American legion 15th district legionnaire veterans day 2017

15TH DISTRICT

LEGION

NAIRE

“The Nation that forgets its Defenders 15th District Legionnaire

...will itself be forgotten.”

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties"

Thursday, November 11, 2017 | VETERANS DAY | 1

C OM M A N DE R E DDI E ORO S C O 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8

COMMANDER'S CORNER HELLO, “FRIENDLY“ 15th DISTRICT Here we are at the beginning of another year with great opportunities for a good year. Because of the goals that have been set for us this year we are in another group with a higher membership goal this year and we are at number four in the State I would like us be able to be number one in the State.

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We can reach this goal if we all pull together and find new members for the posts all we need to do is ask those we meet if they served and we can meet our goals. I will be visiting with the different posts in the District and am willing to help in any way that I can to help each post make their goals.

God Bless Our Military, Our Veterans and the USA! Eddie Orosco 15th District Commander 2017-2018

Ladies let me start out saying Thank You for all the help and everything you have done for me and my family during our difficult times this year.

PLUS INSIDE...

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Legion Founder................Page 4

I am very proud of each Unit in our District, for what you have accomplish this Year. Thank You. This year at Riverside Convention what fun seeing old friends and new friends we received 20 awards for our programs. Our own Pat Garcey who is from Tehachapi Unit 221 she received 3 outstanding awards for her Americanism, they were Most Outstanding Americanism Program targeted to Children & Youth, Most Outstanding Americanism Program by a Junior Group and Best Overall District Supplemental also one of the student Pat help won 2nd place for Americanism Essay he received $100.00.

National Commander......Page 12

We have new Department President this year, Loretta Marsha she from Capl. Marshall N. Braden Unit 56, District 16.

Madam President Loretta theme this year is "Super Hero’s”, Madam President, had to spoof the name because of copyright issues. This year the motto is "Real Heroes wear Dog Tags C" and her color are many combination of red, white, blue and black also Madam President Loretta special project it is "Paws for Purple Hearts", if you like to donate to the special project you need to send your check to Department Of California Office earmark" Department President Special Project. District 15 will be known as Friendly District 15th Phantom. please remember to work on your Membership, maybe a new Legionnaire has sign up maybe his family would like join also.

Legion Mission................Page 16

Also keep all Veterans in your prayers, and the ones in the hospital, the Veterans, and their Veterans families.

Lon Chaney................. Page 28 Zana Chaney 15th District President 2017-2018

A Very Special thank you to California American Legion Press Association Member and Porterville American Legion Post member Brian Adams. Without Brian’s help this Veterans Day Edition would not have been possible.

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Amateur Radio..............Page 41

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2 | VETERANS DAY 2017

15th District Legionnaire

A M E R IC A N L E G ION E L E C T S F I R S T WOM A N AS

15TH DISTRICT OFFICERS COMMANDER Eddie Orosco, Post 20

FINANCE OFFICER David Graham, Post 26

1st VICE COMMANDER Ralph Wenzinger, Post 26

ADJUTANT Ester Tillery, Post 20

2nd VICE COMMANDER Don Johnson, Post 18

CHAPLAIN Michael Cruz, Post 26

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Tony Strauss, Post 221

SERVICE OFFICER Michael Johnson, Post 221

JUDGE ADVOCATE Juan Lopez, Post 779

HISTORIAN Bryan Adams, Post 20

NATIONAL COMMANDER D

Denise Rohan was elected national commander of the 2 million-member American Legion on Aug. 24, 2017, in Reno, Nev., during the 99th national convention of America’s largest veterans organization.

Born in McGregor, Iowa, Denise (Hulbert) Rohan lived in Elkader, Iowa, until leaving for U.S. Army basic training at Fort McClellan, Ala., in 1974. She served on active duty as a stock control and accounting specialist and repair parts Denise Rohan specialist course instructor at Fort Lee, Va., until her honorable discharge in August 1976.

Rohan and her husband, Mike, currently live in Verona, Wis., where she has served The American Legion since 1984. Prior to her transfer to Post 385 in Verona, she served as the commander of Post 333 in Sun Prairie, Wis., where she established a Sons of the American Legion squadron and chartered a Boy Scout troop. She has also served as the department commander of Wisconsin.

15TH AUXILIARY OFFICERS President Zana Chaney, Post 124

Chaplain Dolores Ryan, Post 26

First Vice President Dee Ann Graham, Post 221

Historian (unassigned)

Second Vice President Barbara Goodlow, Post 26

Parliamentarian Genieca Risner, Post 213

Secretary Treasurer Karen Herrera, Post 20

Sergeant-at-Arms & Marshall (unassigned)

Treasurer Brenda Preston, Post 26

Junior Past President Dee Ann Graham, Post 26

Rohan and Mike are both 2006 graduates of the National American Legion College and 2015 graduates of the Wisconsin American Legion College-Basic Course, and have gone on to serve as department and national American Legion College facilitators.

Rohan was employed with the University of Wisconsin Madison as the assistant bursar of student loans until her retirement in 2012. She managed the University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Wisconsin Green Bay and University of Wisconsin Colleges $120 million loan portfolio made up of approximately 200 different federal, institutional and state programs in compliance with all laws, regulations and policy. She was responsible for the efficiency and design of the computerized student loan accounts receivable system.

She is a graduate of Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, Wis., and The Collegiate Management Institute.

Rohan served the Family Readiness Group as a civilian volunteer with the Wisconsin Army National Guard 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 1-105th Cavalry Squadron. She also served with the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard Airman and Family Readiness Program.

Her theme as national commander is “Family First” and her fundraising project is the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program and the Legion's service officer program.

TFA awards cash grants to minor children of veterans who are eligible for American Legion membership. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment.

Rohan has been married to Mike since 1976, and they have a son, Nicholas, daughter-inlaw Angie, and two grandchildren, Sawyer and Isla. Mike is very active with The American Legion on both the state and national levels and is a past department adjutant. Nick and Sawyer are members of Squadron 385, and Isla is a member of Unit 385.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 3

MEMBERSHIP REPORT DISTRICT 15 STANDINGS

Post # Post Name & City

rs be l d m a s e o ai er al Ls line nsf 17 M 7G 7P F Go 1 1 a n U 0 0 0 r % 2 2 P O T 2

0015 Tulare, Tulare

100

34

47

6

1

88

88.00 %

0018 Visalia, Visalia

100

56

15

8

1

80

80.00 %

0019 Alta, Dinuba

35

26

6

0

1

33

94.29 %

0020 Porterville, Porterville

220

132

28

20

1 181 82.27 %

0026 Bakersfield, Bakersfield

680

474

52

84 115 725 106.62 %

0063 Fellows, Taft

60

37

5

7

0

49

81.67 %

0094 Exeter, Exeter

63

42

6

9

0

57

90.48 %

0124 Merle Reed, Delano

75

57

13

7

0

77 102.67 %

0128 Lindsay, Lindsay

20

15

1

0

0

16

0221 Tehachapi, Tehachapi

105

64

13

22 17 116 110.48 %

0674 Buttonwillow, Bakersfield

10

5

2

0

0

0682 East Bakersfield, Bakersfield

225

150

33

14

3 200 88.89 %

0711 Kern River Valley, Lake Isabella

90

66

9

12

0

87

96.67 %

0743 Charter Oak, Ivanhoe

40

21

10

3

0

34

85.00 %

0779 Terra Bella, Terra Bella

40

24

6

1

0

31

77.50 %

0785 Sierra, Visalia

72

61

11

0

0

72 100.00 %

District 15 Totals

7

80.00 % 70.00 %

1,935 1,241 257 193 139 1,853 95.76 %

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15th District Legionnaire

AMERICAN LEGION FOUNDER REMEMBERED IN RENO

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Lt. Col. Thomas W. Miller did not have a gavel when he assumed chairmanship of the Paris Caucus on March 17, 1919. So the former congressman from Delaware pulled from his pocket an 1873 silver dollar that he always carried and rapped it on the table. The final day of the first gathering of what would become The American Legion was under his command.

Ninety-eight years later, at the Masonic Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Reno, Nev., Miller’s grave was trimmed, cleaned and presented a U.S. flag, an American Legion flag, a United States World War I Centennial Commission coin and an American Legion 100th Anniversary coin.

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RECOGNITION AWARDS

“I think this is something that needs to be a regular tradition,” American Legion Department of Nevada Commander Yvette Weigold said at a Saturday graveside ceremony to remember Miller. “We need to pay him that honor.”

“This should be a place of pilgrimage for The American Legion and the Department of Nevada,” agreed Jack Monahan of Connecticut, a member of the United States World War I Centennial Commission. “This is one of the most historically significant American Legion sites in the state.”

It is with great pride Bakersfield Post 26 recognizes the following members For their Continuous Years of Membership in the American Legion.

Thomas Underhill 60 Years

Ben O. Millar 60 Years

Donald E. Hammers 60 Years

David G. Salcido 60 Years

Roberto Jiminez 60 Years

Ralph L. Miller 50 Years

Val M. Garcia 50 Years

Monahan, American Legion 100th Anniversary Observance Committee Chairman and Past National Commander David K. Rehbein of Iowa and Denise Rohan of Wisconsin, leading candidate to serve as the next national commander of The American Legion, were among many dignitaries of the organization who participated in the commemoration.

“I met Thomas Miller and knew who he was,” said G. Michael Schlee, chairman of The American Legion’s National Security Commission. “I remember that he was a presence, every time he entered a room.”Lt. Col. Miller was no ordinary doughboy.

A Yale graduate who took his military training at the Plattsburgh, N.Y., camp for collegeeducated men during the Preparedness Movement at the same time he was serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1915, Miller was the son of a Delaware governor and had served as secretary of state there. Defeated in 1916 by 153 votes in his bid for a second term in Congress, Miller enlisted in the Army after the United States declared war in April 1917. Miller started out as a private in an infantry company but was swiftly made a corporal thanks to his earlier training. Initially passed up for combat service due to his eyesight, Miller persisted and was later commissioned as a signal corps captain.

