22nd District
“The Nation that forgets its Defenders, will itself be forgotten.” San Diego County American Legion www.ALD22.org
Monday, May 30, 2022 MEMORIAL DAY 1
“Serving San Diego County Communities”
C OM MA N DE R 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2 :
AU X I L IA RY PRESIDENT 2021- 2022:
MONIQUE CLEMONS
GIGI MANNO
Greetings District 22! Memorial Day is time to remember, a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This day becomes a day of reflection for many of us in the Legion Family because we are remembering not only those, we did not know, but the ones we did know, and in some cases served with. As you are attending events and services on Memorial Day please do not forget to also reach out to members in your post who may be struggling as they are remembering on that day.
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It’s hard to believe this year is coming to an end. I have enjoyed and have been honored to serve as the Commander of this great District. I have come to know so many members throughout the District as I visited our many Posts. I was given the greatest District Officer team to work with, they spent countless hours working with Posts. The team is what kept everything running smoothly: although there are many whose dedication I appreciated, I would like to single out our First Vice Commander Justin Dickard for his invaluable support, and wish him and his family well in all of their endeavors in their new home. This past year has had its share of challenges, as we continue to recover from the impact COVID has had on our activities. Some posts had to shut down completely for a lengthy period of time, or lost the use of their meeting halls. Some activities, such as those involving the VA, were completely curtailed. Finally, our membership, both department and district wide has dropped significantly below the numbers to (Continued on Page 3)
Here is a story I want to share about a family of four generations, who have volunteered services to our community and our American Legion Family. And they are still serving today. We start with Edward Pecoraro, who served in the United States Coast Guard, who married Mary Elaine and had four sons with multiple talents — of building homes with electrical, cement and painting skills, just to name a few. They were always helping people at no cost. The family in about 1990 joined The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary affiliated with La Mesa Legion Post 282.
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Mary Elaine, along with her sister-in-law, would collect poppy seals, patriotic decals and greeting cards for all occasions, which they would send to veterans at the VA hospital, in the Aspire Center, veterans in the Chula Vista Veterans Home, and to veterans overseas. Ed’s granddaughter, Jessica, joined Las Mesa Auxiliary Unit 282, becoming a Junior volunteer. She was Miss Junior Poppy Girl, and she received the Proclamation of Services from the Mayor of La Mesa, She collected $30 from all of the city officials for a donated Poppy flower made by disabled veterans. Each $30 donation was provided to veterans for bus passes. Ed’s great granddaughter, Cecelia, joined Alpine Auxiliary Unit 258. She became Miss Junior Poppy Girl during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cecelia and four other Junior members of Alpine Unit 258 collected knitted caps and scarves for homeless veterans.
Veteran of the Year...........Page 7
Army ROTC Cadets...........Page 17
Aerospace in San Diego.......Page 19
Volunteer Program ........ Page 30
Ed lost his wife, Mary Elaine, and his oldest son, Joe, about a year ago. But his family continues to serve and give to those who are in need.
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A PROUD CALIFORNIA AMERICAN LEGION PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION
PB Toys for Tots ............. Page 33