus arrived on U.S. shores.

But with the challenges posed by the situation today, veterans who were already lacking adequate benefits and resources are now in deeper trouble, and it will be harder to answer their needs.

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

THE AMERICAN LEGION AND THE GI BILL TO GETHER FROM THE BEGINNING

The American Legion etched a permanent place in history in 1944. That year, Legionnaires ushered into law the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act – better known as the GI Bill. Since then, millions of veterans have received free or discounted higher education benefits. So effective was the GI Bill, it is often credited for spurring more than 50 years of economic prosperity across the nation.

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President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing the G.I. Bill into law on June 22, 1944 As the decades unfolded, however, the benefit fell out of pace with the changing times.

The GI Bill was no longer covering fast-rising tuition costs. In some communities, it barely covered transportation cost to and from campus. National Guard and Reserve veterans were not receiving the same GI Bill benefits as those who’d served in the active-duty branches, regardless of their combat experiences in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nearly 25 years removed from its last major overhaul, it was no longer your grandfather’s GI Bill.

Everything changed in the summer of 2008.

The American Legion and Congress had worked together for more than three years to overhaul the federal veterans’ education benefits package, including elimination of a $1,200 “buy-in” for service personnel and extending the time span a veteran has to use the benefit after discharge.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act was signed into law on June 30, 2008, and implemented Aug. 1, 2009. Four different education programs now exist: the Post9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill/Selected Reserve and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP).

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RiversideCA.gov/Airport 6951 Flight Road Riverside, CA 92504 (951) 351-6113

Serving Riverside County

11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW AB OU T THE LEGION ACT THE AMERICAN LEGION

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With President Trump’s signature on the LEGION Act, the extension of the ongoing declared period of war was extended back to Dec. 7, 1941.

The congressionally approved act is a way to honor thousands of veterans who were killed or wounded on duty during periods not previously considered a time of war.

“Finally Congress has acknowledged the service and sacrifice of at least 1,600 veterans who died or were wounded in previously undeclared periods of war,” said American Legion National Judge Advocate Kevin Bartlett. “This new law honors the memories of those veterans while allowing other veterans from those previously undeclared eras to receive all the American Legion benefits they have earned through their service.”

The LEGION Act - Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act — also redefines The American Legion’s membership eligibility dates. The eligibility now span from Dec. 7, 1941, until a time when the U.S. is no longer at war, as determined by Congress.

Question: How does this affect the Sons of The American Legion (SAL)?

Answer: The Sons’ eligibility criteria will change along with that of The American Legion.

Any son or grandson of a living American Legion member will be able to join the SAL program. (Sons and grandsons of deceased veterans are also eligible.) For example, a son of a veteran who served between 1985 and 1988 previously would not have been eligible.

With the extension of the war period, that veteran would immediately be eligible for The American Legion and the son would be able to join the SAL.

Question: How does this affect the eligibility for the American Legion Auxiliary?

Answer: This follows the same concept as the SAL, as noted previously. Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is currently open to grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of eligible veterans.

Question: How does this affect membership for departments, districts and posts?

Here are answers to 11 key questions about the new law and what it means for The American Legion.

Answer: This change opens up American Legion membership to thousands more veterans who likely live in your communities. They may become members immediately.

Question: How does this change the eligibility requirements for The American Legion?

Question: The current membership applications don’t address the eligibility change.

How do we process those members?

Answer: The only change is that Congress has reduced the number of eligibility periods from seven to two. They are April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941, and continuing. No other restrictions are changed.

Question: What’s the impact on veterans who previously were not eligible for American Legion membership?

Answer: Veterans who were honorably discharged but whose service did not fall into the previous defined war eras may now join The American Legion immediately. To do so, eligible members may sign up at www.legion.org/join.

Question: I am among the veterans who were not allowed to join previously, so why do you want me now?

Answer: New membership materials will be developed and provided as quickly as possible. Until then, it is recommended that prospective members from a previously undocumented war era write “Other Conflicts” in the eligibility date section and send it in to their department with the appropriate dues.

Question: What steps should departments, districts and posts focus on?

Answer: A good first step would be to review all recruiting materials to look for eligibility dates. Information on electronic media (websites, social media channels, etc.) should be changed immediately. It is up to departments to decide on the best way to handle printed materials, while updated ones are being produced.