He made his way to France with the 79th Division in 1918 and fought in the MeuseArgonne battle where he a received a Purple Heart and was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

In March 1919, Miller was among the American Expeditionary Forces personnel still occupying Europe after the armistice that ended the Great War four months earlier.

He heard about a gathering of troops in Paris who were talking about a new veterans organization and decided to check it out.

There, he met up with others who had trained in the Readiness Movement camp at Plattsburgh and with another World War I officer he knew through Washington politics:

(Continued on Page 6)

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 5

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AM ER IC A N LE GION FOU N DE R

(Continued from Page 4) future U.S. Sen. Bennett Champ Clark, son of the former Speaker of the House. Clark, a Democrat, had selected Miller, a Republican, as chairman pro-tempore of the Paris Caucus. On the final day of the gathering, when such matters as the name of the organization and its constitution were discussed, Miller presided after Clark was called away for a meeting.

Inspiring Excellence • • •

Miller went on to serve as the first national Legislative Committee co-chairman of The American Legion and was Delaware’s first National Executive Committee member.

He and Luke Lea of Tennessee, Miller’s Legislative Committee co-chairman, worked together to obtain the organization’s federal charter on Sept. 16, 1919.

American Legion Past National Commander and Past National Adjutant Robert W. Spanogle remembers Miller and his passion for legislative issues. “At the end of every NEC meeting, he would always get up and talk about the importance of The American Legion Legislative Council,” Spanogle said. “That was always his focus.”

Miller had many roles in the beleaguered Warren Harding administration, including service on a committee to form the Veterans Administration, a seat on the American Battle Monuments Commission and as Alien Property Custodian. In that capacity, Miller was convicted and served 18 months in prison over the sale of German enemy property but was later pardoned by President Herbert Hoover and paid restitution.

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Shortly afterward, he moved to Reno, Nev., where he oversaw Civilian Conservation Corps work camps and started the Nevada State Parks system and was a staff field representative of the U.S. Veterans Employment Service.

He served as commander of The American Legion’s Department of Nevada and was the department’s NEC representative for decades. At the 1968 American Legion National Convention in New Orleans, Miller was elected to the position of past national commander. He died in 1973.

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“I learned a lot about him from the old timers who knew him,” said Bob Terhune, immediate past department commander for Nevada, who attended Saturday’s ceremony. “He was a character. He liked to have fun, but he became very serious when it came to veterans issues.”

“I will definitely keep him in prayer this Sunday,” said Department of Nevada Chaplain Dan DePozo, who spoke at Miller’s grave during the visit. “In reverse, I will ask for him to pray for us.”

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H I S TORY OF

VETERANS DAY

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World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11,1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by

the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King,

(Continued on Page 8)

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8 | VETERANS DAY 2017 H I S TORY OF V E T E R A N S DAY

15th District Legionnaire

HONORING ALL THOSE WHO BRAVELY SERVED

(Continued from Page 7) Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

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The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 9

' L I M P- W R I S T E D L I B S ' HAV E RU I N E D F O OT BA L L

IT ONCE WAS A GREAT GAME Editor’s note: Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady is a recipient of the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He is former president of the Medal of Honor Society.

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Echoing many media-phobic NFL owners, Robert Kraft, in defending football players’ disrespect of our veterans and our country, said, “There is no greater unifier in this country than General Brady sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics.” He was responding to President Trump, who denounced divisive, pampered millionaires insulting and disrespecting our flag, our veterans and our people.

And Trump, by defending our flag, our veterans and our country, is divisive?

ed liberals are ruining it.

Kraft spoke on behalf of a team called the Patriots. A Patriot is one who defends and supports his country. As Trump did. Kraft, unbelievably, defends anti-patriotic players, who have not invested one drop of blood for our freedoms, in their disrespect for those who died for their freedom. His team needs to change its name. If sports are unifying and politics divisive, nothing can be more divisive than sports becoming political.

Consider what has happened to football. They have taken the punt return, once the most exciting play in football, out of the game. The great open-field runners of the past have been replaced by out-of-bounds runners, often to avoid a hit. The purpose of any play is to gain yards by hitting people. Not one single yard was ever gained out of bounds.

But football has more problems than players and owners who hate our country. It is a dying sport. In my judgment, it was once the most American of all our sports, emblematic of our motto: E Pluribus Unum. You have a group of people of diverse talents joined by merit, not race or privilege, united as a team for one goal. It epitomized the toughness, diversity, ingenuity, fortitude and togetherness that made our country great. Alas, the limp-wrist-

What is happening in football is happening to sports in general and is a reflection of how wimpy we are as a people. It has been my great honor to know heroes from World War I until today. Those guys were tough, brutally honest and would have scorned any notion of political correctness. I have noticed a softness over the generations, probably a function of our obsession with comfort, which Kahlil Gibran called “that stealthy thing that enters the house as a guest, then becomes host, and finally master. ” Whatever the reason, we are becoming wimps. Can you imagine men like Ty Cobb or Honus Wagner wearing a glove to protect their pinkies from that cruel hard bat? Or Johnny Unitas complaining because he was thrown to the ground?

In the past every player on the field was subject to the same rules. Now some players are more equal/valuable than others and subject to the Hillary rule: the rules don’t apply to them. Quarterbacks and receivers are as pad-protected as any other player – so why can’t they be hit like any other player? Many penalties are undefinable and decided by camera. There is a penalty flag on virtually every other play. The referees huddle more than the teams and often actually decide game

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outcomes. God help us if the race fascists discover that the referee in charge wears a white hat and the lesser referees wears black. And are their shirts black on white or white on black?

Combine all this with the ridiculous, obscene and juvenile gyrations of grown men celebrating how wonderful they are all over the field, and it is easy to see why fans are turning off.

I have heard all the medical stuff and understand. But the bottom line is wimpiness. If we don’t turn it around sooner or later, anti-wimps, who are not as comfortable as we are, will eat our lunch. I have never met a more dedicated sports fan than myself, but for the first time I switched channels when I saw millionaires disrespecting our country. (Tragically, many of these anti-patriots are blacks egged on by liberal Democrats who enslaved their ancestors and sponsored Jim Crow and segregation.)

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10 | VETERANS DAY 2017

NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R L E G ION C ON T I N U E S P U SH

CANNABIS AS PTSD TREATMENT THE AMERICAN LEGION

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Consistently advocating for research into what are deemed “alternative treatments” for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, The American Legion is urging the U.S. government to allow Department of Veterans Affairs medical providers to recommend the use of medical marijuana in states where medical marijuana laws exist.

Delegates to the 2017 National Convention in Reno, Nev., unanimously approved Resolution 28, which calls for permitting VA medical providers to openly discuss with veterans the use of marijuana for medical purposes, as well as recommend it where legal.

Resolution 28 points to examples of where cannabis has show medical benefits, including: • Medical studies from Israel have revealed positive use of marijuana in medical applications specifically in adult patients sustaining traumatic brain injury-type injuries; • In October 2003, the U.S. government U.S. Patent #6630507 for marijuana’s medical use, specifically claiming that cannabinoids are found to have application as neuroprotectants; and • The National Academy of Medicine and Science report in January 2017 shows conclusive evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for treatment of chronic pain in adults, as anti-emetics in treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and for improving patient reported multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms.

Current Veterans Health Administration policy prohibits VA providers from completing forms seeking recommendations or opinions regarding a veterans participation in a state marijuana program.

Resolution 28 was not the first medical marijuana-related resolution passed by The American Legion. During the Legion’s 2016 National Convention in Cincinnati, delegates passed Resolution 11, calling on the Drug Enforcement Agency to license privately funded medical marijuana production operations in the United States to enable safe and efficient cannabis drug development research; and urging Congress to remove marijuana from Schedule I and reclassify it in a category that, at a minimum, will recognize cannabis as a drug with potential medical value.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 11

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12 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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N E W NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R

'ARE YOU READY?'

BY STEVE B. BROOKS

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Standing at the podium after being the first woman elected as American Legion national commander, Denise Rohan had one question for the delegates to the Legion’s national convention in Reno, Nev.: “Are you ready?"

and, in reality, when you look at our four pillars and all of our programs, are you ready to continue to take care of our entire nation’s families?”

Rohan said her theme this year will be “Family First,” and that the theme is based on The American Legion’s motto of “For God and Country."

The Wisconsin resident challenged Legionnaires to work together to continue the organization’s 98 years of service to the nation, and its veterans, military and their families.

“I believe we were put here, where you are today, and in the positions you hold currently for the greater good,” Rohan said. “We are not here to judge one another. We are here to nurture and take care of one another. Families grow through love and support for one another. As an American Legion family – we need to treat each other in that same spirit – like part of our larger extended family."

“Are you ready to continue to join forces as part of the nation’s largest veteran service organization’s family?” Rohan asked. “Are you ready to Purple Up and show the nation that we are a family that not just takes care of our own members, we stand ready to take care of our active-duty military and their families, we take care of our veterans and their families

Taking a cue from the U.S. armed forces, Rohan chose the color purple for her membership shirts. “I chose purple for this year’s membership shirts to show that we are joining forces as an American Legion family,” she said. “Just like all branches of the military started working together and joined forces, they purpled up over the last several years, it

Denise Rohan

is time for The American Legion family to also purple up as we all work together for the common good.”

A 33-year Legionnaire and current member of Post 385 in Verona, Wis., and U.S. Army veteran, Rohan has served as post and department commander. But when her husband, Mike, was first approached about joining The American Legion and Denise identified herself as an eligible veteran, she said she was informed ‘Women join the Auxiliary.’

“That post that denied me membership 37 years ago, they have a picture of me on the wall with a sign that reads ‘She could have been a member of our Post. Remember, women are veterans too!’” Rohan said. “It is a great reminder that since the birth of The American Legion back in 1919, our leadership knew that a veteran was a veteran regardless of race, religion or gender. Women could vote for national commander before they could vote for the president of the United States. I know that women have been and continue to be in leadership positions in this organization.”

