66th Annual Convention Book

Committed to serve those who served.

66th Annual State Convention Concord, CA

June 10-12, 2011

Dedication We dedicate this convention book to all the men and women in the American Armed Forces—the greatest fighting force in the world, and to all veterans who have sacrificed for our precious freedom.

National Commander’s Welcome GERALD “JERRY” HOTOP National Commander 2010-2011 April 1, 2011 Greetings to the members of the AMVETS Department of California

A

s the AMVETS Department of California gathers for the annual state convention, I want to extend my best wishes to each of you on behalf of AMVETS National Headquarters. Thanks to your continued hard work and dedication, AMVETS remains at the forefront of veterans’ service across our great nation, serving veterans of all conflicts and continuing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our nation’s diverse veterans’ community.

For more than six decades, AMVETS has built its stellar reputation upon the tireless efforts of our members in posts and departments all across the country, and AMVETS Department of California is no exception. In the last year, each of you has demonstrated your commitment to our nation’s heroes through a broad range of innovative programs and volunteer efforts.

As National Commander, I want to take this opportunity to thank your department, its officers, and your members for your continued devotion to the noble cause of veteran’s service, and I challenge you to do all that you can to serve our veterans, past and present, during these trying times in our nation.

As California AMVETS, you continue to improve the lives of your fellow veterans, and serve as stewards of the communities in which you live, keeping with the greatest traditions of our organization and our nation. With this in mind, I wish you a most productive and successful convention in 2011.  2

National Commander Hotop

State Commander’s Greeting

I

t has been a very exciting year for California AMVETS! As I sit and type this final message, I am reminded of many things that have made this a great year.

I remember when I was elected; I had the wildest thoughts running through my head! I knew I wanted to make a difference and to challenge our members. We hit the ground running with Transition. We learned about the importance of being compliant and using our resources to the fullest extent. The district commanders now have a more active role in their districts and are a unique asset in assisting their posts. I hope that future district commanders embrace their responsibilities as leaders and will continue the great work we have started this year.

At transition we also created a stand-alone VAVS program. During Transition we decided to increase the efficiency of our VA Volunteer Services program so Commander we would not drop the ball when it came to funding. The funds stream was reorRamos ganized to be administered by the Department through the District Commanders.

Post 56 We have had some unique challenges, some of which were very tough to work through. Some of our challenges we are still working through, but with determination we will prevail. VAVS is a very important program. We need to remember to plan ahead; events should be planned well in advance and should allow enough tolerance for minor fluctuation caused by inflation or other unknown variables.

It has been a huge privilege to follow in the footsteps of great State Commanders such as Commander Benton, Commander Pidgeon, Commander Posey, and Commander Byrum. These great men began the most difficult journey of guiding our organization toward a path of integrity. It was certainly the ultimate challenge; and they were facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Each of these men added their own piece and expertise to a master plan of laying a solid foundation and rebuilding our Service Foundation, and the Department. We owe these men all of our thanks and respect.

Another great privilege for me has been to represent the Department on the Foundation Board of Directors. Each director has been a great friend and absolute invaluable resource for me during my term. These men and women operate with integrity, professionalism, and class; and have nothing but the best for AMVETS on their minds. I salute you: Helen Wong, Pete Ramirez, Cephus Daniels, Dick Hum, Gene Sustaita, and President Jim Pidgeon. It has been an absolute honor to work alongside you.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Chuck Kissel, PhD. Words, spoken or written, cannot express effectively my gratitude for your perseverance, knowledge, and determination to seek the truth during these last few years. Your guidance and counsel has been my light tower in these times. I am proud to consider you my friend and mentor. Also, to our corporate attorney, April Pearson, and transition manager, Katherine Gough, you two are the one-two punch we needed to correct the course of our journey. Thank you for putting up with my ignorance and guiding me in the right direction.

Finally to my executive board of the department, a special thanks. First to my right hand - Rose Blackman, thank you for being a true executive director and keeping my path straight. To 1st Vice Greer, 2nd Vice Clay, and Finance Officer Guervara, thank you for keeping the faith and working tirelessly to make this journey an enjoyable one. To the rest of the board members, I owe you all my thanks for being the professionals we needed, during this time of change.

To every AMVET in the Department of California: Thank you for the honor of serving as your commander. I am humbled by your confidence and I hope I have performed my duties to your expectations. As always I will pray for you and your families and remind you to always defend your fellow veterans. Ours is the greatest responsibility, we have the responsibility of remembering those who have served this great country of ours. God bless you and God bless America.ď‚Ť 3

Executive Director’s Greeting Welcome to our 66th Department Convention

T

hank you to all in attendance, we know that for some of you it is not easy to break away from work and other obligations to come to the convention.

The fact that you see that your attendance here is a important part of being a member of California AMVETS speaks volumes for the work that we are all doing for our veterans. It is great to have three national officers with us during this convention: Welcome National Commander Jerry Hotop, National Sons of AMVETS Commander Charles Summerall and his first Vice Dave Spencer. We hope you enjoy your stay with us.

