Vol. 13, No. 1

Spring, 2009 Vol. 13, No. 1

commander’s commenTsBy Mel Posey, Commander, Department of California AMVETS

Commander Posey

1sT Vice commander's reporTBy John W. Byrum, 1st Vice Commander, Department of California AMVETS

CALL TO DUTY

It has been a very tough first eight months, and at this point I can not say enough about how far this Department and its Service Foundation have come since last June. We are working hard, doing extremely difficult and

complicated work. My experience has been that often it is easier and more cost effective to

tear down a sixty year old house - except for one wall - and rebuild from the ground up rather than try and work around decades of repairs and patches. Yet, that is where we have found ourselves since I became Commander on July 1, 2008. We have taken a house that had extensive damage, and worked towards making a stronger and sounder structure for the future.

With regards to the Department of California and its Service Founda-tion, both are moving together into the 21st century. We are working as a nonprofit organization in parallel with our normal AMVETS organizational activities. Presently, the C&BLs are being over hauled to reflect this, and we are drafting written policies and procedures. “Structure” and resources are being created so that those written words have basis to function as the “Aims and Purposes of AMVETS” as it should in today’s world. Among these will be a modernized communications system that allows for uniform infrastruc-ture thereby providing us with easier access and decrease cost.

We shall use the principals of our beginnings and today’s formats to address the needs of our veterans, especially those currently in service or re-

We, as a Department need to get out of the trenches we are in and step up the attack. We have held our ground long enough with small advances. Tighten up your boot laces; pack up your

supplies, and CHARGE! New members are out there and we need to get them in our ranks. Let them know that they can be a part of the Department of California AMVETS. Stand proud with head held high when speaking of AMVETS. Tell them they can have a part in helping others that have their same concerns and needs. As of February 2, we had increased new membership by 157 with 145 of those being new lifetime members. We had 421 renewals, and one convert from ‘at large’ to a post. I want to see that new membership number increase by 10 times as much. I am confident it can be achieved if all do their share. Not too many of them are out looking for you to sign them up, you have to look for them. They won’t be hard to find, just some a bit tough to sell AMVETS too. Have them go to our web site; amvets-ca.org and to the National web site, amvets.org to see the many great things we are doing. We can make so much happen if we pull together and get our ideas heard and working. I will not ask you to do something that I am not working on and doing myself – I have signed in 17 new life time members and 1 new annual member in the past few

months. If I can do it, so can many of you. I challenge you to match me or just plain kick my rear in getting new members. As we move forward I am seeing a lot of good things happening with Posts getting grants and putting out the time and effort to support our Veterans, our youth programs, our communities, and to the brave Men and Women serving us around the world today. We may not be able to do everything needed and solve all the problems but we dang well can give them a fighting chance to work. I, again, implore you to stand with your head held high when speaking about AMVETS, an organization to be proud of. I have been asked if I had plans to run for the Commander’s position in June. I have thought about this quite a bit and, yes I will put my name in the running for what I consider one of the most honorable and prestigious positions an individual could hold. To be able to hold the position as Commander for the AMVETS Department of California and have the opportunity to work hand in hand with you would be something words couldn’t describe. I ask that you consider me in June and give me the chance to go forward with your support to continue making this Department the leader of this great nation in veterans support.

cently discharged. The funding of our post, district, area, and Department projects is a means of achieving those goals. You are witness to the first of these: adjustments in the vision for veterans service centers, beginning at the Los Alamitos JFTB project; the providing of veter-ans with legal information through our relationship with the Chapman University Law School in the south, and the Veterans Legal Education pilot project in the north; and the Veteran’s Welcome Home event held at the Rose Bowl.

To be sure, we shall continue to help those veterans having past active duty service. We are enhancing the ability of our Service Officers to continue as the spearhead of operations. “Structure” when applied to VAVS operations and strengthening our efforts at Stand Downs will help improve our effectiveness.

May thanks to all that have assisted in this transition process and to those of you who have shown the patience necessary to allow this work to be in progress. I believe that you will see AMVETS a stronger organization closer to our Department conven-tion in Ontario. I hope to see all of you there. I should have more positive information to provide at that time. Please remember to preregister by sending Rose the names of your delegates and your $10 fee for each one. On another note: We have hired Pete Conaty, as our AMVETS Legislative Advocate to lobby for us at the State Capitol. You may read his bio on page 5 in this issue of the Voice.

2—California AMVETS Voice Vol. 13, No. 1

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010

Commander Mel Posey [email protected]

1st Vice Commander John Byrum [email protected]

2nd Vice Commander Dennis Starkey 909-355-1061 [email protected]

Northern Area Commander Thomas Johnson [email protected]

Central Area Commander Frank Guerra 559-960-3682

Southern Area Commander Cephus R. Daniels [email protected]

Finance Officer Phil Plascencia 559-686-8289

Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel [email protected]

Provost Marshal Ben Aguayo 626-337-6152

N.E.C. Man Filbert Bejarano 559-686-0335

Alt. N.E.C. Man Gene Sustaita 559-686-9317

Trustee S.E.B. Leo Simon 530-275-0574

Trustee S.E.B. Baldemar Salmon 559-303-4528

Chaplain Tom Sarchipone 707-226-3978

Inspector General Terry Mc Carty 714-585-5804

The Voice is published quarterly by Midwest Publishing, Inc.. Any articles or photographs received after the deadlines will be held for the next edition. All articles must be signed to be printed. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission for clarity, brevity, etc. The opinions expressed in The Voice are those of the authors and not necessarily the opinion of the AMVETS Department of California. Submit articles to:

California AMVETS Voice, Attn: Rose Blackman611 N. Sacramento St. Tulare, CA 93274or E-mail: [email protected]

Table of ContentsOfficer’s Reports ....................................................................................... 3

Legislative Advocate’s Report .................................................................. 5

Pierce, Larry Stanley ................................................................................ 6

Upcoming Events ...................................................................................... 7

AMVETS Riders ....................................................................................... 8

War Trauma Resources ............................................................................ 9

Auxiliary Reports .................................................................................... 11

Photo Editorial ........................................................................................ 14

Post Reports ............................................................................................. 16

Stories of Service ..................................................................................... 27

Vol. 13, No. 1 California AMVETS Voice—3

This is an exciting, extremely busy time to be a part of AMVETS Department of California. I’m excited because we have one new post (Monterey Post 85) to welcome to

our group, and because I’ve sent out four new posts packages in the last 60 days. I want to thank post 940 Cmdr. Paul Bonar for the ideas he gave me of items to send to new posts once they are chartered so they can know what is expected of them and what is going on in the dept. Another reason for me to be excited is our new budget. It made it possible for me to hire another part time secretary (Stacy) whose main job is to scan, and save on computer discs the many thousands of pieces of paper that we have in our storage room. This will make it easier for me to research information I need about your post and other things relating to the department. My other part-time secretary (Lynda)’s job is to work on new memberships. She is primarily responsible for getting the annual cards sent out to the members or posts, and update information to national. When possible, it is preferable for all posts or members with computers to update your own information. I have been asked by some posts if we will send cards directly to the annual members. If there are only one or two on your dues remittance form and you include a note (or have already told me verbally) we will send the card directly to the member. If there are more than two, we will send the cards directly to the post. All life cards come directly from national to the member, unless the post has stated otherwise. It is only necessary to send me one copy of the life membership or dues remittance form (I will make extra copies that I need). This will save you paper, postage and time. I hope that all of the posts are keeping track of who is sponsoring the new members in your posts for the national green hats contest. If your post needs a blank form please contact me. The contest ends May 31, 2009. If you are thinking of running for a department office in June, please contact me for a candidate’s form, which needs to be returned to me no later than May 1. As you will read in the Finance Officer’s report, Phil and I have been very busy on the phones with national and the IRS to be sure we are giving our posts the right information concerning their tax exempt status and how to file your taxes. If you’ve called and received a busy signal that is probably why. We look forward to seeing all of you at State convention at the beautiful Doubletree Ontario Hotel, if you have not already made your reservation please do so, you will not be able to get our great AMVETS rate if you reserve after May 9. In advance I’d like to thank Post 113 and Post 1240 for being our hosts, I understand they have some great entertainment planned for our banquet. Information on the ticket prices and menu will be sent out to the posts as soon as I get it. ALL posts who preregister and pay for their delegates (still only $10 per delegate), will have their delegate’s names put into a special raffle. We will be raffling off more than one prize. This year we will be trying something different with name tags. First we hope to have them all made up before you arrive, this will save time at the registration desk (another great reason to preregister). Second, we will be collecting them at the doors the last day of convention. If you have any name tags from past conventions please feel free to bring them. It’s much better for our environment if we recycle these tags rather than throwing them away. Thank you all for the work you are doing on behalf of our veterans and their families. As always if there is anything I can do to help you, please contact me by phone (559-688-3407) or e-mail [email protected].

executive director’s deskBy Rose Blackman

Jim PidgeonFoundation President

“YoUr”Once again I am honored to report to you the membership of AMVETS Department

of California, on the tremendous progress in the restructuring of “your” Service Foundation. Before I start, many thanks are in order. First, I would like to thank

Cmdr. Posey and his entire Executive Board for all the work they have done ensuring that your Department and Foundation work seamlessly. Never before have we witnessed such a team effort between the elected officers of your Department and Service Foundation. The continued open lines of communication and cooperation between all concerned is literally rewriting the history of California AMVETS! I would also like to personally thank the Board of Trustees of your Service Foundation. Your Foundation is well represented from all three areas of our state. Pete Ramirez and Jerry Martinez from the south; Dick Hum, Helen Wong and Cmdr. Posey from the north and Gene Sustaita from the central area. Your trustees have worked tirelessly through many marathon meetings taking care of the much needed work completely revamping the way we as AMVETS conduct the business of helping the more than three million veterans in our state. Mane thanks are in order for your Foundation staff. I take my hat off to Marc Woods Chief Operating Officer. Doug Bradley Executive Officer for the fantastic job they have both done. Their expert advice and opinions have ensured your trustees have the knowledge to make the important decisions needed to maximize the effectiveness of your Foundation funds. They further ensure we are in compliance with all corporate laws of the state of California and all National and Department Constitution and Bylaws.

