Vol. 14, No. 4 by JM Publishing

Winter, 2010-11

Vol. 14, No. 4

commander’s Remarks By Commander Ramos

reetings to all my comrades up and down the great state of California! I hope each of you survived the holiday season and was able to spend it with friends and family. It is important as veterans to remember those we serve during the holidays. Too many veterans, active military and their families spend the holiday season alone. We can’t have that. We are now elbow deep in this year and have seen many ups and downs so far. As of the writing of this article on November 30, there are only 10 posts that are compliant and are able to receive granted funds from the Foundation. I know this has been a tough task to accomplish. And as your commander, I want you to know we are doing everything we can to help your post through this. At the Fall Department Executive Committee Meeting we assigned the Audit Committee to the task of training ensuring each post is compliant. The members of the Committee belong to the North, South and Central Areas and will help your post and your district commander with all of the paperwork. Please contact the Executive Director for information on the nearest committee member. Remember Post grants are not to be used for VAVS Projects, there is a different system for all VAVS support. This fall we began a new Veterans Administration Volunteer Services (VAVS) Program that is compliant with the VA and National AMVETS. If your post has been involved in bingo, picnics, and support to your local VA, please contact State VAVS Coordinator., Jeff Sharp, 714-614-1269 for instructions how to get your VAVS program running strong. Under his direction, posts do not have to worry about being in compliance as the funds will be administered by the Department. As a VAVS Volunteer Rep. you have to be certified with AMVETS and your VA Voluntary Service Coordinator for your location will have to sign off on your training. Also, as an AMVET VAVS Representative, you are required to attend all of the VAVS Committee meetings. State VAVS Coordinator Jeff Sharp will continue to work with both AMVETS and the VA Centers to ensure these programs are strong as ever.

NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS:

I had the privilege of being a part of a historic moment for AMVETS and the California Department of Veteran Affairs. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the AMVETS Foundation California, AMVETS, Department of California, and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) to provide for the hiring and training of Tribal Veterans Representatives. This is the first time that a state agency has initiated a program of outreach specifically to Native American veterans. This year Governor Schwarzenegger appointed an Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs, Pedro “Pete” Molina and this MOU is the result of the Governor’s actions. AMVETS has met this challenge by committing to hire and train the first Tribal Veterans Representatives.

NATIONAL GUARD/ARMY RESERVE:

On November 19, I was a guest at Camp Roberts along with 2nd Vice Commander Mike Clay. Camp Roberts is the largest Guard/Reserve training facility in California. Over 400,000 Guard, Reserve and Active duty soldier are trained at Camp Roberts each year. Camp Roberts is also a fully functional deployment station, with a Soldier Readiness Center, a Central Issuing facility, and Railhead. Commander Clay and I were on site to determine how AMVETS can help with the mission in the areas of Moral, Welfare and Recreation. Over the next few months, my goal is to do whatever we can to support the troops of Camp Roberts and spread the name of AMVETS! This is what we do. We are AMVETS…we support our veterans, our military and our communities! Drive on AMVETS!

Commander Ramos Photos by Department Photographer Orlando Resendez

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: Rod Blackman 120 North “M” Street Tulare, CA 93274 or E-mail: roseblackman@hotmail.com

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011 Commander Charles Ramos charlie@charlieramos.com

559-300-0853

1st Vice Commander Jerry Greer vfwjerry@yahoo.com

707-725-3687

2nd Vice Commander Mike Clay mikeclay40@hotmail.com

530-824-6615

Northern Area Commander Bud Simmons amvetsantarosa@sbcglobal.net

707-971-0523

Central Area Commander Frank Guerra frankjesseg@hotmail.com

559-875-5353

Southern Area Commander John Bernier amvets2007@aol.com

760-240-2300

Finance Officer Jerry Guevara

559-786-9106

Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel cajaclk@yahoo.com

714-484-9826

Provost Marshal Ben Aguayo bsaguayo@gmail.com

626-337-6152

N.E.C. Man Ronald Ferrara rkferrara@gmail.com

626-577-2454

Alt. N.E.C. Man Filbert Bejarano

559-686-0335

Officer at Large Baldy Salmon

559-303-4528

Officer at Large Ray Delgado delmon99@prodigy.net

310-410-8856

Chaplain Tom Sarchipone

707-226-3978

Chief of Staff Jeff Sharp jeff.sharp@sbcglobal.net

714-614-1269

2—California AMVETS Voice

120 North “M” Street

T.O.C. Officer’s Reports.................................................................................

Membership.........................................................................................

Upcoming Events...............................................................................

Americanism...................................................................................... 10 Capitol Weekly................................................................................... 14 Operation Save Just One................................................................. 15 Stories of Service............................................................................. 16 Post Reports..................................................................................... 19 G.I. Hope............................................................................................ 30 Brautigan Retires.............................................................................. 31

www.amvets-ca.org

Vol. 14, No. 4

Deadlines for Quarterly Submissions by Issue

Issue Convention Book Vol. 15, No. 1 Vol. 15, No. 2 Vol. 15, No. 3 Vol. 15, No. 4

Vol. 14, No. 4

Deadline April 1 March 1 June 1 September 1 December 1

Photo by Department Photographer Orlando Resendez

California AMVETS Voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;3

2nd Vice Commander's Report By Mike Clay

reetings and Happy New Year! A fast six months has just about gone by, and many things have happened to our Department this year. We are making great progress in nearly all areas, and still somewhat weak in others. The compliance struggle goes on but is necessary. All of you are working hard to get your Posts into compliance and to still try to carry on with our work of caring for veterans. A daunting task, I know, but as a Department we are succeeding. Our Programs Reporting is still a bit on the weak side, and Area and District Commanders have been doing a great job of helping the Posts get their reports in to National. We are phoning the Posts that still need to make the first report of the period as this is being written, so expect to hear your phone ring if you haven't gotten your report in. For those of you that need help with the reporting system, don't hesitate to call me or your Area and District Commander. We will be glad to help. I was fortunate enough to accompany our essay contest winners and JROTC people on the Freedom Foundation Leadership Conference at Valley Forge this year. I have to say that the program is great. The students truly get a lot out of the Conference, and see places that they may never get to otherwise see. The different seminars are informative and interactive to the extent that the students get deeply involved in History and Civics without ever realizing that they are learn-

ing as well as enjoying the interaction with students from all over the USA. If your Post hasn't entered a candidate for the annual essay contest, I strongly urge you do so. It will give your young people a unique experience. Keep up the good work and remember to SHOW YOUR PRIDE in your communities.

Benefits Please visit the National website, http://www.amvets.org and click the “Member Benefits” button on the left hand side of the page, or go directly to http://www.amvet.org/membership.benfits.html and note the various providers that AMVETS has as providers of benefits.

From the Desk of the Executive Director By Rose Blackman

appy New Year! Thank you all for the hard work you have done and continue to do with activities for our veterans and their families. Your activities help us to get the word out about the many wonderful things AMVETS does for our veterans and their families. Many of you have been busy signing up new members, getting annuals to renew (see the chart on page 5 of this paper), and working on getting your post in compliance. I know that the compliance paperwork is a slow tedious process, if you need help please call or email the department office and ask for the Audit Committee member for your area who should be able to help you. Currently we have nine posts who are in compliance and several others who are very close to being in compliance and may be by the time this paper reaches you. This will make them eligible for grants from the foundation. Post Grant and VAVS forms were mailed out to all post commanders in October, outlining the requirements for a grant for the 2011 year. If you need a Direct Grant form please contact the department and we will email or mail you a copy. By now all post commanders should have received raffle tickets for the Department raffle and shared them with their post members. If anyone wants more tickets please contact the office and we will mail them to you. We want everyone to have a chance to win MONEY: First prize is $1,500 Second is $1,000 and Third is $500. One way that the raffle ticket money will be used is for Scholarships for Veterans. The Department will be awarding three $1,000 scholarships. One for each area of the state. By the time you read this all Area, District and Post Commanders will have received (both by e-mail and postal mail) an application form. These are to be copied and distributed to veterans who are either already attending college or

4—California AMVETS Voice

planning to attend in the fall. Applications need to be turned in to the Area Commander NO LATER than 1 April 2011 (no this is not an April Fool’s joke). The winners will be announced at the State Convention in Concord. If you need an application form, send me an e-mail or call and the office will give you the information for the Commander in your area to contact. Membership Forms: when sending completed forms to the Department, Please send one copy of the form. Any other copies we need we will make. It is the responsibility of the post to check each new members DD214 or active duty card to be sure they qualify for membership. Important reminder: Life membership is now $200! I look forward to seeing all of you at our DEC in Santa Maria. Besides the usual work and meetings we plan to have a little fun. We have a great banquet (tickets are only $25 each) and dancing with great music afterward planned. Commander Visits: Do you want the Commander to visit your post? Contact the department by phone 559-688-3407 or e-mail roseblackman@hotmail.com (preferred). Let us know what date you would like to have him (always good to have a alternate date as well) and we will see if he is able to visit. Website: California AMVETS has a new website. Check it out at www.calamvets.org. Home

About Us

Officers

Post Locations

News

Events

Please mark your calendars for our June Convention in Concord at the Hilton. Concord Post 26 (the post with the Huey Helicopter will be our host).

AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA 66TH ANNUAL CONVENTION JUNE 10-12, 2011

Hilton Concord Hotel 1970 Diamond Boulevard Concord, CA 94520 Fax 925-827-211 $92 plus tax per night mention AMVETS to get this rate. Cut off date is 26 May 2011 I’ll see you in Santa Maria for our DEC, January 21-23rd.  Yours in Service, Rose

It’s official,

DD-214’s are NOW Online

www.vetrecs.archives.gov/

PAWS With a Cause Deb Davis, National Marketing Director for PAWS With a Cause, Sheryl Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr., and Kevin Stone, U.S. Army, Retired and PAWS With A Cause Service Dog client.

www.calamvets.org Donate to AMVETS AMVETS programs change lives every day. Keep vital resources available to vets in need.

Join California AMVETS Members directly support and connect to all of the important AMVETS programs plus exclusive deals and discounts.

Donate Now

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AMVETS News Learn about AMVETS in your community in our news, events and donation announcements.

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120 N. M St, Tulare, California 93274 Powered by CVN, Inc.

