American Legion District 14 Legionnaire Veterans Day 2023 by Karen Wood

LEGION

14TH DISTRICT

NAIRE

FRESNO, KINGS AND MADERA COUNTIES

VETERANS DAY 2023

“The Nation that forgets its Defenders, will itself be forgotten.”

COMMANDER’S CORNER

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Legion Family: I hope this finds everyone doing great. As the newly elected President of District 14 Auxiliary I want to give a big “thank you” for your trust with such a position. I have been a member for 43 years and I am very proud of these years. I am a member of Cecil Cox Unit 147.

As we enter into a new Legion year, I believe it is time for a course correction. A reset, if you will. The pandemic is long over and there is no reason why we can’t move forward here and now. The membership of the American Legion is critical for all Veterans to have a voice in Congress and in the Central Valley, from Lemoore to Madera, Squaw (Yokuts) Valley to Fresno’s West Side.

Chris Hoffman

There are a few words that appear to have been missing lately from the conversations about the American Legion. Those words are SUCCESS, SUPPORT, and ENGAGEMENT & ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.

In order for the American Legion to have continued success, we must all agree to actively participate at every level, from Post to District, Area and Department. We should understand that, Posts must support Districts so that Districts may have access to support the Posts in return. A district cannot do business without that reciprocal support. It requires active participation to maintain the connections required to help each other. Membership reflects leadership. If your membership is waning, we must look at what our leadership is doing to create that. We should be constantly engaging both membership and community so that we continue to retain the members we have and to invite new members to join our organization. We should endeavor to make our post a place where people WANT to join. Being consistently visible in the community, having family oriented events, showing that we support our communities will gain the support from the community in return and spotlight who we are and what we do for the veterans and their families in our towns, cities and locales.

Debra Ennen

Our newly elected Department President, Glenda Schultz’s, theme this year is “The Golden State, United as One.” Her special project is “Be the One” for Veterans Suicide Prevention. This coincides with the American Legion National Commander’s awareness of the high rate of suicide among veterans.

The Auxiliary 2023 convention was again held in Visalia. It was a very successful meeting with a greater attendance than last year. District 14 members and units, donated generously to our very successful raffle. There were also some donations from two units in District 15. The district is also very grateful to all the Districts and Units throughout the State or all their donations to our “goody bags”. It looks like our Department convention will continue to be held in Visalia for the foreseeable future. District 15 will be in charge of convention in 2024. It is membership renewal time! Please start contacting your members for their renewals. National has sent out renewal notices to every 2023 paid up member and now is the time to get those renewal and new member applications into Department. Membership can be paid on line, by mail or at your unit meeting. Membership is the backbone of our organization so please renew and sign up those new members.

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PLUS INSIDE Valley Veterans Honored.........Page 5

Shepherds and Saints..............Page 7

Adventures Across America....Page 14

Koren War Armistice..............Page 26

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

14TH DISTRICT OFFICERS 2

Fresno Veterans

ne s rs nli fer O be s / s L l m d n al e UF ai oa ra ot M P P T T G al Go 23 23 23 23 23 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 % 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 5 0 0 5 18 27.78%

Hanford

142

227 62.56%

Fresno

62.96%

Madera

108

66.67%

Selma

56.38%

William L Netzer

38.27%

Reedley

69.57%

Chaplain Rob Cravy

Fresno Star

66.67%

100

Lemoore

105

177

59.32%

Historian Fred Smith

110

Oakhurst

56.76%

147

Cecil Cox

271

485

55.88%

191

Kingsburg

63.64%

245

Edward L Griffen

100.00%

355

Westland

59.46%

509

Fresno Federal

202

275

532

51.69%

511

State Center

43.75%

615

Cecil C Hinton

0.00%

621

Squaw Valley

42.11%

District 14 Total

319

756

1,150

2023 - 2024

Commander Chris Hoffman 1st Vice John Anderson 2nd Vice John Hernandez

Finance Barbara Jung-Lowe Judge Advocate Mildred Wright- Person Asst. Sergeant at Arms David Lara Service Officer Henry Lopez

3rd Vice Gloria Gomez Adjutant Edna Best Sergeant at Arms Derek Jones

Jr. Past Commander Carlos Gonzalez

BEST PRACTICES: LEGION MOBILE APPS Yes, The American Legion has Mobile Apps! www.legion.org/mobileapps

Many Legionnaires will be surprised to know, the first Legion Mobile App was released in 2010. Since the launch of the first Legion Mobile App eight years ago, several new apps have been launched and the mobile apps continue to be updated and improved. There are four mobile apps, they are: • The American Legion Mobile App • The American Legion Claims Coach • Sons of The American Legion Mobile App • American Legion Baseball Mobile App A National Convention App is produced and distributed prior to each National Convention. Based on the feedback we have received, the 2017 Convention Mobile App was very well received as helpful tool for convention goers.

Post#

2,055 55.96%

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties C OM M A N DE R ' S M E S S AG E

P R E SI DE N T ' S M E S S AG E

(Continued from Page 1)

I will be visiting all of the Posts in the District soon. I am setting dates for each visit, and I will be contacting each post before visiting. I currently have one other assignment in addition to District Commander. I am also Department Membership chair (NORTH). I intend on visiting posts to discuss both the need for Post and District supporting one another as well as the need for improvement in inviting new members. I will be asking each Post established on the Northern end of the state to commit to increased membership in order to continue to move the Department of California positively forward. We will work to make your Post’s presence known in the community and see how it can become an asset and resource for veterans in the community as well as the community itself. We will look at opportunities that are out there where the American Legion can make a difference. This will be critical to our success. We have the resources to make training, as well as District meetings, available on Zoom so we can look at things we haven’t considered doing before. There will also be training on how to grow the Post and how to successfully recruit at community events and in the Post. This includes using what is available from both Department and National. I encourage the utilization of the resources available to all of us such as MyLegion.org as well as the weekly department newsletter, the weekly legislative report and the resources available on our department website, www.calegion.org. The department website is also a tool/ resource useful to post leadership (especially commanders and adjutants) and should be accessed regularly to know when reports are due among other valuable tools to keep you and your post members well informed. This will also increase leadership knowledge and skills that are valuable in ensuring your post is working well and keeping leaders up to date with your posts involvement with your members and community which is vitally important to retention and recruiting. I encourage Post leadership and executive committees to utilize pages 21-23 in the 2023 Officers Guide, as it can be a great source for assessing how to make a post better. (Continued on Page 4)

At our first district meeting in September we had guests Scott and Linda Phillips from Central Valley Honor Flight speak with us about the flights from Fresno. We learned much from them and found them dedicated and interesting. I feel that these flights are of great value to our veterans and they have special place in my heart. Therefore my special project this year will be collecting donations for these flights. Veterans Day is upon us. Please thank the veterans for their service and remember those who gave all. Several communities in our district have special events to celebrate this day. In Fresno we have the largest parade west of Mississippi. This parade is also broadcast to our naval ships out to sea. Check with your local Post for any events they may be having.

