adventure the california son’s · up coming events (look for flyers on s.a.l. website and...
TRANSCRIPT
VOL. 01 NO. 03December 2016
The California Son’s AdventureO U R J O U R N E Y O F S E R V I C E
Inside This IssueCover Story - Santa & his Elf Visit Veterans at Care & Rehab Centers - Page 10
O�cer's Reports - Pages 2-9
S.A.L Nickie Eustance brings home the gold - Pages 9-10 Squadron 872 donates four wheel chairs - Page 11
Meet the Color Guard - Pages 12-13
Zoom - Click - Snap - Shoot - Challenge by Michael Fox - Page 13
Squadron 149 grills it up for Navy Cadets - Page 14
MMA Standings and Membership Report - Pages 18-19
Cover Story - Santa & his Elf Visit Veterans at Care & Rehab Centers - Page 10
O�cer's Reports - Pages 2-9
S.A.L Nickie Eustance brings home the gold - Pages 9-10 Squadron 872 donates four wheel chairs - Page 11
Meet the Color Guard - Pages 12-13
Zoom - Click - Snap - Shoot - Challenge by Michael Fox - Page 13
Squadron 149 grills it up for Navy Cadets - Page 14
MMA Standings and Membership Report - Pages 18-19
Inside This Issue
Up Coming Events (Look for Flyers on S.A.L. Website and Facebook)
______________________ Leadership Training
______________________ S.A.L. Great Western
Rendezvous January 20-21, 2017
Las Vega, NV ___________________
> Cover Story - Santa & his Elf Visit Veterans at Care & Rehab Centers .......................Page 10 > Officer's Reports ..............2-9 > S.A.L Nickie Eustance brings home the gold ..................9-10 > Squadron 872 donates four wheel chairs.........................11 > Meet the Color Guard ....12-13 > Zoom - Click - Snap - Shoot - Challenge by Michael Fox.......13 > Squadron 149 grills it up for Navy Cadets .......................14 > MMA Standings and Membership Report....... 18-19
In This Edition
Identify with Our Many Vices Area 1 Vice Commander
Bill Bryant mailto:[email protected] Area 2 Vice Commander
Eugene Pierce mailto:[email protected]
Area 3 Vice Commander Walt Butler
mailto:[email protected]
Area 4 Vice Commander Mike Losoya
mailto:[email protected] Area 5 Vice Commander
William Hernandez mailto:[email protected] Area 6 Vice Commander
Charles Curtis mailto:[email protected]
Editorial Office
SAL Adventure The Official Publication of The Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California
Headquarters 1601 7th. St.
Sanger, CA 93657 559.875.8387
Editorial Office 3151 Airway Ave Suite C-1
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 949.331.2034
mailto:[email protected]
Managing Editors Matt Parsons
John "Durk" Durkin
Photographers
Editorial Policy: Submissions to the SAL Adventure are due by the 5th of the month, prior to the scheduled release for publication. (i.e. submit by the 5th of July for Aug, Sept for Oct, Nov for Dec, Jan for Feb, Mar for Apr & May for Jun) We reserve the right to edit any submission for the purpose of publication. Letters to the Editor must include name, address and telephone number. Names will be withheld upon request. © Copyright 2016 by Sons of the American Legion Detachment of California. All Rights Reserved. Published bi-monthly and posted to the Internet at
Luis Hernandez
(Detachment Historian) Lillian Moss
(Department Historian)
www.theadventuresalca.com. and www.salcalifornia.org
See the CA Legionnaire at http://calegionnaire.com and http://calegion.org/
Commander Matt Parsons
Detachment of California Leadership
mailto:[email protected] Sr. Vice Commander
Phillip "Tiny" Stuart mailto:[email protected]
Jr. Vice Commander James R. Fischer
mailto:[email protected] Adjutant
Jeffrey Flynt [email protected]
Finance Officer James Eubanks
mailto:[email protected] Judge Advocate
Robert "Smokey" Stover mailto:[email protected]
Chaplain Steven Culp
mailto:[email protected] Sergeant-at-Arms
Bruce Way mailto:[email protected] Jr. Past Commander
Robert Kelly Jr. mailto:[email protected]
NEC Mark Severance
mailto:[email protected] Alternate NEC
Rod Perkins mailto:[email protected]
Membership North William W. Bartley
mailto:[email protected] Membership South
Chris Affolter mailto:[email protected]
Historian Luis Hernandez
mailto:[email protected] Legislative Gilbert Mares
mailto:[email protected] Public Relations & Webmaster
John "Durk" Durkin mailto:[email protected]
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Detachment of California Commander Matt Parson's Report:
Happy Holidays to you and your family! May this season of your life be filled with love and joy! Today is Veterans Day, and I am proud of the service of my father Ralph
Parsons (Vietnam), my Grandfather Joseph Parsons (WWII), my Grandmother Lynn Swan (Guam), my Step-Grandfather Ian McVicar (WWII), and all the men and women Veterans who fought to preserve my freedom! I’m grateful and I hope to honor your service by serving my community, state, and nation and thank you for your sacrifice and allowing me the opportunity to serve. You might be asking yourself, “did he just say, today is Veterans Day”? I sure did. Every day should be Veterans Day in this country and it sure as heck is in the Sons of the American Legion. I am proud and awe struck by the sacrifices of our military men and women and their families make in the face of protecting our freedoms in this country. Perfect strangers willing to risk their lives to protect the soldiers standing next to them and protect all of us at home. To say boldly in the face of death that they will protect the freedoms we hold dear and say with their dying breath that it is worth it. I ask you, they risk it all to save and protect us from harm, what do you risk by honoring your family member who served? Think about it for a second, can you boldly step forward into your community and say that you are proud of your father, your mother,
