The California Veteran Magazine - Winter 2024

THE

WINTER 2024

CALIFORNIA

VFWCA.ORG

VETERAN

EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS

WHERE HAS CHEWY BEEN? PAGE 6

2024 FLEET WEEK PAGE 14

EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS

WINTER 2024

VFWCA.ORG

INSIDE THE ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE COMMANDER PAGE 2

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: DUSTY NAPIER ELECTED AS NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE 4

WHERE HAS CHEWY BEEN? PAGE 6

STATE COMMANDER HOMECOMING PAGE 8

VFW IN THE NEWS PAGE 10

2024 FLEET WEEK PAGE 14

SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER PAGE 16

THE CALIFORNIA VETERAN IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA It is an online magazine published four times a year to keep our members informed about important news affecting the VFW and veterans.

Click here to Subscribe to our Mailing List to Receive Quarterly Issues of the California Veteran Magazine!

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE COMMANDER

WINTER 2024

VFWCA.ORG Greetings and happy holidays!

STATE COMMANDER Deb Johnson

“I WANT TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS.” -Deb Johnson, State Commander

It is hard to believe that winter is at our heels, and we are days away from entering into a New Year. I am extremely proud of our membership as we have navigated the first half of this administrative year. Posts and Districts have worked hard at training and ensuring we have stayed focused on our educational programs such as Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Programs. Posts have also stayed active by volunteering and participating in community activities. The value of the work our membership has done accounts for over $3 million dollars in volunteer activities so far and we are a third of the way through the year!

I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This time of year, is a season of reflection and preparation. It’s a time to look back on our accomplishments, assess where we stand, and set new goals for the year ahead. I am proud of the strides we have made as a department – advocating for veterans’ rights, assisting those in need, and strengthening our posts and membership.

Let us continue focusing on membership growth and engagement. Let’s bring in new members and make our posts welcoming places where veterans of all generations feel at home.

As we celebrate the holidays and the new year, may we all find joy, peace and the strength to carry out our mission. Please stay safe and may the warmth of fellowship and purpose guide us through the season.

Deb Johnson State Commander

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WINTER 2024 · VFWCA.ORG

Here we are in November already! We are through the critical 120 days with programs at the Post level. We are now onto the next stage of District and Department completing the judging, forwarding the winners, and setting up the awards. Inspections are also well underway; once you are inspected, it's then time to work on any corrections. Please communicate your corrections to your inspector and send a copy to the Department inspectors email at inspector@vfwca.org.

We have come a long way in the last year, but we have more work to do. The end goal is to make sure we have healthy and properly functioning Posts.

The Holidays are fast approaching and I am sure you all are making plans to get together. Please use this time to reach out to your fellow members, especially those that may not have family. Now is a good time to work on your membership list, update addresses, emails, and phone numbers. Check your undeliverables, as they will fall off after three years, even if they are life members. All members matter: it is not all about recruiting, it's just as much about retention. In the past few years we have had enough unpaid members to reach our goal but we let them remain unpaid. It's easier to retain than it is to recruit, but you have to put in the work. Know the VFW priority goals and share those when you are recruiting or asking a member to renew.

Thank you all for keeping up with the reporting. Now is a good time to get reports caught up. Email or call me if you need help.

Enjoy the holidays with your comrades and family!

Paula Jansen Junior Vice Commander Jansen@vfwca.org

JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER Paula Jansen

“WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN THE LAST YEAR, BUT WE HAVE MORE WORK TO DO. THE END GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE HEALTHY AND PROPERLY FUNCTIONING POSTS.” -Paula Jansen, Junior Vice Commander

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MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

Dusty Napier Elected as National Council Member Dusty Napier, Past State Commander, was elected to a four-year term as National Council Member-California at the Department Convention in Anaheim, CA in June. Being elected by the Department to serve as a Council Member does not mean she represents the Department. As a member of the Council, she is charged with representing the best interests of the National VFW and serves as a liaison with the Department of California. As such, she is considered a member of the Board of Directors for the Corporation, and she must adhere to the fiduciary duty of care, loyalty, and obedience to the organization above and beyond any attachment to the Department of California.

