Vol. 12, No. 4 by JM Publishing

Winter, 2008/09

Vol. 12, No. 4

commander’s COMMENTS By Mel Posey, Commander, Department of California AMVETS

have been traveling since the last time you heard from me, In October I attended a October fest fundraiser put on by one of our new post: Bryte Post 9126. I am very proud of the members of this post for all of the work that they did to make this fundraiser such a success. On November 9th I visited with Commander Pete Ramirez and the members of Post 113 in Irwindale. November 10th found me in Adelanto visiting Post 20 where Commander Evelyn Barakat gave me a

tour of their new building. Thanks to an invitation by District Commander Dennis Boyce, I participated in a Veterans Day program at the Barstow Veterans Home on November 11th. November 13th, I was back in Northern Calif. where I attended Memorial Services in Yountville, another beautiful service put on by the hardworking members of Post 101. This was followed by a tour of the cemetery by Chaplain Tom Sarchipone which was followed by my attending the Post 101 monthly meeting.

1st Vice Commander's Report

Dec. 5th found me in Maryland to attend the winter NEC meetings. The following is my report on that. The new Service Foundation President in his message covered the many positive developments coming from the reformation of the Service Foundation Board. As many of you know, I also sit on that Trustee Board and have never seen the type of cooperation within AMVETS Department of California that we are experiencing right now. I can say that every member attending

Commander Posey

Continued on page

By John W. Byrum, 1st Vice Commander, Department of California AMVETS

BUILDING OUR MEMBERSHIP TOGETHER

think by now if not all, most of you know I am tasking each and every one of you to work towards getting one or two new members. A strong membership is a louder voice at state level senate and at our nation’s capitol for congress and senate. If you want your voice heard work on getting the numbers to ensure California speaks loud and clear for Veterans and all current Service Members. Since I have been asked by some what is going on with AMVETS and the Service Foundation and the rumors that are going around - what about service to veterans? I would like to respond. I can tell you that veterans are the number one concern and will continue to be served as always with plans in the works to do more for you and them. I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful project presented to me by Dr. John C. Eastman Dean of Chapman University School of Law, Orange, CA. Dr. Eastman has a plan to help veterans and active duty with free legal services. This would be without a doubt one of the best gifts to our veterans and service members that have and continue to give so

much. In less than two days I was able to arrange meetings with key personal from Dept. California AMVETS, Dept. California AMVETS Service Foundation, VA., Military (a BG), and an AMVETS Service Officer on Veterans Day 2008. I can assure you that all attending had one goal, to help get the ball rolling for veterans and their needs. I see the Department and the Service Foundation moving forward as one to not only continue service as before, but new and improved service to all. With the Service Foundation and you, the Department of California as one, leading the way AMVETS Department of California will step out front in new and better service to veterans and service members alike. National AMVETS has been made aware of the offer and is looking to see what we do as a state. I have assured them I am confident in the Department of California to work together as one to continue new and bold steps for all. As I sit here typing this and thinking of what we can accomplish as one I want all of you to have a goal that you can go to sleep at night knowing that no child of a veteran or a current service member in California will go hungry, without clothing, without a safe place to live, without a toy they treasure, and without knowing someone cares about them and mom and

Give the gift of membership this year.

Be present.

dad. That a spouse will feel safe and know someone will get help for them and their loved one in need. They should know who we are and that you and I, members of AMVETS Department of California, will step up to help. No more do I want to ever think that you and I didn’t give our honest effort to help for all, with no selfish thoughts, but a kind and caring attitude to above all work together towards a better AMVETS and be a better person for our efforts. As I have been bouncing around ideas for membership, I have come to believe it is YOU, the members and Posts that can make our membership grow. I asked for ideas and received only one. I would like for you to come up with ways to increase our membership, and if it has merit, and comes with a cost (monies) that you think would be worth the investments, please send it to me with the what, how, when, and where’s. I realize we may need to invest to make it better and I am currently working on something to present to the Foundation for support. I can’t promise money for a project, but I can darn well ask for monitory support for a good idea. Don’t sit back and complain about getting something done, step up and make it happen! I am here to help you try and get support for your ideas, but I can’t help you if you don’t present your ideas to me. It’s easy to sit around and talk about who may be right or wrong, but if you are stepping up to the plate to help all veterans it’s hard to be wrong. Continued on page

The Voice is published quarterly by Midwest Publishing, Inc.. Any articles or photographs received after the deadlines will be held for the next edition. All articles must be signed to be printed. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission for clarity, brevity, etc. The opinions expressed in The Voice are those of the authors and not necessarily the opinion of the AMVETS Department of California. Submit articles to: California AMVETS Voice, Attn: Rose Blackman 611 N. Sacramento St. Tulare, CA 93274 or E-mail: roseblackman@hotmail.com

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010 Commander Mel Posey franmel74@yahoo.com

916-799-9198

1st Vice Commander John Byrum NCTOP1950@aol.com

714-321-3972

2nd Vice Commander Dennis Starkey silverstar40@juno.com

909-355-1061

Northern Area Commander Thomas Johnson 530-357-3380 lpsost1996@rackotier.com Central Area Commander Frank Guerra

559-960-3682

Southern Area Commander Cephus R. Daniels 310-397-0810 cephusa45@aol.com

Table of Contents Officer’s Reports..................................................................................... 3 News From National................................................................................ 5

Finance Officer Phil Plascencia

559-686-8289

Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel aamvets@yahoo.com

714-484-9826

Provost Marshal Ben Aguayo

626-337-6152

8th District Commander’s Report......................................................... 9

N.E.C. Man Filbert Bejarano

559-686-0335

Auxiliary President’s Message............................................................ 11

Alt. N.E.C. Man Gene Sustaita

559-686-9317

Trustee S.E.B. Leo Simon

530-275-0574

Trustee S.E.B. Baldemar Salmon

559-732-8923

Chaplain Tom Sarchipone

707-226-3978

Inspector General Terry Mc Carty

714-585-5804

—California AMVETS Voice

ATTENTION!........................................................................................... 7 Southern Area Commander’s Report................................................... 8

Feed a Vet Program............................................................................ 12 Post Reports......................................................................................... 13 Post Directory.................................................................................... 20 Stories of Service............................................................................... 24 Vol. 12, No. 4

Executive Director’s Desk By Rose Blackman

appy New Year. Much has been accomplished in our state by our Executive Board and our members in every post in the state. When I read of the many activities that are taking place in your posts on behalf of our veterans, I feel two things. First how proud I am to be a part of this organization and second that I wish I could attend your activities to be a part of the great things you are doing. Keep up the good work! Now for my usual reminders with information from national so we get things right.

PROGRAMS REPORTING:

I’ve had questions as to exactly what we need to report. Beryl Love from National states: We report ACTION / EXECUTABLE / DELIVERY BASED PROGRAMS ONLY! These are programs that are executed/delivered on behalf of veterans/military, and the community. Example: One post could meet

for weeks determining, discussing how to support a Stand Down. Another post could have a 30 minute discussion. Neither is reported. The “day” of the Stand Down both posts should report the number of volunteers that participated, the total hours of those volunteers for that day, mileage etc. We DO NOT report meeting attendance, travel to and from meetings, work on the post home, etc. If you do not know how to report your programs by computer, please call me and I will walk you through the process. Best time to reach me in the office is between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., if I’m not available to answer the phone when you call, leave me a message and I will call you back. ANNUAL AND LIFE MEMBERSHIPS; these are to be reported on SEPARATE forms (dues & remittance is for ANNUALS only, life goes on the life transmittal forms only). Only send me one copy of your annual

or life form (I prefer to make my own copy). If you would like application forms or information booklets to hand out, call national at 877-726-8387 x 4021 and they can send them directly to your post. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our veterans and our active duty service members. I look forward to seeing members of each and every post in the state at our DEC at the new Marriott in Bakersfield.

2009 Conventions SPRING DEC /SEC JANUARY 23-25, 2009 FRIDAY - SUNDAY Jim Pidgeon Foundation President

Foundation President’s Report

y fellow AMVETS, I am pleased to report to you the tremendous gains your newly elected Board of Trustees have made in a mere five months since the Convention last June. I was honored to be elected President of the California Service Foundation unanimously by your trustees. As I promised to the membership at Convention in Sacramento, I will work tirelessly to restore integrity to “YOUR” Foundation. California has over three million veterans. With your help, your Service Foundation along with your Department Executive Board are working with the goal making the Department of California the premier department in AMVETS in five years! With your landslide historic vote for transparent and change in Sacramento last June, your Service Foundation is now fully supporting your Department as clearly defined by the Constitution and Bylaws of your Department, your Foundation and your National AMVETS. The mandate, you the membership, have given your new trustees will not be an easy one! The challenges we face are many. The once “impossible” task of returning control of your Foundation back to the membership has been realized. Together we have done the impossible.

Holiday Inn Select (soon to be a Marriott) 801 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Tel: (661) 323-1900 Fax. (805) 928-5690 Rooms: $87.42 (single/ double) Cut off date for reservations is Dec. 23, 2008 Delegate fees are still only $10.00, pre-registration is greatly appreciated.

2009 STATE convention June 12-14

Doubletree Hotel Ontario AIRPORT 222 NORTH VINEYARD AVENUE ONTARIO, CA 91764 ROOM RATES: $93 + TAX 1-800-222-TREE. request the group rate for American Veterans. Cut off date for reservations is May 9, 2009

65th National Convention- New Orleans, LA

Aug. 8-15, 2009

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 500 Canal Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 Room rates: $109+$3+tax Toll free 888-627-7033, cut off date July 17, 2009

Continued on page

Vol. 12, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—

commander’s COMMENTS Continued from cover

these meetings is working towards the same goals… to make this Department one of the strongest in the entire AMVETS organization! On a different front, some of us have just returned from the winter NEC in Baltimore. Most of us went for the expressed purpose of attending an appeal hearing, as requested by the former foundation trustees. What we faced was something entirely different. Jim Pidgeon, current AMVETS, Department of California, Service Foundation Trustee Board President has provided you with some details of what happened during the four days we were in Baltimore. I would like to provide you with some of the background covering the rules that we should have been following, which had a significant bearing on the experience we encountered. As a Marine, I was taught to understand and follow the rules of engagement; I think all AMVET Members from all branches of service had the same training. Looking back on the event, I would begin with Article X, Sect. 1 of the National Bylaws. It states: “At all levels of AMVETS, all meetings and all matters a proceedings not otherwise provided for herein shall be conducted pursuant to the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.” National’s appendix B, Sect. 9 provides for each member’s right to appeal. Also in Appendix B, Sect. 12 states: “The procedure for the handling of any appeal to be heard by the National Executive Committee or the national convention shall be prescribed by the national judge advocate. ...No such procedure at any level, however, shall be inconsistent or in conflict with the national, department, or post constitution and bylaws or this code.” In the 10th edition of Robert’s Rules, page 631 says “A trial by the society cannot legally establish the guilt of the accused, as understood in a court of

1st Vice Commander's Report Continued from cover

I will repeat over and over - we can make a BIG difference as members of AMVETS Department of California when we work together with each other and the new AMVETS Service Foundation. It is unfair to think that they won’t step up and work hand in hand with us and show that they care about supporting Veterans, when you haven’t even asked them for their support. I hope to have an update soon on some plans. As mentioned above – I received one suggestion. That was for us to put in the Voice and spread this idea around any other way that we can eg. website, post newsletter, etc. Do you need a gift for the veteran who has everything? Then why not give a gift of a membership in AMVETS for their birthday or a holiday? We are approaching the holidayseason now, so think about it. I just gave my son-in law a lifetime membership for his birthday. If you can’t afford a lifetime membership, why not give an annual membership? Give it a try! Let us all go forward to a bright future. 

