Vol. 15, No. 3 by JM Publishing

Fall, 2011

Vol. 15, No. 3

commander’s Remarks By Commander Greer

ell hello again my fellow AMVET members. We are two months into this membership year, and my goal for this year is for us (Team AMVETS) that’s all of us to sign up 550 new members, and start five new posts during this year. I have started by signing up one new member, and have given out two other applications to prospective new members, so I invite all you out there to start to invite our California Veterans to join us here at “TEAM AMVETS” and make us a championship Team for the 2012 World Series. We will do this, as I am confident that we have the best team I have seen in all of National, and I just returned from St. Louis, and the National Convention.

I would like to add that I was so proud to be a member of Team AMVETS when our own Jr. Past Commander Charlie Ramos was honored by National Commander Jerry Hotop as Commander of the Year for his year as Team AMVETS Commander! I have big shoes to fill this year, but that just encourages me to work much harder. Congratulations Charlie! Dr. Kissel tells me that we have all five of the lawsuits complete, so now we need to focus on building our team! We need to STOP shooting darts at one another. We also need to quit airing our dirty laundry in public, as well as all over the National AMVETS scene. We need to all get a copy of the AMVETS Officers guide and read the Ritual, as well as our mission statement so we know what we are supposed to be doing as a veterans service organization! This is a veteran’s service organization of volunteers who should be

trying to help our fellow veterans find a better life and too socialize with like friends with similar backgrounds. So how about it friends, let us put the political world aside and get back to building Team AMVETS into the champion I know we can be. We have a Department Executive Committee meeting coming up soon, and I would like to see hundreds of our California Team AMVETS members show up for it in Visalia. This would be great to have a real crowd come and show a real interest in what we are doing as a team. It is also close to our Department HQ in Tulare, so you could run by and see the place where we run this department. This will be a good time to see the central valley also as it will not be blazing hot, so please make a special effort to come to the DEC in Visalia. I would like to meet many more of our great AMVET friends. I look forward to meeting all of you over the next several months, and the years to come. I don’t have a cell phone, but some my colleagues think I need one, what do you think? Call me at (707) 725-3687 and let me know. I went to our local Marine Corp League meeting the other evening and invited them to join our local AMVET post 96 here in Eureka, and I got two that evening and three more prospects! Just a thought. As Mike Clay told me last year he got his whole MCL to start a post over in his area, so check it out! Commander Jerry Greer

Commander Greer

GOAL

1st Vice Report By 1st Vice Commander Jerry Guevara

1st Vice Guevara

oy, a lot has happened since the State Convention at Concord in June. First, I would like to thank everyone for your vote of confidence and support in your choosing me as your 2nd Vice Commander. While I was appointed your Finance Officer by Commander Ramos, it was you who voted for me as 2nd Vice. That position deals with programs, and I was asked to

come up with some new programs that we could implement within the Department. I was to have a meeting while in St. Louis for the National Convention with Department Commander Greer, unfortunately that did not happen. A lot did though and one of the major highlights was that 1st Vice Commander, voted on by you in Concord resigned. Because of Constitution and By-Laws, I was asked if I would step up to Department 1st Vice Commander. With that comes a lot Continued on page 3

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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. Please submit all information for the VOICE to:

roseblackman@hotmail.com

Next deadline is Dec 1st. Please submit your articles in Microsoft Word or similar word processing program and your pictures separately as JPEGs. Thank you.

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR 2011-2012 Executive Director Rod Blackman Commander Jerry Greer vfwjerry@yahoo.com

707-725-3687

1st Vice Commander Jerry Guevara

559-786-9106

2nd Vice Commander Bud Simmons

707-971-0523

Judge Advocate Terry McCarty

714-585-5804

Finance Officer David Cropper

559-269-2274

Provost Marshal Ben Aguayo bsaguayo@gmail.com

626-337-6152

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

626-577-2454

Alt. N.E.C. Person Tom Donwen

559-907-7188

Jr. Past Commander Charles Ramos

120 North “M” Street

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

From the Executive Director's Desk....................................................... 4 Legislative Reports.................................................................................

4 9

Trustee SEB A Dennis Boyce

760-252-8491

Area Commander's Reports...................................................................

Trustee SEB B Ray Delgado

310-410-8856

TEAM AMVETS Thrift Stores................................................................ 10

Northern Area Commander Greg Raffia

530-549-3248

Central Area Commander Alex Halley

559-625-4643

Service Officers...................................................................................... 11

Southern Area Commander David Diehl

760-323-9085

SERVICE FOUNDATION Interim Ex. Director Charles Kissel (714) 761-5811 President Jim Pidgeon 559-688-7269 Directors Pete Ramirez, Helen Wong, Gene Clements, Gene Sustaita and Cephus Daniels

2—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

National Convention Photos................................................................ 12 Post Reports.......................................................................................... 13 Coterie Group 2011............................................................................... 22 Friends of AMVETS............................................................................... 23

www.calamvets.org

Vol. 15, No. 3

1st Vice Report, cont. more responsibility and I feel that I am able to handle that. One of the first requests by the Department Commander was for me to attend the California State Commanders meeting at the Legion of Valor Museum in Fresno. There were a lot of commanders from all the different veterans service organizations in attendance. Everyone shared a lot of information. Commander Greer asked if I would also attend an Oversight Hearing of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee in Sacramento at the state capitol. This hearing had to do with Increasing California Veteran’s Participation Rate in Federal Compensation and Pension Claims. There were representatives there on behalf of Federal Programs in veterans claims outreach, state and local government and non-profit and veterans' service organization programs and proposals. The last group is the reason AMVETS participated in the event. Following that meeting, I sat in on the Senate Rules Committee meeting where they discussed the governor’s appointees, one of them being the appointment of Peter J. Gravett, Major General, (Ret.) Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. After a round of questions by the Senate rules committee members and a vote, he was given a vote of 4

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to 0 and it now goes before the Senate for final approval. There were lots of people in attendance for this meeting, as there were also other appointments up for approval. The main focus for the 1st Vice Commander is that of Membership. As Donate to AMVETS you all know, our membership ranks AMVETS programs change lives every day. Keep vital resources available to has been in a decline vets in need. for the past couple of years. We need Donate Now to find a way to turn that around. One of the meetings that took place in St. Louis, had to do with Long Range Planning – Membership Issues. I had actually sat in on that same type of Committee meeting while at a NEC Convention late last year, in Washington, DC. I felt, that the information handed out by the Committee (PDC Johnny Bryum, was a committee member last year) is very informative and something that I plan on using. This “Membership Development Resource Guide” will deal with Membership, Retention, Recruitment, Public Relations, Communications and Resources. I plan on working with not only the Northern, Central and Southern Area Commanders, but with the Posts 1st Vice Commanders. I would like for each of us to make it a goal to increase your post membership with each member signing a new member. It is not a difficult task and that is something that we should all be doing. Something else to think of is to also increase the amount of posts that we currently have. There are quite a few towns in the state that are in need of having their own post. We just need to find that one, get the 10 individuals that want to take on this task and with the right per-

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Vol. 15, No. 3

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

son being a mentor this can also happen. I feel that Programs and Membership work hand in hand. In order to get new members we need to be out in the public’s eye. As Past Department Commander Johnny Byrum has often said, “Supporting veterans and active military and providing community and youth services,” is the AMVETS way. I am looking forward to being a part of the growth of the Department but it will be you that will be doing all the hard work. I promise you that your support in this matter will be noticed and recognized. Should any of you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I am here for you. In closing, it is most important that we utilize one of the tools that we all have at our disposal and that is our website. You can go on line and look at what we are doing as a Department. Just go to www. calamvets.org and search for our Calendar of Events. I urge each of you to contact our Executive Director with events that your post is involved in and have it posted. We also have a posting on Facebook for those who are familiar with that social medium. 

Deadlines for Quarterly Submissions by Issue

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Deadline April 1 December 1 March 1 June 1 September 1

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —3

From the Desk of the Executive Director By Rod Blackman

hank you all who attended the Transition Meeting in July. I feel all who attended received something they didn’t know before. As most of you know, Rose retired from the Executive Director position on June 30th. I have been asked to fill her position, and I do so with many mixed feelings. I cannot fill her shoes or match her abilities. But I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the veterans of California in this capacity, it has been a dream of mine for some time. Phil Plascencia has retired effective August 31. I am truly appreciative to Phil for all his patience and tutelage and hard work; along with the elected Finance Officer: David Cropper, I will be filling that role as well. I thank all of you for your continued support. A few reminders; Membership for Lifetime Membership goes up to $250 on January 1st. In order for new lifetime applications to get the current membership value of $200, I need all applications with money to be submitted to the Department NO later than the 20th of December, in order to have them processed by Dec. 31, 2011. Annual Dues do not change. Post compliance is still an issue, but we are making progress. The primary issues are from the state not responding to requests in a timely manner. The Fall DEC will be held in Visalia, on the 30th of September and the 1st of October. Make your plans and reservations completed if not already done. A new policy for getting funds to the VAVS program activities has been enacted. All District Commanders who have activities in their district, have had Bank accounts opened by the Department to ease the funding and reconciliation process.