Answer: The American Legion’s founding fathers believed, “a veteran is a veteran,” an axiom that has held true throughout the organization’s more than century of service. Some veterans were ineligible to join because of the war eras that were defined by Congress. The recent bill passage and president’s signature changed that.

Question: How does this change the Paid Up For Life program?

Answer: There are no changes to the PUFL program, though the newly eligible members would be able to become PUFLs. To learn more about the program, visit https://www. legion.org/PUFL

Question: So how does this differentiate The American Legion from AMVETS?

Question: Who can I contact for more information about this change as it applies to membership and recruiting?

Answer: The American Legion’s eligibility criteria states that veterans must have served during “wartime.” When Congress decides the U.S. is no longer in a state of war, the Legion’s membership eligibility period will close, while AMVETS will still be open to those who served.

Answer: Contact the national Membership Division. Visit this web page to find the representative in your state. https://www.legion.org/membership/contactus

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

VETERANS HOUSING

AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM

The VHHP allocates funds for the development of new affordable housing for veterans and their families. The VHHP requires an emphasis on developing housing for veterans who are homeless or have extremely low income.

• L everage public, private, and nonprofit program and fiscal resources

The California Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the California Housing Finance Agency are working together to design the VHHP. The Department of Housing and Community Development will implement the program.

Affordable housing developers will partner with veterans service providers to build affordable housing dwellings, including Supportive Housing, which will provide housing and services to veterans who are homeless or who have extremely low income to assist the veterans to achieve housing stability and improve self-sufficiency.

• Foster innovative financing opportunities

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The VHHP requires the three Agencies to develop programs that do the following:

• P rioritize projects that combine housing and supportive services • Promote public and private partnerships • E nsure that program scoring and/or guidelines advance applicants with experience in combining housing with supportive services for veterans or partnering with experienced developers or service providers in serving veterans.

VHHP funding for housing developments will be provided to affordable housing developers through a competitive application process utilizing the current Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) structure. Successful applicants will be experienced development organizations who are partnered with experienced service providers.

VETERANS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

ASK AB OUT OUR VE TERAN’ S DISCOU NT!

CALL ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING OR MEMORY CARE!

VETERANS AND SURVIVING SPOUSES MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR VETERAN’S BENEFITS! MURRIETA: (951) 704-7071 | RANCHO BELAGO: (800) 890-7616 10

Senior Living and Memory Care

RCFE# 331800083 | 336426464

Serving Riverside County

AGENT ORANGE BENEFITS AMERICAN LEGION JOINS R E P. J O S H H A R D E R , V S O S I N F I G H T FOR AGENT OR ANGE BENEFIT S THE AMERICAN LEGION

American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Ralph Bozella joined U.S. Rep. Josh Harder and representatives from other veterans service organizations via conference call Aug. 20 in announcing the launch of an effort to expand coverage for veterans exposed to Agent Orange but unable to access support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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Earlier this year, Harder introduced The Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act. The legislation would ensure Vietnam veterans with bladder cancer, certain thyroid problems and Parkinson’s-like symptoms are able to access care through VA. To become law, the amendment must now be included in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act. “On behalf of American Legion National Commander James W. ‘Bill’ Oxford, I am pleased to announce The American Legion supports U.S. Rep. Josh Harder’s effort to include three new Agent Orange presumptive diseases in the National Defense Authorization Act,” Bozella said during the call. “The American Legion has a rich and proud history of participating in and supporting Vietnam veterans’ fight for Agent Orange-related benefits.

“In 1983, The American Legion sponsored an independent study by Columbia University that established the effects of exposure to Agent Orange on Vietnam War veterans. Congress received the results of this study in 1989. Since then, the Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized 14 diseases related to exposure from Agent Orange and other herbicides.”

Bozella said now is the time for VA to add the three new diseases listed in the legislation to the Agent Orange presumptive list and – noting similar legislation already has passed in the U.S. Senate – urged American Legion membership “to contact your U.S. representatives and ask each one to support this initiative, which will prove we are still welcoming home our Vietnam veterans.”

To find your Congressional representative, visit https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.