—California AMVETS Voice

law; it can only establish his guilt as affecting the society’s judgment of his fitness for membership.” On page 637 of Robert’s Rules of order, I found the following: “In any event, from the time the accused has been thus notified, all of his rights as a member of the society (except as relate to the trial) are suspended pending disposition of the case.” Black’s Law Dictionary defines “disposition as a final settlement or determination. This must include the appeal, since one was filed. Since there was no meeting of the minds with respect to the proposed settlement imposed by National, the appeal process should have gone forward. Instead the settlement devised by National was voted upon by the NEC body. Therefore, it is hard for me to agree with the procedures used at National in Baltimore. As a point of order, I would also like to state we took great care to insure that fitness for membership was the sole issue at the adjudications, and that no issues to be determined by a judge in any civil court were used in the determinations made by the Department’s executive committee. The verdict and penalties were prescribed by 24 members of the California DEC, and were all unanimous. People representing our Department are in contact with National at this time. It is hoped some resolution of this matter can be reached. As the Department is now working well with the new foundation board and director, we would also hope to work well with National and other departments so that our time and energies can be directed at helping the veterans that need us. I am now getting ready to attend the 20th anniversary of the Veterans Vietnam Memorial in Sacramento. Happy new year! Let’s start the year out right by attending the DEC in Bakersfield Jan. 23 - 25 , by now all posts should have preregistered their two delegates and alternates. 

THANK YOU!

To the following donors who ‘stepped up to the plate’ in answer to help for AMVETS Department of California.

Agustine Perez Jack Walker Steve Nichols John H. Smith Elaine Loerch James E. Sisemore R.H. Perschnick Borghild Gray Robert & MaryLou Basham Armand P. Marra John Miranda Dick Hum Post 101 Post 101 Auxiliary Vol. 12, No. 4

Foundation President's Report Continued from page 3

Together we will reach our five-year goal ... the veterans of California deserve nothing less! The first step restructuring your Foundation began with the hiring of Mr. Marc Woods as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Marc’s expertise is analyzing weak or failing corporations recommending solutions to regain viability. Next an interim Executive Director was hired, Mr. Doug Bradley. Doug is a lifetime member of AMVETS and was a Service Officer in the Los Angeles area for AMVETS. Mr. Bradley comes highly recommended with a very impressive resume in corporate management. Together Mr. Woods and Mr. Bradley are currently hard at work developing the many programs; systems and guidelines to insure both our Department and Foundation are in compliance with all state and federal corporate laws. In addition much work has been completed updating the way we as AMVETS do business in California including talks with our business partners, reviewing contracts and all related details. Updating our computer soft and hardware systems to bring our business and accounting procedures into the 21st. century. Further, we are hard at work improving procedures and handbooks pertaining to our employee job descriptions and benefits to ensure we as AMVETS can maximize our service and benefits to the California veteran. We have fully funded the Department of California. Your Department Executive Board Finance Committee submitted their budget request to the Foundation for consideration. Much time and work went into ensuring your Department Budget was updated to a level of similar departments in AMVETS and other Veteran Service Organizations. The budget was approved by your Department of California Finance Officer and the request was submitted for 1.5 million dollars to the Foundation. The budget request was unanimously approved after careful consideration. Commander Posey has tasked his Chief of Staff to contact all posts to submit budget requests to the Foundation. The response from the posts was alarming. Many posts replied by saying they were sick and tired of submitting requests, only to fall on deaf ears, never receiving a reason for rejection. Others simply never knew they were even eligible for funds from the Foundation. Your Foundation Board meets once a month. I encourage all posts to submit your budget requests as soon as possible. Your board of trustees will consider all

NEWS FROM NATIONAL:

budgets monthly. The sooner your requests are received, the sooner you will see for yourselves how your Service Foundation can assist you in helping veterans in your communities. As your President I will promise you receive an answer to your requests in writing. Further Foundation meeting dates and times will be posted on our Department website: www.amvets-ca.org. I personally ask that you consider attending to see you elected trustees at work. Our policy of transparency is not just “lip service”! Please make sure your requests are submitted 10 days prior to the scheduled meetings to ensure proper consideration is given to your requests. Also, please advise Foundations Headquarters in Anaheim (1213 S. Dale Avenue) if you plan to attend our meeting. A totally new and innovative program has been funded by your Foundation in partnership with Chapman University in the state of California. This tremendously needed program will supply legal help to California veterans through the state” free of charge “! AMVETS Department of California is on the ground floor of this exciting program virtually assured to receive national attention. Our reporting to AMVETS National Programs in the past 5 months has been quite astounding. With only 36 % of our posts reporting we have documented over 1.5 million dollars. Even though our percentage of post participation is not impressive, our total number of dollars is “outstanding”! To put this info into perspective, California has already reported more than twice the money as the largest Department in AMVETS. We encourage you to submit your budget requests ... we will help you report to National and you will see just how easy this program works. The more we report here in California, the more we are recognized at National. For us to become the premier department in the country we must strive to have 100% post participation. Can you imagine the amount of help we can do for California veterans with all of our posts working together with 100% reporting! In conclusion, there is much, much more to report of the exciting progress made by YOUR Department of California and Service Foundation. If you have any questions, recommendations or concerns, please feel free to contact your elected officers or me. Working together we will re-write the book on helping veterans in California! 

MVETS National HQ is planning a new member (annual or life) recruiting campaign contest called “Green for the Green Hats.” The contest will begin Veterans Day and run through Memorial Day. The contest is open to “Green Hats” only. Service officers, Department, District and National Officers are not eligible. For every 25 new (not renewals) members recruited during the above time period, the member will receive a gift card from either Bass Pro Shops or Home Depot. For example, if someone recruits 25-49 new members they will receive a $25 card. From 50-74 they will receive a $50 gift card, for 75-99 new members a $75 gift card and a $100 gift card for 100-124 members, etc. These prizes are in addition to any state or post contest and in addition to the national awards presented at the National Convention. Please note, the post will be required to track the member and the recruitment totals (a form is attached). In order to qualify for a prize the department executive director and the post commander will have to sign the attached document attesting to the fact that each of the new members was recruited by the person whose name has been submitted for a gift card. All paperwork must be post marked by June 5 for eligibility purposes. An additional award is also being developed. HQ is currently designing an Excellence in Recruiting challenge coin. This coin (along with a letter from the National Commander) will be presented to each and every member (not just Green Hats) who recruits five or more new (not renewals) members each year. The coin will have a different design each year. Again, the recruitment totals must be verified by the department executive director and post commanding officer (see attached form). This award will be in addition to program discussed above - of course anyone who recruits 25 or more new members automatically receives a challenge coin! One coin per member per year. All members are reminded to check the Directors Notes (membership tab at www.amvets.org) for current Membership information. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

Our condolences to the families of PDC Howard Dean and PDC Joaquin Silva who passed away in December.

California AMVETS Voice—

Department Officers 2008-09 Commander

Mel Posey 5714-262 Folsom Blvd Sacramento, Ca 95819-4608

1st Vice Commande

John Byrum 18030 Brookhurst St. PMB4 Fountain Valley, Ca 92708

2nd Vice Commander Dennis Starkey 14808 Iris Drive Fontana, Ca 92335

Northern Area Commander Thomas Johnson 17669 Warwick Place Anderson, Ca 96007-9271

Central Area Commander Frank Guerra 1407 Richard Avenue Sanger, CA 93657

Southern Area Commander Cephus R. Daniels 12023 Allin Street Culver City, Ca 90230-5802

Finance Officer

Phil Plascencia 1586 Avila Dr. Tulare, CA 93274

Judge Advocate

Chuck Kissel 2856 W. Skywood Circle Anaheim, Ca 92804-9826

Provost Marshal

Ben Aguayo 16124 Calle de Paseo Irwindale, CA 91706

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;California AMVETS Voice

(H) 562-492-6908 (C) 714-321-3972 NCTOP1950@aol.com

(H) 909-355-1061 (C) 909 827-5112 silverstar40@juno.com

530-357-3380 lpsost1996@rackotier.com

N.E.C. Man

Filbert Bejarano 1398 Coehlo Street Tulare, CA 93274

Alt. N.E.C. Man Gene Sustaita 13902 Ave 228 Tulare, Ca 93274

Trustee S.E.B.

Leo Simon 4444 Fort Peck St. Shasta Lake, CA 96016

Trustee S.E.B.

Baldemar Salmon 3805 Colonial Dr. Visalia, CA 93277

Chaplain

(H) 559-875-5353 (C) 559-960-3682

310-397-0810

Tom Sarchipone 3978 Alexander Street Napa, CA 94558

Executive Director

Rose Blackman 240 East King Avenue Tulare, CA 93274

cephusa45@aol.com

559-686-0335

559-686-9317

530-275-0574

559-732-8923

707-226-3978

559-688-3407 roseblackman@hotmail.com

559-686-8289

714-484-9826 aamvets@yahoo.com

626-337-6152

Deadlines for Quarterly Submissions by Issue

Issue Vol. 13, No. 1 Convention Book Vol. 13, No. 2 Vol. 13, No. 3 Vol. 13, No. 4

Deadline March 1 April 1 June 1 September 1 December 1 Vol. 12, No. 4

ATTENTION

ALL POST COMMANDERS & FINANCE OFFICERS:

By Rose Blackman, Executive Director

inance Officer Phil Plascencia and I have been in contact with the Ca. Secretary of State regarding AMVETS Dept. of Calif. suspended posts in the state. We have a current list of all posts that are active and those that have been revoked and those who are suspended. Our review of this list has revealed that various posts are no longer in existence or have been dissolved because of inactivity or noncompliance reporting. We will continue to contact the known posts to find out if they know that they have been suspended by the Sec. of State for non-compliance. And offer our assistance to help them comply.

Compliance requirements: 1- All Posts have an IRS ID # (charitable), This is the EIN # that was issued to you when you applied for your post charter. 2- All Posts have a State Corporation # (charitable) from the Secretary of State. 3- All Posts must file a Statement of Information (Domestic Nonprofit Corporation) with the Secretary of State. 4- IRS Form 990 is required; Posts that make less than $25,000 MUST file electronically. 5- Franchise Tax Board form 199 must also be filed annually by all post. 6- If your post has been suspended or is not in compliance, please contact my office immediately.