Calendar

Vol. 14, No. 4

Membership POST DONE BY POST MAL 1 2 3 4 6 11 17 18 20 22 26 30 33 34 40 48 53 56 66 80 85 88 94 96 98 99 100 101 113 116 311 367 542 700 922 940 1240 1775 1776 1944 1990 1996 2002 2003 2007 2009 2813 Vol. 14, No. 4

Total renewal cards on file

# of RENEWALS

214 59 (1 life conversion) 43 18 2 1 16 5 108 8 5 0 0 0 32 19 18 3 47 12 38 8 19 8 26 19 0 0 27 3 11 3 54 0 14 2 213 26 +1 life conversion 15 8 10 4 1 2 4 3 0 21 15 49 12 51 0 7 2 59 2 45 11 10 1 13 0 8 3 9 6 16 6 19 2 14 0 152 11 14 7 30 2 4 0 1 0 42 15 (6 life conversions) 3 1 7 5 22 2 23 1 19 10

Green-for-Green Hats

The Green-for-Green Hats program will be kick started again beginning Veterans Day, November 11, 2010 and will run until Memorial Day, May 31, 2011. http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/membership_pdfs/membership_awards.pdf

Revalidations:

Revalidations are due in dept. office no later July 1. If you revalidate online at amvets.org, you still must send in the revalidation form with the officer page to the Dept. office. Please note the revalidation requirements below: *Constitution and Bylaws must have been reviewed within the last five years and a copy submitted to the AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters. * Current Revalidation and Officers’ Form completed and submitted to AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters, please make sure that all pages are signed and blanks are filled in. *Ensure the Post has a minimum of 10 members in good standing. *Ensure your post is in compliance and has submitted a 990 to the IRS *Ensure you are using the 2011 Revalidation & Officers form which can be found on our website. If you do not have computer access, contact the department to get a hard copy mailed to you. *If a Post has a Post home please make certain insurance is current and for correct amount, $100,000 for facility just for meeting purposes, $300,000 for facility with clubroom) and on record with AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters. If Post has a clubroom please ensure a copy of the Liquor Liability is also current and on record with Dept Headquarters. Also ensure State and National Headquarters are included as additionally insured on policy. * Be sure that your post has done their Programs Reporting online no later than June 1, 2011. If you do not have computer access contact the department for a paper form; reporting to national is a Department Bylaw requirement for any post to be revalidated. Please forward all paperwork to AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters and we will forward to AMVETS National Headquarters accordingly. 

America’s Heroes At Work

he following information is to help our returning veterans suffering from PTSD/ TBI to secure employment. The DOL has undertaken a project that focuses on the employment challenges of service members returning to the United States with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). The goal of the project is to educate employers and the workforce development system on TBI and PTSD as well as on accommodations they can make for these individuals. This website is designed to be a link to information and tools that will help service members, primarily returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, affected by TBI and/or PTSD succeed in the workplace. Some of the resources include: job sharing, coaching and mentoring programs, fact sheets, training tools and success stories. For all these resources please visit: www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov 

Veterans’ Medallion Available for Order

More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions can be found at http://www. cem.va.gov/cem/hm/ hmtype.asp.

California AMVETS Voice—5

Legislative Advocate's Report By Pete Conaty

UPCOMING EVENTS IMPORTANT DATES: 2011 AMVETS DEPARTMENT of CALIFORNIA SPRING Department Executive CONFERENCE

010 was a great year for AMVETS Department of California on the legislative front! This year the Department held its 1st Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol. This was a great opportunity for AMVETS to meet their legislators and staffs and to educate them on veteran’s issues. The event was well attended by AMVETS members from across the state and elevated this great organization as an active participant in veterans legislative advocacy at the State Capitol. Attendees met with legislators and staff and heard from Capitol and California Department of Veterans Affairs speakers. The Department also awarded its first ever Legislator of the Year awards to Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) and Assemblywoman Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista). Denham has been elected to Congress and will now represent the people of the 19th Congressional District (Fresno, Modesto). AMVETS had a busy year and many great accomplishments in 2010: January – August - The Department, in the 2009-2010 legislative session; sponsored, supported, and monitored 81 Senate and Assembly bills impacting veterans. February - Past Commander Mel Posey attended and spoke at a press conference regarding the introduction of 3 veterans bills authored by Senator Jeff Denham. February – Lorraine Plass visits with Capitol staff to discuss women veterans issues. March – AMVETS Foundation makes a donation to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) for Gold Star License Plates. These plates are for the family of a member of the Armed Forces who was killed while serving on active duty. The Gold Star Family License Plates will be produced at no cost to the state’s General Fund, so fundraising to raise the $300,000 needed was necessary. The AMVETS Foundation stepped forward and made two donations to the fund in 2010 totaling $55,000! April - 1st Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol. May - AMVETS, Department of California officially supports the Governor’s May Revise budget subvention funding increase for California’s County Veterans Service Offices. June- AMVETS issues press release protesting the Legislature’s Joint Budget Conference Committee’s decision to cut funding for the Governor’s Operation Welcome Home Initiative to aid CVSO’s. June – Lorraine Plass appointed Chair of the Legislative Committee to work with us on developing strategies. August - AMVETS leaders attend Sacramento press conference for Operation Restore the Funding, the fight to restore full funding for Operation Welcome Home initiative. After the press conference, the veterans leaders met with the Governor regarding this issue. August – AMVETS and AMVETS Foundation leaders present check to CDVA Secretary Roger Brautigan for Project Gold Star. The Foundation contributed a total of $55,000 to Project Gold Star. Continued on next page

6—California AMVETS Voice

January 21-23rd (Friday to Sunday) Santa Maria Inn 801 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA $94 plus tax reservations must be made BEFORE Dec 21, 2010 Reservations: 800-462-4276 or 805-928-7777 Fax: 805-928-5690 We will be having a banquet on Saturday night, more information on that to come. MARCH 1 DEADLINE TO GET YOUR NEWS TO ROSE FOR THE AMVET NEWSPAPER (VOICE)

March 15-19, 2011 Spring NEC

Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hernedon, VA for reservations call 703-478-2900 $99-$109 per night APRIL 1 CONVENTION BOOK DEADLINE April 15, 2011 TAXES DUE AMVETS National Scholarship Program Deadline Visit www.amvets.org for more information MAY Cut off date for reservations for State convention at the Concord Hilton (convention is June 11-13). POST ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS AT YOUR regular meeting. JUNE 1 DEADLINE TO GET YOUR NEWS TO ROSE FOR THE AMVET NEWSPAPER (VOICE) JUNE 11-13 STATE CONVENTION Concord (FRIDAY –SUNDAY) JUNE 30 LAST DAY TO REPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES TO NATIONAL FOR THIS QUARTER JULY 1 REVALIDATIONS DUE TO DEPT. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ROSE) JULY 9 Cut off date to reserve room for national Convention AUGUST 6-13 National Convention, St. Louis, MO SEPTEMBER 1 DEADLINE TO GET YOUR NEWS TO ROSE FOR THE AMVET NEWSPAPER (VOICE) AUGUST 6 Cut off date to reserve your room for the Fall DEC at the Marriott in Visalia

Vol. 14, No. 4

Legislative Advocate, cont.

November - The AMVETS Foundation California and AMVETS, Department of California signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CDVA to provide training for Tribal Veterans Representatives. This MOU is the first of its kind in the nation and is a commitment from the AMVETS Foundation to provide funding to the CDVA to train three Tribal Veterans Representatives. This is the first time that the state has initiated a program to outreach specifically to Native American veterans. This year Governor Schwarzenegger appointed the first in the nation Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs, Pedro “Pete” Molina. Of course you all know Assistant Secretary Molina as the Commander of AMVETS Post 99, Fresno. The MOU was signed by CDVA Undersecretary Rocky Chavez; Assistant Secretary Pedro Molina; AMVETS Foundation President Jim Pidgeon; and AMVETS Department Commander Charlie Ramos. December – Develop legislative strategies for 2011. Legislative Chair Lorraine Plass and I are working to develop the Department’s first ever Legislative Platform. The draft platform appears in this issue of the newsletter. On December 6 the new 2011-2012 Legislature is sworn in. The 80 member California Assembly will include 28 new Assemblymembers and the 40 member California Senate will include 11 new Senators (almost all from the Assembly). In the Assembly, 27 will be brand new to the Legislature. Termed out Senator Gill Cedillo of Los Angeles has moved back to the Assembly. Also, Jeff Gorell of Ventura, a 3rd generation Navy man, serves as a Lt. Commander in the reserves, and has been ordered to Afghanistan in March (he will not be able to vote in the Legislature during this time). In the Senate, 9 Senators moved up from the Assembly, 1 passed away (Jenny Oropeza) during the election, and 1 is brand new (Anthony Cannella-Merced). Additionally, termed out Assemblyman and USAF-Reserve Lt. Colonel Ted Lieu is running for the Oropeza seat in a special election in February.

New Reporting Requirements for Small Tax-Exempt Organizations

Department Legislative Chair

Lorraine Plass Department Legislative Chair

he following is a draft California State Legislative Platform for AMVETS Dept of CA. As you know, AMVETS National has always had a legislative platform, but this will be the Dept of California’s first legislative platform. The California State Platform generally mirrors the AMVETS National platform. Our lobbyist Pete Conaty and I wrote it broadly enough so that when bills are introduced in the Legislature we can take positions easily. The legislative platform also puts us on record and gives AMVETS more visibility at the Capitol. The legislative platform also serves as a set of talking points for AMVETS attendees at the Department’s Legislative Day at the Capitol or when AMVETS members meet their local representatives in their hometowns. Often times legislators and their staffs look at veterans group’s platforms for legislative ideas. Most legislators want to carry a bill or bills that help veterans. In the absence of any input they sometimes come up with well intentioned but poorly written bills or seek to solve some narrow, obscure problem rather than the core issues that would really help more of our state’s 2.1 million veterans. Legislative platforms give them something they can grab onto and run with. They also know that they will have a built-in supporter for the bill since it was on our platform. Continued on next page

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—7

Department Legislative Chair, cont. Please review this draft platform. We will be discussing it at the DEC in Santa Maria.

AMVETS, Department of California Legislative Platform 2011/12 DRAFT

Support legislation on the following issues: Veterans Outreach

Support continued funding for “Operation Welcome Home” to reach out to California’s veterans and inform them about the benefits that they are entitled for and how to apply for them. Support increased funding of county veterans service offices to provide assistance to California’s veterans to navigate the claims process to access all benefits, state and federal due our veterans. Support increased state grants to veterans service organizations to work with CVSOs on OWH and veterans outreach.

Veterans’ Employment:

Develop initiatives to improve climate for veterans’ employment through California including veterans’ preferences in public-sector employment and increase opportunities in the private sector.

Veterans Education:

Work with all California colleges and universities to ensure that veterans students receive all information on federal and state educational benefits, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans and how to apply and access both the state and federal benefits.

Veterans Benefits:

Establish a cabinet level inter-agency task force to improve coordination among governmental, municipal and private sector organizations to improve services and support for veterans and their families. The inter-agency task force will focus initially on homelessness, healthcare and outreach to underserved women and minority veterans. Advocate for streamlining and improving process of filing benefit claims with the Veterans Administration and the elimination of the backlog of claims.