Debra Ennen, Auxiliary President District 14

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS 1 Year – J.D. Bennett 1 Year – Henry Lopez 2 Year – Mildred Wright-Pearson 2 Year – Augie Cano 3 Year – Lewis Edwards 3 Year – Fred Ong

er z, Own drigue o om R .c r n e Rog missio s n a r T s Payles

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023 C OM M A N DE R ' S M E S S AG E

(Continued from Page 3)

Continually ask yourselves “Why did I join the American Legion?” Remind yourself what it was that helped you decide to join this organization, and then apply it to the way you ask, invite or recruit new members. Apply this to the way you lead others and retain them, keeping them interested in remaining a valued member of the world’s largest, congressionally chartered VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION (of which we should ALL be proud). The question we should ask our current members, and ourselves, to answer is “What’s your why?”. I would say that this question will make a difference when it comes to retaining your current membership. It may even make a difference in active participation.

THE AMERICAN LEGION MOBILE APP With The American Legion Mobile App, you can sign up new members of The American Legion. When you "Just Ask" an eligible veteran to join your American Legion Post, your cell phone can now be used to process their application. You no longer need to keep a paper Legion application stuffed in your wallet, as long as you have your cell phone with the Legion Mobile App installed. The Legion Mobile App will also allow you to: • Find out about the Legion • Join the Legion or use the app to help a veteran join • Renew membership • Get Legion news • Access Legion images • Follow the Legion • Find a post • Access myLegion.org, and • Access Emblem Sales Yes, the mobile app will allow new members to join, just remember your post is still responsible for verifying eligibility via the DD-214.

Communication is the key! We’ve done a lot in the past, but the American Legion is doing a lot in the here and now, and we need to know what that is. This can be a powerful recruiting tool. I will try to provide periodic bits of information so that everyone will know what the American Legion is doing today to make a difference. There is SO much we should be able to accomplish this year. I am hoping to bring a stronger support to our local agencies such as Central Valley Honor Flight, Central Valley Veterans, Wreaths Across America, Central Valley Blue Star Moms, the 144th Fighter Wing, our local ROTC and JROTC units, just to mention a few. We need to have fundraisers to provide for scholarships and our programs. We are being asked to provide a fair sum just to the Legacy Scholarship alone. We should also support American Legion Baseball among others. However, we need EVERYONE’S active participation and support to make these happen. I am hoping to establish a District BBQ, a District Christmas Party as well as other functions and events that provide opportunities for camaraderie, connection and fun. And, as always, I am open to other suggestions to create some fun District events. We also need representatives from among the District’s 18 posts to help as committee chairs to ensure our programs are functional and successful. I encourage you to please consider these and help our district be a leader in the Department. We may be small, but we are mighty! WE ARE THE THUNDERING 14th DISTRICT! We must be able to organize, plan and commit to these in order to make them happen successfully. Your cooperation and active participation is vital to the success of these functions! Without each posts commitment to supporting the District’s operations, we cannot be cohesive. I also encourage every post, every Legionnaire, to re-connect with one another and know that, if we are struggling, if we are unsure, if we are needing help, that there are nearby posts to contact. The District

is here to help as well. There is a Past Commanders Club whose members have a plethora of experience and knowledge to share. ASK for the help and there will be someone who has the ability to provide their experience and/or knowledge. Attending district meetings should be a shared opportunity that is not to be attended by the Post commanders only. ANY member of the post can represent that post. I would suggest that Posts ask for members to assist in being present at district meeting so that the path of information is open and current. Each representative should be able to bring information about the posts activities to the District meeting and then be able to return to the post with information regarding the district business and activities. A wise person once said that with every challenge comes an opportunity to learn and succeed (and there is no reason why we can’t have some fun getting there). I will always do my best to respond to your questions, concerns or comments and I am always open to suggestions to improve myself, our district, our department and our American Legion. The last thing I want to say is that I am taking a closer look at how we do meetings. I want those who attend to get the most out of them. I will be asking each post to give a 3 minute (or less) report on what is going on. Tell us what works as well as what doesn’t. I will do my best to help make it worth your while to attend the district meetings. If you can commit to me your attention and active participation, I will commit to you to do my best by the District. Please note that I am always open to the Legionnaires of our great district. I will always try my best to make myself available to you should you need my attention. I will always consider constructive suggestions to improve both myself and district operations. I truly look forward to serving this district and, together, we will bring about great things! Until we meet again, take good care of yourself. God Bless America and God Bless You!

Chris Hoffman, Commander Auxiliary District 14

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

VALLEY VETERANS RECEIVE A HERO'S W E L C O M E AT F R E S N O A I R P O R T BY STEPHEN HAWKINS

Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 4:00pm Sat: 8:00am – 12:00pm Sun: 9:00am – 12:00pm

DON PLASTER

skeesrecycling@yahoo.com

4628 E Thomas Ave • Fresno, CA 93702 559-255-8355 • SkeesRecyclingInc.com

Dozens of military veterans are back in Fresno after traveling to Washington DC to visit the memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice.

The veterans on the 26th Central Valley Honor Flight received the hero's welcome they deserved decades ago. The 67 men and 2 women left Fresno on Monday morning and returned Wednesday night. The group served in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War.

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559.896.3243

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While in DC, they visited the WWII Memorial, the Navy Memorial, the US Marine Memorial "Iwo Jima," the Air Force Memorial, the National Museum of the US Army, Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknowns where they will watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the Military Women’s Memorial, and the Korean War and Vietnam Memorials. The Central Valley Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that holds fundraisers to be able to pay for the veterans' trip. 5

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023 POST 621

SQUAW VALLEY AMERICAN LEGION

KINGS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 'ÙÊçÄ ó ã Ù Z « Ù¦ ͻ t ã Ù ç ã®ÊÄ ͻ t ã Ù ÊÄÝ Ùò ã®ÊÄ Since 1954, the District has served the northeastern 143,000 acres of Kings

Our mission is to serve the community as well as to look out for the welfare of veterans. On Monday 19th September Commander Cheryl Brunkhorst along with former Commander Frank Blankenship, second Vice Commander Paul Brunkhorst, Adjutant Denise Couch, Finance Officer Star Myers and Chaplain Joe Maxwell paid a visit to the California Veterans Home in Fresno California. The purpose was to deliver and donate two items to better the lives of the residents of that home.