your grandparent, of your child who has served or is still serving this great nation of ours? I hope you can! And that is precisely what I’m asking. Honor those with your membership in this organization. We serve those who have served. I urge you to recruit those who have served to join the American Legion. Their voice is important, especially those younger Veterans who are just getting out of the service. We care about them, their service, their sacrifice, their well being, and frankly we need them as there is strength and comfort in stories, in numbers, in camaraderie, in unity, and in love. The American Legion Family offers all of that. It is our responsibility to come along side every Veteran and their family and honor their service, honor their sacrifice, and show them that they matter and are important. Have you thanked a Veteran today? Have you offered prayer to those who have gone before you, defended you, protected you, or even saved you? I Challenge You to Never Forget! The National Commander of the American Legion is coming to California in December. There are receptions for Commander Charles E. Schmidt up and down the beautiful coast of California starting early December and running to the middle of the month. I urge you to get out and meet this man who leads us. Ask him his story of why he is still serving. Ask him why he joined. Listen to him. Be inspired by him. And those are the same question you should ask yourself every time you put on your cover and serve your community. Are you making the most of your membership? Can you serve more, can you do more, and can you honor more. I want to thank the incredibly hard working membership team of the Detachment of
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Continued from Page 2 Matt Parson's Report California for going over 40% renewals by our mid November goal date! Membership is the life blood of our organization and we need to keep pushing to achieve our goals, and you guys have done an amazing job and I sincerely appreciate all of the efforts and phone calls and emails that have been sent to get us here. Fantastic job guys! Keep up the good work! Challenge for the year…each member of the Sons should look for and sign up 3 Legionnaires. This is a challenge by our National Commander Jeff Frain. California is home to almost 2 million Veterans, and we have far less than 2 million members of the Department of California. The Sons need to do our part to spread the message of service to our Veterans and Youth programs to those who have serviced this Country bravely in defense of liberty and freedom. Please join me in accepting this challenge! Please remember to send in pictures and content for the ADVENTURE, remember it is your story and your ADVENTURE. Live it, love it, and share it! For God and Country in Support of The American Legion Family Matt Parsons Commander Detachment of California ____________________________________
Sr. Vice Commander Phillip "Tiny" Stuart's Report:
Comrades, At the time of writing this article, we have 57 Squadrons that have reached our Early Bird cut off of October 28th. Squadron’s 16, 41, 50, 66, 82,
83, 88, 92, 111, 132, 139, 146, 148, 155, 161, 180, 188, 197, 211, 233, 262, 282, 289, 293, 310, 348, 355, 376, 419, 422, 426, 437, 448, 476, 482, 512, 537, 578, 587, 591, 593, 636, 650, 731, 817, 832, 833, 872, have reached 50% or better, congratulations. But wait there’s more, Squadrons who have reached 100% or better are as follows: Squadron 96 with 128.57%, 205 with 100%, 338 with 108%, 447 with 104%, 84 with 100%, 795 with 120%, 68 with 100%, and 125 with a whopping 218.18%! Congratulations to all Squadrons for their hard work to reach these impressive goals. Our next target date is December 31st, Comrades we have a lot of Squadrons that have not sent Membership in to Department, gentlemen you know who you are. As we are coming into the Holiday season membership slows down and we need you Commanders and Adjutants to get on your members and get their dues collected and sent in. With your membership in the Sons of the American Legion come discounts to different businesses and also the Legion Insurance Trust. It’s a life and dismemberment policy
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Continued from Page 3 Phillip "Tiny" Stuart's Report that accompanies your membership if your due’s are paid by December 31st, so please get your membership paid. From the Stuart Family to yours hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was Great and we wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year 2017 and let’s keep working on increasing and renewing our membership. Thank You for a Great 2016 For God and Country in Support of The American Legion Family Tiny Stuart Sr. Vice Commander Detachment of California ____________________________________ Jr. Vice Commander Jim Fischer's Report:
Comrades, the Holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is a time to be Thankful for all that we have including our Freedom. Let us all remember to thank our
Veterans for all they have sacrificed. Please try to make time to visit our Veterans at this time of the year. Our leadership team just had our first training session and is ready to work our way around the state. Please contact Chris for available dates. We have finally received our 5 star medallions! All Area Commanders please get me a