(Continued on Page 13)

True Heroes Often Don’t Think of Themselves That Way BUT WE KNOW A HERO WHEN WE SEE ONE

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 13

A R E YO U R E A DY ?

(Continued from Page 12) Rohan urged delegates to keep up the support for military families as servicemembers continue to be deployed across the world. “The American Legion family will stand tall next to our heroes and their families,” she said. “There are National Guard and reserve families living in your home towns who are feeling alone and afraid. Please continue to step up and make connections with those families. And, whenever possible, make that connection before the family member is deployed.

“Get to those Yellow Ribbon events that are happening prior to deployment. Get to know the Family Readiness Group leader for your units and let the families know what we do, who we are and what assistance we can offer on a daily basis.”

Rohan shared the story of being at a Veterans Day event in a community a few years ago.

The main speaker, a Gold Star father, shared the story about his son who had been killed in Afghanistan. During his speech a girl in the choir began crying and was escorted to the back of the room.

“When the program was over, the mother, who I had never met, sought me out in the crowd,” Rohan said. “She wanted to say thank you to The American Legion on behalf of her family. You see, one of the times that her husband had been deployed there was a fire in her home, and they also had a broken water heater. The local American Legion stepped up, helped her apply for Temporary Financial Assistance and then came to her home and helped make repairs.

“The mom said she is confident that had it not been for The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program and the Legionnaires who helped repair their home, her husband may not have returned home safely. With things being taken care of at home, she knew that she did not need to trouble her husband with those issues. He could concentrate on his mission and could have one less worry on the battlefield, thanks to The American Legion family. Because that’s what we do and that’s who we are.”

Rohan said that along with Temporary Financial Assistance, she also will ask Legion family members to provide financial support to the Legion’s service officers program. “We witnessed history here yesterday as President Trump signing The Veterans Appeals Modernization Act of 2017 here on our stage,” she said. “This will help claims and appeals get processed faster, but we need trained service officers to assist in getting claims properly submitted. The faster we can get veterans the benefits they earned, the faster they can go on to lead happy, productive lives. It doesn’t just help the veteran; it helps the entire family.”

Rohan also said it’s time for Legion posts to start inviting the community in to show all the great work they are doing. She said hosting a Veterans Day meal is a perfect opportunity to do so.

“Make sure to include current and expired members, members of your holding post, Blue Star and Gold Star mothers, student veterans, military recruiters, members of the National Guard and reserve along with their families, veterans in local care facilities or hospitals and their families,” Rohan said. “Let’s light up social media with the world’s largest Veterans Day celebration this nation has ever seen. Let’s feed the entire community, because putting on great community meals is another great part of who we are and what we do.

“To make a difference in someone's life, you don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care enough to be there.”

Rohan was employed with the University of Wisconsin Madison as the assistant bursar of student loans until her retirement in 2012. She managed the University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Wisconsin Green Bay and University of Wisconsin Colleges’ $120 million loan portfolio made up of approximately 200 different federal, institutional and state programs in compliance with all laws, regulations and policy.

Elected as national vice commanders were Bobby Bryant of the Department of Oklahoma, Larry Marcouillier of the Department of Delaware, Paula Stephenson of the Department of Utah, William Flanagan of the Department of Illinois and Byron Callies of the Department of South Dakota.

Appointing to the remaining national offices were National Historian Richard Dubay of Michigan; National Chaplain Robert Vick of Florida and National Sergeant-at-Arms Roy Helms.

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Culligan of Bakersfield 116 baker st Bakersfield, Ca. 93305 661-324-4718 culliganbk.com

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14 | VETERANS DAY 2017

A B I T A B O U T. . .

VETERANS CRISIS LINE

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The caring responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Some of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what Veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges Veterans of all ages and service eras face.

Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered nearly 2.8 million calls and initiated the dispatch of emergency services to callers in crisis nearly 74,000 times.

The Veterans Crisis Line anonymous online chat service, added in 2009, has engaged in more than 332,000 chats. In November 2011, the Veterans Crisis Line introduced a text-messaging service to provide another way for Veterans to connect with confidential, round-the-clock support, and since then has responded to more than 67,000 texts.

In 2011, the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline was renamed the Veterans Crisis Line to encourage Veterans and their families and friends to make the call. People who know a Veteran best may be the first to recognize emotional distress and reach out for support when issues reach a crisis point — and well before a Veteran is at risk of suicide.

To make sure all Veterans and their loved ones are aware of the Veterans Crisis Line, VA is coordinating with communities and partners nationwide to let Veterans and their loved ones know that support is available whenever, if ever, they need it.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 15

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16 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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M I S SION OF T H E

AMERICAN LEGION

BY NATIONAL COMMANDER CHARLES E. SCHMIDT

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The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time. American Legion Baseball is one of the nation’s most successful amateur athletic programs, educating young people about the importance of sportsmanship, citizenship and fitness. The Operation Comfort Warriors program supports recovering wounded warriors and their families, providing them with "comfort items" and the kind of support that makes a hospital feel a little bit more like home. The Legion also raises millions of dollars in donations at the local, state and national levels to help veterans and their families during times of need and to provide college scholarship opportunities.

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation's veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership.

The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.

Talented. Smart. Confident. You and VF

it! f r u o y Find

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 17

VET SUICIDE WATCH

VA L L E Y B I L L TO C OM BAT V E T E R A N SU IC I DE G E T S G OV E R N OR’ S SIG NAT U R E

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An effort to reduce the number of former service members taking their own lives every year will soon be underway in California, after bipartisan legislation from two Central Valley State Assemblymen is signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

Honoring All That Have Served

AB242 will make California one of 22 states to accurately report veteran suicide rates by requiring the person filling out a death certificate to include whether the deceased was ever in the Armed Forces of the United States.

JUST ANNOUNCED FRIENDS & FAMILY PRICING

The legislation was given public support from a number of veterans groups when it was officially unveiled in March (click here to read more). National statistics show 22 veterans take their own lives every day, but that figure does not include California.

“Men and women returning home to California after serving their country deserve all the help we can give them,” says Assemblyman Jim Patterson.

Veterans THANK YOU

We salute you!

“Not knowing how many of those heroes are making the decision to end their lives is not acceptable.”

Patterson is one of the two who introduced the legislation – the other is Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula.

“As a physician, I know accurate data will help us better understand the full scope of the problem of veteran suicides in California,” says Arambula.

Founded on Faith, Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Excellence

“I believe this information will reinforce the fact that we need to provide better support to our former military service members.”

The new law is due to come into effect January 2019.

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18 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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Serving my Country and now

SERVING MY COMMUNITY Jeffrey Nalesnik, Lt. Col, USAF, MC, FS 1997, Luke AFB, Arizona F-16 Fighting Falcon

JEFFREY NALESNIK, MD

Kern Medical Urology

Kern Medical is proud to be a credentialed provider of the Veterans Choice Program. Now serving veterans with Primary and Specialty care at multiple locations!

If you have VA Medical Benefits, call Triwest at 866.606.8198 to learn more about the Veterans Choice Program and how to receive medical services at Kern Medical.

To learn about other Veteran benefits that you may be eligible for, please call the Kern County Veterans Service Department at 661.868.7300.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 19

MILLION VETERAN PROGRAM Overview The Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development is launching the Million Veteran Program (MVP), an important partnership between VA and Veterans. The goal of MVP is to better understand how genes affect health and illness in order to improve health care for Veterans. Participation in MVP is entirely voluntary and will not in any way affect Veterans' access to health care or benefits. MVP has extensive safeguards in-place to ensure information security and patient confidentiality are top priorities.

MVP is a research program that could allow current Veterans to help transform health care, not only for themselves, but for future generations of Veterans

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PURPOSE What is the purpose of the Million Veteran Program?

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Research and Development program is launching the Million Veteran Program (MVP), an important partnership between VA and Veterans to learn more about how genes affect health, to improve health care for Veterans. In order to do this, MVP will establish one of the largest databases of genetic, military exposure, lifestyle, and health information. Research findings based on MVP may lead to new ways of preventing and treating illnesses in Veterans. Such findings may help answer questions like "Why does a treatment work well for some Veterans but not for others?"; "Why are some Veterans at a greater risk for developing an illness?"; and "How can we prevent certain illnesses in the first place?" With the expected enrollment of one million Veterans over the next five to seven years, MVP aims to be one of the largest databases of its kind in the United States.

Proud to support our Veterans!

What are genes and how do they affect health?

Genes determine the color of our eyes and hair, our height, and other personal traits. Through interactions with our environment and various lifestyle factors, genes may also contribute to our risk for disease, including common illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, genes may be a critical part of why some people get diseases and others do not. Genes may also affect how we respond to certain medications. Because of their genetic make-up, some people may respond better than others to a particular treatment, or experience different side effects. Overall, a better understanding of how genes work may help to prevent, and improve treatment of, disease. An increasingly common way to gain knowledge about genes and health is to collect genetic samples and health information from large groups of people, and compare which genes are linked to which health traits.

How does this important research help Veterans?

Veterans—and in fact all Americans—stand to benefit greatly as researchers learn more about the effects of genes on health. Screening, diagnosis, and treatment for some illnesses—such as some forms of cancer—have already been improved through knowledge about the effects of certain genes. MVP will lead to new knowledge about which genes put people at risk for certain diseases, and which ones affect how people respond to treatment. This knowledge may eventually lead to better treatments and preventive measures for many diseases, including common illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

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20 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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VET HOME CONSTRUCTION VA TO R E V I SE S TAT E V E T E R A N HOM E C ON S T RU C T ION R E G U L AT ION S

New Regulations Will Make it Easier for Rural Communities to Compete for Grants for their Projects State Veterans Homes provide Veterans with nursing home, domiciliary or adult day health care and are owned, operated and managed by State governments.