Legislative Advocate's Report By Pete Conaty

End of Legislative Session

n August 15 the Legislature returned to the Capitol for four weeks of intensive activity. On September 9 the Legislature completes the 2011 legislative year and goes on recess until January 4. These four weeks are comprised of final committee hearings and floor sessions to pass or defeat bills. After that, bills that pass go to the Governor for signature or veto. Also, during these hectic weeks, other legislative business takes place. On August 17, the Senate Rules Committee conducted a hearing on the Governor’s appointment of Peter Gravett as Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. I testified in support of General Gravett’s confirmation on behalf of the Department. On that same day, the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs held an oversight hearing titled “Increasing California’s Veterans Participation Rate in Federal Compensation and Pension Benefits”. Pete Conaty and Associates had worked closely with the committee consultant and my veterans clients to coordinate testimony.

4—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

The Department in the months to come will become as paperless as possible, in compliance with Federal guidelines for Corporate entities. More forms that you have seen in the past will be available on the web site for you to fill out electronically, and emailed to the Department for approval. This will help streamline some processes. Some of you have seen the new e-tmail blasts that the Department has been sending out. They will include Events, Funeral Notices, Membership Information, and General Information. I encourage you to share them with your friends and colleagues, we need to expand this venue of communication as far and wide as we can. Events will be planned and carried out using Constant Contact as an engine to promote and schedule the notification and publication of necessary information to you the membership. Shortly, the Department will be instituting Credit Card processing for membership applications and donations along with PayPal. The technology is secure and we need to be able to process these transactions with ease. Instructions to the posts will be forth coming. In closing, if I do not have an accurate email address for you please send me one, so that I can add you to the email list for the Department. Communication is the back bone of this organization and help us make it successful. rblackman@teamamvets.org

AMVETS’ Past Department Commander Mel Posey testified on behalf of AMVETS. Department 1st Vice Commander Jerry Guevara and Post 40 member Bud Simmons also represented the Department at the hearing (see attached press release on then hearing). AMVETS, American Legion, CVSO’s, and the VFW provided testimony and data to explore the following topics: 1. What are the VSO’s doing to reach veterans? 2. What are the VSO’s doing to assist veterans with Compensation and Pension (C&P) claims filings? 3. How do the VSO’s cooperate with the other stakeholders such as the USDVA, CDVA, other VSO’s, and the CVSO’s? 4. What are the biggest successes the VSO’s are having in the area of C&P claims? 5. What are the biggest challenges facing the VSO’s in the area of C&P claims representation and assistance? 6. What do the VSO’s see as the way ahead to keep meeting the mission of connecting vets to benefits they have earned? 7. What programs or legislative proposals do the VSO’s have in this arena? Fresno and Redding Veterans Homes On June 30, Governor Brown signed the state budget into law. Unfortunately, this budget cut about $20 million from the Fresno and Redding Veterans Home budgets leaving only enough money to shutter them as soon as they are completed. The homes will sit unequipped, unstaffed, and unoccupied for 9-12 months after they are completed in January – April 2012. As a result, two bills have been introduced. AB 1422-Perea, Fresno and Redding Veterans Homes In response to this budget cut, Assemblyman Henry Perea (D-Fresno) has introduced AB 1422. AB 1422 seeks to restore the funding for these veterans homes. Senators Doug La Malfa (R-Butte), Mike Rubio (D-Bakersfield) and Assemblymembers Paul Cook (R-Yucaipa), Jim Nielsen (R-Biggs), and Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) have joined Perea as Principal co-authors. AMVETS is a co-sponsor of this bill. Continued on next page

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Legislative Advocate's Report, cont. from previous page AB X1 38 – Halderman, Fresno and Redding Veterans Homes ABx1-38 reclaims $8.1 million in unused prison funds to staff and operate Fresno and Redding Veterans homes. This will allow the Fresno and Redding Veterans homes to open on schedule so that care to Veterans in need is not delayed. AMVETS supports this bill.

Updated Status of key veterans legislation AB 167-Cook. Stolen Valor Act Relates to existing law which provides that any person who falsely represents himself or herself to have been awarded any military decoration, with the intent to defraud, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Provides that those provisions shall be known as the California Stolen Valor Act. Requires that certain elected officers forfeit their office upon conviction of any of the crimes specified in the act. Status: Signed by Governor into law. AB 201-Butler. Veterans Courts Authorizes superior courts to develop and implement veterans courts for eligible veterans of the U.S. military with the objective of, among other things, creation of a dedicated calendar or a locally developed collaborative court-supervised veterans mental health program or system that leads to the placement of as many mentally ill offenders who are veterans, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, or any mental health problem due to military service. Status: Vetoed by Governor. Governor’s Veto Message: To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 201 without my signature. This measure would authorize superior courts to establish dedicated programs to serve eligible veterans of the United States military. While the provisions of this bill are well-intended, they create a clear expectation that our courts-already struggling with painful budget cuts--will establish a new program. Given current budgetary constraints, the decision to adopt this kind of program-something already within the courts’ authority--is better left to the sound discretion of the judiciary. Sincerely, Edmund G. Brown Jr. AB 557-Speaker John Perez. National Guard: Interagency Council on Veteran Services Creates in state government the Interagency Council on Veteran Services and Programs for the purpose of bringing together key state agencies and departments, federal officials, legislative representatives, local governments, and stakeholder organizations to ensure that the state’s programs that serve veterans are efficiently administered and properly integrated with federal and local government and

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stakeholder organizations. Status: Senate Appropriations AB 1093-Davis. Student Financial Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits Requires the Community Colleges and the California State University, and encourage the University of California, to establish on each of its respective campuses a Military and Veterans Benefits Office and appoint a full-time Military and Veterans Benefits Advisor for each office to assist a qualified student in determining that student’s eligibility for state or federal educational benefits or grants. Status: 2 Year Bill AB 1422-Perea. Fresno and Redding Veterans Homes; funding States the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Veterans Affairs identify any savings in the operations of the veterans home system and prioritize the allocation of those identified savings to offset any program reductions. Requires the department to make a report to the Legislature that would include information on the savings and the programs that were augmented with those identified savings. Status: Senate Transportation and Housing Committee SB 340-Wolk. Remote Caller Bingo Permits a city, county, or city and county pursuant to an ordinance, and under specified conditions to amend an existing local ordinance that allows bingo games to be conducted to permit the conduct of remote caller bingo games. Limits the number of remote caller bingo days in a week. Requires advanced notice to a local entity of the intent to hold such games. Deletes all state licensure requirements for remote caller bingo. Requires a related Internet registry. Relates to related start-up loans. Status: In Assembly Appropriations. SB 888-Lieu. Crime: Picketing (protesting at funerals for fallen military members) Makes it a crime, punishable by a fine, imprisonment in the county jail, or both, for a person to engage in picketing, except on private property which is targeted at a funeral during the time period beginning one hour prior to the funeral and ending one hour after the conclusion of the funeral. Status: On Governor’s desk. AMVETS is a co-sponsor of this bill.

AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2012 Support AMVET National Legislative priorities for 112th Congress listed as follows: Underserved Veterans & Service Members. Today’s diverse veteran and military communities have unique and complex needs that the Veterans Administration and Department of Defense have not had to face before such as: Womens Veterans: Our nation is welcoming

back its first generation of female combat veterans that challenges VA & DOD health care systems to adapt and keep pace to meet their needs in every area [clothing, equipment and healthcare]. Remote Veterans Services: Veterans living rurally comprise only 19% of the population whereas most of our Vet population [ 45%] lives remotely in America. The death rate to rural Veterans is 60% higher than those living in larger cities with better care provisions. VA Care Services: Convey to Congress that Blast Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury ( TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Prosthetics and Sensory Aides are issues the VA named as signature injuries of recent modern warfare. When the VA cannot adjudicate disabilities timely, critical care is denied. Benefits Claims Backlog, Education, Veterans employment: These issues require a seamless transition the VA has yet to attain. The VA procurement process must modernize to provide opportunities to which services Vets are entitled. Congress must ensure that education benefits for Veterans are readily available and equitable across the board.

To be addressed at the Federal Level 2011 ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS: •

• • • • • • •

•

• • • • •

Increase Congressional funding so that the VA can implement uniform data exchange claim processing and processor training which insures timely accurate claims for every Veteran. Support continued POW/MIA recovery and identification. Increase Travel reimbursement rates for disabled Veterans and remote Veterans Survivor Benefit Plan income loss Protecting Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and Veteran Owned Small Business in Federal Procurement Increase Department of Defense Mental Health Funding Programs Pursue enactment of Legislation to provide full Concurrent Receipt for all disabled military retirees health care cost. Oppose Tri Care Increases and fully fund Tri Care premiums that protect and provide the FREE healthcare promised career military retired members. Support Advanced Appropriations and pass stronger Laws to insure proper function of the Federal Government and thereby protecting VA Services, Programs and Entitlements. Providers of Service to Veterans must be Veterans Continue and expand Veterans Preference Considerations in Employment and Training Programs. Authorize Cold War Service Medal Elimination of the Department of Veterans Affairs Means Test Increase Veterans Burial Benefits.

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Legislative Advocate's Report, cont. from previous page Resolutions to be addressed at both the Federal and State Level • • • • •

Increase funding for Military Sexual Trauma issues. Support Veterans Preference In Public Employment. Hire Veterans to provide Civilian Credentials of Military Training and Experience Protection of American War Memorials, Veterans Graves and Monuments Establish more Veterans Courts

DEPT. OF CA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES BY CATEGORIES Veterans Outreach and Increased CDVA / CVSO / VSO Funding •

•

Support increasing funding to the $11 million authorized level for the 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 continued funding for outreach to California’s newest veterans to inform them about the benefits that they are entitled for and how to apply for them. Every year 30,000 new veterans are released from active duty in California. Support increased state grants to veterans service organizations to work with County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO’s) and California veterans on veterans outreach and filing claims with the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA).