schedule of your future Area meetings so I can schedule a visit and test in your Area. Thank you all for your time and effort in this vital Program! For God and Country in Support of The American Legion Family James R. Fischer Jr. Vice Commander Detachment of California ____________________________________
____________________________________ Legislative Chairman Gilbert Mares' Report:
I am submitting a summary of the press release from the Department of
California, announcing the 2016 California Legislators of the Year.
The American Legion, Department of California (Department) has named Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) and Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) as recipients of their 2016 Leo P. Burke Legislator of the Year awards. The Department’s Leo P. Burke Legislator of the Year award is bestowed to legislators who
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Continued from Page 4 Gilbert Mares' Report have supported California’s veterans, military members, and their families. The Legislature oversees and deliberates on a wide array of issues important to California Legionnaires such as: Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans memorials, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veterans outreach, assistance with claims filing, the National Guard, veterans in the criminal justice system, non-profit organization regulations, veterans license plates, base realignment, etc. Senator Anderson and Assemblyman Cooley were chosen for their leadership, support, and dedication to the veterans and service members of California. They will be presented their awards at the Department’s Annual Day at the Capitol event on March 14, 2017. SENATOR JOEL ANDERSON (R-SAN DIEGO)
Senator Anderson has a long track record of fighting for veterans. While in the Assembly he was selected as the American Legion’s 2010 Legislator of the Year. In the last six years, as a State Senator, he has continued to pursue
reform of the complex policies involving taxation of veterans. Senator Anderson has introduced legislation seeking to grant free state park passes to disabled veterans and recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. He also sought to protect veterans buildings and memorials from being considered being
abandoned when they were undergoing remodel and retrofit. As part of his ongoing commitment to protecting the viability of veterans halls, he pursued legislation protecting the property tax welfare exemption used by veterans' organizations for their posts. In 2015 when the bill died in the Revenue and Taxation Committee, Senator Anderson vowed to bring the bill back in 2015, which he did. SB 2 again sought to ensure that the welfare exemption for veteran's halls would not be denied. Senator Anderson argued that the State Board of Equalization’s constriction of the tax exemption had resulted in an onerous tax burden on veteran service organization’s posts and hindered the posts’ ability to provide facilities for veterans and threatened their economic viability. “Senator Anderson has consistently kept his commitment fight for the viability of Veterans Service Organizations by seeking to get rid of the bureaucratic roadblocks that hamper our ability to provide services to veterans and the community. Our local posts are the focal point of our programs and it is imperative that we be allowed to operate and maintain them without undue regulatory and tax burdens”, noted Don Harper, Chair of the Legion’s Legislative Commission. ASSEMBLYMAN KEN COOLEY (D-RANCHO CORDOVA) Assemblyman Cooley Ken was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012. Serving on the Rancho Cordova City Council and later as Mayor, he was instrumental in shaping the community after the BRAC closure of Mather Air Force Base by securing hiring credits for Local
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Continued from Page 5 Gilbert Mares' Report
Agency Military Base Recovery Areas and protecting hiring tools for businesses. Once in the Legislature, he guided AB 1289 through the legislative process, whereupon the bill signed into law. AB
1289 established the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial as the official state Vietnam veteran's war memorial. Assemblyman Cooley authored a resolution to establish Brain Injury Awareness, Treatment, and Prevention Month, which brought awareness to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI is the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been a staunch supporter and participant in veterans events in the local community. He works closely with the Sacramento Veterans Affiliated Council and has actively participated in their events. He was involved with the 25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial celebration in Capitol Park. Assemblyman Cooley has taken a great interest in the VA facilities that are located at what is now known as the Mather Field Business Complex. He was a supporter of the Veterans Village project which opened on the site last year. He is also supportive of the Sacramento Stand Down event for homeless veterans. Assemblyman Cooley presented over 150 recognition resolutions to veterans from the Sacramento Region at the “Spirit of Veterans Day — Saluting Community Service Excellence” Ceremony on October 30, 2016.
