21ST DISTRICT
LEGION
NAIRE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION
MEMORIAL DAY 2018
“Putting the Fight in the Fighting 21st District - Audacity, Audacity, always Audacity!”
COMMANDER’S M E S S A G E
PRESIDENT’S M E S S A G E
Dear Comrades, To the families of our fallen patriots: we lack the words to describe what you feel on Memorial Day, because try as we may - as we must - we can never fully know it. But we do know what your sacEdward Romero rifice means to us, to our country, and to a world that still depends so much on America for its security. As our nation remembers the service and sacrifice of previous generations, we as a people recognize that the men and women serving in uniform today - active duty, Guard, and Reserve - are as humble, patriotic, and selfness as any generation that has come before, They, alongside their families, continue that tradition of service to country that makes our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known. I want to thank you for allowing me to be your District Commander for the past two years, thank you for all you do for our Veterans, Community and our Children and Youth... Thank you!
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY Edward Romero District 21 Commander
PLUS INSIDE...
On this day we honor our Veterans who have paid the ultimate price. They gave their life to keep our country safe. We also honor our active service members who are still serving at home and aboard. Throughout Riverside County there will be services at the local cemetery’s and at the Riverside National Cemetery. Please attend one of these services. The American Legion Auxiliary will be joining our Legionnaires to honor them.
Natl’ Commander Visit....Page 4
Cathy McCoy
Our Department President’s Theme is Real Heroes Wear Dog Tags Not Capes. The American Legion Auxiliary Are the Super Heroes. District 21’s theme is small and Mighty. WE work several programs to help our Veteran’s and their families. Our Super Hero’s go to schools in our communities to permute Americanism, Children & Youth, Education, Junior Activities, and Girls State. These programs teach the children about our countries history and help them to understand what our Veterans do for us. We also teach them about how our government works. We give out Scholarships to help them go to college.
A Man’s Gotta Do............Page 6
Medal of Honor Day.......Page 9
We go to Veterans Hospitals and Veterans Homes, to help them receive the care they need to return to normal family life. I am proud of the members of the American Legion Auxiliary for what they do. They are the Greatest and I am proud to say I am one of them.
Redemption................ Page 16
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY Cathy McCoy District 21 Auxiliary President
Special thanks to Rees Lloyd for his cutting edge commentary and To Dr. John Ellis, President of C.A.L.P.A, with out his support this paper would not be made possible.
Monument.................. Page 30
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
21ST DISTRICT OFFICERS 2017 - 2018 Commander Edward Romero, Post 742 (951) 531-5202 • Lorgal34@yahoo.com 1st Vice Commander Monique Clemons, Post 595 meclemons72@yahoo.com 2nd Vice Commander Joel Ortiz, Post 848 legionpest@gmail.com 3rd Vice Commander Mike Weir, Post 595 (951) 634-2823 • maaphotos@hotmail.com Adjutant Ed Vondra, Post 519 (760) 409-7812 • e.vondra@yahoo.com Asst. Adjutant Harold Waltz, Post 519 (760) 774-5481 • bwaltz@dc.rr.com Finance Officer Joanne Evans, Post 595 (951) 657–8704 • cdfpio@verizon.net Sergeant at Arms Larry Hernandez, Post 742 (909) 342-3989 • hernandezlarryj@gmail.com E–Board East Steve Waggoner, Post 739 (760) 969-0035 • drhook@dc.rr.com
President Cathaleen McCoy, Unit 53 (951) 282-9938 • cathaleen59@aol.com
Education Brenda Wardrip, Unit 200 (951) 570-7031 • bwardrip3@aol.com
E-Board Central Monique Clemons, Post 595 (510) 459-6801 • Meclemons72@yahoo.com
1st Vice President Linda Olson, Unit 328 (951) 270-0347 • lueysgram@hotmail.com
Girls State Leslie Vondra, Unit 519 (760) 534-7665 • lesliev36@yahoo.com
E-Board West Matt Casey, Post 53 (951) 306-6011 • Mcasey1947@msn.com
2nd Vice President Kathy Newlen, Unit 500 (909) 429-9131 • Kathy@newlen.com
Junior Activities Angela Nieto, Unit 742 (951) 282-9938 • dinky6girls@gmail.com
Chaplain Richard Cortez, Post 742 (951) 858-9021 • athleticslegacy@aol.com
Secretary Ellen Hartle, Unit 289 (951) 858-4665 • vfw3699@live.com
Leadership Cathaleen McCoy, Unit 53 951 282 9938 • cathaleen59@aol.com
Historian Monique Clemons, Post 595 (510) 459-6801
Treasurer Alma Jarquin, Unit 53 (951) 634-6068 • amungula11@aol.com
Legislative Estella Avina, Unit 742 (951) 282 9938 • avinahotgram@aol.com
Judge Advocate Herman Granados, Post 739 (760) 574–6076 • drhook@dc.rr.com
Chaplain Sandi Mac Kenzie, Unit 848 (951) 287-6697 • SaninButch@gmail.com
Membership Linda Olson, Unit 328 (951) 270-0347 • lueysgram@hotmail.com
Historian Diane Barnes, Unit 53 (951) 658-9715 • cathaleen59@aol.com
National Security Jennifer Bieger, Unit 595 (909) 731-0789 • jenniferbieger@gmail.com
Americanism Diantne Yegge, Unit 79 (951) 452-9087 • 5dnyegge@gmail.com
Past Pres. Parley Susan Romero, Unit 742 (951) 565-7407 • sqcabrera@aol.com
Auxiliary Emergency Fund Alma Jarquin, Unit 53 (951) 634-6068 • amungula11@aol.com
Poppy Kathy Newlen, Unit 500 (909) 429-9131
Asst. Judge Advocate John Lea, Post 519 (760) 902-6653 • Jlea605@aol.com Service Officer Thomas Sherman, Post 742 (951) 218-6356 • Backfire3602@yahoo.com Jr. Past Commander Eddie ‘Deno’ Blankenship, Post 79 (951) 660-4888 • Denohd69@att.net Public Relations Joanne Evans, Post 595 (951) 657–8704 • cdfpio@verizon.net Steering Committee John Lea; Buzz Waltz Resolutions Committee Harold Waltz; Herman Granados; Bernie Foley Finance Committee Joanne Evans; Edward Vondra Audit Committee Clifton Tuthill, Mike Weir Trial Board Joanne Evans; Herman Granados; Harold Waltz
2
21ST AUXILIARY OFFICERS
Children & Youth Judy Bendzala, Unit 79 (951) 393-6962 • Bendzala65@gmail.com Community Service Theresa Woods, Unit 574 (951) 509-5065 • theresawoodzz@gmail.com Constitution & Bylaws Marge Rye, Unit 289 (951) 712-7849 • margelegaux@aol.com
Public Relations Joanne Evans, Unit 595 (951) 657-8704 • cdfpio@verizon.com Resolutions Marge Rye, Unit 289 (951) 712-7849 • margelegaux@aol.com Vet Affairs & Rehab Mary Ryser, Unit 739 (760) 289-8320 • vfw3699@live.com
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 8 Pa 8 Tra 8 To l Go 8 8 8 8 oa 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 G 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 %
0053 Harold W. Hyland, Hemet
15
49
14 166
13
257 324
0079 Riverside, Riverside
11
52
49 164
7
283 278 101.80%
0200 Lynn Mort, Lake Elsinore
25
21
35 126
2
209 196 106.63%
0216 William H. Jameson, Jr., Corona 13
7
6
19
0
45
0289 Carl R. Meairs, Riverside
12
13
35 149
0
209 286
73.08%
0328 Norco, Norco
23
50
80 375
5
533 711
74.96%
0428 San Gorgonio Pass, Banning
9
13
11
38
3
74 110
67.27%
0500 Mira Loma, Mira Loma
3
11
22
92
0
128 182 70.33%
0519 Owen Coffman, Palm Springs 36
54
135 404
26
655 769
85.18%
0574 Morrison Mem., Moreno Valley 12
23
35 115
10
195 266
73.31%
0595 Perris, Perris
10
57
62 142
1
272 337
80.71%
0739 Herman Granados, Indio
31
34
33 210
1
309 305 101.31%
0742 Joe Dominguez, Corona
11
13
30 107
0
161 140 115.00%
0800 Idyllwild, Idyllwild
5
24
27 162
0
218 302
72.19%
0848 San Jacinto, San Jacinto
11
25
57 191
4
288 362
79.56%
0852 Temecula/Murrieta, Temecula
1
24
51
59
1
136 198
68.69%
0951 Fellowship, Riverside
2
0
10
0
6
18
36.00%
District 22 Totals
57
50
79.32%
78.95%
230 470 692 2519 79 3990 4873 81.88%
AMERICAN LEGION DISTRICT 21 SCHEDULED DISTRICT MEETINGS
Eastern Municipal Water District encourages you to do your part to maintain a healthy sewer!