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Currently, the construction grant regulations focus on Veteran demographics as well as nursing home and domiciliary bed need within a State, when determining priority group placement based on projected demand for assistance.

Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for some rural areas to compete for VA State Home Construction Grants. In highly rural areas, there could be a 500-mile distance from one State Veterans Home to the next, which gives family members limited options when searching for a conveniently located facility for a Veteran family member.

By incorporating a consideration for the need of Veterans in rural areas into the ranking priorities for grant applications in the regulations, rural States may find it easier to compete for the limited VA construction grant funding that is available.

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“We want to remove the red tape,” said Secretary Shulkin. “Veterans in rural areas need to be able to get nursing home care when it’s needed as close as possible to their homes, families and friends. Changes in VA regulations can save families from having to travel long distances to visit a loved one in a facility far from home.”

VA anticipates that the revision of these regulations will be completed by the end of this calendar year (2017). The updated regulations will be available for public comment. VA is working to ensure that the updated regulations go into effect as soon as possible.

God Bless America Land that I love Stand Beside Her

BLAKE

State Superintendent of Public Instruction

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For Real Ti Time IInformation f 661-869-2GET (2438) or on the website at www.getbus.org

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Areas of Practice

Borton Petrini, LLP is Kern County’s oldest law firm, serving the community for over 115 years.

5060 California Avenue, Suite 700 Bakersfield, California 93309 Tel: (661) 322-3051 Fax: (661) 322-4628 www.bortonpetrini.com

Agricultural Law Business & Civil Litigation Business Law Commercial Law Construction Law & Defect Contract Law Corporate Law Employment & Labor Law Estate Planning & Probate Family Law Insurance Defense Land Use Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Property Association Law Real Estate Law Transportation/Trucking Law Water Rights

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 21

E X E TLECROM P OMSATN9DE 4 R'S NAT IONA

BOYS AND GIRLS STATE DINNER

The cake for our boys and girls state delegates and Exeter's mayor Teresa Boyce

Boys and Girls State Delegates

Proudly supports the 15th District American Legion

District 15 chairman Karen Herrera

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22 | VETERANS DAY 2017

NAT IONA C OM DI SLT R IC TM1A5N DE R ' S

NAT IONA C OM DI SLT R IC TM1A5N DE R ' S

EVENT PHOTOS

Juan Lopez hands over the Gavel to Eddie Orosco the new commander

15th District Legionnaire

HONORS FLAG & NEW OFFICERS

Porterville honor guard attend flag raising at the local Walmart on Memorial Day

This years Honor flag Jim Nanamura family are the guest of honor during this last Memorial day Avenue of Flags ceremony.

Ladies Auxiliary

Installation of District 15 Aux

David Graham visits Visalia Post and Aux. ladies set up our memorial service

Juan Lopez installs new officers of District 15

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NAT IONAPLOC S OM T 2M 0 A N DE R ' S

FLAG DAY / OPTIMAL HOSPICE

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 23

NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R ' S

DINUBA WALL MEMORIAL

Post 20 getting ready for Flag day and replace the "BIG" flag down town Porterville

L ENAT G ION NA LI RCEOM OFM T E YRE' SA R IONA AH N DE

JOHN ALBA

Commander Dowling present thank you plaque to out going commander Art Samora

Post 20 Riders present Optimal Hospice with check for 7000 which was earned during their poker run

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24 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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NAT IONA C OM DI SLT R IC TM1A5N DE R ' S

NEW DISTRICT COMMANDER

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 25

MODERNIZATION ACT

T RUM P SIG N S A P P E A L S M ODE R N I Z AT ION AC T AT A M E R IC A N L E G ION C ON V E N T ION

BY HENRY HOWARD

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President Trump signed legislation Wednesday at The American Legion’s National Convention that will go a long way toward fixing the beleaguered VA appeals process.

appeals to be fully adjudicated is five years. If nothing changes, by 2027 veterans will wait an average of 10 years to get a decision.

“To fulfill our patriotic duties, we must take care of our great veterans,” Trump told about 9,000 American Legion members at the second day of the general session in Reno, Nev. “One year ago at this gathering, I promised you that I would make it my priority to fix the broken VA system and deliver to our veterans the care they so richly deserve.”

American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt welcomed the news.

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 creates three appeals “lanes.” Veterans would choose the one that best suits his or her needs.

The three lanes will be: • Local Higher Level Review Lane in which an adjudicator reviews the same evidence considered by the original claims processor.

• New Evidence Lane in which the veteran could submit new evidence for review and have a hearing.

• Board Lane in which jurisdiction for the appeal would transfer immediately to the Board of Veterans Appeals.

“I want to thank The American Legion for getting this done,” the president said. “It’s something they’ve been trying to get done for 40 years. And we’ve passed VA accountability legislation. The Legion has a lot of power and they use it well.”

The law’s impact will be felt for a long time. “No longer will veterans be waiting to get their appeals heard,” Trump said. “And they will get decisions much more quickly in a faction of the time.”

As of last spring, more than 470,000 appeals of claims decisions were pending. The average wait time for these

The bipartisan bill, H.R. 2288, was crafted with much input from The American Legion. It is expected to shorten the average wait time for final appeal decisions from five years to 125 days.

"Today's signing is a major victory for America's veterans," Schmidt said. "I can think of no better place for the president to sign this bill than at the national convention of America's largest and most influential veterans service organization. The legislation is a simple, fair and appropriate way to ensure that our nation's veterans — and their families — receive their earned benefits in a timely and efficient manner."

During his speech to The American Legion, Trump also addressed other key issues: • Patriotism: “The American Legion embodies the spirit of patriotism. That is the true source of our strength and the hope for our future. You cherish our values and you defend our great American flag.”

• American flag: “It is time to heal the wounds that have divided us, and to seek a new unity based on the common values that unite us. We are one people, with one home, and one flag,” • Infrastructure: "We don’t have to be content with a dilapidated road system with crumbling buildings or rusted out factories. We can build gleaming new highways and state-of-the-art manufacturing and modern works of wonder. And we can do it all with American workers and American iron, aluminum and steel.”

• Young people: “Every veteran here today is part of a long, unbroken chain of American heroes. We salute your service. The American Legion not only teaches history, you help keep history alive. You teach young

(Continued on Page 35)

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26 | VETERANS DAY 2017

NAT IONA L C OM M A N DE R C A L L S F OR HO U SE TO PAS S

LEGION COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT

BY STEVEN MAYER

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The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act, which passed the U.S. Senate on Aug. 3, is picking up momentum in the House of Representatives.

The legislation, H.R. 2519, had 322 co-sponsors on Sept 6. Congress only authorizes the minting of two commemorative coins per year, an honor that the nation’s largest veterans organization deserves, according to American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan.

“Next year The American Legion will hold its 100th National Convention, an historic commemoration of a great century of service,” Rohan said. “It would be fitting for The American Legion to enter that historic gathering in Minneapolis with a collectible commemorative coin worthy of the great Legionnaires who dedicated themselves to service during the last one hundred years. We salute the United States Senate for passing The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. We call on the House of Representatives to do the same. I call on all members of The American Legion Family and friends of The American Legion to ask their representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 2519 and pass this act now.”

Once it passes the House, it would advance to the White House for the president’s signature.

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We are proud to support our veterans and active duty service members.

POST 20

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 27

VA TO I N C R E ASE AC C E S S TO S A F E A N D E F F E C T I V E

LUNG SCREENING PROGRAMS

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WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new partnership to increase access to lung screening for Veterans.

Sponsored by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, the project brings together experts from within and outside VA to develop the VA-PALS Implementation Network (VA-Partnership to increase Access to Lung Screening). Its goal is to develop early-detection programs for lung cancer, a malignancy with an 80 percent cure rate when caught early.

This new project will launch lung-screening services at the Phoenix VA Health Care System by December 2017, and then extend these services to nine additional VA medical facilities starting in 2018. Once fully implemented, the project has the potential to become even more widely available throughout VA.

Thank you for your service to our country.

B A K E R S F I E L D • F R E S N O • SA N D I E G O • K L E I N L AW. C O M

“This partnership is another example of VA’s work to improve Veterans health and wellbeing,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “The VA-PALS lung screening initiative demonstrates our priority to work together with outside organizations to provide more efficient care aimed at addressing serious health concerns.”

The VA-PALS initiative builds upon lessons learned from currently available screening programs, including those of VA’s Office of Rural Health, which is supporting the project’s goal to reach Veterans living in rural areas. It also adds to a portfolio of other major VA lung cancer initiatives, which include the VALOR Trial (Veterans Affairs Lung Cancer Or Stereotactic Radiotherapy) and the APOLLO Network (Applied Proteogenomics OrganizationaL Learning and Outcomes).

“Research shows that with comprehensive lung screening programs, early identification of lung cancer leads to more effective treatments and, ultimately, saves lives,” said John Damonti, president of Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. “The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is proud to partner with the VA-PALS Implementation Network in this important step to increase access to state-of-the-art screening for Veterans at risk of lung cancer.”

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to those brave patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten.”

"Our veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called."

- Bill Shuster

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

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28 | VETERANS DAY 2017

T R A N SF E R R E D TO P O S T E V E R L AS T I N G . . .

LON CHANEY L

Longtime veterans advocate ‘Lon' Chaney passes away:

Gordon "Lon" Chaney, lifelong Delano area resident and known for his support of veterans activities and biographer for Delano Olympians Leamon King and Lon Spurrier, has died at age 79.

Lon, who said that he was 39 years old and could prove it, was born in 1938 to Marion "Hate_and_ Lena Mae (Beam) Chaney, the sixth of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia Rowland and brothers Raymond and Melza Chaney. The family was prominent founding members of the Richgrove community.

For 31 years he served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital Corpsman. He jokingly said, "I almost made the Navy a career." He is a Vietnam veteran who served on the hospital ship USS Repose (AH-16).