Veterans Homes Support full funding for the new Veterans Homes in Fresno and Redding so that they can be opened when their construction is completed. Support adeaquate funding for all Veterans Homes while looking for ways to reduce General Fund expenditures on the homes. 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.

• •

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.

AMVETS Testifies Before Assembly Veterans Committee Oversight Hearing: “Increasing California Veteran’s Participation Rate in Federal Compensation and Pension Claims”

oday, AMVETS Department of California Past Commander Mel Posey testified before the California State Assembly’s Committee on Veterans Affairs. This oversight hearing was convened to explore methods of “Increasing California Veteran’s Participation Rate in Federal Compensation and Pension Claims”. California has 2 million veterans and about 1.5 million of them are unaware that they may be eligible for veterans benefits because they are not members of veterans service organizations. According to Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucaipa), Chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, “California has the largest population of veterans in the United States, yet only 13% of them receive federal benefits for military service. We need to reach out to our veterans and evaluate their needs. Providing more assistance to veterans applying for federal disability and healthcare benefits could be a huge help to state and local government budgets. That’s why we needed a hearing on this subject in my committee. The major veterans service organizations and the County Veterans Service Officers are integral to improving our numbers, and I believe we’re taking the first steps in making things right for California’s veterans.” AMVETS was one of the veterans organizations testifying. AMVETS operates an extensive network of veterans service officers at the national and state levels.

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. Veterans’ Homelessness Reduction and Treatment: • Work with the VA, CDVA, community based organizations, 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 establishVeterans Courts

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Left to right: AMVETS’ Bud Simmons Post 40, Department 1st Vice Jerry Guevara, and Past Department Commander Mel Posey

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cont. from previous page AMVETS, Department of California has approximately 12,000 members and 50 local posts and is the California unit of AMVETS. AMVETS or American Veterans was formed in 1944 to help WWII veterans obtain the benefits promised to them by the federal government. AMVETS continues this commitment to America’s veterans, their families, and the active military by assisting them to secure their earned entitlements. AMVETS Past Department Commander Mel Posey (white hat, left) testifies before the committee.

Department Legislative Chair

Lorraine Plass Department Legislative Chair arlier this year I asked for support when the California Legislature and Governor Brown’s administration cut and reduced Veterans funding. Veterans throughout the State wrote the Governor and Legislature and Vets walked into their local Legislators office to demonstrate our strength and resolve to fully fund programs for California Veterans and their families. Keep it up ! With your assistance and a ‘Grassroots effort’ from a united Veterans front throughout California it appears to have helped. Team AMVETs walked letters, lobbied and testified at the Capitol. I believe this and Conaty & Associates lobby efforts were contributing factors leading to the Aug 23rd announcement by Governor Brown issuing an Executive Order establishing “The California Interagency Council on Veterans”. It aims to improve how veterans’ services are coordinated

across local, state and federal government. It gives everyone a seat at the table and ensures we’re working collaboratively to address the needs of the our returning servicemen and women in California yearly. I attended my first National convention in St Louis. I reported on CA Legislation and had a round table discussion with Legislative Chairpersons from many states. We exchanged information and gained invaluable knowledge. There will be a New National Legislative Director coming on board this month. We are setting up and “E-Mail Chain of Legislative information and solid “standard practice” ideas. Ohio successful meeting – [R] & [D] Lobbyist Team – WOW.  Lorraine Plass, Legislative Chairperson

Executive Order, Interagency Council Shall be Established to Serve Veterans EXECUTIVE ORDER B-9-11

WHEREAS California has the largest number of homeless veterans in the nation; and

WHEREAS more than 30,000 veterans return to California each year after leaving the United States Armed Services; and

WHEREAS 62 percent of all homeless veterans have been diagnosed with both substance abuse issues and serious mental health problems; and

WHEREAS many of these veterans face hardships while transitioning back into civilian life; and

WHEREAS many federal, state, and local agencies, and non-governmental organizations receive and distribute funding targeted to address veteran needs from a variety of sources; and

WHEREAS the unemployment rate for Gulf War II veterans is 42 percent higher than it is for nonveterans; and WHEREAS approximately 25 percent of Gulf War II veterans have a disability that is connected to their military service, compared with approximately 13 percent of all veterans; and WHEREAS recent tests of returning troops show that 20 percent of infantry and 10 percent of other troops suffer from at least mild brain injury; and WHEREAS over 35 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, who have sought healthcare through the Veterans Administration, have been diagnosed with mental disorders; and

WHEREAS California veterans can be better served with a more coordinated statewide effort. NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR, Governor of the State of California, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the State of California, issue this Order to become effective immediately: IT IS ORDERED that the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs establish the California Interagency Council on Veterans, whose purpose shall be to identify and prioritize the needs of California’s veterans, and to coordinate the activities at all levels of government in addressing those needs.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Secretaries of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, California Volunteers, the Business Transportation and Housing Agency, the Health and Human Services Agency, and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Adjutant General of the Military Department, and the Directors of the Employment Development Department, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Rehabilitation, and the Department of Housing and Community Development are appointed as members of the California Interagency Council on Veterans. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that each of those Secretaries and Directors designate a member of their management staff as their Ombudsman for Veterans’ Affairs who shall be that agency’s primary point of contact for veteran issues. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs invite federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U. S. Department of Labor, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the military services, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Unit to participate in the California Interagency Council on Veterans. Continued on next page

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California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —7

Executive Order, cont. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs invite veteran stakeholders, such as the California Veterans Board, the California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies, the California Commanders Council, the Employment Training Panel, the California Workforce Investment Board, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities to nominate a representative to participate in the California Interagency Council on Veterans. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Secretaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Labor and Workforce Development Agency provide staff support to the California Interagency Council on Veterans. IT IS REQUESTED that the President pro Tem of the California Senate and Speaker of the California Assembly each appoint a member from their respective houses to represent the legislative branch as members of the California Interagency Council on Veterans. IT IS FURTHER REQUESTED that the Chief Justice of California appoint a representative from the judicial branch as a member of California Interagency Council on Veterans. IT IS FURTHER REQUESTED that the President, University of California, the Chancellor, California State University, and Chancellor California Community Colleges each appoint a representative from their respective systems to sit as members of the California Interagency Council on Veterans. This Order is not intended to create, and does not create, any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, or enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California or its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person. I FURTHER DIRECT that, as soon as hereafter possible, this Order shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given to this Order. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 23rd day of August 2011. _________________________ EDMUND G. BROWN JR. Governor of California ATTEST: _________________________ DEBRA BOWEN Secretary of State

Governor Brown Creates California Interagency Council on Veterans 8-23-2011 SACRAMENTO - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an Executive Order establishing the California Interagency Council on Veterans to improve how veterans' services are coordinated across local, state and federal government. "The California Interagency Council on Veterans gives everyone a seat at the table and ensures we're working collaboratively to address the needs of the 30,000 servicemen and women who return to California each year," Brown said. "We owe our veterans the best and when they come home, we must serve them the same way they so bravely served us." Governor Brown's Executive Order directs the Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Council, which will be tasked with identifying and prioritizing the needs of California’s veterans and coordinating the activities at all levels of government in addressing those needs. "With so many combat veterans returning to California every year it is imperative that state agencies and departments coordinate our efforts to ensure these young men and women are connected to the services and benefits they need to successfully transition home," said California Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Peter J. Gravett. This order is based on AB 557, authored by Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez with Assemblymembers Paul Cook, Richard Pan, and Henry T. Perea. "I’m very pleased the Governor has created the Interagency Council on Veterans Affairs because one of our most important duties is to keep faith with the men and women who have served the United States in uniform," said Speaker Pérez. "I introduced legislation to create the Council early this session because we need to do more with less, and by creating this Council, we will bring new focus and new efficiency to provide needed services to California’s veterans. I’m very pleased the Governor has taken the proactive step of creating this Council by Executive Order so that it can begin its vital work immediately.” Under the order, Speaker Pérez and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg are each expected to appoint a member to the Council from their respective houses. These appointees will join Secretaries and department heads of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, California Volunteers, Business Transportation and Housing Agency, Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Military Department, Employment Development Department, Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation and Department of Housing and Community Development. Additionally, the Governor's order requests that the Chief Justice of California, President of the University of California, Chancellor of California State University and Chancellor of California Community Colleges each appoint a member to the Council. The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs will also coordinate with Federal partners and external stakeholders to ensure both groups are active participants on the Council. California's veterans face many challenges as they transition back to civilian life, including:  The unemployment rate for Gulf War II veterans is 42 percent higher than it is for nonveterans.  Approximately 25 percent of Gulf War II veterans have a disability that is connected to their military service, compared with approximately 13 percent of all veterans.  Recent tests of returning troops show that 20 percent of infantry and 10 percent of other troops suffer from at least mild brain injury.  Over 35 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, who have sought healthcare through the Veterans Administration, have been diagnosed with mental disorders.  California has the largest number of homeless veterans in the nation and 62 percent of all homeless veterans have been diagnosed with both substance abuse issues and serious mental health problems.