Thank you to the staff of the Hilton Concord for welcoming us and helping to make this one of our best conventions ever. Thank you to Post 26, our host post for their many hours of planning, etc. to make our stay here entertaining.  Yours in service, Rose Blackman

Auxiliary President’s Greeting

A

special thank you Ladies for your enthusiastic participation in working so hard to help us meet our goals. It is comforting to know that our Auxiliaries are giving their best to help our veterans. It’s has been my honor to be your president for the year 2010-2011.  Linda Diaz AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary of CA, Inc.

4

Gubernatorial greeting

5

Greetings from the CDVA CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY PETER J. GRAVETT June 10, 2011

AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA 66TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION On behalf of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), I welcome the AMVETS, Department of California, to your 66th Annual State Convention.

As one of our nation's foremost veterans service organizations I applaud you for being such a strong and influential advocate for America's veterans on important issues such as employment and training, mandatory funding for government-provided health care and other benefits to which they are entitled.

The diversity of your membership is unlike other veterans service organizations.

AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to present including those in the National Guard and Reserves.

As a life-member of AMVETS and on behalf of this State, I thank you for being an ally and partner with CalVet on many events and programs in our Veterans Homes of California. I look forward to maintaining our very cooperative relationship, which has been of great benefit for the veterans of the State of California.

Sincerely,

PETER J. GRAVETT

1227 O Street, room 300

Sacramento, CA. 95814

6

916-653-2158

www.calvet.ca.gov

Greetings from the Mayor of Concord CITY COUNCIL Laura M. Hoffmeister, Mayor Ron Leone, Vice Mayor Tim Grayson Dan Helix William Shinn

CITY OF CONCORD 1950 Parkside Drive, MS/01 Concord, California 94519-2578 FAX: (925) 798-0636 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Telephone: (925) 671-3158

Mary Rae Lehman, City Clerk Thomas Wentling, City Treasurer Daniel E. Keen, City Manager

Welcome!

On behalf of the entire Concord City Council, please accept my warm welcome to the participants of the AMVETS Department of California. Thank you for choosing Concord as the site of your 66th Annual Convention. We are excited to have your organization visiting our community again.

I realize you will have a full schedule of events during your convention, but as time permits, I encourage each of you to experience all that our beautiful city has to offer.

Concord’s diversity, location and well-kept facilities present the kind of environment sure to result in a memorable time for all participants and their families. We believe our theme, “Concord-Where Families Come First,” accurately describes our community.

We hope that your event is a great success and that you will consider returning to visit us again sometime soon.

Very truly yours, Laura M. Hoffmeister Mayor, City of Concord

e-mail: cityinfo@ci.concord.ca.us • website: www.cityofconcord.org

7

Department Officers

Mike Clay 2nd Vice Commander Post 2002

Jerry Greer 1st Vice Commander Post 96

Ron Ferrara N.E.C. Man

Post 113 (no picture available)

John Bernier S. Area Commander Post 2007

Bud Simmons N. Area Commander Post 40 8

Jerry Guevara Finance Officer Post 22

Frank Guerra C. Area Commander Post 56

Department Officers

Baldy Salmon Trustee SEB Post 56

Ben Aguayo Provost Marshal Post 113

Charles L. Kissel Post 18 Judge Advocate/ Americanism Chair

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

Commander Charles Ramos

charlie@charlieramos.com

1st Vice Commander Jerry Greer

vfwjerry@yahoo.com

2nd Vice Commander Mike Clay

mikeclay40@hotmail.com

Northern Area Commander Bud Simmons

707-971-0523

Central Area Commander Frank Guerra

559-875-5353

Southern Area Commander John Bernier

760-240-2300

Finance Officer Jerry Guevara

559-786-9106

Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel

714-484-9826

Provost Marshal Ben Aguayo

bsaguayo@gmail.com

N.E.C. Person Ronald Ferrara Alt. N.E.C. Person Filbert Bejarano

rkferrara@gmail.com 559-686-0335 9

Ray Delgado Trustee SEB Post 2

Officer at Large Baldy Salmon 559-303-4528 Officer at Large Ray Delgado 310-410-8856 Chaplain Tom Sarchipone 707-226-3978 Chief of Staff Jeff Sharp jeff.sharp@sbcglobal.net

Executive Director Rose Blackman

District Commanders

Ann Reader District 2 Commander Post 116

Pat Paternoster Perez

Frank Gonzales District 12 Post 2009

Sheryl Shaffer District 4

District 15 Post 1996

Dennis Boyce District 17

Post 34

Post 311

Not pictured

Gene Clements District 14 Post 2813

Alex Halley District 6 Post 56

10

District 1 District 3 District 5 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 District 11 District 13 District 16

AMVETS Service & Rehabilitation Department of California Service Officers

D

Help When You Need It

o you have any questions about veterans’ benefits or need help getting through the red tape involved in completing veterans’ hospitalization or claim forms? Do you know who to write or call for help? AMVETS Service Rehabilitation Department has over 22 AMVETS-accredited representatives throughout the state of California, in Reno and Las Vegas to help you FREE OF CHARGE providing you have appointed AMVETS as your service organization representative so that they may access your records at the Veterans Administration.

