Vol. 14, No. 4

Greetings to all my comrades up and down the great state of California! I hope each of you survived the holiday season and was able to spend it with friends and family.

It is important as veterans to remember those we serve during the holidays. Too many veterans, active military and their families spend the holiday season alone. We can’t have that.

We are now elbow deep in this year and have seen many ups and downs so far. As of the writing of this article on November 30, there are only 10 posts that are compliant and are able to receive granted funds from the Foundation. I know this has been a tough task to accomplish. And as your commander, I want you to know we are doing everything we can to help your post through this. At the Fall Department Executive Committee Meeting we assigned the Audit Committee to the task of training ensuring each post is compliant. The members of the Committee belong to the North, South and Central Areas and will help your post and your district commander with all of the paperwork. Please contact the Execu-tive Director for information on the nearest committee member. Remember Post grants are not to be used for VAVS Projects, there is a different system for all VAVS support.

This fall we began a new Veterans Administration Volunteer Services (VAVS) Program that is compliant with the VA and Na-tional AMVETS. If your post has been involved in bingo, pic-nics, and support to your local VA, please contact State VAVS Coordinator., Jeff Sharp, 714-614-1269 for instructions how to get your VAVS program running strong. Under his direction, posts do not have to worry about being in compliance as the funds will be administered by the Department. As a VAVS Volunteer Rep. you have to be certified with AMVETS and your VA Voluntary Service Coordinator for your location will have to sign off on your train-ing. Also, as an AMVET VAVS Representative, you are required to attend all of the VAVS Committee meetings. State VAVS Coor-dinator Jeff Sharp will continue to work with both AMVETS and the VA Centers to ensure these programs are strong as ever.

NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS: I had the privilege of being a part of a historic moment for

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

NATIONAL GUARD/ARMY RESERVE:On November 19, I was a guest at Camp Roberts along with

2nd Vice Commander Mike Clay. Camp Roberts is the larg-est Guard/Reserve training facility in California. Over 400,000 Guard, Reserve and Active duty soldier are trained at Camp Rob-erts each year. Camp Roberts is also a fully functional deployment station, with a Soldier Readiness Center, a Central Issuing facility, and Railhead. Commander Clay and I were on site to determine how AMVETS can help with the mission in the areas of Moral, Welfare and Recreation. Over the next few months, my goal is to do whatever we can to support the troops of Camp Roberts and spread the name of AMVETS!

This is what we do. We are AMVETS…we support our vet-erans, our military and our communities! Drive on AMVETS!

Winter, 2010-11 Vol. 14, No. 4

commander’s remarks

Commander Ramos

By Commander Ramos

Photos by DepartmentPhotographer Orlando

Resendez

2—California AMVETS Voice Vol. 14, No. 4

Commander Charles Ramos 559-300-0853 [email protected]

1st Vice Commander Jerry Greer 707-725-3687 [email protected]

2nd Vice Commander Mike Clay [email protected]

Northern Area Commander Bud Simmons 707-971-0523 [email protected]

Central Area Commander Frank Guerra 559-875-5353 [email protected]

Southern Area Commander John Bernier 760-240-2300 [email protected]

Finance Officer Jerry Guevara 559-786-9106

Judge Advocate Chuck Kissel [email protected]

Provost Marshal Ben Aguayo [email protected]

N.E.C. Man Ronald Ferrara 626-577-2454 [email protected] Alt. N.E.C. Man Filbert Bejarano 559-686-0335

Officer at Large Baldy Salmon 559-303-4528

Officer at Large Ray Delgado [email protected]

Chaplain Tom Sarchipone 707-226-3978

Chief of Staff Jeff Sharp [email protected]

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

California AMVETS Voice, Attn: Rod Blackman120 North “M” Street Tulare, CA 93274or E-mail: [email protected]

T.O.C.Officer’s Reports ................................................................................ 3Membership ........................................................................................ 5Upcoming Events .............................................................................. 6Americanism .....................................................................................10 Capitol Weekly ..................................................................................14Operation Save Just One ................................................................ 15Stories of Service ............................................................................ 16Post Reports .................................................................................... 19G.I. Hope ........................................................................................... 30Brautigan Retires ............................................................................. 31

www.amvets-ca.org

120 North “M” Street

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011

Vol. 14, No. 4 California AMVETS Voice—3

Issue Deadline Convention Book April 1 Vol. 15, No. 1 March 1 Vol. 15, No. 2 June 1 Vol. 15, No. 3 September 1 Vol. 15, No. 4 December 1

Deadlines for Quarterly Submissions by Issue

Photo by DepartmentPhotographer Orlando Resendez


It’s official,

DD-214’s are NOW

Online www.vetrecs.archives.gov/

Happy New Year! Thank you all for the hard work you have done and continue to do with activities for our veterans and their families.

Your activities help us to get the word out about the many wonderful things AMVETS does for our veterans and their families.

Many of you have been busy signing up new members, getting annuals to renew (see the chart on page 5 of this paper), and working on getting your post in compliance. I know that the compliance pa-perwork is a slow tedious process, if you need help please call or email the department office and ask for the Audit Committee member for your area who should be able to help you. Currently we have nine posts who are in compliance and several others who are very close to being in compliance and may be by the time this paper reaches you. This will make them eligible for grants from the foundation. Post Grant and VAVS forms were mailed out to all post com-manders in October, outlining the requirements for a grant for the 2011 year. If you need a Direct Grant form please contact the department and we will e-mail or mail you a copy.

By now all post commanders should have re-ceived raffle tickets for the Department raffle and shared them with their post members. If anyone wants more tickets please contact the office and we will mail them to you.

We want everyone to have a chance to win MONEY: First prize is $1,500Second is $1,000 and Third is $500.One way that the raffle ticket money will be used

is for Scholarships for Veterans. The Department will be awarding three $1,000 scholarships. One for each area of the state. By the time you read this all Area, District and Post Commanders will have re-ceived (both by e-mail and postal mail) an applica-tion form. These are to be copied and distributed to veterans who are either already attending college or

planning to attend in the fall. Applications need to be turned in to the Area Commander NO LATER than 1 April 2011 (no this is not an April Fool’s joke). The winners will be announced at the State Convention in Concord. If you need an application form, send me an e-mail or call and the office will give you the in-formation for the Commander in your area to contact.

Membership Forms: when sending completed forms to the Department, Please send one copy of the form. Any other copies we need we will make. It is the responsibility of the post to check each new members DD214 or active duty card to be sure they qualify for membership. Important reminder: Life membership is now $200!

I look forward to seeing all of you at our DEC in Santa Maria. Besides the usual work and meetings we plan to have a little fun. We have a great banquet (tickets are only $25 each) and dancing with great music afterward planned.

Commander Visits: Do you want the Com-mander to visit your post? Contact the department by phone 559-688-3407 or e-mail [email protected] (preferred).

Let us know what date you would like to have him (always good to have a alternate date as well) and we will see if he is able to visit.

Website: California AMVETS has a new website. Check it out at www.calamvets.org.

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

AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA

66TH ANNUAL CONVENTION JUNE 10-12, 2011Hilton Concord Hotel

1970 Diamond Boulevard Concord, CA 94520

Fax 925-827-211$92 plus tax per night mention AMVETS to get

this rate. Cut off date is 26 May 2011I’ll see you in Santa Maria for our DEC, January

21-23rd.

Yours in Service,Rose

From the Desk of the Executive DirectorBy Rose Blackman

BenefitsPlease visit the National website, http://www.amvets.org and click

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

2ND VICE COMMANDER'S REpORTBy Mike Clay

Greetings and Happy New Year! A fast six months has just about gone by, and many things have happened to our Department this year. We are making great progress in nearly all areas, and still somewhat weak

in others. The compliance struggle goes on but is necessary. All of you are working hard to get your Posts into compliance and to still try to carry on with our work of caring for veterans. A daunting task, I know, but as a Department we are succeeding. Our Programs Reporting is still a bit on the weak side, and Area and District Commanders have been doing a great job of helping the Posts get their reports in to National. We are phoning the Posts that still need to make the first report of the period as this is being written, so expect to hear your phone ring if you haven't gotten your report in. For those of you that need help with the reporting system, don't hesitate to call me or your Area and District Commander. We will be glad to help.

I was fortunate enough to accompany our essay contest winners and JROTC people on the Freedom Foundation Leadership Conference at Valley Forge this year. I have to say that the program is great. The students truly get a lot out of the Conference, and see places that they may never get to otherwise see. The dif-ferent seminars are informative and interactive to the extent that the students get deeply involved in History and Civics without ever realizing that they are learn-

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

© 2010 AMVETS Department of California | 120 N. M St, Tulare, California 93274 Powered by CVN, Inc.

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Newsletters Calendar

PAWS With a CauseDeb Davis, National Marketing Director

for PAWS With a Cause, Sheryl

Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr.,

and Kevin Stone, U.S. Army, Retired

and PAWS With A Cause Service Dog

client.

www.calamvets.org

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Green-for-Green Hats The Green-for-Green Hats program will be kick started again beginning Veterans Day,

November 11, 2010 and will run until Memorial Day, May 31, 2011.

http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/membership_pdfs/membership_awards.pdf

Revalidations: Revalidations are due in dept. office no later July 1. If you revalidate online at amvets.org,

you still must send in the revalidation form with the officer page to the Dept. office. Please note the revalidation requirements below:

*Constitution and Bylaws must have been reviewed within the last five years and a copy submitted to the AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters.

* Current Revalidation and Officers’ Form completed and submitted to AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters, please make sure that all pages are signed and blanks are filled in.

*Ensure the Post has a minimum of 10 members in good standing.*Ensure your post is in compliance and has submitted a 990 to the IRS *Ensure you are using the 2011 Revalidation & Officers form which can be found on

our website. If you do not have computer access, contact the department to get a hard copy mailed to you.