8—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

Vol. 15, No. 3

By Alex Halley, CAC

CENTRAL AREA Commander's Report

hank you to all the posts in the Central Area for having the confidence in me to promote me to the Central Area Commander at the California 66th AMVET Annual Convention in Concord. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve our veterans and work with our posts who give so much of their time for this worthy cause. It has already been a learning experience, as it was when moving up as District 6 Commander. I have already been honored to swear in Post 922 in Shafter, CA, Post 22 in Visalia, Post 99 in Fresno, and the Finance Officer and Chaplain for my Post 56 in Tulare, CA. During this past reporting period, Post 56 Honor Guard performed 22 funeral services with rifles and buglers. 21 Veterans dedicated their time so that our Fallen Brothers and Sisters could receive the honorable services they have earned by putting their lives on the line to serve our Country in war time; and in peace time to keep our country safe. During this period, I was honored to be invited to the wedding of Jim Pidgeon and his lovely bride, Paulette. Jim is President of our Foundation. I think all of you know Jim.. It was a lovely wedding and reception. We wish them all the happiness they both deserve. Transitions are sometimes difficult, as well as much needed. This time last year, I was going through the confusion and turmoil of following the requests of the Department regarding establishing a VAVS bank account for District 6, while also establishing guidelines for disbursing money, writing checks, receiving receipts, for the VA Hospital in Fresno, CA. In June, 2011 – a year later, I had meetings with Tony Gonzales and Phil Plascencia about closing out the VAVS account. It was almost as difficult transition as when taking over the task. July 1, 2011, Charlotte and I celebrated our 11th anniversary. Time flies when you are having fun. The summer has passed quickly as we sold fireworks for July 4, Independence Day. Sales were very good. This consisted of several days of hard work for a group of hard working veterans from Post 56 and our Ladies’ Auxiliary. The Transition Meeting in Tulare was held

July 16 by Jerry Greer, our new State Commander. On the same day, Post 56, under direction of Leroy Hall, sponsored a car show in back of the Tulare Memorial Building. Leroy won overall First Place for his beautiful patriotic car. Reminding everyone I said this is a busy job: On August 17th, I was invited by Raymond Carrillo to attend a meeting of the Employment Development Department (EDD) to assist in ways to provide an Outreach Program for Disabled Veterans. It is gratifying to know there are so many people giving their time to help our veterans. All posts in District 6 reported. Great job! By now it is time to take off to Saint Louis, Missouri for the 67th National Convention. We were all surprised and delighted at the banquet when National Commander Hotop announced that our own Charles Ramos, Past State Commander, received the recognition of being State Commander of the Year. What an honor for Charlie and for California. As Charlie could not attend this national conference, those of us that were there, called him and congratulated him for honor. Jim Pidgeon accepted the plaque for Charlie. The trip started off from Fresno going to San Francisco. Our flight was cancelled and we couldn’t get another connecting flight until 3:00 in the afternoon. Finally we got a flight to Denver, had a two-hour layover there, and arrived after midnight in Saint Louis. Everything shuts down after dark in Missouri, so we couldn’t get in touch with our rental car agency – they were sleeping. We finally talked a shuttle driver to take us to any rental car place, so we could get to our hotel. We finally checked into the Drury Plaza Hotel about 0130 (thanks to Jim Pidgeon who called for them to keep our reservations open). They met us at the front door. Beautiful people. Early morning flight back home, going through security gave me a real thrill when the TSA agent gave me a “gentle pat down” all over. I also watched as a female security person dumped everything out of Charlotte’s purse, and everything came out, with six blank rounds from the rifles in the Color Guard. We really thought we were going to be in trouble, but strangely enough, she put everything back in her purse, and we continued on home. Not getting much sleep for four nights, we took a much needed nap, and awoke 22 hours later. I’m praying you all stay safe and sound in your travels. God bless all. I hope to see you all in Visalia for the DEC meeting at the Marriott Convention Center, September 30, and October 1, 2011. 

Tulare Car Show check & trophy

POST 56 HONOR GUARD

Vol. 15, No. 3

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —9

NORTHERN AREA Commander's Report

By Northern Area Commander Greg Raffia

hank you all Northern Area Commanders for your vote of confidence. Talking with our post Commanders and District Commanders, you are not alone. We've all had trials and tribulations in our posts and in our everyday lives. We all agree that God, family and AMVETS should go in that order. I am here to assist spiritually, and sharing some of my experiences with you. Many of you are reciprocating. Please work with your outstanding District Commanders on all issues facing your posts. District 4 is represented by Colleen McClain, Dist. 5 Steve Nichols, Dist. 8 Dave Richey, Dist. 12 Mike Hernandez, Dist. 13 Mary White, Dist. 14 Gary Imhoff, Dist. 15 Tom Johnson, and District 16 Mark Sanchez. These commanders are our first contact in the chain of command. Some of you have contacted me and I will reach outside the box in helping wherever I can. If you cannot get a hold of me and I do not respond in a timely manner, please call our Northern Area 1st Vice Commander Orlando Resendez. Commander Resendez is working by my side and I am conveying all information with him. We are a TEAM!

Scuttlebutt (rumors and gossip)

Please, take a moment to address backbiting and calumny. It is human nature to delve in Scuttlebutt. The best course of defense is to stop the individual and simply say, " I am sorry, but I do not believe in that!" Do you AMVETS Thrift Stores 999 Cardiff Street San Diego, CA 92114 619-697-9796

know how hard that is? My God, we are all sinners. We are all victims of our human short comings, and the only way out is to realize by the time it reaches the third person and it continues, the damage has been done to that veteran. We are all blood guilty for listening to it in the first place. As your commander in the north, please if you are troubled bring it to my attention and let's consult on this together. As my good friend and many spiritual leaders I deal with me are always asking for help. Lew Der-fuss and others agree soon as you point the finger, look how many fingers are coming back at you! We all need to address this issue head on and not live in the past. Do you realize how hard that is for all of us? Everyone in AMVETS has a perception of how things should be run. Nobody gets out alive on this one. Let's honor ourselves first and pass it on to our fellow veterans and if it continues tell that veteran to bring it to the soul of that veteran and consult with them. Please do not make the mistake like we all have done and believe in something that just was not true. TEAM AMVETS is now with our new Department Commander Gerry Greer, 1st Vice Cmdr. Gerry Guevara, 2nd Vice Cmdr. Bud Simmons, ED Rod Blackman, FO David Cropper, JA Terry McCarty, CA Cmdr. Alex Haley, SA Cmdr. David Diehl and all the other Executive Board members. Throw your cover in the ring, support them, communicate to them, advise them and mostly pray for them because we all believe AMVETS can be the family we pray for. God Speed to you all and please contact me on any issue. My prayers are with you, your families and let's not forget the ones whom are hurting inside just trying to survive from day to day, or their PTSD kicked in, and let's not forget anxiety. Please again let's have consultations with each other and really get to know each other.

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10—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

Vol. 15, No. 3

AMVETS SERVICE & REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA

SERVICE OFFICERS

SERVICE OFFICERS & STAFF 1213 S. DALE AVENUE, ANAHEIM, CA 92804 Telephone (714) 761-5811 Fax (714) 761-5812 EMAIL: info@amvetsfoundation.com

DOUG BRADLEY, DIRECTOR dhbradley@amvetsfoundation.com CELL (714) 519-4944 (562) 618-0035

RICHARD J. KENTON richard.kenton@va.gov MICHAEL F. O’BRIEN michael.obrien1@va.gov

LEONARD AARON leonard.aaron@va.gov VA MEDICAL CENTER 11301 WILSHIRE BLVD BLDG. 500 RM. 1613 LOS ANGELES, CA 90073 PHONE: (310) 268-3717 FAX: (310) 268-4823

LEANE WATTS (ADMIN. ASST.) LeAne.Watts@va.gov TAWANDA JACK (ADMIN. ASST.) tawanda.jack@va.gov V.A. REGIONAL OFFICE 1301 CLAY ST RM 1150N OAKLAND, CA 94612 (510) 637-6126 FTS (510) 637-6376 FAX

SAM ALSABAGH V.A. STOCKTON CLINIC 7777 S. FREEDOM RD FRENCH CAMP , CA 95231 (209) 946-3401 OFFICE (209) 482-5494 CELL (209) 946-3458 FAX JAMIE BALDWIN Jamie.Baldwin@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 10535 HOSPITAL WAY, T-3 MATHER, CA 95655 (916) 843-7076 (916) 843-9455 FAX CARL BATES cbates@amvetsfoundation.com DARREL R. JOY 120 NORTH “M” ST TULARE, CA 93274 (559) 685-2446 (559) 685 1682 FAX JOHN BLANKENSHIP V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 4150 CLEMENT ST. BLDG 2, RM 71 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121 (415) 750-2157 (415) 750 6907 FAX FRANK GONZALES fgsb1@vtisp.com V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 4951 ARROYO RD. BLDG 64, RM 275 LIVERMORE, CA 94550 (925) 373-4700 EXT 35673 HENRY E. KAYLOR hkaylor@amvetsfoundation.com 1650 OREGON ST SUITE 119 REDDING CA 96001 (530) 246-2300 (530) 246- 2329 FAX ROBERT KAUL robert.kaul@va.gov V.A. OUTPATIENT CLINIC 201 WALNUT AVE RM 1016 MARE ISLAND, CA 94592 (707) 562-8263 (707) 562-8257 FAX