His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal; the Navy Achievement Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal; 4 Stars; and Vietnam Campaign Medal, 4 Stars.

Chaney was past post commander of American Legion Post No. 124, and he was honored as 40/8, Chef de Gare. Upon his military retirement and graduation from Cal State University Bakersfield, he served the Delano community. as an educator and leader.

He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of Delano-Wasco Lodge #309, being honored as their 2015 Mason of the Year. He was also a proud member of the B.P.O.E. Elks of Delano. In May, 2015, he traveled to Washington DC with the Kern County Honor Flight for Vietnam veterans.

His greatest achievement was his family. He and first wife Linda adopted brothers Gary and Glen. This blessing resulted in the birth of a daughter, Jennifer. In 1995, seven years after Linda's death, Lon married his second wife, Zana, bringing her and daughter Christina Perez, into the family.

He is survived by his wife Zana of 22 years, his children, Gary Chaney, Delano; Glen and Patti Chaney, Oklahoma; Jennifer and Jed Scott, Bakersfield; and Christina Perez, Delano.

He is also survived by brother Richard Chaney, Delano; sister Ruth Branch, Oregon; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services were to take place Tuesday, May 30, at First Assembly of God Church in Delano.

A graveside service with military honors was to follow at North Kern Cemetery. Masonic Rites were by Delano-Wasco No. 309. A celebration of life was held at American Legion Hall following graveside. Camp Hamilton Veteran Memorial Park was to honor Chaney at their Memorial Day ceremony and a tree will be planted on Veterans Day 2017. The Chaney family gives thanks to all for the kind love and support received through this difficult time: For it matters not, how much we own, the care… the house… the cash What matters is how do we live and love and how we spend our dash.

A memorial tribute can be offered by logging in to www.SalserAndDillard.com

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 29

FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE. Thank you to all the men and women of our Armed Forces.

www.BakersfieldHeartHospital.com

New name.

Same 5-star care.

The only hospital in Kern County ranked in the top 5% in the nation for overall care for three years in a row The only hospital in Kern County to receive the 5-Star Award for stroke care for 4 straight years Recipient of more 5-Star Awards for heart care than any other hospital in Kern County

ahbakersfield.org

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30 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM VA C A R E G I V E R SU P P ORT P RO G R A M R E SUM E S F U L L OP E R AT ION S

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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.

“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 and improve this important program.”

VA’s three-month review indicated a need for better communication about clinical revocations, improved internal processes and procedures, and additional staff training.

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 VA is committed to listening to the voices of those who care for Veterans of all eras and to collaborating to improve services, outreach and awareness.

The caregiver program website has also been redesigned, and now includes a section linking caregivers 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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EXCHANGE SHOPPING BEGINS! Beginning Veterans Day, November 11, 2017 Online Military Exchange Shopping Benefit Extended To Veterans

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(Bakersfield, CA) The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced that veterans will soon be able to shop online at military exchanges. The policy change will extend limited online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans as a lifetime benefit.

The shopping benefit will be effective this Veterans Day, November 11, 2017, and will include the four military exchange systems - Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES), Navy Exchange (NEX), Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), and Coast Guard Exchange (CGX). Previously, only active duty military and military retirees could shop online at the Exchange, so this is a major policy change to help our nation's veterans.

While shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products, it includes the Exchange Services' dynamic online retail environment known so well to service members and their families.

Eligibility determination is being conducted by VetVerify (https:llwww.vetverify.org), a shared verification service with the four military exchanges that depends on the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) for service verification data.

As a nation, we are grateful for the contributions of our service members. Offering this lifetime online benefit is one small, tangible way the nation can say 'Thank you' to those who served with honor. Only a veteran can use the program, not the spouse, dependents, or surviving spouses. The veteran must have an honorable discharge, and be in the database of the DMDC. The online benefit will also strengthen the exchanges' online businesses to better serve current patrons. Inclusion of honorably discharged veterans would conservatively double the exchanges online presence, according to DOD officials, thereby improving the experience for all patrons through improved vendor terms, more competitive merchandise assortments and improved efficiencies.

The goal of the Kern County Veterans Service Department remains the same today as when it was first established in 1944: To assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors to obtain the benefits they have earned as a result of their honorable military service.

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T R A N SF E R R E D TO P O S T E V E R L AS T I N G

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DICK SMITTY SMITH

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Served in the US Air Force from 1952-1956 Served in New Mexico for 2 years, Germany 1954-1956 US Army – Served 2 years for Cuban Crisis Nation Guard Armory 1974-1994 Eight time Good Conduct Medal Korean Ambassador of Good Will Honorable Discharge Life Member for Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association Life Member- National Order of Trench Rats In 1974 he joined the Veterans of Foreign War Post 8809 Life member – AmVet American Legion – 44 year member - PUFL Member of the La Societe Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevauk, Voyageur 93.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 33

MEDICAL MARIJUANA A M E R IC A N L E G ION A D OP T S R E S OLU T ION SU P P ORT I N G M E DIC A L M A R I J UA NA

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RENO, Nev. — The American Legion adopted a resolution Thursday urging the federal government to allow Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to discuss and recommend medical marijuana in states where it's legal, adding to the group's efforts to get cannabis in the hands of veterans it could help.

The resolution, passed at the group's national convention in Reno, Nevada, was authored

by American Legion member Rob Ryan of Blue Ash, Ohio. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio has the fourth highest rate of overdose deaths in the nation, behind West Virginia, New Hampshire and Kentucky. It's also one of the 29 states that permit some form of cannabis use. Ryan said he's heard from veterans "over and over and over again" who use marijuana as an alternative to addictive opioids.

"Our state congressmen, when the American Legion says something, they listen. Hopefully, this will have the same impact at the federal level," Ryan said. "People should not be afraid to go to their doctors and talk honestly."

Ryan shepherded the resolution through his local American Legion post, and then took it to the county, district and state level before it was discussed in Reno this week. Sue Sisley, a psychiatrist studying marijuana's effects on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, called it a "game changer."

The American Legion represents 2 million veterans nationwide. As President Donald Trump spoke Wednesday at the convention, he described the group as a "very powerful organization."

The American Legion first acted in support of medical marijuana last summer, when it decided to put its weight behind an effort to remove marijuana from the list of Schedule I drugs to allow for more research. Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD and Ecstasy, and are designated as having no medical use.

The group has also requested meetings with Trump with the intention to ask him to change his administration's policy on cannabis.

In May, VA Secretary David Shulkin said he was open to new evidence showing marijuana could be used to treat veterans. But VA policy implemented in 2011 prohibits its health care providers from sharing their opinions with veterans about marijuana or recommending it for medical use.

Attempts in recent years to lift that prohibition have failed in Congress.

Last year, the "Veterans Equal Access" measure passed the House as part of a VA appropriations bill, with a vote of 233-189. It also passed the Senate on a vote of 89-9, but it was stripped out of the final legislation during negotiations to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions.

This July, the House Rules Committee blocked the amendment from going to the House floor for debate. However, the Senate could include the measure in its VA appropriations legislation. Senators are expected to discuss the federal budget when they return in September from a monthlong recess.

"Year after year, we've never been able to pass the Veterans Equal Access amendment," Sisley said Thursday. "With the full weight of the American Legion behind this next round of legislation, I know we can finally get this approved."

During the convention on Wednesday, five American Legion members from Alabama and two from New Mexico went with Sisley to Nevada Botanical Science — a cannabis cultivation site located in an industrial park just north of Reno.

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HOMELESS VETERANS OUTREACH AND SUPPORT S A DLY, C A L I F OR N IA L E A D S T H E C O U N T RY W I T H 2 5 % OF T H E TOTA L

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In 2012, the VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated that the number of homeless veterans nationwide to be approximately 62,619. At that time, approximately 25% of homeless veterans were located in California: the highest percentage of any other state. In the last several years, the homeless veteran population in California has been nearly cut in half, but there is still work to be done.

Veterans often suffer from conditions that make it difficult to find and maintain gainful employment and pay for housing.

Along with the high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), the VA has found that approximately 55% of homeless veterans

suffer from mental health issues, 70% are affected by substance abuse issues, and 40% of female homeless veterans report experience severe forms of mental illness, mostly due to higher rates of military sexual trauma (MST).

CalVet is addressing veteran homelessness by working with various government and non-government agencies and organizations, throughout California, to provide advocacy and services needed by the homeless population and those dealing with the threat of becoming homeless. To find housing assistance programs available in the area, call (800) 952-5626 or (800) 221-8998 (outside California).

Support Services The HUD-VASH program provides longterm case management, supportive services, and permanent housing support. The SSVF program provides funding for organizations that provide eligible veteran families with outreach, financial assistance, case management and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, to ensure homeless veterans or veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To be connected with a trained

VA staff member, please call (877) 4AID VET (877-424-3838).

Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) The core mission of HCHV is primarily to perform outreach, provided by VA social workers and other mental health clinicians, to identify homeless veterans who are eligible for VA services and assist these veterans in accessing appropriate healthcare and benefits. In addition to its initial core mission, HCHV also functions as a mechanism to contract with providers for communitybased residential treatment for homeless veterans. For more information, please visit http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HCHV.asp.

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M ODE R N I Z AT ION AC T

We Salute Veterans.

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(Continued from Page 27) Americans to have pride in our history so that they will have confidence in our future, history and culture. For generations now, The American Legion has taught young people the principles of America. You’ve emphasized the need to preserve the nation’s cultural, moral and patriotic values. You encourage the observation of patriotic holidays. You stress the need to enforce our laws, including our immigration laws.”

• Newly signed Harry Colmery GI Bill: “Under this legislation, veterans can use their GI Bill at any point in their lifetimes.”

• Recent violence: "We will never tolerate crime in our cities, bloodshed in our communities, or acts of hatred or terrorism against our citizens. We will always support our great law enforcement personnel.”