VETERANS HELPING VETERANS

By David L. Diehl, Commander Post 66 Palm Springs

AMVETS Post 34- NORTHERN CALIF.

n San Mateo County, our Veterans Employment Committee will provide transportation tickets and other help. Usually it is coordinated through the local EDD office. Michael Taylor is the current contact at (650) 802-5064. There are two new County Service Officers but we don’t know their names yet. Otherwise, they will keep a list of request. Our local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 464 also provides Safeway food certificates at the holidays. Our contact is President Leo McArdle (who is also the AMVETS Post 53 Commander). His cell is (650)303-2725. DAV Chaper 16 in our area is another resource: Commander Mike Esposito is the contact. In the Santa Clara County area, the Palo Alto VA (650) 493-5000 can be contacted for the Homeless Emergency Shelter number, and for the Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program (HVRP) both housed at the Menlo Park VA Division grounds

AMVET Post 56- CENTRAL CALIF.

T O

ransportation to Fresno VA, Mondays & Wednesdays, to the Tulare VA clinic, Tuesdays & Thursdays, call at least two weeks in advance of your appointment and leave a message and they will call you back.

AMVET Post 66-SOUTHERN CALIF

ur van goes to Loma Linda V A five days a week. We have flyers posted at various points around the Cochella Valley. This service is offered to all Veterans and we work closely with the Volunteer office at Loma Linda. They can contact us either thru the V A @ 1-800741-8387 ext. 2071 or 2778. Or call me at 1-760-323-9085. There are groups here in the valley that help feed the Homeless Veterans. They are located in Palm Springs and in the City of Indio. The Palm Springs group is called Well in the Desert. Not sure of group in Indio it may be the same. 

Yountville Picnic Picture by Neil Remant

ept. 13th, 2008 the annual picnic which is hosted by AMVETS was held at the Yountville Veterans home. Good food, good entertainment equaled a good time by all in attendance. Some of the special guests in attendance were: State Cmdr Mel Posey, PDCs Leo Simon and John Reece and Concord Post Cmdr Steve Nichols. Members of Post 1990 and home volunteers, chaired by Mike Chiribel, organized and put on the luncheon. Dick Hum expressed his appreciation to AMVETS and the home volunteers for the enormous contributions and effort by so many who made the picnic and activities an outstanding event. Marcella McCormack (home administrator) expressed appreciation for funds from AMVETS Calif. Service foundation to support many programs at the Home. Programs such as the home’s newsletter “Grapevine” which is now in color and has increased it’s distribution; KVET-TV has been converted to digital mode, the Oral History project continues (collecting personal and military histories of the home members for their families and the Library of Congress; the “It’s Never to Late” program which brings the internet world to disabled and handicapped members. Besides the picnic, the post and their auxiliary continue to work hard on their many activities, some of which are: supporting their community (sending money monthly to a local low income school), our active duty (sending gift cards and appreciation cards) and veterans. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—

Southern Area Commander’s Report

By Southern Area Commander Cephus R. Daniels

s the Southern Area Commander I was honored to participate in The Veterans Home of California-Barstow and AMVETS Post 311; Thirteenth Annual Veterans Day Celebration, Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in the Main Dining Room. Veterans and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous prime rib & salmon dinner with all the trimmings. AMVETS were well represented. Guest Speakers were AMVETS State Commander, Mel Posey, and Brigadier General Dana J. H. Pittard, Commanding General of the National Training Center, Fort Irwin. I would like to thank District 9 Commander, Moises Renteria for his gracious hospitality and allowing us to have a successfully Southern Area meeting at Post 1240-Fontana. 

National’s Blunder in Baltimore James D. Pidgeon, PDC

y fellow AMVETS, I am writing to apprise you, the voting membership of California, regarding recent events at our National Convention this past December 5th which have since become a hot topic of discussion among our members about which much false information has unfortunately been circulating. As President of the Department of California Service Foundation, I am writing to set the record straight and tell you what really happened. As most of you know, this past September 20, 2008, all twenty-four members of your Department of California Executive Board voted unanimously to suspend the membership rights of certain California members who formerly served as trustees for the Service Foundation. The primary reason for their suspension of membership was their illegal attempt to steal your voting rights over the Foundation’s board. The charges against them for conduct unbecoming an AMVET were properly served and the adjudication process was painstakingly followed by your Judge Advocate. They were all found guilty and their membership rights were suspended. A number of weeks later, the suspended members filed appeals to National, as was their right under National’s Constitution and Bylaws, seeking to have their AMVETS membership reinstated. National does not review the merit of their suspension (meaning National does not review the Department’s finding of guilt), they only review whether proper procedures were followed at the adjudication hearing and whether proper notice was given for the hearing. Their appeal hearing was scheduled for December 5, 2008 in Baltimore, and your Department Commander, Judge Advocate, and legal counsel all traveled to Baltimore to attend. A few hours before the hearing, our legal counsel met with National’s Judge Advocate and suggested that the hearing should be continued until after our state court lawsuit against the suspended members was resolved. This suggestion was proposed so as to spare National the embarrassment that would result if they voted to reinstate the members as AMVETS members in good standing for some “procedural issue” only to have a California Superior Court later find the members guilty of violating state law. The public’s perception would be that

—California AMVETS Voice

AMVETS has no standard of integrity for its members and that would hurt the organization. Thus, postponing the hearing seemed like the best thing to do. In making this proposal, we (our legal counsel) understood the appellants would remain suspended unless and until their appeal was heard and a different result was handed down. National’s Judge Advocate suggested that we could make a motion for such a continuance at the appeal hearing. In the hallway prior to the appeal hearing, however, National’s Executive Director informed us he had heard we reached a “deal” to continue the hearing until after the California lawsuit was resolved. We had not, but the lawyers from both sides promptly conferred and ultimately agreed to a continuance. We were then told to enter the hearing room so the agreement could be placed on the record. But once inside, National’s Judge advocate purported to recite the terms of the continuance wherein he indicated for the first time the appellants would have full membership rights until the hearing. Commander Posey vehemently disagreed, saying this was not what we discussed in the hallway. But National’s Executive Director said that, under National’s appellate rules, the suspensions were lifted automatically the instant the appellants filed their appeal. We continued to disagree, however, and were eventually all asked to leave the room. We left the room and waited outside for the hearing to begin, but it never happened. Instead, after a few minutes, the Executive Director came out and informed us there would be no hearing, the committee had voted to continue the hearing and that the appellants would have membership rights in the interim, and that this would be the committee’s recommendation on the NEC floor the next day. We were all shocked, but if National’s Executive Director was correct that the rules say an appellants’ membership is “automatically reinstated” when they file an appeal, then there was nothing we could do. But as we confirmed later that day, National’s Executive Director was not correct, he was dead wrong. National’s CB&Ls on the rules for suspensions say Continued on page

Vol. 12, No. 4

8th District Commander’s Report By Lewis Derfuss 8th District Commander

13 Sept AMVETS Annual Picnic at Yountville Veteran’s Home

MVETS Post 101 Host. This annual event was again a great success and attended by posts throughout the Northern Area as well as Department leadership. Many thanks to Post 101 leadership and members as well as all the Post 1990 and other members for all your hard work on this event. A Northern Area meeting followed the picnic. (Photos available by contacting Post 101).

19 Sept POW/MIA Ceremony Vacaville CA

This event again featured AMVETS Post 1776 Service Officer and AMVETS Service Foundation Service Officer Richard Lowden as Master of Ceremonies. Several AMVETS Post 1776 members were in attendance including Leonard Augustine Vacaville Mayor, John Angier, Joyce Foster, Bruce Garland, Jim Daniels, Rocky Glucksman, and Lew Derfuss. Also in attendance were several former POWs their wives and surviving widow spouses. The Guest Speaker was Ex-POW from Korean War Retired Army Sgt. William C Marshall.

1 Oct Tribute to Seniors Recognition Vacaville CA

Lynn Jewel the wife of AMVET member Jeff Jewel was nominated by Lewis Derfuss of Post 1776 and 8th District Commander and was selected as an Outstanding Senior Citizen. Lynn was accompanied by Lew in the recognition ceremony held at the Vacaville Community Center on 1 Oct 2008. This event also served as a fund raiser parking detail for the Vacaville Veterans. It was lead by Lewis Derfuss and manned by members of all the Vacaville Veteran Organizations

13 – 17 Oct North Bay Stand Down Dixon CA

Several members of AMVETS Post 1776 were an integral part on this event that included year long planning meetings, set up on 13 Oct, the actual event on 14-16 Oct and clean-up on 17 Oct. Some of the AMVETS Post 1776 members involved include Richard Lowden AMVETS Service Officer, Lewis Derfuss Staff member for Recovery Services, John Vasquez Solano County Supervisor, Leonard Augustine Vacaville Mayor, Elwood Wilkerson, Michael Esposito, Meleah Carrell, Bruce Garland,

9 Nov AMVETS Post 40 Renaming Ceremony Santa Rosa CA

I was honored to attend the renaming ceremony of Post 40 to the Michael Ottolini Post 40. This ceremony was headed up by the elected members of Post 40 Commander Jay Matthews, Adjutant Bud Simmons, Marie Artesse, and Chaplain Hattie. Honored Guest & Speaker was Brigadier General Gary Medvigy, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army’s Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Ft. Bragg, N.C.

First Sergeant Michael Ottolini of the Army National Guard’s 579th Engineer Battalion, a member of the California National Guard since 1979, was stationed at Camp Anaconda with other members of the 579th Engineer Battalion. Camp Anaconda is located 50 miles west of Baghdad. Sgt Ottolini, of Sebastopol, died on 10 November 2004 when an improvised explosive device detonated as he traveled in a Humvee in Balad, Iraq. Sgt Ottolini gave his all for his country and AMVETS Post 40 is honored and proud to bear the name of MICHAEL OTTOLINI AMVETS Post 40 of Sonoma County in his memory.