Vol. 15, No. 3

MICHAEL P. KUKULSKI michael.pkukulski@va.gov BRENDA CHAPMAN (ADMIN. ASST.) brenda.gulley-chapman@va.gov V.A. REGIONAL OFFICE 5460 RENO CORP. DR. RM 103 RENO, NV 89511 (775) 329-9833 (775) 321-4890 (775) 329-6054 FAX MEL POSEY, N. AREA COORDINATOR mposey@amvetsfoundation.com CELL (916) 716-5138 ESTER PANGANIBAN, ADMIN. ASST. epanganiban@amvetsfoundation.com HERMANOS K. BURGESS Hermanos.Burgess@va.gov (775) 328-1714 (775) 337-2291 FAX LILY HARIAN (ADMIN. ASST.) Lily.Harian@va.gov (775) 328-1781 V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 1000 LOCUST ST, MS38 RM 1 RENO, NV 89502 JOHNNY BYRUM SERVICE & COLLEGE PROGRAM MANAGER nctop1950@aol.com JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE 11206 LEXINGTON DR, BLDG. 244, RM 102 LOS ALAMITOS CA 90720 (714) 321-3972 CELL (562) 296-5718 FAX DONNA DEPEW donna.depew@va.gov LAURA BROWN (ADMIN. ASST.) laura.brown01@va.gov FAIRFIELD OUTPATIENT CLINIC 103 BODIN CIRCLE RM B122 TRAVIS AFB, CA 94535 (707) 437-1900 (707) 437-1920 FAX REV. GARY C. DOUGLAS gdouglas@amvetsfoundation.com JOHN CASTILLO jcastillo@socal.rr.com (714) 655-4255 CELL

OUTREACH SERVICE OFFICER 14444 CALIFORNIA AVE. SUITE C VICTORVILLE CA 92392 (760) 955 1103 OFFICE (760) 955 1120 FAX (760) 514 6244 CELL RICHARD E. MARX richard.marx@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 3350 LA JOLLA VILLAGE DR RM 1607 SAN DIEGO, CA 92161 (858) 642-6453 (858) 642-1450 FAX DAN MURAOKA dan.muraoka@va.gov V.A. OUTPATIENT CLINIC 2221 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAY OAKLAND, CA 94612 (510) 267-7826 (510) 267-7870 FAX RUSSELL NAKAISHI middlestone_ra@yahoo.com JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE 11206 LEXINGTON DR, BLDG. 244, RM 102 LOS ALAMITOS CA 90720 (562) 296-5716 (562) 296-5718 FAX JOHN R. NEAL john.neal3@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 3801 MIRANDA AVE BLDG 101 RM A1-215 PALO ALTO, CA 94304 (650) 493-5000 EXT 65392 JOSEPH G. ODYA amodyaj1@vba.va.gov CHERYL PORRAL (ADMIN. ASST.) cheryl.porral@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 4800 ALPINE PLACE STE 7 LAS VEGAS NV 89107 (702) 258-3691 FTS (702) 259-0838 CML (702) 259-0932 FAX (702) 588-9870 CELL JOE ROMO, JR. steal2@live.com V.A. OUTPATIENT CLINIC 351 E TEMPLE ST RM #A131D LOS ANGELES CA 90012 (213) 253-2677 EXT. 4128 (213) 253-5035 FAX JOHN W. FISHER john.w.fisher@va.gov WILEY BUFFINGTON Wiley.Buffington@va.gov FELY CALANGI (ADMIN . ASST.) placida.calangi@va.gov V.A. REGIONAL OFFICE 11000 WILSHIRE BLVD RM 5206 LOS ANGELES, CA 90024 (310) 235-7179 FTS (310) 479-8649 FAX

DONALD R. FRANKLIN amfrand@vba.va.gov SHALEKA McCLELLAND ammccls@vba.va.gov V.A. REGIONAL OFFICE 8810 RIO SAN DIEGO DR. RM 1127 SAN DIEGO, CA 92108 (619) 400-5303/(619) 400-5305 FAX MICHAEL J. GINTHER michael.ginther@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 5901 E 7TH ST BLDG 126, RM W210 LONG BEACH, CA 90822 (562) 826-5709/(562) 826-8081 FAX BEVERLY GRABEL Beverly.Grabel@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 2615 E. CLINTON AVE RM E108D FRESNO, CA 93703 (559) 241-6417/(559) 241-6446 FAX JOSEPH SANDERS Joseph.Sanders@va.gov JOHN CASTILLO john.castillo@va.gov (714) 655-4255 CELL V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 5901 E 7TH ST BLDG 126, RM W212 LONG BEACH, CA 90822 (562) 826-8000 EXT 2011 (562) 826-5589 FAX ROGER K SCOVIL roger.scovil@va.gov (916) 364-6793 SUZANNE VINCI Suzanne.Jurek-Devlin@va.gov (916) 364-6792 V.A. OFFICE 10365 OLD PLACERVILLE RD SACRAMENTO, CA 95827 (916) 364-6560 FAX OSCAR R. SIFUENTES oscar.sifuentes@va.gov V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 11201 BENTON ST RM 1F39A LOMA LINDA, CA 92357 (909) 583-6013/(909) 583-6707 FAX JAMES WOLSKE james.wolske@va.gov 3217 COHASSET RD, SUITE #103 CHICO, CA 95973 (530) 908-4083 CELL (530) 343-3967 OFFICE/(530) 343-5032 FAX GEORGE T. ZAMARIA george.zamaria@va.gov V.A. OUTPATIENT CLINIC 150 MUIR RD RM A205 MARTINEZ, CA 94553 (925) 372-2159/(925) 372-2086 FAX V.A. MEDICAL CENTER 16111 PLUMMER ST BLDG 20 RM 2B116 SEPULVEDA, CA 91343 (818) 891-7711 EXT. 9147/(818) 895-9493 FAX

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —11

National Convention Photos

California Department Commander Greer with National Commander Hotop Above: Raffle winner from Post 101

Left: Pidgeon, Greer, McCarty & Kissel

Right: Kermit, Wong and Aguilar

Right: District 14 Commander Imhoff, Post 2813 member Snow

12â&#x20AC;&#x201D;California AMVETS Voice

Pics by Al Verrett

Vol. 15, No. 2

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

Post 2 Activities Report submitted by Commander Ray Delgado Post II Commander/Director at Large, 310-462-3654

ver the last three months AMVETS Post II has hosted a Bingo Night at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Post II has provided Canteen Books, food and refreshments to the patients at the Hospital that have attended the event, held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Post Commander Ray Delgado would like to thank the following post members for assisting with Bingo: Jim Johnstone, Glen Jimenez, Levon Brooks, Jackie Foly, Keith Jeffreys, Richard Cooks, April Fitzsimmons, Andrew Douglas with ucla rotc. AMVETS Post II will be hosting a summer BBQ fundraiser for building fund. Sept 17, 2010 at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome. AMVETS Post II has also formed a Homeless Veterans Outreach Committee to address the issue of Veteran Homelessness in Los Angeles County. The committee’s first meeting will be held Sat. Sept. 17th at 10 am, just prior to the regular post meeting at 11 am and the BBQ/Fundraiser at noon. AMVETS Post 2 Hosted Salute Hospitalized Veterans, Spring BBQ, AMVETS Because we care. Post II has been performing the maintenance duties on the Eugene Obregon Medal of Honor Memorial Wall at Olvera Street in Los Angeles every Sunday Morning at 8 a.m. Many thanks to Frank Juarez, Joe Romo, Glen Smith Jim Johnston, and new member Paul for their help. Nine members of AMVETS Post II attended the District 2 meeting July 2011. Post II has been the watch dog on VA property. Three members attended a stake holders meeting in July 10, 2011 represented State of California American Veterans. Promises were made but nothing has changed. VA presented the new Master Plan approved by Washington. In April of 2011, Post Commander Ray Delgado and Finance Officer Keith

Post 4

MOJO AMVETS

Post 4 Cmdr. Greg Raffa

e are working alongside partnerships in four major programs starting with the Redding Airshow for Sept. 10-12th. We have been invited by MIAP to set up Post 4 informational table & Northern AREA AMVETS. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute for October 6-9th (also Big Bike Weekend) thanks again to MIIAP, with many post members and our post sponsoring with so many great individuals and businesses in our community. Volunteering for our Northern Area. Stand-Down for October 21-23rd. Sponsoring also with the Lyon's Club of Shasta Lake for this year's Veterans Day Parade for November5th. If you would like to participate as AMVETS members throughout the state and in particular from

Jeffreys attended the Culver City Mayor’s Luncheon. Post II members also attended Air force retirement program at Los Angeles Air Force Base in May. Several members attended the Summer Celebration at West Los Angeles Medical Center August 6, 2011 hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America. Please visit Historic AMVETS Post II at www.amvetspost2.com  Home About Contact

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Welcome to Historic AMVETS Post II, Culver City, California

LINKS AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA AMVETS NATIONAL USVAA Eugene A Obregon CMH Memorial Foundation

The historic AMVETS Post II Building. Click image to enlarge. For over sixty years, historic AMVETS Post II has served American veterans and the citizens of California. Chartered at the end of WWII... (click to read more)

the North, contact me for a Veterans Day Form. We are trying to put together an AMVETS Northern Area Float also, we have time so please join with us as TEAM AMVETS. Legislation for our Veterans Home and Entitlements for our veterans, Veterans issues against the Veterans strongly led by members Maurice Johannessen and John Cleckner. Pete Conaty, Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, Senator Doug LaMalfa and of course Congressman Wally Herger fighting in the trenches for veterans. Kudos for all the time, efforts and monies spent by our members giving to our community. John Welch for the Pearl Harbor Survivors Monument at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery and now working on a. World War II Monument. Mike Wiley working on the Vietnam Memorial there also. We need to recognize Chaplain Indian Dan, FO John

Ruth, 2nd Vice Jim Busher (Coterie), Gary Stafford, Service Officer Kemp Letts, Gale Hawthorne for hopefully donating to our post a 19-52 Korean War Ambulance (Dodge Flat 6, 4 wheel drive), Roger Yellowknife, Gordon Baugh, Fred Salanti, Garth Knowles over and over again. So many people to thank, great efforts and time spent in the community, helping veterans, their families and our community is on going with commitments by our post members. Lastly, I want to commend Lyndia. Kent for working so hard putting together a. Ladies Auxiliary for our post membership. Lyndia will make a great Madame President and her ladies are already helping wherever they can to make us finally a finished Family working side by side as it should be!! Our lst Vice Jonathan Whitehead KUDOOS stepping up running meetings when I cannot be there.