*If a Post has a Post home please make certain insurance is current and for correct amount, $100,000 for facility just for meeting purposes, $300,000 for facility with clubroom) and on record with AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters. If Post has a clubroom please ensure a copy of the Liquor Liability is also current and on record with Dept Headquarters. Also ensure State and National Headquarters are included as additionally insured on policy.

* Be sure that your post has done their Programs Reporting online no later than June 1, 2011. If you do not have computer access contact the department for a paper form; reporting to national is a Department Bylaw requirement for any post to be revalidated.

Please forward all paperwork to AMVETS Dept. of California Headquarters and we will forward to AMVETS National Headquarters accordingly.

Membership

Veterans’ Medallion available for order

POST Total renewal cards on file # of RENEWALS DONE BYPOST MAL 214 59 (1 life conversion) 1 43 18 2 2 1 3 16 5 4 108 8 6 5 0 11 0 0 17 32 19 18 18 3 20 47 12 22 38 8 26 19 8 30 26 19 33 0 0 34 27 3 40 11 3 48 54 0 53 14 2 56 213 26 +1 life conversion 66 15 8 80 10 4 85 1 2 88 4 3 94 0 96 21 15 98 49 12 99 51 0 100 7 2 101 59 2 113 45 11 116 10 1 311 13 0 367 8 3 542 9 6 700 16 6 922 19 2 940 14 0 1240 152 11 1775 14 7 1776 30 2 1944 4 0 1990 1 0 1996 42 15 (6 life conversions) 2002 3 1 2003 7 5 2007 22 2 2009 23 1 2813 19 10

More information

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

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 employment 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 accommodations they can make for these individuals. This website is designed to be a link to information and tools that will help service members, primarily returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, affected by TBI and/or PTSD succeed in the workplace. Some of the resources include: job sharing, coaching and mentoring programs, fact sheets, training tools and success stories. For all these resources please visit: www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov

http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/membership_pdfs/membership_awards.pdf

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp




LEGISLATIVEADVOCATE'S REpORTBy Pete Conaty

UpCOMING EVENTS

2010 was a great year for AMVETS Department of California on the legislative front! This year the Department held its 1st Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol. This was a great opportunity for

AMVETS to meet their legislators and staffs and to educate them on veteran’s issues. The event was well attended by AMVETS members from across the state and elevated this great organization as an active participant in veterans legislative advocacy at the State Capitol. Attendees met with legislators and staff and heard from Capitol and California Department of Veterans Affairs speakers. The Department also awarded its first ever Legislator of the Year awards to Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) and Assemblywoman Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista). Denham has been elected to Congress and will now represent the people of the 19th Congressional District (Fresno, Modesto).

AMVETS had a busy year and many great accomplishments in 2010:January – August - The Department, in the 2009-2010 legislative ses-

sion; sponsored, supported, and monitored 81 Senate and Assembly bills impacting veterans.

February - Past Commander Mel Posey attended and spoke at a press conference regarding the introduction of 3 veterans bills authored by Senator Jeff Denham.

February – Lorraine Plass visits with Capitol staff to discuss women veterans issues.

March – AMVETS Foundation makes a donation to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) for Gold Star License Plates. These plates are for the family of a member of the Armed Forces who was killed while serving on active duty. The Gold Star Family License Plates will be produced at no cost to the state’s General Fund, so fund-raising to raise the $300,000 needed was necessary. The AMVETS Foundation stepped forward and made two donations to the fund in 2010 totaling $55,000!

April - 1st Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol. May - AMVETS, Department of California officially supports the

Governor’s May Revise budget subvention funding increase for Califor-nia’s County Veterans Service Offices.

June- AMVETS issues press release protesting the Legislature’s Joint Budget Conference Committee’s decision to cut funding for the Governor’s Operation Welcome Home Initiative to aid CVSO’s.

June – Lorraine Plass appointed Chair of the Legislative Committee to work with us on developing strategies.

August - AMVETS leaders attend Sacramento press conference for Operation Restore the Funding, the fight to restore full funding for Oper-ation Welcome Home initiative. After the press conference, the veterans leaders met with the Governor regarding this issue.

August – AMVETS and AMVETS Foundation leaders present check to CDVA Secretary Roger Brautigan for Project Gold Star. The Founda-tion contributed a total of $55,000 to Project Gold Star.

IMPORTANT DATES: 2011 AMVETS DEPARTMENT of CALIFORNIA

SPRING Department Executive CONFERENCE January 21-23rd (Friday to Sunday)

Santa Maria Inn 801 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA

$94 plus tax reservations must be made BEFORE Dec 21, 2010Reservations: 800-462-4276 or 805-928-7777

Fax: 805-928-5690 We will be having a banquet on Saturday night,

more information on that to come.

MARCH 1DEADLINE TO GET YOUR NEWS TO ROSE FOR THE AMVET NEWSPAPER (VOICE)

MARCH 15-19, 2011SPRING NEC

Hilton Washington Dulles AirportHernedon, VA for reservations call 703-478-2900 $99-$109 per night

APRIL 1CONVENTION BOOK DEADLINE

APRIL 15, 2011 TAXES DUE

AMVETS NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM DEADLINE Visit www.amvets.org for more information

MAYCut off date for reservations for State convention at the Concord Hilton (convention is June 11-13).

POST ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS

AT YOUR regular meeting.

JUNE 1DEADLINE TO GET YOUR NEWS TO ROSE FOR THE AMVET NEWSPAPER (VOICE)

JUNE 11-13 STATE CONVENTIONConcord (FRIDAY –SUNDAY)

JUNE 30LAST DAY TO REPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

TO NATIONAL FOR THIS QUARTER

JULY 1REVALIDATIONS DUE TO DEPT. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ROSE)

JULY 9Cut off date to reserve room for national Convention

AUGUST 6-13National Convention, St. Louis, MO

SEPTEMBER 1DEADLINE TO GET YOUR NEWS TO ROSE FOR THE AMVET NEWSPAPER (VOICE)

AUGUST 6 Cut off date to reserve your room for the Fall DEC at the Marriott in Visalia

Continued on next page


November - The AMVETS Foundation California and AMVETS, Department of California signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CDVA to provide training for Tribal Veterans Representatives. This MOU is the first of its kind in the nation and is a commitment from the AMVETS Foundation to provide funding to the CDVA to train three Tribal Veterans Representatives. This is the first time that the state has initiated a program to outreach specifically to Native American veterans. This year Governor Schwarzenegger appointed the first in the nation Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs, Pedro “Pete” Molina. Of course you all know Assistant Secretary Molina as the Commander of AM-VETS Post 99, Fresno. The MOU was signed by CDVA Undersecretary Rocky Chavez; Assistant Secretary Pedro Molina; AMVETS Foundation President Jim Pidgeon; and AMVETS Department Commander Charlie Ramos.

December – Develop legislative strategies for 2011. Legislative Chair Lor-raine Plass and I are working to develop the Department’s first ever Legislative Platform. The draft platform appears in this issue of the newsletter.

On December 6 the new 2011-2012 Legislature is sworn in. The 80 member California Assembly will include 28 new Assemblymembers and the 40 member California Senate will include 11 new Senators (almost all from the Assembly). In the Assembly, 27 will be brand new to the Legislature. Termed out Senator Gill Cedillo of Los Angeles has moved back to the Assembly. Also, Jeff Gorell of Ventura, a 3rd generation Navy man, serves as a Lt. Commander in the reserves, and has been ordered to Afghanistan in March (he will not be able to vote in the Legislature during this time). In the Senate, 9 Senators moved up from the Assembly, 1 passed away (Jenny Oropeza) during the election, and 1 is brand new (Anthony Cannella-Merced). Additionally, termed out Assemblyman and USAF-Reserve Lt. Colonel Ted Lieu is running for the Oropeza seat in a special election in February.

The following is a draft California State Legislative Platform for AMVETS Dept of CA. As you know, AMVETS National has always had a legislative platform, but this will be the Dept of California’s first legislative platform.

The California State Platform generally mirrors the AMVETS National plat-form. Our lobbyist Pete Conaty and I wrote it broadly enough so that when bills are introduced in the Legislature we can take positions easily. The legislative platform also puts us on record and gives AMVETS more visibility at the Capi-tol. The legislative platform also serves as a set of talking points for AMVETS attendees at the Department’s Legislative Day at the Capitol or when AMVETS members meet their local representatives in their hometowns.

Often times legislators and their staffs look at veterans group’s platforms for legislative ideas. Most legislators want to carry a bill or bills that help veterans. In the absence of any input they sometimes come up with well intentioned but poorly written bills or seek to solve some narrow, obscure problem rather than the core issues that would really help more of our state’s 2.1 million veterans. Legislative platforms give them something they can grab onto and run with. They also know that they will have a built-in supporter for the bill since it was on our platform.

Department Legislative Chair

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE, CONT.

Lorraine PlassDepartment Legislative Chair

New Reporting Requirements for Small Tax-Exempt Organizations

Continued on next page


Please review this draft platform. We will be discussing it at the DEC in Santa Maria.

AMVETS, Department of CaliforniaLegislative Platform 2011/12

DRAFT

SUPPORT legislation on the following issues:VETERANS OUTREACHSupport continued funding for “Operation Welcome Home” to reach out to

California’s veterans and inform them about the benefits that they are entitled for and how to apply for them.

Support increased funding of county veterans service offices to provide as-sistance to California’s veterans to navigate the claims process to access all ben-efits, state and federal due our veterans.

Support increased state grants to veterans service organizations to work with CVSOs on OWH and veterans outreach.

VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT:Develop initiatives to improve climate for veterans’ employment through

California including veterans’ preferences in public-sector employment and in-crease opportunities in the private sector.

VETERANS EDUCATION:Work with all California colleges and universities to ensure that veterans stu-

dents receive all information on federal and state educational benefits, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans and how to apply and access both the state and federal benefits.

VETERANS BENEFITS:Establish a cabinet level inter-agency task force to improve coordination

among governmental, municipal and private sector organizations to improve services and support for veterans and their families.