WE PROUDLY THANK ALL OF OUR VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY DESERT CITIES REGION 38000 MONROE STREET INDIO, CA 92203 760.775.7500 11

21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

ALPHA TANGO LIMA M E DA L O F H O N O R VA L O R , BU R N PI T A DVO C AC Y A N D V E T E R A N S U I C I D E AWA R E N E S S

THE AMERICAN LEGION

In this week’s episode of The American Legion’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast, the cohosts discuss today’s most relevant issues to military and veterans including a recent Medal of Honor recipient, toxic exposures and veteran suicide.

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Co-hosts Mark Seavey, Ashley Gorbulja-Maldonado and Jeff Daly open by sharing the story of Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Patrick” Payne. A Ranger assigned to the U.S. Army's Special Operations Command, Payne received the U.S. military’s highest honor for valor on the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“This is impressive even among the rare air of the heroes he now joins,” Daly says.

Read more about Payne’s valor here.

You are part of a greater community Union Bank® believes in the power of partnerships.

That’s why we partner with communities and organizations to make a positive difference in the places where we work and live. To us, building a strong community is the most valuable investment of all.

Union Bank is proud to support the American Legion and honor our fallen service members. unionbank.com

Gabe Gomez Consumer Mortgage Producing Sales Manager NMLS ID #450516 951-818-5385 Cell gabriel.gomez@unionbank.com

Turning to toxic exposure, Gorbulja- Maldonado points out that it was only last year when Congress passed the Blue Water Navy Act, which enabled more Vietnam veterans to receive VA benefits due to their Agent Orange exposure.

“Why does it always take this long? And knowing the system, the fact that veterans are put through to prove or deny their claim is heart-breaking,” she says, turning to a recent Capitol Hill appearance by Jon Stewart. ”The fact that we have to get major celebrities to network and advocate for us is sad, even though I’m happy that it is happening. It makes me lividly mad that we have to force the VA to do anything.”

The co-hosts also discuss the politics that are interfering with legislation aimed at helping to reduce the number of suicides by veterans. (Help from the VA’s Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone, text or online chat.)

Download and listen to the podcast, or watch the YouTube version, at legion.org/ tangoalphalima.

Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or other podcast-hosting sites. That helps others with an interest in military topics, veterans issues and patriotism find Tango Alpha Lima.

©2020 MUFG Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Union Bank is a registered trademark and brand name of MUFG Union Bank, N.A. unionbank.com

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Serving Riverside County

VANDALISM OF THE EL SOLDADO STATUE

W. Douglas Millsap C.P.A.

Office Location 4192 Brockton Ave Suite #200 Riverside, CA 92501

Mailing Address 231 E Alessandro Blvd Suite A, PMB 358 Riverside, CA 92508

C A LV E T S E C R E TA RY V I T O I M B A S C I A N I R E L E A S E S S TAT E M E N T

Ph: (951) 682.4442 or (888) 642-6404 • F: (951) 248-0912 • Doug@MillsapCPA.com

Sandi Ross

General Manager sandi@olivewoodcem.com

ph 951/683-6611 fax 951/683-0110 3300 Central Avenue Riverside, California 92506

www.olivewoodcem.com

LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA LOCAL UNION 1184

BY VITO IMBASCIANI

“I am deeply saddened and troubled by the crass vandalism of this significant minority veterans memorial. Monument disputes are not exclusive to the 21st century as memorial landscapes have been profoundly transformed during political upheavals throughout history. However, vandalism of a memorial dedicated to Mexican American and Latino veterans – men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in war and in peace – is heartbreaking. This simple monument was built by mothers, daughters and families of heroes who went off to fight in World War II. No vandal can damage the spirit of El Soldado, who stands to honor the past, current and future minority veterans who serve their country with distinction and honor.”

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BACKGROUND The California Mexican-American Veterans Memorial, known as El Soldado, is unique among the many memorials dedicated to war veterans both in Sacramento's Capitol Park and throughout the United States. The statue was established and funded by the mothers and wives of California's Mexican-American soldiers who had fallen during WWII. Creating "La Sociedad de Madres" (Society of Mothers) in 1948, these hard-working women remained on task for many years, hosting fundraisers until they were able to raise enough money to buy the marble stone carved statue from Italy for $4000.