Delivered was a 6 ft wide portable BBQ grill and a 3500 watt ultra quiet Predator power inverter. In years past the American Legion along with the Mountain Rodeo Association of Squaw Valley would drive down and provide the residents with a free barbecue as well as snow cones from the snow cone machine gifted to them some five years ago. With the inverter they can now run outdoor movies in the pavilion areas. These two items along with that snow cone machine will be used and enjoyed by all veteran residents. These are small tokens of appreciation given to those who served their country during times of hostility as well as peace who now find themselves either by choice or need living at the California Veterans Home. Post 621 has been invited to "break in" the barbecue grill on 9 November for a Veteran's Day BBQ. We happily accepted their invitation and invite members of the Post to participate in this event. Some who reside there have no family. It is an honor to support all U.S. Armed Forces veterans. In addition to providing support at the Home and in the Squaw Valley area our Post also visits those veterans who are in long-term care at the Fresno Veterans Administration Hospital. Remember when you recognize a veteran thank them for their service. If you recognize a Vietnam Veteran greet them with "Welcome Home."

County by purchasing available ditch stock to keep precious surface water in the area. �he District also monitors local groundwater condi�ons and develops projects / programs to use as much surface water as possible to keep our groundwater resources reliable.

200 North Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584‐6412 kcwdh2o@sbcglobal.net

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

ADCO is honored to support the American Legion and proudly supports our veterans

SHEPHERDS AND SAINTS Shepherds and Saints is a grass-roots effort that pair’s pure-bred long hair German shepherd pups with veterans in need of a companion. The dogs are provided free of charge to veterans who are willing to commit time and care to their development. The program is not funded by any government grants or awards, but by the generosity of the people living in the Central Valley.

To be eligible for the program, veterans must meet the following criteria: • Be honorably discharged from the military • Have a physical and mental disability that makes it difficult to live independently • Be willing to commit to training and caring for a dog

Thank You For Your Service

If you are a veteran who is interested in the Shepherds and Saints program, you can contact them at (559) 4350999 or visit their website at www.shepherdsandsaints.org. Here are some additional details about the program: • The dogs are raised and trained by volunteers. • The dogs are evaluated for temperament and suitability for a veteran before being paired with a veteran. • The program provides ongoing support to veterans and their dogs. • The program is open to veterans from all over the United States.

ADCO Manufacturing 2170 Academy Avenue Sanger, CA 93657 USA

Shepherds and Saints is a wonderful program that provides veterans with much-needed companionship and support. If you are a veteran who is looking for a furry friend, I encourage you to contact Shepherds and Saints.

Toll Free: 888.608.5946 Tel: 559.875.5563 www.adcomfg.com

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

FLAG DAY Huron Tire Service Proudly supports the 14th District American Legion

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Flag Day in the United States is a holiday that commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The flag resolution stated: "Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

observed as Flag Day. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1894.

Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed in many schools and communities across the country. People celebrate Flag Day by flying the flag, attending flag ceremonies, and learning about the history of the flag.

In 1949, Congress passed a law making Flag Day a national holiday. The law was signed by President Harry Truman on August 3, 1949.

The first Flag Day celebration was held in 1885 by Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher. Cigrand believed that it was important to have a day to honor the flag and to teach children about its history and meaning. He urged his students to observe June 14 as "Flag Birthday." In 1893, the Society of Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania passed a resolution calling for June 14 to be 8

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In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day. He called on Americans to "display the flag everywhere on that day and in the days immediately preceding and following it."

Today, Flag Day is celebrated in many different ways across the United States. Schools often hold flag ceremonies, and communities may sponsor flag-raising events or parades. People also fly the flag on their homes and businesses to show their patriotism. Flag Day is a day to honor the flag and to remember the sacrifices that have been made to protect it. It is also a day to learn about the history of the flag and its meaning.

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY VETERANS A S J V V S U C C E S S S T O RY F E AT U R I N G A R T

Art Thompson is a Veteran who served in the U.S. Marines from 1983 to 1986. He is a now a disabled Veteran and is a current member of the Merced American Legion. After serving our country, he found himself homeless on multiple occasions due to economic circumstances. Luckily, Art was able to find assistance through Catholic Charities where he was presented with an opportunity to receive a HUD-VASH voucher and was housed within one month.

Art was a recipient of HUD-VASH for two years which helped him become more self-sufficient. Within this time period, he completed a program to become a

pharmacy technician where he was certified and continues to keep his certification active. While the market was hard to secure a position in this field, he applied for a position with San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV), a project of WestCare California, where he is still currently employed and continues to enhance his knowledge and skills in advocacy for his fellow Veterans and their families. When asked for comment, he replied, “The one thing that has become clear to me in my life time is that everything in life happens for a reason. Even the bad, for these times strengthen you. Because of my life experiences, I have developed into who I am. I was meant to help other Veterans.”

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

A M E S S AG E F ROM

KEVIN McCARTHY On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform who have served our United States Armed Forces with dignity and fortitude. Their unyielding commitment to safeguarding our nation is admirable, and their examples of sacrifice have inspired generations of freedom-loving men and women to also answer the call to serve.

You can tell a lot about a nation by the way that it treats its veterans, and in the Central Valley, reverence for our heroes runs deep. Here, veterans are welcomed with more than just open arms – they are met with assistance and resources to help them acclimate to civilian life. That’s because taking care of our veterans must go beyond hosting parades, ceremonies, and memorials – it must culminate in action. One way our community celebrates these heroes is by coming together several times a year to hold Honor Flights so that veterans from Kern, Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties can visit their respective Memorials in Washington, D.C. and we can thank them for their service to our nation. In the same spirit of service, I am proud to say that earlier this year, the House passed the VET TEC Authorization Act to ensure veterans continues to have expanded access to non-traditional educational courses through their GI benefits, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up and pass this bill. In addition to VET TEC, not only did Congress shield veterans programs and funding from cuts in the debt ceiling deal, we also passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act which fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs, including veterans’ health care programs. To all our veterans: Thank you. May God bless our Veterans and the United States of America Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS, PAST AND PRESENT “Your courage, your valor, and your willingness to sacrifice everything for our country make each of you a true American hero. On behalf of a grateful nation, I can never say thank you enough.” ~ Congressman Jim Costa

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2037 West Bullard Avenue, #355 Fresno, CA 93711 FEC ID# C00391029

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

PACT ACT VA B R E A K S T H E ON E M I L L ION M A R K I N B E N E F I T S C L A I M S F I L E D THE AMERICAN LEGION

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that veterans and their survivors have filed more than 1 million claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Biden signed it into law Aug. 10, 2022. VA has processed more than 551,000 of these claims, granting 77.9% of them and awarding more than $2.2 billion in earned benefits to veterans and survivors.