These representatives have been certified by the AMVETS National Service Director and are accredited by the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs authorizing them to present claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Write or call our AMVETS accredited service officers below.

Jim Pidgeon, Foundation President 1213 S. Dale Avenue Anaheim, CA 92980 1 800 640 VETS (8387)

Jim Pidgeon Post 56 Foundation President Helen Wong Post 34 Foundation Secretary

Cephus R. Daniels Post 116 Foundation Trustee

11

Legislative Rules For Convention And De The following rules have been adopted to govern Conventions and Executive Meetings unless amended or deleted by a two-thirds majority vote at such a meeting.

form. If submitted by a Post the resolution must be signed by the Post Commander or the Post Adjutant.

A resolution may be submitted when sponsored by five AMVETS in good standing from five different Posts.

Robert’s Rules of Order - In any matter not covered by the AMVETS National Constitution and By-Laws, Department of California Constitution and By-Laws or these Convention and DEC rules, Robert’s Rules of Order shall prevail.

No Resolutions - shall be discussed on the floor until it has been reported out by an appropriate Committee after referral by the Resolutions Committee. All resolutions properly submitted must be reported to the floor of the meeting. No Committee shall give consideration to any resolution, the subject matter of which does not pertain to the duties or functions of that particular Committee. Under these rules, a Committee may originate such resolutions as pertain to the subject with which the Committee is charge. A two thirds vote of the delegates may accept a resolution which does not meet the above requirements.

Video & Recording Devices - in the audience are absolutely prohibited. Official minutes of this convention are property of AMVETS Department of California.

Privilege of the Floor - All AMVETS shall have the privilege of the floor when properly recognized by the chair. When recognized, they will declare their NAME and POST NUMBER, also when making a motion or a second.

Time Limit on Debate - Debate shall be limited to three minutes for each speaker, except for the proponent of a resolution or motion who shall have two minutes for rebuttal. Debate on any one subject shall be limited to fifteen minutes unless extended by a two thirds vote of the members present.

Post Delegate Chairman - shall control his delegation with regard to monopolizing argument on the floor, pro and con on a question.

On Any Question - the Chair shall recognize proponents and opponents alternately.

The Floor - shall be permitted but once to any one individual on any one subject except the proponent of a resolution or motion, except by majority consent of the members present. However, Committee Chairman may speak as frequently as necessary in connection with their committee reports. In the event of controversy, the Chair shall not entertain any motion which will curtail further debate without affording the Committee Chairman, or the proponent, an opportunity for a two minute rebuttal.

Resolutions, Requirements for Presentation All resolutions to come before the meeting must be presented to the Resolutions Committee, or the Department Executive Director, for referral to the proper committee, before close of business on the first day of the meeting. They must be presented in three copies, typed or printed in proper resolution 12

epartment Executive Committee Meetings Voting - Only duly accredited delegates or, in their absence, the accredited alternates, shall vote on any question before the meeting. Any vote is subject to challenge by another delegate.

Voting shall be by voice or hand vote, except that the Chair, or the delegates of at least three Posts, may demand a roll call vote. Election of Department Officers shall be by VOICE VOTE. (a) Final nominations for Officers shall be held at 9:30 AM sharp on Sunday morning and the election shall immediately follow the close of nominations.

Nominations, Invitations for Meetings - Nomination speeches for Department Officers, invitations for meetings and acceptance speeches shall not exceed three (3) minutes. Not more than two seconding speeches for any candidate or place shall be permitted. Such speeches shall not be more than one (1) minute.

candidates for the office. In case of a tie, the Department Commander will break the tie.

No Ballot - shall be taken on any office until such time as reports on the qualifications of all for the office have been submitted.

Discussions, Personal and Local Grievances - Discussion of PERSONAL GRIEVANCES, LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CLAIMS CONCERNING AN INDIVIDUAL with respect to his personal interest shall not be permitted on the floor; however, such matters may be discussed before Committees with a majority approval of the members of such committee.

Time Keeper and Rules Administrator - The Provost Marshall shall be the Sergeant-at-Arms.

The Judge Advocate shall be the administrator of the Rules of the meeting. A Time Keeper shall be appointed by the Department Commander. Each may appoint assistants with the approval of the Department Commander.

Each Office - shall be voted on separately in the order outlined in Article VI of the Department Constitution. As each Department Officer is elected, nominations will be in order for the next office indicated.