27 Nov Vacaville Veteran’s Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner

This event which is a joint effort of 6 Vacaville veteran organizations and 3 veteran organization auxiliaries was for the third year headed up by the 8th District Commander Lewis Derfuss of AMVETS Post 1776. This event was lead off with two weeks of manning the Veterans Hall to accept phone calls from volunteer signups, accepting food and monetary donations. AMVET Post 1776 Chaplin Joyce Foster along with other Vacaville Veterans were helpful in this effort. This was followed by three days of food preparation cooking 42 turkeys, 40 hams and all the fixings. These efforts headed by our head cook Enrico and include the dedicated efforts of AMVET Post 1776 members John Angier, Elwood Wilkerson and Lewis Derfuss. These activities culminated on Thanksgiving Day when about 700 meals were served, delivered or prepared for take outs. This effort lead by Lewis Derfuss entailed coordinating the efforts of about 180 volunteers who help in final food prep, serving meals, coffee, drinks and desserts, preparing and delivering meals to shut-ins and cleaning up pots and pans, tables and the hall. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

Blunder continued from page nothing about reinstating membership rights when an appeal is filed, and because they are silent what happens while the appeal is pending is dictated by Robert’s Rules of Order. (National CB&Ls, Article X, Section 1.) So what does Robert’s Rules of Order say? “[F]rom the time the accused has been thus notified (of his suspension trial date), all of his rights as a member of the society ... are suspended pending disposition of the case.” Robert’s Rules of Order, (10th Ed.), section 61, page 637. National’s CB&Ls state regarding handling an appeal that “[n]o such procedure at any level ... shall be inconsistent or in conflict with” these rules. (National CB&Ls, Appendix B, Section 12.) So National screwed up. They failed to follow the clear edict spelled out in Robert’s Rules which their CB&Ls say they must follow. Since the suspensions were not lifted by their mere filing of an appeal, and since National had no authority to reinstate their membership rights without a hearing, we believe those suspensions are still in effect. We attempted to bring this error to National’s attention at the NEC meeting the next day, but unfortunately we were censored. In fact, the way in which National muzzled us was entirely unprofessional and inappropriate. You should feel free to read the report from your NEC man or give him a call, as he will be happy to confirm the foregoing. It is not too late for National to fix its error, and we will continue to reach out to the leadership at National in the hope they would “do the right thing” and follow the rules and procedures “ALL” members of this great organization are bound to follow. In the meantime, we continue to pray for a speedy resolution to this issue and that the good name of AMVETS will emerge unscathed so we can continue the work of helping veterans. Together we will restore the Department of California and build it to be one of the premier departments in this great organization. 

California AMVETS Voice—

Auxiliary Officers-Chairmen DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT Michelle Scovil 5113 Efthemia Way Elk Grove CA 95758 HOME: 916-691-5357 CELL: 916-296-4672 Scovilma@yahoo.com 1st VICE PRESIDENT Linda Diaz 136 Edenfield Ave Azusa CA 91702 9732-9732-9732 626-359-4625

AMERICANISM OFFICER Irene Cervantes, PDP 2645 Bloomdale Duarte CA 91010

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Debbi Johnson 17669 Warwick Pl. Anderson CA 96007 530-357-3380

HOSPITAL Jan Devenish 18029 Broomall Ave. Lake Elsinore CA 92530 951-678-9468

3rd VICE PRESIDENT Pat Martinez 427 S. Sunset Ave. Azusa CA 91702 2809-2809-2809 626-334-5474

SCHOLARSHIP Gloria Sandoval 432 E. 2nd St. Azusa CA 91702 Glorias1474@yahoo.com

N.E.C. WOMAN Irene Tellez, PDP 820 Meeker Ave. La Puente CA 91746 5829-5829-5829 714-226-0690

RECORDING SECRETARY Charlene “Charlie” Newell, PDP 3050 W. Ball Rd. #73 Anaheim CA 92804 PurpleRainCloud@aol.com

TREASURER Rita Garcia 4444 Hornbrook Ave. Baldwin Park CA 91706 9510-9510-9510 760-530-0926

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Helen Blanchette, PDP 12016 Bartlett Adelanto CA 92301

CHAPLAIN Maria Moreno 4536 Irwindale Ave. Covina CA 91722 626-960-1774 SGT. AT ARMS Dolores Sanchez 661 Keenan Ave. Los Angeles CA 90023 1611-1611-1611 626-338-6783

NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATE President Michelle Scovil ALTERNATE DELEGATE Diana Honabarger

LOCAL AUXILIARIES 2008-2009 #1 SACRAMENTO PRESIDENT: Donna Uhlig 7215 Lindale Dr., Sacramento CA 95828 (916) 392-3123 SECRETARY: Barbara Peterson 11610 Bordon Rd., Herald CA 95638 (916) 690-0368 #2 CULVER CITY (ALL MAIL TO SECRETARY) PRESIDENT: Mary Juarez 3849 W. 171st St., Torrance, CA 90504 (310) 516-1230 SECRETARY: Rosie Valdez 12205 Marshall St., Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 397-2369 #17 EL CAJON (PAPER POST) PRESIDENT: SECRETARY:

PARLIAMENTARIAN Hazel Hogan, PDP 34605 Orange St. Wildomar CA 92595 951-674-9157

#18 ORANGE COUNTY PRESIDENT: Ida Kate Camp 14432 Cerritos Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 (562) 925-8293 SECRETARY: Mavis Bowen 3692 Green Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720 (562) 594-0656

WAYS & MEANS CHAIRMAN Benny Aginiga 13436 Palm Ave. Baldwin Park CA 91706

#20 ADELANTO (ALL MAIL TO SECRETARY ) PRESIDENT: Carol Smith 11426 Lee Ave. #40, Adelanto, CA 92301 (760) 684-5382 SECRETARY: Helen Blanchette 12016 Bartlett, Adelanto, CA 92301 (760) 530-0926

CREDENTIALS CHAIRMAN Eileen Hogan 20290 Midland Sonora, CA 95370 3071-3071-3071 626-814-3198

CO-CREDENTIALS CHAIR Maria Rodriguez 16058 Calle De Paseo Irwindale CA 91706

CONVENTION CHAIRMAN Shirley Cullum 18015 Concord Pl. Adelanto CA 92301 760-246-6905

CO-CONVENTION CHAIR Carol Smith 11420 Lee Ave. #40 Adelanto CA 92301 760-684-5382

10—California AMVETS Voice

AWARDS CHAIRMAN Linda Adi, PDP 10512 El Nopal Santee CA 92071 619-449-8088 Sasha15@cox.net

#30 GARDENA PRESIDENT: Jan Devenish 18029 Broomall Ave., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 (310) 780-3684 SECRETARY: Patrice Kirby 5479 Dirk Cr., La Palma, CA 90623-1304 (714) 739-0463

Vol. 12, No. 4

Local Auxiliaries, cont. President’s Message

By Michelle A. Scovil

would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the women in the California AMVETS Auxiliary for electing me their President for this year. I am truly honored to have your confidence in me for this position. I am currently recovering from my knee replacement operation. I have been limited in regards of traveling as much as I would like to visit you in your posts. I have been able to visit AMVETS Post 113 in Irwindale for the change of Officers meeting. I have additionally visited the Mather Medical Center in the Sacramento area. By the time you are reading this information I will have attended the Sacramento Stand Down an the Yountville Picnic. Throughout this limited travel, and past AMVETS meetings, I have become even more resolved to bring our AMVETS Auxiliary closer together through my sincere efforts to bring harmony and teamwork to my executive board, and all Auxiliary members, in California. Therefore, my theme for my tenure is “Reach Across The Isle and Reconnect With an Old Friend in The Auxiliary”. We are here to support the California Department of AMVETS to our best ability. Finally, I would like to cite a written comment from the American Veteran Magazine Summer Issue submitted by Rolf J. Peterson. He wrote, “Remember fellow veterans, we are and were on the same team. If you are serving in a veteran’s organization as an officer, you better be serving for those who are serving our country and those who have. We have enough self-serving people leading posts.” My concern is that some of our AMVETS members in California have forgotten this message. Together we will advance our beliefs with all AMVETS in our great state of California. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

#33 WILMINGTON PRESIDENT: Sophia Lucero 2107 W. 248th St., Lomita, CA 90717 (310) 326-3704 SECRETARY: Carol Suarez 416 Lagoon Ave., Wilmington, CA 90745 (310) 835-0253

#113 IRWINDALE PRESIDENT: Irene Cervantes 2645 Bloomdale St., Duarte CA 91010 (626) 359-4626 SECRETARY: Gloria Sandoval 432 E. Second St., Azusa CA 91702 (626) 327-1054 glorias1474@yahoo.com

#48 LONG BEACH PRESIDENT: Diana Honabarger 6475 Atlantic Ave. #347, Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 544-1159 E-mail: Honabarger.diana@verizon.net SECRETARY: Rowena Beane 3933 N. Virginia Rd. #107, Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 490-3348

#116 WEST L.A. PRESIDENT: Alma Gant Nash 1162 E. 24th St. #C8, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (213) 747-2874 SECRETARY: Opal Buchanan 8831 S. Gramercy Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 972-4414

#56 TULARE (PAPER POST) PRESIDENT: SECRETARY:

#367 LAKESIDE PRESIDENT: Nicole Cable 11175 El Nopal, Lakeside CA 92040 (619) 448-8437 SECRETARY: Jeri Lynn Johnson 13155 Chrissy Way, Lakeside, CA 92040 (619) 561-6578

#80 ANAHEIM (ALL MAIL TO SECRETARY) PRESIDENT: Vicki Marshall 10932 La Cima Dr., Whittier, CA 90604 (562) 941-1926 SECRETARY: Charlene Newell 3050 W. Ball Rd. #73, Anaheim, CA 92804 (714) 226-0690 PurpleRainCloud@aol.com #100 CHINO (SEND ALL SERVICE REPORT FORMS TO SECRETARY) PRESIDENT: Myrna McNalley 2160 W. Rialto #49, San Bernardino, CA 92410 (909) 885-0731 SECRETARY: Hazel Hogan 34605 Orange St., Wildomar, CA 92593 (951) 674-9157 #101 YOUNTVILLE PRESIDENT: Edith Malan 260 California Dr., P.O. Box 684, Yountville CA 94599 (707) 944-8615 SECRETARY: Maxine Sierck P.O. Box 1200, Yountville CA 94599 (707) 945-0240

#700 CHULA VISTA PRESIDENT: 1ST VICE: #1240 FONTANA PRESIDENT: Velma Starkey 14808 Iris Dr., Fontana, CA 92335 (909) 355-1061 SECRETARY: Nora Rentiaria P.O. Box 720335, Pinion Hills CA 92372 (909) 772-0608 #1996 REDDING PRESIDENT: Debbi Johnson 17669 Wawrwick Pl., Anderson CA 96007 (530) 357-3380 debbij@rackotier.com SECRETARY: Doris Simon 1661 Deercreek Rd., Shasta Lake City, CA 96019 (563) 275-0574

Veterans Advocacy

he Veterans Advocacy is an independent consulting advocate, assisting veterans with claims and appeals. The website address is TheVeteransAdvocacy.com. I am a lifetime member of AMVETS Post 30 and a Viet Nam veteran. I am experienced in what I do and am well connected in the veteran’s area of services. Please contact me if I can be of assistance to you. 

California AMVETS Voice—11

Auxiliary Report By Eileen J. Hogan AMVETS Auxiliary, State Credentials Chairman

ongratulations to Auxiliary #20 Adelanto, CA. They worked very hard to reopen their ‘burnt-out kitchen.’ Do take the time to visit their Post and participate in their celebration. Registration reminder - all Auxiliaries Ladies, a new year has arrived and it’s time to sharpen your registration and voting skills both for the Spring SEC and our convention. Standing Rules & By Laws: Please remember that at our Spring SEC only two delegates from each auxiliary can represent their auxiliary. Alternates and guests are always welcomed. REGISTRAION fees: State officers & PDP’s…ONLY State Officers and PDP’s are exempt from registration fees. REGISTRATION: Delegates, Alternates & guests remain at $5 per person. Delegates & Alternates: Please have ready your current membership card and a completed registration form that has been dated and signed by your local President or Local secretary. No change is made at the registration desk. We accept either cash or check. The auxiliary would like to extend to all AMVETS their many thanks for participating in our raffles. We have so much to be grateful for. Our freedom has been a blessing from those who sacrificed so much today and all our yesterdays. Thank you veterans, everywhere.