According to Pete Conaty, Legislative Advocate for the American Legion, “Assemblyman Cooley came to the Capitol ready to help veterans and he has assembled a professional staff, all of whom are committed to improving the lives of our veterans and their families”. For God and Country in Support of The American Legion Family Gilbert Mares Legislative Chairman Detachment of California ____________________________________ S.A.L. Commission Chair Commander Roy Santiago's Report:
As the Holiday Seasons have arrived, I and the rest of the S.A.L. Commission wish you all joy and happiness this season and throughout the year. We thank you for all the
time invested in our Programs and service rendered for Legion Family. We pray for your health and comfort and future prosperity of the Detachment of CA Sons of the American Legion. There is still ample time to finish the calendar year with some nice donations to key programs such as VA & R, Endowment Fund, Disaster & Emergency Relief, Legacy Scholarship Foundation and CWF. God Bless, Respectfully Submitted, For God and Country in Support of The American Legion Family Roy A. Santiago S.A.L. Commission Chairman Detachment of California
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Public Relations Chairman John "Durk" Durkin's Report: Tis the season to be jolly and thankful at the same time. I am thankful for the American Legion Family and the opportunity to give back to those who have made the sacrifice of service to our country and to work with those who support our men and women who have served and are currently serving. This year has been a fun one as well as a challenging one as we unify our face in meeting the issues of membership growth within our organization and the organization's family as a whole. Our leadership team has initiated some open challenges which fall just short of mandatory mandates, but as the Public Relations Chairman, it allows me to get creative for some lively promotional campaigns in targeting those not yet a part of our family. The campaigns center around the theme "Who Did You Ask Today." I accepted the summons to design some exciting campaigns for us to participate in; a dare to reach for the sky while having a blast in fulfilling the goal. In a concerted effort the team has put together the following campaigns. Of course a campaign is useless if there is no marketing effort behind it and placed into aggressive action on our part. So the call out is to get involved and begin asking today. I touched on some of these campaigns in the last issue, but I am going to reiterate the importance of them as a reminder to you to get involved.
My Cover is Cool:
Wearing your cover while doing what Sons do as Sons and letting the general public know you are proud to be a member of the Sons of the American Legion. The cool thing is you will find that more people "Ask You" as opposed to "You Asking Them." It makes it very easy to recruit new members - try it, you'll like it! Dual is Cool:
There are many of us who are Veterans and current members of the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion, known as "Dualies," and that is cool. But there are several members within our Posts who qualify to become a "Dualy" and they need to be sought out and baptized into a higher level within the family. Veterans who are members of a Post without a Squadron in their location can remain members of that Post while becoming a member of a Squadron from another Post location.
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Continued from Page 7 John "Durk" Durkin's Report If your Post would like to start a Squadron or you need to know where you can find a Squadron to join, feel free to contact our Membership Chairman: Phillip "Tiny" Stuart, mailto:[email protected] or call 209-404-5496
It's a Family Affair:
Simply put, if you have sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, stepsons, step-grandsons, and step great-grandsons, then they too need to be members of the Sons of the American Legion. The nice thing is the dues for Sons under 21, are much lower than the regular membership dues. What better way to bond with your family of sons than with the Sons' Family. MMA Challenge
This is our push for getting out and rounding (More Membership Awareness):
up those individuals who tend to procrastinate, slow at renewing or just seem to forget to renew their membership. We have set objectives to accomplish by specified dates which our
membership team keeps us abreast to with constant reminders. We made it a
competition of MMA challengers - the NorCal Ninjas led by "Bad Boy" Bartley vs the SoCal Samurai led by "Aim Low" Affolter. So far the NorCal Ninjas are kicking butt.