Veterans’ Homelessness Reduction and Treatment:

Work with the VA, municipal and private sector organizations to address the root causes of veteran’s homelessness by: Improve veterans employment opportunities Increase substance abuse prevention and treatment programs Implement California’s alternative sentencing law and Veterans Courts Develop affordable housing programs Improve rehabilitation efforts for homeless veterans.

Veterans Healthcare:

Strive to ensure the California’s veterans receive information about their federal VA healthcare benefits including counseling and information about treatment options for PTSD, TBI, combat stress and physical disabilities. How to apply for compensation process for appealing claims denied.

Misc:

Sponsor legislation to waive state and county fees for veteran cremains identified by the Missing in America Project.

8—California AMVETS Voice

CENTRAL AREA COMMANDERS REPORT

As submitted by Adjutant Jerry Guevara

reeting to all my fellow veterans: This last quarter, for the posts in my area, was extremely busy. With Veterans Day the most important occasion, that we participate in, with extreme pride. As veterans, we realize the commitment and sacrifices of the many veterans still active and their role in protecting us to make sure that we can celebrate such holidays. I was especially proud for all of us and equally proud of the posts in my area for all the activities they were involved in.

Post 22

Visalia - was very active in the events, programs and functions that took place during this time. They participated with several other local service groups and help promote AMVETS.

Post 56

Tulare – their color guard was very active in many memorial services. They also participated in several functions at the local schools, provided a very well attended Thanksgiving dinner for the community veterans and local members of the area and just made sure that they represented AMVETS.

Post 98

Sanger – participated in the Fresno Veterans Day parade and hosted an open house for veterans at the post headquarters.

Post 99

Fresno/Clovis – also participated in the Fresno Veterans Day parade and then hosted a reception after the parade for a friendship gathering for all veterans in attendance.

Both Post 98 and 99

Attended a stand down that was presented at Fresno City College to honor Veterans. Many speakers gave a brief history of the major conflicts in which America has been involved in the past hundred years, from World War I up thru and including Iraq/Afghanistan. I was fortunate to be able to participate in the Fresno Veterans Parade along with Posts 98 and 99, representing the Central Area. This parade is known as one of the largest on the West Coast and was attended by close to 30,000 spectators and lasted approximately 2 ½ hours. In closing, I want to stress how important it is to continue working together as a team. My Central Area commanders will continue to meet monthly to share information. I ask that commanders continue to support these meetings and share the information that your post is involved in. Make sure to turn in reports of your activities, which should include membership and events, as well as events for future planning. Hoping that all of you and your families had a truly happy holiday period and see you at our next meeting.  Frank J. Guerra, Central Area Commander

Vol. 14, No. 4

District 4 Report Sept. to Dec. 2010 Quarterly Update

Sheryl Shaffer , District 4 Commander

uring Oct. 1 and 2, 2010 I attended and participated at the AMVETS Dept. of Calif. Fall D.E.C. in Bakersfield. “PAWS With a Cause” is the latest interview available on line through the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV on line Video Series. Interviews were done at the AMVETS National Convention in Louisville, KY during August. Kevin explains how having service dogs transforms his families’ life. (Front) Mambo - service dog. Deb Davis gives the history of how PAWS was formed and they both tell of what a positive Impact dogs have in peoples’ lives. This episode was edited on put online www.vecsamnet.org, www.vecsm.blip.tv and www.pegmedia.org during October 2010. Sheryl Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Commander is the Executive Producer and hosts the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series now online through blip.tv and also pegmedia.org. The series is sponsored by AMVETS CA Service Foundation and so far, there are 10 AMVETS sponsored episodes available for viewing on line www.vecsamnet.org. They are: The Truth About PTSD, Hometown Heroes, AMVETS In Service to Veterans, Monterey Bay Veterans, Veteran Community Outreach, AMVETS CA Service Foundation, Veterans Resource and Opportunity Event, PAWS Wits A Cause, G.I. Hope and Veteran Peer Specialist. Being on pegmedia.org allows each episode to be downloaded and broadcast to any 1 of 3,000 PEG stations across the U.S. So far, our 14 episodes online have been downloaded 204 times in 45 different markets. We invite you to join us in the AMVETS community, working on behalf of veterans, from all the wars because we are veterans helping veterans. On Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 we went on location to video tape the “G.I. Hope” interviews with homeless women veterans. This collaboration was as a direct result of attending the Women Veterans Conference in Clovis, CA on Oct. 6, 7 & 8. While networking, I met Kenya Lawson, Exec. Dir. of G.I. Hope at the conference and we collaborated to film an episode of the “VHV” TV series at their Fashion Show event. This was a wonderful collaboration of many people. We had the talents of a combat photographer from March ARB Carolyn Erfe and her contact Brent Harvey of www.brentharveyfilms. com. Brent Harvey is a U.S.M.C. combat photographer veteran. Our 9th episode “G.I. Hope” will be online on blip.tv and pegmedia.org before the end of December. Continuing to work as a team, AMVETS Post 53 member Steve Hall edited this episode. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2010 at the Media Center in Palo Alto, we produced our 10th episode in the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series sponsored by AMVETS Dept. of CA Service Foundation, “Veteran Peer Specialist.” Their web site is www.usvamerica.org. Sheryl Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr., © hosts and produces this series. It can be seen online www. vecsm.blip.tv and/or www.vecsamnet.org and downloaded and broadcast to anyone of 3,000 PEG (Public Education and Government) stations (www. pegmedia.org) across the U.S. We explain what the U.S. Volunteers are and what do they do. Leo and Dan were the first 2 gentlemen trained as the first Peer to Peer Specialists within the VA in Martinez, CA. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is such an important topic and it is dealt with in an open and frank discussion. The more attention we can draw to this issue, the better. There are too many veterans falling through the cracks. According to the Dept. of Defenses own research, it is estimated that 20% of returning troops have PTSD. People need to remember that PTSD is not a mental illness but a normal reaction to an abnormal set of circumstances. You don’t have to be a combat veteran to experience PTSD. The symptoms and how it can affect all family members is talked about. Is there a cure for PTSD or is it teaching coping techniques? The objective

Vol. 14, No. 4

Left to right: Deb Davis, National Marketing Director for PAWS With a Cause, Sheryl Shaffer, Host and AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr., and Kevin Stone, U.S. Army, Retired and PAWS With A Cause Service Dog client.

Read more about this program on page 32

Left to right: Major General Daniel Helix, the Commanding General of the U.S. Volunteers and Leo McArdle, Colonel and Deputy Chief of Staff for Honors of the U.S. V.

Watch “Veteran Peer Specialist” Online with treating PTSD is to develop coping skills and awareness of how a person is triggered. After coming home, how do you pick up where you left off? Is it normal to think differently and see life differently from a heightened state of awareness to the normal civilian world? These are just some of the questions that the guests answer. These interviews are thought provoking and an open dialogue dealing with the issues of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We encourage you to watch “Veteran Peer Specialist” online http://blip.tv/ file/4422674 and through our web site www.vecsamnet.org.

California AMVETS Voice—9

District 6 Report

rom Modesto to Bakersfield, this past few months has been a very educational period. It’s been a hell of six months learning what to do in the District. Then we will be going to Santa Maria in January. My Post 56 has two meetings a month,. I met with Post 98 in Sanger on August 24 and with Post 99 in Fresno November 17, and meeting with Shafter Post 922. December 4. I was delighted to meet with Mr. Coffey, Commander of Post 542 at the Tulare Office. Mr. Coffey is from Springville. He said we would have to wait until Spring, probably in March, as the snow has already started up where he is. He also said they would be delighted to see someone come up there, as no one from down here has been to see them since 2002. I also met with Post 22 Visalia October 21. We accomplished a very important task that discussed in Bakersfield at DEC in September . I, as District 6 Commander, Carl Bates, and Phil Plascencia got the Fresno Hospital VAVS’ bank account open and everything is working well writing checks and getting money for the activities for the VA Hospital. YEAH! November 3, Veterans were honored for Veteran’s Appreciation Day at the Tulare Union High School, and we had a very large group turn out. We also got a wonderful meal prepared for us. We took our rifles and guns, and showed pictures and told stories to the high school kids. This year we were privileged to demonstrate the Folding of the Flag as we do at Honors funerals. As each fold was explained, many people became quite emotional. On November 6, we had the Vietnam Veteran Parade in Tulare. November 3, Veterans of Post 56 in Tulare, and Post 22 in Visalia, attended the Veteran’s Appreciation Day at Twilight Park in Woodlake, CA from 1100 to 1700 for BBQ chicken, ribs, and all the fixings. Very enjoyable. November 10, 0700, Color Guard posted colors and celebrated the Marine’s 235th birthday in Tulare, CA at the Salvation Army. At 0800, the Color Guard was at Garden School and Mission Valley School, then to the Senior Center to Post Colors and have lunch at 11:00. Quite a busy day that day. November 16, State Commander Charlie Ramos, Post 56 Commander, Tom Downen, Foundation President Jim Pidgeon, and District 6 Commander Alex Halley, met with Tulare Mayor and City Council at the New Library in Tulare, to present the Care Bears to the Police Chief and Fire Chief, and launch the program in Tulare. The Care Bears are intended for the police officers and fire officers to carry with them to use when they come in contact with a child who needs reassurance. November 25, Thanksgiving Day, Post 56 of District 6, including the Ladies Auxiliary, fed traditional Thanksgiving dinners to over 450 people at the Tulare Memorial Building. Dinners were also delivered to disabled people in their homes who called to let Post 56 know. About 50 meals were delivered by Carl Bates to random homeless people on the streets of Tulare and Visalia. We ran out of food. What an amazing feat this was. So, I have either been in phone contact or visited all of my District 6 Posts. I am impressed and very proud of the activities that are being conducted in District 6. We are really working hard and making good progress. In addition to all the other activities, I, as a member of the Tulare Post 56 Honor Guard conducted 19 funeral services; one of which was for one of our own Honor Guard members, Kent Cheeseborough. We had the privilege to conduct this ceremony at the new Bakersfield National Cemetery. We’ll see you in Santa Maria in January. God bless you all and those still in Harm’s Way around the World. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

AMERICANISM Deadline for entries to be to the Department Ladies Auxiliary is June 1st

o-sponsored with the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, this is a K-12 program offered through schools and youth programs to educate our youth on the meaning of being an American. We do this by providing a series of contests involving flag drawing, posters and essays that are age appropriate and grade specific. All national entries receive a Certificate of Participation signed by the National Commander. Gift cards are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, with the 1st place winners also receiving a plaque. Since 1987, AMVETS National Service Foundation has provided a special recognition and unique four-day educational experience for the 9th grade National Americanism Essay Contest winners. They receive an all-expense paid trip to a four-day "Spirit of America" youth conference that is held at Freedoms Foundation, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a national, not-for-profit, nonpartisan, non-sectarian, educational organization. It exists to help preserve the ideals and principles upon which the United States was founded and to help Americans become informed, responsible and active citizens in the social, political and economic life of our nation to prevent the erosion of those ideals and principles.