Honoring Our Veterans Our facilities are located near Riverside National Cemetery Miller-Jones Mortuary maintains the longest continuously family-owned, managed and operated funeral homes in Southwest Riverside County. Our commitment to families we are privileged to serve is to deliver caring funeral service that is meaningful, appropriate and affordable.
Hemet 1501 West Florida Hemet, CA 92543 PH: 951.658.3161
Sun City 26770 Murrieta Rd. Sun City, CA 92586 PH: 951.672.0777
Moreno Valley 23618 Sunnymead Blvd. Moreno Valley, CA 92553 PH: 951.485.4542
Perris 1835 North Perris Blvd. Perris, CA 92571 PH: 951.943.8313
San Jacinto 165 West 7th Street San Jacinto, CA 92583 PH: 951.487.6500
Murrieta 26855 - A Jefferson Ave., Murrieta, CA 92562 PH: 951.698.6400
FD 1286
FD 1490 • COA 563
FD 1540
2017 - 2018
06/03/2018
Riverside Post 79, 2979 Dexter Dr. Riverside, CA 92501, 951-788-8635, meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. and the auxiliary meeting will start at 9:00 a.m.
FD 1574
FD 1749
FD 2184
www.miller-jones.com • www.menifeevalleycemetary.com 3
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
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 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 Valley 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
MEDIA ADDRESSES 21st District www.caldistrict21.org District 21, Post Websites Post 53, Hemet www.alpost53.org Post 79, (Fairmont Park) Riverside www.americanlegionpost79riverside.com Post 200, Lake Elsinore www.legionpost200.org Post 328, Norco www.americanlegionpost328.org Post 500, Mira Loma www.miralomapost500.org Post 519, Palm Springs www.americanlegionpalmsprings.org Post 848, San Jacinto http.legionpost848.org/Join.htm Post 852, Temecula/Murrieta www.al852tmv.org 4
N AT I O N A L C O M M A N D E R
VISIT TO CALIFORNIA N
National Commander Denise Rohan, the first female National Commander of the American Legion made her visit to California in December 2017. Commander Rohan and her Aide de Camp, Mike Rohan (Yes, her Husband) landed in San Diego December 8 and started their weeklong tour. They were met at the Airport by National Executive Committeeman Janet Wilson, Department Commander Bob Heinisch, Department Adjutant Doc Bart, ALR President Mick Sobczak, ALR Sergeant at Arms Caleb Homer and myself District 14 Commander and designated driver for the tour. We were escorted to the hotel by the ALR President and Sergeant at Arms. Let it be known to all, the National Commander was escorted by the American Legion Riders every mile of her California trip. This was coordinated and executed by the ALR Sergeant at Arms who deserves a huge “Thank you” for his tireless effort. She and her Aide had a relaxing first day on Saturday, starting with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then to Post 416 in Encinitas for the viewing of the annual Army/Navy game. She was pleased with the results being a former Army Soldier. Day two we visited the USS Midway and received a warm welcome by the docents who showed the utmost respect to our Commander, followed by a visit to Post 255 in National City for lunch served by the local High School Marine ROTC Unit and then off to Post 365 in Vista for dinner, where a new member of their Post was sworn in by National Commander Rohan. On day three, we were off to Orange County with a brief stop at the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery were Commander Rohan received a $5000 dollar check to her charity. We continued on to Post 679 which meets at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, with a full tour and lunch. Later that day for dinner, we were at Post 132 in Orange for a special presentation and dinner. Day four of the tour took us to the USS Iowa, American Legion Post 61 for a fantastic lunch and tour of the magnificent Destroyer Class Battleship 61. Pasadena Post 13 hosted dinner. Post 13 has a really nice memorial to their fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Day five started with a drive from Pasadena to Simi Valley where we were expecting a smoke filled visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. We were fortunate and missed all the smoke from the Ventura fires. After a delicious, gourmet lunch prepared by President Reagans personal chef; hosted by Post 283, Pacific Palisades, we received a tour of this beautiful, sprawling Library and museum. The next leg of the trip was up the beautiful California coast line with miles and miles of ocean shore line to view. We definitely have beautiful sunsets in California. We made it to Post 66 in San Luis Obispo just in time for the last of the BBQ dinner, but were welcomed the next morning Day six by a delicious pancake and egg breakfast hosted by Post 66 and District 16 where Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry, U.S. Army (retired) was the guest of honor and speaker. We pulled in to San Francisco in the mid-afternoon and were met at the War Memorial Building by Area 1 Vice Commander Nelson Lum, (retired SFPD) and many of his former SFPD Motorcycle counterparts. After a short tour of the
(Continued on page 5)
Serving Riverside County NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R V I SI T
(Continued from Page 4)
Memorial, Commander’s Rohan and Heinisch were whisked away in a 1947 Rolls Royce escorted by a full SFPD Motorcade through the city streets to our hotel. They shut down major city streets during downtown San Francisco rush hour traffic specifically for our National Commander and her entourage. We received the same escort from the hotel to Cathay Post 384 and the Restaurant for dinner. This was one of the most impressive, if not ‘the most’ impressive escort I’ve ever been associated with. I’m guessing a minimum of 40 Motorcycle Officers leap frogging from intersection to intersection, stopping traffic, buses, trollies, taxis and pedestrians. As I said, it was impressive. On our last evening, after a great dinner at Post 77, our Jr. Past Commander Gary Leach’s Post, the Commander let her hair down, so to speak and actually was on the floor playing with Chloe, Caleb Homer’s Service K-9. Our National Commander had a great time in California and was impressed with her mile by mile escort by the American Legion riders. Even though the Commander’s tour did not bring her through the 14th District and the Central Valley, we showed her a great time and what the golden state has to offer. With the Commander being from Wisconsin, she is obviously a ‘Cheesehead.’ We had a few good debates on who has the better cheeses. We had a great time with Commander Rohan and her Aide, had many great discussions and learned a lot of how our National Organization is moving forward. Thank you Commander Rohan and Mike for a great trip.
Assisted Living & Memory Care 5232 Central Ave. Riverside, CA 92504
951.382.5394 Lic. #331800051
www.meridiansenior.com 5
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
TOYS FOR TOTS
A MAN’S GOTTA DO
T H E DA N I E L P R E N T I C E S T O RY
T H E DA N I E L P R E N T I C E S T O RY
BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
C
A
Commander Brightenburg represented both Post 216 and his U.S. Navy career by pitching in to help the U.S. Marine Corps Toys-For-Tots collection program at The Shops at Dos Lagos in December 2017. The strategic location outside Stone Church Brewery commanded by Post 216 member (and Stone Church owner) Bill Steinkirchner was very successful as thirsty Christmas shoppers were full of the Christmas spirit of giving.