Social studies

From the web, author unknown

social studies schoolteacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. Ms. Cothren, “Where’re our desks?” She replied, “You can’t have a desk until you tell me what you have done to earn the right to sit at a desk.” They thought, “Well, maybe it’s our grades.” “No,” she said. ‘Maybe it’s our behavior.’ She told them, ‘No, it’s not even your behavior.’ And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom. By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren’s classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room. The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the desk less classroom, Martha Cothren said, ‘Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.’ At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in p lace those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned. Martha said, ‘You didn’t earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it’s up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don’t ever forget it. By the way, this is a true story. Please consider passing this along so others won’t forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by U.S. veterans. 

12—California AMVETS Voice

Programs Reporting

1- You can report at anytime as long as you do it at least once in each reporting period. 2- Reporting online gives you quick easy access to tracking what your post is doing in the community. 3- If you do not use internet, paper forms are available from Dept. Headquarters, please return them to me at least 2 weeks BEFORE the end of the reporting period so I can get them in for you. 4- If you can answer yes to the following question you can report it: ARE YOU HELPING VETERANS? 5- Report often! Reporting is used for legislation purposes! 6- Need help reporting? Contact Rose Blackman at 559-688-3407 or by email at roseblackman@hotmail.com any Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 9 and 5. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 2

By Post 2 Commander Joe Juarez

in So Cal Proclamation & Expo where he and other post members handed out AMVETS information at Hollywood and Highland (Kodak Plaza) and at the Wings Over Long Beach event. 

ost 2 participated in a veterans Halloween community dance on October 25 and hosted the last bingo event at the West Los AngelesVA. Commander Jurarez and AMVETS member Keith, were part of the Culver City Veterans Park Committee. Commander also attended the Redondo Beach Veterans Day Memorial Event and Air Force Week

Post 11

n Nov 5th, the Post 11 honor guard took part in a special flag ceremony at Whitethorn Elementary School as they dedicated their new flag pole. The post honor guard demonstrated the proper way to fold a flag while Tom Pietila read what each fold of the flag means. They then presented the new flag to the school principle and presented 68 students from Whitethorn 4 x 6 inch flags and Americanism books with the history of the flag. 

Post 18 Post 18 participated in a variety of Veterans Day activities

n Saturday, November 8, Ivan Ashbaugh served as the La Palma Days Parade band competition Reviewing Officer. This was the 25th year of the La Palma Days parade, which has been proclaimed as the Official Orange County Veterans Day Parade by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. On Sunday, November 9, an impromptu Post meeting was held at the Santa Ana McCormick’s and Schmick’s Sea Food Restaurant, where a delicious FREE meal was provided to all veterans in attendance. The McCormick and Schmick’s chain, nation wide, honors veterans on Veterans Day with the free dinners. On November 11, Ron Lane led members of the California Historical group in a 21 gun salute to commerate the opening of the Veterans Service Center and the ground breaking for the new American Veterans Park at the Los Alamitos Joint Armed Forces Training Base. The Historical Group were dressed in uni-

Vol. 12, No. 4

forms from 1917 through Vietnam, with the corresponding rifles. Ron played Taps following the rifle salute. In a non-related event (below), Legion of Honor member, Brent Nielson, carried the Post 18 “banner” and rifle to the state of Utah. His brother in law, a Marine in WWII and Chief of Surgery of “MASH” unit 8255 in Korea, passed away in Salt Lake City. Since there are no AMVET posts in Utah, he went there to provide the appropriate military honors at the funeral. He was able to recruit an American Legion Post to do the main honors and his uniform and rifle matched theirs, so he fit right in with the team. 

Post 19

CA Post 19 remembers Beirut bomb blast; Also honors Police & Gold Star Mother‫‏‬

California AMVETS Voice—13

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 20

n Saturday, November 22, the post held the grand opening of their post home at 17960 Adelanto Road, Adelanto, Ca. We would like to thank all members, volunteers and contributors in the rebuilding process of our post. 

Post 22 Veterans Day Celebration

atriotism was high at this year’s 2008 Veterans Day Celebration in Visalia. One of the best, if not the best ever, sponsored by the Visalia Veterans Day Committee. At exactly the 11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month, the Central Valley Community came together once again to honor it’s Veterans at the 9th Annual Visalia Veterans Day Celebration, Tuesday November 11th at the Fox Theater. Even though is not a AMVETS sponsored event all of the Committee Officers are Officers in AMVETS Post 22. Chairperson, Bob McNabb is Post 22’s Service Officer, Finance Officer, Bill Morland is Post 22’s 1st Vice Commander and Adjutant Dan Kelley is Post 22’s Judge Advocate. This free two-hour celebration featured four slideshow presentations containing scenes from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and recent campaigns in the Global War on Terror. Each presentation was meticulously put together by Ellie Cook, a senior at El Diamante High School. The main speaker was Dr. Karen MacKenzie, a Kaweah Delta Medical surgeon who is also a United States Air Force Reserve Major who presented an excellent slide presentation explaining her operating on critically wounded soldiers while in Iraq and Afghanistan. Local talent has always been a must for this Celebration. This year singers included Alyssa Almaguer the 2008 Visalia Teen Idol, Vanessa Martinez and Steven Braswell the 2008 Visalia Teen Idol runner’s up and former Visalia City Councilwomen Wendy Rudy. For the past nine years Dance Arts which is owned by Theresa Vidak again performed a couple of wonderful numbers. Special Guest included Stan Carrizosa, Jr. the winner of the ABC and Disney productions, High School Musical: Get in the Picture. Rounding out the Celebration was the Awards presentations where AMVETS own Bob McNabb was named Visalia Veteran of the Year.

Thanksgiving Dinner

ovember 20, 2008 AMVETS Post 22 along with VFW Post 1864 held their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Veterans Memorial Building in Visalia. Both Posts provided the meat and everyone that attended brought either a side dish, a desert or drinks. As usual there were more deserts than side dishes but no one really seemed to mind! There was more than enough for everyone to eat. There were about 75 to 80 members & family in attendance. What made this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner even better than past dinners was that there were no paper plates and plastic utensils. The Visalia Veterans Memorial Building provided actual dinner plates and silverware. Special guests were: family members, AMVETS Dept. of Ca. Executive Director Rose Blackman and her husband Rod, Fresno Post 99 Commander Pete Molina, and Tony Pacheco (who is the AMVET Service Officer at the Fresno VA Hospital.

14—California AMVETS Voice

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As a special bonus Post 22, 1st Vice Commander Bill Morland had ten local Foreign Exchange students from the local High Schools attend dressed in their countries traditional dress. They all were more than eager to help out and each one gave a wonderful 5 minute presentation on their particular country.

Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony December 7, 2008

he Visalia Veterans Day Committee will host the Third Annual Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday December 7, 2008 at the “Greatest Generation,” World War II Mural which is located at 26572 S. Mooney Blvd, in the City of Visalia. Starting at 7:00 am those in attendance may honor their loved ones who served during this time in History with the tying of a symbolic Red, White & Blue Ribbon with your loved ones Name, Branch of Service and Home Town to the guard rail that surrounds this Mural. These Ribbons are a symbol to ensure that those members of the Armed Forces will never be forgotten. Each ribbon will remain attached to this Guard Rail until that evening at dusk. At that time a member of the Visalia Veterans Day Committee will collect each Ribbon to become a permanent part of the Committees Historical records. At 7:30 am Minister Steve Paddock will give the invocation which will be followed by a Patriotic song by Tammie Weyker. At 7:45 am while a new 10’x19’ American Flag, 6x10 California Flag & POW Flag is being raised Tammie will sing the “National Anthem”. At exactly 7:55 am which is the exact time the surprise attach began in 1941 there will be the Firing of a Cannon by Dick Hover, DDS and a moment of silence. At 8:00 am we will be honored to participate in the Reenlistment of Petty Officer Danny Hernandez who is currently deployed onboard the USS Ronald Reagan. This will be the second US Navy Member to hold their Reenlistment at the “Greatest Generation,” World War II Mural.

Best of the Best , Holiday Concert, December 9, 2008

his year the Visalia Veterans Day Committee is sponsoring the first annual Visalia Best of the Best Holiday Concert. It is scheduled for 7:00 pm Tuesday December 9th at the Visalia Fox Theater. Performing will be the Mt. Whitney High School Choir, the Golden West High School Choir, th El Diamante High School Choir, the Redwood High School Choir and the College of Sequoias Choir. For your entertainment pleasure each Choir will perform three separate musical selections that will certainly put you in the Holiday Spirit. Then to complete the evening each Choir will join forces to bring you a sound that is sure to be unforgettable. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 22, cont.

Valentine Sweetheart Dinner & Dance Fundraiser Saturday, February 14, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Visalia Veterans Memorial Building - 609 W. Center Street

“Back to the 50’s & 60’s” Best Dressed Couple (Dinner for “2” at “The Depot”) $100.00 value

Music by the “Pete Ortega Band” Silent Auction Dinner provided by A&N Specialties

New York Steak, Scallop Potatoes, Green Beans, Green Salad, Rolls & Salsa & Chips

Tickets are @ $30/each

RSVP by February 6, 2009- No tickets will be sold at the door Starting January 5, 2009 tickets are available at Valhalla’s Restaurant 314 W. Center, Link’s Men’s and Women Wear, 115 E. Main in Visalia. Also on Monday’s starting January 5, 2009 at the Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W. Center St. between 11:30 am & 1:00 p.m.

Post 26

n Tuesday evening, October 30th, members of AMVETS Post 26 helped to welcome seven young Marines home from Iraq. The Marines are members of the 4th Landing Support Battalion based in Concord, California. Following a four-day debriefing at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the seven warriors headed home to California by commercial airliner. Upon landing at Oakland International Airport, the Marines were welcomed home over the airliner’s P.A. system. Simultaneously, two fire trucks used their water cannons to create an arch of water over the aircraft as it taxied towards the terminal. The Marines’ departure from the airport in two vans was escorted by a contingent of eight Patriot Guard motorcyclists. A short time later, the group arrived at the Concord Vet Center, where they

Vol. 12, No. 4

were greeted by a flag waving crowd of families and veterans. The Marines were enthusiastically welcomed home by all, speeches were made, and hamburgers and hot dogs were served. The returning heroes then headed home with their families. Post 26 members supporting the event included our resident post chef Mike Keppel, along with members Nathan Johnson, Denver Mills, Mirabella Youkhaneh, Ed Morris, and Gary Pforr. On Sunday morning, November 2nd, members of AMVETS Post 26 entered the Concord Vet Center’s Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey Helicopter in the Twelfth Annual Tri-Valley Veterans Day Parade in Pleasanton. The post is affiliated with the Concord Vet Center, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide re-adjustment counseling and outreach services to

veterans having served in combat zones. The trailermounted aircraft was escorted to the parade by flagflying motorcyclists of the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders, who also rode with the Huey in the parade. A high-powered sound system, added last year, projected music of the Vietnam War era out into the crowds as the Huey passed by. As always, the crowd cheered the Huey and gave it the thumbs-up. Support for Walk of Honor in Crockett Post 26 members recently supported the 2008 Walk of Honor for Our Veterans held on November 8th in Crockett, sponsored by Conoco Phillips. Sponsored participants walked across the Carquinez Straits on the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, then returned to a barbeque held at the historical ‘Old Homestead’.