Originally placed in 1951, at what was once Sacramento's Mexican-American Center, the statue was moved in the 1970s, then relocated again to its current location facing the State Capitol in 1990.

A beautification project, El Soldado was removed from his pedestal at the corner of 10th Street and Capitol Mall on September 1, 2016. The statue spent several months under special care where experts fixed his broken rifle and cleaned off years of dirt and mold.

Shortly after removal, CalVet and the Department of General Services began a year-long expansion project of the memorial's plaza. Improvements included enlarging the pedestal and installing ADA accommodating pathways.

THANK YOU TO OUR

VETERANS n Outdoor Flagpoles 15ft to 70ft n US Flags 4 x 6in to 30 x 60ft n Flags: Foreign, State, Military, Novelty, Historic & Promo

n Outdoor Flagpole Hardware n Indoor Flags, Sets & Accessories n Custom Flags, Gifts & MORE!

www.JonsFlags.com

951.682.0134

3215 Chicago Ave. • Riverside, CA 92507

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

ART CONTEST T W O $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 P R I Z E S O F F E R E D I N T H E A M E R I C A N L E G I O N D E PA R T M E N T O F C A L I F O R N I A’ S ‘ PAT R I O T I S M & P U R P O S E ’ A R T C O N T E S T F O R K I D S

The 2020 Patriotism & Purpose Art Contest reflects the positive impact our veterans are making in communities across the country and is open to California kids ages 5-17.

The contest will award $500.00 in each of two categories for children ages 5-12 and teens between 13-17.

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CONTEST RULES 1. Entry deadline is September 1, 2020.

Winners will be notified after judging.

Contest winners will be officially announced via the Department website and social media.

2. Children who have not turned 18 before September 1, 2020 are eligible.

3. T he child must produce the artwork without assistance from anyone else. The art submission must be original and not a copy of another work.

4. A rtwork can be a drawing, painting, collage or other two- dimensional piece, including digital art. Artwork must be horizontal in layout (also known as landscape), without a matte, frame or border and created on paper no smaller than 8” by 11” and no larger than 18” x 24”.

5. A rtwork will be judged on its positive representation of military veterans and their impact on children.

SUBMISSION RULES Artwork and form may be submitted via US mail.

1. I ncluded with the artwork, but not stapled to the artwork, should be the student first and last name, birth month and birth year, parent name, home address, parent or child email address, and parent phone number.

2. T he contest may copy and modify any entry for reproduction. Artwork will not be returned and may be used for future contest promotions.

3. A ll entries must be postmarked to the address listed below no later than August 29, 2020.

Patriotism & Purpose Art Contest The American Legion Department of California 1601 7th St., Sanger, CA 93657

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Serving Riverside County

SOCALGAS® IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

21 ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE

SoCalGas® joins the 21st District Legionnaire community in celebrating Veterans Day. Thank you for your commitment to the culture, history and heritage of Southern California. We’re reminded to focus our energy on improving, empowering and celebrating our community spirit.

© 2020 Southern California Gas Company.

All copyright and trademark rights reserved. N20J118A 0914

American Legion Joe Dominguez Post 742

HISTORIC US VETERAN BUILDING RESTORATION ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

KIMBER 1911 STAINLESS TARGET — 9MM Trigger work done by Wills Gunsmithing • MSRP with trigger upgrade: $1500 Almost new — 50 Rounds

Drawing will be held on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020 Winner does not to be present to win.

$10 TO ENTER

To purchase tickets and for more information call John Dalzell, 951.751.3133 or David Brambila 714.502.4316 *Be advised: The winner MUST be 21 or older and eligible to possess a firearm in the State of California.

The winner will be responsible for compliance with all Federal, State and Local laws governing the purchaase, ownership, possession and use of firearms. No refunds to ineligible winners. Odds of winning: 1 in 1,200.

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020 POST 739

A VETERANS DAY RETROSPECTIVE American Legion Post 739 in Indio along with VFW Post 3699, the Coachella Valley Airborne, Coachella Valley High School Choir, Cadet Corps and others... have, in the past, all gathered together on Veterans Day at the Coachella Valley Cemetery to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, those who served their country in uniform and those who still serve their community and country today.