Voting Delegates - shall be furnished with some visible means of identification to facilitate vote counting. Offices would then be voted upon and filled in the order listed in Article 7. The election shall proceed under the supervision of three AMVETS appointed by the Department Commander. The candidates for office may have one personal representative to witness the counting of the ballots for the office he or she seeks. The election shall proceed for one office at a time.

Election Rules - Delegates and Alternates who have paid their registration fees will be qualified to represent Posts in good standing.

During the Elections of Officers - the doors will be closed and no one will be allowed to come in; however, delegates may go out.

Election of all Officers - shall be by a majority of the votes cast. After any ballot for any office, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated. A candidate for any office receiving less than ten percent (10%) of the votes on any ballot shall likewise be eliminated when there are more than three 13

In Memoriam Members who have passed since the last conference

Post 2 George B. Almerigi Post 17 George R. Gulyas Post 26 Santiago O. Carin Post 30 Edgar Blake III Kenneth Froschauer Richard G. Hoby Elmer A. Thysell Post 34 George Lee Post 48 Clure Rayner Edward G. Duffy Lovel Adkins

Post 56 Manuel S. Machado Leonard A. Ferguson Jimmie D. Adams William D. Sprigg Leland S. Stevenson Danny D. Price Charles F. McBeth Clarence V. Valine Jerry J. Boles Ralph W. Brasuell Thomas G. Keel John B. Machado Arthur J. Maikoski Walter W. Myres Lamar F. Walden Post 80 Jesse W. Davidson

Post 1240 Samuel J. Elliot Post 1775 Benjamin F. Starbird Jr. Post 1996 Robert E. Peterson Donald J. Boardman Glen Mayer Eldon Darling Lawrence L. Hughes George McColm Donald Perez Post 2002 John W. Goebel Howard L.Lavey

Post 113 Amador Garcia Richard Jimenez

Post 2003 Richard A. Greene Chester C. Ireton Charles M. Jones

Post 922 Kenneth Bert Marchman

Post 2813 William E. Schnoewing

14

PAST COMMANDERS *Jack Hardy *Edward Shattuck *Ronald Button *Frank Dee Scriven *Prentice Smith *James Kehoe *Hampton Hutton *William O’Sullivan *Lionel Hudson *Edward Miratti *Douglas Kueny *Edward Branum *Leroy Gardiner *Arthur Green *Jack Lindsay Hal Camp *Frank Russo *Walter Myers *Robert Kehoe *Bearl Bennett *Joseph Doyle *Thad Males *B. Bill Murad *G.W. Stewart *Julio Pina John Engberg Faith Rothburn *M. D. Christopherson *Louis Kelly Billy Alexander *Joseph Lopez Joseph Alexander *Jack Wu *Harvey Boswell *John Lingenfelter Manual Toledo *Murray Zeckowy *Melvin E. Brown Stephen K. Davis Stephen K. Davis *Marion (Gene) Thomas

POST YEAR PAST PRESIDENTS 1 1945 *Edith Males 1 1 1 1946 *Inez Murphy 13 1947 *Patricia Loeblich 53 1948 Helen Wolf 1 1949 Zoe Riley 1 1950 *Genevieve Basham 5 1951 *Pearl Barnett 3 1952 *Kathryn Lindsey 52 1953 Helen Whelchel 111 1954 Lucia Russo 4 1955 Lottie Young 48 1956 *Louise Campbell 5 1957 *Kay Camp 18 1958 *Mae Pierce 48 1959 *Marion Walker 48 1960 Vivian Wasner 53 1961 *Texas Myers 5 1962 *Diane Dodgen 48 1963 *Clara Podrazik 23 1964 *Esther Glenn 15 1965 *Roberta Stephens 1 1966 *Nettie Pina 2 1967 *Evelyn Stack 44 1968 Kitty Kelly 30 1969 Rachel Brown 48 1970 *Marie Pena 18 1971 *Mildred Klesper 15 1972 *Polly Nicolai 19 1973 Diedre Lingenfelter 30 1974 Fern Graupmann 34 24 1975 *Sarah Flores 70 1976 *Agnes Kolano 56 1977 Dolores Stoll 25 1978 Deborah Fox 18 1979 *Louise Weaver 20 1980 *Esther Hodgson 20 1981 Myra Rogers 56 1982 *Vera L. Garner 15

AUX. 55

18 30 14 48 30 5 14 48 14 48 18 48 33 48 48 48 48 48 18 2 48 18 18 48 70 30 70 117 33 30 70 48 30 10 30 26

PAST COMMANDERS *Arden Johnson Jim Adams Baldemar Salmon *Clarence J. Garner George Maness George Maness *Lionel (Butch) Madole *Lionel (Butch) Madole Richard Bowen *Joaquin Silva *Joaquin Silva Frank Gonzales Frank Gonzales Vernon Robinson Vernon Robinson *Howard Dean *Howard Dean Dennis O’Dell Don McDonald Leo Simon Robert Salisbury Beverly Grable John Reece Arthur “Dell” Benton Jim Pidgeon Mel Posey John Byrum Charles Ramos AMVETS OF THE YEAR *Ralph Thorpe *Edward Branum *Earl Ash Hal Camp *Eugene Rudd *Walter Myers *Jack Lindsey *Frank Stephens Manual Toledo *Bearl Bennett John Engberg *Joseph Torres