The inter-agency task force will focus initially on homelessness, healthcare and outreach to underserved women and minority veterans.

Advocate for streamlining and improving process of filing benefit claims with the Veterans Administration and the elimination of the backlog of claims.

VETERANS’ HOMELESSNESS REDUCTION AND TREATMENT:Work with the VA, municipal and private sector organizations to address the

root causes of veteran’s homelessness by:Improve veterans employment opportunitiesIncrease substance abuse prevention and treatment programsImplement California’s alternative sentencing law and Veterans CourtsDevelop affordable housing programsImprove rehabilitation efforts for homeless veterans.

VETERANS HEALTHCARE:Strive to ensure the California’s veterans receive information about their fed-

eral VA healthcare benefits including counseling and information about treat-ment options for PTSD, TBI, combat stress and physical disabilities.

How to apply for compensation process for appealing claims denied.

MISC:Sponsor legislation to waive state and county fees for veteran cremains iden-

tified by the Missing in America Project.

Department Legislative Chair, cont. CENTRAL AREA

COMMANDERS REpORT

As submitted by Adjutant Jerry Guevara

Greeting to all my fellow veterans: This last quarter, for the posts in my area, was extremely busy. With Veterans Day the most important occasion, that we participate in, with extreme pride.

As veterans, we realize the commitment and sacrifices of the many veterans still active and their role in protecting us to make sure that we can celebrate such holidays. I was especially proud for all of us and equally proud of the posts in my area for all the activities they were involved in.

post 22Visalia - was very active in the events, programs and functions that took place

during this time. They participated with several other local service groups and help promote AMVETS.

post 56Tulare – their color guard was very active in many memorial services. They

also participated in several functions at the local schools, provided a very well attended Thanksgiving dinner for the community veterans and local members of the area and just made sure that they represented AMVETS.

post 98Sanger – participated in the Fresno Veterans Day parade and hosted an open

house for veterans at the post headquarters.

post 99Fresno/Clovis – also participated in the Fresno Veterans Day parade and then

hosted a reception after the parade for a friendship gathering for all veterans in attendance.

Both post 98 and 99 Attended a stand down that was presented at Fresno City College to honor

Veterans. Many speakers gave a brief history of the major conflicts in which America has been involved in the past hundred years, from World War I up thru and including Iraq/Afghanistan.

I was fortunate to be able to participate in the Fresno Veterans Parade along with Posts 98 and 99, representing the Central Area. This parade is known as one of the largest on the West Coast and was attended by close to 30,000 specta-tors and lasted approximately 2 ½ hours.

In closing, I want to stress how important it is to continue working together as a team. My Central Area commanders will continue to meet monthly to share in-formation. I ask that commanders continue to support these meetings and share the information that your post is involved in. Make sure to turn in reports of your activities, which should include membership and events, as well as events for future planning.

Hoping that all of you and your families had a truly happy holiday period and see you at our next meeting.

Frank J. Guerra, Central Area Commander


District 4 ReportSept. to Dec. 2010 Quarterly Update

Sheryl Shaffer , District 4 Commander

During Oct. 1 and 2, 2010 I attended and participated at the AMVETS Dept. of Calif. Fall D.E.C. in Bakersfield.

“PAWS With a Cause” is the latest interview available on line through the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV on line Video Series. Inter-views were done at the AMVETS National Convention in Louisville, KY during August.

Kevin explains how having service dogs transforms his families’ life. (Front) Mambo - service dog. Deb Davis gives the history of how PAWS was formed and they both tell of what a positive Impact dogs have in peo-ples’ lives. This episode was edited on put online www.vecsamnet.org, www.vecsm.blip.tv and www.pegmedia.org during October 2010.

Sheryl Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Commander is the Executive Pro-ducer and hosts the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series now online through blip.tv and also pegmedia.org. The series is sponsored by AMVETS CA Service Foundation and so far, there are 10 AMVETS sponsored epi-sodes available for viewing on line www.vecsamnet.org. They are: The Truth About PTSD, Hometown Heroes, AMVETS In Service to Veterans, Monterey Bay Veterans, Veteran Community Outreach, AMVETS CA Ser-vice Foundation, Veterans Resource and Opportunity Event, PAWS Wits A Cause, G.I. Hope and Veteran Peer Specialist.

Being on pegmedia.org allows each episode to be downloaded and broad-cast to any 1 of 3,000 PEG stations across the U.S. So far, our 14 episodes online have been downloaded 204 times in 45 different markets. We invite you to join us in the AMVETS community, working on behalf of veterans, from all the wars because we are veterans helping veterans.

On Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 we went on location to video tape the “G.I. Hope” interviews with homeless women veterans. This collaboration was as a direct result of attending the Women Veterans Conference in Clovis, CA on Oct. 6, 7 & 8. While networking, I met Kenya Lawson, Exec. Dir. of G.I. Hope at the conference and we collaborated to film an episode of the “VHV” TV series at their Fashion Show event. This was a wonderful collaboration of many people. We had the talents of a combat photographer from March ARB Carolyn Erfe and her contact Brent Harvey of www.brentharveyfilms.com.

Brent Harvey is a U.S.M.C. combat photographer veteran. Our 9th epi-sode “G.I. Hope” will be online on blip.tv and pegmedia.org before the end of December. Continuing to work as a team, AMVETS Post 53 member Steve Hall edited this episode.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2010 at the Media Center in Palo Alto, we produced our 10th episode in the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series sponsored by AMVETS Dept. of CA Service Foundation, “Veteran Peer Specialist.”

Their web site is www.usvamerica.org. Sheryl Shaffer, AMVETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr., © hosts and produces this series. It can be seen online www.vecsm.blip.tv and/or www.vecsamnet.org and downloaded and broadcast to anyone of 3,000 PEG (Public Education and Government) stations (www.pegmedia.org) across the U.S.

We explain what the U.S. Volunteers are and what do they do. Leo and Dan were the first 2 gentlemen trained as the first Peer to Peer Specialists within the VA in Martinez, CA.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is such an important topic and it is dealt with in an open and frank discussion. The more attention we can draw to this issue, the better. There are too many veterans falling through the cracks. According to the Dept. of Defenses own research, it is estimated that 20% of returning troops have PTSD.

People need to remember that PTSD is not a mental illness but a normal reaction to an abnormal set of circumstances. You don’t have to be a combat veteran to experience PTSD.

The symptoms and how it can affect all family members is talked about. Is there a cure for PTSD or is it teaching coping techniques? The objective

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

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

with treating PTSD is to develop coping skills and awareness of how a person is triggered.

After coming home, how do you pick up where you left off? Is it normal to think differently and see life differently from a heightened state of awareness to the normal civilian world? These are just some of the questions that the guests answer. These interviews are thought provoking and an open dialogue dealing with the issues of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

We encourage you to watch “Veteran Peer Specialist” online http://blip.tv/file/4422674 and through our web site www.vecsamnet.org.

Watch “Veteran Peer Specialist” Online

Read more about this program

on page 32

http://www.vecsamnet.org/

http://www.vecsm.blip.tv/


http://www.usvamerica.org/




http://www.pegmedia.org/

http://www.pegmedia.org/

http://blip.tv/file/4422674

http://blip.tv/file/4422674



From Modesto to Bakersfield, this past few months has been a very educational period. It’s been a hell of six months learning what to do in the District. Then we will be going to Santa Maria in January.

My Post 56 has two meetings a month,. I met with Post 98 in Sanger on August 24 and with Post 99 in Fresno November 17, and meeting with Shafter Post 922. December 4. I was delighted to meet with Mr. Coffey, Commander of Post 542 at the Tulare Office. Mr. Coffey is from Springville. He said we would have to wait until Spring, probably in March, as the snow has already started up where he is. He also said they would be delighted to see someone come up there, as no one from down here has been to see them since 2002. I also met with Post 22 Visalia October 21.

We accomplished a very important task that discussed in Bakersfield at DEC in September . I, as District 6 Commander, Carl Bates, and Phil Plas-cencia got the Fresno Hospital VAVS’ bank account open and everything is working well writing checks and getting money for the activities for the VA Hospital. YEAH!

November 3, Veterans were honored for Veteran’s Appreciation Day at the Tulare Union High School, and we had a very large group turn out. We also got a wonderful meal prepared for us. We took our rifles and guns, and showed pictures and told stories to the high school kids. This year we were privileged to demonstrate the Folding of the Flag as we do at Honors funerals. As each fold was explained, many people became quite emotional.

On November 6, we had the Vietnam Veteran Parade in Tulare. November 3, Veterans of Post 56 in Tulare, and Post 22 in Visalia, attended

the Veteran’s Appreciation Day at Twilight Park in Woodlake, CA from 1100 to 1700 for BBQ chicken, ribs, and all the fixings. Very enjoyable.

November 10, 0700, Color Guard posted colors and celebrated the Ma-rine’s 235th birthday in Tulare, CA at the Salvation Army. At 0800, the Color Guard was at Garden School and Mission Valley School, then to the Senior Center to Post Colors and have lunch at 11:00. Quite a busy day that day.

November 16, State Commander Charlie Ramos, Post 56 Commander, Tom Downen, Foundation President Jim Pidgeon, and District 6 Commander Alex Halley, met with Tulare Mayor and City Council at the New Library in Tulare, to present the Care Bears to the Police Chief and Fire Chief, and launch the program in Tulare. The Care Bears are intended for the police officers and fire officers to carry with them to use when they come in contact with a child who needs reassurance.

November 25, Thanksgiving Day, Post 56 of District 6, including the La-dies Auxiliary, fed traditional Thanksgiving dinners to over 450 people at the Tulare Memorial Building. Dinners were also delivered to disabled people in their homes who called to let Post 56 know. About 50 meals were delivered by Carl Bates to random homeless people on the streets of Tulare and Visalia. We ran out of food. What an amazing feat this was.

So, I have either been in phone contact or visited all of my District 6 Posts. I am impressed and very proud of the activities that are being conducted in District 6. We are really working hard and making good progress.