How does a child or young adult participate?

Teachers or youth group leaders hopefully will take the initiative to involve their students. The program addresses learning standards in civics and presents excellent topics for writing and art assignments, which teachers can incorporate into their classes. Teachers may also contact a local AMVETS post to invite veterans to visit their classes. Students whose teachers or schools are not participating in the program can still enter the contest specific to their grade as a take-home or after-school project. Parents may contact a local AMVETS post, on behalf of their children, to submit entries or contact the AMVETS National Programs Department at 301-683-4031.

How do I enter?

Entry forms (PDF files) with contest rules, including the “themes” can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below. Flag Drawing (For students in kindergarten and 1st grade) http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/programs_pdfs/americanism_flag_drawing_form_rules_07.pdf

Poster (for students in 2nd through 5th grades)

http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/programs_pdfs/americanism_poster_form_07.pdf

Essay (for students in 6th through 12th grades)

http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/programs_pdfs/americanism_essay_form_07.pdf

Theme: 2010-2011 Why Is it Important to Vote? 2011-2012 I am Proud to Be an American Because ..

Alex Halley, Commander District 6 ahhalley@aol.com (559) 302-7155 (559(625-4643 If post 65 has e-mail please send to me.

10—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

REQUIREMENTS FOR AMVETS DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION: 1- Must be a United States veteran or member of the National Guard or Reserves. 2- Must be a United States citizen 3- Must demonstrate financial need. 4- Must have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Diploma) 5- Must agree to authorize AMVETS to publicize your scholarship award, if you are selected. 6- Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to an eligible educational institutional program. 7- Must not be convicted under state or federal law of sale or possession of illegal drugs.

Completed application and required forms must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2011. Must be turned into the Area Commander. Winners will be announced at the State Convention June 12th, 2011

AMVETS Department Scholarship Program Application (Please type or print the following information) Applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full legal name: _________________________________________________ Last First Middle Permanent mailing address: ____________________________________________________ (Stateside address only)

City: __________________State:________Zip:_____________Telephone: (____) ___________ Social Security Number:_____________________ Date of birth: _______________Age: ______ List in order, beginning with the present year, all schools attended in the last four years: Name of School Location Dates Attended GPA _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

____ ____ ____ ____

Name, address and telephone number of the school you are currently attending, if any: (Name of school/ program) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Street Address) (City, State, Zip) ( )____________________ (Telephone)

High School Graduation/ GED date: ____/______ MM YYYY

Name, Address and telephone number of school/ program accepted to. (This Scholarship will be applied towards) (Name of school/ program) (Street Address)

(City, state, zip)

( )______________________ (Telephone)

Intended Major Course of Study: _________________________________________________________________ Date entering/ entered school:_______________________________________ (MM

Vol. 14, No. 4

YYYY)

California AMVETS Voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;11

REQUIREMENTS FOR AMVETS DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION: Required Materials 1- A copy of your honorable discharge or a letter from the commanding officer certifying current Guard or Reserve status. 2- Official college transcripts for all courses attempted or will attempt and any degrees or certificates awarded. If post-secondary credits amount to less than 12 credit hours and high school diploma was awarded within the past five years, a high school transcript must be provided. Transcripts must be in the 2.0 grade scale or if in a different system, translated to the 2.0 scale. 3- Essay (50-100 words) and addressing the theme of how this scholarship will help me: “This Award will help me achieve my career/vocational goal, which is…” 4- Acceptance letter or a letter stating current student status from an accredited program. 5-A resume detailing volunteer activities, community services, and jobs held during the past four years.

Financial Status Statement This statement is to be used to demonstrate your financial resources and financial need. Name of Applicant:______________________________________________________ Is the applicant independent (residing separately from parents/ guardian and earning own living)? ___Yes ___No Ages of dependents the applicant is supporting: 1___2___3___4___5___ Family Income Name

Occupation

Student:_____________________

_________________________

Spouse: _____________________

_________________________

Other: :_____________________

_________________________

Annual Gross Salary

$____________ $____________

$____________

In submitting this application, I hereby certify that: *I am in need of this scholarship aid to continue my education. *I will use the proceeds of any scholarship aid received for the payment of tuition, required fees, board, room, required materials or books. *I will carry the hours necessary to qualify as a full-time student. *The information submitted in this application is complete and correct, and I agree to inform the committee of changes in my financial circumstances. Veteran’s Signature_____________________________________ Date:__________________

Privacy Act Advisory Statement Privacy Act Advisory Statement: In the spirit of The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. & 552A, as amended, protecting your privacy is important to us. AMVETS will use the personal information you provide for the sole purpose of evaluating your scholarship application. It will not be shared, sold or otherwise made available to any individual, corporation or organization. Disclosure is voluntary. However, failure to provide information could preclude your consideration for this scholarship.

12—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

REQUIREMENTS FOR AMVETS DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION: Privacy Act Advisory Statement Privacy Act Advisory Statement: In the spirit of The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. & 552A,

Financial Status Statement (continued)

as amended, protecting your privacy is impor-

Yearly Estimated Income:

tant to us. AMVETS

Tuition and fees from job $_____________ Or work/study programs

will use the personal in-

Yearly Estimated Expenses:

Aid from Parents or Guardian

$_____________

evaluating your scholar-

Aid from Spouse

$____________

ship application. It will

Loans

$____________

not be shared, sold or

Scholarships (only scholarships you have received

corporation or organiza-

formation you provide for the sole purpose of

Please indicate living accommodations: ___On-campus housing ___ Off-campus housing (specify) ____________________________

Tuition and fees

$_____________

$____________

Books and materials

$______________

Grants

$_____________

Board:

$______________

tion. Disclosure is vol-

Social Security

$____________

Room

$______________

untary. However, failure

Veterans Benefits

$_____________

Welfare benefits

$______________

Personal and recreation (including lunches, travel, $_____________ etc, ) expenses

Other Resources

$______________

Total estimated income

$______________

Difference needed

$________________________

otherwise made available to any individual,

to provide information could

preclude

your

consideration for this scholarship.

Total estimated expenses

$____________

Privacy Act Advisory Statement

Privacy Act Advisory Statement: In the spirit of The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. & 552A, as amended, protecting your privacy is important to us. AMVETS will use the personal information you provide for the sole purpose of evaluating your scholarship application. It will not be shared, sold or otherwise made available to any individual, corporation or organization. Disclosure is voluntary. However, failure to provide information could preclude your consideration for this scholarship.

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;13

Schwarzenegger: His support for veterans goes beyond call of duty By Pete Conaty 12/02/10 12:00 AM PST

hat is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legacy after two terms as governor? Political pundits may disagree about the answer to that question. California’s veterans do not. We are united in our respect for Gov. Schwarzenegger‘s unbroken record of commitment to the men and women of America’s Armed Services and California’s veterans. Throughout his more than seven years in office, he has gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of veterans of all ages and all wars. "For more than 200 years, our freedoms have been paid for in blood and sacrifice by our men and women in uniform," Gov. Schwarzenegger said last month. "America is the Land of the Free, only because it is the Home of the Brave . . . we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure all our veterans, young and old, are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve." Those are inspiring words but Governor Schwarzenegger honors veterans not only with his words but his deeds. More than any governor in memory, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that California never forgets the debt of gratitude we owe all who go in harm’s way in defense of liberty – opening homes for our elderly veterans, helping young women and men transition successfully to civilian life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing a wide array of services to veterans of all generations. Gov. Schwarzenegger traveled to Iraq during the height of the war there and returned with a renewed determination to improve existing services for veterans and to develop new programs to meet the new realities of this age of a seemingly never-ending war with terror. Four years ago, the governor launched a series of more than 40 "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" job fairs throughout the state. Over the years, hundreds of employers have linked up with more than 15,000 veterans at these fairs. This year, building on the success of that program, Gov. Schwarzenegger established Operation Welcome Home, the only program of its kind in the nation. Using a wide variety of services, this $20 million outreach has already provided a very hearty and helpful welcome home to more than 35,000 veterans, connecting them with job placement and training, educational assistance and medical benefits services. The Operation Welcome Home staff includes 300 veterans who reach out to men and women who are now leaving the service after tours in combat zones. In the face of opposition among some lawmakers, Gov. Schwarzenegger managed to win $5 million in additional funding for County Veterans Service Offices, the ground level force that day in and day out succeeds in ensuring that veterans obtain their well-deserved benefits and establish a fund for veterans service organizations to assist CVSOs. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s dedication to veterans’ causes goes far beyond these initiatives on behalf of our newest heroes. "As a sign of his commitment to a generation that served so bravely and nobly in Vietnam, the governor signed legislation establishing an annual "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 30. "It is never too late," he said, "to recognize the selfless actions of these courageous men and women who answered duty's call and served our nation." • During his administration, California has opened three homes for older veterans and started work on two new homes. Builders of those homes have agreed to set a goal of 10 percent participation by companies operated by disabled veterans. "Gov. Schwarzenegger has gone the extra mile in honoring the bravest among us. He signed "Stolen Valor" legislation making it a crime to falsely claim to be a decorated war veteran, and he urged our real heroes to proudly wear their military medals on Veterans Day. “When we see our veterans wearing their medals at parades and ceremonies on Veterans Day we will be reminded of the courage

14—California AMVETS Voice

and sacrifice they all made to serve and protect us,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. • He also signed legislation to offer treatment instead of prison for our servicemen and women whose wounds can’t be seen, such as Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. • Veterans’ legislation signed by the governor extends educational assistance to all California National Guard members – those who protect us in disasters at home as well as those who go overseas to protect our freedoms. Gov. Schwarzenegger's legacy of commitment to California veterans is remarkable and his inspiration is clear. In his own words: "Our veterans have answered duty’s call and defended our nation in every corner of the world. Forsaking the comforts of home, they have risked their lives to protect the liberties we enjoy. Their willingness to serve and the sacrifices that they have made are inspirational, and I extend my deepest gratitude for their invaluable service. We will be forever in their debt." It is hoped that our new governor and the Legislature will continue Operation Welcome Home and the enhanced veterans outreach programs started by Gov. Schwarzenegger while our country remains at war and California's military and veterans are still in need of federal and state benefits they have earned by virtue of their service to our country and our state. 