The National Council of Administration is responsible for administering the affairs and transacting the business of the VFW in the intervals between Conventions. It is governed in its duties by the mandates of the National Convention and by the Congressional Charter, Bylaws, Manual of Procedure, Ritual, and laws and usages of the VFW. Dusty is a 20-year U. S. Navy retiree, serving from 1974 to 1994. She earned her eligibility for the VFW while deployed to the Persian Gulf. Napier is the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4), Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Special Operations ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon (4 stars), and Sea Service Deployment ribbon.

She joined the VFW in 1997 at VFW Post 1872 in Eureka, California. Dusty now maintains her Bronze Legacy Life membership at VFW Post 9561 in Willow Creek, California. She has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District, and Department levels. On the National level she has served on the National Legislative Committee.

After her retirement from the service, she worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management. She is currently an Executive Director for a nonprofit transportation service in Willow Creek, California.

Dusty is also a life member of the American Legion, VFW National Home for Children, and Native American Veterans Association.

A Navy family, her father, brother and husband all retired from naval service. She enjoys photography, painting and is an advocate for animal rescue. She has two sons, three stepdaughters, and 9 grandchildren. Dusty and her husband Jack reside in Hoopa, California.

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Did you honorably serve in a foreign conflict?

Do you still want to serve?

Then YOU belong as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

As defenders of freedom, we want to welcome today’s military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group. At the VFW, our mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans while offering important programs and services that support veterans, service members, their families, and our communities.

Visit vfw.org/Join or email info@vfwca.org to learn more and join today!

NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.

WINTER 2024 · VFWCA.ORG

Where Has Chewy Been?

VFW Department of California Mascot, Chewy, is a true adventurer! Check out where he has been recently and follow along on social media to keep up with his travels! https://www.facebook.com/vfwcachewy/

AT THE DEFENSE POW-MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY

AT THE WESTERN CONFERENCE

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WINTER 2024 · VFWCA.ORG

AT SHADOW MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

WITH VFW MEMBER & VIEJAS COUNCILMEN ADRIAN BROWN AT THE VIEJAS TRIBE VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

WITH POST 9148 LA MIRADA AT THE MARINE CORPS BALL

IN HOLLY WOOD

AT HEADQUARTERS

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STATE COMMANDER HOMECOMING The VFW Department of CA Joint Homecoming for Commander Deb Johnson and Auxiliary President Sharonda Lewis was held on Friday, October 18th, in Bakersfield. The masquerade-themed event was a huge success. It was a great time with so many in attendance, the crowd filled the room! Thank you to everyone who helped execute this wonderful event, all who attended, and to the color guard and the band for their awesome performances.

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THE

CALIFORNIA

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VFW IN THE NEWS NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY On September 21, 2024, we gathered aboard the historic USS Hornet in Alameda, CA to honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day—a day to remember the brave service members who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. Their sacrifice and the pain of their families will never be forgotten. We remain committed to the mission of bringing our heroes home. The VFW Department of California’s annual POW/MIA Ceremony brought together VFW members, Auxiliary members, and community members to pause, reflect, and remember.

We were honored to hear from the family of MIA Soldier Roger Hallberg, who shared their powerful advocacy for the brave men still missing from Vietnam. Joyce Bilyeu also shared the moving story of her father, Dick Bilyeu, who survived 3.5 years of slave labor and torture in Japanese POW camps after enduring the Bataan Death March. Their stories serve as a powerful testament: You are not forgotten.

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WINTER 2024 · VFWCA.ORG

WESTERN CONFERENCE IN HAWAII Aloha! The 2024 VFW Western Conference was held in Hawaii from October 31 to November 3 at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu. The event was full of productivity, camaraderie, and community, in beautiful and scenic hawaii. Thank you to those who attended and helped reinvigorate our goals and ambitions moving forward.

All of the Western Conference Department Commanders in Hawaii attending the Western Conference meeting. Aloha!”]

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NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE Members of Team California had a great time in D.C. in September at the fall legislative conference. They met with 44 Congressional and Senate Representatives and/or staff, discussed our VFW Legislative priorities, and even walked over 15 miles!

Great work advocating for veterans on the hill!

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WINTER 2024 · VFWCA.ORG

VETERANS FREEBIES OR DISCOUNTS The California Veteran Magazine is excited to be including valuable information on how our readers can access an array of exclusive Veteran Discount programs. From a variety of companies, these discounts are a small token of appreciation for your service. Stay tuned for details on how you can take advantage of these special offers, designed to support you in your daily life and beyond.