“A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do,” said the late great actor John Wayne. And, THAT seems like a doggone good excuse for Daniel Prentice, an on-the-go guy who’s not only a full-time English teacher at the Coachella Valley High school but also is an active member of the VFW, CV Airborne Association, Special Forces Association, Knights of Columbus AND American Legion! “It seems I’m so preoccupied with outside activities,” he says with an impish shake of his head, “that my wife, Sharon, jokingly suggests that if she divorced me, I probably wouldn’t even notice!” “Getting involved, though, is a trait I got from my Dad [George]” he adds, “who was an Army Air Corps C-47 radio operator in both North Africa and Europe during WWII.” Following graduation from Corona High School in 1967, Daniel bounced off to college like many of his peers. However, due to the plethora of tempting diversions for a kid who’s finally free of home constraints, his days as a student were numbered when his grades plummeted.“ “The result,” he says with a laugh, “is that I had little choice but to drop out and, then, become a draft dodger at the age of 19 by voluntarily enlisting in the army.” After basic training, he was sent to Fort Hollibird in Baltimore for schooling as an
(Continued on page 7)
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
6
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 A M A N ’ S G OT TA D O
(Continued from Page 6)
intelligence analyst and shortly thereafter was on his way to sunny, tropical Vietnam, assigned to Company A, 5th Special Forces Group Airborne, 1st Special Forces. It was there he completed jump school and was awarded an honorary membership in the Green Berets. A variety of postings and experiences followed during his 2 ½ tours, from helicopter intelligence gathering to strike force support from a beach resort base. Among his most vivid memories? Saved by the latrine! “I couldn’t have picked a more opportune time to take care of business,” Daniel says in vivid recall. “The only reason I survived unscathed is that the wall of the latrine blocked the shrapnel from an enemy shell that exploded nearby.” Taking advantage of an early discharge opportunity, Daniel returned to school, eventually earning a B.A. degree from CalPoly in Pomona, hit the workforce, tried his hand at short- lived entrepreneurship and substituted as both a mail carrier and as a public school teacher. Discovering a talent as an educator, Daniel returned to academia and earned a teaching credential. Subsequently, he was hired by the Coachella Valley Unified School District where he taught junior high and, later, grade school. “If you think the army’s tough,” reflects Daniel with a laugh, “try teaching kindergarten!” Today, though, he teaches high school English and mentors after school programs. When asked how he manages to balance his time in helping students, veterans organizations, church and family life, he’s quick to point out, “I’m fortunate in having a patient and understanding wife in Sharon who I met nearly 30 years ago. She may rib me about being on the go so much, but she’s tolerant and super supportive.” That, naturally, brings this story full circle… recognizing that there are those times in life when, as Daniel Prentice has found, “a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do” (but… with his wife’s blessing, of course)!
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians honors the 21st District American Legion members representing 19 posts in Riverside County. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country.
www.ag uacaliente-nsn.gov
7
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
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AN AIRMAN’S CREED F E R NA N D O L OP E Z USAF VETERAN
Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was the song of the season that December of 1944… and for Alicia Lopez, the words were all the more meaningful as she brought her first born, Fernando Alonzo, into a world still at war.
J
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Life for young Fernando was fairly typical… playing rumble and tumble with his two brothers and two sisters, accentuating an energetic, rambunctiousness that carried him through graduation from Indio High School in 1963.
W W W. L S T R E A M . O R G
“I was looking for a job at that point,” he says, “but nobody was hiring 18-year old guys who were eligible for the draft, so I decided to enlist in the Navy. But the Navy recruiter wasn’t in the day a friend and I stopped by,” he adds with a shake of his head, “and we ended up enlisting in the Air Force instead! That was one oh-oh moment, but at least I now had steady employment!” Following basic training, his natural aptitude for all things mechanical landed him in Power Production Technician School at Shepherd AFB in Texas. “And with that,” he says with a bit of awe, “here’s this Hispanic kid from Indio, servicing the nation’s nuclear missile silos out of Francis E. Warren AFB in Wyoming!” Assignment at Clark AFB in the Philippines and Vandenberg AFB in California eventually followed. Upon completion of his 4-year hitch, Airman First Class Lopez returned to Indio where, once again, he found himself looking for employment. But, unlike the young high school graduate with limited experience, he now came calling with an impressive resume backed with a competency, reliability and proficiency that landed him a job as an equipment installer with General Telephone. It ended up being a 37-year career with a company that went on to become Verizon and, later, Frontier Communications. His retirement years, however were very short lived when he was enticed to return to work as a contractor. “It’s really a pretty good gig,” says Fernando with a grin. “After all, it keeps me out of the wife’s hair while providing a nice boost to my retirement income.“ In the early years, though, he was just like any young guy on the prowl, looking to meet a gal. “And that’s a story that has one heck of a twist to it,” he says with a laugh. While taking a buddy to check into the local jail to serve a sentence, they decided to stop for coffee at the old Francis Cafe in Indio. Little did Fernando know then, that it was where he’d meet his future bride. “I saw this really hot waitress,” he adds, “and I told my friend… ya know, I sure do like that gal!” But, flirting over a cup of coffee on the way to the lock up just isn’t exactly the right timing. So? All Fernando was left with was a plan to, at some point in time, go back and have… “yep!” he says, “another cup of coffee.” However, it didn’t quite work out that way. Not long after, he was at another buddy’s house sharing the same story about having a connection with the cute cafe babe when, “BAM!” he exclaims, “she just walked into the room with the guy’s wife! I was so stunned, I just sat there like a fish out of water and flopped!”
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Fortunately for Fernando, the friend and his wife hooked them up on a couples date night.
(Continued on page 9) 8
1101 California Ave., Ste. 100 | Corona, CA 92881 | www.synergyhomecare.com
Serving Riverside County POST 216
AN AIRMAN’S CREED
(Continued from Page 8)
And? Over time, with a whole lot of patience and persistence, he won Sarah Escamilla Guzman’s heart. Now, 47 years later, with two kids and four grandkids, Fernando says with a wink, “she still serves me coffee!”
MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
It’s this type of stick-to-itive attitude that’s earned Fernando the respect of his fellow veterans. Not one to sit on the sidelines, he made it a mission after joining the American Legion to be involved. He’s served as Post Commander, Executive Board member, Judge Advocate, bartender and member of the Color/Honor Guard. When asked about such a commitment, he says simply with a shrug, “belonging to the Legion is a privilege we’ve all earned and one we all share, giving us the opportunity to contribute in whatever way we can.” As the wording of today’s Airman’s Creed states…
“I have answered my Nation’s call… I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor… Guardian of Freedom and Justice… I will never falter, And I will not fail.” Such are the traits exuded by this homegrown boy with strong roots among family and friends, country and community… a natural extension of who he is: son, father, grandfather, co-worker, neighbor, friend and… veteran, whose bond of loyalty, dedication and duty is born from a giving heart.
Post 216 Commander George Brightenburg and 3rd Vice Commander Richard Burns were on hand at Riverside National Cemetery on Saturday, March 17 for the Annual Medal of Honor Day ceremony at the Medal of Honor monument. Both George and Richard had the honor of meeting MoH recipient John Philip Baca at the event.
P
Baca was born on January 10, 1949 in Providence, Rhode Island, and was raised in San Diego, California. He was drafted into the United States Army on June 10, 1968. By February 10, 1970, he was stationed in Vietnam as a Specialist Four with Company D of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On that day, in Phuoc Long Province, he was serving on a recoilless rifle team when the lead platoon of his company was ambushed. Baca led his team forward through intense fire to reach the besieged platoon. When a fragmentation grenade was tossed into their midst, he “unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety,” covered it with his helmet and then laid his body over the helmet, smothering the blast and saving eight fellow soldiers from severe injury or death. Baca survived his wounds and was formally awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon on March 2, 1971. Baca remains active in social causes, particularly related to Vietnam veterans’ issues and the plight of the homeless. In 2002, a park was named in his honor in Huntington Beach, California. Another park in his old San Diego neighborhood was renamed in his honor in 2017.
(Source: Wikipedia article)
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
IMPROVISE, ADAPT & OVERCOME! T H E E S P R I T D E C O R P S O F R I C H A R D B AT I S T E - U. S . M A R I N E
BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
Marine Corps Major Richard Batiste just starred at the Camp Pendleton neurologist in disbelief. Yeah, he’d been having weird symptoms on his PFT (physical fitness training) runs. His leg would all of a sudden spastically kick out and his equilibrium would be out of whack. But the diagnosis he heard that day, would change his life forever… “probable Multiple Sclerosis (MS)”!