POST 72 56 22 26 56 56 100 100 18 56 56 1990 1990 17 17 56 56 2 1990 1996 30 56 1 2007 56 26 18 56 POST 56 111 48 18 13 48 5 18 56 5 44 98

YEAR 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 YEAR 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 16

PAST PRESIDENTS Diana Honabarger Barbara T. Schmidt Marilyn J. Murphy Patricia A. Cathey Marilyn J. Murphy *Vera L. Garner Deborah L. Fox Roberta Jacobs Roberta Jacobs Patricia Richardson Hazel Hogan Hazel Hogan Deborah Fox Marie Lucero Charon Dunn Charon Dunn Charlene Newell Charlene Newell Helen Blanchette Helen Blanchette Irene Cervantes Irene Tellex Irene Tellex Linda Adi Linda Adi Michelle Scovil Michelle Scovil Linda Diaz WOMEN OF THE YEAR (Not Awarded) Mae Pierce Lucia Russo Kay Camp *Marion Walker *Texas Myers *Kathryn Lindsey *Esther Glenn Kitty Kelly *Marie Pena *Nettie Pina Rachel Brown

AUX. 48 80 48 48 48 10 48 5277 5277 56 100 100 48 113 20 20 80 80 20 20 113 113 113 80 80 1 1 113 AUX. 48 48 18 33 48 5 48 18 48 2 18

AMVETS OF THE YEAR POST *Julio Pina 2 (Not Awarded) *Emory Alderson 48 *B. Bill Murad 15 *Joseph Doyle 48 James G. Jay 34 (Not Awarded) Joseph Kolano 30 *Melvin E. Brown 18 *John Lingenfelter 70 *M. D. Christopherson 48 *Mary Branum 80 Hal Camp 18 *Joseph Lopez 19 *Clarence Garner 26 *David Hall 28 Bert Sa 56 *Joseph Tom 78 *Pete Valdez 2 George Maness 56 *Clifford Well 23 *Lionel (Butch) Madole 100 Jo Fisher 4 *John Everett 5277 Jim Adams 56 Martin Fishman 177 Del Benton 2007 Vanda Bresman 18 Gus Wilson, Jr. 100 Donald McDonald 1990 *Lloyd Reid 6 Bob Lynch 56 John Lock 34 Leo Simon 1996 *Joaquin Silva 56 Joel Devenish 30 Jeff Sharp 18 Rose Blackman 56 Terry McCarty 18 Chuck Kissel 18 Jim Pidgeon 56 Ann Reeder 116

YEAR 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 17

WOMEN OF THE YEAR Phyllis Mannon (Not Awarded) *Evelyn Stack Jean Farber *Elma Kneip *Margaret Alexander Hazel Hogan *Lena Basilone *Vera L. Garner *Esther Hodgson *Fern Graupmann *Clara Podrazik Helen Tucker (Not Awarded) *Geneva Bennett Patricia Cathey (Not Awarded) *Mary Walker Rosie Valdez Barbara Schmidt *Polly Nicolai Mary Wilhelms Jo Ann Blatt Marilyn Murphy (Not Awarded) Charlene Newell Deborah Fox Helen Blanchette (Not Awarded) Regina Hasbrook (Not Awarded) Charon Dunn Eileen Hogan Irene Taylor Lee Peterson *Agnes Kolano Diana Honabarger Bernandette Cawthorne Vickie O’Neal Diana Honabarger Debbi Johnson Benny Aginga

AUX. 111 48 30 48 15 70 48 26 10 111 80 20 7 7 48 2 80 80 48 80 80 48 48 20 56 20 100 4 48 30 48 20 30 20 1996 113

66th Annual Convention Agenda JUNE 10-12, 2011 Friday, June 10, cont.

First credentials report: CONCORD

Rod Blackman, Chairperson Roll Call of officers and posts: HILTON,

Rose Blackman, Executive Director CONCORD, CA Officers Reports:

Friday, June 10 Registration 8 AM – 1130 AM

Committee Reports:

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

0800: VAVS for ALL Reps and Posts: Jeff Sharp 0800: Women Veterans: Ann Reeder 0900: Resolutions - - Chairman Beverly Grabel, 0900: AMERICANISM: Chuck Kissel 1000: Ways & Means- Art Sanchez 1000: Programs – Mike Clay – 2nd Vice Commander 1100 Constitution and Bylaws – Chuck Kissel 1000: ? Legislative Committee-Lorraine Plas 1600 (4 pm): Executive Board Meeting – Charlie Ramos – Commander