I further would like to recognize the great work of our legal staff: Ron and Mike of GGB. April and our own Marie Artesse. Your Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel has literally put his personal life on hold for the past year doing the never-ending work of bringing the Department of California AMVETS into the 21st century. Please thank Chuck when you see him at convention! Also, we all need to thank First Vice Johnny Byrum, Second Vice Dennis Starkey, Chief of Staff Jeff Sharp, IG Terry McCarty, Executive Director Rose Blackman, Finance Officer Phil Plascencia and all the concerned members who have attended our meetings and all who have joined in with advice, e-mails and comments.

Your Board of Trustees is currently working on three different programs and major procedures. Too much to many to elaborate on in this report. We inherited your Service Foundation in a very outdated and quite frankly primitive state! We are astounded almost on a daily basis. In my opinion, your Service Foundation was run more like a mom and pop gas station than a $50 million dollar corporation. We have made great strides bring-ing your Foundation up to speed.

Much of our work has been to prioritize the three different jobs we need to address. Please be patient! Many new challenges pop up almost everyday. Some of these new and unexpected challenges require immediate attention. We will get to all post rants as soon as possible. As most of you know, much work is being done to make sure all posts have correct EIN numbers and other documents corrected and updated to make them eligible for Foundation funds. Again, I ask for your patience.

Not only is this a challenging time for your Department and Foundation, it is also exciting! I personally encourage you all to become part of the process. Please feel free to contact your elected officers and give them your input. Together will meet our goal of California being the premier department in AMVETS!

Prior to our State Convention in Ontario in June, we are working on a historic meeting of Department Execu-tive Board and Foundation Board at a date and time yet to be announced. At this meeting we will forge the basis of true cooperation. Our goal is to work together and bring the Department and Foundation up to the demanding needs of better servicing California veterans.

I have stressed the word “your” over and over again in this report. This is your Department! This is your Foun-dation. This is “your” time to be part of the solution! Step up and join us! Step up and do what is best for California veterans! Thank you in advance for support and patience. I look forward to seeing you all in June. Fo

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2nd Vice commander's reporTBy Dennis Starkey

deparTmenT Finance oFFicer's reporTBy Phil Plascencia

At the end of last years National Programs reporting we had 31 Posts that reported their programs. That is 53%. That is a good improvement and my thanks to all of you who took the time

to help increase our numbers. As of the 1st of January we start this year with a new reporting period, lets see if we can make 100% this year. We as a Department have come a long way improving the way that we do business. The AMVETS image has greatly improved and is continuing to do so. I am constantly working to improve the web site and adding more useful information. There is a Veterans News page to keep you informed on updated Veterans Benefits. An Up Coming Events page so you can see what is happening with in the Department and a Photo Gallery of past events. If you have an event please email me a flyer and I will post it on the web. If you have photos of an event that you would like to share, e-mail the photos to me along with your Post number and the name of the event and I will put them in the Photo Gallery. All eyes are on California let’s show them what we are made of and make this the Premier Department in the country. Many have shown me that we can do this and I am proud to be working with you. If any one has any questions or needs help do not hesitate to call me. I am available from 8 to 8 Monday thru Saturday.

Phil Plascencia, the Dept. finance director and Executive Director, Rose Blackman are in the middle of complying with State and Federal

tax exempt status information for all posts. As of March 2nd, 37 post officers have signed up to attend the March 14th Seminar on tax exempt status and how to file your post taxes. Please note that for IRS income tax exemption that ALL posts are under AMVETS National headquarters group #0838. You do NOT need to file any other forms other than the SS4 for your EIN. On your SS4 and tax papers you insert the group # from national. All posts that are currently under the Department of California should already have their EIN # (your post had to get in order to get chartered) and it should be a tax exempt number under IRS code 501 c 19.

If by any chance you do not have a IRS deter-mination letter, or are in doubt about your tax exempt status, please write or call the National Executive Director’s office and request a copy for your post file (please send a copy to the dept. for our file on your post) at AMVETS National Head-quarters 1-877-726-8387 ext. 4003, 4647 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, Maryland 20706-4380.

Just recently I attended our executive committee meeting in Bakersfield,

California. As you know, the California Service Foundation has experienced a complete changing of officers and trustees. With our new board of trustees and service foundation we will provide the much needed resources that our Veterans are entitled to. The service foundation’s primary goal is to raise and disperse funds to assist veterans in the state of

California.The Department of California has embarked on a new strategy that will

make it possible for every post in the state of California to request funds for projects that will benefit our veterans.

We are a multi-million dollar nonprofit organization established to pro-vide funding to programs that are designed to promote veterans with much needed benefits.

The Department of California has approved grants to several posts and the Chapman University School of Law.

The proposed Military Personnel Legal Support Center at Chapman University School of Law provides 2nd and 3rd-year law students the op-portunity to work with faculty, clinic directors and other supervising attor-neys to represent military families, combat wounded troops, and veterans in various civil disputes. No such military law clinical programs currently exist in Orange County or at any accredited California Law School.

nec reporT NEC Filbert Bejarano program objectives

I. Filing Disability Claims and AppealsThe wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been going on for the past seven years,

as of November 14, 2008. 33,379 troops have been injured in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Clinic students would represent wounded troops with two types of cases: Physi-cal evaluation boards and traumatic service group life insurance appeals. This means that 2L and 3L law students with appropriate training and supervision can represent wounded troops with all aspects of their disability board hearing and can assist both troops and veterans with traumatic service group life insurance appeals.

II. Assisting the Wounded Warrior ProgramThe army has launched a program to enhance support to wounded troops. Cali-

fornia plays a significant role in the program and the Commander Colonel Elena Kusky is based in California. The program is located at Los Alamitos, California. Commander Kusky is interested in coordinating with Chapman Law School.

Aside from helping wounded troops receive benefits, WWP also responds to property claims against wounded troops. When military troops are wounded in com-bat, military equipment is often lost or destroyed. The military charges the wounded soldier for these lost or damaged items unless the soldier can provide that the loss or damage was due to combat. Chapman Law students could help wounded troops with these assessments. Students would interview witnesses, collect sworn affidavits and appeal the assessments. Without our legal assistance to dispute these charges, military troops can face assessments costing thousands of dollars.

Chapman Military Personnel and Legal Support Center will be unique in legal education. Only a handful of law schools across the country have started clinical programs to help the troops. But most operate on a small scale and limit their practice primarily to filing Veteran’s claims. Chapman’s Military Law Clinic will operate in virtually all areas of law across the entire state of California and will support both active duty troops and veterans.

It is an honor for the Department of California to approve a $5,000 grant to Chap-man University. This program will certainly be a plus to our California military per-sonnel and veterans.


LegisLaTiVeadVocaTe's reporTBy Pete Conaty, AMVETS Legislative Advocate

About Your Lobbyist

Let me introduce myself, I am a life member of AMVETS, a U.S. Army retiree, and a wounded Vietnam Veteran. I am a lobbyist at

the state Capitol and have 23 years experience at the Capitol, both as a staff person, policy consultant, and lobbyist. After I retired from my 21 years with the Army in 1986, I went to work for the Legislature. I rose from a staff level position dealing with member services, to policy consultant for several committees, and finally as Chief Policy Consultant in 1995. I also served as Chief of Staff to the late Assemblyman Mickey Conroy for four years.

In 1996, I founded “Pete Conaty & Associates,” a lobbying firm which provides clients with expert, knowledgeable, and effective guidance in the com-plexities of a “term-limited” California State Legisla-ture. Over the past 13 years, I have taken a hands-on approach to developing relationships with new mem-bers of the State Legislature and their staffs, while maintaining personal contacts throughout the State Capitol, state agencies, and regulatory bodies.

Besides AMVETS, I represent several other military and veteran clients including the American Legion, Armed Forces Retirees Association of Cali-fornia, California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, National Guard Asso-ciation of California, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

About LobbyingIn the era of term limits, it is very important to

have a presence at the state Capitol and to take posi-tions on legislation. 28 new legislators were elected in November; this represents a 23 % turnover of the total 120 legislators. This means that almost a quar-

ter of the Legislature has no knowledge of veterans and military issues. Add to this a constant turn over of committees, staff members, consultants, and state agency employees and it is a full time job just keep-ing track of who is where and then educating them on the issues important to veterans and their families.