Thanks to the largest outreach campaign in VA history, veterans and survivors are applying for their earned benefits at record rates. In this fiscal year alone, veterans and survivors have submitted 2.29 million total claims (PACT and nonPACT) — 40.4% more year-to-date than last fiscal year, which was the previous all-time record. Veterans have also submitted more than 2.1 million “intents to file” during this fiscal year — 53.1% more than all of last fiscal year and also an all-time record. The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in decades. VA encourages all eligible veterans and survivors to file a claim — or submit their intent to file a claim — for PACT Act-related benefits now. Partly due to the PACT Act, VA is delivering more care and more benefits to more veterans than ever before. Key results to date include: Delivering benefits to veterans and their survivors: VA has processed 1.85 million total veteran claims (PACT and non-PACT) thus far in this fiscal year —15.7%

more to date than last fiscal year and already surpassing last year’s all-time record total of 1.7 million claims processed. Increasing veteran access to health care: Since Aug. 10, 378,995 veterans have enrolled in VA health care. This includes more than 158,691 enrollees from the PACT Act population (Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 era Veterans). Screening veterans for toxic exposures: More than 4.4 million enrolled veterans have received 5-minute screenings for toxic exposures from VA under the PACT Act. Right now, there is also a special enrollment period for veterans to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Specifically, until 11:59 p.m., local time, Sept. 30, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for disability compensation benefits. VA encourages all of these veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care before the deadline. For more information on VA’s implementation of the PACT Act, visit the PACT Act Dashboard. VA is publishing this dashboard every other Friday to document the implementation of this legislation and showcase its impact on veterans and survivors. The next dashboard, which will reflect the data in this release, will publish on Sept. 15. Veterans and survivors may apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MYVA411.

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH VA E N C O U R AG E S V E T E R A N S TO R E AC H O U T F OR H E L P In support of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Department of Veterans (VA) affairs have released a new public service announcement as part of its national campaign, “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The PSA directs viewers to the website VA.gov/REACH where veterans and family members can navigate a range of resources available to help in a time of need. That’s why the new PSA asks the question: “When was the last time you asked for help?”

with veterans, for veterans and Ad Council has been a fantastic partner in making this accessible and easy to use, easy to navigate.”

• Living with a disability

When veterans visit va.gov/REACH, they have two options to navigate the site – by clicking the yellow “Explore Resources” button or by browsing by category. The categories are:

• Relationship challenges

• Career challenges • Education challenges

• Money challenges • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Substance use challenges Once a category is clicked on, a list of curated resources will appear with most of the resources coming from the VA website. And a veteran in immediate need of help will find access to the Veterans Crisis Line at the top and bottom of the page.

“We are driving everyone we can to this website • Experiencing grief or loss because it is just chockfull of resources,” said Bobbi • Feelings of depression Hauptmann, communications specialist for the VetThe PSA and other materials supporting the • Feelings of isolation erans Health Administration Office of Communicacampaign and Suicide Prevention Month tions, during a VA-held veteran service organization • Health challenges are available for anyone to use at communicators meeting. “Know that this was done COLOR: Right•click swatch, and find and replace with correct VA.gov/REACH/spread-the-word. color Life transitions

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

ADVENTURES

ACROSS AMERICA

On many occasions I have shared with you my exploits during my travels going to and from National Convention and Promenade Nationale. This time will be no different. If you know me, you know I don’t like to fly. My new travel companion is always with me. Let’s get started.

As you know there were a lot of rainstorms along Interstate 40 in August. Of course I ran into one, or two, or three. If you have never run into one, you’re lucky.In my first experience, the wind was blowing over 50 mph. My car Mildred Wright-Pearson was blowing like a leaf in the wind. The back end was fishtailing. When it wasn’t, the whole car was being blown onto the side of the road, then into the other lane going into my same direction. I was holding on to the steering wheel for dear life. I could feel the car hydroplaning. I finally came to a rest area and pulled in. I waited for a while and when the rainstorm passed. I continued my journey. (Continued on Page 15)

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties A DV E N T U R E S AC RO S S A M E R IC A

(Continued from Page 14)

Later during my journey, it started to rain again. Then it poured. Believe me going from 70 mph to 35 mph in a matter of seconds is no easy feat. But I did it. I also had the first time using my hazard lights at this point in time. The rain did not stop the tractor trailers who continued to fly by as if it was a bright sunny day. There it was again, the wind that blew my car to the side of the road. Holding that steering wheel was my best option. By the time I stopped for the night, my hands were vice-gripped onto the steering wheel. My experiences in the past have been the forever “road work” that is rarely happening on the road. It takes your vehicle from 80mph to 65mph to 45mph, then abruptly back to 80mph. I overheard a conversation from a Voyageur that he had engine trouble and was told it was because of the changing of the speed so quickly that affects the engine. Is it a plan to increase the automotive business in the state(s)? Also the “safety” cones are set to cause an accident with no directional signage used to provide you direction, especially during night hours. Unfortunately, during travels there are accidents. I saw no less than six. One included a dead body lying on the side of the road. The police were present, and the body was tarped, but it is a reminder that life is short and not guaranteed to anyone for a length of time. Which leads me into my final adventures? While driving through Tennessee, believe me I do the speed limit in other States, I was attempting to pass a car. If you know about highway patrol turn places, a highway patrol car came flying out of the turnaround. I threw on brakes and so did he/she. Needless to say, I didn’t pass the car I was attempting to pass because I pulled in behind him. I then passed the car later and the Highway Patrol person went flying by and stopped the speeder the officer was after. Close encounter of the accident kind. My final Highway Patrol encounter also happened in Tennessee. At one of the many accidents I encountered, I was attempting to merge but the driver would not let me in. I looked to my left and saw the electronic sign that said “All traffic keep moving all lanes.” It was my chance to get going. I was driving past a Patrol Officer who was two lanes over and he flagged me down. He came to the car and the first thing he said was I tried to run him over. He said he was in charge of traffic. I told him about the sign and he said there was no sign. He was then told by the transit road worker that there was a sign. He looked behind me and saw all the cars waiting to see what he would do to me. He looked at me and said very nastily “Get out of here.” Believe me I left at the speed limit! All in all, driving gets you close to the nation and its communities. It gives you the chance to see the sunrises and sunsets throughout America. It gives you the chance to admire the countryside. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Adventure is a chance worth taking. Mildred S. Wright-Pearson Life Member American Legion 40 & 8

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE 14TH DISTRICT AMERICAN LEGION 15

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

HELPING THE HOMELESS VA O F F E R S $ 3 0 M I N G R A N T F U N D I N G T O A S S I S T F O R M E R LY HOMELESS VETERANS

As a part of ongoing efforts to prevent and end Veteran homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs is announcing $30 million in grant funding for organizations to help formerly homeless Veterans maintain their independence and housing stability. This funding opportunity will give organizations the funding they need to hire case managers, who will help Veterans search for, obtain, and successfully transition to permanent housing; troubleshoot challenges and barriers to maintaining permanent housing; connect with services to address issues such as poor credit history, rent arrears, and legal issues; and more.