• Defense spending: “We are committed to expanding and improving our missile defense systems to shoot down missiles in flight. We are getting better and better at it. We will develop better surveillance and long-strike capabilities to prevent our enemies from launching them in the first place.”

Trump also noted positive gains in the war on terrorism, while noting that more work needs to be done to prevent Islamic State and other organizations from using the Internet as a recruiting tool. “We will pursue an honorable outcome in Afghanistan,” Trump said. “Our troops have already made a tremendous sacrifice. We will give the men and women in uniform the tools they need and the trust they have earned to fight and to win.”

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M E DIC A L M A R I J UA NA

(Continued from Page 33)

600,000 VETERANS

They toured three grow rooms — each holding hundreds of marijuana plants at various stages of development — and a lab where marijuana is concentrated into a substance that can be used in vaporizer pens. The veterans watched a staff member take a typical "dose" from a vaporizer pen.

Army veteran Donna Stacey, the state commander for the Alabama American Legion, said she wanted to know more because of the resolution. As a leader for her state, Stacey is expected to talk with her congressmen about the American Legion's priorities, including medical marijuana.

Recreational use of marijuana became legal in Nevada on July 1. Alabama doesn't permit any form of marijuana use.

"It's hard to talk about something when you're really clueless, when all you're doing is reading about it," Stacey said. "When we go to Congress and say, 'We want you to support us to see if this has any value in treating our veterans,' now we can say we've been to a facility where they're doing some controlled growing. And it gives some added value."

Sisley approached more than 100 veterans at the convention hall in Reno, asking that they go along on the tour. Almost all of them said no. Some veterans admitted it was because of the stigma associated with marijuana.

Stacey's husband, Wayne — who is also an Army veteran and American Legion member — went along on the tour.

"We like to be informed. We work with veterans every day, and the more we know about what is out there, the better equipped we are to help them," Wayne Stacey said. "The more people who are exposed and become more knowledgeable and informed, you can see some changes."

HOM E L E S S V E T E R A N S O U T R E AC H

(Continued from Page 32) Continuum of Care The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates HUD homeless assistance grants to organizations that participate in local homeless assistance program planning networks. Each of these networks is called a Continuum of Care (CoC). CoC committees at the city, county and state level coordinate their efforts to identify the needs of local homeless populations, the resources that are currently available in the community to address those needs, and additional resources needed to fill identified gaps. The CoC process is a community-based approach that encourages the creation of collaborative and comprehensive systems to meet the diverse of needs of local homeless populations.

Stand Downs Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events organized by community-based veterans’ services organizations, non-profit organizations, and veterans service organizations with cooperation from a variety of state, federal, and private agencies. Stand Downs provide vital services for veterans, such as: food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services like housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment. In addition, veterans have access to Homeless Courts where they are able to resolve minor violations and warrants.

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VA IMPROVES QUALITY OF CARE!

VA SE C R E TA RY N OT E S I M P ROV E M E N T S SP E A R H E A DE D B Y L E G ION

BY HENRY HOWARD

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The Department of Veterans Affairs has improved the quality of care while reducing wait times, VA Secretary David Shulkin told 9,000 American Legion Family members Wednesday morning in Reno, Nev. “Our major priority this fall is to get the Choice Program working in a way that works better for you, takes out the red tape, takes out the complexity and changes it from a system based on an administrator to a system that functions in a clinical way, the way it should function,” Shulkin said. “That will give veterans greater choice over their care. We’re going to eliminate the 40-mile, 30-day requirement. That doesn’t make sense for people who want to get health care.”

Shulkin cited Choice as one example of how VA is working to improve for veterans. “(Choice) is fundamentally important,” he said. “It’s our primary strategy of how we are going to make the VA a better place, to make it more competitive. When people want to get services from you, it makes you want to get better.”

He credited the Legion for helping usher in five major new pieces of legislation that benefit veterans, including the updated GI Bill, VA accountability, Choice legislation and VA appeals modernization.

“The American Legion does fantastic work,” the secretary said. “It’s an amazing organization and I love working with The American Legion.”

Providing greater choice for veterans is one of five major priorities that Shulkin created to improve VA. The four others are: • Modernizing VA: Under this initiative, Shulkin included infrastructure improvements. He noted that there were more than 400 VA facilities dating back to the Civil or Revolutionary wars.

“Too many of our facilities are getting old and in disrepair,” he said. “We are going to be disposing of 1,100 facilities that are vacant or underutilized and reinvesting those resources back into facilities that veterans are being cared for right now. That will allow us to rebuild and to modernize our VA.” • Improving timeliness of services: Referring to the waittime crisis in Phoenix from a few years ago, Shulkin said, “That can never happen again.” His goal: “Making sure that every veteran with an urgent critical need never has to wait for care.”

Shulkin also noted that the timeliness of appeals must be improved, saying that the recent bill to address this modernizes legislation that had not been updated since before World War II began. He said that in March 2013, there were more than 611,000 claims that had been backlogged over 125 days, compared with just over 92,400 as of this past June.

•F ocusing resources more effectively: Shulkin noted that since President Trump was inaugurated, there have been 500 VA employees removed from their positions.

“We are no longer going to tolerate employees who do not share the values that we share; that it is an honor and a privilege to serve our veterans,” Shulkin said. “We’re moving those people out of the VA because they have lost their right to work in the VA.” He also emphasized the need to focus on medical care that is not as prevalent in the private sector, such as treatment for PTSD and TBI. “We’re actually moving more money into those programs, doubling down on those strategies to really build world-class facilities across the country for things that matter to our veterans,” the secretary said.

•A ddressing suicide prevention: Calling the 22 daily suicides by veterans, “a public health crisis across America,” Shulkin noted how VA is working to reduce the number. He said that the Veterans Crisis Line has greatly reduced the number of blocked calls — from 30 percent to less than 1 percent now — by hiring more staff to handle the calls. “If veterans are getting the right care and help, we can make a difference.”

Shulkin says that there is evidence that veterans are trusting their VA facilities more than in the past. He cited Yelp, an online review system where users can review and rate services, restaurants, hotels and more.

According to Yelp reviews, VA hospitals received an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars, compared with 3.19, the average for non-VA hospitals. “While we have a long way to go until we are satisfied, this is an indication that we are doing some things better and we are moving in the right direction.”

Shulkin promised that more changes are on the way. “For too long we have neglected modernizing the VA,” he said. “You are going to see a number of decisions I will be announcing to modernize the system.”

In conclusion, Shulkin said, “We will never let this system be privatized.”

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BJ3196_VetransDay_Discount_ad_r3.indd 1

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 39

TERRY M. TILEY, MMCM T HA N K YO U S T E R L I N G & S M I T H FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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Terry M. Tilley" MMCM, United States Navy retired, passed away on November 5. 2016. On April 28.2017, a burial with full military honors took place at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington. VA.

We would like to thank Sterling & Smith Funeral Directors for everything they have done for us and our Navy veteran. I am sure most funeral home owners and employees show sympathy, Concern and kindness to the bereaved. This funeral chapel met that expectation and more.

I spoke with Rosie at Sterling and Smith a' week before Terry died. I asked many questions 'which included the daily rate to keep Terry with them five or six months until his funeral at Arlington. She spoke with 'Ron and Tony and told me there would not be a daily rate and they said it would be their honor to keep Terry with them as long as needed.

I let Terry know he would be entrusted to Sterling & Smith until he went to Arlington.

I also told him Ron and Tony Smith said it would be their honor to keep him at their funeral chapel and that they thank him and all veterans and military for their service to this country.

Terry lost his battle with ALS on November 5, '2016. I called Tony and Sterling & Smith took over from there. Rosie did the customary and Arlington arrangements with us which included options, details, and pricing. She was able to do this without making it feel like a business.

On many occasions throughout this lengthy process. Ron and Tony continued to express to me their ap- preciation and respect for the military and veterans of this country.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

Words cannot express our gratitude to Sterling. & Smith Funeral Directors for everything they have done for us and our veteran and Terry thanks you too.

From the family of MMCM Terry M Tilley. U.S. Navy retired.

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THE LEGION'S TESTIMONY TO CONGRESS V E T E R A N ’ S F I NA N C IA L P R O T E C T I O N L E G I S L AT I O N

BY JOHNATHON CLINKSCALES

A

American Legion National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division Assistant Director Alex Zhang testified before Congress on Sept. 13 to give the Legion’s position on pending leg-

islation.

The hearing, held by the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, took place at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Witnesses spoke on three separate panels which included members of the House representatives, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) officials, as well as five veterans service organizations.

Zhang testified on the Legion’s behalf regarding H.R. 3122, the Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2017.

“H.R. 3122 is a step in a positive direction for veterans as it helps to create protections to prevent or minimize financial scams directed at veterans who are surviving on a minimal salary,” Zhang said. “H.R. 3122 also creates a national standard directed by the GAO to other federal agencies to follow the guidelines set in this law.”

Many times veterans are preyed upon by less than scrupulous organizations looking for a quick buck, Zhang said.

These veterans are often in nursing homes or living paycheck to paycheck.

The American Legion supports H.R. 3122 and any legisla-

tion that aims to stop scams targeting veterans, he said.

looking at veterans as ones and zeros on a line item.”

“We owe it to the men and women who protected this country by defending them from organizations that thrive on scams targeting veterans,” Zhang said.” We applaud Congressman Matt Cartwright for spearheading this initiative.”

If a veteran owes the VA money, Zhang said they should repay, but should at least be treated with dignity and properly informed of their rights before collection starts. Many of these issues can be avoided if the VA remembers that veterans are humans with real-life issues, he said.

The Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017, currently a draft bill, spells out the steps a debt collector should follow when attempting to collect debt a veteran has incurred.

“They are not the enemy and should not be treated as such,” Zhang said.

According to Zhang, this is a necessary precaution as there are many veterans who are unable to fully grasp the magnitude of correspondences sent to their home, or in many instances, never received a letter regarding a collection of debt.