California AMVETS Voice—15

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 26, cont.

Contributions will go to local veterans programs. The post’s UH-1 Huey helicopter display was a real hit with kids and adults alike, many of which had their photos taken in the pilot’s seat. Post members Jim Oram and Ron Zachary ensured that kids climbed on safely while member Gary Pforr helped to set-up and man the Concord Vet Center’s informational table. As a result of the event, two new post members were recruited. Veterans Day Ceremony in Concord Post 26 members Ron Johnson, Ron Zachary and Gary Pforr manned an AMVETS informational table at the City of Concord’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Following a speech by Congressman George Miller, post member Denver Mills spoke to attendees about current veteran issues, including re-adjustment services for vets returning from the middle east. Post members also handed out informational pamphlets for the VA’s Concord Vet Center to prospective clients, as well as parents of service personnel presently on active duty. 

Post 26 members (left to right) Ron Zachary and Ron Johnson manned an AMVETS informational table at the City of Concord’s Veterans Day Ceremony held on December 11th.

AMVETS Post 26 members Denver Mills, James Oram, and Gary Pforr pause after preparing their UH-1 Huey for the Pleasanton Veterans Day Parade.

Post 34

ost finance officer John Lock passed away on November 22, 2008. John was a former Post 34 Commander, past Northern Area Commander and 2001 AMVET of the Year. He was the AMVET VAVS deputy rep at Ft. Miley VA. He served in the Army during WWII. Our condolences go out to his family and fellow post members.

Post 40

POST NAMING CEREMONY

n 9 November the post had a ceremony to rename their post to become the Michael Ottolini AMVETS Post 40. First Sgt. Ottolini of the Army National Guard’s 579th Engineer Battalion, a member of the Ca. National Guard since 1979, was stationed at Camp Anaconda with other members of the 579th Engineer Battalion. Sgt. Ottolini, of Sebastopol, died on 10 November 2004 when an improved explosive device detonated as he traveled in a humvee in Balad, Iraq. Sgt Ottolini gave his all for his country and AMVETS Post 40 is honored and proud to bear his name. Honored Guest Speaker at the ceremony was Brigadier General Gary Medvigy, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army’s Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Ft. Bragg, N.C.

16—California AMVETS Voice

VETERANS’ DAY PARADE

ICHAEL OTTOLINI AMVETS POST 40 proudly marched in its first Veterans Day Parade in Petaluma, which is the largest Veterans Day Parade North of San Francisco! We were one of the leading contingents. We had two of our great supporters, Jackie Richey & Larry Gray leading with our banner, followed by our rifle bearers, Dennis Smith & Bud Simmons escorting our Flag bearer, Dave Richey. Following in the jeep (Hattie’s) was Hattie Stone, our Commander Jay Matthews (the driver) and our outstanding Judge Advocate, Marie Artesse. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 53

ost 53 is co-sponsoring a Christmas party, on Dec 11th, for the Veterans-in-Transition at the Menlo Park VA facility along with the United States Volunteers and the Cathedral of Faith from San Jose. We donate money to purchase food, bus

Post 56

tokens, phone cards and other needs for these men and women and we sit with them just to talk and let them know we care. Post 53 has voted to sponsor Cub Scout Pack 565, Boy Scouts of America, Pacific Skyline Council, San Mateo County. This

ost members were very busy with many activities during the last part of 2008. On 9/11 they participated in a blood drive with the Tulare Rotary and helped collect more than 800 pints of blood. Members of the post donated stuffed toys to Child Protective Services to be handed out to children who are being put into foster care. These toys help bring a smile to the child during a stressful time in their lives. In addition to their many duties at funerals paying respect to our veterans who have passed on, the honor guard has been busy with other activities such as: posting colors prior to the opening race at Thunderbowl raceways in Tulare; this event helps to bring in some needed funds to the post. The honor guard took part in two veteran’s week parades this year; the first in Tulare on Nov. 8 (Manuel Toledo was grand marshal of the Tulare Parade), the second parade was in Porterville on Nov. 11. They also attended several schools where they demonstrated the proper way to fold a flag and spoke about their experiences in the service. One such event is put on by our local high schools called “Veterans’ Appreciation day”. This annual event started by Post member Kent McNatt, takes place every year in November to help the students learn history from those “who have actually lived it”. The post with the help of the Tulare Rotary sent boxes of children’s books to Iraq so the service members could read stories on CDs to send home to their children. I just wanted to let you know that I received the books and blankets today. Thank you so much! I already got my dibs on the books I am going to read to my baby. TSgt Brown. Stella Usery donated a red, white and blue afghan that she crocheted for a raffle to help raise funds so the post could send more packages to our service members overseas. Member (and Dept. E.D.) Rose Blackman decorated several blankets with patches that thanked the troops for their service. The post bought the blankets after a request came from a unit in need of them. Thank you so very much for all of the packages that AMVETS have sent. The soldiers have really enjoyed the movies, blankets and other items. It certainly makes the time here pass more quickly, and it means so much to us to know that someone back home cares enough to send these nice gifts. Thanks again, and please tell all of your friends at AMVETS that we truly appreciate everything that you have done for us. Matt Tallyn We also sent more than 300 Christmas cards to be handed out. The post held their annual Veteran’s day picnic serving hot dogs, hamburgs and the fixings to more than 200 veterans and their family members. The children enjoyed the Big Bounce that has become a new part of our picnic. Thanksgiving Day found many

Post 116

By Commander Cephus R. Daniels

ost 116 meets every second Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at a new meeting location AFGE Local 1061 Union Hall W.L.A. Medical Center. If you need help getting to the meeting, please do not hesitate to call Commander, Cephus R. Daniels, at 310-463-6380. The Post continues to

Vol. 12, No. 4

sponsorship begins in January 2009. Pack 565 is located in the Menlo Park/Atherton area o San Mateo County. We look forward to a long relationship with them, helping to develop young men into the future leaders of our country. 

members (under the direction of chairman PPC Charlie Ramos) cooking and serving dinner to more than 400 members of our community. This is an annual event going back more than 30 years. Members under the chairmanship of Phil Plascencia, helped the Salvation Army raise Christmas money by ringing the bell outside Meryvns. At the final meeting in Dec. we had our annual post Christmas dinner/ party for our members and their families, complete with Santa handing out gifts. 

host a bingo at the WLA VAMC nursing home every second Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Post 116 has successfully completed this year’s fishing program, providing a fishing experience to approximating 300 veterans, including wheelchair bound vets and 12 recently returning Iraqi Vets. We were honored to receive a Certificate of Appreciation

Eric Campbell and Max Silva, cooks

from the recently separated veteran program at the Village at Cabrillo. Post 116 Women’s Coordinator, Ann Reeder, and Post 116 Ladies Auxiliary sponsored the Annual Women’s Veterans Conference. Ann Reeder, who is passionate regarding advocating for women veterans, was able to assemble an impressive array of speak-

California AMVETS Voice—17

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 116, cont.

ers. Post 116 sponsored a continental breakfast and the Auxiliary cooked and served lunch. Post 116 donated three turkeys to our heroes at the Nursing Home Care Unit Buildings 213-215 at the W.L.A. Medical Center. Post 116 was honor to be able to participate in the serving of a delicious home made Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Post 116 would like to welcome two new lifemembers, Mr. Randy Bond and Jeff Buegel to the AMVETS family!

Dept 1st Vice John Byrum, Ann Reeder, Frank Barkley (post 116 members) and George Barney Newell post 80 Commander.

Women Veteran’s Conference

18—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST Reports Here are some great ideas your post can do to help veterans and your community!

Post 700

COMMANDERS NOTE’S FOR NOVEMBER 2008

want to express my thanks to the Officers and cadets of MarVista High School in Imperial Beach CA. I was and still am highly impressed with these young folks. Their appearance and conduct is remarkable and is reflected in their grades at school. My thanks to Commander Doug Hatfield, Master Chief Strait and Master Chief Alberto for allowing their cadets to attend our meeting. We also had representatives of the AMVET Riders at the October meeting, and they gave a great presentation on the Rider group and their objectives. Anyone desiring to “RIDE” talk to Clarence Wright, our resident biker. BINGO DID WELL, $124.00 was turned in for the scholarship fund. Well done to the bingo committee. 

Post 922

ost 922 attended the ceremony when Tejon Ranch deeded property to VA for the Bakersfield National Cemetery. Post Commander Cliff Pierce also attened the Dec. 7th groundbreaking ceremony. The post members continue to collect cell phones for our service members overseas. 

Post 1996

Tom Johnson

his year the Enterprise High School JROTC came out in force to assist Tom Johnson (Tent erection Chairman) with the tent erection making it our best tent set up yet. The weather was nice and with the assistance of many people we had the tents up in record time. AMVETS was the only VSO to have a Providers booth set up to offer any assistance to the veterans attending the Stand Down. Our booth was manned through out the weekend by myself, Pat Paternoster, Tony Perez, Leo P. Simon, Bill Silva and Debbi Johnson. We also had guests from AMVETS Post #1 attend and help us out in the booth. Department Auxiliary President Michelle Scovil and AMVETS Service Officer Roger Scovil were a great help in promoting AMVETS as was No. Area Chaplain John Neverkovac.

Leo P. Simon, Pat Paternoster, Tony Perez, Debbi Johnson ,Michelle Scovil

ince the Stand Down Post 1996 has taken part in a Veterans day parade and a large gathering at the cemetery on Veterans day. The following day we honored 12 more veterans with full military honors at the Cemetery. In December we will be taking part in a wreath laying at the Cemetery. We will be laying a wreath at every grave in the cemetery. Last year it snowed the day we did it and left an absolutely beautiful tribute. One last project that Post 1996 is working on is Honor Flight Nor Cal. Post 1996 along with several other Post in CA have adopted Honor Flight as a Post Project and will be working to help Honor Flight to fulfill it’s mission. The Honor Flight Nor Cal Board of directors is primarily made up of AMVETS from Post 40, 101 & 1996. Our primary goal at this time is to get our first flight out early in 2009. more info can be found at http://www.honorflightnorcal.org 

Post 2813

articipated in a stand down on Oct. 11th, Sept. 14th the post sponsored and participated in the first annual Push Cart Grand Prix race that benefited the Community Action Agency of Butte County. The Bingo Babes girled (manned) the push cart that was built by Commander Gene Clements and member Del Clements. John Thomas fertilizer helped with the construction of the cart frames (which were modified hand trucks). The Bingo Babes won the prize for the team most likely to make it to Hollywood. Bingo is held the third Sat. each month. 