One useful tactic that I have developed over the years is to urge my clients to become well known to the Legislature by taking an active role in legisla-tion and policy discussions. The way to do this is to take positions on bills which are favorable to veter-ans. The client’s support for a bill helps the legislator that is authoring the bill move the legislation forward in the process. The obvious upside of this is that it enables legislation beneficial to veterans to be signed into law. The upside for the client is that it has es-tablished that organization as an active participant in the legislative process and that organization now has become a “go to” resource for legislators and staff on all matters pertaining to veterans.

The 2009 State Budget Update

On February 20, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a series of bills known as the “budget pack-age”, which seeks to address California’s $ 42 billion deficit. This budget exercise was unprecedented in that it covered an 18 month time period and that it was negotiated by the Big 5. Normally, each budget covers one fiscal year, however the budget that was passed last year fell short due to the troubled econo-my, therefore the budget package had to also include revisions to the last half of the FY 08-09 budget. The normal budget process was also circumvented and all negotiations occurred between the Governor and the 4 legislative leaders (Big 5).

Some of the highlights of the budget are a 1 cent temporary sales tax increase beginning April 1, an in-crease in the Vehicle License Fee, increase in income taxes, cuts in school funding and higher education, and cuts to SSI/SSP recipients.

Many aspects of the budget will also be decided by the voters in two upcoming elections. There will be a Special Election on May 19 in which voters will decide whether to create a rainy day fund and extend tax increases, make changes to the state lottery (so the state can borrow against it), shift Prop 63 mental heath funding monies, shift early childhood funding monies, restore monies borrowed from education funding, and eliminate salary increases for lawmak-ers during tight budget years. During the June 2010 Primary election, voters will decide whether to create the open primary system.

Veterans Affairs Budget Despite the bleak news on the rest of the budget,

the California Department of Veterans Affairs fared fairly well. Veterans service programs were not re-duced for the 09-10 budget and the 08-09 mid year

budget. The West LA, Lancaster, and Ventura veter-ans homes remain on track.

Senate and Assembly Veterans Affairs Committees

Both houses of the Legislature have named the full membership of their Committees on Veterans Affairs. Assemblywoman Mary Salas requested and was granted the chairmanship of the Assembly Veterans Committee for 2009. This is the third year that Salas holds this chair. The committee also now has three veterans and one currently serving mem-ber of the military. Vice-Chair Paul Cook is a retired Marine Colonel and a Vietnam Veteran. Chuck De-Vore is a retired Lt.Col. from the California National Guard, Danny Gilmore is a former Marine, and Ted Lieu is currently a Major in the Air Force Reserve. Lori Saldana from San Diego will be serving her third year on the committee while Alyson Huber, Manuel Perez, and Mariko Yamada are freshmen legislators joining the committee. Eric Worthen continues to serve as Chief Consultant of the Assembly Veterans Committee.

The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs has a new chair, Senator Jeff Denham, who is an Air Force veteran with service in Desert Storm and Restore Hope. Senators Lou Correa (Vice- Chair), Negrete-McLeod, Pat Wiggins, and Mark Wyland are long serving members of the veterans committee. They will be joined this year on the committee by Gil Ce-dillo and Abel Maldonado. The Senate committee was increased in size from five to seven members this year. Donald Wilson remains the Chief Consultant for the Senate Veterans Committee.

Bills are being introduced in large numbers as the bill submission deadline approaches, and we will be studying and tracking bills of interest to the Depart-ment.


a resolution naming a Local Highwayin memory of ssg Larry s. pierce Will Be Heard in Wasco, caThe City Council of Wasco, CA, will hold a hearing on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at 7:00 PM for a

Resolution asking that the State of California re name State Highway 46 the “SSG Larry S. Pierce Memorial Highway”.

SSG Larry S. Pierce received a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions 20 September 1965, while serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade near Ben Cat, Republic of South Viet Nam.Re naming a State highway in honor of SSG Pierce will require the support of local Veterans Service Organizations. Members of local Veterans organizations are asked to attend the Wasco City Council meeting and render their support.

PIERCE, LARRY STANLEYRank: Sergeant Service: U.S. Army Birthday: July 6, 1941 Place of Birth: Wewoka Seminole County, Oklahoma Date of Death: September 20, 1965 Place of Death: Republic of Vietnam Cemetery: Wasco Cemetery – Wasco, California Entered Service at: Fresno, Fresno County, California Unit: Headquarters &: Headquarters Company 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry 173rd Airborne Brigade Served as: Squad Leader Battle or Place of Action: near Ben Cat, Republic or Vietnam Date of Action: 20 September 1965 G.O. Number, Date: 7. 24 February 1966 Date of Presentation: 24 February 1966 Place of Presentation: The White House, presented by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to his familyCitation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the

Issue Deadline Convention Book April 1 Vol. 13, No. 2 June 1 Vol. 13, No. 3 September 1 Vol. 13, No. 4 December 1 Vol. 14, No. 1 March 1

Deadlines for Quarterly Submissions by Issue

PIERCE, LARRY STANLEY


Upcoming Events2009 STATE convEnTion

JunE 12-14, 2009Doubletree Hotel Ontario AIRPORT222 NORTH VINEYARD AVENUE

ONTARIO, CA 91764ROOM RATES: $93 a night + TAX (AMVET rate)

1-800-222-TREE. request the group rate for American Veterans.cuT off dATE for rESErvATionS iS MAy 9, 2009

65Th nATionAl convEnTion- nEw orlEAnS, lA

Aug. 8-15, 2009Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

500 Canal StreetNew Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Room rates: $109+$3+tax/nightToll free 888-627-7033, cut off date September 3, 2009

fAll dEc - bAKErSfiEld, MArrioTSEPTEMbEr 25-26, 2009

call of duty. Sgt. Pierce was serving as squad leader in a reconnaissance platoon when his patrol was ambushed by hostile forces. Through his inspiring leadership and personal courage, the squad succeeded in eliminating an enemy machine gun and routing the opposing force. While pursuing the fleeing enemy, the squad came upon a dirt road and, as the main body of his men entered the road, Sgt. Pierce discovered an antipersonnel mine embedded in the road. Realizing that the mine could destroy the majority of his squad, Sgt. Pierce saved the lives of his men at the sacrifice of his own by throwing himself directly onto the mine as it exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted loss of life and injury to the members of his squad. Sgt. Pierce’s extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, is in the highest tradition of the U.S. Army and reflects great credit upon him and the Armed Forces of his country.

Taft Post Office to be Dedicated to Local Hero July 3

Public Law 110-184 names building for Army Staff Sgt. Larry S. Pierce

TAFT, CA — The Taft Post Office, located at 427 North Street, will be dedicated to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Larry S. Pierce during a ceremony in front of the building on Thursday, July 3, 2008, at 10 a.m. Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) sponsored the legislation signed into law by the President on February 6, 2008 that honors Pierce, a local and national hero. On September 20, 1965, Sgt. Pierce sacrificed his own life in Vietnam by throwing himself on a mine as it exploded to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on February 24, 1966 and promoted to Staff Sergeant. Pierce was also awarded the Purple Heart. He left behind a wife, Verlin, and three children, Teresa, Kelley and Gregory.Pierce was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, on July 6, 1941. His family moved to Taft where he grew up and attended Taft Union High School before joining the Army. “Every employee at the Taft Post Office is very proud to have our facility honor this brave soldier and local hero, Larry S. Pierce, who gave his life for our country,” said Taft Postmaster Kathy Anaya.The U.S. Postal Service will issue a special pictorial postmark (illustrated below) at the July 3 ceremony to commemorate the event and honor Sgt. Pierce. The postmark will be applied free of charge to any card, envelope or ceremony program that has First-Class postage affixed. This special postmark will be available upon request for 30 days after the ceremony at the Taft Post Office. To order the postmark by mail, enclose item to be postmarked, with postage affixed, in a separate cover envelope (be sure to include your return address) and mail to: Larry S. Pierce Postmark c/o Postmaster 427 North Street Taft CA 93268-9998

SOMEONE SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE

But it was done following World War 2, when the Los Angeles Central Labor Council AF of L became a participant

in the Los Angeles Veterans Service Center at 3rd and Broadway.

We were contacted by the Veterans Admin-istration to assist in An experimental program treating the problem of “Shell shock” By com-bining work related and V A Psychological treatments.

The Teamsters made it possible for the treat-ments by allowing the affected vets work un-loading trucks to regain eye, hand, And finger coordination. In the beginning they often could only Work an hour, but they were advised to return the next day for As long as possible, etc.

As time went by the work treatment was shifted to another more demanding job, work-ing on the bottling line at a beer Plant serviced also by members of the Teamsters Union.

This crippling ailment has been given many different names as Each war returns war weary vets diagnosed with Shell Shock, Psychosis, and many other names from each near death war Experience. Do not give up on these war heroes who have Paid the terrible cost for their heroism.

HAL CAMP ( NOW AGE 90 )562-925-8293


AMVETS TO SUPPORT ARMY’S COMMUNITY COVENANT PROGRAM

If you have not checked out the feature piece on Your AMVETS Web site, have a look. (http://www.amvets.org/pressroom/PressReleases/cove-nant_program.html

And please read the message here from Major General Craig Whelden, U.S. Army (Ret.) He is poised and ready to help your outreach efforts on behalf of the Community Covenant Signing Ceremonies.