“The American Legion recently assisted a homeless veteran who incurred a large debt after the VA removed her dependents from her benefits retroactively to 2005,” he said. “Due to her homelessness, she was unable to receive the VA’s letter advising her of the debt. Because she was unaware of her options, such as a repayment plan, the VA began recovery of the debt by garnishing all of her VA compensation.

“This went on for about a year before we were able to intervene and assist. It’s stories like this that show the importance of this draft bill. We cannot treat debt collection issues by

Zhang also addressed H.R. 1900, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act. This bill would designate the Veterans Memorial and Museum, currently being constructed in Columbus, Ohio, as a national museum.

Similar to the Legion, the museum has a four-pillar mission.

These pillars, Zhang said, would represent the American veteran with profound respect by honoring them; connecting them to the civilian population; inspiring others to serve; and educating the youth about what these men and women have done for America.

“Truth be told, they raised over $75 million and are currently in the construction process of what looks to be a beautiful and thoughtful memorial,” Zhang said. “The American Legion wholeheartedly supports H.R. 1900.”

The museum is scheduled to open in summer of 2018

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 41

AMATEUR RADIO IS GROWING IN POPULARITY L E G I ON NA I R E S T U N E I N ON A I R P RO G R A M M I N G

Perhaps the most powerful way amateur radio can provide service is in civil defense and disaster preparedness, both of which are high priorities for the Legion. Because September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, the Legion wants departments and posts to know the importance of being ready for anything, whether that’s volunteering a post home as a community shelter during a disaster or partnering with local public safety officials. The American Legion has a longstanding memorandum of understanding with the Department of Homeland Security, which encourages local organizations to get involved in emergency communications.

the roof, amplifiers and other advanced resources. The club station is used mainly for special event stations, or nets to commemorate specific places or days, such as the Legion’s birthday in March and Veterans Day in November.

Over its nearly 100-year history, The American Legion has fostered a number of programs that have slipped in and out of prominence but remain steadfast in their service to others. One such initiative that’s growing within the Legion is its connection to amateur radio.

Based out of American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis, TALARC is as a conduit to encourage more localized ham radio programs. Justis and Joe March, two longtime hams and Legion employees, came up with the idea in 2010. The following year, the Legion’s National Executive Committee approved its creation. Currently TALARC has at least 3,200 members, some in every department, and at least 30 post clubs. Bill Sloan, vice president, says TALARC is certainly one of the country’s largest ham radio clubs.

The roots of amateur radio go back more than a century.

Morse code is considered the first digital communication, and laid the groundwork for everything from radio to cellphones and beyond. During World War I, the War Department commissioned amateur radio operators as officers to teach it to doughboys.

The connection is a natural one. Communications training is a standard part of military service, and amateur radio offers a way to continue serving after the military, says Marty Justis, president of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC). “Ham” networks of all kinds provide support for everything from Legion post activities to the Indianapolis Veterans Day Parade and the Boston Marathon.

An early wish for TALARC was to set up a station at National Headquarters from which to operate communication events, or “nets.” During nets, anyone on the same frequency can “check in” and make contact with net operators. An old darkroom in the building’s basement was requisitioned, a request went out to Legion hams for equipment, and the response was quick, Justis says. Today TALARC boasts antennae on

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The difference between a club and a station is that while a club consists of enthusiasts — some of whom may have their own ham equipment — a station is a more permanent operation, with its own Federal Communications Commission (FCC) call sign like those obtained by individuals. That’s what TALARC wants clubs to aim for.

As early as the 1930s, the Legion’s National Security Commission encouraged posts to form amateur radio groups in support of civil defense. A May 1939 article in the National Legionnaire reported that the Department of California had set up a Disaster and Relief Committee, with 228 stations within the state’s borders; each post was to sponsor and provide operating resources for at least one amateur station in its vicinity.

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NATIONAL ORDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOR T E N W W I I V E T E R A N S TO R E C E I V E F R A N C E ' S H IG H E S T HON OR

BY STEVEN MAYER

It was the largest seaborne invasion in history, but U.S. Army Pvt. Henry Ochsner arrived in Normandy, France by parachute.

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It was predawn D-Day, June 6, 1944, and Ochsner, now a 94-year-old resident of eastern Kern County, was just 21 when his combat boots hit the ground near St. Mere Eglise with the famed Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division.

Five days later, Bakersfield resident Walter Easley, a tender 20 at the time, landed at Omaha Beach as part of a wave of Army reinforcements.

The two men never met on that expensive piece of French soil that would change the course of the war. But Ochsner and Easley are expected to meet Tuesday in Los Angeles when they and eight other war veterans from Southern California will receive the National

Order of The Legion of Honor in the rank of Chevalier.

Though not rare, the honor is considered the highest France bestows on its citizens and foreign nationals.

The presentations will be made by Christophe Lemoine, consul general of France, at a private ceremony to be held at 11 a.m. at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

"I think it's the biggest honor I could have," Ochsner said Monday from his home in California City. "It's really emotional."

The Legion of Honor is not the first recognition Ochsner has received from France. Decades ago he received the Croix de Guerre, or Cross of War, created in 1939, to honor people who fought with the Allies against the Axis forces at any time during World War II. Later he jumped again in Holland and was involved in the heroic stand at Bastogne, Bel-

gium during the Battle of the Bulge. Ochsner was also involved in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns.

For both Ochsner and Easley, receiving this honor in the winter of their lives, more than 73 years after landing in France, is more moving than they expected.

"I'm just blown away," Easley said Monday. "I don't know how I can express how honored I feel."

Now 93, Easley's battle experience was cut short after he suffered a severe concussion. He later served with the 4569th Quartermaster Service Battalion in England.

He said he's looking forward to meeting Ochsner.

"Those guys who went in on the first day," he said, "a lot of those paratroopers had a tough time. They had a very risky job."

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Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Bob Johnson will be the master of ceremonies Tuesday. And as the ranks World War II veterans thin, Johnson said it's a race against time to honor them once more before they're gone.

"I've been volunteering my time for 18 years to help our senior veterans receive these honors," he said. "It's a matter of great satisfaction to see these men experience a little bit of glory."

Ochsner has lived in California City since 1991 with Violet, his wife of 70 years. They have four daughters and two grandchildren.

Easley and his late wife, Eileen, whom he met in London during the war, were married for 69 years. Their family includes three daughters, one who lives in England, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He has always contended that he had to repay England for the one woman he took from them.

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VETERANS DAY 2017 | 43

VETERANS BENEFITS TIMETABLE Information for Veterans Recently Separated from Active Military Service

BENEFITS AND SERVICES Disability Compensation: VA pays monthly compensation to veterans for disabilities incurred or aggravated during military service. This benefit is not subject to Federal or State income tax. Entitlement is established from the date of separation if the claim is filed within one year from separation. Generally, military retirement pay is reduced by any VA compensation received. Income from Special Separation Benefits (SSB) and Voluntary Separation Incentives (VSI) affects the amount of VA compensation paid.

Disability Pension: This income-based benefit is paid to veterans with honorable war-time service who are permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities or who are 65 or older.

Up to 36 months of benefits for:

None

If discharged from active duty before January 28, 2003, and were not enrolled as of January 28, 2008

Until January 27, 2011

Any VA medical facility or call 1-877-222-8387 or file at www.va.gov

180 days from separation

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30)

10 years from release from last period of active duty. Limited extensions available.

OR Post- 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

15 years from last discharge or separation. Limited extensions available.

OR Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter - 1606)

14 years from the date of eligibility for the program, or until released from the Selected Reserve or National Guard, whichever occurs first. Some extensions available if activated.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment: VA helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep suitable employment. For veterans with serious service-connected disabilities, VA also offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. Some of the services offered are: job search, vocational evaluation, career exploration, vocational training, education training and rehabilitation service.

Home Loan: Veterans with qualifying service are eligible for VA home loan services including guaranteed loans for the purchase of a home, manufactured home, manufactured home and lot, certain types of condominiums, or to build, repair, and improve homes. Certain disabled veterans can receive grants to have their homes specially adapted to their needs. Native Americans living on Trust Land may qualify for a direct home loan.

21-0501

Any VA office or call 1-800-827-1000 or file at www.va.gov

Five years from date of discharge from active duty

OR Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP/Chapter 1607)

VA FORM SEP 2009

None

If discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003

Dental: Veterans may receive one-time dental treatment if they were not provided treatment within 90 days before separation from active duty. The time limit does not apply to veterans with dental conditions resulting from service-connected wounds or injuries.

Education and Training:

WHERE TO APPLY

None

Medical: VA provides a wide range of health care services to veterans including treatment for military sexual trauma, and for conditions possibly related to exposure to Agent Orange, ionizing radiation, and other environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf. Generally, veterans must be enrolled in VAʼs Health Care System to receive care.

Combat Veterans: VA provides free health care for veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, for any illness possibly related to their service in that theater.

TIME LIMIT

No time limit as long as individual remains in the same level of the Ready Reserve from which called to active duty. There are exceptions for discharge due to disability or transfer from the IRR to the Selected Reserve.

REAP participants who separated from the Selected Reserve after completing their service contract under other than dishonorable conditions are now eligible for REAP benefits for 10 years after they are separated from the Selected Reserve.

SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-0501, MAY 2008, WHICH WILL NOT BE USED.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Generally 12 years from VA notice to veteran of at least a 10 percent disability rating.

None

Any VA office or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or file at www.gibill.va.gov

Any VA office or call 1-800-827-1000 or file at www.va.gov Any VA office or call 1-800-827-1000 Continued on Reverse

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M E DIC A L M A R I J UA NA

(Continued from Page 33) The department’s commitment to amateur radio continues to this day. California was the first department to have an FCC call sign of its own. The Department of California American Legion Amateur Radio Commission is nearly 40 years old, and TALARC based much of its organization on it. Dan Curry, an Air Force veteran and chairman of the Department of California American Legion Amateur Radio Commission, travels to ham conventions across the state to “let people know who we are.”