In addition to all the other activities, I, as a member of the Tulare Post 56 Honor Guard conducted 19 funeral services; one of which was for one of our own Honor Guard members, Kent Cheeseborough. We had the privilege to conduct this ceremony at the new Bakersfield National Cemetery.

We’ll see you in Santa Maria in January. God bless you all and those still in Harm’s Way around the World. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Alex Halley, Commander District [email protected] (559) 302-7155 (559(625-4643If post 65 has e-mail please send to me.

District 6 Report

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

Co-sponsored with the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, this is a K-12 program offered through schools and youth programs to educate our youth on the meaning of being an American. We do this by providing

a series of contests involving flag drawing, posters and essays that are age appropriate and grade specific. All national entries receive a Certificate of Participation signed by the National Commander. Gift cards are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, with the 1st place winners also receiving a plaque.

Since 1987, AMVETS National Service Foundation has provided a special recognition and unique four-day educational experience for the 9th grade Na-tional Americanism Essay Contest winners. They receive an all-expense paid trip to a four-day "Spirit of America" youth conference that is held at Free-doms Foundation, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a national, not-for-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian, educational organization. It exists to help preserve the ideals and principles upon which the United States was founded and to help Americans become informed, responsible and active citizens in the social, po-litical and economic life of our nation to prevent the erosion of those ideals and principles.

How does a child or young adult participate?Teachers or youth group leaders hopefully will take the initiative to involve

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

How do I enter?Entry forms (PDF files) with contest rules, including the “themes” can be

downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below.Flag Drawing (For students in kindergarten and 1st grade)http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/programs_pdfs/americanism_flag_drawing_form_rules_07.pdfPoster (for students in 2nd through 5th grades)http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/programs_pdfs/americanism_poster_form_07.pdfEssay (for students in 6th through 12th grades)http://www.amvets.org/pdfs/programs_pdfs/americanism_essay_form_07.pdf

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


AMVETS Department Scholarship Program Application (Please type or print the following information)

Applicant’s full legal name: _________________________________________________

Last First Middle

Permanent mailing address: ____________________________________________________ (Stateside address only)

City: __________________State:________Zip:_____________Telephone: (____) ___________ Social Security Number:_____________________ Date of birth: _______________Age: ______ List in order, beginning with the present year, all schools attended in the last four years: Name of School Location Dates Attended GPA _______________ ______________________ ___________________ ____ _______________ ______________________ ___________________ ____ _______________ ______________________ ___________________ ____ _______________ ______________________ ___________________ ____ Name, address and telephone number of the school you are currently attending, if any: (Name of school/ program) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Street Address) (City, State, Zip) ( )____________________ (Telephone) High School Graduation/ GED date: ____/______ MM YYYY Name, Address and telephone number of school/ program accepted to. (This Scholarship will be applied towards) (Name of school/ program) (Street Address) (City, state, zip) ( )______________________ (Telephone) Intended Major Course of Study: _________________________________________________________________ Date entering/ entered school:_______________________________________ (MM DD YYYY)

REQUIREMENTS FOR AMVETS DEpARTMENT SCHOLARSHIp CONSIDERATION:

1- Must be a United States veteran or member of the National Guard or Reserves.

2- Must be a United States citizen

3- Must demonstrate finan-cial need.

4- Must have a high school diploma or GED (General Educa-tion Diploma)

5- Must agree to authorize AMVETS to publicize your schol-arship award, if you are selected.

6- Must be enrolled or ac-cepted for enrollment to an eligible educational institutional program.

7- Must not be convicted un-der state or federal law of sale or possession of illegal drugs.

Completed application

and required forms

must be postmarked

on or before

April 1, 2011.

Must be turned into

the Area Commander.

Winners will be

announced at the State

Convention

June 12th, 2011



Financial Status Statement

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

Family Income

Name Occupation Annual Gross Salary Student:_____________________ _________________________ $____________ Spouse: _____________________ _________________________ $____________ Other: :_____________________ _________________________ $____________ In submitting this application, I hereby certify that: *I am in need of this scholarship aid to continue my education. *I will use the proceeds of any scholarship aid received for the payment of tuition, required fees, board, room, required materials or books. *I will carry the hours necessary to qualify as a full-time student.

*The information submitted in this application is complete and correct, and I agree to inform the committee of changes in my financial circumstances.

Veteran’s Signature_____________________________________ Date:__________________

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

Required Materials

1- A copy of your honorable discharge or a letter from the commanding officer certify-ing current Guard or Reserve status.

2- Official college transcripts for all courses attempted or will attempt and any degrees or certificates awarded. If post-secondary credits amount to less than 12 credit hours and high school diploma was awarded within the past five years, a high school transcript must be provided. Transcripts must be in the 2.0 grade scale or if in a different system, translated to the 2.0 scale.

3- Essay (50-100 words) and addressing the theme of how this scholarship will help me:“This Award will help me achieve my career/vocational goal, which is…”

4- Acceptance letter or a letter stating current student status from an accredited program.

5-A resume detailing volun-teer activities, community ser-vices, and jobs held during the past four years.



Financial Status Statement (continued)

Yearly Estimated Income: Yearly Estimated Expenses: Tuition and fees from job $_____________ Please indicate living accommodations: Or work/study programs ___On-campus housing Aid from Parents or $_____________ ___ Off-campus housing (specify) Guardian ____________________________ Aid from Spouse $____________ Loans $____________ Tuition and fees $_____________ Scholarships (only scholarships you have received $____________ Books and materials $______________ Grants $_____________ Board: $______________ Social Security $____________ Room $______________ Veterans Benefits $_____________ Personal and recreation (including lunches, travel, $_____________ etc, ) expenses

Welfare benefits $______________ Other Resources $______________ Total estimated income $______________ Total estimated expenses $____________ Difference needed $________________________

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

Privacy Act Advisory

Statement: In the spirit

of The Privacy Act of

1974, 5 U.S.C. & 552A,

as amended, protecting

your privacy is impor-

tant to us. AMVETS

will use the personal in-

formation you provide

for the sole purpose of

evaluating your scholar-

ship application. It will

not be shared, sold or

otherwise made avail-

able to any individual,

corporation or organiza-

tion. Disclosure is vol-

untary. However, failure

to provide information

could preclude your

consideration for this

scholarship.

Privacy Act Advisory Statement


What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legacy after two terms as governor? Political pundits may disagree about the answer to that question. California’s veterans do not. We are united in our respect for Gov.

Schwarzenegger‘s unbroken record of commitment to the men and women of America’s Armed Services and California’s veterans. Throughout his more than seven years in office, he has gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of veterans of all ages and all wars.

"For more than 200 years, our freedoms have been paid for in blood and sacri-fice by our men and women in uniform," Gov. Schwarzenegger said last month. "America is the Land of the Free, only because it is the Home of the Brave . . . we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure all our veterans, young and old, are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."

Those are inspiring words but Governor Schwarzenegger honors veterans not only with his words but his deeds. More than any governor in memory, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that California never forgets the debt of gratitude we owe all who go in harm’s way in defense of liberty – opening homes for our elderly veterans, helping young women and men transition successfully to civil-ian life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing a wide array of services to veterans of all generations.

Gov. Schwarzenegger traveled to Iraq during the height of the war there and returned with a renewed determination to improve existing services for veterans and to develop new programs to meet the new realities of this age of a seemingly never-ending war with terror.

Four years ago, the governor launched a series of more than 40 "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" job fairs throughout the state. Over the years, hundreds of em-ployers have linked up with more than 15,000 veterans at these fairs.

This year, building on the success of that program, Gov. Schwarzenegger es-tablished Operation Welcome Home, the only program of its kind in the nation. Using a wide variety of services, this $20 million outreach has already provided a very hearty and helpful welcome home to more than 35,000 veterans, connect-ing them with job placement and training, educational assistance and medical benefits services. The Operation Welcome Home staff includes 300 veterans who reach out to men and women who are now leaving the service after tours in com-bat zones.

In the face of opposition among some lawmakers, Gov. Schwarzenegger man-aged to win $5 million in additional funding for County Veterans Service Offices, the ground level force that day in and day out succeeds in ensuring that veterans obtain their well-deserved benefits and establish a fund for veterans service orga-nizations to assist CVSOs.

Gov. Schwarzenegger’s dedication to veterans’ causes goes far beyond these initiatives on behalf of our newest heroes.

"As a sign of his commitment to a generation that served so bravely and no-bly in Vietnam, the governor signed legislation establishing an annual "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 30. "It is never too late," he said, "to recognize the selfless actions of these courageous men and women who answered duty's call and served our nation."

• During his administration, California has opened three homes for older veterans and started work on two new homes. Builders of those homes have agreed to set a goal of 10 percent participation by companies operated by disabled veterans.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger has gone the extra mile in honoring the bravest among us. He signed "Stolen Valor" legislation making it a crime to falsely claim to be a decorated war veteran, and he urged our real heroes to proudly wear their mili-tary medals on Veterans Day. “When we see our veterans wearing their medals at parades and ceremonies on Veterans Day we will be reminded of the courage

and sacrifice they all made to serve and protect us,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger.

• He also signed legislation to offer treatment instead of prison for our service-men and women whose wounds can’t be seen, such as Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

• Veterans’ legislation signed by the governor extends educational assistance to all California National Guard members – those who protect us in disasters at home as well as those who go overseas to protect our freedoms.

Gov. Schwarzenegger's legacy of commitment to California veterans is re-markable and his inspiration is clear. In his own words: "Our veterans have an-swered duty’s call and defended our nation in every corner of the world. For-saking the comforts of home, they have risked their lives to protect the liberties we enjoy. Their willingness to serve and the sacrifices that they have made are inspirational, and I extend my deepest gratitude for their invaluable service. We will be forever in their debt."

It is hoped that our new governor and the Legislature will continue Operation Welcome Home and the enhanced veterans outreach programs started by Gov. Schwarzenegger while our country remains at war and California's military and veterans are still in need of federal and state benefits they have earned by virtue of their service to our country and our state.

