Salvo - September 2021
COMMANDERS CORNER
I expect that you, like me, have closely followed recent events involving the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Regardless of our points of view, the two messages from American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford at the end of this month’s Salvo give us a foundation to respond in support of our fellow veterans. As Commander Oxford points out, recent events may make adverse impacts on veterans of all eras. Please consider taking action to advocate with our political representatives at the state and national level to take positive steps to address the impact of recent events and to support efforts at the local level personally. Stand Down on the Delta in Antioch is an upcoming event where we can make a difference.
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.
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
August 30th, Monday Blue Star Moms Paper Shred Fundraiser, Caldwell Banker Realty, Livery, 101 Sycamore Valley Road, Danville, 1-4 pm
August 30th, Monday VMB Fundraiser, Gianni’s, San Ramon, 4:30-7:30 pm
September 1st, Wednesday
Regular meeting with speaker Mark Armstrong, 12:00 pm
September 4th, Saturday
Kiwanis “4th of July” Parade
September 6th, Monday Labor Day
September 10th to 13th, Friday-Monday Stand Down on the Delta, CCC Fairgrounds, Antioch
September 11th, Saturday 9/11 Remembrance, Oak Hill Park, Danville, 4:30-5:30 pm
September 18th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
October 3rd, Sunday Boys & Girls State Recognition Luncheon, 1:00 pm
October 16th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
November 3rd, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, Beverly Lane, 12:00 pm
November 10th, Wednesday Pop-up VMB Museum Display Set-Up, 4:00 – 9:00 pm
November 11th, Thursday Veterans Day
November 11th to 14th Thursday-Sunday Pop-up VMB Museum, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
November 20th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
November 25th, Thursday Thanksgiving Day
December 1st, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, David Compton, 12:00 pm
December 11th, Saturday Army - Navy Game, VMB, 12 noon
December 18th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am
December 18th, Saturday Wreaths Across America, Alamo Cemetery, 10:00 am
MEETING SPEAKERS
September – Mark Armstrong, San Ramon City Council Member.
October – Delegates to Girls State and Boys State will speak about their experiences.
November – Beverly Lane, Museum of the San Ramon Valley, will speak about the
history of San Ramon Valley veterans.
December – David Crompton, Diane Freidman, and Diana Elrod will discuss
California State laws on housing and Town of Danville plans to implement housing initiatives.
DISTRICT 9
Mike Clement assumed the position of District 9 Commander for 2021-2022 from Randy Reid on July 27, 2021. Please support Mike as District 9 Commander and thank Randy for completing a challenging year as District 9 Commander. Randy implemented many changes during the past year to support efforts of the eight posts in District 9 and maintained a high level of leadership by example for District 9 posts.
TOWN OF DANVILLE RECOGNITION OF ERIC ARDELL AND RANDY REID
Post 246 honored Eric Ardell as Past Commander of Post 246 and Randy Reid as Past Commander of District 9 at our social event on August 12. Town of Danville Mayor Renee Morgan expressed the appreciation of the Town of Danville in her remarks and presented Proclamations to Ericand Randy honoring their service.
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.
Please welcome a new member to Post 246:
Elizabeth Freitas, Persian Gulf veteran and transfer from Post 237, Pleasanton
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. 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. STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA Stand Down on the Delta 2021 "Volunteer Registration" is open. To volunteer September 7-17, 2021, click on the "CLICK HERE" link in the following flyer or go to https://deltaveteransgroup.org/ and click on the link to pick the day and time that you want to volunteer. Stand Down on the Delta will recognize the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 with a special ceremony.
Stand Down On The Delta 2021 Volunteers Needed! September 10-13 Stand Down On The Delta is a 4-day, 3-night event in which Veterans are provided medical and dental, court and legal services, DMV, housing, addiction and mental health counseling, employment, and a myriad of other community services at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds located in Antioch, CA Your support will help out veterans and their families in the greatest need to make the toughest transition of their lives. We will be remembering 9/11 during this event at a special 20th Anniversary ceremony on Saturday CLICK HERE to register
Girl Scout Troop 30302 is collecting travel size shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer; wash rags (prefer small, disposable type); and cash donations (cash, check, Venmo) at a barrel on the VMB (400 Hartz Avenue) steps until August 28 for the Stand Down on the Delta. Please make a donation. 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.
PARKS RESERVE FORCES TRAINING AREA EVENT
Post 246 Post 246 sponsored an event on July 28, 2021 at Parks RFTA where Army Community Services served lunch to 75 active-duty personnel and their family members. Michelle Lee and Mark Heinemann met with Installation Command Sergeant Major CSM Samuel MacKenzie and Installation Commander LTC Serena Johnson.
DANVILLE PARADE
Kiwanis moved the 4th of July parade in the Town of Danville to Labor Day weekend on Saturday, 4 September 2021. We are working on arranging military vehicles and a PG&E truck. Boy Scout Troop 888 will provide support to our Post. Contact Eric Ardell if you want to ride in a military or PG&E vehicle.