Visit our website

www.calamvets.org Vol. 15, No. 2

California AMVETS Voice—13

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

Post 18

Hal Camp Post 18 Report September 2011 Submitted by Ivan Ashbaugh

uring this reporting period, (ending August 31, 2011) the Legion of Honor (LOH) (Honor Guard) participated in two funeral services. We also participated in the Anaheim 4th of July parade. Ivan Ashbaugh, Brent Neilson, Sandi Ashbaugh and Co Duran rode in the back of a truck, decorated with the American flag and flags of all the branches of services. We played taps and rendered rifle salutes (present arms) at numerous spots along the parade route. We were introduced by loud speakers at various points along the route. (bottom right). The Post had a booth at the Orange County Fair in the Orange County Connection tent for the full four weeks of the fair. This is the largest and longest running event in AMVETS Hal Camp Post 18 history. It was made possible by networking with Post 18 and Post 18 Auxiliary and their friends, neighbors and relatives with few exceptions. No other veterans' organization was there with a booth or information kiosk. It resembled a one-source “Stand Down” by just one little group. Team AMVETS has many one of a kind selling points that struck a cord with everyone we spoke to. Such as the: • Chapman University, School of Law Pro Bono legal work for all veterans. • Excepting a greater array of veterans into our ranks of members. • Exceptional youth Programs (that AMVETS sponsors with our money) JROTC, Freedoms Foundation, Boy and Girl Scout sponsorships, O.C. 5Th Grade “Walk of Honor” field trips, and Patriotic school coloring and essay contests each year. • Legion of Honor and Honor military funeral honors at grave sites and at sea. • Marching Through History was also of interest by most. • Involvement in both State and Federal houses of legislatures. • Statewide coverage of our Nationally Certified Service Officers. • Involvement in local patriotic events and parades Total man-hours spent manning this booth was 569. Counting all the preparation and premeetings equal 645 man-hours. A priceless appreciation to their volunteer work, especially Post commander Terry McCarty whose idea it was, and Ron Lane and Jeff Sharp who did most of the set up and take down. Our booth also won a First Place (Blue) ribbon for our set-up. (right) Ron Lane, Jeff Sharp, Terry McCarty, Roger McBride, John Dugan, Melody Meraz, Jack Isaacson, Ivan and Sandi Ashbaugh, Robbie Tovar, Coco and Santa Duran , Katherine Lowe, Joe Seda, Alex Madrigal, Joye Deutsch, and Pam Arellano. 

14—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

Vol. 15, No. 3

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

Post 22

Submitted by Jerry Guevara

ost 22 members were well represented at the State Convention in Concord this past June. Those members were able to advise members that were unable to attend with what they learned and participated in. This past convention was very well attended and it is very important that we keep ALL post members informed at all levels so that they can base their decisions on all information at hand.

Post 34

GOLDEN GATE POST 34 REPORT

May 2011: • •

Members of Post 22 continue to be very active and some of the activities that they have been involved with since June has been: •

• •

• • •

•

• • •

During the 4th of July selling period, they set up a fireworks booth (a 1st time venture) and were able to speak to a lot of customers regarding AMVETS and just what community programs that they are involved with. During that period, post members and volunteers handed out “Suicide Prevention” information to almost every customer as well as White Clovers. The post also participated at a clothing drive during the 4th of July period by sitting at a table provided by Old Navy/The Gap as part of their Nationwide program for the 2nd year in a row. Members of the post were very instrumental in helping the local baseball team, Visalia Rawhide, with their presentation of the 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Night. ALL military personal were given a free ticket to attend the baseball game and some of them also took part of the pre-game activities that honored Veterans. Post 22 also set up an informational table and handed out lots of good stuff to the customers that stopped by. White Clovers were also handed out to lots. Several post members attended a 4th of July ceremony at Redwood Springs Retirement Home. A local service group in Visalia, The Sunset Lions, asked for a speaker to give them information on what AMVETS does and what sort of impact they make on the community. Because of the relationship that AMVETS has created with the baseball organization in town, Visalia Rawhide, they have been able to not only put up a very large banner that has been on the left field wall all year, but to also be able to have several informational tables through out the year. A table was set up and members that sat at the table were able to talk to members of the community and hand out White Clovers as well as take donations. But most important, making them aware of what we do and what we stand for. Participated in the yearly Central Valley Vietnam Veterans Annual Motorcycle Run and Car Show. A large amount of participants stopped by an informational table and were given Veterans Resource books as well as information about our AMVETS Service Officers. A visit to St. Louis for the National Convention was on the plate for one post member and there was sharing of information brought back. Another informational table at a baseball game will be taking place before the season ends. Several post members and volunteers were asked to help with an outdoor concert put on by a large business in Woodlake at their new outdoor facility. There were by all estimates over 4,000 people in attendance for the Montgomery Gentry concert and those that attended saw that their local veterans were hard at work. Lots of good information was shared with positive feedback on non AMVETS veterans liking what we had to say and what we do. We have also been asked to do the same at their 2nd concert in September. Another country group, Big and Rich, along with Gretchen Wilson.

There are a lot of events/programs planned and some post members are able to find the time to help out. A lot more participation is needed to be successful and we are hoping that with us being active that we will gain an increase in membership. An increase in membership will mean more participation, something that every post should be concerned with. Post continues to meet the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, corner of Center and Willis, across from Smart and Final at 6:30 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Vol. 15, No. 3

•

Members Alexandra Crichlow and Raymond Wong were named Mayoral four-year appointees to the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission. Six Post 34 members attended the USS San Francisco Memorial Ceremony where member SGT. (USMC Retired) Vince Rios was a speaker. He had retired to Texas but returned to take part in the ceremony. Front row: Vince Rios, Ralph Gibson, Michael Thompson. Back row: Sheryl Shaffer, Alex Crichlow, Helen Wong

Post members attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Presidio of SF where WWII members, Jimmy Poulos and Fereuza Gifford, and other WWII veterans were recognized by the crowd. Veterans Affairs Commissioners (members of Post 34) included Alex Crichlow, Wallace Levin, Raymond Wong, and Michael Thompson on the stage with other dignitaries. Several Post 34 members participated in a presentation about the “WholeVet Program” as part of the meeting of the East Bay Collaborative. The Collaborative met at the Concord Vet Center.

June 2011: • • •

•

We had eight members of the Post attend the State Convention in Concord, the most we’ve had in a long time. New member Carroll Erickson started the “Socks for Soles” program. Post 34 received a Service Foundation grant to continue providing meals to needy veterans during the “AMVETS For VETS” Sundays held at the War Memorial Building. Volunteers come to provide a variety of topics including relaxation & stress reduction, VA Home Loans, Veterans Housing resources, besides helping with videotaping WWII veterans stories for the Veterans History Project. The Post adopted a feline mascot “Spartacus” who comes in with Jason, a Gulf War veteran. WWII veteran Jimmy Poulos is the main cook shown with David Adams, Sgt.-atArms (right). New Life member, Commander Ulyssies Moore, one of the last Buffalo soldiers from WWII, was recognized by Mayor Lee and the Board of Supervisors with proclamations at City Hall. Commissioner Alex Crichlow was instrumental in coordinating this honor, pictured on next page.

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —15

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

Post 34, cont.

The Elks Club later celebrated his 95th birthday with a party at their Hall (below right).

•

July 2011:

• SF VA Hospital Director Lawrence Carroll appointed Alex Crichlow to the Veterans & Family Advisory Council for a 2 year term. Member Ralph Gibson, and new member Tangerine Gyi are already on the Council. • Several post members took part in the East Bay Veterans Fair co-sponsored by Post 26 and the Vet Center in Concord. • Member Sheryl Shaffer did another “Veterans Helping Veterans” tv show with Bill Roberts on VA Home Mortgages, why it is the best loan in America. The show can be •

•

accessed through bliptv.net. Three members of Post 34, Carroll Erickson, Carl Merrifield, and Alex Crichlow, participated in a presentation about the “WholeVet Program” at a meeting of the California Collaborative at Moffett Field. Members Jarom Vahai & Alex Crichlow were selected to be on the White House Community Leadership Committee, and have been to Washington to meet with President Obama.