M
“Since MS and active duty were deemed incompatible,” says Richard, “I was put up for a Medical Board review and recommended for separation. However, I was able to submit a rebuttal detailing my ability to do everything the Corps asked. And? The Board sided with me.” Richard wasn’t about to let them kick him out if he could help it. After all, this Marine adhered to the USMC credo in every aspect of his life… “first to fight.” “It was never my intent to become a Marine though,” reflects Richard. “I actually joined the Naval Reserve at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as a way to earn a few extra bucks and because I thought it might be an adventure.” It proved to be exactly that. After all, there weren’t a lot of students who spent their breaks in Thailand with Naval Beach Group 1 in an unloading operation for the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF). It also provided an “aha!” moment! “A Marine Corps contingent came through,” relates Richard. “And, I noticed the 2nd Lieutenant was right there on the beach with his troops. And here we Navy guys were, chowing down on MREs, while our officers were aboard ship dining on steak and lobster. It was then that I remembered a question asked once by an Marine Corps Officer Recruiter… ’would you rather be a manager or a leader?’” That pretty much was the deciding factor for Richard. Following his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in history, he ended up attending Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS). 10
Upon receiving his commission, in December of 1991, he attended The Basic School (TBS) for officers and the Motor Transport Officer Class (MOTOC), ending up as the Motor Transport Officer with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms. During his time there, he was sent to Okinawa twice, first to Camp Schwab and then Camp Hansen, being promoted to 1st Lieutenant and, later, making Captain in charge of the Enhanced Equipment Allowance Pool. It was 1997 and he was still based out of Twenty-nine Palms! “Ya know,” Richard muses, “Twenty-nine Palms pretty much sucked as a duty station. After all, there wasn’t a whole lot of green to be seen back then and there wasn’t much in the way of stuff for a guy to do.” That, of course, didn’t deter Richard. He managed to wrangle a bride in 1998 and bring into this world his daughter, Tracee, which he proudly says “is my greatest achievement”. His career then took another leap when he was sent back to Quantico for Amphibious Warfare School (AWS) for 10 months, with a posting as the Executive Officer (XO) at the Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, CA, where he was promoted to Major. “The unit was so small,” he says with a laugh, “that I also ended up wearing a bunch of different hats: Logistics Officer (LOG-O), Supply Officer (SUP-O) and… Everything Else (EE-O).” It was here that M.S. symptoms he first noticed in Okinawa, exacerbated. And, with orders pending for transfer to New Orleans where the heat and humidity would further impact his ability to carry out his duties, Richard elected to finally accept medical retirement and separate himself from the Corps that had become such an integral part of his life. “Afterwards, I moved to Indio, where the family of my wife at that time lived,” he
states. “But it became increasingly more daunting for her to be wed to a man with physical challenges and the marriage didn’t survive.” At that point, Richard, continued to do what he’d always done. He simply trusted in God’s plan for his life and moved forward. He became active in the fellowship of his Church, joined the American Legion, and, years later, and connected with his soon-to-be bride, Zenaida, who he met through a Christian internet dating site. “She flew out from her home in North Carolina to meet me,” says Richard, “and bam! We both knew that was it! So? I turned around and traveled back east to meet her four kids and ask their permission to marry their mother… which I did on July 31st, 2015.” “Being wheel chair bound and facing physical challenges with such gallantry is one of the things I love most about Richard,” adds Zenaida. ‘His disability brings out the best of his ability.” Richard’s military organizational skill combined with Zenaida’s business acumen and their shared belief, led them to open the Royal Crown Gift Shop in the Mercado Plaza de Monroe just south of the I-10 on Monroe Street, across from the Mobil and 76 gas stations. We’re blessed to be able to work together,” says Richard. “A lot of things have really fallen into place for us. We’re able to pay the rent and our bills, so obviously we’re headed in the right direction.” That fairly much sums up Richard’s journey. He’s always been headed in the right direction. His natural ability to, as the Marines say, “improvise, adapt and overcome,” reflects a life girded by faith, a positive attitude and upbeat disposition that continue to be an inspiration to others, including disabled veterans like himself.
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A M E R I C A N L E G I O N D E PA R T M E N T O R AT O R I C A L F I N A L S
Eleventh grader, Nathan York of National City, took home top honors in our March 2018 finals. He was awarded a scholarship check for $1,200 from The American Legion, Department of California. As First Place winner he will compete at the National Finals in Indianapolis.
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Six high school contestants competed in this contest, as they do each year. Each contestant delivered a prepared oration on the U. S. Constitution as well as an oration on a randomly assigned constitutional topic. Nathan York impressed the judges with a speech titled “Our Dying Democracy.” He earned a scholarship check for $1,200. In April he will fly to Indianapolis to participate in the National Finals where the winners are paid scholarships of First Place $18,000, Second Place $16,000, and Third Place $14,000.
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
LET IT REST...
LET’S PUT AN ISSUE TO REST BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
Defense Secretary, James Mattis (Ret. Gen. USMC) wrote in a recommendation to President Donald Trump that the Pentagon found that “exempting such persons from well established mental health, physical health, and sex-based standards, which apply to all Service members, including transgender Service members without dysphoria, could undermine readiness, disrupt unit cohesion, and impose and unreasonable burden on the military that is not conducive to military effectiveness and lethality.”
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President Trump agreed and issued an order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military.
We Salute and Thank Our Veterans – Past, Present and Future.
You are Our H eroes.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) responded by issuing a statement calling President Trump’s decision to exclude transgender recruits from the military “cowardly” and “disgusting.” Pelosi went on to add that “No one with the strength and bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away because of who they are.” This prompted an anonymous patriot to write a succinct clarification of what this is brouhaha is all about. It’s been making the rounds of the internet and was so popular that Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC) posted it on his Facebook page without attribution. This lead many to believe he wrote it. However, as of this moment, the author still remains unknown. Many veterans, however, can identify with it and that is why it’s being offered here. As service members, are not a prejudiced bunch. We welcome all colors, all faiths and both men and women into our ranks. And the result? As the Marines are fond of saying… “there’s only one color in this mans military and that’s… green.” The point being… we’re all in this together. That, however, is predicated on enlistment eligibility standards being met. Herewith then, is the response posted by Gowdy on Facebook:
“Nobody has a „right“ to serve in the military. Nobody. What makes people think the military is an equal opportunity employer? Very far from it. The military uses prejudice regularly and consistently to deny citizens from joining… for being too old or too young, too fat or too skinny, too tall or too short. Citizens are denied for having flat feet, or for missing or having additional fingers. Poor eyesight will disqualify you, as well as bad teeth. Malnourished? Drug addiction? Bad back? Criminal history? Low IQ? Anxiety? Phobias? Hearing damage? Six arms? Hear voices in your head? Self-identify as a Unicorn? Need a special access ramp for your wheelchair? Can‘t run the required course in the required time? Can‘t do the required number of push ups? Not really a „morning person“ and refuse to get out of bed before noon? All can be reasons for denial. The military has one job… war. Anything else is a distraction and a liability. Did someone just scream „That isn‘t Fair“? War is VERY unfair! There are no exceptions made for being special or challenged or socially wonderful. YOU change yourself to meet military standards. Not the other way around. Get it? You don‘t change the military... you must change yourself.
(Continued on page 13) 12
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
Serving Riverside County POST 216
LET IT REST
(Continued from Page 12) The military doesn‘t need to accommodate anyone with special issues. The military needs to Win Wars. If any of your personal issues are a liability that detract from readiness or lethality... thank you for applying and good luck in your future endeavors. Who‘s next in line?”
PAUL WILLIAM BENNET TRANSFER TO POST EVERL ASTING
You can decide for yourself! Semper Fi!
BY W. H. JAMESON, JR.
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Paul William Bennett, age 82, passed away on October 20, 2017 in Riverside, California. He was born and raised in New York; and enlisted in the US Navy shortly after high school. He served from June 1, 1951 to July 2, 1953 during the Korean War.