1900-2030 hours: No host Commander & President’s reception

Saturday, June 11

Colors Posted by State Color Guard Pledge of allegiance

0800hrs: Registration

led by Provost Marshall Ben Aquayo

Commander Ramos reconvenes convention 0900 –1130 hours

Invocation –Chaplain Tom Sarcipone Acceptance of Agenda and DEC minutes: Commander Ramos Welcome – Gary Pforr, Convention Chairperson Welcome – City Officials – the Honorable,

Mayor Laura Hoffmeister Introduction of National Commander Jerry Hotop

Roll Call: Dept. of CA Officers & Posts

by Rose Blackman- E. D. 2nd Credentials report: Rod Blackman

Committee Reports:

Speaker:

Ron Ferrara NEC report Chuck Kissel, Judge Advocate report Ben Aguayo, Provost Marshall report Dr. Chuck Kissel, Americanism

1600 hours, Executive Board meeting, immediately following the board meeting the Convention site selection committee will meet.

1300 hrs – CONVENTION called to order

Commander Charles Ramos

Jerry Greer, 1st Vice, Membership Mike Clay, 2nd Vice, Programs Northern Area Commander Bud Simmons Central Area Commander Frank Guerra Southern Area Commander John Bernier

Secretary of Calif. Veterans Affairs

CBLS, Awards, Resolutions, Programs, Sad Sacks

Service Foundation Report:

18

Jim Pidgeon, President

66th Annual Convention Agenda Saturday, June 11,

Recess for lunch

Sunday, June 12

cont.

Memorial Services 0800 -0900 Convention reconvenes 0930 - 1130 hrs

Reconvene convention at 1300 – 1430 hours (joint session with Auxiliary).

Registration 0800-0930

Commander introduces distinguished guests:

Commander Ramos Reconvenes Convention

National Commander Jerry Hotop National Sons of AMVETS Commander Charlie Summerall Auxiliary President Linda Diaz Speaker: Don Rinker: MISN Director for U.S.D.V.A. NCA, Director of all National VA Cemeteries for the nine western states

Final Credentials report:

Roll Call of officers and posts:

Commander Ramos dismisses

distinguished guests

Rose Blackman, E.D.

Executive Board report:

Legislative Advocate:

Rod Blackman

Commander Ramos

Final Nominations

Pete Conaty

Finance Officer’s Report:

Election of 2011-2012 Dept. Officers

Proposed budget VAVS Report:

Installation of new officers

New business:

Old business New business

1st Nominations of Officers

Benediction:

Jerry Guevara

Mel Posey

2011 convention sites:

Announcements

by National Commander Hotop

Chaplain Tom Sarcipone

Retirement of Colors Raffle

Area caucuses will be held right after this meeting in this room

SAD SACK SCRIMMAGE,

Agenda subject to change without notice

31 minutes after the banquet

1830 hrs: no host cocktails 1900 hrs: Commander/ President’s Banquet- Dance

AMVET of the Year Woman of the Year Volunteer of the Year Raffle

19

Ladies Auxiliary Convention Agenda amvets Ladies Auxiliary Department of California 66th Annual Convention Concord, California June 11 – 13, 2011 Agenda Friday – June 11, 2011 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m............................................................................................................................................. Registration 12:00 Officers Meeting..................................................................................(To Be Announced) Linda Diaz, Dept. President 1:00 p.m. ................................................................................. Opening of the 66th amvets Ladies Auxiliary Convention Call To Order . .............................................................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Posting of Colors . .................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Opening of Bible . .................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Invocation ..................................................................................................................................... Alma Gant Nash, Chaplain Pledge of Allegiance ................................................................................................................. Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Roll Call of Officers/Chairmen ...................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary Present ____ Excused ____ Total Officer/Chrm Voting strength ____ Roll Call of Local Auxiliaries .......................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary Delegates ____ Alternates ____ Total Voting strength ____ Establishment of Quorum . ....................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan, Parliamentarian Adoption of Convention Agenda.................................................................................................... Linda Diaz, Dept. President Preamble ............................................................................................................................................. Debbi Johnson, 1st Vice Code of the American Mother.......................................................................................................... Gloria Sandoval, 2nd Vice Welcome ....................................................................................................................................... Linda Diaz, Dept. President Minutes of S.E.C. Meeting, Santa Maria............................................................................Charlie Newell, Recording Secretary Introduction of P.D.P’s And Guests . ............................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Appointment of Time Keeper . ...................................................................................................... Linda Diaz, Dept. President Reading of Convention Rules . .................................................................................................. Hazel Hogan, Parliamentarian Correspondence ...................................................................................................... Irene Cervantes, Corresponding Secretary Credentials Report ......................................................................................................... Eileen Hogan, Credentials Chairman Officers/Chrm. ____ Delegates ____ Alternates ____ Pdps ____ Guests ____ Total Voting strength ____ Finance Report . ..................................................................................................................................... Rita Garcia, Treasurer Balance Forward as of ________ (Date) $________ Total Income $________ Total Disbursements $________ Checking Account Balance as of _______ (Date) $________ Recommendations of Officers Mtg. (First Reading) ............................................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary 20