•

Post 40

Respectfully submitted by Dave Richey

CONCORD CONVENTION 2011

T Jarom has continued with his quest to get jobs for vets. His latest news is found on his Green Careers for Vets postings (GC4VETS.org). He can be reached at: vahai@gc4vets.org. August 2011: • Six post members attended National Convention in St. Louis, and the WholeVet Program was presented as an educational seminar by founder Alex Crichlow. It was well attended with other members wanting to start a

•

Cmdr. Wong and Commissioner Crichlow attended the Cathay Post 384 American Legion’s 80th Anniversary and 8th Annual Community, Fire & Police Appreciation Banquet. They met the new in-coming American Legion National Commander, Fang A. Wong from New York City. VetSTRONG hosted a Young Veteran Service Expo at City College of SF. Cmdr. Wong & 1st Vice Cai represented AMVETS with a table of resource materials, and giveaways of school supplies. Bill Roberts also was giving out info about VA home loans, and his free seminars. Jarom Vahai was there and talked to young veterans about his upcoming Bauer Limousine hiring event. AMVETS was the only veterans service organization in attendance aside from the VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, and the CCSF Veterans Alliance. 

program in their areas of the State. The S.F. Veterans Resource Center at the War Memorial Veterans Building had the Grand Opening which was attended by Post 34 members Cmdr. Wong, Jarom Vahai, Carroll Erickson, Rafiki Cai, David Adams, Alex Crichlow, Raymond Wong. This is a project of the American Legion War Memorial Commission, and Mr. Craig Newmark (Craigslist founder) who was in attendance and approachable to veterans. The Center is open from 1-5PM, Mon-Fri, and has 12 computers and 2 pool tables available for veterans to use. S.F. Armed Forces Community Covenant (ACC) & Town Hall Resource Fair Planning Committee met to plan a Resource Fair and formal ACC signing event to be held on Feb. 29, 2012. DeAnn Isenberg, Jamie Lopez, Alexandra Crichlow are the three co-founders with Cmdr. Wong representing AMVETS on the committee.

16—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

he Department of California held its annual convention in Concord June 10-12. Members of Michael Ottolini AMVETS Post 40 of Sonoma County in attendance were Bud Simmons (Adjutant and out-going Northern Area Commander), Lorraine Plass (Judge Advocate and Department Legislative Chair), Brian McKeown (incoming Post Commander), Winston Sehrt (2nd Vice), Jay Matthews (incoming Junior Past Commander), Hattie Stone (outgoing Chaplain), and Dave Richey (Finance Officer). It was great to have a small post of 40 members represented by seven of us. Of those seven, we were entitled to 5 ballots on any of the Floor votes. The National Commander, Jerry Hotop, was invited to attend the Convention, and he arrived on Thursday, June 9. Dave was assigned to be his escort for the weekend. Thursday turned out to be the worst travel day that Cmdr Hotop has experienced in his tenure as Commander. His original flight from St. Louis was delayed, and after several other delays and flight changes, he arrived at the San Francisco airport at 10 p.m. He should have landed at 2:10 p.m. To add insult to injury, his luggage got separated from him and did not arrive at the hotel until mid-afternoon the next day. He was a good sport about it, and he is a really nice, down-to-earth man. After the convention was completed on Sunday, Dave drove the Commander over to the Yountville Veterans Home. Orlando Resendez and Ed Olson of Post 101, gave him a tour of the campus. Commander Hotop was impressed with the home and really enjoyed the trip. Many topics were discussed at the convention, with emphasis on member-

Get your AMVETS gear here!

www.amvetsquartermaster.com/

Vol. 15, No. 3

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

Post 40, cont.

ship, programs and especially VAVS (Veterans’ Assistance Volunteer Services). This program is operated together with VA clinics and hospitals. There is a training program being rolled out to increase the effectiveness of recruiting new members. More information will be forthcoming. Again, the importance of program reporting was brought up. With very few exceptions (such as meetings), all functions performed in relationship to AMVETS are reportable. During the Northern Area caucus, Greg Raffa of Post 4 in Bella Vista (near Redding) was elected NA Commander. When we broke up into District caucuses, Dave Richey was elected as District 8 Commander, responsible for the operation of Posts 40 (Santa Rosa), 101 (Yountville) and 1776 (Vacaville). Succeeding Charlie Ramos as Department Commander is Jerry Greer of Post 96 in Eureka. His 1st Vice is Mike Clay of Post 2002 in Corning and 2nd Vice is Jerry Guevara from the Central Area. All in all, this was an exciting and encouraging Convention.

Post 48

Post 48 Back to School Project

by Cleo V. Lloyd and John Byrum Life members Post 48

ocial Work Services and AMVETS Post 48, Long Beach (American Veterans) partnered to provide our Veterans with assistance in getting their children ready to go back to school. Due to our current economic challenges, many of our veterans are struggling to make ends meet. To add to their already full plate of woes of trying to figure out how to get the rent/mortgage paid, cope with the high cost of gas and how to put food on the table, it is now time to make preparations to get their children ready to go back to school. Question asked, “What do I do now?” No parent wants to disappoint their children. We often say what our parents said, “I want my children to have it better than what I did.” In many ways we have lost what it really means to provide for our children. Even though it is nice to give our children the latest and greatest electronic gadget; the reality is that for many of us, our financial situation or even our future employability is no longer guaranteed. That is where organizations such as AMVETS come to the rescue. With a generous grant from AMVETS Post 48, a community partner, working to make it better for Veterans, we were able to provide some of the basics to get the kids prepared to go back to school. AMVETS Post 48 provided a $1,000 grant (thanks to Service Foundation) to purchase from the “Back to School list” for 50 Veterans children that were identified as being in the greatest need of assistance. Back to school items such as backpacks, pens, pencils, paper, glue, scissors, crayons, etc., were purchased for children ranging in ages from six to 17 years old. In a time of uncertainty, it is comforting to know we have organizations such as AMVETS, Post 48 in our community to provide much needed assistance to our Veterans and their families. 

Above left: F.O. Richey receives Golden State Award

Left: Post 40 members with National Commander Hotop

Vol. 15, No. 3

Post 50

By Delmer Clements Post 50 Commander

ost 50 is now compliant and recharged after attending the national convention. We at post 50 are focusing on membership and community out reach to our veterans. We are going to start building a positive reputation and promote the AMVETS name here in the Willows area.

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —17

Post 56

POST Reports

SMACKERZ SOFTBALL

1744 Cochran Ave, Tulare Ca 93274 559-736-7067 28 August 2011 Dear AMVETS,

n behalf of the SMACKERZ Girls Fast pitch Softball Club we would like to thank you for all your support. With your support made it possible to give our athletes a door of opportunity in college softball. This year 2011 we are happy to announce that 6 of our softball players are now playing college softball. In the starting of 2009 we have successfully placed 10 softball players into a college softball program have been awarded over $42,000 in college athletic scholarships. We now have players from our program at The College of the Sequoias (COS), Porterville College, Fresno City College, Reedley College, Northern Oklahoma Darryl W. and Commander Acosta present check for Eagle Scout project College, and Oklahoma Baptist University. Our College placement program has been a great success due to your support. You have forever changed the lives and provided the opportunity to the following athletes: Deanelle Dorhman (Catcher) Porterville College, Porterville; Lauren Crow (Pitcher) College of the Sequoias, Visalia Danielle Dominguez (Utility Player) Fresno City, Fresno; Saraha Pemberton (1st Baseman) College of the Sequoias, Visalia Destiny Arredondo (Catcher) Reedley College, Reedley; Kelcey Knutson (Outfielder) College of the Sequoias, Visalia Bridget Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shaughnessy (Utility Player) College of the Sequoias Vanidee Quinonez (Sort Stop) Northern Oklahoma, Oklahoma Aurianna Corrales (Pitcher) Northern Oklahoma, Oklahoma Chenelle Florez (Pitcher) Oklahoma Baptist University With your support our program can continue to provide the opportunity for future athletes, team picture (right).

AMVETS 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 34

www.amvets34.org Post 40 www.caamvets40.org Post 53 www.vecsamnet.org/amvts53 Post 85 montereybayamvets.com 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

Forever thankful, Adrian Corrales, Coach Member AMVETS Post 56

18â&#x20AC;&#x201D;California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

Vol. 15, No. 3

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

Post 2007

Right: Flag Raising July 27th Green Tree Inn Below: Picnic 4th July AMVETS Group Middle right: Picnic 4th July water balloon toss. Commander Larry Thompson getting wet from toss.

Blessing of Flags with Larry Thompson

Women Vets

Women Veterans

n March they participated in the Thank you Sheroes event at Saddleback College for Women in Military History week. At the Miracle of Women Recovery Conference in April RWV sponsored 40 women veterans to include family members from domiciliary, United States Veterans, New Directions, Neomi House, and female veterans in the community at LAX Hilton. Above is a picture of AMVETS Veterans Service Officer John Castillo at the female veteran benefits overview that WVEP/ RWV held for the patients at the West LA VA. To the left is CA Women Veteran delegates with National Cmdr. Hotop. 