9/11 REMEMBRANCE
The SRV Exchange Club presentsthe 20th Annual Remembrance ceremony on Saturday, 9/11 at 4:30 pm in Oak Hill Park. This event is sponsored by the VSOs of the SRV Veterans Memorial Building. Please attend and show our support in your American Legion uniform.
VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING FUNDRAISER
Veterans Memorial Building fundraiser on Monday August 30, 2021 is a “Tips for
Change” event at Gianni’s Italian Bistro. It is the only event for the year to fund all
activities at the VMB. Please support this highly important fundraiser.
BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE DELEGATE RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
Please plan to attend the annual luncheon to honor our 2021 Boys State and Girls State delegates and to hear about their experiences at 1:00 PM on Sunday, 3 October at the VMB Community Hall. 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 who is leading a steering committee to develop the plan if you want to provide input for our display and Mark Heinemann to volunteer to execute the plan (set-up on November 10, 2021) and staff the display. Post 246 needs your support to develop a great display.
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
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 29, 2022 as our Post plans to bring back the live, in-person crab feed and auction.
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
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.
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, you can contact him.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.”
– Henry David Thoreau –
POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Post Officers for 2021-2022:
Commander: Mark Heinemann
1st V. Cmdr.: Michelle Lee
2nd V. Cmdr.: Alan Scharlach
3rd V. Cmdr.: Randy Reid
Adjutant: Bob Landy
Finance: Phil Connolly
Chaplain: Jon Heinson
Historian: Gerald Lindahl
Judge Advocate: Ron Lowe
Sgt-at-Arms: Floyd Cox
Service Officer: Leroy Vares
Junior Past Commander: Eric Ardell
Executive Committee:
Gary Soto
Dick Seavey
Ron Roe
Neil Giles
Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons
Asst Adjutant: vacant
Asst Finance: Raoul Miranda
Asst Sgt-at-Arms: Raoul Miranda
Supply Officer: Alan Scharlach
Boys State: Eric Ardell
Girls State: Michelle Lee
Oratorical: Neil Giles
Program Dir: Michelle Lee
Scouting Rep: Alan Scharlach
VMB Ops Committee: Bob Landy
Museum Committee: Ron Farrell
Protocol Officer: Floyd Cox
Board of Trustees: Ron Lowe / Eric Ardell
East Bay Standdown Rep: Mark Heinemann
Veterans Outreach: Mark Heinemann
Membership Committee: Eric Ardell
Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org
Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik
Salvo Editor: Mark Heinemann / Eric Ardell
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 133, Danville, CA 94526
Message Center: (925) 272-8480
Email Address: commanderpost246@gmail.com
Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for Helmut for Heroes at a future live meeting!!
19 August 2021
Dear American Legion Family,
The recent events in Afghanistan have truly been heart breaking, though The American Legion believes that two decades of war have been more than enough. We will continue to press for the safe evacuation of Special Immigrant Visa applicants and our other close allies. The collapse of the Afghanistan government is a sad event for humanity. The fall of Afghanistan in no way denigrates the honorable service of the men and women who served, bled, and died there.
Bill Oxford
National Commander
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 16 August 2021 Dear American Legion Family Members and Friends, The Taliban are retaking control of Afghanistan at an alarming rate. It’s something generations of veterans have seen. A similar takeover occurred in Iraq. And we all know what happened in Vietnam. As a Vietnam veteran, I deeply empathize with today’s veterans who are witnessing this tragic turn of events. But let me be 100 percent clear — the sacrifice, commitment and work by all of our men and women in uniform these past 20 years was worth it. They kept our nation safe when many feared another attack. They brought evil-doers to justice. They delivered hope to war-torn nations. Their courage, victories and selfless acts of service will not be washed away by history. To all the men and women who served and made the world a better, safer and brighter place since the dark day of 9/11, I salute you. As veterans, we have a unique perspective on what all of this means. The action we are seeing today is troubling on an international scale. But also troubling to veterans, especially those who served with honor since 9/11. They may be left questioning what all of this means. They may have trouble processing this turn of events as related to their service. They may experience feelings of depression. But we need to let them know that their service matters today and it will matter tomorrow. I strongly encourage American Legion Family members to take this time to perform Buddy Checks on Afghanistan, Iraq and other veterans during this time. Reach out to your brothers and sisters in arms, and make sure they are doing OK and ask what they need. As a refresher, Buddy Checks are wellness check-ins with veterans who may not seek the help they need on their own. To get started on a Buddy Check, please visit, https://www.legion.org/buddycheck Additionally, you can also recommend that veterans seeking assistance could tap into VA's Vet Centers. Those are counseling centers that provide combat veteran to combat veteran counseling. To learn more visit, vetcenter.va.gov. Whether you are a Vietnam veteran, or one from the war on terror or another era, I thank you for your service. No matter when you served, your service mattered. And it’s what will allow freedom and democracy to continue. Veterans Strengthening America.
Bill Oxford, American Legion National Commander