Please Note: National has added a special category to our On-line Programs Reporting, for this year only, to capture any activity/programs that your post initiates and/or supports for this worthy program. You will be required to enter a brief description in the “comment” section before submitting.

In 2008, eighty-five American communities hosted “Community Covenant Signing Ceremonies” demonstrating support for our nation’s military and their families. These ceremonies occurred in state houses, city halls, churches,and auditoriums; on ball fields and at state fairs; were hosted by governors and mayors; and were attended by tens of thousands of supportive citizens.What began as an Army initiative quickly expanded to focus on support for all mem-bers of the Armed Forces.Many of the ceremonies included the announcement of a new program of support, ranging from free tuition at local colleges for Purple Heart recipients and their families to the start of an “Adopt-a-Unit” program.as well as many others. The web site at www.communitycovenant.army.mil profiles over 1,500 “Best Practices” of support for our troops and their families. Highlights from past ceremonies can be found there as well as a schedule of upcoming ceremonies and a “Resource” Tab for help in planning a successful ceremony. Dozens of towns and cities across America have already scheduled, or are considering, a ceremony in 2009. The goal this year is to invite every Governor and Mayor in America to host a ceremony, affirming, or re-affirming, their support for our military and their families.AMVETS en-dorses this great initiative and encourages each Post to help inspire ceremonies through outreach to mayors in your community.

For more information, contact Major General Craig Whelden, U.S. Army (Ret),321 939-2354 or 407 617-2515 (cell); email: [email protected] or Rob Hansgen, 703 601-1945; email: [email protected].

Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, commanding general, Fort Sam Houston and Army Medical Department Center and School; Richard Perez, president, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; and Lt. Gen. Thomas Turner, commanding general, Army North, sign the Army Community Covenant during a ceremony July 27, 2008. U.S. Army Photo by Esther Garcia.

AMVETS Riders Chapter 367 Lakeside, CA

Well here we are and it has been a long time coming but the AMVET Riders are here in the State of California. Commander Bob Reis and the members of Lakeside AMVETS Post 367 worked at getting started.

I designed the rockers and luck would have it they were in line with national. I rode my bike back to Arkansas and Missouri to see my sister and hooked up with the AMVET Riders of West Plains Missouri. Chapter 98 was having a run and Rob Quick State of Missouri President of AMVET Riders was there with riders from Kirkwood Missouri Chapter 1. Bill Leatherwood, President Chapter 98 and the AMVET Riders were the host. Their clubhouse is great with lots of parking for bikes and cars. They were a warm and caring group with a lot to share. Gustov the storm was with me the whole time, rain wind you name it. This past year we went on a few runs. Gave toys at some and blankets at others. We also want to thank Sgt. Rick Mears (SDPD) for taking some of the toys for battered children. That’s all for now.

See ya on the road,Jon-I President AMVET Riders Chapter 367 Lakeside, CA

Front row left to right President Joni Shandera, David Flohr, Jim Jones, Ron Bonnin

Back row Staff Sgt. Jeremy Voss, Gaylend Zahn, Clarence Wright, Mike Miller Bob Reis


War Trauma Resources1 Ray Scurfield, DSW, LCSW, Professor of Social Work, University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast [email protected]; 228.234-2062 [War trauma resources 1.23.2009]

Please note: • This is mostly a listing and brief description of 220+ resources—not an

endorsement unless so specified. • The length of descriptive narrative provided for each resource is not

necessarily related to the total services provided by the resource or to how effective the resource is.

• I am responsible for what excerpts included below (in quotation marks) have been selected from various Web sites.

• Of course, resource info can be outdated almost as soon as it is posted. I welcome additions or update suggestions for this listing and will periodically re-post updated revisions on my university web-site.

• By the way, in compiling this listing, as a Vietnam vet I have been just amazed at how many wonderful and active community folks are out there who not only really care but also are doing something as well on behalf of our servicemembers, vets and their families!! J]

The first and most vital resource: you and your family. However, you or a member of your family may be in denial that there are post-deployment or continuing problems or is not willing to share or accept help. You’ve got to be able to talk it out, and often--with a trusted family member, close friend, fellow or sister veteran and/or write about it or somehow express what’s going on inside you. Or it will come back on you later.

The best way to locate a good counseling resource to help you/your family deal with deployment and post-deployment issues: get a recommendation from someone you trust---such as from a fellow or sister servicemember/vet, a military family member or a Veterans Service Organization such as The American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled Veterans of America, Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans of America, Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans Association, Iraq War Veterans Organization, National Veterans Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America et al. [See official listing of veterans service organizations officially registered at www.va.gov/vso].

It should be noted that a number of active duty personnel have difficulty feeling comfortable going to a military resource for mental health concerns because of worry about stigma, the impact on their careers such as reduced security clearance, trust issues with the military system, etc. Similar trust issues characterize a number of veterans and their families in dealing with the Veterans Administration (VA). Hence, military, veteran’s affairs, other public and private non-profit resources all are included in this listing in that all are important elements of a comprehensive array of resources.

Resources to consider include:

Web search on my name (Ray Scurfield), then click on “University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast”. This links to my home page [Or my url: http://www.usm.edu/gc/health/scurfield/]o Full-text article/handouts available free to the public on war,

natural disasters & posttraumatic stress, such as: “Beyond Walter Reed”; “War Trauma Warning Signs, Triggers & Survival Modes”; “Dramatic Differences in Deaths at Virginia Tech & Iraq”; “The Nexus Between Iraq and Katrina.”

1 @ Raymond M Scurfield 2008

o Also, information on my three war trauma books: (1) A Vietnam Trilogy; (2) Healing Journeys: Study Abroad With Vietnam Veterans; & (3) War Trauma: Lessons Unlearned From Vietnam to Iraq.

• A clergy or other religious/spiritual advisor/confidant

• A counselor or therapist. For example: see Give An Hour web site for free counseling

• Active Duty Military, Reserve & Guard

o National Resource Directory [Comprehensive online partnership for wounded, ill and injured service members, vets, their families and those who support them: maintained by the DOD, Labor and VA]

o WarriorCare.mil [Centralized & comprehensive DOD Web portal with links to health-related programs and resources offered by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, DOD & Veterans Affairs]

Military family and servicemember support centers: An ombudsman, military mental health person, chaplain or counselor at a military family support center may be very skilled in war-related issues:

o Air Force Family Support Centerso Army Community Serviceso Marine & Family Serviceso Navy Fleet & Family Support Centerso Family Readiness Programs (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps

and Navy. See also Military Ombudsman Programs)

Other DOD resources include: o Battlemind Training (www.battlemind.org) [Excellent multi-

media resource for orienting military personnel for deployment and return. Also: Spouse Battlemind Training; Warrior Adventure Quest—high adventure sports combined with Battlemind Training]

o Community-Based Health Care Organization (CBHCO)--program for Reserve & Guard

o Military Mental Health (www.militarymentalhealth.org). [DOD site for the Military Mental Health Assessment Program: offers service personnel/their families the opportunity to take anonymous mental health and alcohol use self-assessments on-line, via telephone or at special events. After completing the self-assessment, referral information is provided for TRICARE, Military One Source and Vet Centers.]

o Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.com) [Offers time-limited assistance and is available 24/7 at: 1-800-342-9647. See also their Wounded Warrior Resource Center Website.]

o TRICARE (http://www.tricare.mil/) [“The health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors and certain former spouses worldwide. As a major component of the Military Health System, TRICARE brings together health care resources of the uniformed services and supplements them with networks of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies and suppliers to provide access to high-quality health care services


while maintaining the capability to support military operations.”]o Warrior Reintegration Units and Warrior Resiliency Unitso Warrior Transition Battalions and Warrior Transition

Units (Community-Based Warriors in Transition Units or CBWTU’s)

o Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (for Guard and Reserve to insure family readiness).

• The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs):

o VA Vet Centers—over 200 throughout the country; most have several veterans on staff experienced in working with war vets (Web: VA Vet Centers Facilities Locator & Director; also: www.oef/oif.va.gov; http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Vet_Center_Services.asp).

o Vet Center counseling contractors in locations apart from existing VA facilities; if the vet is eligible, VA pays the costs. Contact the nearest Vet Center to see if such counseling can be authorized.

o VA Suicide Prevention Hotline. If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help immediately, call this toll-free number, 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential.

o My HealthVet [My HealtheVet (MHV) “is the VA’s gateway to veteran health benefits and services. It provides access to: trusted health information; links to Federal and VA benefits and resources; the Personal Health Journal; and online VA prescription refill. In the future, MHV registrants will be able to view appointments, copay balances, and key portions of their VA medical records online, and much more! My HealtheVet is a powerful tool to help you better understand and manage your health.”]

o National Center for PTSD (ncptsd.va.gov). Lots of easy to read information and includes the PILOTS data base—the world’s largest data base regarding war trauma and post-traumatic stress.

o VA Medical Centers. In addition to OIF/OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom) Coordinators who can be very helpful for linking Iraq and Afghanistan vets with VA resources, other VA staff such as social workers, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, occupational therapists, chaplains or psychiatrists might be particularly skilled working with war veterans. Along with VA Substance Dependence Rehabilitation Programs, various other VA residential, homeless and health/mental health programs and clinics.