Vol. 12, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—19

POST DIRECTORY Northern Area

NORTHERN AREA DISTRICT

POST 1 *** SACRAMENTO-- NORTHERN AREA Contact & Commander: Bruce McBurnett (916) 392-3123 7215 Lindale Drive Sacramento, Ca 95828 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD THURSDAY EACH MONTH 1900 HOURS 7215 LINDALE DRIVE SACRAMENTO, CA 95828 (916) 392-3123

POST 6***SAN JOSE ---NORTHERN AREA Contact: Raquel Kubinski 408-420-2220 Commander: James D. Reese 408-226-5667 925 Franquette Avenue 6226 Shadelands Drive San Jose, CA 95125 San Jose, Ca 95123-4645 MysticRU12@aol.com Please send all correspondence to both Raquel and Commander Reese. MEETING TIME AND LOCATION: 4TH TUESDAY EACH MONTH 7:30 PM 1504 MINNESOTA AVE, SAN JOSE, CA 95125

POST 11***GARBERVILLE—NORTHERN AREA Contact: Tom Pietila Commander: David P. Stevens (707) 956-9611 (707) 943-3472 PO Box 377 PO Box 104 Whitethorn, Ca 95589 Myers Flat, Ca 95554 tompie@netzero.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATIONS FOURTH WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 483 CONGER STREET GARBERVILLE, CA (707) 923-2638

POST 25***SAN FRANCISCO NORTHERN AREA DISTRICT 4

Contact: Mack Pong (415) 776-3907 Commander: Helen Wong 650-341-5333 1448 Hyde Street 109 Goldhunter Court San Francisco, Ca 94109 Foster City, Ca 94404-1303

wong_helen@sbcglobal.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH 1000 HOURS 401 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 104 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 amvets34sf@sbcglobal.net

POST 40***SANTA ROSA—NORTHERN AREA Contact: AMVETS Post 40 Commander: Jay Matthews 707-571-1580 PO Box 4152 2433 Richie Place Santa Rosa, Ca 95402 Santa Rosa, Ca 95403 amvetsantarosa@sbcglobal.net Email: saperj@att.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 1351 MAPLE AVENUE (SANTA ROSA VETERANS MEMORIAL BLDING) SANTA ROSA, CA 95404

POST 53***SAN MATEO—NORTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Leo McArdle (650) 303-2725 2709 Mariposa Avenue Burlingame, Ca 94010 leomcardle@hotmail.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH 6PM (1800 HOURS) 1455 Madison Avenue Redwood City, Ca 94604

POST 96***EUREKA—NORTHERN AREA

Contact: James Guglielmoni 650-766-0487 Commander: Ralph Gibson 47 Navajo Ave 580 Capp St #606 San Francisco, Ca 94112 San Francisco, CA 94110 jimgugie@sbcglobal.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD SATURDAY EACH MONTH 1030 AM 401 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, Ca

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FOURTH TUESDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 10TH & “H” STREET EUREKA, CA 95501

POST 26***CONCORD—NORTHERN AREA

POST 101*** YOUNTVILLE—NORTHERN AREA

Contact: Steve Nichols (925) 231-5300 Commander: Gary Pforr Concord Vet Center attn: AMVETS Post 26 (925) 305-5370 1899 Clayton Road Suite 140 Concord, Ca 94520 stevenichols14 @msn.com pforr@comcast.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MO NTH 1100 HOURS 1899 CLAYTON ROAD, SUITE 140 CONCORD, CA 94520 925) 231-5300

Contact and Commander: Jerry R. Greer (707) 725-3687 1745 Wood Street Apt B Fortuna, CA 95540-3568

Contact: Ca. Veteran’s Home, Box 61 (707) 944-5068 260 California Drive

Commander: Rita Umphries (707) 944-8522 Yountville, Ca 94599

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND THURSDAY EACH MONTH 260 CALIFORNIA Dr. Section F, Room 248 Yountville, Ca 94599

POST 940***FOLSOM—NORTHERN AREA POST 34***SAN FRANCISCO

20—California AMVETS Voice

Contact and Commander: Paul Bonar

(916) 628-1141

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST DIRECTORY 1300 Forrest Street Folsom, Ca 95630 pegonar@att.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FOURTH MONDAY EACH MONTH 1900 HOURS 1300 FORREST STREET FOLSOM , CA 95630 www.amvetspost940.org

POST 1776***VACAVILLE—NORTHERN AREA Contact: Lewis Derfuss (707) 451-2631 1213 California Drive Vacaville, Ca 95687-6507 blueskier@sbcglobal.net

Rocky W.J. Crites

Commander: (707) 678-5293 1031 West A Street Dixon, Ca 95620 rwjc@rwjcgroup.com

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD MONDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 549 MERCHANT STREET VACAVILLE, CA 95687 (707) 447-6354

POST 1989***LIVERMORE—NORTHERN AREA Contact: Charles W. Barton (925) 292-2580 PO Box 25 Livermore, Ca 94551-0025

Commander: Clyde Pearson (559) 686-4903 3514 S.W. Maize Drive Ankery, IA 50023

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND SATURDAY EACH MONTH 1000 HOURS VMC 522 SOUTH “L” STREET LIVERMORE, CA 94550

POST 1990***STOCKTON—NORTHERN AREA Contact: Mike Chiribel Jr (209) 430-3111 Stockton, Ca 95209

Commander: Patrick Hall (209) 594-3198

PO Box 691434 1305 S. Wilson Way #125

Stockton, Ca 95205 zenbourne@yahoo.com

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST SATURDAY EACH MONTH 10 AM (1000 HOURS) 11 NORTH CENTER STREET STOCKTON, CA 95202

LEO P. SIMON POST 1996 ANDERSON—NORTHERN AREA Contact: Pat Paternoster (530) 244-3078 3590 Dwayne Ct. Redding, Ca 96001 patpater@snowcrest.net

Commander: Tom Johnson (530) 357-3380 17669 Warwick Place Anderson, Ca 96007 tjohn107@rackotier.com

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST THURSDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING 1650 YUBA STREET REDDING, CA 96001

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST 2002***TEHAMA—NORTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: A.C. (Buck) Bordeau III (630) 824-1257 22832 Valley Vista Drive Corning, Ca 96021 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST THURSDAY EACH MONTH 4 PM (1600 HOURS) 1620 SOLANO STREET (VETS MEMORIAL HALL) CORNING, CA 96021 (630) 824-5957

POST 2003*** ALTURAS—NORTHERN AREA Contact: American Veterans (530) 233-2178 PO Box 1118

Commander:

Arlie Brown

Alturas, Ca 96101-1118 Alturas, CA 96101-0742

(530) 233-2115 PO Box 1118

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST SATURDAY EACH MONTH 12 NOON 508 SOUTH MAIN STREET ALTURAS, CA 96101

POST 2813***CHICO—NORTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Gene Clements (530) 345-7236 1675 Manzanita Ave # 76 Chico, Ca 95926 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST THURSDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 554 RIO LINDO AVENUE CHICO, CA 95926

POST 9126***BRYTE—NORTHERN AREA DISTRICT Contact: AMVETS %VFW (916) 371-9126 1708 Lisbon Way Bryte, Ca 95605

Commander: Martin George (916) 492-0410 625 Bowlen Drive West Sacramento, Ca 95605

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH 1900 HRS (7PM) 1708 LISBON WAY BRYTE, CA

Alan Larson Memorial POST 9936***RENO—NORTHERN AREA Contact: Miriam Cavallero Commander: Paul Ruprecht (775) 328-1714 (775) 677-8518 AMVETS 1000 Locust St. MS38 1705 Touraco Reno, NV 89502 Reno, NV 89508 1714@sbcglobal.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION EVERY WEDNESDAY 1900 HOURS 1717 POSY LAKE COURT, RENO, NV 89502

California AMVETS Voice—21

Friends of AMVETS

Absolute Facility Control

Komtech Inc.

Aend Industries Inc.

Kyffin Pharmacy

Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel

Lathrop Construction Assoc.

Alvarez & Shelley PC

Mark Olson Electric Inc.

Arleen’s Vehicle Registration

Michael R. Chiarottino, Md.

B & H Technologies

Mobile Choice

Bacome Insurance Agency

Plummer’s Elevators Service

Bomar Security & Investigation

Prudential California Realty

Bowen Works

Randy Hill Construction

Caiman Engineering

Sbe Quality Acoustics

California Service

Six Rivers Tile

Cartmill Dairy

Solvere

Chamberlin Building Services

Stahl Companies Inc.

Chaste Tree Park

T S K Enterprises U.S.A. Inc.

Combat Medical LLC

Tommy Lee Gill Computer Consultant

Eti Sound Systems Inc.

Versacold

Fred’s Tires

W. Charles Perry & Assoc.

Gleicher Tilley Leonard

Wayne Cox Gunite

Gm Gutierrez Construction Inc.

platinum

Hardcore Construction Inc.

Asi

Iebs Inc.

Like Family Home Nursing Services

J B Manufacturing

gold

Jim Perkins

De Computis

Johnson Transportation Service

James Drilling Inc.

Kishek International Inc.

Pacific Sundance Const Inc.

22—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 12, No. 4

Friends of AMVETS SILVER

Kings Way Sales and Marketing

Carolyn Curci

Lee’s Concrete Materials

Centre City Properties

Minuteman Transport Inc.

Charity Cars for Kids Check Processors Inc. Command One Security Cook Bros. Construction, Inc.

Q Star Technology LLC Randy W. Hoover S M Stevens Bookkeeping & Tax

Dpr / Newport Beach

Therapak Corp.

Frye Construction Inc.

Valley Mobile Service

Guardian Angels In-Home Care

V.i.p. Uniforms Llp

Huddleston Crane Service

Woodruff Design and Construction Inc.