VA anticipates awarding 100 Case Management Grants for up to $300,000 each to support approximately 150 case manager positions nationwide. Awards will fund two years of operations, starting on Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2025. The funds are available through VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority of VA and the entire Biden Administration. The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness has fallen by 11% since early 2020 and 55.3% since 2010. Additionally, during 2022, VA placed more than 40,000 homeless Veterans into permanent housing — exceeding VA’s goal by more than 6%. In late 2022, the Biden Administration released All in: the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, which lays out the goal of reducing homelessness for all Americans by 25% by 2025. “For many Veterans experiencing homelessness, moving into permanent housing is the first step toward the stability and independence they deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “But our work doesn’t stop there — these case managers help ensure that once Veterans become housed, they get the resources they need to stay housed.”

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VA’s efforts to combat Veteran homelessness are grounded in reaching out to homeless Veterans, understanding their unique needs, and addressing them. These efforts are built upon the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing, then provides the Veteran with the wraparound support they need to stay housed — including health care, job training, legal and education assistance and more. Eligible entities, as described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, may apply for these Case Management Grants. Grant applications must be received by the GPD Program Office by 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 4, 2023. View the NOFO and learn more about GPD or email GPDGrants@va.gov. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AIDVET (877-424-3838). Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.

Proud to support the American Legion and Our Veterans in Fresno and Kings County

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

DRIVING SOLUTIONS

AWA R E N E S S A N D M O R E F O R V E T E R A N S

Retired Navy veteran Bruce Fultz went to The American Legion Veterans Awareness Campaign in Merced, Calif., looking for a solution.

Fultz, a 75-year-old newly renewed American Legion member, has been encountering some challenges in completing his yard work. “I came down to see what was going on and to ask some additional questions about resources,” he said. “I’m getting to the point where I can’t mow my yard anymore. After speaking with the post commander, I’m feeling optimistic and upbeat. It’s nice to get a warm, fuzzy feeling when somebody says ‘yes.’”

The event, an expansion of the standard Legion revitalization membership drive, was held at American Legion Post 83 in Merced from Feb. 17-19. American Legion members connected veterans with accredited service officers, raised awareness of the Be the One initiative, and formed enduring bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. American Legion Post 190 member Jeffrey Freeman presented his personal Be the One story twice on Feb. 18. The day included other presentations about benefits claims, American Legion history and programs, and the organization’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast. (Continued on Page 18)

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14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023 DR I V I N G S OLU T ION S

(Continued from Page 17)

Veterans service officers were on hand throughout the event. They discussed benefits, claims, appeals and related topics with veterans. Among those participating was Refugio Llamas, a veterans service officer for Merced County. The retired Marine Corps infantry veteran has been in his role for just under a year but already sees the benefits. “I have a lot to learn but it has been very exciting to be able to help veterans,” said Llamas, a member of American Legion Post 166 in Los Banos. “Anything I can do to assist with veterans causes, I’m going to be there.” Llamas understands what veterans go through as they are transitioning. “I know first-hand the hardships they go through. The time they are away. The missed opportunities. They get left behind. They sacrificed for the greater good. For me it is especially important.” Llamas has already seen his share of successes in his work as a service officer. “We have one veteran who has been able to open a restaurant with the compensation that we got for him,” he said. “He’s very satisfied and he is giving back to the community in a way that he enjoys doing. It’s satisfying to be a small part of their success.”

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As veterans were stopping by Post 83 for assistance, a membership engagement effort was underway, reaching out to veterans in the community. Some Legion members went door-to-door, others made phone calls to veterans in the community. Over the three days, volunteers processed more than 50 transfers, renewals and new memberships. Additionally, more than 20 veterans met individually with service officers. Ed Benes, a member of Post 83, and Michele Steinmetz, a staff membership engagement coordinator, performed wellness checks on former American Legion members. In their brief outing, they reassigned a headquarters post member and renewed an expired member for Post 83. “We wanted to support the local veterans and let them know we were there for them,” he said. “We accomplished that.” The experience created other opportunities for Benes and his post. “The lesson is that we need to reach out,” he said. “We can’t just assume that people will decide to join the Legion. They need to be encouraged to join and offered a hand. We can’t just sit back.” A prime example of successfully reaching out to a veteran who needs assistance is when they called on James Cobb, a Marine veteran. Cobb’s garage is boarded up because another driver rammed it. Benes offered assistance from Post 83 with his garage, benefits or anything else. “That was a high point of my day,” Benes said. “He hasn’t been in the community that long, and didn’t even know where our building is located. We have people who like to help any way they can. That was a big success story. James is an old Marine too, hopefully we see more of him.”

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BE THE ONE

S H I P M I L I TA RY C A R E PA C K A G E S T O H E L P B E T H E O N E THE AMERICAN LEGION

American Legion Family members Rob and Michelle Williamson simplified the process of shipping for individuals and businesses in 2017 when they founded Ship Thrifty, allowing shippers a cost-saving and hassle-free way to create, purchase and print their own shipping labels online with major carriers. A year later, they provided those same Ship Thrifty benefits with military families to make shipping care packages to service members overseas and stateside easy. Since then, hundreds of thousands of care packages have been delivered to America’s military men and women “to boost morale and bring those away from home a piece of home,” Michelle said.

Ship Thrifty’s mission to support service members, veterans and their families falls in line with The Amer-

ican Legion’s mission. Together, they have formed a partnership to continue caring for service members through the shipping of care packages and the Legion’s Be the One suicide prevention initiative.

To get started with Ship Thrifty, create a free account today at shipthrifty.com/rf/legion. You also can call Ship Thrifty at 800-544-4992 or send an email to contactus@shipthrifty.com.

Through this partnership, whether you are shipping one package or 1,000, Legion members and posts can:

The American Legion spoke with Ship Thrifty about the benefits of shipping military care packages through them, how it works, and how Ship Thrifty is supporting Be the One. With American Legion Be the One Days on the first of every month where posts are encouraged to raise awareness about Be the One, an idea is for posts to have a care package event and place Be the One brochures in the packages.

• Save up to 60% on shipping with major carriers • Cut shipping time by 90% (no waiting in line or handwritten customs forms) • Protect service members and collect addresses safely • Earn funds to offset future shipping costs • Reduce nonrefundable returned packages

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023 POST 2

NEW BEGINNINGS CLOVIS FUNERAL CHAPEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS FD 1314

LORETTA H. MARTIN • FD 1241 1302 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 • (559) 298-7536

As you might have known, Coalinga Post 2 was moved from Coalinga to Fresno, in 2017. It is now known as Fresno Veterans Home, Post No. 2. The Post is located at the Veterans home and 90% of its membership is living at the home. The rest live outside of the Home. Some of them work at the Home.

The Post is coming back from almost being closed and its Charter turned in. With a little work, it went from 54% membership to 219%. A 100% membership plaque was presented to the Post, along with a ribbon, at the last California American Legion Convention held in Visalia, CA. Congratulations are in order.

SHEPARD SHEPARD & JANIAN ATTORNEYS AT LAW — FOUNDED IN 1883

Mildred Wright-Pearson

While the move of the Post was meant to keep the Post active with a captive audience, some things were not taken care of in the transition. Currently, the Post is rectifying problems with Government agencies that include a name change, address change, and banking.