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

AMVETS Legal Clinic

Part of Chapman Law's new Military Personnel Law Center, the AMVETS Legal Clinic is housed in the first

floor of the law school building. As the name implies, the AMVETS Legal Clinic is a cooperative effort with AMVETS

Department of California, a non-profit organization that is committed to veterans and community service. Another key supporting partner is Brandman University, whose campuses provide satellite office space for clinic participants in the Western United States. Some campuses are on military bases, and many others are near to the law school. Eventually, the arrangement will allow the Chapman clinic to serve all of California and its 200,000 military families spread over 27 bases.

Second- and third-year students at Chapman handle all facets of cases, un-der the supervision of faculty members and private attorneys. “This is a great opportunity for Chapman students to practice a specialized kind of law as the clinic also meets a vital community need,” said Kyndra K. Rotunda, Director of the Military Personnel Law Center and Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at Chapman. The Family Violence Clinic, the Alona Cortese Elder Law Center and the Tax Law Clinic are among the other opportunities for students to learn by doing while also serving those in need.

Contact: [email protected]: 714.628.2576 Mail: Kyndra Rotunda, Military Personnel Law Center Chapman University School of Law One University Drive Orange, CA 92866

http://www.capitolweekly.net/author.php?_c=zbh8q45hn7dj41&1=&xid=yxq0ot5bdbpxfj


OpERATION SAVE JUST ONEAMVETS post 56 initiates California state wide suicide prevention outreach to veterans

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

At National Convention in August, 2010, out going Commander Duane Miskulin announced an alarming number of veterans committing suicide. I met with Dept. of California Commander Charlie Ramos and

we decided we needed to create a response to this problem. The Mission: Notify every Veteran in the State of California

that help is available.. We contacted National Suicide Hot Line and Veterans Hospitals in the state

and were able to acquire a quantity of hand-out material regarding suicide pre-vention and where help is available.

At AMVETS Department of California Executive Meeting in Oct, 2010, the “Save Just One” program was presented to the Executive Committee, Area Com-manders, District Commanders, and AMVETS Service Officers. Eighteen Dis-trict Commanders were given packages of hand out materials and encouraged to deliver them to the Commanders of the 50 posts in their Districts. All AMVET members are encouraged to store the Suicide Hot Line phone # on their cell phones.

We will never know how many suicides we prevent with this program but are convinced if we “Save Just One”, the effort will be a complete success.

We encourage all Departments in the nation to adopt this mission.If you or someone you know needs help now, please call 1-800-273- TALK

(8255) and press “1”http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans.Veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Nationally, TEAM AMVETS can “Save Just One.” Tom DonwenCommander, AMVETS Post 56Tulare, California

AMVETS Department Accountant

From Phil Plascencia

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

Do you know which Form 990-series return you are required to file for the 2010 tax year? The 990 filing thresholds for the year 2010 and later (filed in 2011 and later) will change as fol-

lows for all organizations required to file a 990-series return: Organizations with gross receipts normally < $50,000 must file Form 990-N (but may choose to

file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ). In prior years only organizations with gross receipts normally < $25,000 could file the Form 990-N (“e-postcard”).

Organizations with gross receipts > $50,000 and < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000 must file Form 990-EZ or a com-plete Form 990.

Organizations with gross receipts > $200,000 or total assets > $500,000 must file Form 990. Private foundations must file Form 990-PF.

If you have any questions regarding the above guidelines or the Franchise Tax Board New Franchise Tax Board electroni-cally filing Form FTB 199N for year 2010, call me (after 1 pm M-F) 559-688-3407.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans


The United States Congress unanimously passed legislation this summer in support of a new national day to honor the legacy of service of the men and women of America’s “Greatest Generation,”

and to inspire a renewed sense of national unity and service to community and country.

House Concurrent Resolution 226 supports the observance of “Nation-al Spirit of ’45 Day” on the second Sunday of every August to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War II. HCR 226 was co-spon-sored by a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators led by House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). California passed similar legislation earlier in the year, introduced by San Diego Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher.

On August 14, hundreds of public events were organized throughout California and the rest of the country as part of the first annual National Spirit of ’45 Day, including all 15 Major League Baseball games played that day. Several hundred buglers from the East Coast to Hawaii played “Taps” at the end of the Day to honor the more than 400,000 Gold Stars of WWII and the millions of veterans who have passed away since the end of the war.

All of California’s State Veterans Homes hosted Spirit of ’45 Day events, as did dozens of senior and assisted living communities across the state. More than 1500 people attended a day-long event held in San Jose’s 14-acre History Park, complete with hundreds of WWII re-enactors and live 40’s swing band music.

National Spirit of ’45 Day was initiated by Stories of Service, the award winning youth program that AMVETS California Service Founda-tion has supported for the past several years (www.Spiritof45.org). Past State Department Commander Johnny Byrum and Foundation President Jim Pidgeon appeared with Spirit of ’45 Day national spokeswoman Edith Shain, the famous Times Square Nurse who worked tirelessly for the past three years to establish a permanent national day to honor the courage, self-sacrifice, can-do attitude, and commitment to service of the “ordinary heroes” of her generation. Edith passed away on June 20 at age 91.

Jerry Coleman, the Voice of the San Diego Padres has stepped in to continue Edith’s efforts to establish a national day. Jerry , who played second base for the legendary New York Yankees and was the MVP of the 1950 World Series, was the only Major League Baseball player to see combat in both WWII and the Korean War, receiving two Distinguished Flying Crosses and numerous other citations for his 5 years of service as a Marine pilot. Jerry represented Spirit of ’45 Day in the New York City’s Veterans Day Parade, accompanied by an army of youth carrying images of WWII vets which was televised live by NBC.

Plans are now being laid to expand on the success of this year’s efforts by increasing the number of participating cities to 1000 and the number of buglers to 5000 next year when National Spirit of ’45 Day falls on Sunday, August 14. This year’s National Spirit of ’45 Day coincided with the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII on August 14, 1945. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1945 and the 10th anniversary of the attack of 9/11.

For more information and to learn how you and your post can be in-volved in National Spirit of ’45 Day, please visit www.Spiritof45.org

Spirit of ’45 youth honors Gold Star in Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC

Congress and State of California Endorse “Spirit of ’45 Day”

to Honor WWII Veterans


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

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

Youth carry photos of WWII in New York Veterans Day Parade

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


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alto Corralitos ranch

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BV Home services inc.

Capture 3-d inc.

Chuck's Coffee shop

Combat Medical llC

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Harbor dental Bleaching Group

Harry Williams Construction

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san Joaquin prime Care


post 2 post 18

post 6

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

post 2 Activities: Submitted by James Johnstone

On the November 20, 2010 we did honors for a World War II veteran. The grand son who is

active ARMY was asked if he would like to fire the salute with us he was ecstatic that we asked, and did so. He said we were the only Veteran’s group that would do the honors for his grandfather.

On November 25, we picked up two veterans at a homeless shelter and took them to the V.A. where there was going to be a Thanksgiving dinner and told them about the new home.

Dr. William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense , February 1994 to January 1997, welcomes Jim Reese, Commander of Post 6 San Jose CA AMVETS, as a new member of the U.S. Army Silicon Valley

Community Advisory Board at a meeting held on 3 November, 2010 in San Jose.

Hal Camp post 18 ReportSubmitted by Ivan Ashbaugh

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

Beach.In addition, LOH member, Brent Nielson, was invited to join

with the Ogden, Utah American Legion rifle detail, during the Military Funeral service for Brent’s Brother-in-law, a WWII Navy veteran.

The Legion of Honor (LOH) was also active with Veteran’s Day related activities.

On November 4, the LOH participated in the first Veteran’s Ob-servance at the UC Irvine Medical Center, in the City of Orange. Brent Neilson, Bill Leonard and Dennis Marfice, presented the

colors, and Ivan Ashbaugh led the Pledge of Allegiance.

On November 11, the LOH pro-vided seven riflemen at the dedica-tion of the new Veterans Memorial Garden at the Harbor Lawn-Mt Ol-ive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa. Post Member (and Freedom Com-mittee Chairman) Jack Hammett, served as the Master of Ceremo-nies.

On November 13, the LOH par-ticipated in the 26th annual City of La Palma Days Parade. Captain Richard Florence served as the Band Reviewing Officer. Cap-tain Ivan Ashbaugh was honored to be the Military Grand Marshal. He was accompanied by his wife, Sandi, who is also a Ladies Auxil-iary member and LOH bugler.

Many Post 18 members enjoyed a free dinner from McCormick and Schmick’s and/or Applebees.

post 4


post 26

POST Reports

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

Visit our website

www.calamvets.org


POST Reports


post 34WholeVet physical Fitness and Therapy program

Post 34 member Alexandra (“Alex”) Crichlow has come up with a new approach to helping veterans heal. In collaboration with the San Francisco Vet Center, Alex wrote a grant request for a new program which would

integrate physical training, nutrition and therapy. The request was approved for funding by the AMVETS Service Foundation. The WholeVet Physical Fitness and Therapy Program will begin in San Francisco in January, 2011.

WholeVet is an innovative program, for clients of the San Francisco Vet Cen-ter; in partnership with AMVETS, Club One Fitness, and Performance Max. The Program is designed to demonstrate the physical and mental benefits which can be realized by veterans of all ages when they participate in a program which merges traditional veterans’ therapy with progressive physical training and com-plementary nutrition counseling. There is currently no other program for veter-ans which fully encompasses all aspects of healing: mind, body and spirit. The Program will be open to veterans of all ages, and will be a valuable new offering to address the needs of the underserved veterans of OEF/OIF. The training di-mension of the Program will also serve as a springboard for older veterans who wish to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Golden Age Games.