AMVETS Legal Clinic

art of Chapman Law's new Military Personnel Law Center, the AMVETS Legal Clinic is housed in the first floor of the law school building. As the name implies, the AMVETS Legal Clinic is a cooperative effort with AMVETS Department of California, a non-profit organization that is committed to veterans and community service. Another key supporting partner is Brandman University, whose campuses provide satellite office space for clinic participants in the Western United States. Some campuses are on military bases, and many others are near to the law school. Eventually, the arrangement will allow the Chapman clinic to serve all of California and its 200,000 military families spread over 27 bases. Second- and third-year students at Chapman handle all facets of cases, under the supervision of faculty members and private attorneys. “This is a great opportunity for Chapman students to practice a specialized kind of law as the clinic also meets a vital community need,” said Kyndra K. Rotunda, Director of the Military Personnel Law Center and Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at Chapman. The Family Violence Clinic, the Alona Cortese Elder Law Center and the Tax Law Clinic are among the other opportunities for students to learn by doing while also serving those in need.

Contact: krotunda@chapman.edu Fax: 714.628.2576 Mail: Kyndra Rotunda, Military Personnel Law Center Chapman University School of Law One University Drive Orange, CA 92866

Vol. 14, No. 4

From Phil Plascencia

AMVETS Department Accountant

The IRS has issued their 990 filing thresholds for the tax year 2010. They are as follows:

Do you know which Form 990-series return you are required to file for the 2010 tax year?

The 990 filing thresholds for the year 2010 and later (filed in 2011 and later) will change as follows for all organizations required to file a 990-series return: Organizations with gross receipts normally < $50,000 must file Form 990-N (but may choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ). In prior years only organizations with gross receipts normally < $25,000 could file the Form 990-N (“e-postcard”). Organizations with gross receipts > $50,000 and < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000 must file Form 990-EZ or a complete Form 990. Organizations with gross receipts > $200,000 or total assets > $500,000 must file Form 990. Private foundations must file Form 990-PF. If you have any questions regarding the above guidelines or the Franchise Tax Board New Franchise Tax Board electronically filing Form FTB 199N for year 2010, call me (after 1 pm M-F) 559-688-3407.

OPERATION SAVE JUST ONE

AMVETS Post 56 initiates California state wide suicide prevention outreach to veterans

There are currently 2.2 million veterans in the state of Ca. Among them are 10,000 AMVET members

t National Convention in August, 2010, out going Commander Duane Miskulin announced an alarming number of veterans committing suicide. I met with Dept. of California Commander Charlie Ramos and we decided we needed to create a response to this problem.

We will never know how many suicides we prevent with this program but are convinced if we “Save Just One”, the effort will be a complete success. We encourage all Departments in the nation to adopt this mission. If you or someone you know needs help now, please call 1-800-273- TALK (8255) and press “1” http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans. Veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Nationally, TEAM AMVETS can “Save Just One.” Tom Donwen Commander, AMVETS Post 56 Tulare, California

The Mission: Notify every Veteran in the State of California that help is available.

. We contacted National Suicide Hot Line and Veterans Hospitals in the state and were able to acquire a quantity of hand-out material regarding suicide prevention and where help is available. At AMVETS Department of California Executive Meeting in Oct, 2010, the “Save Just One” program was presented to the Executive Committee, Area Commanders, District Commanders, and AMVETS Service Officers. Eighteen District Commanders were given packages of hand out materials and encouraged to deliver them to the Commanders of the 50 posts in their Districts. All AMVET members are encouraged to store the Suicide Hot Line phone # on their cell phones.

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—15

Congress and State of California Endorse “Spirit of ’45 Day” to Honor WWII Veterans

he United States Congress unanimously passed legislation this Plans are now being laid to expand on the success of this year’s efforts summer in support of a new national day to honor the legacy of by increasing the number of participating cities to 1000 and the number service of the men and women of America’s “Greatest Generation,” of buglers to 5000 next year when National Spirit of ’45 Day falls on and to inspire a renewed sense of national unity and service to community Sunday, August 14. This year’s National Spirit of ’45 Day coincided with and country. the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII on August 14, 1945. Next year House Concurrent Resolution 226 supports the observance of “Nation- marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, al Spirit of ’45 Day” on the second Sunday of every August to coincide 1945 and the 10th anniversary of the attack of 9/11. with the anniversary of the end of World War II. HCR 226 was co-sponFor more information and to learn how you and your post can be insored by a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators led by House volved in National Spirit of ’45 Day, please visit www.Spiritof45.org Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). California passed similar legislation earlier in the year, introduced by San Diego Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher. On August 14, hundreds of public events were organized throughout California and the rest of the country as part of the first annual National Spirit of ’45 Day, including all 15 Major League Baseball games played that day. Several hundred buglers from the East Coast to Hawaii played Spirit of ’45 youth honors Gold Star in Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC “Taps” at the end of the Day to honor the more than 400,000 Gold Stars of WWII and the millions of veterans who have passed away since the end of the war. All of California’s State Veterans Homes hosted Spirit of ’45 Day events, as did dozens of senior and assisted living communities across the state. More than 1500 people attended a day-long event held in San Jose’s 14-acre History Park, complete with hundreds of WWII re-enactors and live 40’s swing band music. National Spirit of ’45 Day was initiated by Stories of Service, the award winning youth program that AMVETS California Service Foundation has supported for the past several years (www.Spiritof45.org). Past State Department Commander Johnny Byrum and Foundation President Jim Pidgeon appeared with Spirit of ’45 Day national spokeswoman Edith Shain, the famous Times Square Nurse who worked tirelessly for the past three years to establish a permanent national day to honor the courage, self-sacrifice, can-do attitude, and commitment to service of the “ordinary heroes” of her generation. Edith passed away on June 20 at age 91. Jerry Coleman, the Voice of the San Diego Padres has stepped in to continue Edith’s efforts to establish a national day. Jerry , who played second base for the legendary New York Yankees and was the MVP of the 1950 World Series, was the only Major League Baseball player to see combat in both WWII and the Korean War, receiving two Distinguished Flying Crosses and numerous other citations for his 5 years of service as a Marine pilot. Jerry represented Spirit of ’45 Day in the New York City’s Veterans Day Parade, accompanied by an army of youth carrying images of WWII vets which was televised live by NBC.

16—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

Youth carry Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive! banner in San Diego Veterans Day Parade

Youth carry photos of WWII in New York Veterans Day Parade

Youth record personal memories of August 14, 1945 at Spirit of ’45 Day event in Santa Rosa

Vol. 14, No. 4

Stories of Service co-chair William “Denny” Weisgerber, Korean War vet and Navy Cross recipient, who served as Grand Marshal for San Jose’s Veterans Day parade.

California AMVETS Voice—17

Friends of AMVETS

Air Service Specialist

Innfinity Software Llc

Alix Group

Mail Boxes Etc. #1307

Allen & Dahl Funeral Chap

Professional Resources Initiative Inc.

Alto Corralitos Ranch

Stahl Companies Inc.

Art Silva

Tice Gardner & Fujimoto Llp

BV Home Services Inc.

Tom Boyer Window Tinting

Capture 3-D Inc.

PLATINUM

Chuck's Coffee Shop

Cunningham-Davis Corp.

Combat Medical Llc

GOLD

Gyl, Decauwer Cpas

Alexander's Moving & Storage

Harbor Dental Bleaching Group

Fpi Management Inc.

Harry Williams Construction

Heckman & Pull Inc.

Healing Dragon Inc.

San Joaquin Prime Care

18â&#x20AC;&#x201D;California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

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

Post 2

Post 18

Submitted by James Johnstone

Submitted by Ivan Ashbaugh

Post 2 Activities:

n the November 20, 2010 we did honors for a World War II veteran. The grand son who is active ARMY was asked if he would like to fire the salute with us he was ecstatic that we asked, and did so. He said we were the only Veteran’s group that would do the honors for his grandfather. On November 25, we picked up two veterans at a homeless shelter and took them to the V.A. where there was going to be a Thanksgiving dinner and told them about the new home.

Post 4

Post 6

Hal Camp Post 18 Report

uring this reporting period, (September 1, 2010-November 30, 2010) the Legion of Honor (Honor Guard) participated in five funeral services, including one at sea, out of Long

Beach. In addition, LOH member, Brent Nielson, was invited to join with the Ogden, Utah American Legion rifle detail, during the Military Funeral service for Brent’s Brother-in-law, a WWII Navy veteran. The Legion of Honor (LOH) was also active with Veteran’s Day related activities. On November 4, the LOH participated in the first Veteran’s Observance at the UC Irvine Medical Center, in the City of Orange. Brent Neilson, Bill Leonard and Dennis Marfice, presented the colors, and Ivan Ashbaugh led the Pledge of Allegiance. On November 11, the LOH provided seven riflemen at the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Garden at the Harbor Lawn-Mt Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa. Post Member (and Freedom Committee Chairman) Jack Hammett, served as the Master of Ceremonies. On November 13, the LOH participated in the 26th annual City of La Palma Days Parade. Captain Richard Florence served as the Band Reviewing Officer. Captain Ivan Ashbaugh was honored to be the Military Grand Marshal. He was accompanied by his wife, Sandi, who is also a Ladies Auxiliary member and LOH bugler. Many Post 18 members enjoyed a free dinner from McCormick and Schmick’s and/or Applebees.



r. William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense , February 1994 to January 1997, welcomes Jim Reese, Commander of Post 6 San Jose CA AMVETS, as a new member of the U.S. Army Silicon Valley Community Advisory Board at a meeting held on 3 November, 2010 in San Jose.