Elmer E. Shepard (1861-1935) • Chester E. Shepard (1890-1954) John E. Shepard (1917-2001) • Paulette Janian (Retired)

With that going on, the Post is currently planning activities that are based upon the Four Pillars of the American Legion. Although the members that are housed at the Home may not be very active away from the Home, they have active members who can handle the outside activities in the Post’s name.

1814 E Front St, Selma, CA 93662 • (559) 896-2111

The Post will be planning a membership drive, within the Home, in the future. Hopefully, our numbers will double.

Mildred S. Wright-Pearson, Commander Fresno Veterans Home Post No. 2 The American Legion

JEFF S. SHEPARD

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties POST 621

Thank You for Your Service We’re Proud to Serve You We are honored to provide quality care to all of our veterans.

SQUAW VALLEY

A M E S S AG E T H E C OM M A N DE R

Squaw Valley American Legion Post 621 sponsored a senior from Tulare, California to be in the State High School Oratorical Contest. Zayda McIntyre’s speech was titled “Our Duty Forgotten.” She made it to the State level and won 3rd Place for a $700 check. We’re all very proud of her and wish her all the best.

I’m sure everyone has heard of Central Valley Honor Flight. Our Post is sponsoring 2 qualified Post 621 members to go as Guardians this year. We will revisit sponsoring two more in 2024. The Central Valley Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for November 11, 2023. We’ll have our beautiful trailer that recognizes and honors the branches of the service our veterans were in. One of our Past Commanders, Navy veteran Leslie Chappel, will be the driver with passengers that are also members of the Post; WWII Army veteran Richard McAbee, Marine Corps veteran Russell Dick and Air Force veteran Star Myers. Our annual Dinner with a Veteran event will be held Saturday November 11, 2023 at Dunlap Community Club. We’ll be serving up Rib Eye steaks and fixin’s for the crowd. The Live and Silent Auctions are highly anticipated after the meal. Looking forward to a great time!

Call 877-960-3426 or visit us at fhcn.org to book an appointment.

This year our Post has been approached to be a part of the Wreaths across America Program and we’re honored to be a Sponsor. Our goal is to put 94 wreaths on the veterans’ resting places in the Squaw Valley cemetery on December 16, 2023. Our community always steps up to support our veterans and their families.

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Over 48 locations in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties providing quality health care for all. 21

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

PREAMBLE

OF T H E A M E R IC A N L E G ION

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, State and Nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Gregg Glick

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4747 N 1st St #113, Fresno, CA 93726 • Phone: (559) 225-4540

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

AFTER ACTION

L I F E B E F OR E , D U R I N G A N D A F T E R T H E M I L I TA RY

Air Force veteran Stacy Pearsall is the host of a new PBS show, “After Action,” which reveals the experiences of 21 diverse veterans through candid conversations about what life is like before, during and after service.

She is the guest on this week’s American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, hosted by Jeff Daly and Ashley Gutermuth. FOR YOUR SERVICE, COURAGE, AND DEDICATION

WE THANK YOU

Pearsall, a member of American Legion Post 166 in Goose Creek, S.C., served as a combat photojournalist. “I've lost friends to suicide and have had my own battles,” she said. “If this show saves one life, then it's been worth it.” On the show, Pearsall sits down with three other veterans to talk about one topic. “Wherever that conversation goes, it goes,” she said, noting that sometimes veterans don’t have these types of conversations with family members. “’After Action’ is trying to achieve a more open dialogue, lifting the veil of the military experience and explaining why we are the way we are.” There are five episodes already published and available for viewing on PBS.

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The show is an extension of the work she did with her Veterans Portrait Project. It began in 2008 while Pearsall was rehabilitating from combat injuries sustained in Iraq. It’s a way that she combines her skills with honoring the service of veterans. To date, Pearsall has photographed veterans in 82 cities in all 50 states, documenting more than 8,500 veterans. “It’s important that we had a shared experience,” she said. “This puts people a little less on guard. And because I am a veteran myself, there are no ulterior motives. I’m not here to present anybody in a bad light. I’m just here to photograph them as who they are as an individual.” Pearsall’s “why” drives her motivation for these projects. “I do these things because I want to help,” she explained. “I don’t want others to have the experiences like I did. If you want to be part of the change, you have to be part of the solution. My work through what I have done has been endeavoring to do that.” Daly and Gutermuth also discuss: • The investigation following an intrusion of the home of Air Force One. There were three lapses in security that allowed a breach of the base. That is until a military spouse shot the intruder, points out Gutermuth, who is married to an Air Force Reserve pilot. • One of the first Black Marines, George Johnson, is honored for his service. Johnson, 101, served during World War II as one of the Montford Point Marines.

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• A National Guard veteran and his girlfriend were arrested and charged with plotting to destroy an electrical substation in Maryland. The self-identified Nazi was recently released from prison for possession of explosives. “When I read these stories I always wonder if I served with one of these pieces of filth,” wondered Daly, a Marine veteran. Check out this week’s episode, which is among more than 160 Tango Alpha Lima podcasts available in both audio and video formats here. You can also download episodes on iTunes, Google Play or other major podcast-hosting sites. The video version is available at the Legion’s YouTube channel. 23

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

MISCONDUCT P E N TA G O N R E P O R T C A L L S F O R R E F O R M S AT M I L I TA RY A C A D E M I E S T O TA R G E T I N C R E A S E I N C A S E S BY MATTHEW ADAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

U.S. military academies must improve senior leadership and stop toxic practices such as hazing and shift behavior training into the classroom, Pentagon officials announced Thursday in a study to address the spike in sexual assaults and misconduct.

“What we’re seeing is that what may have been very effective in the past is now having unintended consequences because of the changing demographics … coming into the academy due to broader national trends,” said Elizabeth Foster, executive director of the Pentagon's Force Resiliency Office. The study comes after student-reported survey results from the 2021-22 academic year showed an increase in sexual misconduct at the academies, which has been trending up since 2014 despite Defense Department efforts and attention from Congress. The rise in reports of sexual misconduct incidents is mirrored across the military, where research, programs and initiatives have increased to combat the problem, though they have not created a statistical change. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in March ordered eight actions laid out in a memorandum, shortly after the release of survey results that showed an 18% increase in student-reported sexual assaults at the academies. Austin’s order included on-site evaluations by the Pentagon’s undersecretary for personnel and readiness at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., to examine the situation and find solutions. The report released Thursday included immediate and long-term recommendations to be implemented at each institution. Some include improving access and communication options for victims of sexual misconduct seeking help while making certain that the lessons students are learning are reinforced in other environments.