Alex lived with a laundry list of illnesses for over 25 years, and can personally attest to the benefits of psychotherapy, coupled with a structured fitness program and nutrition counseling. Prior to beginning a program at Club One, Alex had over a dozen surgical procedures within five years, had been an insulin-dependent diabetic for years, was taking 18 pills a day for several diseases and ailments, and was obese. Through participation in the Performance Max program at Club One and therapy at the San Francisco Vet Center, she brought her metabolism under control (blood pressure and blood sugar in particular), and gradually lost 71 pounds. In addition, she was also able to eliminate the majority of the medications she was taking. While she still lived with the last-ing effects of retinopathy and mel-anoma, as well as PTSD and MST, she found that her day-to-day out-look was radically improved. Alex recognized that her situation was

not unique, and that many veterans have at least one of the diseases or diagnoses she has dealt with. If she could work her way though a maze of physical and emotional problems, other veterans could too. Her personal experience drove her to find a way to bring the mind-body-spirit approach to other veterans.

For further information about the WholeVet Program, please contact Lance Frederick or Elizabeth Fleming, at the San Francisco Vet Center. Telephone:

415-441-5051 or Email: [email protected]

Presentation of checks to representatives from Club One Fitness and Performance Max, Mark Sutro, Jim Karanas, and Joan Kent; and S.F. Vet Center counselor Lance Frederick, by AMVETS Helen Wong and Robert Williams.

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

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


POST Reports


Get your AMVETS gear here! www.amvetsquartermaster.com/

post 48

post 40

Bud Simmons, of Michael Ottolini AMVETS Post 40 of Sonoma County, has been named Sonoma County Veteran of the Year. This is an honor extended to a veteran in the county who has demonstrated service

above and beyond the call of duty toward fellow veterans and the community. Besides his membership in AMVETS, Bud belongs to numerous other veterans’ organizations, and has served in various capacities on the boards of several of them. We in AMVETS Post 40 are proud to claim Bud as one of our founding members, our post Adjutant and as the current California Northern Area Commander. Below is Bud’s humble response to his selection to Vet of the Year.

Today I received word that I was the “Sonoma County Veteran of The Year.” What an HONOR to be so recognized and I want to thank from the bottom of

my heart each and everyone of you from whom I received support over the years. I am only an extension of what you do -- Serving our great veterans and their

families and our active duty military and their families. My patriotism and devotion to my country started during my youth back in

the 40’s in San Francisco. Then a military and a most patriotic town. What I do, I do for all veterans in the memory of my Uncles - Al, a Marine

and Howard, U.S. Army who both served during WW II - and my late brothers - Ray U.S. Navy and Jim USMC, who both served during my time - Korea. More recently, Lee Martini, US Army WW II of American Legion Post 21,

Tom Aumack US Army, WW II of American Le-gion Post 21 and Bob Wynant US Army WW II of VFW Post 1844 further inspired me to do what I do, as well as all of you.

I am further value my association with the Pearl Harbor Survivors and of course treasure my membership in The American Legion, Post 111; The VFW, Memory Post 1844; Michael Ot-tolini AMVETS Post 40; the Air Force Associa-tion and of course my Associate Membership in two great outstanding organizations, the Ma-rine Corps League 686 and the Vietnam Veter-ans of America. 223

I have thank my wife of 55 years, Elaine, who has unselfishly let me pursue my recent life’s work of helping our fellow veterans and active duty military.

Thank all of you for what you do and do and do and do. And most importantly THANK YOU for your service to our great country and

continuing to serve by what you now do.Sincerely,Bud Simmons - USAF (‘51-’58) Respectfully submitted, Dave Richey, CFO Post 40

Veterans Day Long Beach City College on Veterans Day. Had

1st vice from Post 48 and we signed up 30 new mem-bers.

www.amvetsquartermaster.com/


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

POST Reports


post 56Veteran’s Day picnic and another successful Thanksgiving Dinner

November: Veteran’s Day picnic and another successful Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans and Civilians in our Community who needed a nice place to go for a free delicious Thanksgiving meal; more than

500 plates were used (this includes delivery and takeouts). Carl Bates had the wonderful idea of starting something new. He and his wife Vicki took food to the homeless on the street who could not come to the Memorial Building. THANK YOU to EVERYONE who helped make this one of the best dinners we’ve ever served. We are very fortunate to have a lot of great hard working members of our post and community who are willing to give up part of their day (and in the case of the pit crew their night) to help others. Special thanks to our anonymous Lady who gets 300 lbs of turkey donated to us each year, to the Martinho Family for the use of their deep pit, to Roseanne O’Neil and the Cabrillo club for their donation of the rolls, to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the pies and the AMVETS Foundation for the money to put on this activity. One thing was missing this year, the wonder music by our piano lady Tina, who was in the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers.

December: Post Christmas Dinner hosted by our Auxiliary with post mem-ber Darrel Joy doing the cooking. Children enjoyed a visit with Santa and everyone enjoyed a good meal.

The Tulare Cabrillo Club is a great supporter of veterans and AMVETS Post 56. Each year they have a fundraiser called the Casino Bus. This year they chose to donate the money ($1,000) from that fund to AMVETS Post 56 to use to help local veterans who need help with food or housing. Below is a picture of Post Adjutant Carl Bates accepting the $1,000 check from President Rick Borges.

Thanks for the cool grand Tulare Cabrillo Club!


POST Reports

post 66AMVETS Post 66 participated in the First Annual Veterans Expo held on

October 30th at the Indio Armory. The expo was an alliance of fifty veterans’ organizations in the Coachella Valley under the flag of “Veterans

Easy Access Program” which has met for fifteen months assisting veterans. The Veteran Easy Access program is available in Riverside County by dialing 211.

Various benefit information was offered to veterans at forty booths. Elected officials present at the Expo included Congresswoman Mary Bono-Mack, State Senator Bill Emerson, Assemblyman Manuel Perez, Assemblyman Brian Nes-tande and Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit.

Post 66 signed up 15 new members under the outreach program with the assis-tance of Southern Area Commander John Bernier, Service Representative Gary Douglas, Post 66 Commander David Diehl and Post 66 members.

AMVETS Post 66 participated in both the Palm Springs Pride Parade on No-vember 7th and in the Palm Springs Annual Veterans’ Day Parade on November 11th. Both the Post 66 van and marchers were entries in both parades. We were well received in both parades and our participants enjoyed themselves.

It was early spring, 1939.We newspaper carriers for the Chicago Daily News, were told by our branch

manager, George Erb, that something significant was about to be revealed to us. As a carrier who delivered the Chicago Daily News every late afternoon on my route that began on Pennsylvania Ave, veered up Western Ave just above Patch Brothers coal delivery yard, I hadn’t the foggiest idea what was about to be offered me. But as a valiant product of the Great Depression, I was eager and ready for whatever awaited at the special evening meeting that would be held in at the Wheaton branch of the News.

Several hundred other newspaper “carriers” joined my group of 15 from Glen Ellyn, and until Mr. Gollar, the district manager opened the meeting, we were all clueless.

What followed Mr. Gollar’s 45-minute talk, was so much more than a stan-dard pitch to encourage our rag tag group, it was an invitation to compete for a prize that hitherto been light years beyond the mundane dreams of any of us.

Most of us were newspaper carriers because our families were severely pinched by the continuing tough times of the Depression and the opportunity to pick up a couple of dollars a weeks, was one small way to help our parents stay afloat financially.

Two dollars a week was not enough to make a significant increase in the James’ family cash flow, but it did help me meet school and clothing expenses without the need to give me an allowance. You might say this was my first real job and I liked it but I was far too naïve to be aware of what a grandiose oppor-tunity awaited me.

So when Mr. Gollar told us that the management of the Daily News’ had contrived a plan to pick up more suburban subscriptions by setting up a contest among carriers that would reward the seventy five of us with a trip to the New York World’s Fair, my enthusiasm was immediate and mind numbing.

Before I walked out the door, I was primed to move into high gear and grab a prize that was far beyond my Depression years’ dreams. Oh yes, I had sold enough new subscriptions a year earlier to earn a trip on a Great Lakes steam-boat, the USS Roosevelt. It was a voyage that took us on an all day outing that began when we boarded the Roosevelt early morning dockside in Chicago and sailed for a two hours visit in Benton Harbor, Michigan and returned back to Chicago that evening.

That was a very nice and pleasant prize for my selling efforts, but New York City, with a follow up journey to Washington, D.C. before we got back to Chi-cago, was in my opinion, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Yes, I was excited, almost unbelieving that I just might be successful enough to become one of the seventy-five winners. It was like getting a chance to win a

very special lottery and within a day, I had sold two new subscriptions.But our very wise and caring mentor manager, George Erb, was keenly

aware that it would take far more than two subscriptions to make me eligible for this prize of all prizes. So he set up a nightly excursion into other western suburbs where several of our Glen Ellyn crew would pound on doors, at dinner time no less, and plead our cause.

It worked. Looking back I realize that the excitement and eager sales tech-niques of a 12, 13-year-old young boy, would be hard to resist.Every weeknight for several weeks, we would all congregate at the GE branch office and take off in Erb’s 1937 Plymouth. We blanketed the Western Suburban area and we canvassed any and all house in our target area until dark.

And our numbers of new subscribes, increased with the steady non-stop ev-ery evening effort. No area within a fifteen-mile radius was immune. In particu-lar, I remember Lake Village, a new development a few miles east of Elmhurst on North Ave where a contracting company was offering shell houses to those cash strapped families for many hundreds of dollars less than would be charged for a house fully completed. The buyers of these homes were only too anxious to find a property within their sparse budget, and moved in, to live among the two by fours, awaiting a time when family budget would allow lath, plaster, finished plumbing, flooring and light fixtures. Yes these new homes were very bare, no yard garage or any of the amenities but the folks who had recently moved in, were the most receptive to our eagerness/excitement and proved to be one of our most productive sources of new business.

When the contest ended in late June, six of the Glen Ellyn carriers had sold enough subscriptions to qualify for the trip. I was one of them as was Bob Salzman, Billy Tom Williams, Bill and Jerry Mefeld and Bob Wisen. To no one’s surprise, the Glen Ellyn branch was the top producer and our good friend George Erb was also rewarded for his efforts, by being asked to come along as chaperone for our group.