National Commander Jeff Frain proposed this challenge with expectations of a "trickle-down effect." By recruiting three veterans to join the American Legion, those individuals will more
than likely have relatives qualifying for membership within the Sons and within the Auxiliary. We have determined with a unified push together, we can then help each other grow.
Let's Get Vets - Three for Me:
I think with those campaigns in place and each of us participating in the promotion of our organization's family, we will see phenomenal growth not only in membership numbers but also in the contribution intake needed for the many programs we sponsor and promote. When the general public sees what we do in supporting our military, our veterans, and their families in need, and the money collected goes to the cause vs administration costs, then the public will give and give generously. We just need to get outside the four walls of our local Posts and Squadrons and into our communities as we reintroduce ourselves to the world. Please keep those photos are articles coming so the rest of the Detachment can see and experience the strength and impact of the Sons are doing throughout the state of California as we will post them in our Newsletter The California Son's Adventure (current and past issues can be found at
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Continued from Page 8 John "Durk" Durkin's Report www.sonsadventure.com). Visit our website at: (www.salcalifornia.com) & Facebook at: www.facebook.com/saldetachmentca To enter the National Contest for best snapshot or to submit photos for the Adventure, you can go to www.snapshotsofservice.org and upload them there. We will forward the ones marked for National to the appropriate individual. See Michael Fox's Article below for more details. That's my report and I'm sticking to it. You will see promotional flyers to these campaigns later in this issue or you can download them for print at http://salcalifornia.com/resources/brochuresflyers/ For God and Country in Support of The American Legion Family John "Durk" Durkin Public Relations Detachment of California ____________________________________
The Deadliest Job in WWII My high school assignment was to ask a veteran about World War II. Since my father had served in the Philippines during the war, I chose him. After a few basic questions, I very gingerly asked, “Did you ever kill anyone?” Dad got quiet. Then, in a soft voice, he said, “Probably," he replied, "I was the cook.”
S.A.L MEMBER NICKIE EUSTANCE BRINGS HOME THE GOLD FROM ITALY
In September Nickie traveled with the USA pankration team to Tbilisi, Georgia and even though Nickie fought well, he was unable to bring home a metal. Nickie may not have won a metal, but he did win the hearts of his team mate and other competitors with his team spirt and enthusiasm throughout the competition.
This month the USA TEAM traveled to the 7th World Pankration Championship, hosted in Eboli, Italia, November 11-14, 2016.The team now being more seasoned and determined will be bringing home 5 Golds, 7 Silvers, 5 Bronze medals and a lot of Pride. This time Nickie was determined not to leave empty handed, and in his first two matches it showed. Winning with a submission in first bout and then by points in his second bout he took the Gold in Semi Contact & Full Contact Cadet Division 16-17 years old, 70 kilos division, The victory was well deserved and a long time coming. The second round of bouts was rapidly approaching, with limited sleep due to the distance they had to travel to and from the competition Nickie was becoming more apprehensive about the days outcome. What
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Continued from Page 9 Nickie Brings Home the Gold he did then truly showed just what kind of athlete he truly was. He stepped back, took a deep breath and proceeded to win the next two matches, and his second Gold medal. With these two stunning victories Nickie has announced to the world that he had arrived and was no longer to be under estimated. Even though he had just won two Gold Medals you would never know it by his demeanor. Nickie is a true champion and Team USA and the Sons of the American Legion couldn’t ask for a finer representative. We are very proud of this young man and have high hopes for his future. Article Submitted by James Eubanks ...and I had the audacity to ask why Nickie wasn't wearing his cover during the match. ____________________________________
SANTA, A S.A.L MEMBER FROM SQUADRON 68
SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER
Here at squadron 68 work alongside with both the Post, Auxiliary Unit 68 for the Holiday raising funds to help buy gifts for those that are bedridden in nursing home. As Squadron 68 make their holiday rounds for
alongside with both the Area 2 S.A.L Vice Commander Eugene Pierce and District 10 Commander Edward Castillo. Eugene, is also the lead Santa at Union Square and Macy's Department Store. Santa and his helper, took a detour the last two weeks with Edward and visited two nursing homes, one at the Gateway Care & Rehab Center in Hayward, Ca in the 10th District and one in 9th District at the Tempico Terrace Care Center in Walnut Creek, Ca. It was an enjoyable time as we were able to bring joy to the many of forgotten veterans left alone for the holidays; bringing the spirit and joy of Christmas back into their lives for one more year...