“When cadets and midshipmen learn one thing about leadership or prevention in the classroom but don’t see that reinforcement in other settings it sends mixed messages about healthy norms and expectations for how they are to treat each other,” said Andra Tharp, the senior prevention adviser for the Force Resiliency Office. The major recommendations focus on the leadership structure at the academies, Foster said.

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At the Air Force Academy, the study recommends the school target cadet hazing in the freshman class. At the Air Force and Naval academies, the report recommends they add seasoned officers and noncommissioned officers to work with other officers already on campus to provide mentorship and supervision. At West Point, the study recommends the school review how cadets are trained to become leaders. The study also acknowledges other factors that college students across the country face. Foster said students are entering the academies with bad experiences ranging from assaults and harassment to attempted suicides and domestic violence. Student leaders aren’t trained to deal with those issues or provide proper support to the students, according to the report. Defense officials said another problem is the use of social media, where bullying and harassment go unchecked. “Our teams, when we went to the academies, we joined these networks to observe the discussion,” Tharp said. “There was just a lot of misinformation. When somebody says, ‘I think I need to get help, I think I need to talk to somebody,’ you might have voices that are deterring that.” Austin also ordered each service branch secretary to submit by Oct. 31 an action plan to counter the sexual misconduct trends at the academies.

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

MEDITATION

HOW M E DI TAT ION C A N R E D U C E DE P R E S SION BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

The short, dark and cold days of winter can contribute to depression for many people, including veterans. Meditation is a science-backed solution to effectively combat these feelings, whether they’re related to seasonal or other stresses. Those who practice meditation say they find it relieves stress, reduces PTSD symptoms, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, helps soothe pain, aids in managing depression and anxiety, and more.

Common types of meditation include: MINDFULNESS Urges awareness and being present in the moment while letting go of negative emotions and judgment. This form can increase focus and memory, reduce impulsive reactions and improve relationship satisfaction. GUIDED Uses the voice of a live person or recording to encourage you to form relaxing mental pictures or situations, using the senses to evoke feelings of calmness. This is a great option for beginners. TRANSCENDENTAL Emphasizes reciting a mantra (word, phrase or sound) and repeating it throughout the meditation. Studies show it may help reduce stress, depression and burnout. PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION Focuses on tensing and then relaxing muscles, often starting at the toes and working up the body. This form of meditation promotes calmness and relaxation, and may help with chronic pain. BREATH WORK Encourages mindful breathing, inhaling deeply and slowly by counting or using a cadence to reduce anxiety, improve concentration and increase emotional flexibility. METTA OR LOVING-KINDNESS Promotes attitudes of love, kindness and compassion toward yourself and others, including enemies and sources of stress. The key is repetition of the message until one achieves an attitude of benevolence. How to get started: Starting a meditation discipline can be overwhelming. It’s normal to have racing thoughts and difficulty focusing, or feel like it isn’t working. The keys to meditation are consistency and compassion. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Calm, Headspace and Insight Timer are downloadable guided-meditation apps that can help guide you through your meditation journey. For consistency, build it into your daily routine. Pair meditation with a daily habit like brushing your teeth, showering, or right before you go to sleep. Also, ease your way into it. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time and frequency of your practice. If you’re having acute stress or a panic attack, breath work and progressive muscle relaxation meditation can be powerful tools in overcoming them. 25

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE

U. S . A N D A L L I E S W O R K T O D E T E R K O R E A N WA R I I BY ALAN W. DOWD

Recall that Pyongyang has a terrifying vision to turn Seoul into “a sea of fire,” “sink” Japan “into the sea,” and “reduce the U.S. mainland into ashes” – and a nuclear arsenal to make that vision a reality. Indeed, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports that North Korea now has 30 nuclear weapons – five more than it deployed in 2022. North Korea’s conventional capabilities are almost as terrifying: 1.3 million men under arms, 4,300 tanks, 13,600 artillery pieces and rocket-launch systems, and hundreds of missiles. If war returns to the peninsula, U.S.-ROK forces expect that every third artillery round fired by North Korea will be a chemical weapon. Just 35 miles from the DMZ, Seoul would bear the brunt of the blow. Even a short war, even a conflict contained to the peninsula, even a preemptive strike that gets “most” of Kim’s nuclear, rocket and artillery capabilities would trigger, in former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. James Dunford’s estimation, “a loss of life unlike any we have experienced in our lifetimes.” As of July 27, the Korean War armistice has held for 70 years – thanks only to the deterrent strength and steely restraint of the U.S.-ROK alliance. The bad news is that North Korea is severely testing that restraint. The good news is that there appears to be a renewed commitment to deterrence in Seoul and Washington.

High stakes and a low bar let’s start with the bad

news, which emanates from North Korea. With its growing nuclear arsenal, spasms of missile tests and unpredictable leadership, North Korea has put South Korea, Japan and the United States on edge. In 2022, Pyongyang test-fired more than 90 missiles, including 23 on a single day. Pyongyang has fired off dozens more this year, including ICBM launches in April and July.

The toll from the Korean War should give us pause: 38,000 Americans, 103,000 South Koreans, 316,000 North Koreans, 422,000 Chinese and some 2 million civilians killed during three years of conventional warfare. And today, we have the specter of a mushroom cloud hanging over the sequel. The Pentagon projects more than 200,000 U.S.-ROK military casualties in the first 90 days of Korean War II. (Continued on Page 27)

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Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties KOR E A N WA R A R M I S T IC E

(Continued from Page 26)

All of this explains why the measure of success in Korea for U.S. presidents is simply getting through another day, another year, another term without another war. That’s a low bar, to be sure, but it’s preferable to the alternative. Words and actions by word and deed, Seoul and Washington are taking the North Korean threat seriously. “A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable, and will result in the end of whatever regime were to take such an action,” President Joe Biden bluntly declared during an April summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. A post-summit declaration soberly reaffirmed that “U.S. commitment to extend deterrence to the ROK is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear.” The major byproduct of that summit was the establishment of a Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), which includes U.S. and ROK defense and national-security officials. The NCG elevates South Korea’s role in nuclear deterrence on the peninsula by enhancing information sharing, developing procedures “to enable joint execution and planning for ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations in a contingency,” and establishing a “joint approach to planning for nuclear contingencies.” The NCG held its first meeting in July.

