Salvo- Nov 2021
Commander’s Corner:
As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, two quotes, one in recognition of veterans and one in recognition of our current service members, active and reserve, resonate with me and align with The American Legion mission:
“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.” – Unknown
“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. Look on them as your own beloved sons (and daughters), and they will stand by you even unto death!” – Sun Tzu
The meeting schedule for 2022 is posted at the end of this month’s Salvo. Please add meeting dates to your calendars. We will enjoy another great line-up of speakers at our meetings in 2022. I hope to see you at our upcoming meetings.
Please remember to confirm attendance at our regular meeting luncheons and events by leaving a message at (925) 272-8480 or to commanderpost246@gmail.com
Mark Heinemann
UPCOMING EVENTS
**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall
November 3, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, Beverly Lane, 12:00 pm
November 10, Wednesday Pop-up VMB Museum Display Set-Up, 4:00 – 9:00 pm
November 11, Thursday Veterans Day
November 11 to 14 Thursday-Sunday Pop-up VMB Museum, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
November 20, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
November 25, Thursday Thanksgiving Day
December 1, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, David Compton, 12:00 pm
December 11, Saturday Army - Navy Game, VMB, 12 noon
December 11, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
December 18, Saturday Wreaths Across America, Alamo Cemetery, 10:00 am
December 25, Saturday Christmas Day
January 1, Saturday New Year’s Day
January 5, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm
January 15, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
January (TBD) Post Oratorical Contest
January 23 to 29, Sunday to Saturday Crab Feed Auction Fundraiser
January 29, Saturday Crab Feed Dinner & Fundraiser, 5:00 pm
February 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm
February 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
March 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm
March 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
MEETING SPEAKERS
November 3, 2021 – Beverly Lane, Museum of the San Ramon Valley, will speak about the history of San Ramon Valley veterans.
December 1, 2021 – David Crompton, Diane Freidman, and Diana Elrod will discuss California State laws on housing and Town of Danville plans to implement housing initiatives.
2022 – Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Michelle Lee and for Post activities and programs to any of the Officers and Executive Committee members. Please also raise awareness about issues affecting veterans, active-duty military personnel, and youth in our community for action by our Post.
DISTRICT 9
District 9 holds its next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 16 November 2021 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Please let Mark Heinemann know if you would like to attend this meeting. The meeting provides an opportunity to learn about activities of other Posts in Contra Costa County are doing and about initiatives of the Department of California.
MEMBERSHIP
Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. There are two easy ways to renew: 1) go to www.legion.org and click on the RENEW button, fill out the form, and you are done; or, 2) send the Post a check for $45 to PO Box 133, Danville, CA 94526 and we will process it for you.
VETERANS DAY Post 246 will sponsor a display on “Women in the Military” at the VMB Community Hall on November 11-14, 2021. Please contact Michelle Lee, Steering Committee Chair, to provide input for our display. Contact Mark Heinemann to volunteer to execute the plan (including set-up on November 10, 2021; staffing the display from November 11 to November 14; and take-down on November 14). You can also use Sign-Up Genius at the following link. If you have not used Sign-Up Genius before, you might need to create an account. Sign up! Post 246 needs your support to develop, install, and staff a great display.
KEEP YOUR VA MEDICAL RECORDS UPDATED
If you received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of VA, please help keep your medical records updated. How can you do that? 1. Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to any VA NorCal location and present it to one of the VA clerks. 2. Take a picture of your COVID-19 vaccination card. Send a copy of the card to your care team in a Secure Message on the My HealtheVet website. 3. Fax a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to 916-366-5376. If you have questions, please call 1-800-382-8387.
VA OFFERS NO COST FLU SHOTS
VA Northern California health care will begin offering no-cost flu shots for enrolled Veterans at the Martinez VA Outpatient Clinic starting on Monday, September 27. Martinez VA Outpatient Clinic Location: Building AB-6 Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE
The virtual office is accessible from the County’s Veterans Service Office website at contracosta.ca.gov/vets. In the virtual office, Veterans can receive assistance with filing for VA benefits from an accredited Veterans Service Representative.
The Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office (VSO) is accepting appointments for meetings at the Veterans Memorial Building, Room 208, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA. Veterans can schedule appointments every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call the VSO office at (925) 313-1481 to schedule an appointment.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Phil Connolly is finalizing the plan approved at the June 2, 2021 regular meeting to invest funds from the Post savings account in funds made available by the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) to non-profit organizations. Veterans Memorial Building of the San Ramon Valley invested funds successfully through the EBCF.
PARKS RESERVE FORCES TRAINING AREA COMMUNITY EXPO
Post 246 participated in the Community Expo on September 30, 2021 at Parks RFTA to “Support Our Troops” and provide information for military personnel who would like to join the American Legion. Eric Ardell, Alan Scharlach, and Mark Heinemann represented Post 246. Alan and Eric are standing beside Installation Command Sergeant Major Samuel MacKenzie in the photograph.