Ladies Auxiliary Convention Agenda Officer’s And Chairmen’s Reports (3 Copies-Explain Duties of Office Also) Position/How In Office.................................................................................................................................................... Name Ways & Means/Appointed.............................................................................................................................. Caretha Mitchell Credentials/Appointed..........................................................................................................................................Eileen Hogan Parliamentarian/Appointed................................................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan Corresponding Secretary/Appointed...................................................................................................................Irene Cervantes Recording Secretary/Appointed........................................................................................................................Charlene Newell Awards (Jr. Past Pres.)/Appointed....................................................................................................................... Michelle Scovil Chaplain/Elected..............................................................................................................................................Alma Gant Nash Sargent-At-Arms/Elected.................................................................................................................................. Dolores Sanchez N.E.C. Woman/Elected (2 Years)..................................................................................................................Diana Honabarger Treasurer/Elected...................................................................................................................................................... Rita Garcia Scholarship/Elected............................................................................................................................................... Linda Enciso Hospital/Elected................................................................................................................................................Mags Quinteros Americanism/Elected..............................................................................................................................................Pat Martinez 3rd Vice Pres./Community Service/Elected.............................................................................................................Carol Smith 2nd Vice Pres./Child Welfare/Elected................................................................................................................ Gloria Sandoval 1st Vice Pres./Membership/Elected.................................................................................................................... Debbi Johnson President/Elected.......................................................................................................................................................Linda Diaz Announcements Closing of The Bible................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Ways & Means Raffle............................................................................................................. Caretha Mitchell, Ways & Means Opening of Bible........................................................................................................................ Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Benediction..................................................................................................................................... Alma Gant Nash, Chaplain Retirement of Colors................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt At Arms Adjournment.................................................................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Standing Committee Meetings ...............................................................................................To Be Announced (See Saturday) 7-8 p.m.................................................................................................................... Dept. Commander & President Reception 8:01 p.m...........................................................................................................................................Bingo Hosted by Sackettes

Saturday – June 12, 2010 Registration.........................................................................................................................................................8:30-9:00 a.m. amvets Ladies Auxiliary Meeting Reconvenes......................................................................................................... 9:00 a.m.

Formal Opening of Convention.................................................................................... Shirley Cullum, Convention Chairman Call To Order....................................................................................................................... Linda Diaz, Department President Posting of Colors........................................................................................................................ Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Opening of The Bible................................................................................................................. Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Invocation....................................................................................................................................... Alma Gant Nash, Chaplain Pledge of Allegiance................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Roll Call of Officers/Chairmen....................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary Present____ Excused ____ Officers/Chairmen Voting strength ____ Roll Call of Local Auxiliaries........................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary Delegates ____ Alternates ____ Total Delegate Voting strength ____ Establishment of Quorum...........................................................................................................Hazel Hogan, Parliamentarian Introduction of Pdps, Guests/New Members.................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Definition of Americanism............................................................................................................ Pat Martinez, Americanism 21

Ladies Auxiliary Convention Agenda Code of Ethics.......................................................................................................................... Carol Smith, 3rd Vice President Welcome........................................................................................................................................ Linda Diaz, Dept. President Credentials Report........................................................................................................... Eileen Hogan, Credentials Chairman Officers/Chairmen ____ Delegates ____ Alternates____ Pdps____ Guests ____ Total Voting strength ____ Correspondence........................................................................................................ Irene Cervantes, Corresponding Secretary Finance Report......................................................................................................................................... Rita Garcia, Treasurer Continue with Unfinished Officers Reports from Friday Report From District II .................................................................................................................. Alma Gant Nash, President Vavs Reports: Fresno La Jolla.................................................................................................................................................................... Irene Taylor La Outpatient Greater L.A........................................................................................................................ Irene Cervantes, Pdp Loma Linda................................................................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan, Pdp Long Beach..............................................................................................................................................Charlene Newell, Pdp West La Medical Center......................................................................................................................................... Rosie Valdez Reports from standing Committees Type Lead By RoomTime Membership....................................................................................................................................................... Debbi Johnson Child Welfare.................................................................................................................................................... Gloria Sandoval Community Service ...............................................................................................................................................Carol Smith Americanism..........................................................................................................................................................Pat Martinez Hospital............................................................................................................................................................Mags Quinteros Scholarship............................................................................................................................................................ Linda Enciso Awards............................................................................................................................................................... Michelle Scovil Constitution & By-Laws....................................................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan Finance.................................................................................................................................................................... Rita Garcia Recommendations From Officers Meeting (Second Reading)............................................................................................................ Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary 11:30 a.m. . ................................................................................................................................................... Recess For Lunch 1:00 p.m. ........................................................................................................................................ Joint Session w/amvets Officers and Chairmen Please Attend in Uniform 2:00 p.m. .................................................................................................................................................... Awards Ceremony Reconvene Convention ................................................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Reading of Election Rules ......................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan, Parliamentarian First Nomination of Officers for 2010 – 2011 Please Turn To Nomination of Officers Page Nominations Closed Until Sunday Caucus ............................................................................................................... Anyone May ask Questions of the Candidates Continuation of Any Unfinished Reports Announcements Closing of Bible ....................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Ways & Means Raffles............................................................................................................ Carehta Mitchell, Ways & Means Opening of the Bible.................................................................................................................. Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Benediction..................................................................................................................................... Alma Gant Nash, Chaplain Retirement of Colors.................................................................................................................... Sgt At Arms Dolores Sanchez Adjournment.................................................................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President 6:30 p.m. No Host Cocktails ................................................................................... Dept. Commander & Presidents Banquet 7:30 p.m. ....................................................................................................................................................... Dinner Is Served AMVET and Auxiliary Member of the Year V.A.V.S. Volunteer of the Year Will Be Awarded 22