He says that the recruiting goes both ways – Legionnaires to hams, and veteran hams to Legionnaires – and led to nearly 100 Legionnaires becoming hams last year.

“We would love to see other departments have it,” Curry says of the commission. Other goals include encouraging students on amateur radio’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) connections, having at least one post club in every district, and continuing to work on community disaster and emergency preparedness.

Chris Cancilla is trustee of the new post club at Walter E. Cole Post 187 in Wake Forest, N.C. He was turned on to amateur radio by his operator roommate while stationed in Texas during his time in the Air Force, and is currently climbing the licensing ladder.

The club brings together three of Cancilla’s hobbies: ham radio, the Legion and the Boy Scouts (which have a long association with amateur radio, too): the result is “backflips-down-the-hallway kind of fun for me.” His focus is on the training and education of anyone who wants to learn amateur radio. Membership stands at 10 certified operators, and the club is open to Scouts and the community.

Post 187 assists at many community events, such as Music in the Park, and Cancilla sees ham involvement as an asset to these activities: “Communication is an important factor in pretty much everything.” The post club plans to organize a station down the road. Cancilla’s favorite moment of his amateur radio career was Jamboree on the Internet, a Scouting event that utilized the EchoLink system to connect repeaters around the world using computers. Local Scouts were talking to their counterparts in Australia, and Cancilla overheard an observation shared by both sides: “Man, you sound funny.” “It’s a smaller world,” he says.

In August 2015, Don Rand started an amateur radio club at Post 1992 in Gautier, Miss., with four other hams, a primary reason the Air Force veteran had joined the Legion just a couple of months before. The club’s purposes are running nets and emergency preparedness. Rand runs a weekly evening 80 meter net that has

Thank You

Veterans!

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Reynolds Automotive Proudly supports the 15th District American Legion

ADD Dee and Dee Construction “Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties” 15th District for Legionnaire

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 45

CALL CENTERS F OR HOM E L E S S V E T E R A N S

Residential and Commercial

661-577-2139 / Lic #655608

T

Trained call center counselors are available 24/7 to offer homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless free referrals to local homeless shelters.

• N ational Coalition for Homeless Veterans is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year. To find a local shelter, call (800) VET-HELP (838-4357) or visit www.nchv.org.

• The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans Hotline was founded by the VA to ensure that homeless veterans or veterans at risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist homeless veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community. To be connected with a trained VA staff member, call (877) 4AID-VET ((877) 424-3838).

• 2 -1-1 Information and Referral Search provides free and confidential information and referral for help with food, housing, employment, healthcare, counseling and more. For more information, call 2-1-1 or go to www.211.org.

• T o find contact information for HUD homeless assistance coordinators in Northern California, go to www.hud.gov/local/ca/homeless/continuumcare/ncalcoc.cfm. To view contact information for HUD homeless assistance coordinators in Southern California, go to www.hud.gov/local/ca/homeless/continuumcare/scalcoc.cfm.

National Resource Directory provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Wounded warriors, service members, veterans, or family members may go to www.nrd.gov to connect with a caregiver who supports the local area.

Promoting, Protecting and Strengthening Kern County’s Agricultural Interests

801 South Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307 www. kerncfb.com

Office: 661-397-9635

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RAI Trucking Proudly supports the 15th District American Legion

Scott P. Erwin, MBA,CPA,CFE Principal 2100 E Street Bakersfield, CA 93301

DEL TORO T RU C K I NG 5516 Weedpatch Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93307 (661) 845-7177

WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS! THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Office: 661.327.4511 Other: 661.412.3885 Scott@ScottErwinCPA.com www.ScottErwinCPA.com

15th District Legionnaire

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 47

TRACKING VETERAN SUICIDES C A L I F OR N IA W I L L N OW T R AC K SU IC I DE A M ON G V E T E R A N S

A

A new law will require California officials to compile statistics on how many military veterans are committing suicide in the state.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the legislation Monday.

One of the law’s proponents said the new requirement makes California one of 22 states to accurately report veteran suicide.

Assembly Bill 242 was introduced by two Fresno assemblymen, Republican Jim Patterson and Democrat Joaquin Arambula.

Specifically, the legislation requires the California Department of Public Health to report the number of veteran suicides every year to the state Legislature and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

ceptable,” Patterson said in a released statement.

“Men and women returning home to California after serving their country deserve all the help we can give them.”

California is home to the nation’s largest population of veterans.

VA research estimates that 20 veterans end their lives each day in the United States.

The majority of those are not enrolled in VA health care.

The VA has been criticized for not doing enough to address the suicide rate.

VA Secretary David Shulkin — who has called the veteran suicide rate a national public health crisis — has said he will unveil a new anti-suicide program called “Getting To Zero.”

The data would come from county coroners.

“Not knowing how many of those heroes are making the decision to end their lives is not ac-

In June, the VA began allowing veterans with “bad-paper” discharges to get emergency mental-health care at VA clinics.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

These discharges under other-than-honorable conditions would normally prevent a veteran from getting access.

The new services offered are emergency mental-health treatment for an initial period of up to 90 days, which can include inpatient, residential or outpatient care.

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AB 1249

FACT SHEET THE AMERICAN LEGION

SUMMARY For generations, veteran halls in communities across our country and state have been an invaluable resource for active military and veterans. AB 1249 would preserve important property tax exemptions by aligning state statute to reflect the unique nature of these congressionally chartered non-profit veterans’ service organizations.

PROBLEM Veteran halls play a vital role in providing essential programs and services to the military, veterans, their families, and the local community. Not only do they provide a crucial network of support for those who have served our country, but they also serve as meeting places for groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. They also serve as memorials and public education centers. Veteran halls teach generations of Americans about the service and sacrifice of heroes who have bravely fought to defend our country.

Veteran service organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, are non-profit, Congressionally-chartered organizations that are allowed property tax exemptions under California statute for properties they own. However, many veteran halls are not receiving the property tax exemptions for portions of their property that have social purposes due to confusion over a current state statute.

SOLUTION AB 1249 would align statute to reflect the unique nature of these veterans’ service organizations, since they are Congressionally-chartered organizations, required to serve social purposes. Assembly Bill 1249 would provide clarity to counties to preserve crucial property tax exemptions guaranteed to these organizations, and ensure they have the resources they need to continue serving those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

AB 1249 would ensure that veterans continue to receive the essential programs and support services they have earned, by conforming state law with federal funding of veterans’ halls.

SUPPORT • American G.I. Forum of California • American Legion - Department of California • AMVETS – Department of California • California Assessors’ Association • California Association of County Veterans’ Service Officers • California State Commanders Veterans Council • Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters • Vietnam Veterans of America – California State Council.

STAFF CONTACT Adam Capper Office: (916) 319-2021

Temblor Petroleum Co Proudly supports the 15th District American Legion

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15th District Legionnaire

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

21478

25x12.125 4C

You’re our hero.

Our family and friends who serve in the armed forces make us want to be better people.

We honor their strength and courage every day.

Wells Fargo salutes our veterans on Veterans Day.

wellsfargo.com © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-21478

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 49

50 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

15th District Legionnaire

“Saluting Kern & Tulare Counties”

15th District Legionnaire

VETERANS DAY 2017 | 51

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA

T H E U N I F OR M E D S E RV I C E S E M P L OYM E N T A N D R E E M P L OYM E N T R I G H T S AC T

USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System. USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to the uniformed services.

REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS You have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you leave that job to perform service in the uniformed service and: • you ensure that your employer receives advance written or verbal notice of your service; • you have five years or less of cumulative service in the uniformed services while with that particular employer;

• have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or • are obligated to serve in the uniformed service; then an employer may not deny you: • initial employment;

• E ven if you don’t elect to continue coverage during

your military service, you have the right to be reinstated in your employer’s health plan when you are reemployed, generally without any waiting periods or exclusions (e.g., pre-existing condition exclusions) except for service-connected illnesses or injuries.

• reemployment; • retention in employment;

ENFORCEMENT

• you return to work or apply for reemployment in a timely manner after conclusion of service; and

• promotion; or

• T he U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment

• you have not been separated from service with a disqualifying discharge or under other than honorable conditions.

because of this status.

If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job and benefits you would have attained if you had not been absent due to military service or, in some cases, a comparable job.

RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION If you: • are a past or present member of the uniformed service;

• any benefit of employment

and Training Service (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaints of USERRA violations.

• F or assistance in filing a complaint, or for any other inIn addition, an employer may not retaliate against anyone assisting in the enforcement of USERRA rights, including testifying or making a statement in connection with a proceeding under USERRA, even if that person has no service connection.

HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION

• I f you leave your job to perform military service, you have the right to elect to continue your existing employer-based health plan coverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while in the military.

formation on USERRA, contact VETS at 1-866-4-USADOL or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/vets. An interactive online USERRA Advisor can be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm.

• I f you file a complaint with VETS and VETS is unable to resolve it, you may request that your case be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel, as applicable, for representation.

• Y ou may also bypass the VETS process and bring a civil action against an employer for violations of USERRA.

The rights listed here may vary depending on the circumstances. The text of this notice was prepared by VETS, and may be viewed on the internet at this address: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.htm. Federal law requires employers to notify employees of their rights under USERRA, and employers may meet this requirement by displaying the text of this notice where they customarily place notices for employees.

Camping, Survival, Law Enforcement and Military Surplus

3530 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield • 661.336.0658 • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

52 | VETERANS DAY 2017

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TIMES HAVE CHANGED,

BUT OUR PROMISE TO YOU HASN’T.

Since our founding in 1945, A-C Electric Company has been exceeding the demands of the evolving electrical construction industry throughout California. We promise to provide the industry’s highest level of professionalism, quality, and value in the fields of electrical construction, industrial automation, and commercial solar.

CALL US 24/7 TO ENGINEER SOLUTIONS FOR YOU.

559.732.4733 A-CELECTRIC.COM CA Lic. 99849

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