21ST DISTRICT
LEGION
NAIRE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION
MEMORIAL DAY 2020
“Putting the Fight in the Fighting 21st District - Audacity, Audacity, always Audacity!”
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE
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We pray that all is well and that this evil will pass. We have lost one Legionnaire to this most dangerous pandemic. Please follow the better instincts as you go about your daily chores.
Rudolph Valadez
We believe that no matter what happens, we must proceed to ensure that we cause no harm to any Legionnaire. We must also continue our Legion work and business.
We have been in constant contact with the Department officials and have attended two DEC videoconferences. The issue of whether or not to have a physical convention has been hotly debated. All Posts have been asked to vote on this matter. Further, the District has met by teleconference calls to ensure that we are conducting our business and our efforts on your behave. Rest assured that we in the District are doing everything we can to continue in your best interest, and we await to go to your aid. God bless and keep us safe and healthy.
Rudolph Valadez, Commander 21st District, Riverside County
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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This year started out well and then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Even though everything has been cancelled and put off until another date, our Units are still striving to continue their work. Some Units still help feed the Veterans. One Unit/post has a catering license (working with the Health Department and given the ok) and is allowed to prep food for those members in need. One Unit in conjunction with their post Kathy Newlen serves the homeless. Most of the Units are checking up on members in their Units to verify they are okay and if they have any needs to be attended to. Prior to the Pandemic, plans were made for the 100th anniversary of the ALA at many of the Units Posts. Some occurred but many were cancelled due to COVID-19. Units this year unable to do their Poppy Programs by being in Public are resorting mailing letters with Poppies and info to its members to raise their funds for the Veterans so we can still do our programs. Prior to this our units had Halloween Parties for Kids and the adults, Valentines parties, Christmas with Santa, Feed and provide donations for toiletries, food, bedding, even clothing to the Veterans at the safe haven in Loma Linda and March Base. During earlier disasters, Members provide help (Continued on page 2)
Special thanks to Dr. John Ellis with out his support this paper would not be made possible.
PLUS INSIDE Ellis Resigns................ Page 10
Harold E. “Buzz” Waltz..... Page 14
Appreciation............... Page 15
Helmets for Heroes...........Page 21