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—19

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

Post 26

Visit our website

www.calamvets.org 20â&#x20AC;&#x201D;California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

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

Post 34

WholeVet Physical Fitness and Therapy Program

ost 34 member Alexandra (“Alex”) Crichlow has come up with a new approach to helping veterans heal. In collaboration with the San Francisco Vet Center, Alex wrote a grant request for a new program which would integrate physical training, nutrition and therapy. The request was approved for funding by the AMVETS Service Foundation. The WholeVet Physical Fitness and Therapy Program will begin in San Francisco in January, 2011. WholeVet is an innovative program, for clients of the San Francisco Vet Center; in partnership with AMVETS, Club One Fitness, and Performance Max. The Program is designed to demonstrate the physical and mental benefits which can be realized by veterans of all ages when they participate in a program which merges traditional veterans’ therapy with progressive physical training and complementary nutrition counseling. There is currently no other program for veterans which fully encompasses all aspects of healing: mind, body and spirit. The Program will be open to veterans of all ages, and will be a valuable new offering to address the needs of the underserved veterans of OEF/OIF. The training dimension of the Program will also serve as a springboard for older veterans who wish to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Golden Age Games. Alex lived with a laundry list of illnesses for over 25 years, and can personally attest to the benefits of psychotherapy, coupled with a structured fitness program and nutrition counseling. Prior to beginning a program at Club One, Alex had over a dozen surgical procedures within five years, had been an insulin-dependent diabetic for years, was taking 18 pills a day for several diseases and ailments, and was obese. Through participation in the Performance Max program at Club One and therapy at the San Francisco Vet Center, she brought her metabolism under control (blood pressure and blood sugar in particular), and gradually lost 71 pounds. In addition, she was also able to eliminate the majority of the medications she was taking. While she still lived with the lasting effects of retinopathy and melanoma, as well as PTSD and MST, she found that her day-to-day outlook was radically improved. Alex recognized that her situation was

Presentation of checks to representatives from Club One Fitness and Performance Max, Mark Sutro, Jim Karanas, and Joan Kent; and S.F. Vet Center counselor Lance Frederick, by AMVETS Helen Wong and Robert Williams. not unique, and that many veterans have at least one of the diseases or diagnoses she has dealt with. If she could work her way though a maze of physical and emotional problems, other veterans could too. Her personal experience drove her to find a way to bring the mind-body-spirit approach to other veterans. For further information about the WholeVet Program, please contact Lance Frederick or Elizabeth Fleming, at the San Francisco Vet Center. Telephone: 415-441-5051 or Email: lance.frederick@va.gov 

These are from the San Francisco Veterans Parade 11-7-10. Riding the cable car with Post 34 were guests from Vacaville Post 1776 (Mike & Meleah), and from Fresno Post 99 who joined the group along the parade route! Post 34 members attending with Commander Wong were: Ralph Gibson, Mike Thompson, Glenda Williams, Charles Johnson, Horace Luckey, and Robert Williams.

http://www.amvets.org/ membership/benefits.html

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—21

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

Post 40

ud Simmons, of Michael Ottolini AMVETS Post 40 of Sonoma County, has been named Sonoma County Veteran of the Year. This is an honor extended to a veteran in the county who has demonstrated service above and beyond the call of duty toward fellow veterans and the community. Besides his membership in AMVETS, Bud belongs to numerous other veterans’ organizations, and has served in various capacities on the boards of several of them. We in AMVETS Post 40 are proud to claim Bud as one of our founding members, our post Adjutant and as the current California Northern Area Commander. Below is Bud’s humble response to his selection to Vet of the Year. Today I received word that I was the “Sonoma County Veteran of The Year.” What an HONOR to be so recognized and I want to thank from the bottom of my heart each and everyone of you from whom I received support over the years. I am only an extension of what you do -- Serving our great veterans and their families and our active duty military and their families. My patriotism and devotion to my country started during my youth back in the 40’s in San Francisco. Then a military and a most patriotic town. What I do, I do for all veterans in the memory of my Uncles - Al, a Marine and Howard, U.S. Army who both served during WW II - and my late brothers Ray U.S. Navy and Jim USMC, who both served during my time - Korea. More recently, Lee Martini, US Army WW II of American Legion Post 21, Tom Aumack US Army, WW II of American Legion Post 21 and Bob Wynant US Army WW II of VFW Post 1844 further inspired me to do what I do, as well as all of you. I am further value my association with the Pearl Harbor Survivors and of course treasure my membership in The American Legion, Post 111; The VFW, Memory Post 1844; Michael Ottolini AMVETS Post 40; the Air Force Association and of course my Associate Membership in two great outstanding organizations, the Marine Corps League 686 and the Vietnam Veterans of America. 223

I have thank my wife of 55 years, Elaine, who has unselfishly let me pursue my recent life’s work of helping our fellow veterans and active duty military. Thank all of you for what you do and do and do and do. And most importantly THANK YOU for your service to our great country and continuing to serve by what you now do. Sincerely, Bud Simmons - USAF (‘51-’58) Respectfully submitted, Dave Richey, CFO Post 40

Post 48 Veterans Day

Long Beach City College on Veterans Day. Had 1st vice from Post 48 and we signed up 30 new members. 

Get your AMVETS gear here!

www.amvetsquartermaster.com/

22—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

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

Post 56

Veteran’s Day picnic and another successful Thanksgiving Dinner

ovember: Veteran’s Day picnic and another successful Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans and Civilians in our Community who needed a nice place to go for a free delicious Thanksgiving meal; more than 500 plates were used (this includes delivery and takeouts). Carl Bates had the wonderful idea of starting something new. He and his wife Vicki took food to the homeless on the street who could not come to the Memorial Building. THANK YOU to EVERYONE who helped make this one of the best dinners we’ve ever served. We are very fortunate to have a lot of great hard working members of our post and community who are willing to give up part of their day (and in the case of the pit crew their night) to help others. Special thanks to our anonymous Lady who gets 300 lbs of turkey donated to us each year, to the Martinho Family for the use of their deep pit, to Roseanne O’Neil and the Cabrillo club for their donation of the rolls, to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the pies and the AMVETS Foundation for the money to put on this activity. One thing was missing this year, the wonder music by our piano lady Tina, who was in the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers. December: Post Christmas Dinner hosted by our Auxiliary with post member Darrel Joy doing the cooking. Children enjoyed a visit with Santa and everyone enjoyed a good meal. The Tulare Cabrillo Club is a great supporter of veterans and AMVETS Post 56. Each year they have a fundraiser called the Casino Bus. This year they chose to donate the money ($1,000) from that fund to AMVETS Post 56 to use to help local veterans who need help with food or housing. Below is a picture of Post Adjutant Carl Bates accepting the $1,000 check from President Rick Borges.

Thanks for the cool grand Tulare Cabrillo Club!

http://www.amvets.org/ membership/benefits.html

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—23

Post 66

POST Reports

MVETS Post 66 participated in the First Annual Veterans Expo held on October 30th at the Indio Armory. The expo was an alliance of fifty veterans’ organizations in the Coachella Valley under the flag of “Veterans Easy Access Program” which has met for fifteen months assisting veterans. The Veteran Easy Access program is available in Riverside County by dialing 211. Various benefit information was offered to veterans at forty booths. Elected officials present at the Expo included Congresswoman Mary Bono-Mack, State Senator Bill Emerson, Assemblyman Manuel Perez, Assemblyman Brian Nestande and Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit. Post 66 signed up 15 new members under the outreach program with the assistance of Southern Area Commander John Bernier, Service Representative Gary Douglas, Post 66 Commander David Diehl and Post 66 members. AMVETS Post 66 participated in both the Palm Springs Pride Parade on November 7th and in the Palm Springs Annual Veterans’ Day Parade on November 11th. Both the Post 66 van and marchers were entries in both parades. We were well received in both parades and our participants enjoyed themselves.

It was early spring, 1939.

We newspaper carriers for the Chicago Daily News, were told by our branch manager, George Erb, that something significant was about to be revealed to us. As a carrier who delivered the Chicago Daily News every late afternoon on my route that began on Pennsylvania Ave, veered up Western Ave just above Patch Brothers coal delivery yard, I hadn’t the foggiest idea what was about to be offered me. But as a valiant product of the Great Depression, I was eager and ready for whatever awaited at the special evening meeting that would be held in at the Wheaton branch of the News. Several hundred other newspaper “carriers” joined my group of 15 from Glen Ellyn, and until Mr. Gollar, the district manager opened the meeting, we were all clueless. What followed Mr. Gollar’s 45-minute talk, was so much more than a standard pitch to encourage our rag tag group, it was an invitation to compete for a prize that hitherto been light years beyond the mundane dreams of any of us. Most of us were newspaper carriers because our families were severely pinched by the continuing tough times of the Depression and the opportunity to pick up a couple of dollars a weeks, was one small way to help our parents stay afloat financially. Two dollars a week was not enough to make a significant increase in the James’ family cash flow, but it did help me meet school and clothing expenses without the need to give me an allowance. You might say this was my first real job and I liked it but I was far too naïve to be aware of what a grandiose opportunity awaited me. So when Mr. Gollar told us that the management of the Daily News’ had contrived a plan to pick up more suburban subscriptions by setting up a contest among carriers that would reward the seventy five of us with a trip to the New York World’s Fair, my enthusiasm was immediate and mind numbing. Before I walked out the door, I was primed to move into high gear and grab a prize that was far beyond my Depression years’ dreams. Oh yes, I had sold enough new subscriptions a year earlier to earn a trip on a Great Lakes steamboat, the USS Roosevelt. It was a voyage that took us on an all day outing that began when we boarded the Roosevelt early morning dockside in Chicago and sailed for a two hours visit in Benton Harbor, Michigan and returned back to Chicago that evening. That was a very nice and pleasant prize for my selling efforts, but New York City, with a follow up journey to Washington, D.C. before we got back to Chicago, was in my opinion, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes, I was excited, almost unbelieving that I just might be successful enough to become one of the seventy-five winners. It was like getting a chance to win a

24—California AMVETS Voice

very special lottery and within a day, I had sold two new subscriptions. But our very wise and caring mentor manager, George Erb, was keenly aware that it would take far more than two subscriptions to make me eligible for this prize of all prizes. So he set up a nightly excursion into other western suburbs where several of our Glen Ellyn crew would pound on doors, at dinner time no less, and plead our cause. It worked. Looking back I realize that the excitement and eager sales techniques of a 12, 13-year-old young boy, would be hard to resist.Every weeknight for several weeks, we would all congregate at the GE branch office and take off in Erb’s 1937 Plymouth. We blanketed the Western Suburban area and we canvassed any and all house in our target area until dark. And our numbers of new subscribes, increased with the steady non-stop every evening effort. No area within a fifteen-mile radius was immune. In particular, I remember Lake Village, a new development a few miles east of Elmhurst on North Ave where a contracting company was offering shell houses to those cash strapped families for many hundreds of dollars less than would be charged for a house fully completed. The buyers of these homes were only too anxious to find a property within their sparse budget, and moved in, to live among the two by fours, awaiting a time when family budget would allow lath, plaster, finished plumbing, flooring and light fixtures. Yes these new homes were very bare, no yard garage or any of the amenities but the folks who had recently moved in, were the most receptive to our eagerness/excitement and proved to be one of our most productive sources of new business. When the contest ended in late June, six of the Glen Ellyn carriers had sold enough subscriptions to qualify for the trip. I was one of them as was Bob Salzman, Billy Tom Williams, Bill and Jerry Mefeld and Bob Wisen. To no one’s surprise, the Glen Ellyn branch was the top producer and our good friend George Erb was also rewarded for his efforts, by being asked to come along as chaperone for our group. Within the month, we would be on our way, boarding a Pennsylvania RR passenger train at Union Station New York City and the ‘39 World’s Fair, here we come. Neither the City nor the pride of the Daily News carrier group would ever be the same. The top five contestants, including Bob Salzman, got a special prize. They were flown to New York on a sparkling American Airlines DC-3, got an extra night in Gotham as the other 70 rode the rails east. Daryl James, Jr. November 21, 2010