Ladies Auxiliary Convention Agenda Sunday – June 13, 2010 8:00 a.m. . ...................................................................................................... Joint AMVETS and Auxiliary Memorial Service 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ............................................................................................................................................ Registration 9:00 a.m. . ........................................................................................................................................... Reconvene Convention (Please Sit With Your Auxiliary) Call To Order . .............................................................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Opening of Bible . ..................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Invocation ...................................................................................................................................... Alma Gant Nash, Chaplain Pledge of Allegiance ................................................................................................................. Dolores Sanchez, Sgt. At Arms Introduction of New Guests . .................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan, Dept. President Roll Call of P.D.P.’S . ...................................................................................................... Charlene Newell,.Recording Secretary Roll Call of Officers/Chairmen....................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary Present____ Excused ____ Total Voting strength ____ Roll Call of Auxiliaries ................................................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary Delegates ____ Alternates ____ Guests ____ Since The First Order of Business Is Elections, Each Auxiliary Will Be Seated Together. All Alternates And Guests Will Retire To The Back of The Room. We Will Count Off as The Credentials Report Is Given.

Final Credentials Report ................................................................................................................. Eileen Hogan, Credentials Officers/Chairmen ______ Delegates ______ Alt ______ Guests ______ Total ______ Total Voting strength ______ Majority Vote ______ 2/3% Vote ______ Establishment of Quorum . ....................................................................................................... Hazel Hogan, Parliamentarian 2nd Reading of Election Rules ........................................................................................ Appointment of 2 Tellers To assist In Counting .................................................................................................................................. Hazel Hogan, Parliamentarian Reopen Nominations and Elections .............................................................................................. Linda Diaz, Dept. President Remarks From Newly Elected President Final Committee Reports Unfinished Business Recommendations From Officers Mtng.......................................................................... Charlene Newell, Recording Secretary New Business Old Business Final Convention Report ............................................................................................. Shirley Cullum, Convention Chairman Presentations Installation of Incoming Officers Please stay For This Ceremony To Honor Our Incoming Officers Announcements/Good & Welfare Closing of Bible ........................................................................................................................ Dolores Sanchez, Sgt At Arms Ways & Means Drawings And Final Report.Caretha Mitchell, Ways & Means Opening of Bible......................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt At Arms Benediction..................................................................................................................................... Alma Gant Nash, Chaplain Retirement of Colors................................................................................................................... Dolores Sanchez, Sgt At Arms Adjourn Convention .................................................................................................................... Linda Diaz, Dept. President

Thank you one and all for your attendance of this convention, And congratulations to our new officers for the year 2011 – 2012.

Drive home safely and have a great year.

23

2011 Convention sponsors Premier Medical Management Program Insurance Brokerage Rhino Container Inc. Robert T. Schooley Stewart's Business & Tax Service Straub Wiles Management Van Tol Dairy #2 05/09/2010 - 05/04/2011

A & N Accounting A C Calderoni Adam Wesley McWilliams Advanced Chemical Technology Alexander's Moving & Storage America Hotel Arnn Gordon Greineder Bacome Insurance Agency Engine World Epicurean Group Inc. Gary Van Grinsven DDS Hdr Enigineering Inc. Jade Enterprises Jeff Milman Mail Boxes Etc. #1307 Mark D. Wenzel Attorney at Law Mid-Pennisula Speech Language Clinic Morrison Structures Inc. Msi Nancy Curry Chapter 13 Philip Mills State Farm Agent

PLATINUM Elvia Goldberg GOLD Asi Contech Inc. SILVER Bacchus Fulfillment LLC Dm Color Express Inc. Pete Conaty & Associates Premier Infusion Care Sam Joaquin Prime Care Xtermite Inc.

Committed to Those Who Serve www.calamvets.org www.amvets.org