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The VFW arrived early to make sure there’s a American flag on the grave of every veteran. The program included an opening prayer. The Airborne Posted the Colors. The National Anthem was sung while everyone in attendance stood proudly... not a knee taken among them. The history of Veterans Day was articulated by a guest speaker. The American Legion Honor Guard fired 3 volleys after which Taps were played. The choir sang a medley of patriotic songs, including those of each service and many in attendance gathered later at Post 739 for a potluck.

This year... a limited service is being conducted without the crowds. But even if they’re physically not in attendance... most cannot help but remember the sacrifice so many made so that those who today disrespect our flag and country have the right to voice their protests.

And so, this Veterans Day... let’s remember that we’re all in this together and that while it’s okay to embrace different political ideologies, religious beliefs and even a vision about which direction our nation should go... tearing down the fabric of all that has and continues to make this country great is not the way to preserve the historical foundation upon which this freedom loving nation is built. As veterans, we have a greater responsibility.

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

GOOD NEWS

F OR C A L I F OR N IA V ET E R A N S THE AMERICAN LEGION

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Veterans exemplify the best values of our country, and have earned the respect and gratitude of a grateful nation. To that end, I wanted to make you aware of two programs that may be of interest to you or the honorably discharged veterans in your life.

Online Exchange Honorably discharged veterans can now sign up for tax-free, online shopping on select clothing, electronics, food and more at the online Exchange. Since 1895, the Exchange's mission has been to support the men and women of the armed forces during military operations, humanitarian missions and other endeavors around the world.

In the past, only active-duty troops, members of the National Guard, reservists and their dependents, and military retirees and their dependents could use this money saving and convenient benefit.

To sign up, visit https://www.vetverify.org.

Veteran Designation on California Driver’s License or California ID Card.

California’s veteran designation is available to all honorably discharged military service members for their California Driver’s License or California Identification Card.

In addition to displaying the honor they have earned, with this designation, veterans can easily prove their eligibility to businesses offering discounts without having to carry papers.

Applying for the veteran driver’s license and ID is easy: 1. Locate your military discharge certificate (DD214). If you need help obtaining your military records, then contact your local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO).

Click Here to Find Your Local CVSO offices.

2. Stop by your local CVSO with your DD214 for verification. While there, learn about the many improved and expanded benefits and services available to veterans: • Assistance with the transition to civilian life; • Education; • Healthcare; • Housing; and • California specific veteran’s benefits.

3. G o to www.dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, to make an appointment. Bring your verified application form, and the small $5 application fee.

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®

Serving Riverside County

Veterans gave so much—now, you deserve to get the most ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE? We believe veterans deserve a healthcare plan with lots of extra benefits. The Humana Honor HMO-MA Only Medicare Advantage plan can reduce your monthly Medicare Part B premium and includes extra features you might not get through Original Medicare or veterans benefits alone. This means you’ll get more a month in your Social Security check! Take advantage of: • Rewards for completing covered preventive health screenings, exams, flu shots and other healthy activities • Maximum annual out-of-pocket protection • Doctor’s office visits, second opinions and hospital coverage Don’t miss a chance to learn more about our Humana Honor HMO-MA Only plan. Enjoy the freedom to choose healthcare coverage that works best for you—Humana is with you along the way.

Call a licensed sales agent Keisha Smith CA Lic. #0D08379 951-348-0854 (TTY: 711) humana.com/keishasmith

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ¿En español? Llame al 310-483-6261 (TTY: 711)

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Applicable to Humana Honor HMO-MA Only. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.

English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711).

(Chinese): 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) Y0040_GHHJXCXEN_20_M 19

21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

MARKERS TO REMIND US Thousands of acres hold row after row, markers to remind us so we will know.

Little girls with Poppies held in their hands speak of the lost on those beaches of sand.

Loved ones cry out to the Heavens above, small comfort received from the wing-ed dove.

The tyrant men who can't let it be refute the differences in you and me.

On those fields of battle many would die because the tyrants chose not to try.

So we set into the ground, row after row, markers to remind us so we will know.

Leif K. Thorsten

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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.