Vol. 14, No. 4

Post 116

News and Events

ost 116 meets every second Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at 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 host a bingo at the WLA VAMC nursing home every second Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m. This year Post 116 had a very successful fishing program. Post 116 sponsored both fresh water and deep sea fishing trips for Veterans from the WLA VAMC. We had between 200 to 225 Veterans participated. The warmer weather made for more fish catch. This year Post 116 provided bowling and lunch for about 100 Veterans and we have two more scheduled. Post 116 co-sponsored the Veterans’ Day Program at WLA VAMC. The Post had a booth, gave out Veterans’ Day Event T-Shirts, gift packages with personal hygiene products and socks. We provided information regarding accessing benefits and AmVets Memberships. We are honored to welcome new life member, Maureen Gennette, who is a Register Nurse at the West L.A. V.A.M.C. Nursing Home Care Unit. Commander, Cephus R. Daniels

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—25

Post 311

eterans Day at Veterans Home of CaliforniaBarstow 352 people filled the multipurpose room at the Veterans Home for the 14th Annual Veterans Day Celebration sponsored by AMVETS Post 311 on November 11. This took place following the ceremony at Mt. View Cemetery, which was very impressive. Barb Stanton was Mistress of Ceremonies. The room was decorated with mementos of all branches of the service hanging from the ceiling. The speeches were brief but very heart warming. The color guard posted the colors; the flag salute was led by David Shapiro, Past Commander, AMVETS post 311. The invocation was by Veterans Home Chaplain Rich Troutman. In attendace were: members from Tulare AMVETS Post 56; Southern Area Commander John Bernier, State Commander Charlie Ramos, who was our principal speaker, and Ron Hess, Post 311 Commander. The food was outstanding and included baked salmon, prime rib, green salad, fruit salad, shrimp appetizers and a large assortment of desserts. Col. Daniel Ermer, Commandant of the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow spoke briefly. Denise Phillips, Standards Compliance Coordinator for the Vets Home also spoke. Barb Stanton introduced a great number of people in the audience including Bev Lowery and Brad Mitzelfelt. The colors were retired and Chaplain Troutman did the Benediction. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Post 700

Post 922

Happy New Year

wo large screen television sets are scheduled to be delivered to the Chula Vista Veterans Home, these were requested over a year ago, many thanks to Jeff Sharp Department VAVS who made it happen. I wish everyone a happy new year. Jim

Post 1240

Salute to all vets, the program was held at Rio Bravo Greely school on 11-10-10 from left Mike McCarthy, Clifford Pierce Sr., George Vargas, and Joe Martinez

A tree and Santa for the Veterans Home

It was setup in a prominent place in the lobby of the Veterans Home.Santa AKA Dennis Gragg post member, was there to take pictures with the children of staff and kids from the neighborhood.

26—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

AMVETS ARE ONLINE Check out the websites of some of our posts to see what they are up to. If you find a site you like contact the post to learn how you can set up your own. Post 2 amvetspost2.com Post 6 www.amvetpost6.org Post 11 www.humboldt.net/veteran/post11 Post 26 amvets26@yahoo.com Post 40 www.caamvets40.org Post 53 www.vecsamnet.org/amvts53 Post 85 montereybayamvets.com

Post 1240, cont.

Post 311 varstowamvets311@yahoo.com Post 940 amvetspost940.org Post 1240 amvets1240.us Post 1775 vfwlamesa.org Post 1996 rhmercer.org/amvets Post 9126 amvets9126@yahoo.com

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;27

Post 1775

AMVETS from Post 1775 and Post 700 Volunteer at Lake Cuyamaca Fishing Derby

olunteers from Post 1775 in La Mesa Ca and Post 700 in Chula Vista recently took part in the 12th annual O. P. Ball “Fishin in the Pines Kids Derby”. District 1 Commander George Little along with super AMVETS volunteer’s Steve and Pat Tillesen, and Larry Prather, from Post 1775 along with Al Curtis, Dick Johnson and Robert Hapgood from Post 700 in Chula Visa provided much needed volunteer help during the event at Lake Cuyamaca. Post 1775 also provided monetary support and Post 700 provided the AMVETS van to shuttle fishermen from the North to the South side of the lake where the officials for the derby judged the fish by weight for prize consideration. AMVETS Post 1775 set up a booth to recruit members and to spread the word about AMVETS and what we do for Veterans and the community. “AMVETS” more than thrift store!

AMVETS Post 1775 Celebrates Veterans Day in San Diego

ovember 11, 2010 San Diego held it’s 24th annual Veterans Day Parade along Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego, this years theme was “Cold War Veterans”. AMVETS District 1 Commander, George Little and VFW post 1774 Captain Jack Porath headed up the contingent from La Mesa AMVETS post 1775 and VFW post 1774. The weather was beautiful and the parade was well attended. Pictured are District 1 Commander George Little driving AMVETS member Bob Rambeau’s 1950 Willys Jeep along with WW II Veteran of the Pacific Island campaign Al Weaver, USMC. AMVETS member Ronne Padilla donated his sound system for the day and played patriotic music for the parade attendees along the parade route. Roger Rotter from VFW post 1774 donated a trailer that was decorated with flags and AMVETS signs, and many members from AMVETS post 1775, VFW post 1774 and the VFW Ladies Aux from post 1774 road along in it. 

28—California AMVETS Voice

Post 1996

By Adjutant Thomas L. Johnson

MVETS Leo P. Simon Post #1996.Some of Post 1996 members worked Honor Flight Nor Cal which had it’s last flight of the season in early October. We took 26 World War II veterans to Washington DC to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the services and sacrifices of themselves and their friends. Once again this flight was partially funded by our Service Foundation. Pictured is Hattie Stone (seated) AMVETS Post 40 member at WWII Memorial. Hattie was chosen to present the flag during a short ceremony to honor all those CA veterans that for what ever reason won’t be able to make it to the memorial. One of the events many events Post 1996 participated in was the 2010 “MASH BASH” A fund raiser for the Northern California Veterans Museum & Heritage Center. The event was held at the Redding Airport and was well attended. It was a fun evening with lots of music, lots to eat games and raffels. Probably the hi-light of the whole affair was the costumes. Many of us tried to keep in the theme of MASH 4077 so we had lots of local dignataries doing their part. The Redding city Mayor was the cook, he handled all the Chicken and tri-tip. Our Shasta County Sheriff and a County Supervisor handled the raffles they also dressed for the theme and had no problem giving another volunteer a hard time. That’s me in the middle. Tom Johnson, Adjutant Post 1996 has had many members working tirelessly since April in preparation for the North Valley Stand Down. The Stand Down was far different this year as we didn’t build a tent city. We did the major portion of the Stand Down in the large halls at the Shasta District Fair Grounds . This posed some new and unique problems, such as sleeping quarters, and housing for medical stations and our new courtroom. Problem solved! We hung thousands of square feet of black plastic forming all the walls we needed as evidenced by Cmdr. Dave Cockrill and Joe Hudson both 1996 members. The Stand down was a huge success with services provided to nearly 50% more homeless veterans than previous years. The Stand Down was a success, but the fact that we need the Stand Down at all indicates a failure elsewhere in our society. Post 1996 had an informational table available, and was quite popular throughout the whole three days of the Stand Down. Post 1996 has been a leader in the Americanism program for the last 4 years in CA. In fact the Leo P. Simon Post has had 3 of the last 4 first place 9th grade winners in the essay contest. This year Megan Belecki from Enterprise High School was the lucky winner to go to the AMVETS Spirit of America Leadership Conference at Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge. (FFVF) This year Debbi Johnson the Dept. Auxiliary 1st Vice President and Tom Johnson Adjutant for Post 1996 were also chosen to attend FFVF as chaperones.

Vol. 14, No. 4

Post 1996, cont.

The leadership conference at Valley Forge is very hard to describe in a few sentences because there are so many lessons being presented at the same time. The conference tries to instill 4 years of civics, history, democracy and leadership into three days. The first day, after flying all the way across the country continues right up to mid-night. No one was released to sleep until orientation, committee appointments and leadership groups had been established. Dorm rules were also presented and understood. The second day, or first day of the conference started with the Wake-up Committee making sure everyone made it to breakfast and the first lessons in belonging to a team and taking responsibility. The rest of the day was spent in classes conducted by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson then Two professors broke everyone (91) into groups and re-wrote the “Patriot Act” A very interesting exercise in detailing where these young leaders are in terms of “Security v/s Liberties” During the day the Citizenship test was administered, culminating in everyone being sworn in as citizens. The day didn’t stop there; Beryl Love spoke to the group and showed an AMVETS promotional video. He made sure that each of these future leaders realized that they were there because of AMVETS. Events propelled right into the evening with a presentation from two star General Craig (shown with Megan Beleki). The day finally came to a close after the “mixer” where everyone broke up into their teams and competed in 7 leadership oriented games. All were timed and geared to bring out a leader in a particular area. Each of the games tested the team in a different type of leadership, but the overall lesson was to instill the need to put someone in charge and prove that without a leader there is chaos. The last part of the mixer was the ice cream social and swap meet where Items brought from the various regions of the US were swapped. The next day found us in downtown Philadelphia at the Courthouse. Where new teams were formed. This time a Supreme Court was appointed and the group

split up to represent the two sides of the case to be heard. This year a new case is being presented, that being Snyder V Phelps a case that is actually on the dockets to be heard by the US Supreme Court. That is the case surrounding the Westboro Baptist Church protesting military funerals. I must admit this group of young leaders really did a great job handling themselves in their respective roles within the court system. I can’t comment on the verdict that this court came to for fear of influencing the real Supreme Court because they have not ruled yet, but I’ll bet that the verdicts will match. Following the Courthouse we went to the Reading Mall and had lunch. Then it was off to a walking tour of Philadelphia, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was a very long and tiring day. Dinner was a banquet and served by the staff. Everyone was dressed up, some wore their JROTC uniforms in preparation for the Vespers program and the Dance to follow. The day ended following a trip into the cold dark forest grove to listen to and experience ghost stories. The last day found us up early and taking a quick tour of the Valley Forge park and it’s various monuments and Historical treasures. Then it was off to the airport and home. The Department of CA AMVETS pays to send a lot of these high school students to Valley Forge each year, and some people may not believe that this is an appropriate expenditure of our funds. Well I for one know that these young people come away from this conference with a much greater sense of patriotism and a heightened knowledge of what will soon be their responsibility and the confidence to step up and be a leader when called upon. All this and the realization that AMVETS made it possible. Thomas L. Johnson Adjutant - AMVETS Leo P. Simon Post #1996

Post 2003

Post 2002 Post 2813

Post 2813 Happenings

he 80 plus club meets twice a month at 10 am at the Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park rec room (1675 Manzanita Ave in Chico). The 80 plus Club is an extension of Post 2813 designed to service those veterans who are 80 or over, especially those who don’t or can’t attend night meetings. It gives them an opportunity to stay connected and to enjoy the company of other veterans. Everyone is welcome: wives, friends, neighbors. Transportation provided. Special thanks to Joe and Jody Turner, Stan Smith and Bernice Harreld for their help and support. Stan is a new AMVET meeting who has been very active helping with bingo. Bernice is a Veteran supporter who is a avid bingo player. Joe and Jody are very familiar faces to veterans in need of help. 