VA medical facilities each typically will have a combination of several of the following specialized PTSD programs:Outpatient PTSD Programs (SOPPs):

o PTSD Clinical Teams (PCTs): Provide group and one-to-one evaluation, education, counseling, and psychotherapy.

o Substance Use PTSD Teams (SUPTs): Offer outpatient education, evaluation, and counseling for the combined problems of PTSD and substance abuse.

o Women’s Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTTs): Provide women veterans one-to-one and group evaluation, counseling, and psychotherapy.

Intensive PTSD Programs (SIPPs):o Evaluation and Brief Treatment of PTSD Units

(EBTPUs) provide PTSD evaluation, education, and psychotherapy for a briefer period ranging from 14 to 28 days.

o PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Programs (PRRPs) provide PTSD evaluation, education, counseling, and case management that focus on helping the survivor resume a productive involvement in community life. PRRP admissions tend to be 28 to 90 days.

o PTSD Day Hospitals (DH) is outpatient and provides individual treatment planning and counseling in a less restrictive environment than in the VA Inpatient Units. Patient comes in daily or several times a week for 4-8 hours each visit.

o PTSD Domiciliary Units (PTSD Dom) provide time-limited residential treatment focusing on rehabilitation. This program replaced the PSU (PTSD Substance Use Units). Their mission is to facilitate transition to outpatient mental health care.

o Specialized Inpatient PTSD Units (SIPUs) provide trauma-focused evaluation, education, and psychotherapy for a period of 28 to 90 days of hospital admission.

o Women’s Trauma Recovery Program (WTRP) was opened by the Palo Alto, CA VA in 1992 as part of the National Center for PTSD. It is an intensive 60-day residential program with and emphasis on interpersonal skills and a focus on war-zone related stress as well as MST (Military Sexual Trauma).

• State Departments of Veterans Affairs: state DVA’s provide information and referrals & some provide direct counseling services such as Washington State which has had a significant network of counseling contractors throughout the state for many years. Currently New Jersey, Illinois, and Washington State DVA’s have outpatient programs. Wisconsin and Texas also have special arrangements with the VA that help to provide services to remotely located veterans

america’s Heroes at WorkThe following information is to help our returning veterans suffering

from PTSD/TBI to secure employment.The DOL has undertaken a project that focuses on the employ-

ment challenges of service members returning to the United States withTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post-Traumatic Stress

Disorder(PTSD). The goal of the project is to educate employers and the workforce development system on TBI and PTSD as well as on accommo-dations they can make for these individuals. This website is designed to be a link to information and tools that will help service members, primarily returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, affected by TBI and/or PTSD succeed in the workplace. Some of the resources include: job sharing, coaching and mentoring programs, fact sheets, training tools and success stories. For all these resources please visit: www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov

America's Heroes at Work

http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/[3/31/2009 9:10:16 AM]

Contact Us | News Room | Email to a Friend

America's Heroes at WorkSupporting the Employment Success of Returning Service Members with TBI & PTSD

Welcome to America's Heroes at Work - a U.S. Department of Labor(DoL) project that focuses on the employment challenges of returning servicemembers living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post-TraumaticStress Disorder (PTSD).

Designed for employers and the workforce development system, thisWeb site is your link to information and tools to help returning service membersaffected by TBI and/or PTSD succeed in the workplace - particularly servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Focus• DoL announces Employment PilotProject to connect employers with veteranemployees with TBI and PTSD. Learn how to participate>>

• Spotlighting America's Heroes at Work.View the video profile>>

• Promising Practices in action.Read about real-life on-the-job successstories>>

Learn How to HelpEmployees withTBI/PTSD SucceedFrom simple workplace supports to jobcoaching and mentoring programs,employers can play a vital role in therecovery and rehabilitation of peoplewith TBI and/or PTSD. Learn More >

Learn How to Hire a VeteranHelpful resources to help you recruit,hire and retain qualified veteranemployees. Learn More >

Site Map | Link to Us | Email to a Friend


sec Bakersfield, CA

President Michelle Scovil proudly introduces and awards to local President Alma Gant Nash. The

Certificate represents establishing Auxiliary #116 Charter, located in West Los Angles, CA. Wonderful to note that #116’s charter was established on May 3rd, 2008. Alma Nash had been involved and active for 10 years in all veterans supportive services. Ann Reeder, Alma’s daughter, is a Army veteran who is also an active AMVET member at Post #116 and Ann is 2nd Vice Commander/Women’s Veterans Coordinator of Post #116.

What a wonderful credit this is to both mother and daughter. It requires difficult and persistent effort on their part. Our Auxiliary will look forward to sharing with you both a bright future. Welcome #116, one and all. For the first time, Alma Gant Nash also participated in our daily raffle by handing out winning gifts with humor and zeal. Thank you for par-ticipating. The Auxiliary looks forward to Alma’s idea’s and leadership. I know you will prove to be a wonderful asset to our auxiliary.

We have many “silent members” in our auxiliary, however, allow me to introduce Velma Starkey, Auxiliary #1240 Fon-tana. Like all members of our auxiliary Velma Starkey is silent, respectful and kind. She is the President of auxiliary #1240. Velma attends all SEC’s and Conventions and she has even assisted the Lady’s registration desk. She is always eager and willing to participate in delivering raffle gifts to winners - and does so with a smile. We thank you Velma Starkey, auxiliary #1240, for your participation and support to AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. You are appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Eileen Hogan Credentials Chairman

auxiliary reports


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 23, 2008

New Members Appointed to Committee on Women Veterans

WASHINGTON – Four new members have been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an expert panel that advises VA on issues and programs affecting women veterans.

“I am pleased to welcome the newest members of this committee to the important job of serving America’s women veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Members of this committee work tirelessly on behalf of women veterans to improve outreach, ensure access to VA benefits and recommend ways in which VA can better meet their needs.”

Established in 1983, the advisory committee makes recommendations for administrative and legislative changes. The committee members are appointed to one, two, or three-year terms. The new committee members are:

• Davy Coke of Poway, Calif., a retired Navy second class petty officer who served in Vietnam. He currently is a trainer and mentor for new service members in the aerospace field.

• Yanira Gomez of Germantown, Md., a former Army medical specialist who served in Iraq. She is currently serving as national outreach officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

• Gloria Maser of Alexandria, Va., a colonel in the Army Reserves. She is a former deputy chief of staff for health affairs with the Multi-National Security Transition Command in Iraq. She currently works for a strategy and technology organization.

• Barbara Ward of Sacramento, Calif., a former staff nurse in the Air Force. She currently serves as the deputy secretary for women and minority veterans affairs in the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran population. There are approximately 1.8 million women veterans. They constitute nearly 8 percent of the total veteran population and about 5 percent of all veterans who use VA health care. VA estimates that by 2020 women veterans will make up 10 percent of the veteran population.

VA has women veterans program managers at VA medical centers and women veterans coordinators at VA regional offices to assist women veterans with health and benefits issues.

Proper Convention Procedures

Brought to you byAMVETS AUXILIARY

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA

From the Sergeant-at- Arms and Assistants:Here are a few tips which will help you during the convention session.

1. Please be on time for all sessions, it is courteous to your President and Officers. 2. Everyone should rise for the advancement and retirement of colors. When you stand, be sure to face the rostrum and keep your arms flat at your side, hands empty.3. The proper procedure for saluting is to stand straight, eyes on the

flag, left arm straight at your side, right hand held flat over your heart with elbow at right angle to the body.

4. When the FLAG is in motion, as in a parade or coming down a long hall, the FLAG should be saluted for five paces before it reaches you, and the salute held for five paces after the FLAG HAS PASSED YOU.

5. If you wish to leave the convention hall please do so as quickly and quietly as possible. Also observe this courtesy when reentering the convention hall.

6. If you expect a call, notify me and be sure to indicate where you will be sitting so I can contact you easily.

7. All messages or notes will be delivered to you by me. When you have a note to be delivered, please fold it and put the person’s name on the outside of the note. If it is for one of the Officers seated on the rostrum, the name of the office will be sufficient.

8. When the Sgt.-at-Arms presents the Department Commander, and again when he / she is escorted from the room, ALL STAND AND APPLAUD GENEROUSLY.

9. When the Department President asks the Sgt –at-Arms to present any Distinguished Guest for greetings, ALL STAND, APPLAUD, THEN BE SEATED. After the guest has extended (his/ her ) greetings, stand for another round of applause and remain standing while the Distinguished guest leaves the convention hall.

10. When attending the Joint session with AMVETS or at the banquet ALWAYS STAND And APPLAUD when either the Department Commander or the Department President are introduced.

11. PLEASE REMEMBER that there is no pause after “One Nation”, when pledging Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Some of our members are still pausing in the wrong place. It should be “ONE NATION UNDER GOD.”