Serving Riverside County

COLLEGE FEE WAIVER THE AMERICAN LEGION

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The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under which dependents of Veterans may be eligible.

Plan A • The unmarried child of a Veteran who is totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities or whose death was officially rated as service-connected is eligible. The child must be over 14 years old and under 27 years old to be eligible. If the child is a Veteran, then the age limit is extended to age 30; • T he spouse of a wartime Veteran who has been rated as service-connected totally disabled is eligible. There are no age limit restrictions; • T he unmarried surviving spouse of a wartime Veteran whose death has been rated as service-connected is eligible. There are no age limit restrictions; • A ny dependent of any Veteran who has been declared missing in action, captured in the line of duty by hostile forces, or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power is eligible.

The Veteran must have served at least one day of active duty during a period of war as declared by the U.S. Congress, or during any time in which the Veteran was awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal. Concurrent receipt of benefits under Plan A and VA Chapter 35 benefits is prohibited. To receive benefits under Plan A, a dependent must sign an "Election To Receive College Waiver Benefits" statement acknowledging this fact. There are no income restrictions under this plan. To be eligible, the event which caused basic entitlement to benefits (i.e., the date the Veteran died of service-connected causes or the date the military or United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) rated the Veteran as totally disabled as a result of service-connected disabilities) must have occurred prior to the child's 21st birthday.

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Plan C Any dependent of any member of the California National Guard, who in the line of duty while on active service to the state, was killed, died of a disability resulting from an event that occurred while in active service to the state, or is permanently disabled as a result of an event that occurred while in the service to the state is eligible. Surviving spouses who have not remarried are also eligible.

"Active service to the state," for the purpose of this benefit, means a member of the California National Guard activated pursuant to Section 146 of the Military and Veterans Code. A copy of those orders pursuant to Section 146, not Section 143, must be furnished to establish eligibility.

Plan D Medal of Honor recipients and children of Medal of Honor recipients under the age of 27 may qualify. Benefits under Plan D are limited to undergraduate studies only, and applicants are subject to both income and age restrictions. There is no prohibition against receiving concurrent VA Chapter 35 benefits.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Empowering Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Since 1959

825 Magnolia Ave., Corona, CA 92879 941 273-7320 www.PeppermintRidge.org

Plan B The child of a Veteran who has a service-connected disability, or had a service-connected disability at the time of death, or died of service-related causes is eligible. The child's annual income, which includes the child's adjusted gross income, plus the value of support provided by a parent, may not exceed the annual income limit. The current academic year entitlement is based upon the previous calendar year's annual income.

Under Plan B, wartime service is not required and there are no specific age requirements. Children are the only dependents eligible under this plan. There is no prohibition against receiving concurrent VA Chapter 35 benefits.

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

AMERICAN LEGION’S

Provident Bank Salutes Our Veterans We appreciate ALL who served and who continue to serve to keep us safe.

N AT I O N A L S E C U R I T Y P O L I C Y

The American Legion believes national security must be maintained to fulfill the mandate for a strong national defense. As stated in the Preamble, “FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America... To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.”

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Live fully. Bank simply. myprovident.com | (800) 745-2217

Member FDIC

The Legion is an organization of veterans who fought for freedoms, which they are dedicated to keeping and preserving. As one of the Four Pillars it was founded on, the Legion believes national security is upheld by keeping a well-funded Department of Defense, a good quality of life for troops and a sensible transition between service and separation.

Thank You Veterans!

Senior campus consists of senior apartments and assisted living.

951.678.1555 • www.WildomarSenior.com 32325 S. Pasadena Street • Wildomar, CA 92595

Lic #336407346

Darren Huscher | Trace Comfort Specialist™ Ph: 951.789.4148 | Fax: 951.789.0955 7899 Mission Grove Parkway, Ste. D • Riverside, CA 92508 HushAir@aol.com • HushAir.com Lic. 630899

Proud to support the American Legion and our Veterans 22

Serving Riverside County

AMERICAN LEGION POST 742

AMERICAN LEGION POST 742 Please make checks payable to: American Legion Post 742

Post 742 Needs Our Help!

The Post is closed for business due to restrictions imposed by Riverside County and California's Governor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

or fill out the credit card form below and mail to: 1557 Yorba Street, Corona, CA 92882 Or you can donate online at post742ca.org.