Vol. 14, No. 4

California AMVETS Voice—29

G.I. Hope T

here are many issues facing homeless women veterans and one of them is self esteem. “G.I. Hope, a non profit organization that provides social service for homeless women veterans in the Los Angeles area recently held their first fashion show in Los Alamitos on Nov. 7, 2010. This was a partnership with Ann Reeder’s group “Women Veterans Esteem Program.” (L to R) Sheryl Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr., Kenya Lawson, Executive Director of G.I. Hope and Ann Reeder, AMVETS CA Dist. 2 Cmdr. This tribute to women veterans offered the opportunity for some of the homeless women veterans to express themselves by dressing up in beautiful clothes. G.I. Hope and the Women Veterans Esteem Program offer positive environments where they can achieve their goals. All photos by Carolyn Erfe. Since this was the first fashion show presented, we decided it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to interview homeless women veterans about what happened to them and how they are transitioning to a better future. They tell their stories of struggle and how they are achieving their goals. This episode “G.I. Hope interviews” is the result of working with Carolyn Erfe, combat photographer stationed at March ARB. She has a friend, Brent Harvey, another combat photographer who is a veteran of the U.S.M.C. and who worked with us to video tape this event. Mr. Harvey is a professional cinematographer and donated his talents so we could record these interviews. On page 9 of this issue, Sheryl interviews Ann Reeder while Brent Harvey records the conversation and in the photo on the right, Sheryl interviews Jacqueline Cloud with Brent Harvey setting up camera. This collaboration has resulted in a half hour episode of the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series , “G.I. Hope.” The Mayor of Los Alamitos Marilyn Poe (R) reads a proclamation to the audience while Kenya Lawson (L) looks on. A makeup artist applies makeup to one of the participants of the fashion show. Other guests enjoyed the abundant food offerings The Pledge of Allegiance was sung to the audience and they responded by singing along. The interviews with the women veterans reveal what their hopes and dreams are for their future. The “G.I. Hope interviews” is the 9th program sponsored by the AMVETS CA Service Foundation. The “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series online with blip.tv and pegmedia.org allows this series to be seen all over the United States. You may see other episodes of the “VHV” TV series online by visiting www.vecsamnet.org. If you wish to learn more about G.I. Hope, please go to their web site www.gihope.org. We wish to thank AMVETS CA Service Foundation for their support of these programs to assist our women veterans to accomplish their goals of living productive lives. 

30—California AMVETS Voice

Vol. 14, No. 4

SECRETARY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ROGER BRAUTIGAN

TO RETIRE AT END OF 2010

oger Brauitigan, who served as Undersecretary and Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA), will retire at the end of 2010. Under his leadership, the CDVA accomplished great things for California’s 2.1 million veterans and their families. The CDVA has also positioned itself to meet the challenges of America’s new generation of men and women veterans. Secretary Brautigan also forged strong ties with the state’s many veterans service organizations and veterans service providers. Secretary Brautigan and his staff were tireless in their efforts to visit and participate in almost every major veterans conference, ceremony, parade, symposium, and military event. Roger and his staff also attended many post and chapter meetings throughout the state in order to inform them about what the CDVA was doing and to seek the input of every individual veteran or family member possible. Roger Brautigan’s tenure in the leadership of the CDVA will truly be remembered as a pivotal period in the Deparment’s transition to a 21st Century model of veterans services delivery. He will be sorely missed. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Brautigan as Undersecretary in 2004, a position he held until May of 2009. Brautigan then assumed the duties of Acting Secretary upon the departure of Secretary Tom Johnson. In November of 2009 the governor appointed Roger Brautigan as Secretary. Brautigan is a 33-year veteran of the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Major General while serving in a variety of active and reserve command and staff positions in the United States, Vietnam and Germany. Major General Brautigan’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. General Brautigan and his wife, Arvie, reside in Stockton.

Accomplishments:

Operation Welcome Home

vantage of their Federal VA benefits. These additional veterans receiving benefits translates into another $44 million dollars flowing into the State from the Federal Government.

Partnership and Collaboration

Besides forging close working relationships with veterans service organizations, the CDVA has been working with partners in other state agencies and those non-profit and community-based organizations that provide services to veterans: In order to expedite that process the Department signed an MOU with DMV that will allow Veterans Affairs to obtain the mailing address of every veterans in the state who has a driver’s license or state-issued identification card. CDVA’s Veteran Services have established a Statewide Collaborative in nine geographic areas around California. These collaboratives will utilize the federal, county, city, profit, non-profit and faith based organizations with services for veterans to work together under the guidance of CDVA to coordinate services and reach out to our veteran population in the community where they live.

New Veterans Homes

CDVA currently operates the Veterans Home of California with campuses at Yountville (Napa County), Barstow (San Bernardino County), Chula Vista (San Diego County), Lancaster (Los Angeles County), Ventura (Ventura County) and West Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). CDVA is also designing and constructing two new Veterans Homes of California. These new homes will be constructed in Fresno (Fresno County) and Redding (Shasta County). Since 2004 the Lancaster, Ventura, and West LA homes have come on line.

Women Veterans Will ensure the all returning vetSearch In 2008 the CDVA conducted the erans are connected to services and State’s First Ever statewide conference benefits that they may need to sucHome About Us Home Loans Vets Homes Vet Services CalVet Board Resources News Jobs Education for Women’s Veterans. The CDVA hosts cessfully transition from the military this yearly conference as well as a Womback home. Since its inception, the an Veteran Honoring of the Year event. program has collected the contact inCalifornia's Veterans formation of more than 32,000 veterEvery year nearly 30,000 veterans of the United States military to California to reconnect with family and friends and res ans, many of them recently returned Nativehome American Veterans civilian lives. Now that they are home, California has an impor from combat. Nearly 50,000 referIn 2010, CDVA established first and in fulfill their dream to help our veterans find the opportunities hopes. Learn more about California's Operation Welcome Hom rals to services and benefits includthe nation Assistant Secretary for Native ing, employment, health care, VA disAmerican Veterans. The CDVA also enability, PTSD, education and housing tered into a memorandum of understand2 3 4 5 6 have been made. A major component ing with the1 AMVETS Service Foundaof OWH is the County Veterans Sertion to provide for the hiring and training vice Officers. Tribal Veterans Representatives. Welcome to the of Department of Veterans Affairs Fea Under the Operation Welcome Home program, Veteran Services working Gold in collaboration with EDD created a reintegration process thatProject captures theStar - We've reached our goal! License plates are now available, click here for more information. Project Gold Star discharging veterans contact information at the Transition Assistance Program Information About... Featured Videos CDVA and DMV oversee the implementation of the Gold Star License classes and distributes this information to trusted partners like the County VetNotices News Did you know? Doing Plates forVeterans Families Whose Loved Ones Arebusiness Killed In Combat. This plate has Links for employment outreach, eran Service Officer in their home town,Quick the EDD been paid for with no monies from the state’s General Fund so the CDVA has January 13, 2011 - Mexican American Memorial Committee Meeting Vets Homes the federal VA for healthcare outreach. reached outReport to individuals and business to raise funds. CalVet Annual CalVet Newsletter Outreach to Veterans

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CalVet Events Calendar Veteran FAQs

Educating veterans about the benefits CalVet and Videos services they have earned by Public Meeting Notices serving this country has been a top priority for CDVA. Veteran Services was tasked with increasing the participation rate of veterans utilization of Federal Contact Us Veterans Administration benefits. The rate in July 2008 was 11.07%. By SepCalifornia Department of Highlights Affairs tember 2009, that participation rate was Veterans 12.86 %, exceeding the goal set forth O Street by the Governor. This increase translates1227 into 37,000 more veterans taking adSacramento, CA 95814

Vol. 14, No. 4

1 (800) 952-5626 1 (800) 324-5966 (TDD) 1 (800) 221-8998 (Outside California)

This Site

20th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

CDVA partnered with the California State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America and statewide veterans groups to plan a three-day rededication of Governor lanches Operation Welcome Home the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Governor Schwarzenegger welcomes home veterans Veterans Day 2010 - A Salute to the Troops

California AMVETS Voice—31

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS 120 North “M” Street Tulare, CA 93274 www.calamvets.org

ATTENTION!

Veterans and Military Retirees:

f you’ve have lost your DD 214 and would like to retrieve a certified copy, or other important service record page you might be missing, this website will get the forms back to you much quicker than the past 4-6 weeks it has routinely taken you in the past. Follow the instructions explicitly and print out the request. You should have your records back in about two weeks. www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html Blogs

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Start Your Military Service Record Request (DD Form 214 & SF-180)

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Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records several ways.

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New "Inside the Vaults" Video Highlights Veterans' Records Requests

• Veterans Service Special Notice Regarding • Legislative Action Requests Military Service • State Table andof National Publications Contents Records Online Requests Using eVetRecs Use the following to request veterans' service records I from WW • Local Post Activities About Service Records Present. (Looking for Pre-WWI Service Records?) Required Information Correcting Service Records • Community RecommendedService Information All American Veterans who were honorably separated after Medical and Health Records Emergency Requests and Deadlines • Memorial Carillons September 15, 1940 or are now serving in the Armed Forces, National Locations of Service Launch the Download form Where to Send my request Records Guard or Reservists, are eligible for membership in AMVETS. eVetRecs SF-180 to mail • V.A.V.S. Older (pre-WWI) Service Cost System to start or fax your Records Response Time • Scholarships your request request. What Records are NOT Other Methods to Obtain Service Records

Eligibility

Application For Membership online.

Available?

Privacy I apply for:and New Annual Security of Veterans Records

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Renewal

(free for most veterans)

Checking the Status of your Request

 Life Membership & Pay $________ Post dues __________

Printed Name _________________________________________ Service# or SS# ____________________________________ Online Requests Using eVetRecs

Street Address___________________________________________ City __________________ State _____ Zip

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Our online eVetRecs system creates a customized order form to request information from your, or

Sponsor __________________________ Phone _____________________ Branch of Service _________________________ your relative's, military personnel records. You may use this system if you are: Mo/Yr Entered SVC. _______/_______ Mo/Yr Discharged _______/_______ Type of Discharge _________________________ A military veteran, or Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY)

Next of a deceased, former member of/the military. of kin can be any of the / of kin/____ Date of Application /____The next Spouse _______________________________ following:

Signature_________________________________ Surviving spouse that has not remarried Father

Membership Fees: Mother

ANNUAL: $30

Son Daughter Sister Brother

LIFE: $200

New and Renewal Dues varies between Posts.

*Post dues vary.

RENEWAL: $30