Mike Jura, Jr. President

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P.O. Box 13157 • Fresno, CA 93794-3157 • www.figgardenpacking.com

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The U.S.-ROK alliance goes much deeper than words and meetings. Unlike some allies, South Korea isn’t free-riding on the back of America’s military. South Korea fields 500,000 active-duty troops, deploys 2,300 tanks and is pouring resources into a fleet of F-35 stealth fighter-bombers. In addition, Seoul is building an aircraft carrier, fortifying and networking its missile defenses, training alongside U.S. and Japanese forces, and investing in deterrence: South Korea is increasing defense spending by 7% annually between 2017 and 2027, while earmarking nearly 3% of GDP for defense. The United States is doing its part as well. Some 28,500 U.S. troops are deployed in South Korea. U.S. forces are training ROK forces on a U.S.-built THAAD missile-defense system based in the central part of the country. And at Seoul’s request, Washington is conducting “regular” deployments of “strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula,” such

as nuclear submarines and aircraft carrier strike groups (CSG). The Nimitz CSG visited South Korea in March of this year. The Reagan CSG made a port of call in South Korea in late 2022. USS Michigan, a nuclear-powered submarine laden with 150 cruise missiles, docked in Korea a few weeks ago – the first such deployment in six years. “Our commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad,” as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin observed during a visit to South Korea earlier this year. Going nuclear One of the reasons Washington has been so forceful – rhetorically and demonstrably – flows from Seoul hinting that it might join the nuclear club. With North Korea spasmodically firing off missiles and simulating nuclear attacks against its southern neighbor, Yoon matter-of-factly noted in January that South Korea “could acquire our own nuclear weapons, such as deploying tactical nuclear weapons here in South Korea.” It was the first time an ROK president had made such a statement, though a large majority of South Koreans (71%) support fielding an ROK nuclear deterrent. Controlling and containing nuclear proliferation has been an enduring goal of U.S. statecraft throughout the nuclear age, especially since the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) came into force in 1968. But the free world’s failure to prevent North Korea from breaching the NPT in the 1990s badly weakened the NPT. And the free world’s failure in 2014 to defend Ukraine – which gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1994, in exchange for a commitment from Moscow to respect Ukraine’s borders and sovereignty – further hobbled the cause of nuclear non-proliferation. Ukraine serves as an object lesson of the deterrent power of nuclear weapons – and the danger of not having them. From allies such as South Korea to enemies such as Iran, governments around the world are learning that lesson. Through the establishment of the NCG and the deployment of “strategic assets” to the peninsula, Washington aims to deter North Korea, reassure (Continued on Page 28)

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023 KOR E A N WA R A R M I S T IC E

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South Korea and shore up the NPT. But with Pyongyang adding to its nuclear arsenal, testing more rockets and delivering a constant barrage of threats, U.S.ROK efforts to bolster nuclear deterrence on the peninsula may not be enough. One middle-ground solution that could deter Pyongyang and provide greater reassurance to Seoul is the re-deployment to South Korea of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons. Washington withdrew its tactical nukes from the peninsula in 1991, in a sign of goodwill and confidence-building that led to an agreement between Pyongyang and Seoul to “not test, manufacture, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapons.” Pyongyang observed that pact for about 20 months. Former State Department official Bennett Ramberg argues that in an era of strained defense budgets and rising instability, “reinstallation of nuclear weapons into South Korea … would enhance deterrence” and “reassure the South Korean people.” Helping hands Shifting back to some good news, South Korea and other free world partners are deepening cooperation on a range of security issues. New leadership in Seoul and Tokyo has opened the way for closer ROK-Japan cooperation. The two longtime U.S. allies this year resumed their security-dialogue meetings. During meetings with Austin in June, the defense ministers of South Korea and Japan pledged to stand up by the end of the year a system that will allow the three nations to share real-time data on missile launches. Maritime assets from Japan, the ROK and the United States conducted missile-defense exercises this past spring. And a U.S.-Japan-ROK flotilla held antisubmarine drills in late 2022. With North Korea recklessly and relentlessly conducting missile tests, Japan in February took the head-turning step of purchasing 500 U.S land-based Tomahawk cruise missiles. As the Japanese government explains, the Tomahawks give Japan “the capability to halt ballistic missile attacks within the territory of our adversaries” (code for North Korea and China). Japan’s deployment of Tomahawks also happens to help South Korea by providing a kind of offshore second-strike capability – and giving North Korea something more to worry about. Beyond the peninsula, South Korea is participating in NATO’s Cyber Defense Center. The United States, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are forging the Chip4 Alliance to ensure a steady supply of semiconductor microchips to the free world. And South Korea is playing a key part in the free world’s efforts to defend Europe and liberate Ukraine: Seoul is delivering hundreds of main battle tanks, howitzers and rocket systems to Poland, and Seoul has shipped artillery shells to Ukraine via the United States and Poland and, more recently, directly to Ukraine. In short, South Korea recognizes that there can be no free-riders in the free world – and that it has an opportunity today to give something back to the free world. Indeed, there’s an interesting symmetry on display here. Just as freeworld powers from North America and Europe came to South Korea’s assistance when it was under attack in 1950, South Korea is partnering with other free-world powers from North America and Europe to assist a European nation under attack today.

We salute and thank those who serve our country. At DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance, we are proud to support our local Veterans.

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

14TH DISTRICT LEGIONNAIRE | VETERANS DAY 2023

WITH HONOR ACTION MARINE VETERAN’S N ON P ROF I T A I M S TO A DDR E S S ‘P OL A R I Z AT ION ’ I N C ON G R E S S BY STEVEN B. BROOKS

Rye Barcott founded the nonprofit With Honor Action as a way to promote and advance principled veteran leadership in elected public service. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran with tours in Iraq, Bosnia and the Horn of Africa said he feels his organization’s mission is now more important than ever.

“(With Honor) is focused on tackling what I think is maybe the largest problem that we face at least in this town, if not our country, which is the polarization and dysfunction of our Congress,” Barcott told attendees at The American Legion’s Washington Conference on Feb. 28. “What we’ve done organizationally is we’ve helped support, recruit, and train, elect principled veterans … who’ve taken a pledge to serve across party lines, and serve with integrity, civility and courage.” Barcott said With Honor Action has helped support around 30 members of Congress who participate in the For Country Caucus, a nonpartisan platform for veterans serving the House. But the total number of veterans serving in Congress is a concern for Barcott. “Not long ago, Congress used to be about 70 percent veterans. Now, we’re right around the 20 percent mark,” he said. “But why does that matter? Obviously, it matters because it is a common bond. It is service. And if you’re going to run again or want to serve again, you need to have a service mentality in this type of work – especially if you’re going to be committed to getting things done.” One of With Honor Action’s mission is passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would provide Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces during the Global War on Terror with a more streamlined and efficient lawful permanent residency process. “Our linguists, whether in Afghanistan or Iraq, were the most dangerous jobs next to our brave (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) guys,” Barcott said. “They were our partners. Now many of them are in a legal limbo. That’s not right, and (the Afghan Adjustment Act) is a way to adjust it. We’re going to push on that, and we’re going to get that thing done this year, God willing.” Barcott said at his organization’s annual conference, he was approached and asked what With Honor Action’s special interest was. “Our special interest is the United States of America,” he said. “That’s what our special interest is. And that’s what (the Legion’s) special interest is. And that’s why I’m proud to be a lifelong Legionnaire.”

Serving Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties

We must never forget the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. It is our obligation and a symbol of our gratitude that we honor their service to our country.”

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