After the military Paul moved his family to Southern California where he worked on the docks as a forklift operator through the Teamsters and did this all his life until retirement. Paul was very proud of his military service and loved being around other Veterans. He joined the American Legion and was a member for many years and was Past Post Commander of American Legion Post 216 in Corona. Graveside Military Honors were on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Riverside National Cemetery at 12:30 in the afternoon. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Grimes - Akes Family Funeral Home. Obituary courtesy of Grimes – Akes. Past Post 216 Commander Paul William Bennett (May 5, 1934 - October 20, 2017)
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 POST 216
NEW MEMBERS The Post has gained a number of new members over the past 6 months. Our new Legionnaires include: U.S. Marine Lt. David Sosa (grandson of Richard Burn’s wife), Ron Iverson who signed on in October 2017, who then brought on board his friend Gene Jones in January 2018. There are five recruits who were signed on by George Brightenburg at Amber Waves of Grain in November 2017: Gabriel Carreon, Oscar Tortola, Ryan Shifflett, Jerry Cole, and Sergio Martinez. George also signed on Corona City Council honoree Paul E. Angniano, Jr. Then Fred and Rosemary Capuano helped recruit David Badowski and his son Nicholas Badowski who signed on in February 2018. We welcome our new members to the Post; and thank our old members for renewing their memberships and for helping to recruit new members. Seven additional members were transferred from Post 1000 to Post 216 during the April 2018 District 21 Revitalization Phone Bank at Post 742.
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2 N D A N N UA L
AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN The 2nd Annual Amber Waves of Grain Craft Beer Festival was held November 4th, 2017 at The Shops at Dos Lagos, Corona in honor of Veterans Day. It was organized by veterans for veterans and was designed to bring together craft beer lovers with veterans. 40 Microbreweries supported the event by donating all beer being poured. Volunteer veterans helped pour beer at each of the booths. Post 216 member Bill Steinkirchner, owner of Stone Church Brewery, and Post 216 Commander George Brightenburg were the lead organizers of the event; and Legionnaires from both Post 216 and 742 of Corona participated as volunteers.
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The event raised $32,200 for non-profit organizations directly supporting Veteran causes. The net funds raised were distributed to participating non-profit organizations supporting Veteran causes that included but not limited to; All-American Riders, Christmas Dinner for Homeless Veterans, Blue Star Mothers, American Legion and VFW local posts, and Southern California Veteran Wheelchair Association. The event included a Veteran Organization Park featuring the Veterans Administration, Disabled American Veterans, Cal-Vets, Salvation Army Homeless Veteran Shelter, American Legion, VFW and numerous non-profit organizations directly supporting our veterans. A living Veteran history museum was created where visitors could interact with WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans. The event partnered with the Library of Congress, as part of the Veterans History Project to interview and record personal accounts of our Veterans. The opening parade featured Active, Guard and Reserve soldiers from all branches, military vehicles, JROTC cadets, high school bands, and military and civic leaders. A military vehicle and historical reenactment park showcasing WWII uniforms and equipment and the museum were open FREE to the public.
LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. Richard Buns receives his long overdue initiation certificate and Legion badge from Commander Brightenburg at the March 2018 meeting. 2. Ron Iverson is presented with his initiation certificate and Legion badge at the November 2017 meeting. 3. Ron Iverson’s friend Gene Jones is welcomed aboard with his initiation certificate and Legion badge at the March 2018 meeting. 4. USMC Lt. David Sosa visits with Richard Burns at Christmas 2017. Lt. Sosa has completed Officers Basic School at Quantico; and is being assigned to Drone Pilot School. Richard is in his Dress Blues for his continued service in the Memorial Honor Detail at Riverside National Cemetery.
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TOP: Ron Iverson of Post 216 leads motorcycle vets in parade. BOTTOM: Fred & Rosemary Capuano show off their clean Post 216 VW van.
Serving Riverside County POST 739
CHRONIC PAIN C OU RT RU L E S C H RON IC PA I N I S A VA D I S A B I L I T Y BY SERVICE OFFICER JOSE GONZALES
Proud to support the American Legion and our Veterans
On this Memorial Day, we honor and commemorate those who have given their lives for our freedom and our nation. To all veterans and active-duty soldiers, we thank you.
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A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims may have a major effect on the outcome of many veteran’s disability claims.
On April 3, the court ruled that pain, without any underlying disability, may be a valid reason for awarding VA compensation benefits. The ruling is a result of Gulf war veteran Melba Saunders, who served in the Army from Nov. 1987 until Oct. 1994. Saunders suffered a knee injury while in service and was treated by military doctors and diagnosed with “patellofemoral pain syndrome,“ according to Web-MD that is also known as “knee-pain.” Jose Gonzales
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She filed a disability claim after leaving the military and was denied, the story is long, but the VA eventually denied her claim, saying “patellofemoral pain syndrome...is productive of no ascertainable impairment.” In English that means that her injury, while it was painful, was not an impairment, and therefore not a disability. All this means is that the VA said she had no real disability, there was no injury that qualified her for compensation. To the VA pain, in and of itself, was not a disability. COURT SAYS A DISABILITY DOESN’T NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE A DIAGNOSED INJURY The law (38 U.S.C. § 1110) says that VA shall award compensation benefits “for disability resulting from personal injury suffered...in line of duty.”
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The law doesn’t tell the VA to award compensation for an injury, but for the disability caused by the injury. That is why if you have a greater disability, you normally have a lesser potential earning ability, or lesser enjoyment of life than someone with a lesser disability; therefore you are awarded a greater compensation for that disability, to make up for your reduced earning ability, etc. The court cited the definition of a disability as “an impairment in the enjoyment of life or earning ability.” The court said that “pain is a form of functional impairment.” So the pain can be considered a disability by itself, without any diagnosed injury. COURT REFERENCED GULF WAR VETERANS The court also cited the VA’s awarding of compensation benefits to Gulf War veterans who suffer from “undiagnosed illnesses.” If the VA can pay compensation to Gulf War veterans who have no specified medical condition and suffer from medical issues affecting their life; veterans who have no specified conditions and suffer from chronic pain should likewise be awarded compensation. WHAT THIS MEANS TO VETERANS While that isn’t exactly clear, the VA hasn’t issued a statement on the ruling, if you have chronic pain as a result of your military service, you may want to sharpen up your pencil and look at filing a claim. 15
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
REDEMPTION
T H E S C HO OL OF HA R D K NO C K S BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
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Tim Azzolina sure didn’t set out to earn such an accolade on an Army fitness report. It was just the opposite. By the time he was ten, his parents had separated and his Mom slaved away at two jobs just to keep her family fed. It was no surprise then that he hung out with the wrong crowd and got into trouble as a good time party guy who enjoyed pot smoking and drinking more than studying. That, of course, led to his getting kicked out of school around the 10th grade for doing donuts with a car on the high school stadium football field grass. “But then,” Tim says, “I was offered a second chance when invited to join Whitcomb High School’s Continuing Education program in Glendora.” Over the next several years, he earned a G.E.D. by attending classes every Wednesday night while working on brakes and tires at a local Ford dealership.
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“I was so happy about finally graduating,” says Tim, “that I contacted my Dad from who I was estranged, so I could prove to him that I’d finally achieved something worthwhile.” His Dad, however, had other thoughts in mind. “He took me to a dive bar in Covina,” says Tim with a laugh, “right across the street from an Armed Forces Recruiting Station.” Tim’s Dad had served in the Army in WWII and figured it would be a good way to give his son some direction. “That sure the heck was a sneaky trick,” Tim continues, “but the Army recruiter was out to lunch, so I ended up joining the Air Force instead.” “I was so happy about finally graduating,” says Tim, “that I contacted my Dad from who I was estranged, so I could prove to him that I’d finally achieved something worthwhile.” His Dad, however, had other thoughts in mind. “He took me to a dive bar in Covina,” says Tim with a laugh, “right across the street from an Armed Forces Recruiting Station.” Tim’s Dad had served in the Army in WWII and figured it would be a good way to give his son some direction. “That sure the heck was a sneaky trick,” Tim continues, “but the Army recruiter was out to lunch, so I ended up joining the Air Force instead.”