The VFWCA is not affiliated with these companies, and has not been paid for their inclusion in any list or article.

REEBOK:

PARAMOUNT+:

HELIX SLEEP:

Reebok’s “Your Work Makes All the Difference” program is dedicated to honoring military veterans by offering a 50% discount on onlineonly purchases. To participate in this program, veterans can follow these simple steps:

Are you looking for a new TV show or movie to watch this holiday season?

Paramount+ offers veterans 50% off any Paramount+ subscription plan for the lifetime of your subscription. Watch all your favorite shows in the comfort of your own home at half the price.

To participate in the Paramount+ military discount program, follow these simple steps:

Are you in need of a new mattress to kick off the 2025 new year? Helix Sleep is there to help with a special offer for Veterans- enjoy 30% off all Helix Sleep products. Helix Sleep wants to help provide Veterans with quality and comfort with every night’s rest. To take advantage of this Military discount, please visit Helixsleep.com and follow these simple steps:

1. Select Military Discounts: Visit the Paramount+ website, scroll down to the bottom of the home page, and select “Read our FAQ.” Search “Military Discounts” and select the search result.

1. Verify Eligibility: Visit the Military Discount section on the Helix Sleep website and provide the necessary information to confirm veteran status.

1. Verify Eligibility: Visit the Discount Programs section on the Reebok website and select “Verify with ID.ME.” 2. Select Military: Continue to sign in.

3. Enjoy the Savings: 50% off online purchases.

Reebok’s program is dedicated to honoring your service and commitment to the country by providing highquality apparel and footwear for everyday comfort.

For more information and to sign up for the Reebok Your Work Makes All the Difference discount program, please visit Reebok.com and navigate to the Discount Programs Section.

2. Verify Eligibility: Provide necessary information to confirm veteran status.

3. Enjoy the Savings: Watch all your favorite TV and movies from your home for 50% off any subscription plan.

For more information and to sign up for Paramount+ 50% off Military plan, please visit Paramountplus.com and navigate to the Military Discount section.

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2. Choose Your Helix Sleep Products: Select your desired products and use your discount code at checkout.

3. Enjoy the Savings: When your 30% off Helix Sleep products arrive, enjoy better sleep.

For more information and to sign up for the Helix Sleep Military Discount Program, please visit Helixsleep.com and navigate to the Military Discounts section. Start the new year with the rest you deserve!

2024 Fleet Week

Members of the VFW Department of California attended 2024 Fleet Week in San Francisco in October to recruit new members and share the VFW mission. Chewy, our mascot, did a great job at starting conversations and engaging with our community. Thank you to everyone who supported this event, and welcome to our newest members!

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WINTER 2024 · VFWCA.ORG

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SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

#VeteranVoices

USING SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT

We want to hear from you, our fellow veterans. Starting this month, we will be sharing stories from our members on the California VFW Facebook page.

Social Media pages can be sources of information for your members locally and nationally. You can use your pages to share what is going on at your local Post and in your District. You can also share national content on your pages, along with important dates and holidays.

STORIES WILL HIGHLIGHT:

Check out the Department of California’s calendar and the VFW National calendar to stay up to date on upcoming events and holidays that might be important to share on your individual pages.

• Upcoming Community Events • Veteran History and Remembrance • Important Local and National News • Plus Other Veteran Stories and Photos You Wish to Share Do you have a story to share? Need a platform to get the word out? Message our Facebook page, @VFWCA today!

Our team will share it with followers using #VeteranVoices.

VFW Department of CA Calendar: https://vfwca.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp VFW National Calendar: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Media-andEvents/Events/VFW-Planning-Calendar.pdf

#TheCaliforniaVeteran #vfwpostpride

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Happy Holidays From The VFW Department of California!

The holidays are here! And with them come many opportunities for community, joy, and celebration.

But they can also inspire loneliness and discomfort.

This holiday season, we encourage you to reach out to those around you, engage with your loved ones and your neighbors. Whether you are in need of a connection, or you think they might be in need of a little extra holiday cheer, a small moment can go a long way to inspire positivity and joy during an overwhelming time.

And if you choose not to celebrate the holiday season, we wish you a time of peace and comfort.

THE

CALIFORNIA

VETERAN WINTER 2024

VFWCA.ORG

THE CALIFORNIA VETERAN 9136 Elk Grove Blvd., #100 Elk Grove, CA 95624