Santa even took time out to not only spread good cheer, but hand out some special snacks to the kids who sang in the local Catholic choir and participated with Santa and his helper in visiting the home in Hayward. I think next year, Santa should have the S.A.L. emblem on his cap.
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HUGHSON SQUADRON 872 STEPS UP BIG TIME AND DONATES
FOUR WHEEL CHAIRS FOR VETERANS
Russell Bloomgarden and Steve Severin from Hughson Squadron 872 making the presentation of four power wheel chairs to Sandy Loeb. Steve Severin is a Dual member of 872 and Post Commander. Sandy Loeb works together with Rod Perkins and Steve Dunn, fixing, renovating and supplying wheelchairs to veterans in need and at no charge. The program is totally supported volunteer hours and contributions. Sandy wanted to give a "Shout Out" to both Steve and Russell for their contribution and keeping this valuable program alive. If you would like to get involved, contribute and/or know a veteran in need of a wheel chair, you can contact Rod Perkins at [email protected] or Sandy Loeb at [email protected] ____________________________________
OPERATING OUTSIDE THE BOX IN RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS
There once was a kind of creepy looking guy lurking in the backseat of a stranger's car in an effort by her co-workers to freak her out and scare her after Halloween. Well the said woman and her husband decided to turn a negative into a positive and take the little creepy guy every where they went and document their story. So THIS picture is the beginning of documenting our story with our new family member, as my wife and I continue meeting new people and spreading the word of the American Legion Family. We are not for sure as we are still trying to validate our new member, but he claims to be the Son of a veteran from the American Revolutionary War - Does that qualify? Well, either way, hopefully this guy wrangled us a couple new members and will continue to do so!
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MEET THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION COLOR GUARD FROM DISTRICT 12
(Collaborated Article Submitted by David Smith & Walt Butler)
(From L to R) John Saenz - David Smith - Roy Santiago - Walt Butler
The Nine time Champion Color Guard from District 12, are all members of the Sons of the American Legion, and many are dual members. They began in the fall of 2007, an idea of Norm Clendenin who was on the ritual commission for the Department of California, and wanted to have a Color Guard team. The original members that stated the District 12 Sons of the American Legion Color Guard team were Raul Rodriguez, John Saenz, David Smith, and Roy Santiago, and Walt Butler. Raul Rodriguez was a dual member; he served during the Vietnam War as a Sea-Bee. Raul past away to cancer in 2013, John Saenz Capitan is a dual member who served during the Vietnam War in the Navy. David Smith, a member of the Sons of the American Legion whose sponsor is his dad William Smith, a Korean War Veteran. Roy Santiago, a dual member and served as a Marine. Walt Butler is also a dual member and served in the Navy. At the 2008 National Convention in Arizona, we won our first Color Guard competition. We then went on to win the next eight National Competitions. The Color Guard team has been busy as we has participated in numerous parades, local events within our district and have opened up sessions for the National Commander during his visits to various Posts in California. Some other events we have presented/posted the colors include
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Continued From Page 12 Meet the S.A.L Color Guard assisting with the opening of the Stanislaus County one stop veterans building on Nov. 11 and raising the California State Flag. We also attended the Hall of Fame Dinner in Pasadena and presented the colors to open the ceremony. Currently we are preparing to lead the Hughson, Ca. Christmas Parade on Dec. 3rd. Later in Dec. we will present the colors for the National Commanders visit to Santa Clara. We are looking forward to the spring DEC where we will post the colors for opening ceremonies. It will soon be time to start practicing for the National Convention in Reno, NV; hopefully Walt will not forget to put on his gloves this time. It takes practice, practice, practice and commitment. We are a very tight group and are dedicated to serving others.