(Continued on page 17)
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(Continued from Page 16) Assigned to Chanute AFB in Illinois after boot camp, Tim underwent intensive on-the-job training as a ground mechanic with a subsequent transfer to March AFB in CA where he ended up completing his tour of duty and joining the reserves. Shortly thereafter, he became the father to a daughter (Ashley) and, in time, as a single dad, moved to upstate New York where his sister helped raise her. He landed a job as a truck driver, had a son (T.J.) and, as Tim says, “enjoyed being a dad to two great kids.” In time, Ashley graduated from high school and asked her Dad to accompany her to a recruiting station. After all, her great grandfather Thomas, grandfather Andy and father had all served in the military and she was determined to follow family tradition. “While there, Tim says, “the army recruiter asked if I had ever thought about re-enlisting. I looked at him like he was crazy and blurted out, Hell! I’m a flatbed truck driver pushing 39”. However, older veterans could reenlist in the Army National Guard when the number of years served on active duty were subtracted from their age.
Ashely enthusiastically chimed in and said, “yeah Dad! Let’s go for it! I’lll enlist if you do!” “That’s it, then, I thought,” says Tim, “an opportunity at my age for a payback after 9/11.” Tim ended up at Vehicle Recovery School in Ft. Dix, NJ from his duty station as a light wheel mechanic tech at Ft. Drum, NY. Along the way, he went full active duty when volunteers were needed to help guard airports and train stations in NYC. And then? Following his promotion to Sergeant and completion of the NCO Warriors Leadership Course, he received orders for Afghanistan with deployment training at Ft. Bragg, NC. It was in Kabul, during Operation Enduring Freedom that Tim volunteered to serve with a recovery team at Forward Operating Base Lightning in support of Italian, Romanian, British and Polish NATO troops and their Afghan National Army counterparts. It was somewhat of a deja vu moment to be stationed with the Italians,” says Tim, “considering my grandfather was in the Italian army fighting with the allies in the First World War.” “I thought about reenlisting but was offered an opportunity to accept a Field Maintenance Shop (FMS) mechanic position with the 42nd Infantry Division out of Albany, NY, that would put me close to my son.” Ashley, in the meantime, was posted in Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve before re-
turning stateside to serve as a recruiter in Las Cruces, NM. It was then, that Tim put in for a transfer to join her unit which resulted in a move cross country to be sworn in to the 3rd Transportation Company by SSgt. (now Sgt. 1st Class) Azzolina herself. Eventually, Tim returned full circle to his California roots to be close to his dad. It was there he met his bride-to-be, Lupita, joined the Legion (of which his Dad was a 50-year member), became a Legion Rider, was recipient of a PTSD service dog he named Private, and became actively involved in his church. It seems,” says Tim with a wry smile, “like I’ve come a long way.” Indeed he has… from a rebellious youth to a hard-headed young man with periods where he was homeless while battling substance abuse. Regardless of the obstacles, however, Tim weathered the worst along with the best (as evidenced by an Army Fitness Report that describes him as having “strong stamina with the will to win… a natural leader.”) While Tim’s life may have emanated from “the school of hard knocks”… in the end, he exhibited one heck of a will to win. After all, as his grandfather may have said, “la redenzione vine permit a chi la guadagna - redemption is rewarded to those who earn it.”
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 POST 216
NJROTC
A N N UA L I N S P E C T I O N AT C O R O N A H I G H S C H O O L BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
Post Commander George Brightenburg and Adjutant Glen Roosevelt had the privilege of being invited guests to the Corona High School Navy JROTC Annual Inspection and Pass-in-Review on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the CHS football stadium. The cadet company looked sharp and performed well in front of a crowd of proud family members and dignitaries including Corona Mayor Karen Spiegel. Both Posts 216 and 742 were recognized for their support of the JROTC program in remarks given by Senior Instructor Captain Jeffery Dale (USN – Ret.) Following the ceremony, Commander Brightenburg stopped by the school Counselor’s office to coordinate paperwork for the Post’s American Legion Boy’s State candidate Thomas Gatewood of the NJROTC program.
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TOP: Post Adjt. Roosevelt with Captain Dale (left) & MSgt. Zinn (USMC – Ret.) and Cmdr. Brightenburg at Corona H.S. NJROTC Annual Inspection. BOTTOM: The Corona NJROTC Company of Cadets on the football field after the Pass-in-Review.
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VA CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM R E S U M E S F U L L O P E R AT I O N S
Opening doors for those who serve
WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is resuming full operations of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The resumption follows an April 17 decision to temporarily suspend certain clinical revocations from the program to conduct a strategic review aimed at strengthening the program.
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“VA has taken immediate steps to improve the program’s operations,” said VA Secretary David J. Shulkin. M.D. “Our top focus during the review has been to listen, evaluate and act swiftly to make changes that will better meet the needs of our Veterans and caregivers. This does not mean our work is done. We will continue to refine andwe improve thisto important program.” At Union Bank®, strive make the dream of homeownership
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Following the review, VA issued a new directive outlining staff responsibilities, Veteran and caregiver eligibility requirements, available benefits and procedures for revocations from the program. VA also conducted mandatory staff training on the new directive and implemented standardized communications and outreach materials to educate Veterans and caregivers about the program. Additionally, the VA will be formalizing additional ways to ensure that the experience of Veterans’ families, caregivers and survivors are understood and that, where needed, new, or additional, assistance is explored. The VAGallardo is committed to listening to theEdwin voicesMendoza of those who care for Veterans Julia Mortgage Consultant Mortgage Consultant of all eras and to collaborating to improve services, outreach and awareness. 951-283-1896 323-449-1935 julia.gallardo@unionbank.com edwin.mendoza@unionbank.com The caregiver program website has also been redesigned, and now includes a section linking careNMLS ID #296502 NMLS ID #1230598
givers and Veterans of all ages to resources and home- and community-based services available through VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care programs.
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
THE KEY TO BEING YOUNG TRANSITION! BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
Friday, January 8th, 1955 was a snowy day in Detroit. The low temp was a freezing 30-degrees. The day he was born, however, was but one of the few times when young Mike Young didn’t control events that later would shape his life.
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Take for instance, the fact that in high school, he’d swim two miles just to work out. That, of course, led to his lettering 3 years in synchronized swimming. “It was a pretty cool sport to be in,” he says with a grin. “Me and three other guys and 70 girls in bathing suits. Beats playing football!” But THAT was Mike…. always on top of his game… always looking for the next best thing… a new transition. At the age of 12, he was scouring back alleys for discarded televisions. He would then buy replacement tubes at the local drugstore, repair the sets and sell them. Fast forward… he graduated from high school at 16, got hitched at 17, became a father shortly thereafter, undertook an apprenticeship in carpeting and tile and worked as a journeyman machinist with the Ford Motor Company… all before enlisting in the Air Force at 19 to support his growing family. It was there that his test scores for electric aptitude were so far off the charts that he was assigned a direct MOS
sans schooling. “They just handed me the tools,” he says in amazement, “and put me to work on top secret technology projects such as the space shuttle delivery system and, later, the space based laser project better known as Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’.” “I loved my work,” he adds, “but the w-i-f-e really wanted to return to her family in Michigan, so I did what I thought was the right thing at the time, and got out.” However, jobs were scarce and the couple found their relationship strained. And?Before long, as events would unfold, the now single Air Force reservist, heard the siren call of California once again beckoning him to sunshine and the start of a new life. “I got here on a Friday,” he says, “and had a job the very next day as an electrician in Beverly Hills.” Life was good and became even more so when, in time, he met a widowed single Mom… Sandra… a vivacious Guatemalan to whom he’s been married for 28 years. Mike’s life took yet another unique twist when, as a youth pastor, he felt a calling to the ministry, graduated from seminary, was ordained and assumed the pulpit at the Indio Church of Christ!