12. Enjoy the conventions by attending all sessions, submitting suggestions, accepting corrections if they are necessary, and attending the social functions as well.


amVeTs aUXiLiarY deparTmenT oF caLiForniacredenTiaLs regisTraTion Form

conVenTion or s.e.c.AUXILIARY #______

CIRCLE ONE: OFFICER ** PDP ** DELEGATE** ALTERNATE** GUEST

NAME:___________________________________________________________

REGISTRATON FEE $5.00 ____________________________________Cash or Check only Local Auxiliary President date

_____________________________________ Local Auxiliary Secretary date

Please be prepared to present to the registration desk: 1: Current Membership or Life Membership card 2: This registration form, signed and dated 3: $5.00 cash or check Please remember, NO change will be made at the Registration desk.

Officer: On this instance means only State Elected Officers. PDP: Only Past Department presidents.

Circle either: Delegate, Alternate and/or Guest as applicable.

The Credentials desk must view your current Auxiliary Membership ID.

These rules are in your National and State By-laws.

I’d like to thank everyone for their cooperation.

Eileen Hogan

State Credentials Chair

application for auxiliary membership


Barstow Veterans Home

YountvilleVeterans Home

Yountville Picnic 2008

Veterans home resident opening a gift bag.

AMVETS Post 2007 with Rolling Thunder Chapter #1 of California.

Marine Biker Volunteer from Rolling Thunder.Dell Venton with Chuck Livermore of Rolling Thunder.


Winter DECPictures by Neil Remnant,State PhotographerPost 101

Marine Biker Volunteer from Rolling Thunder.

DEC - January 23 - 24, 2009Bakersfield, CA

Commander Posey

District 2 Commander Vincent Duncan

Southern Area Commander Cephus Daniels.

Left to right: Meleah Carroll, Rita Humphries, Ann Reader, Helen Wong and Chris Hoffman.

Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel


POST Reports

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

post 18 post 18 Legion of Honor services at sea

We fold and present the flag on the way out, while still inside the breakwater. The rifle salute (firing three volleys) is usually done as the ashes are being spread. If

the water is calm, we will fire from the bow of the boat. When the water is rough and the boat is bouncing, we fire from the side of the boat. Taps is played immediately following the rifle salute. If we do the service dockside, we fold and present the flag, fire three volleys and play taps. Active Legion of Honor members are as follows: Hal Camp (founder and Chaplain), Ivan Ashbaugh, Jerry Duran, Rich Florence, Mark Lambert, Dick Kirwan, Dennis Marfice, Jack Morell, Brent Nielson, Jerry Reese, Robert Sanchez, Joe Seda, Don Zweifel, Ladies Auxiliary members that also serve as buglers are: Sandi Ashbaugh and Co Duran.

On Thursday, February 19, 2009, Post 18, in conjunction with the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council, dedicated the 12th Medal of Honor Monument at the Santa Ana Veterans Walk of Hon-or. This was to memorialize the heroic action in Iraq of Navy Seal (PO2) Michael Monsoor of Garden Grove, CA. Post Commander, Terry McCarty, was the Master of Ceremonies.

Chaplain Hal Camp gave the Invocation and Benediction. He also unveiled the monument and presented the American flag to Sal-ly Monsoor, Michael’s mother.

Chuck Kissel presented the AMVETS wreath. Legion of Hon-or members, Brent Nielson, Dick Kirwan, Ivan Ashbaugh, Dennis Marfice, Robert Sanchez and Don Zweifel, Fired three rifle volleys. Buglers Jerry Duran and Jerry Reese played “echo” taps. As a bit of history, the first seven of these monuments were installed in 1998, under the direction, and brainchild of Hal Camp.

Commander Terry McCarty with Monsoor’s mother as she receives awards.

Hal Camp with Mrs. Monsoor.


POST Reports


VETERANS RALLY BEHIND STATUE FOR FALLEN SOLDIER THAT RESIDENTS CRITICIZE

“AMVETS supports the statue and hopes to silence critics who complain the statue plaque has some Chinese words and Ming Sun was born in China. Thus Ming Sun was not an American citizen until after his death”

-Tom Swann Post 19 Commander

Approximately 50 people attended a memorial service and “Final Flight” ceremony to honor our war dead from all wars on Saturday January 31. AMVETS Post 19 cosponsored the ceremony in Cathedral

City. The 2-hour program was held in Patriot Park in front of a life-size 9 foot bronze statue of late Army PFC Ming Sun who was killed in Iraq on January 9, 2007. Cathedral City has not officially accepted the statue according to a member of the public arts commission partly because of public comments by residents opposed to the statue. One resident told city officials that Ming Sun only joined the Army so he could become a citizen so he was undeserving of a statue. David Sun (Ming’s Father) denied this in an interview with KMIR TV-6. David said his son joined the Army because he wanted to defend the country. Cathedral City Council Member Chuck Vasquez said it is best for the Sun family to remain in control of the statue. The CA. Cadet Corps Junior ROTC from 29 Palms CA presented colors and played taps. Letters honoring our war dead were presented for CA First Lady Maria Shriver, Palm Springs City Council Member Ginny Foat and State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny. Twelve white doves were released symbolically representing the two military service members from the Coachella Valley who have died in Iraq. They are Ming Sun and Marine Corporal Jesus Angel Gonzalez of Indio. The other ten doves are called “Angel Escorts” who go with the departed souls to heaven. Corporal Gonzalez died on April 12, 2003 and was represented by his Mother Silvia Berrones-Trevino. Corla Coles and her friends read the names of 66 members of the armed forces from the Inland Empire that have died in Iraq. The pledge of allegiance was led by AMVETS Post 66 Past Commander Charlie Sharples. Two representatives from State Assembly Veterans Affairs and Committee Member Manuel Perez spoke to the attendees. Steve Petersen was the singer. In addition to KMIR-TV 6 that did stories on two different nightly news shows the Desert Sun newspaper wrote a good story on the ceremony. NEWS BRIEFS

Post 19 wants to thank the editor of the state newspaper for doing an out-standing job. We appreciate when coverage of our activities is published. We also receive good ideas when we read about other post’s activities.

Two post members visited veterans in local nursing homes during the Christmas season. Each veteran received a goody bag. Army Colonel Ann Wright (retired) a member of Post 19 just returned from a 48-hour tour of Gaza. She will be our guest speaker at the next meeting, contact Commander Tom Swann for details about this special meeting. Post 19 presented a let-ter to the San Jacinto City Council informing them that a proposed new park should be called “Medal of Honor” park. American Legion members thanked Post 19 for taking a position on the park because Colonel Lewis Millett was 86 from their headquarters for indecency and other factors. The Post presented a budget request to the Service Foundation in December but has not received any feedback. The Post has approved the new bylaws and they are being for-warded to the state. The programs reporting form is the next task which will be completed soon. We remain very grateful to the members of Post 66 and the driver volunteers who enable us to go to the VA hospital in a van. The service is professional, reliable and the drivers are sensitive and courteous.

post 19

Top: Tom Swann

Center: Silvia Berrones-Trevino, mother of Marine Cpl. Jesus Angel Gonzalez, embraces Zhi Feng Liu, mother of Army Pfc. Ming Sun, during a memorial service held Saturday at Patriot Park in Cathedral City. (Terria Smith The Desert Sun)

Bottom: Color Guard


POST Reports


post 56AMVETS Post 56 in Tulare recently distributed gift packages to

residents at Twin Oaks Assisted Living Home, Merritt Manor, Tulare Rehabilitation and Convalescent Home and the VA

Hospital in Fresno. Also in the spirit of the season, members delivered food boxes and gifts to four Tulare families and sent dozens of packages to soldiers serving in Iraq through the “Soldiers Angel” project. Thank you to our ‘new’ Auxiliary members President Apryl Casares and Stella Usery for wrapping Christmas gifts for us. The post had a very successful New Year’s dinner / dance fundraiser. Post members have taken on a new project of putting together ‘toiletry kits’ (zip lock bags which contain sample size bottles of shampoo, lotion, bar of soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush) to donate to a local church that allows homeless members of our community to use their showers once or twice a week. This project is easy to put together and only requires one or two people to put them together. Our Honor Guard continues to be busy taking part in many funerals for our fallen comrades, as well as Community projects such as posting colors at a recent Cub Scout blue and gold dinner. Every year post member Capt. David Scott of the local Salvation Army celebrates the Marine Birthday and the post Honor guard participates by raising the colors to kick off the event. The post recently donated two flat screen tvs to our local VA clinic and continues to supply them with coffee, etc. to make it more relaxing for the patients while they wait to be seen. We are pleased to welcome two of our members back from Iraq:

Adrian Corrales and Freddy Castillo, both have spent more than one tour overseas.

Apryl Casares. Stella Ussery

Commander Tony Gonzales, NEC Filbert Bejarno and Benny Macias


POST Reports


Post 116 meets every second Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at a new meeting location AFGE Local 1061 Union Hall W.L.A. Medical Center. If you need help getting to

the meeting, please do not hesitate to call Commander, Cephus R. Daniels, at 310-463-6380. The Post continues to host a bingo at the WLA VAMC nursing home every second Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

Two officer and four members of Post 116 attended Depart-ment Executive Convention in Bakersfield, CA. Melanie Down won a tool set in the raffle, which she is donating to Post 116 for a Post raffle.