______________________________________________________________________ ZOOM...CLICK...SNAP...SHOOT...
Snapshots of Service is here for you. What is Snapshots of Service you ask; it’s a National photo contest for all squadrons. I know each and every one of you participate in programs throughout the year that represent one of the Four Pillars of the American Legion. Well don’t leave the house without your CAMERA!!!!!!!! Snap some photos for a keep sake, pick the best you got, and go to California’s pilot creation, snapshotsofservice.org. Your photos can be easily uploaded and entered for the national contest through this California website, as well as giving California’s Sons of The American Legion more evidence of the hard work that we do across the states. At snapshotsofservice.org you will find all the information you need, so what are you waiting for, GET SNAPPING and start loading today. The winners will be presented with plaques at the National Convention in Reno Nevada this summer by yours truly. Michael Fox (CA) National Chairman 2016/2017 Public and Media Communication Commission Knowledge is Power - Knowledge Lives Here
CJ asks: Why do most married men die before their wives? The Dude Replies: Because they want to. MD asks: What is another name for female Viagra? The Dude Replies: A Diamond SK asks: What is the best way to avoid wrinkles as you age? The Dude Replies: Remove your spectacles.
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Escondido Squadron 149 grilling it up as they served dinner to local Sea Cadets at Camp Pendleton
(From L to R) - Bruce Way - Ray Bradford - Master Chef Tomidan Jordan - Matt Parsons
_______________________________________________________________________
While training off the Florida coast, a Navy Seal Unit could not inflate their boat so they started swimming to shore. They soon spotted an old beachcomber standing on the shore. The unit leader shouted, "Are there any gators around here?!" "Naw," the man hollered back, "they ain't been around here for years!" Feeling safe, the seals started swimming leisurely toward the shore. About halfway there the leader asked the old man, "By the way, how'd you get rid of the gators?" "We didn't do nothin'," the beachcomber said. "The sharks got 'em all."
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If you have questions or would like more information - Contact Chris Affolter
[email protected] - 909.251.2464
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MY COVER IS COOL - ARE YOU?
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WHERE IS YOUR COOL COVER? SEND ME A PHOTO
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MMA Standings to Date NoCal Ninjas @ 54% vs SoCal Samurai @ 38.24%
OK Guys, Time to Kick it Up a Notch - No Time to Lag! ___________________________
(Looking for Aggressive Recruiting Squadron to Hit 100% by December 31st. `Are you one?
The Top List of Squadrons have already hit the 100% or more goal
The Second List of Squadrons are within striking distance with 80% or higher
# Squadron Name & City % # Squadron Name & City %
125 Vandenberg Lompoc 218% O96 Sequoia,
Fort Bragg 157%
795 Stella Van Dyke South Lake Tahoe 140% 003 Hanford
Hanford 123%
130 Frank Gallino Grass Valley 121% 338 Martin Slobodnik
Rohnert Park 108%
205 Walker Bailey Fortuna 105% 447 North Sacramento
Sacramento 104%
208 Dixon Dixon 100% 084 R. W. Townsend
Auburn 100%
068 Hayward Hayward 100% 314 Leland A. Cupp
Pico Rivers 100%
026 Bakersfield Bakersfield 97% 101 Benicia
Benicia 94%
593 Prunedale Prunedale 93% 124 Merle Reed
Delano 92%
345 Palmdale Palmdale 90% 310 Dennis T. Williams
San Diego 88%
188 Inglewood, Inglewood 88% 082 San Mateo,
San Mateo 88%
731 Larry E. Holmberg San Diego 87% 537 City Service
San Diego 86%
376 Calaveras Glencoe 86% 426 Yucaipa Valley,
Yucaipa 83%
066 San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo 83% 197 Shasta,
Redding 81%
092 Cheula McCloud 80% 636 Boron
Boron 80%
So, Who Did You Ask Today?
_____________________________________________________________________ Political Truisms - By Ronald Reagan
1. "The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm her to help." 2. "I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress." 3. "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
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"DUAL IS COOL"
Recruit a "Dualy" Looking around your post, you will find numerous Legionnaires who qualify also to become members of the Sons of the American Legion and can join your Squadron. You can also find other Posts within your District who currently do not have Squadrons, locate Legionnaires there who qualify as Sons and they too can join your Squadron. Building is building and we are in the business of building our membership which allows us to provide increase in our support to veterans. We extend a special welcome to our Legionnaire members and invite you to either join the Squadron associated with your Post or find a neighboring Post who has a Squadron associated with them and join that Squadron. You do not have to switch your Legionnaire membership at your current Post to be a Squadron member at another Post. Hey, that's cool - we make it easy for you. So be cool and go dual.
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LET'S GET VETS We Can Help Each Other Grow
Jeff Frain, Sons of the American Legion, National Commander initiated a campaign to recruit 3 veterans to join the American Legion. The successful fulfillment of this campaign will result in the growth of the American Legion Family as a whole. So the question is - "Who Did You Ask?"
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