We have implemented a voluntary, one-time $20 Assessment to all of our members.

This will ensure Post 742 will fulfill our financial obligations to utilities, insurance, and overhead costs.

CC#:

YES! Count me in!

I agree to a $20 voluntary Member Assessment to help support Post 742's overhead costs during the COVID-19 shut-down.

I would like to help with this added $ TOTAL DONATION: $

Name on Card:

donation.

Exp:

CVV:

Billing Address:

Email: Signature:

If you have questions, call our Finance Officer 855•VETS742 • 855.838.7742, Extension 2.

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020 POST 739

REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES...

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Post 739 in Indio has been closed to protect the safety of our members during these trying times. However... we’re all family... and it’s important to remember the good times... because there’s a whole lot more coming around the corner!

Serving Riverside County POST 739

REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES...

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Happy vETERANS dAY Honoring All Who Served

THE AMERICAN LEGION

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The American Legion gives a National Firefighter of the Year Award to a firefighter who has exceeded the requirements expected of his or her position and has shown a distinct pattern of community service and professional achievement. The award, which takes into account heroic acts, will be given annually at the Legion’s national convention.

Fire departments are encouraged to submit nominations to their state’s American Legion department adjutant. Applications must be received by Feb. 1. Departments may only submit one nomination per year.

Only department winners are eligible for the award, which will be accepted at the national convention.

Nominees must be active firefighters and U.S. citizens. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are eligible only if they are certified firefighters. Posthumous awards will be acceptable only if the nominee’s death occurs after the department’s selection.

Nominees must also reside and be assigned within their nominating department’s state.

The American Legion will provide the award winner and spouse with travel, hotel and other reasonable expenses for a round trip to the national convention city.

Honoring our Veterans with career pathways.

IBEW 440 in partnership with the helmets to hardhats program. www.ibew440.org 951-684-5665

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Serving Riverside County

Veterans Day is special. A day of honor, pride and thankfulness for all veterans, and reflection on the reason we are free as a country. It is due to our veterans.

This year, we are proud to have inaugurated the Riverside County Veteran Transportation & Supports (VeTS) Program to assist veterans in need of transportation to their medical appointments. This program is available to veterans residing anywhere within Riverside County who don't have means of transportation to health care.

On behalf of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, our deepest thanks and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services, past present and future, who risk their lives for our country.

V. Manuel Perez

Chair of the Board of Supervisors Riverside County

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM 745 N. Gene Autry Trail | Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 778-6262

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

V E T E R A N U P DAT E S O N

COVID-19 THE AMERICAN LEGION

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the California Department of Veterans’ Affairs (CalVet) continues to fulfill its mission to serve and honor all California veterans by connecting them and their families with their earned benefits through education, advocacy, and direct services.

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In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public and our staff, CalVet is temporarily changing the way we provide services.

CalVet Secretary Vito Imbasciani MD, expresses gratitude to the staff at our Headquarters Office for all of their hard work and support during this time.

What You Need to Know Our services are still available and staff is working hard to continue to serve your needs.

CalVet’s Local Interagency Network Coordinators (LINC) bridge the gap between veterans and the federal, state, county, and non-governmental agencies that provide services to our state's nearly 1.6 million veterans. Service members, veterans, and their families seeking benefit information, status updates, claims assistance, and other community-based resources are encouraged to contact their LINC for more information on benefits and services in their area:

North Valley LINC Cole Wagenaar Cell: (916) 708-2942 NVLINC@calvet.ca.gov

Los Angeles LINC Anthony Rodriguez Cell: (213) 342-7741 LALINC@calvet.ca.gov

Bay Area LINC Kevin Graves Cell: (925) 817-7370 BALINC@calvet.ca.gov

Orange County LINC Ben Gales Cell: (916) 508-9601 OCLINC@calvet.ca.gov

Central Coast LINC Calvin Angel Cell: (831) 206-4231 CCLINC@calvet.ca.gov

Inland Empire LINC Merlene Steinbeck Cell: (442) 242-5659 IELINC@calvet.ca.gov

Central Valley LINC Annette Wholaver Cell: (916) 539-2431 CVLINC@calvet.ca.gov

San Diego LINC Lance Iunker Cell: (619) 318-0466 SDLINC@calvet.ca.gov

CalVet Veterans Services Veterans Services is responsible for administering a number of special programs, benefits and services for California veterans and their families. For information on programs call (800) 952-5626 or visit; https://www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/veteran-services. Follow veterans’ trends and programs at https://www.facebook.com/CalVetServices.