Post 116 Women’s Coordinator, Ann Reeder, Post 116 Ladies Auxiliary President, Alma Gant, and Post Commander, Cephus R. Daniels delivered Christmas gifts to every program at the West L.A. Medical Center. Gifts for men included white socks, and various sizes of tee shirts, and underwear. Ladies gifts included generous packet of Mary Kay cosmetics, and size specific under-garments. Post 116 bought special gifts of fleece lap blankets, with branch of service and embroidered name of each female nursing home resident. Post 116 would like to thank the spouses of Post 116 for volunteering to help shop and help wrap gifts, Ann’s husband Bruce and Cephus’ wife, Lorne.

Post 116 continued the tradition of sponsoring the annual Martin Luther King Birthday celebration at the West .L.A. Medi-cal Center. Two hundred and fifteen veterans and family mem-bers attended. The entertainment was provided by Rita Edmonds Quintet, In-House recording artist Vonz’a, and the Kennedy Tap Company. Catering was provided by Morgan Rucker, Q-man’s Barbeque.

Special thanks to Post 116 members, Michael Friesen and Doran Ward for volunteering to participate and deliver gifts in honor of hospitalized veterans.

post 116post 85neW posT:

MontereyBay AMVETS Post #85 invites you to come and join us.We are members of the Tri-County area on the Central Coast

(Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties). For more infor-mation about our post, please visit our website at www.MontereyBayAM-VETS.com or contact:

Commander: Mike O’Brien3061 Bayer Dr. Marina, CA 93933 (831) 238-6429 [email protected]

amVeTs are onLine

Check out the websites of some of our posts to see what they are up to. If you find a site you like contact the post to learn how you can set up your own.

post 2 www.amvetspost2.com

post 85 www.montereybayamvets.com

post 940 www.amvetspost940.org

post 1240WWW.AMVETS1240.US

post 1996www.rhmercer.org/amvets.HTML

post 1997www.amvetspost1997.org


post 700

AMVETS CA Post 700 was awarded the above Plaque by the Department for News Letter Award 2008

Amvets Post 116“FEED A VET PROGRAM”

The primary purpose of “Feed A Vet” is to provide a contiuum outreach foodprogram for the veterans community that will prevent hunger and promote outreach services.

Although this program is not exclusive to the veterans community. Post 116 intends to service the active duty military and their families as needed. There will also be a focus on surrounding communities. We will increase outreach efforts through the AMVETS Post 116 Women

Veterans Esteem Program to prevent our women veterans and children from being without food. There will be outreach and delivery for veterans who are unable to reach our food

program. This is one way that AMVETS Post 116 would help to prevent hunger for the past, present, and future men and women that has served our country with dignity and pride. The “Feed A Vet Program” is dedicated to enriching and enhancing the lives of those who served.

IF YOU ARE A VET OR KNOW A VET THAT NEEDS FOOD PLEASE CONTACT

CEPHUS DANIELS, COMMANDER POST 116 (310) 463-6380 [email protected]

ANN REEDER, 2ND VICE COMMANDER (800)990-8387 [email protected]

Sponsors Include AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY POST 116We are a Non-profit 501 (c ) 19 your donations are welcomed and tax deductible

post 116, cont.

Post 116 is proud to welcome new annual members Christina M. Price, and Joseph Ma-gorno; and life members, Larry Grandfield, and Alan A. Bencs, Charles J. Villa.

For the month of February the Post 116 “Feed a Vet” program made 85 deliveries of donated food to the homes of veterans and their families. Deliveries were made by Cephus and Ann. Spe-cial thanks to our volunteer Michelle Wyatt.

Commander, Cephus R. Daniels


post 1240


Friends of amVeTsA C & S Materials Testing Service

Access Transmitters Inc.

Advanced Link

Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel

Alvarez & Shelley PC

Anning Johnson

Art Silva

B & H Technologies

Bali Construction Inc.

Brent Macqueen & Barb Helgesen

Burghard Design Group

Double J's

Dragons Lair Tattoo

Enterprise Aware Solutions

Epicurean Group Inc.

Flint Aero Inc.

Fowler Electric

Gabriel French Plumbing

Gianelli’s Handiman Home Improvement

Golden State Irrigation Services

Hardcore Construction Inc.

Hendershaw & Assoc.

High Desert Plumbing

Howard Shannon

Hunter Labortories Inc.

John Fitzpatrick

Lancaster Plumbing Supplies

Marlowe Brooks

Pell Plumbing & Son

Randy Hill Construction

Rankin & Associates

SBE Quality Acoustics

Solvere

Steico Industries

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

Taylor Accountancy

W Charles Perry & Assoc.

Willowen Builders


Friends of amVeTsPLATINUM

Core-Mark International Inc.

FPI Management Inc.

GOLD

Bachrach & Assoc.

Heckman & Pull Inc.

Tradition Aviation

Wrex Products Inc. of Chico

SILVER

Best Western Frontier Motel

Computer Aided Models

Courtesy Refrigeration Inc.

Frye Construction Inc.

Konan Express

Mamma's Brick Oven

Mr. Electric

Pursuit North

Sam Joaquin Prime Care

Si Manufacturing

Valley Mobile Service


By Gary Ivarson Adjutant, AMVETS 1775 Agent Orange http://www1.va.gov/agentor-ange/ Appeals - U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/ Blind Rehabilitation Services http://www1.va.gov/blindrehab/ Board of Veteran’s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/Cancer http://www1.va.gov/cancer/ CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for En-hanced Services) http://www.va.gov/CARES/Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/ Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/ Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health/clinical.asp Cold Injury http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coldinjury.asp Compensation & Pension Benefits http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm Compensation Rate Tables, as of 12-1-2008 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/rates/index.htm CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensa-tion) Info http://www.defenselink.mil/prhome/mppcrsc.html Death Pension Benefits for Widows/Widow-ers and Dependent Children http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/spousepen.htm Depleted Uranium http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleteduranium.asp Depleted Uranium, Evaluation Protocol for Gulf/Iraqi War Veterans http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158 Disability Examination Worksheets http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm Emergency Management Strategic Health Care Group (EMSHCG) http://www1.va.gov/emshg/ Environmental Agents Service http://www1.va.gov/environagents/ Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents, Handbook http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/cur-rent_benefits.asp Federal Regulations (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/

cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=%2Findex.tpl Fisher House http://www.socialwork.va.gov/fisher.asp Forms & Records Requests http://www.va.gov/vaforms/ Geriatrics & Extended Care Services http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/ GI Bill http://www.gibill.va.gov/ Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/ Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses, Report on, September 2004 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf Health Care Promotion & Disease Prevention, National Center for http://www.prevention.va.gov/For_Veterans_and_the_Public.asp Health Services Research & Development Service http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/ Hepatitus-C http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=pt-home Homeless Veterans Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=2 Ionizing Radiation http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/radiation/ Mental Health http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/Resources.asp Mental Illness Research, Education & Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.va.gov/ Military Personnel Records http://www.ar-chives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html Mustard Gas http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/mustardgas.asp My HealtheVet Information Portal https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/anonymous.portal?_nfpb=true&_nfto=false&_pageLabel=mhvHome National Assoc. of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) http://www.nasdva.net/ Office of the Medical Inspector, DVA http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/ Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom, VA Benefits Home Page http://www.oefoif.va.gov/ Parkinson’s Disease http://www.parkinsons.va.gov/Consortium/Education.asp Patient Safety, National Center for http://www.patientsafety.gov/ Pension Benefits for Veterans, VA http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/vetpen.htm Polytrauma Health Care http://www.polytrau-ma.va.gov/ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Best

Practice Manual…Exams http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), National Center for http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp Project 112 / SHAD (Shipboard Hazard & Defense) http://www.publichealth.va.gov/expo-sures/shad/ Prosthetics & Sensory Aids http://www.pros-thetics.va.gov/ Public Health & Environmental Hazards, Of-fice of http://www.publichealth.va.gov/ Public Health Strategic Health Care Group http://vhaaidsinfo.cio.med.va.gov/ Social Work, DVA http://www.socialwork.va.gov/socialworkers.asp Suicide Prevention http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/suicide_prevention/index.asp Survivor Benefits Home Page http://www.vba.va.gov/Survivors/ Title 38, U.S. Code: Veterans’ Benefits http://uscode.house.gov/download/title_38.shtml VA Life Insurance Programs https://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibooklet.pdf VA Loan Information http://www.valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm VA Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublica-tions/publications.cfm?Pub=4 VA On-Line Application Web Site http://va-benefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp VA Publications & Research http://www.re-search.va.gov/resources/pubs/default.cfm Veterans Affairs, Department of http://www.va.gov/Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Docu-ments http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ Veterans Service Organizations, Direc-tory of http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ War-Related Illness & Injury Study Cen-ters (WRIISC) http://www1.va.gov/Environagents/page.cfm?pg=17

POST Reports


post 1775


Post 1996 is off and running with the Americanism Program again this year. We have students at two high schools in the Redding area participating in the essay contest . Winners in the Essay contest (1st,

2nd & 3rd in each grade) will win cash equivalent prizes at both the local and Department levels. The 1st place 9th grade Department winner will receive an all expense paid trip the Freedoms Foundation leadership Conference at Valley Forge. Debbi Johnson President of our Ladies Auxiliary is coordinating the contest once again this year. She will be seeking help from AMVETS sometime after April 1st for a day long essay judging. I’d better plan another barbeque.