Within the month, we would be on our way, boarding a Pennsylvania RR passenger train at Union Station New York City and the ‘39 World’s Fair, here we come. Neither the City nor the pride of the Daily News carrier group would ever be the same. The top five contestants, including Bob Salzman, got a special prize. They were flown to New York on a sparkling American Airlines DC-3, got an extra night in Gotham as the other 70 rode the rails east.

Daryl James, Jr. November 21, 2010


post 116News and Events

Post 116 meets every second Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at AFGE Local 1061 Union Hall W.L.A. Medical Center.

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

This year Post 116 had a very success-ful fishing program. Post 116 sponsored both fresh water and deep sea fishing trips for Vet-erans from the WLA VAMC. We had between 200 to 225 Veterans participated. The warmer weather made for more fish catch.

This year Post 116 provided bowling and lunch for about 100 Veterans and we have two more scheduled.

Post 116 co-sponsored the Veterans’ Day Program at WLA VAMC. The Post had a booth, gave out Veterans’ Day Event T-Shirts, gift packages with personal hygiene products and socks. We provided information regarding ac-cessing benefits and AmVets Memberships.

We are honored to welcome new life mem-ber, Maureen Gennette, who is a Register Nurse at the West L.A. V.A.M.C. Nursing Home Care Unit.

Commander, Cephus R. Daniels


post 311 post 700

post 1240

post 922Veterans Day at Veterans Home of California-

Barstow 352 people filled the multipurpose room at the Veterans Home for the 14th Annual Veterans

Day Celebration sponsored by AMVETS Post 311 on November 11. This took place following the ceremony at Mt. View Cemetery, which was very impressive.

Barb Stanton was Mistress of Ceremonies. The room was decorated with mementos of all branches of the ser-vice hanging from the ceiling. The speeches were brief but very heart warming. The color guard posted the colors; the flag salute was led by David Shapiro, Past Commander, AMVETS post 311. The invocation was by Veterans Home Chaplain Rich Troutman.

In attendace were: members from Tulare AMVETS Post 56; Southern Area Commander John Bernier, State Commander Charlie Ramos, who was our principal speak-er, and Ron Hess, Post 311 Commander.

The food was outstanding and included baked salm-on, prime rib, green salad, fruit salad, shrimp appetizers and a large assortment of desserts.

Col. Daniel Ermer, Commandant of the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow spoke briefly. Denise Phillips, Standards Compliance Coordinator for the Vets Home also spoke.

Barb Stanton introduced a great number of people in the audience including Bev Lowery and Brad Mitzelfelt. The colors were retired and Chaplain Troutman did the Benediction. It doesn’t get much better than that.

A tree and Santa for the Veterans HomeIt was setup in a prominent place in the lobby of the

Veterans Home.Santa AKA Dennis Gragg post member, was there to take pictures with the children of staff and kids from the neighborhood.

Happy New Year

Two large screen television sets are scheduled to be delivered to the Chula Vista Veterans Home, these

were requested over a year ago, many thanks to Jeff Sharp Department VAVS who made it happen.

I wish everyone a happy new year.Jim

Salute to all vets, the program was held at Rio Bravo Greely school on 11-10-10

from left Mike McCarthy, Clifford Pierce Sr., George Vargas, and Joe Martinez


AMVETS ARE ONLINECheck 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 2amvetspost2.com

Post 6www.amvetpost6.org

Post 11www.humboldt.net/veteran/post11

Post [email protected]

Post 40www.caamvets40.org

Post 53www.vecsamnet.org/amvts53

Post 85montereybayamvets.com


Post 940amvetspost940.org

Post 1240amvets1240.us

Post 1775vfwlamesa.org

Post 1996rhmercer.org/amvets


post 1240, cont.

http://www.amvetspost2.com/

http://www.montereybayamvets.com/

http://www.amvetspost940.org

http://WWW.AMVETS1240.US

http://rhmercer.org/amvets.HTML


post 1775 post 1996By Adjutant Thomas L. Johnson

AMVETS Leo P. Simon Post #1996.Some of Post 1996 members worked Honor Flight Nor Cal which had it’s last flight of the season in early October. We took 26

World War II veterans to Washington DC to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the services and sacrifices of themselves and their friends. Once again this flight was partially funded by our Service Foundation. Pictured is Hattie Stone (seated) AMVETS Post 40 member at WWII Memorial. Hattie was chosen to present the flag during a short ceremony to honor all those CA veterans that for what ever reason won’t be able to make it to the memorial.

One of the events many events Post 1996 participated in was the 2010 “MASH BASH” A fund raiser for the Northern Califor-nia Veterans Museum & Heritage Center. The event was held at the Redding Airport and was well attended. It was a fun evening with lots of music, lots to eat games and raffels. Probably the hi-light of the whole affair was the costumes. Many of us tried to keep in the theme of MASH 4077 so we had lots of local dig-nataries doing their part. The Redding city Mayor was the cook, he handled all the Chicken and tri-tip. Our Shasta County Sheriff and a County Supervisor handled the raffles they also dressed for the theme and had no problem giving another volunteer a hard time. That’s me in the middle. Tom Johnson, Adjutant

Post 1996 has had many members working tirelessly since April in preparation for the North Valley Stand Down. The Stand Down was far different this year as we didn’t build a tent city. We did the major portion of the Stand Down in the large halls at the Shasta District Fair Grounds . This posed some new and unique problems, such as sleeping quarters, and housing for med-ical stations and our new courtroom. Problem solved! We hung thousands of square feet of black plastic forming all the walls we needed as evidenced by Cmdr. Dave Cockrill and Joe Hudson both 1996 members. The Stand down was a huge success with services provided to nearly 50% more homeless veterans than previous years. The Stand Down was a success, but the fact that we need the Stand Down at all indicates a failure elsewhere in our society. Post 1996 had an informational table available, and was quite popular throughout the whole three days of the Stand Down.

Post 1996 has been a leader in the Americanism program for the last 4 years in CA. In fact the Leo P. Simon Post has had 3 of the last 4 first place 9th grade winners in the essay contest. This year Megan Belecki from Enterprise High School was the lucky winner to go to the AMVETS Spirit of America Leadership Con-ference at Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge. (FFVF) This year Debbi Johnson the Dept. Auxiliary 1st Vice President and Tom Johnson Adjutant for Post 1996 were also chosen to attend FFVF as chaperones.

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

Volunteers from Post 1775 in La Mesa Ca and Post 700 in Chula Vista recently took part in the

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

AMVETS post 1775 Celebrates Veterans Day in San Diego

November 11, 2010 San Diego held it’s 24th annual Veterans Day Parade along Pacific Highway in

downtown San Diego, this years theme was “Cold War Veterans”.AMVETS District 1 Commander,

George Little and VFW post 1774 Captain Jack Porath headed up the contingent from La Mesa AMVETS post 1775 and VFW post 1774. The weather was beautiful and the parade was well attended. Pictured are District 1 Commander George Little driv-ing AMVETS member Bob Rambeau’s 1950 Willys Jeep along with WW II Vet-eran of the Pacific Island campaign Al Weaver, USMC.

AMVETS member Ronne Padilla do-nated his sound system for the day and played patriotic music for the parade at-tendees along the parade route. Roger Rotter from VFW post 1774 donated a trailer that was decorated with flags and AMVETS signs, and many members from AMVETS post 1775, VFW post 1774 and the VFW Ladies Aux from post 1774 road along in it.


post 1996, cont.The leadership conference at Valley Forge is very hard to describe in a few

sentences because there are so many lessons being presented at the same time. The conference tries to instill 4 years of civics, history, democracy and leadership into three days.

The first day, after flying all the way across the country continues right up to mid-night. No one was released to sleep until orientation, committee appoint-ments and leadership groups had been established. Dorm rules were also pre-sented and understood.

The second day, or first day of the conference started with the Wake-up Com-mittee making sure everyone made it to breakfast and the first lessons in belong-ing to a team and taking responsibility. The rest of the day was spent in classes conducted by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson then Two professors broke everyone (91) into groups and re-wrote the “Patriot Act” A very interest-ing exercise in detailing where these young leaders are in terms of “Security v/s Liberties” During the day the Citizenship test was administered, culminating in everyone being sworn in as citizens.

The day didn’t stop there; Beryl Love spoke to the group and showed an AMVETS promotional video. He made sure that each of these future leaders realized that they were there because of AMVETS. Events propelled right into the evening with a presentation from two star General Craig (shown with Megan Beleki). The day finally came to a close after the “mixer” where everyone broke up into their teams and competed in 7 leadership oriented games. All were timed and geared to bring out a leader in a particular area. Each of the games tested the team in a different type of leadership, but the overall lesson was to instill the need to put someone in charge and prove that without a leader there is chaos. The last part of the mixer was the ice cream social and swap meet where Items brought from the various regions of the US were swapped.

The next day found us in downtown Philadelphia at the Courthouse. Where new teams were formed. This time a Supreme Court was appointed and the group

split up to represent the two sides of the case to be heard. This year a new case is being presented, that being Snyder V Phelps a case that is actually on the dockets to be heard by the US Supreme Court. That is the case surrounding the Westboro Baptist Church protesting military funerals. I must admit this group of young leaders really did a great job handling themselves in their respective roles within the court system. I can’t comment on the verdict that this court came to for fear of influencing the real Supreme Court because they have not ruled yet, but I’ll bet that the verdicts will match.

Following the Courthouse we went to the Reading Mall and had lunch. Then it was off to a walking tour of Philadelphia, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was a very long and tiring day. Dinner was a banquet and served by the staff. Everyone was dressed up, some wore their JROTC uniforms in preparation for the Vespers program and the Dance to follow. The day ended following a trip into the cold dark forest grove to listen to and experience ghost stories. The last day found us up early and taking a quick tour of the Valley Forge park and it’s various monuments and Historical treasures. Then it was off to the airport and home.