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Serving Riverside County

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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2020

VA OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION T R U M P ’ S VA A C C O U N TA B I L I T Y O F F I C E H A S RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE FOR 7 LEADERS SINCE 2018

BY NIKKI WENTLING/STARS AND STRIPES

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President Donald Trump

An office created by President Donald Trump to root out poorly performing Department of Veterans Affairs leaders has received thousands of complaints since 2018, has investigated 389 of them and has recommended disciplinary action against seven senior employees.

The VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection substantiated six allegations of misconduct and one instance of whistleblower retaliation, according to its annual report, which was shared with Congress this week. In at least one case, however, no disciplinary action was taken.

The report highlights the office’s work over 19 months, from October 2018 to May 2020.

Trump created the office in 2017, fulfilling a campaign promise to make it easier to say, “You’re fired,” to VA workers. He often touts the office as one of his biggest achievements, and it’s being highlighted as a reason to reelect him.

During the Republican National Convention on Monday, Natalie Harp, a member of Trump’s campaign advisory board, said if Trump hadn’t been elected, “there would still be no accountability at the VA.”

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Of 3,463 complaints submitted to the office from October 2018 to May 2020, 389 cases were determined to be in its purview. The office investigates matters against VA leaders or supervisors suspected of breaking the law, abusing their authority or endangering veterans, among other things.

The office substantiated allegations against seven employees and recommended to top VA officials that they be disciplined. It was unsure Tuesday whether the employees in some of the cases were disciplined and to what extent.

While the report didn’t include the employees’ names, it detailed four of the cases. In one, the office recommended a demotion for the chief of staff of a VA medical center because the chief of staff failed to separate an employee from a suspected sexual harasser. The medical center followed through on the recommendation and the employee was demoted.

In another instance, a chief of staff at a VA hospital closed a surgery center without ensuring veterans could receive care elsewhere. The office determined it was a neglect of duty that potentially endangered veterans’ care. However, the hospital didn’t follow the office’s recommendation that the chief of staff be suspended.

An investigation by the office led to the removal of two senior executives because of discrimination, the report states. The office also found that a hospital supervisor had retaliated against a whistleblower by recommending

they be fired. The supervisor had left his or her VA position before any disciplinary action could be taken.

While the office investigated 389 allegations in the past 19 months, much of its time was spent fixing problems with the office that existed since its outset. The VA Office of Inspector General revealed last year that the office took “troubling” actions, was confused about its mission and retaliated against those it was tasked to protect.

The IG accused the former directors of the office, first Peter O’Rourke and then Kirk Nicholas, of “leadership failures” that led to “significant deficiencies” in how it operated. The IG found cases of limited and one-sided investigations that had a “chilling effect” on other whistleblowers’ willingness to come forward.

The current director of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, Tamara Bonzanto, was appointed in January 2019. In a preface to the report, she wrote the office has “undergone a radical transformation.” Bonzanto established new policies, improved investigations and increased training, she said.

Members of The American Legion can receive 50 percent discounts on annual subscriptions to the Stars and Stripes digital platform of exclusive military news, topics of interest to veterans, special features, photos and other content, including the daily e-newspaper, job listings and history.

American Legion members can subscribe for $19.99 a year by visiting legion.stripes.com and using the coupon code LEGIONSTRONG when filling out the online form.

Creating Possible For more than 30 years, Gilead has created breakthroughs once thought impossible for people living with life-threatening diseases. We are a leading biopharmaceutical company with a pioneering portfolio and ever-expanding pipeline of investigational medicines.

Our commitment goes well beyond science. We innovate with the goal of eliminating barriers and providing access to healthcare for people who need it most.

For more information, please visit www.gilead.com.

Gilead salutes all of the brave men and women who serve our country and protect us every day.

Š 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc.

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