While there, he joined a team of chaplains who accompanied Indio Fire Department ambulances, whenever severe “I got here on a Friday,” he says, “and had a job the very next day as an electrician in Beverly Hills.” Life was good and became even more so when, in time, he met a widowed single Mom… Sandra… a vivacious Guatemalan to whom he’s been married for 28 years. Mike’s life took yet another unique twist when, as a youth pastor, he felt a calling to the ministry, graduated from seminary, was ordained and assumed the pulpit at the Indio Church of Christ! While there, he joined a team of chaplains who accompanied Indio Fire Department ambulances, whenever severe trauma was involved. And, later, he became one of the first ministers in the City to serve in the Police Chaplaincy program. Not content to embrace just a single avocation though, Mike eventually opened a computer shop, receiving considerable recognition as the recipient of a Berger Foundation grant to teach kids computer repair. This success, coupled with taking on a job with the Cathedral City Police Department rebuilding their computer network. led to his stepping down from full time active ministry. In short order, he received a degree in Information Technology, earned a pilots
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Veterans
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(Continued on page 21)
Serving Riverside County T H E K E Y TO B E I N G YO U N G
(Continued from Page 20)
license and was awarded a James Ray Foundation grant to build 12 flight simulators for the Palm Springs Air Museum, teaching Palm Springs High School Air Force ROTC Cadets how to fly using them. Finally, Mike returned to Indio as the City’s Technology Manager, a position from which he eventually retired.
WE SALUTE OUR
Veterans!
If this seems like a lot of life packed into a bunch of years, it would be a succinct observation. But then, that’s what keeps Mike Young young… from his 2015 missionary trip to the Philippines where he taught advanced aquaponics farming techniques to his volunteering at the American Legion with an unreserved willingness to help whenever the need arises. All in all, It’s a life well lived and, as he adds, with a smile, “it sure the heck ain’t over yet!” After all, there’s another transition waiting just around the corner!
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“It is our solemn duty as Americans to honor those who have given the ultimate measure of sacrifice. Their legacy, their selflessness, and their love of country are so deeply rooted in our history, that to forget their memory would be to ignore the very foundation of America itself.”
- Richard D. Roth, Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.)
Memorial Day 2018 21
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
RUDY JUAREZ T E NAC I T Y DE F I N E D BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
COACHELLA, CA - Rudolfo “Rudy” Juarez just celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary March 8th to the only love he’s ever known… his Lupe. That says something about this guy …a stick-to-itiveness… a tenacity which is reflected in most every aspect of his life.
C
Born the 4th of 14 kids, he grew up in Mecca and attended Coachella Valley High School (CVHS). While other students may have been involved in sports and extra-curricular activities, Rudy worked in the fields like his dad, picking tomatoes, chili peppers and even dates. At 16, he dropped out to help his family financially by laying rails for the Southern Pacific Railroad... a tough job for any kid. “I wanted to join the army when I was 17,” he says, but my dad wouldn’t let me. The war was still going on and I think he was afraid of my being in harm’s way and not make it home.” As it was, Rudy was drafted in December of 1945 after he turned18, and was sent to boot camp at Camp Polk, LA. “You’d think a lack of a high school diploma might hold a guy back,” he says, with a shrug, “but I ended up with an 861 MOS - Surgical Tech.” After 3 months of education in Denver, he was assigned to Percy General Hospital in Battle Creek, MI, for on-the-job training and, then, transferred to Japan where he cared for the sick and wounded in 3 different hospitals.
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Finding the military to his liking, Rudy re-upped and after a year and a half, was posted to a San Pedro, CA hospital before being shipped off to Germany for 12 months. “The timing really sucked,” he says. “Heck! I’d just gotten married and 2 months later, I’m posted overseas again!” After his tour of duty was up, Rudy was faced with a dilemma. He’d spent 8 years in the Army, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. So? Should reenlist or should he get out? “In the end, it was an easy decision,” he says. “Yeah, it would have been nice to make the Army a career... but it was even nicer being a full-time husband.” As a result, Rudy returned to the Valley in 1954. And, among the first things he did? “I enrolled in night school at CVHS to earn my actual diploma. Even though I’d passed the G.E.D. in the service, I wanted to be able to graduate.” And? He did a year later! He could have applied at a local hospital with the skills he’d developed in the Army, but Rudy yearned to return to his agricultural roots and ended up working for a local ranch for the next 9 years as an equipment operator. After that, he had an opportunity to sign on with the City of Indio Street Department where, during the following 25 years, he was promoted to Street Supervisor. While Rudy may modestly say he hasn’t “done all that much with my life,” his contributions continue to resonate with those he’s touched along the way. It goes back to his nature... it’s just the type of guy he is whether sacrificing his youth to help his family, accepting the call of his country to serve in the military, embracing the value of an education, working hard to make a contribution as an employee, serving as patriarch to the growing Juarez clan of 5 kids, 15 grandkids and 18 great grandkids, or simply giving back to his fellow veterans as a 35-year member of the American Legion. It’s a life honed by an unbridled tenacity, and girded by the Army core values of “loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor and integrity. In short… it’s a life well lived!
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Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation & the liberties we hold so dear. Thank you American Legion, for your continued work on behalf of our country & veterans.
DISTRICT OFFICE 391 N. MAIN ST., STE. 210 ● CORONA, CA 92880 ● (951) 371-6860
Serving Riverside County POST 216
AUXILIARY MEETING LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA LOCAL UNION 1184
BY DR. JOHN ELLIS, ED.D.
District 21 held its March 4, 2018 meeting at Meairs Post 289 in Riverside with Commander Brightenburg in attendance, while the District 21 Auxiliary meeting was hosted by Post 216 Adjutant Roosevelt at our Legion Hall. The meeting was well attended by ladies from almost all the District Auxiliaries; and was commanded by District 21 President Kathy McCoy. The guest of honor was Department Auxiliary President Loretta Marsh. Adjutant Roosevelt presented a bouquet of flowers on behalf of Commander Brightenburg and Post 216 to President Marsh. The Hall never looked so good!
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THANK YOU
VETERANS Melanie A. Majeskey Family Service Counselor Cell: (951) 522-0512 Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park & Mortuary
11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 (951) 689-1441 Melanie.Majeskey@DignityMemorial.com
FD 1343 0I06453
Provident Bank Salutes Our Veterans We appreciate ALL who served and who continue to serve to keep us safe.
TOP: Dept. Pres. Loretta Marsh at top. BOTTOM: District 21 Auxiliary President Kathy McCoy (far left) awards certificates of appreciation to Past Presidents of the District Auxiliary at Post 216 on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Past District President / Auxiliary 742 President Susan Romero is second from the left; and she coordinated all the arrangements at the Hall for the Auxiliary.
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 POST 739
OFFICERS
POST 739
COLOR GUARD
District 21 Officers geared up and headed East to Post 739 in Indio which hosted the Distrcit 21 meeting. Those in attendance included the following...
LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. Ritual Chairwoman Donna Griggs. 2. Past District Auxiliary President Susan Romero & current Auxiliary President Cathy McCoy. 3. 3rd District Vice Commander Mike Weir & Commander Eddie Romero. 4. District 21 SAL Commander Sandy Loeb gives the invocation at the Sons meeting. 5. Eddie Romero unfurls District 21’s colors.
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LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: Color Guard members: Don Esquibel, Tommy Madrid, Tony Delgado, Juan T. Martinez and John Ellis take a moment of photo levity in front of the bear sculpture in Coachella following their presentation of colors at a ground breaking ceremony. 2. Post 739 Color Guard members (l to r rear) Tommy Madrid, John Ellis, Juan T. Martinez and Dick Gauthier posted the colors a the Disability Sports Festival held at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. On hand (l to r front) were: CJ Lambert, Albert Granillo, Tobias Granillo and Legionnaire Luis Bernal. 3. Post 739 Legionnaires answer questions about their service in the military from students at Van Buren Elementary School in Indio (l to r) John Ellis, Tim Azzolina, Tommy Madrid, Juan T. Martinez, Luis Bernal and Manny Alvarado. 4. & 5. Post 739 Legion Riders Joe Gonzales and Dave Gruenberg were just of few of the many Legion Riders who helped plant over 6,000 American flags in the annual Healing Field at Patriot Park in Cathedral City (one flag for each service member who paid the ultimate price for freedom since 9/11).