Due to some recent changes in IRS rules and the complications the Service Foundation has run into trying to fund Post projects, It appears that many of our California Post do not meet the minimum requirements to receive any funds as a non-profit entity. In fact only 14 Post including the Department of the total 53 are registered as active non-profits.

Working under the tutelage of the Dept. Judge advocate Charles Kissel and with the support of Post 1996, I have taken on the task of incorporat-ing Post 1996 as a tax exempt 501c non-profit corporation. So far the ma-jor part is done Post 1996 is the newest (#15) Post to achieve Non Profit status. I still have some work to do to achieve our tax-exempt status at both the Federal and State Level.

The other half of this endeavor is I am documenting each step of the way, keeping tact of cost and building a template that will be usable for each of our other Post when they are ready to proceed. Because much of the process is done online now, I can see the incorporating process cut down to days instead of weeks and the exemption process cut to just a few weeks. More later.

Tom Johnson Depart. of CA Nor. Area Cmdr.Cmdr Leo P. Simon Post 1996 Inc.

Dept. Auxiliary President Michelle Scovil with Post Aux. President Debby Johnson at the John Tracy Clinic.

1ST ANNUAL MARDIS GRAS which was sponsored by post 2007 was held at Post 20 on Saturday.

Above:Post 2007 - Adelante’s 2008 Christmas Parade.

Nationally accredited AMVETS Service Officer Gary Douglas rode in the back of a truck at the Hesperia Days Parade.

POST Reports


post 1996 post 20 & 2007

CaliforniaAMVETSarePROUDtoSERVE


IDEAS BIG AND SMALL THAT LARGE AND SMALL POSTS CAN DO

LOW COSTS: and doesn’t require a lot of workers: A: ‘toiletry kits’ (zip lock bags which contain sample size bottles of shampoo, lotion, bar of soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush). You can buy the items or get

them donated by a hotel (or if you have someone who travels a lot and doesn’t use what is in their hotel room maybe they will donate to you). These can be do-nated to your local homeless shelter, nursing home or if you can afford the postage, send them to Landstuhl military hospital in Germany for our injured service members. For more information on this contact Commander Buck Bordeau of post 2002.

B: send thank you notes or just thinking of you notes (you can save postage and hand deliver them) to veterans or anyone in a local nursing home. They don’t have to be fancy or store bought (put some of those notepads that AMVETS sends out as fundraisers to work by using them as your stationary). C: want to do a bigger project but don’t have enough help? Contact a local boy scout or girl scout troop (many are glad to help with service projects). Or your local high school, Call the school and ask to talk to a counselor and tell him/her what you need, most are very helpful , many schools have clubs that are looking for service projects to do. Examples of things that the kids can help with: Post 56 has scouts help them put flags out at the cemetery on Memorial Day, high school students help serve Thanksgiving dinner. Post 22 had foreign exchange students entertain at their dinner by having the students come in their native dress/costume and tell us about their countries (it was very informative and enjoyable). D: combine forces with another VSO like Chico post 2813 and put on activities, their color guard is made up of members from AMVETS, VFW and the American Legion. They also work together to put on dinners for veterans and do fun activities like their push cart races. You will have to contact Commander Clements about the neat push cart he designed and decorated with AMVETS logos. E: Deliver one bag of groceries to a veteran in need, or get help (see C above) to help clean up a disabled Vet’s home or yard. Give a vet a ride to the doctor’s, store or church. F: If you or your post can afford it, sign a veteran up and pay his or her first year annual dues. You increase your membership and may get a good worker. G. Contact your local national guard and ask what help they or any of their guard families need. With husbands deployed some of the families need help with things like car maintenance, mowing the lawn, etc. H. Sponsor a Cub Scout Pack, like Post 1240 (contact Commander Starkey for more info on how). If your post can’t afford to do it with money, do it with time, scouts need to do certain activities in order to pass their badges, perhaps there is something you can teach them.contact your local schools, what do they need volunteers for, with budget cuts everyone needs help these days (be sure to ask if it’s ok for you to wear your

AMVET hat). Contact Chuck Kissel (AMERICANISM chairperson) for information on doing AMERICANISM projects. Want to do a bigger project? Like deliver food to veterans, etc. Contact Commander Daniels of Post 116 (he has a lot of great ideas the Executive Director is sure he’d be willing to share). Please read some of the ideas that are more detailed, in this paper that other posts are doing. You can contact the post Commanders for more details on how they do their projects and what they cost.

post 9126 Bryte Post 9126 - Finance Officer Gordon Grewe with Department Commander Mel Posey delivering turkeys and a check to the Sacramento Food Bank for Thanksgiving.

Post Commander Martin George and Department Commander Mel Posey at Brytle Post 9126.


More than two dozen non-profit agencies, veterans service organizations, and individual volunteers gathered on the historic USS Midway on Monday, January 19, 2009 to hold a rally in support of President

Barack Obama’s call to Americans of all ages to renew their commitment to volunteerism, civic engagement and service to community.The purpose of the National Call to Service Rally was to bring organizations and individuals together to network with each other and lay the foundations for greater collaboration during the coming year.

Held on Martin Luther King Jr., Day, immediately prior to the inauguration of our first African-American president, the Rally not only was a called Ameri-cans to service, but it brought entire community together to celebrate this special moment in American history. A special video, "Sojourn to the Past", produced by one of the first Stories of Service students was played at the Rally to mark the occasion.

Watch the video: "sojourn to the past" “What makes this Rally so unique is that it is providing an opportunity for

everyone to learn more about each other’s mission and role as agents of positive change. In so doing , we can develop ways for better leveraging each other’s skills and resources by working together in common cause to build a better com-munity for all,” said Linda Laurie, Stories of Service Special Events Coordina-tor.

Helen Wong, board member of the AMVETS California Service Founda-tion, expressed the appreciation on behalf of all veteran service organizations for the efforts of non-profit agencies that support our nation’s men and women in uniform.

Helen Wong (L) of AMVETS with Edith Shain and a fellow AMVET

“As a veteran with extensive background working in the VA system,,” I am deeply grateful for the work of organizations like Barry’s and others who sup-port our service men and women, both when they are serving and when they re-turn to civilian life.,” said Wong. “Events like today’s Rally remind us why we chose to serve to protect this great country and help build better communication between VSOs and the other members of the nonprofit community.”

As many of you may remember, a group of middle school students gave up their holiday to attend our pre-Inauguration National Call to Service event that we hosted on the USS Midway on January 19 as part of the pre-Inauguration.

http://www.digiclub.org/sofs/index.php?page_id=9&article_id=103

These students joined our Temecula Valley Young Marines for an orienta-tion to Stories of Service led by Robert Corpus and Anthony Zappia, which so inspired them that they returned to their classroom the following day and asked their teacher, Zoe Randall, if they could participate in the national program by producing digital stories with veterans from their local community.

Now, barely six weeks later, they have 16 (!) stories in production, including veterans from WWII to the current era, and have scheduled a public sharing at the Veterans History Museum in San Diego's Balboa Park on Friday evening, March 20.

Here are Zoe's email addresses if you want to send her and her students some well deserved words of support.

[email protected] [email protected]

for more on the above, go to http://www.digiclub.org/sofs/index.php?page_id=9&article_id=103

PACIFIC SUNDANCE

CONSTRUCTION

INC.MR. STEVE ADAMS

2911 W. WARNER AVE.SANTA ANA, CA 92704-5332

This memorial is for a fallen Marine.

Join Now! • Veterans Service

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

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

Application For Membership

Membership Fees: ANNUAL: $25 LIFE: $150 RENEWAL: $25

Attention Veterans!

I apply for: New Annual Renewal Life Membership & Pay $________ Post dues __________

Printed Name _________________________________________ Service# or SS# ____________________________________

Street Address___________________________________________ City __________________ State _____ Zip ___________

Sponsor __________________________ Phone _____________________ Branch of Service _________________________

Mo/Yr Entered SVC. _______/_______ Mo/Yr Discharged _______/_______ Type of Discharge _________________________

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY) / /____ Date of Application / /____ Spouse _______________________________

Signature_________________________________ *Post dues vary.

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS240 East King St.Tulare, CA 93274

NoN-PRoFITU.S. PoSTAgE

PAIDMI WEB PRESSPERMIT #181PoNTIAC, MI

4834364th ANNUAL STATE CONVENTIONPREREGISTRATIONDOUBLETREE ONTARIOJUNE 12-14, 2009 PLEASE PAY BANQUET AND REGISTRATION FEES BY MAY 30, 2009THANK YOU!Baby spring mixed greens salad, rolls and butter, coffee Service Your choice of Herb roasted chicken breast or Sliced sirloin w/Cabernet demi-glaze reductionServed with red roasted potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables and dessert

Please state your choice (chicken or beef ) when prepayingSend checks/ money order with information to:AMVETS Department240 East King AvenueTulare, Calif 93274

BANQUET tickets are $30 per person (actual cost is much higher but the Dept. is supplement-ing by paying the difference in order to make it possible for as many of you as possible to attend the banquet. (No charge for entertainment- two bands provided by our host Post 113)

Vol. 13, No. 1

Documents

Transcript of Vol. 13, No. 1