Vol. 15, No. 3

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —19

*** For Your Information ***

** ENROLL in the VA health care system. Applications can be found at any Department of Veteran’s affairs, hospital, clinic or your local Veterans Service Office (VSO). Put together by E.J.Hogan California AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary #100

VA Form 10-10EZ. 1-877-222-8387 ext:8387 or www.va.gov/1010ez.htm ** BLUE BUTTON

PRINT your personal information ** REPLACING MILITARY RECORDS

1-800-827-1000 ** TELEPHONE CARE

Forms can be found at: www.archives.cov/research/index.html ALSO: Check box at that site for "STANDARD FORM” SF 180 Or write to: National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 Services: M-F 8 A.M. – 4 P.M. ** ADMISSIONS

1-800-455-0057 ** PHARMACY

The BLUE BUTTON icon can be found on My HealthVet (www.myhealth.va.gov). You may access your personal health care information. You can also VIEW and

1-800-455-0057 Option #3 ** BENEFITS

1-800-311-2511 Ext 68084 ** WOMEN VETERANS & CLINIC 1-888-443-7182 www.va.gov/womentvet ** BURIAL & MEMORIAL BENEFITS 1-800-927-1000 www.cem.va.gov ***VA PAHCS** Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

PLAN, PREPARE, EASE YOUR STRESS & LIST: Doctor ____________________ Hospital ____________________ Clergy ____________________ Friends to notify CONTACT & NOTIFY *VAPAHCS (Veterans Affairs) 650-493-5000 Ex.65432 *Locate the following and make copies for yourself and secure them in a safe place of your choice. *Military discharge papers or DD214. *Life Insurance & policy numbers. *Vehicle registration(s). *Home owners Title *Financial loan institutions.

PLAN: *Preplan wishes with your loved one: Cremation or burial. *Speak to your Clergy & the director of the funeral home or memorial society. Bring the following to the funeral home. *Social Security number *Life Insurance Policy *Memorial service *Cemetery services *Be sure to request 6 death certificates. POINTS TO CONSIDER *Notify auto insurance company. *Promptly check all loan or installment payments. If there is to be a delay, request more time before payments are due. *Decide on an appropriate memorial gift or charity. Specify the amount clearly.

20—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

PREPARE A SIMPLE OBITUARY Name, age, place of birth, occupation membership to local organizations and list all family survivors. IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY: *Bank & Loan Institutions *Life Policy holders *Motor Vehicle(s) DO NOT CASH THE FOLLOWING CHECKS. DO NOT CASH The current month retirement military pay check; or the current active duty pay check. DO NOT CASH the current months Social Security check.

Vol. 15, No. 3

AMVETS Poetry & Memorials In Memory of Earl Lee

Life Member of AMVETS Post 1775, former RECA Chairperson, Died August 6, 2011. Our condolences to his family and post.

Oh! Eagles Fly! And capture souls! And take them to their rest! And, God will make a special place for these heroes in his nest! For, is not a soul that should not weep for these thirty fallen brothers, That sacrificed, for you and I, and many countless others! Oh! Heroes! You did hear the call! And, in answer you did go! For, was your will to sacrifice your life...But, NOT your warrior’s soul! No! Breath you had, and you gladly gave! For, duty be to strangers Who will never know the warriors life; the countless unseen dangers. But....All men will pass! We know this well! For flesh is doomed to die, But, unlike those who ponder life, you heroes never questioned why! You knew that some must pay the price that weaker souls would not, And, who, but you, would have the grit to sacrifice your lot? And, though man might never know your name, ‘tis God will know your deeds,

I Remember Him

Unpublished Work, © 2009 Mike Swagerty I remember HIM…That man I fought beside, When I was just a scared young kid with no place left to hide. They thought they taught me how to fight before I went to war But I knew then I could never be like that hero of the Corps.

And, welcome you into his house, and meet with all your needs. Oh! Heroes, you! We need much more! But, men like you are few! Who sacrifice their very life for those they never knew.

Oh, I tried to do the things he did, but I just was not that good And, I always did what I was told to do; but HE did all he should. He’s the one who saved my life, time and time again And I knew then I could never be a warrior just like him. I saw him charge a bunker once when he was hurt real bad So, I followed him and I gave some; But he gave all he had. And when I thought the end had come and this was where I’d die He stepped up and saved my life, and spit in the devils eye. Oh, yes! I saw him pick off snipers, standing up to get the shot! While men fell all around him in a battle blazing hot. And I saw him carry wounded while he bled from wounds himself And I wondered how he carried on, yet never asked for help. Hell! How could I forget him? I can still see him today! When no one else knew what to do, HE could find a way! When all was lost, and BRAVE men cried, for their brothers fallen dead He racked a round, and stood his ground, and always moved ahead. MY GOD! Where do men like him find the strength to carry on? And who will take this heroes place when he is finally gone? Will anyone remember the sacrifices that he made? To save his fallen brothers so they could fight another day! Oh! I do remember him! I still see him in my mind. He was fighting everywhere! Right, left, front and behind! HE was not just one man! He was ALL the men… like you! Who stood their ground, and racked a round, that’s why we’re called THE FEW!

Vol. 15, No. 3

Passing of Navajo Code Talker Joe Morris

Passing of Navajo Code Talker Joe Morris, Sr., Dine’(Navajo), was born in 1926 and raised on the Navajo reservation in Indian Wells, Ariz. He served in the United States Marine Corp. as a Navajo Code Talker from 1944-46 (Guadalcanal, Guam, Saipan, Okinawa, and Tinstao, China).

Joe Morris, Sr., Dine’(Navajo), was born in 1926 and The viewing and service will take place on Monday, July 25th, 2011 at raised on the Navajo reservation in Indian Wells, Arizona. East Hills Community Church He served the United 20660 OrangeinTerrace ParkwayStates Marine Corp. as a Navajo Riverside, 925081944-46 (Guadalcanal, Guam, Saipan, Code TalkerCAfrom (951) 776-9111 Okinawa, China). Viewingand 10:30Tinstao, - 11:30 Service 11:30 - 12:30 The viewing and service took place on Monday, July 25th, 2011 Riverside, California. Burial willin take place at National Cemetery in Riverside at 1:00 pm 22495 Van Buren Boulevard flowers, (about 1/2 mile church) In lieu of sending the from family is requesting Riverside, CA 92518 donations be made to the following Bank of America In lieu of sending flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the account #2454773221 in care of Christopher Morris. following Bank Of America account #2454773221 in care of Christopher Morris

California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org —21

Coterie Group 2011 Who are we? Any military veteran of any war is welcome to join our Coterie group. At no charge. What is it?

The Coterie Group offers combat veterans a safe environment for communication and interaction through the powerful presence of horses. Each group session will include three parts: each session will start with a “check-in” or “introduction” with the participants, followed by a group exercise period utilizing the horses, and concluding with a reflection period on the completed exercise. Refreshments are served.

Where?

A.Meliora Ranch 16170 Renee Court Happy Valley, California 96007

When?

The second Monday of each month July 11, August 8, September 11, October 9, November 13 in 2011

@ 10 am to 12 noon

Contact: Jim Busher @ 530-341-2242 cell (Please call between 8a.m. and 6p.m.) 22—California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org

Vol. 15, No. 3

Friends of AMVETS

Agm Investments Inc.

Sam Joaquin Prime Care

Air Service Specialist

T & S Hoist & Rigging Inc.

Art Silva

Taylor Accountancy

Bill Reinhardt & Associates

Tice Gardner & Fujimoto Llp

Chiropractic Health Service

Tin Man

Dale Wait

Totoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Pizzeria

Empire Painting Contractors

Unlimited Text & Talk

Farnesis Rest & Cocktail Lounge

Virtual Construction Inc.

Houston Mfg. & Installation Inc.

Wrex Products Inc. of Chico

J W Mc Clenahan Co.

GOLD

Mail Boxes Etc. #1307

Dm Color Express Inc.

Matt Katicich Sr.

SILVER

Romaine Properties

Mr. John Macharg

S K J Industdries Inc.

Superior Construction

Congratulations to the 2011 CA Dept. Americanism Student Winners K 1st place Boghosian (56) 2nd place Spratt (1996) 1st Grade 1st place Coenen (1996) 2nd place Vu (18) 3rd place Acero (56) 2nd Grade 1st place Goicochea (18) 2nd place Garrett (1996) 3rd place Avarado (56) 3rd Grade 1st place Ramirez (18) 2nd place Ortiz (56) 4th Grade 1st place Cobb (56) 5th Grade 1st place Torredela-Clark (18) 2nd place Ortiz (56) 3rd place Kilby (40) Vol. 15, No. 3

6th Grade 1st place Cravens (56) 2nd place Briones (1996) 3rd place Lopez (18) 7th Grade 1st place Green (99) 2nd place Martinez (56) 8th Grade 1st place Cravens (56) 9th Grade 1st place Silva (1996) 2nd place Salazar (99) 10th Grade 1st place Reusey (99) 11th grade 1st place Reyes (99) 2nd place Bachik (1996) 3rd place Bemson (56) 12th Grade 1st place Aubakirova (56) California AMVETS Voice - www.calamvets.org â&#x20AC;&#x201D;23

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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Veterans' Service Records Home > Veterans' Service Records > Military Service Records Request Service Records

Attention Veterans!

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



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

___________

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

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 father

Membership Fees: Mother

ANNUAL: $30

Son Daughter Sister Brother

LIFE: $200

New and Renewal Dues varies between Posts.

*Post dues vary.

RENEWAL: $30