The Department of CA AMVETS pays to send a lot of these high school students to Valley Forge each year, and some people may not believe that this is an appropriate expenditure of our funds. Well I for one know that these young people come away from this conference with a much greater sense of patriotism and a heightened knowledge of what will soon be their responsibility and the con-fidence to step up and be a leader when called upon. All this and the realization that AMVETS made it possible.

Thomas L. Johnson Adjutant - AMVETS Leo P. Simon Post #1996

post 2002

post 2813 Happenings

The 80 plus club meets twice a month at 10 am at the Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park rec room (1675 Manzanita Ave in Chico). The 80 plus Club is an extension of Post 2813 designed to service those veterans who are 80 or over,

especially those who don’t or can’t attend night meetings. It gives them an opportunity to stay connected and to enjoy the company of other veterans. Everyone is welcome: wives, friends, neighbors. Transportation provided. Special thanks to Joe and Jody Turner, Stan Smith and Bernice Harreld for their help and support. Stan is a new AMVET meeting who has been very active helping with bingo. Bernice is a Veteran supporter who is a avid bingo player. Joe and Jody are very familiar faces to veterans in need of help.

post 2003

post 2813


There are many issues facing homeless women veterans and one of them is self esteem.

“G.I. Hope, a non profit organization that provides social ser-vice for homeless women veterans in the Los Angeles area recently held their first fashion show in Los Alamitos on Nov. 7, 2010. This was a part-nership with Ann Reeder’s group “Women Veterans Esteem Program.”

(L to R) Sheryl Shaffer, AM-VETS CA Dist. 4 Cmdr., Kenya Lawson, Executive Director of G.I. Hope and Ann Reeder, AM-VETS CA Dist. 2 Cmdr.

This tribute to women veterans offered the opportunity for some of the homeless women veterans to express themselves by dressing up in beautiful clothes. G.I. Hope

and the Women Veterans Esteem Program offer positive environments where they can achieve their goals.

All photos by Carolyn Erfe.Since this was the first fashion show presented, we decided it would

be a wonderful opportunity for us to interview homeless women veterans about what happened to them and how they are transitioning to a better future. They tell their stories of struggle and how they are achieving their goals. This episode “G.I. Hope interviews” is the result of working with Carolyn Erfe, combat photographer stationed at March ARB. She has a friend, Brent Harvey, another combat photographer who is a veteran of the U.S.M.C. and who worked with us to video tape this event. Mr. Harvey is a professional cinematographer and donated his talents so we could record these interviews.

On page 9 of this issue, Sheryl interviews Ann Reeder while Brent Harvey records the conversation and in the photo on the right, Sheryl in-terviews Jacqueline Cloud with Brent Harvey setting up camera. This collaboration has resulted in a half hour episode of the “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series , “G.I. Hope.” The Mayor of Los Alamitos Marilyn Poe (R) reads a proclamation to the audience while Kenya Lawson (L) looks on.

A makeup artist applies makeup to one of the participants of the fash-ion show.

Other guests enjoyed the abundant food offerings The Pledge of Allegiance was sung to the audience and they responded

by singing along. The interviews with the women veterans reveal what their hopes and

dreams are for their future. The “G.I. Hope interviews” is the 9th pro-gram sponsored by the AMVETS CA Service Foundation. The “Veterans Helping Veterans” TV series online with blip.tv and pegmedia.org allows this series to be seen all over the United States. You may see other epi-

sodes of the “VHV” TV series online by visit-ing www.vecsamnet.org. If you wish to learn more about G.I. Hope, please go to their web site www.gihope.org. We wish to thank AM-VETS CA Service Foundation for their sup-port of these programs to assist our women veterans to accomplish their goals of living productive lives.

G.I. Hope

http://www.vecsamnet.org

http://www.gihope.org


Roger Brauitigan, who served as Undersecretary and Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA), will retire at the end of 2010. Under his leadership, the CDVA accomplished great

things for California’s 2.1 million veterans and their families. The CDVA has also positioned itself to meet the challenges of America’s new generation of men and women veterans. Secretary Brautigan also forged strong ties with the state’s many veterans service organizations and veterans service providers. Secretary Brautigan and his staff were tireless in their efforts to visit and participate in almost every major veterans conference, ceremony, parade, symposium, and military event. Roger and his staff also attended many post and chapter meetings throughout the state in order to inform them about what the CDVA was doing and to seek the input of every individual veteran or family member possible. Roger Brautigan’s tenure in the leadership of the CDVA will truly be remembered as a pivotal period in the Deparment’s transition to a 21st Century model of veterans services delivery. He will be sorely missed.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Brautigan as Undersecre-tary in 2004, a position he held until May of 2009. Brautigan then assumed the duties of Acting Secretary upon the departure of Secretary Tom Johnson. In November of 2009 the governor appointed Roger Brautigan as Secretary.

Brautigan is a 33-year veteran of the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Ma-jor General while serving in a variety of active and reserve command and staff positions in the United States, Vietnam and Germany. Major General Brauti-gan’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Ser-vice Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. General Brautigan and his wife, Arvie, reside in Stockton.

Accomplishments:Operation Welcome HomeWill ensure the all returning vet-

erans are connected to services and benefits that they may need to suc-cessfully transition from the military back home. Since its inception, the program has collected the contact in-formation of more than 32,000 veter-ans, many of them recently returned from combat. Nearly 50,000 refer-rals to services and benefits includ-ing, employment, health care, VA dis-ability, PTSD, education and housing have been made. A major component of OWH is the County Veterans Ser-vice Officers.

Under the Operation Welcome Home program, Veteran Services working in collaboration with EDD created a reintegration process that captures the discharging veterans contact information at the Transition Assistance Program classes and distributes this information to trusted partners like the County Vet-eran Service Officer in their home town, the EDD for employment outreach, the federal VA for healthcare outreach.

Outreach to VeteransEducating veterans about the benefits and services they have earned by

serving this country has been a top priority for CDVA. Veteran Services was tasked with increasing the participation rate of veterans utilization of Federal Veterans Administration benefits. The rate in July 2008 was 11.07%. By Sep-tember 2009, that participation rate was 12.86 %, exceeding the goal set forth by the Governor. This increase translates into 37,000 more veterans taking ad-

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

partnership and Collaboration Besides forging close working relationships with

veterans service organizations, the CDVA has been working with partners in other state agencies and those non-profit and community-based organizations that provide services to veterans:

In order to expedite that process the Department signed an MOU with DMV that will allow Veterans Affairs to obtain the mailing address of every veterans in the state who has a driver’s license or state-issued identification card.

CDVA’s Veteran Services have established a Statewide Collaborative in nine geographic areas around California. These collaboratives will utilize the federal, county, city, profit, non-profit and faith based organizations with ser-vices for veterans to work together under the guidance of CDVA to coordinate services and reach out to our veteran population in the community where they live.

New Veterans HomesCDVA currently operates the Veterans Home of California with campuses

at Yountville (Napa County), Barstow (San Bernardino County), Chula Vis-ta (San Diego County), Lancaster (Los Angeles County), Ventura (Ventura County) and West Los Angeles (Los Angeles County).

CDVA is also designing and constructing two new Veterans Homes of Cal-ifornia. These new homes will be constructed in Fresno (Fresno County) and Redding (Shasta County). Since 2004 the Lancaster, Ventura, and West LA homes have come on line.

Women Veterans In 2008 the CDVA conducted the

State’s First Ever statewide conference for Women’s Veterans. The CDVA hosts this yearly conference as well as a Wom-an Veteran of the Year event.

Native American VeteransIn 2010, CDVA established first in

the nation Assistant Secretary for Native American Veterans. The CDVA also en-tered into a memorandum of understand-ing with the AMVETS Service Founda-tion to provide for the hiring and training

of Tribal Veterans Representatives.

project Gold StarCDVA and DMV oversee the implementation of the Gold Star License

Plates for Families Whose Loved Ones Are Killed In Combat. This plate has been paid for with no monies from the state’s General Fund so the CDVA has reached out to individuals and business to raise funds.

20th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans MemorialCDVA partnered with the California State Council of the Vietnam Veterans

of America and statewide veterans groups to plan a three-day rededication of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

SECRETARY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ROGER BRAUTIGAN

TO RETIRE AT END OF 2010

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Project Gold Star - We've reached our goal! License plates are now available, click here for more information.

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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: $30 LIFE: $200 RENEWAL: $30

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.

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New and Renewal Dues varies between Posts.

ATTENTION!Veterans and Military Retirees:

If 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.

Veterans' Service Records

Start Your Service RecordRequest

eVetRecs Help

Other Methods to ObtainService Records

Special Notice RegardingRequests

About Service Records

Correcting Service Records

Medical and Health Records

Locations of ServiceRecords

Older (pre-WWI) ServiceRecords

What Records are NOTAvailable?

Privacy andSecurity ofVeteransRecords

Request ServiceRecords

Military ServiceRecords

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Home > Veterans' Service Records > Military Service Records

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

Use the following to request veterans' service records from WW I -Present. (Looking for Pre-WWI Service Records?)

Our online eVetRecs system creates a customized order form to request information from your, oryour relative's, military personnel records. You may use this system if you are:

A military veteran, or

Next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military. The next of kin can be any of thefollowing:

Surviving spouse that has not remarriedFatherMotherSonDaughterSisterBrother

If you are not the veteran or next of kin, you must complete the Standard Form 180 (SF 180).See Access to Military Records by the General Public for more details.

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

Launch theeVetRecsSystem to startyour requestonline.

Download formSF-180 to mailor fax yourrequest.

Online Requests Using eVetRecs

New "Inside theVaults" VideoHighlightsVeterans'RecordsRequests

Online Requests Using eVetRecs

Required Information

Recommended Information

Emergency Requests and Deadlines

Where to Send my request

Cost (free for most veterans)

Response Time

Checking the Status of your Request

Table of Contents

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www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html

Documents

Vol. 14, No. 4