CUB SCOUT PACK 997 POPCORN SALES
Pack 997 Information (http://cubpack997.org) Pack 997 was established in fall of 2012 at Live Oak. Our pack currently consists of 90 scouts (boys and girls) from K-5th grade. Our pack is led by parent volunteers. Popcorn fundraiser accounts for one-half of the pack budget and is used to cover: - BSA National and Council Fees - Boys Life Magazine Subscription - Awards: Rank Badge, Adventure Belt loops/pins and participation patches - Subsidize outdoor/STEM activities like camping, pinewood derby, space derby - Supplies and Facilities Fees There are a few ways you can support Pack 997: 1. Online Store: https://www.trails-end.com/store/scout/BK8FDLT1. Shipping is free for orders >$55. Popcorn typically is shipped within a week with exception for chocolate products to start shipping in October. 2. Direct Order: If you live locally around the area of San Ramon/Danville, you can email pack997.sanramon@gmail.com by October 17 and we can start an order for you via email/phone. We can text you a link to enter credit card and address info. Popcorn orders will be ready for pickup/delivery in the second week of November. 3. Pack Donation: 100% of your donation will be used towards Pack 997 activities. Please email pack997.sanramon@gmail.com for details.
BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE DELEGATE RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
We held our annual a luncheon on Sunday, 3 October in the VMB Community Hall.
LAS POSITAS COLLEGE VETERANS 2.2 FOR 22 CHALLENGE
Las Positas College student veterans are hosting the 4th annual 2.2 for 22 Challenge. The Challenge will commence on October 23, 2021 and end on November 11, 2021. Funds raised support programs for student veterans including mental health services and workshops, scholarships, and attendance at the Student Veterans of America National Conference. Join Michelle Lee and the Heart Guards by signing up at 2.2 for 22 Virtual Challenge Online Registration (runsignup.com)
2022 CRAB FEED DINNER AND FUNDRAISER
Yes, we are returning to an in-person, live Crab Feed Dinner with a twist, by combining it with an online auction during the week leading up to the dinner. We intend to hold a live auction and raffle during the dinner on Saturday, 29 January 2022. Watch your email for more information. Let’s make this the best Crab Feed we have held and remember all the funds we raise go to help veterans and our community!
We need your help with the following:
1. Send us the name and contact information of businesses and organizations that you know which may make donations for the event. Merchandise, gift cards, services, goody baskets, and other donations are all great!
2. Volunteer to help with these aspects of the event, such as donation letter delivery and follow-up, donation pickups, banquet hall set up, food purchase and delivery, supplies purchase, appetizer plates for the event, event check-in, raffle and drink ticket sales, banquet hall clean up, and online auction item pickup/delivery. Contact any of the Post 246 officers and let us know how you will help.
ATTENTION: STAMP COLLECTORS
Our fellow member, Dr. Bob Mixson, receives postage stamps for his collection from the Wounded Warrior Program. He would like to pass on, completely free, the stamps that he cannot use to other veterans who collect stamps. If you are interested, please contact him.
STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA
Stand Down on the Delta 2021 was postponed to 2022 after consulting with Department of Veterans Health and Contra Costa County Health Department. Contra Costa County Fairgrounds is secured with the following schedule: 31 May to 2 June 2022 / Set Up 3 to 6 June 2022 / Stand Down 6 to 8 June 2022 / Tear Down As more information is provided in early 2022, updates will appear in the Salvo.
FLAG & EMBLEM STORE
Alan Scharlach is serving as our “Supply Officer” and will order items for post members. Go to https://emblem.legion.org/ to do your shopping; then email Alan with the item number, quantity, color, and any other details needed to purchase the item you want. If you call Alan, please leave a detailed message including your call back number.
UNIFORM ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM POST 246 INVENTORY
Contact Eric Ardell or Mark Heinemann if you would like to purchase Legion uniform items (no shipping or taxes required) from Post 246 inventory: Plain Short-Sleeved Uniform Shirt with patches (size Med) (2) - $20.00 ea.
Legion Metal Collar Devices (8) - $10.95 ea.
Navy Blue Polo with white neck trim (Medium) - $29.95
Black Polo with white neck trim (Medium) - $29.95
Navy Blue Polo no trim (X-Large) - $29.95
Navy Blue Polo no trim (X-Large) - $29.95
Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95
Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95
TROOPS TO TEACHERS PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
Members of The American Legion, With little notice to servicemembers, the Department of Defense (DOD) terminated the Troops to Teachers program (TTT) this October – and we need your help in calling on Congress to reauthorize the program. Take action by contacting your Congressman through our Legislative Action Center. Established in 1993, Troops to Teachers was designed to assist transitioning servicemembers and veterans to begin careers as educators in K-12 public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. The Department of Defense reported that the program placed over 21,000 veteran teachers in classrooms since its inception. Additionally, the program provides counseling and referral services to help participants meet education and licensing requirements, as well as helps them secure a teaching position. Since 1993, more than 100,000 veterans have successfully transitioned to a career in education. In the wake of record teacher shortages across the country, the value of Troops to Teachers cannot be understated. It provides employment assistance to transitioning veterans, which aids in lowering veteran unemployment; it alleviates nationwide teaching shortages, which improves education quality; and it increases access and representation among traditionally less-represented groups to teaching careers. DOD reported that the program placed over 21,000 veteran teachers in classrooms since its inception. Now is not the time to cut transition pathways for our servicemembers. Studies have proven that veteran educators fill thousands of vacancies in high-needs schools and subject areas; are more likely to not relocate after they are employed as teachers; are considered effective instructors; have high job and life satisfaction; and even have a positive effect on increasing student likelihood to serve. Senate Section 573 in the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would reauthorize the Troops-To-Teachers program and produce an assessment illustrating the cost and benefits of the program to members of the armed forces, veterans, and local educational agencies. The American Legion proudly supports this amendment, and asks that you contact your Representatives and tell them to keep Senate Section 573 in the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.”
– Henry David Thoreau –