Vol. 12, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—23

24—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST DIRECTORY central

POST 3***SANTA BARBARA CENTRAL AREA DISTRICT 3

Contact: and Commander: Fernando Reynoso 805-729-2662 112 W.Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93101 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD WEDENESDAY EACH MONTH 6 PM (1800 HOURS) 112 W.Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93101

MEETING TIME & LOCATION THIRD WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH 6 PM (1800 HRS) 2615 E. CLINTON AVE (CONFERENCE ROOM) FRESNO, CA 93657 559-478-0785 Fresno AMVETS99@verizon.net

POST 542***SPRINGVILLE—CENTRAL AREA Contact and Commander: Rod Coffey (559) 542-1708 PO Box 2319 Camp Nelson, Ca 93208 57291 PONDEROSA DRIVE SPRINGVILLE, CA 93265 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD MONDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) LOCATION VARIES IN CAMP NELSON

POST 22***VISALIA—CENTRAL AREA DISTRICT 6

POST 922***SHAFTER—CENTRAL AREA

Contact: Amador Garcia Jr. 559-733-5994 Commander: Manuel Garcia 559-625-1380 2935 N. Central Court 4429 W. Nicholas Avenue Visalia, Ca. 93291-7106 Visalia, CA 93291 twogarcias@bcglobal.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD THURSDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 609 WEST CENTER STREET VISALIA, CA 93291

Contact and Commander Clifford Pierce, Sr. (661) 865-4235 PO Box 991 Shafter, Ca 93263-0991 Bigokie_4@yahoo.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST SATURDAY EACH MONTH VARIOUS LOCATIONS

MANUEL TOLEDO POST 56 TULARE—CENTRAL AREA Contact: Post 56 Commander: Tony Gonzales 559-974-1710 240 E. King Avenue 117 Fairbanks Ave Tulare, Ca 93274 Sanger, Ca 93657 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST AND THIRD MONDAYS EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 1771 EAST TULARE AVENUE TULARE, CA 93274

POST 65*** TULARE—CENTRAL AREA Contact & Commander: Gale Watson 240 East King Avenue Tulare, Ca 93274 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION AS NEEDED

POST 98***SANGER—CENTRAL AREA Contact: AMVETS Post 98 Commander: Ralph Davila, Jr. (559) 876-9308 P.O. Box 333 1706 DeWitt Street Sanger, Ca 93657 Sanger, Ca 93657 sammaddie2@cvip.net MEETING TIME & LOCATION SECOND & FOURTH TUESDAYS @ 1900 hrs 812 K Street Sanger, Ca 93657

POST 99***FRESNO—CENTRAL AREA PO Box 1306

Vol. 12, No. 4

Contact:: AMVETS Fresno Post 99 559-8756264 Commander:: Pete Molina 2615 E. Clinton Av Sanger, Ca 93657 Fresno, Ca 93713

POST 1997***OAKHURST—CENTRAL AREA Contact & Commander: Bob Protzman (559) 683-5969 PO Box 178 Oakhurst, Ca 93644 rprotz@sti.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH 0800 HOURS (8 AM) OL’ KETTLE RESTAURANT, HIGHWAY 41 OAKHURST, CA 93644

south

POST 2***CULVER CITY—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Ron Stewart

Commander: Joseph M. Juarez (323) 934-7784 310-516-1230 750 South Spaulding Avenue Unit 221 3849 West 171st Street Los Angeles, Ca 90036 Torrance, Ca 90504 ronanderma@ca.rr.com afphoto@aol.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION: THIRD SATURDAY EACH MONTH 1230 HOURS 10858 CULVER BLVD., CULVER CITY, CA 90230 310-837-5411

POST 17 ***EL CAJON—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Rod Richardes (619) 504-0310 354 El Monte Road El Cajon, Ca 92020 richardes354@msn.com

Commander: Larry Wyatt (619) 2494972 9407 Riverview Avenue Lakeside, Ca 92040 wyatts1@cox.net

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND SATURDAY EACH MONTH 1400 HOURS

California AMVETS Voice—25

POST DIRECTORY 136 N. CHAMBERS STREET El Cajon, Ca 92020

HAL CAMP POST 18 ANAHEIM---SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Hal Camp Post 18 1269-1269-1269 PO Box 15923 Santa Ana, Ca 92735 jeff.sharp@sbcglobal.net

Commander: Terry McCarty 714-585-5804 3638 Aspen Village Way #A Santa Ana, Ca 92704 ocdawf@yahoo.com

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION: LAST WEDNESDAY EVERY OTHER MONTH 2321 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET SANTA ANA, CA 92704

POST 19***RANCHO MIRAGE—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: AMVETS Post 19 Commander: Tom Swann PO Box 499 Rancho Mirage, Ca 92270 TomSwann@earthlink.net MEETING TIME & LOCATION: THIRD SATURDAY EACH MONTH 12 NOON 39360 PETERSON ROAD RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270 POST 20 ***ADELANTO—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Evelyn Barakat 760-694-1223 PO Box 667 Adelanto, Ca. 92301 evl01@aol.com MEETING AND LOCATION THIRD SATURDAY OF MONTH 3 PM (1500 HOURS) 17960 ADELANTO ROAD ADELANTO, CA 92301 760-617-4295

JOSEPH T. KOLANO POST 30 GARDENA—SOUTHERN AREA MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 1900 HOURS 1958 MARINE AVENUE GARDENA, CA 90249

POST 33***WILMINGTON—SOUTHERN AREA Contact & Commander: Abel Suarez 310-835-0343 416 N. Lagoon Avenue Wilmington, Ca 90744 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION BI-MONTHLY STARTING IN JANUARY 8 PM (2000 HOURS) 121 WEST ‘E’ STREET WILMINGTON, CA 90744

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD TUESDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 7550 SOMERSET PARAMOUNT, CA 90723 562-634-1122

POST 66***PALM SPRINGS—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Post 66 760-323-9085 Commander: Barbara Cleek 760-202-7267 PO Box 5163 5 Vista Mirage Way Palm Springs, Ca 92264 Rancho Mirage, Ca 92270-7267 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 12 NOON 400 NORTH BELARDO ROAD PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 760-323-9086

POST 80***ANAHEIM—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: George Newell (714) 226-0690 1213 South Dale Avenue Anaheim, Ca 92804 Cne3085197@aol.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND TUESDAY EACH MONTH 7:30 PM (1930 HOURS) 1213 SOUTH DALE AVENUE ANAHEIM, CA 92804 (714) 761-5811

POST 88*** ALHAMBRA—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Angelo Guerrero PO Box 6385 Alhambra, Ca 91802

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FOURTH TUESDAY EACH MONTH 6 PM (1800 HOURS) SENIOR CENTER, ALHAMBRA STORY PARK 210 N. CHAPEL AVE, ALHAMBRA, CA 91801 POST 94*** HEBER—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Arnold Brown (760) 554-3864 716 Lincoln Street Calexico, Ca 92231 AMVETSHEBER94@yahoo.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD SATURDAY EACH MONTH 1200 HOURS 1070 MARY AVENUE HEBER, CA 92249

POST 100***CHINO—SOUTHERN AREA

POST 48***LONG BEACH—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Tom Honabarger Ed Duffy 562-422-4381 6475 Atlantic Avenue Sp 347 5555 Cherry Avenue Sp 18 Long Beach, Ca 90805 Long Beach, Ca 90805

26—California AMVETS Voice

Commander:

Commander: Joe Abeyta (626)286-1820 5843 Tree Rose Tr San Gabriel, Ca 91775

(909) 629-3256 1885 Grier Street

Contact: Gus Wilson Jr. Commander: George McNally Pomona , Ca 91766 NOSLIWG@JUNO.COM

PO Box 137 Ontario, Ca 91762

Vol. 12, No. 4

POST DIRECTORY MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD THURSDAY EACH MONTH AT 7:30 PM (1930 HOURS) DENNY’S RESTAURANT 12180 CENTRAL AVE CHINO, CA 91710

POST 113***IRWINDALE—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Pete Ramirez (626) 338-4440 475 South Rockriver Road Diamond Bar, Ca 91765 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 1900 HOURS 14910 LOS ANGELES STREET IRWINDALE, CA 91706

POST 116*** WESTWOOD—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander Cephus Daniels (310) 397-0810 12023 Allin Street Culver City, Ca 90230-5802 Cephus45@aol.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH 1000 HOURS 1958 MARINE AVENUE GARDENA, CA 90249

POST 311***BARSTOW—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: AMVETS Post 311 Commander: Leslie Fee (760) 252-6200 Steve Jacobs or Dennis Boyce 100 E. Veterans Pkwy (760) 887-4706 Barstow, Ca 92311 100 E. Veterans Pkwy Barstow, Ca 92311 cmcboyce@msn.com MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH 1600 HOURS 100 E. VETERANS PKWY BARSTOW, CA 92311 (760) 252-6200

POST 367***LAKESIDE—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Robert Reis (619) 78707871 12650 Lindo Lane Lakeside, Ca 92040 MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FIRST TUESDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 12650 LINDO LANE LAKESIDE, CA 92040

POST 700***SAN DIEGO—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Jim Taylor (619) 286-8210 5070 Madison Avenue San Diego, Ca 92115 Jimt484@cox.net MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD TUESDAY EACH MONTH 6:30 PM (1830 HOURS) 700 E. NAPLES COURT CHULA VISTA, CA 91911

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FOURTH WEDNESDAY EVERY MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 9191 FONTANA FONATANA, CA 92335 WWW.AMVETS1240.US (909) 823-2600

POST 1775***LA MESA—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Gary Ivarson (619)527-1553 Commander: George Little (619) 593-0769 7411 Lisbon Street 1541 Savin Drive San Diego, Ca 92114 El Cajon, Ca 92021 capital_watch@cox.net george.little@navy.mil MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FOURTH TUESDAY EVERY MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 7298 UNIVERSITY AVENUE LA MESA, CA 91941 (619) 462-1172

POST 1944***HIGHLAND PARK—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Wayne Colburn (714) 264-3385 5600 Orangethorpe Ave #1605 La Palma, Ca 90623 wcolburn@jmoreyins.com

Commander: John Miranda (818) 354-7433 1075 Milwaukee Ave Los Angeles, Ca 90042 johnmiranda@jpl.nsa.gov

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION SECOND THURSDAY EACH MONTH 7:30 PM (1930 HOURS) 227 NORTH AVE 55 LOS ANGELES, CA 90042

POST 2007***VICTORVILLE—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: John Bernier (760) 240-2300 13649 Jicarilla Road Apple Valley, Ca 92308

Commander

Al Watson

AMVETS2007@aol.com

(760) 244-1179 16091 Vine Street Hesperia, Ca 92345

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION THIRD THURSDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) 15075 HESPERIA ROAD VICTORVILLE, CA 92392

POST 7093*** TEMECULA—SOUTHERN AREA Contact: Daniel Hogan (209) 533-3071 20290 Midland Drive Sonora, Ca 95370

Commander: Raymond Hogan (951) 674-9157 34605 Orange Street Wildomar, Ca

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION FOURTH THURSDAY EACH MONTH 7 PM (1900 HOURS) VARIOUS LOCATIONS

POST 1240***FONTANA—SOUTHERN AREA Contact and Commander: Dennis Starkey (909) 355-1061 (C) 909 827-5112 14808 Iris Drive, Fontana, Ca 92335 silverstar40@juno.com

Vol. 12, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—27

Attention Veterans!



Eligibility

All American Veterans who were honorably separated after September 15, 1940 or are now serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reservists, are eligible for membership in AMVETS.

Application For Membership I apply for:  New Annual



Renewal

Join Now!

• Veterans Service • Legislative Action • State and National Publications • Local Post Activities • Community Service • Memorial Carillons • V.A.V.S. • Scholarships

 Life Membership & Pay $________ Post dues __________

Printed Name _________________________________________ Service# or SS# ____________________________________ Street Address___________________________________________ City __________________ State _____ Zip

___________

Sponsor __________________________ Phone _____________________ Branch of Service _________________________ Mo/Yr Entered SVC. _______/_______ Mo/Yr Discharged _______/_______ Type of Discharge _________________________ Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY)

/____ Date of Application

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ANNUAL: $25

LIFE: $150

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RENEWAL: $25