Serving Riverside County 2018
POST 739
VETERANS EXPO
LUAU
The Annual Veterans Expo at the Riverside County Fairgrounds was held March 7th, 2018. Sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Veterans Easy Access Program, the Expo always provides a huge draw. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a flag raising via giant crane, attendees were treated to a program which included the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard from 29 Palms along with honorees, guest speakers and musical tribute. Following acknowledgements and awards presentations and a string musical tribute, over 65 vendors (including the likes of CalVet, the VA, Riverside County Veterans Services and the American Legion) provided a comprehensive resource of valuable information about veterans services.
LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. Vet Expo Sign. 2. Roaring Thunder - Indio Chapter 739 Legion Riders arrived on their motorcycles in mass to kick off the Veterans Expo. Rob Brooker & Richard Morales along with 3. Pancho Villarreal with Joe & Mary Gonzales give a thumbs up for what proved to be an exciting day! 4. Border Patrol Captain Amber Craig plays the bagpipe while the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard from 29 Palms stands at the ready in the background. 5. It took a crane and a dedicated crew of veterans and cadets to hoist Old Glory high above the event. 6. Post 739 Legionnaires Juan T. Marinez, Tony Delgado and Tommy Madrid salute the flag as it’s raised to The National Anthem. 7. Post 739’s booth was ready to educate veterans about the benefits of Legion membership.
Indio Post 739 Hosted a Hawaiian Luau Saturday, March 24th which saw the Hall packed with everyone from hula dancers to attendees! The annual event serves as a fun fundraiser in support of Legion programs!
LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. Hawaiian Luau Decoration Team... Among the Riverside County Adult Transition Program (RCATP) students who helped decorate the Hall were (l to r) Aileen Roman, Karen Robles, Anahi Cervera, Selina Vasquez-Rosales, Marissa Karate, Darlene Macias and Mariano Ochoa. 2. Showing off a photo booth panel for the Luau are RCATP’s Wilmar Montoya-Diaz, Luis Miguel Carlos-Jacobo, Gerald Martinez & Juan-Manual Arrendondo-Mendoza. 3. Transition Program staff members, Edna Ortega, Leticia Hernandez, Alma Torres & Elena DeAnda contributed their artistic talent in guiding their RCATP team to create a bright and colorful Hawaiian theme for the Luau. 4. Dave & Ines Gruenberg. 5. David Gonzales. 6. Don & Maureen Thompson.
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018
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FPCU.org
Serving Riverside County POST 739
POST 739
EVENT PHOTOS
EVENT PHOTOS There’s ALWAYS something going on at Herman Granados American Legion Post 739 in Indio. Mondays from 5 to 8 p.m. it’s Burgers & Dogs fresh off the grill while Thursdays are known as Taco Thursdays. It brings Legionnaires and guests together for one heck of a fun time! Oh! And don’t forget the breakfasts ... the 2nd and last Sundays of the month! It’s all the rave!
LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. Grant Gauche, Director of the Riverside County Department of Veterans Services (2nd from rt.) welcomes Post 739 officers, Juan T. Martinez, Steve Waggoner, Jim Raby & Tommy Madrid to the Riverside County Veterans Legislative Breakfast Feb. 9th. 2. Congrats to USMC Veteran & Post 739 Legionnaire Luis Lomeli for using the GI Bill to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration! 3. Veterans and guests show respect for the flag by STANDING for the National Anthem during Post 739’s Super Bowl Party... even though it was broadcast on TV. 4. Among the many fans who attended the Post 739 Super Bowl Party were Betty & Preston Hall. 5. Eileen & Luis Robles. 6. Cheesehead Mark & Minerva Barfknecht stop by to stir up the BBQ he prepared. 7. The Super Bowl pot luck included a super challenge.
LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. There are mustaches and then... there are mustaches... like the bushy one sported by Post 739’s Jerry Moffit. Joining him for comparison (l to r) are Luis Bernal, Jerry, Joe Gonzales and Bob Goldsmith. 2. Gregg & Kim Steitz. 3. Dodger fans and volunteer bartenders Randy Saucedo & Mark Barfknecht were ready for their team’s first broadcast of the season. 4. Attending a Riders hosted breakfast were Tommy Madrid, Juan T. Martinez, Joe Gonzalez, Charles Holland, Bob Goldsmith & Pancho Villarreal. 5. Juanita Godwin served up the grub. 6. Angie Villareal & Vickie Goldsmith made a sign & sold tickets. 7. Bob Goldsmith & Ameena Hosein served as co-chefs. 27
21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 INDIO POST 739 LEFT TO RIGHT FROM TOP: 1. Among the Legion Riders who donated blood for victims of the Las Vegas shooting tragedy included (l to r) Gene Hobdy, Juanita Godwin, Pancho Villareal, Manny Alvarado and Tim Azzolina. Photo by Lupita Azzolina. 2. Attending the Memorial Ride for Fallen Officers hosted by the Palm Springs Police Association included (l to r) Gene Hobdy, Lupita Azzolina, Juanita Godwin, Tim Azzolina, Pancho & Angie Villareal, Charles Holland & Ken Romkema. 3. Richard Morales and Manny Alvarado were just two of a number of Legion Riders who, following the funeral for Post 519 Legionnaire John Lea, escorted him to his final resting place. 4. John Lea. 5. Patriot event founder Tim Esser (l) is welcomed on the dias by emcee Chapter 739’s Gene Hobdy during the Patriot Weekend event. Looking on is State ALR Vice President Ray Ruiz. 6. Craig Hull, Dave Gruenberg and Juanita Godwin were just a few of the many Riders participating in the Salute to the Veterans Run Flag Line.
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Serving Riverside County
AMERICAN LEGION
DEPT. OF CALIFORNIA 100TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
JUNE 21ST – 24TH, 2018
McClellan Conference Center 5411 Luce Ave., McClellan Park, CA 95652 Convention Hotel 5321 Date Ave., Sacramento • 916.338.5800 District Housing: Dottie Deerwester, 707.972.5055, dottie@rdysetgo.com
Dept. Executive Committee Officers: Veronica 559.875.838, veronica@calegion.org
Convention Hotel Housing: Wendy O’Brien, 916.971.1805, johnsjammers@att.net
Memorial Day is one of our most important national days, a day set aside for reflection and remembrance of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Today we pay our respects to all who served to protect our freedom and never came home from their service. As we remember their lives and their impact, we keep the families who lost their loved ones in our prayers. V. MANUEL PEREZ RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS • SUPERVISOR, FOURTH DISTRICT
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21ST DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | MEMORIAL DAY 2018 POST 289 & 742
LIC # 562287 A, B & C-8
MONUMENT
Rob McCoy, President
AT S U N N Y S L O P E C E M E N TA RY
Mobile: (951) 264-2303 • Rob@gcc-inc.us Post 216 will perform a rededication of the veterans’ monument at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Corona on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018 in conjunction with Joe Dominguez Post 742. The monument was originally installed and dedicated “IN MEMORY OF OUR FALLEN HEROES 1861-1865” by the Carleton Post 168 Grand Army of the Republic Union Civil War Veterans of Corona on Memorial Day, May 30, 1908. The monument and garden circle surrounding it were rededicated by Joe Dominguez American Legion Post 742 on Memorial Day, May 30, 1994 with the placement of a granite rededication marker. The Post 216 rededication will be performed with a matching marker placed in a symmetrical position on the opposite side of the flagpole from the Dominguez Post marker.
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This planned rededication marks the 110th anniversary of the original marker which at the time was representative of Civil War and Spanish-American War veterans. The base of the 1908 monolith has been engraved to signify periods for WW1, WW2, Korean War, and Vietnam.
19800 Gustin Ln, Perris, CA 92570 • (800) 734-3507 • gcc-inc.us
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ph 951/683-6611 fax 951/683-0110 3300 Central Avenue Riverside, California 92506
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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
Ph: (951) 682.4442 or (888) 642-6404 • F: (951) 248-0912 • Doug@MillsapCPA.com
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE
SENATOR MIKE MORRELL TWENTY-THIRD SENATE DISTRICT
TOP: Sunnyslope Veterans Monument & Post 742 rededication marker right of flagpole.
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CAPITOL OFFICE State Capitol Room 3056 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4023
DISTRICT OFFICE 10350 Commerce Center Drive, Suite A-220 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 919-7731 Senator.Morrell@sen.ca.gov
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