Please attend the installation of Officers and Executive Committee Members at the regular meeting on July 6, 2022. Please join me in thanking Ron Lowe and Ron Roe who are retiring from their positions after many years of service to Post 246.

I am turning over command of the post to Michelle Lee. Michelle is a recognized leader who will move our post forward and enhance our programs and events that support our fellow veterans, our military, our youth programs, and our community. I encourage all members to give Michelle your full support.

I greatly appreciate your initiative and support which were key to the achievements of our post during the last year. Your team effort along with your personal drive and hard work led to Post 246’s success to bring the Crab Feed back as an in-person event and to support Parks RFTA programs, our Scout Troops and Packs, our Girls State and Boys State delegates, our veterans outreach efforts, and more.

Please continue to give your suggestions 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.

Best regards, Mark Heinemann

Upcoming Meetings and Events:

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall

July 4, Monday Fourth of July Parade, SRVHS to the Livery, Danville, 9:00 am

July 6, Wednesday Officer Installation / Regular meeting – Vikram Ravi, Eagle Scout, 12:00 pm

July No Officer and Executive Member Meeting in July

August No Regular Meeting in August

August 20, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

September 7, Wednesday Regular evening meeting – Candace Anderson, 6:00 pm

September 17, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

October 2, Sunday Special meeting with Girls State and Boys State Delegates, 1:00 pm

October 15, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

November 2, Wednesday Regular evening meeting – Renee Morgan, 6:00 pm

November 11, Friday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Veterans Day, 5:00 pm

November 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

December 7, Wednesday Regular meeting – Scott Perkins, 12:00 pm

December 7, Wednesday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Pearl Harbor Day, 4:45 pm

December 10, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

December 10, Saturday Army-Navy Game Potluck, 10:30 am

December 17, Saturday Wreaths Across America, Alamo Cemetery, 10:00 am

Meetings:

Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Mike Yura, Program Director. We are planning evening dinners in September and November. Please remember to confirm attendance at our regular meeting luncheons and events by leaving a message at (925) 272-8480 or sending your email confirmation to commanderpost246@gmail.com. The full meeting schedule for 2022 is on page 8.

District 9:

District 9 holds its next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Please let Michelle Lee or 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 and about initiatives of the Department of California.

Membership:

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. National reports 93% of our members have renewed their membership through June 17, 2022. You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

VMB LIBRARY AND HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS COMMITTEE (LHCC):

Interested in military history. Please advise Eric Ardell if you are interested in joining the LHCC as the representative of Post 246 or as Chair. Thank you to Ron Ferrell for serving on the LHCC on behalf of Post 246 and to Bob Sada for serving as LHCC Chair.

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE:

Learn about the American Legion in this self-paced online course; go to:

https://www.legion.org/membership/254637/basic-training-your-home

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is investigating investment opportunities through the Three Valley Community Foundation.

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

Post 246 will participate in the Danville Fourth of July Parade this year. We are again fortunate that Ed Ott with his WWII era jeep and James Bundgaard with his WWII era 1-1/2 ton truck will lead our convoy. PG&E is providing a stake truck to round out our convoy. Please join fellow Post 246 members, Eagle Scouts from Troops 60 and 888, and our Girls State and Boys State delegates to ride in these vehicles. We will meet at 8:00 AM on Monday, July 4 at the south parking lot of San Ramon Valley High School. See you there!!!
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES

Post 246 members participated in Memorial Day ceremonies at San Ramon Memorial Park, Danville’s Oak Hill Park, and at the top of Mount Diablo for the first beacon lighting on Memorial Day. Alan Scharlach deserves special thanks and recognition for attending all three ceremonies as Post 246’s official representative. Alan is third from the left in the back row at the Mount Diablo ceremony.

AMAZING RACE/SCAVENGER HUNT

Post 246 participated in the Danville/Sycamore Rotary Club Amazing Race event in downtown Danville on 12 June 2022 and took 3rd Place! Way to go team members Michelle Haines, Mary O'Donnell, her husband Claes Elfving, Ken McKenzie, and Bob Sada.

Danville Farmers Market Recruiting Event

Post 246 members Bob Landy and Mike Yura volunteered to staff a recruiting table at the Danville Farmers Market on 11 June 2022. Renee Morgan stopped by for a long conversation; meantime, they talked with one potential new member. At the same time, it provided a great PR effort by letting the many, many shoppers know that the American Legion is here!!

POST 246 PHOTOGRAPHER

We are looking for a post photographer to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities. Please contact a Post Officer if you are interested.

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA CONVENTION

The Department convention will take place 24-26 June 2022 in-person in Visalia, CA. Eric Ardell, and Michelle Lee will attend as the Post 246 delegates.

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.

COVID-19 booster vaccinations are available at the VA – Martinez Building AB6 Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE

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.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

CITY OF SAN RAMON

The City of San Ramon website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things in San Ramon: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/home

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

Baseball Cap (size – adjustable) - $21.90

Assorted Polo Shirts (X-Large) - Donated by Carol Reid – No Charge

POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Post Officers for 2022-2023:

Commander: Michelle Lee

1st V. Cmdr: Mark Heinemann

2nd V. Cmdr: Alan Scharlach

3rd V. Cmdr: Eric Ardell

Adjutant: Bob Landy

Finance: Phil Connolly

Chaplain: Jon Heinson

Historian: Gerald Lindahl

Judge Advocate: Mary O’Donnell

Sgt-at-Arms: Floyd Cox

Service Officer: Leroy Vares

Past Commander: Mark Heinemann

Executive Committee:

Neil Giles

Michelle Haines

Mike Yura

Gary Soto

Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons

Asst Adjutant: Michelle Haines

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

Scouting Rep: Alan Scharlach

VMB Ops Committee: Bob Landy

Museum Committee: OPEN / TBA

Protocol Officer: Floyd Cox

Board of Trustees: Ron Lowe / Eric Ardell

East Bay Standdown Rep: Mark Heinemann

Veterans Outreach: Mark Heinemann

Program Dir: Mike Yura

Scouting Rep: Mike Yura

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

2022 Meeting Schedule

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 October 2022 – Meeting at 1:00 PM at the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No regular meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

district 9

Next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of odd numbered months.

Post246 Commander 6/6/22 Post246 Commander 6/6/22

Salvo - June 2022

Document here

Commander’s Corner:

Please join me in congratulating our Post 246 elected Officers and Executive Committee Members: Commander / Michelle Lee; First Vice Commander / Mark Heinemann; Second Vice Commander / Alan Scharlach; and Members of the Executive Committee / Michelle Haines, Gary Soto, and Mike Yura and our appointed officers: Third Vice Commander / Eric Ardell; Adjutant / Bob Landy; Finance Officer / Phil Connolly; Chaplain: / Jon Heinson; Historian / Gerald Lindahl; Judge Advocate / Ron Lowe and Mary O’Donnell; Sgt-at-Arms / Floyd Cox; Service Officer / Leroy Vares; Members of the Executive Committee / Neil Giles and Mary O’Donnell. Please attend the installation of Officers and Executive Committee Members at the regular meeting on July 6, 2022.

Upcoming Meetings/Events:

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall

May 30, Monday Memorial Day Ceremony, San Ramon Memorial Park, 9:30 am

May 30, Monday Memorial Day Ceremony (VNVDV), Oak Hill Park, 10:30 am

May 30, Monday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Memorial Day, 8:30 pm

June 1, Wednesday Regular meeting – Bill Green, Vietnam Vet, 12:00 pm

June 2, Thursday Start – Stand Up on the Delta, Antioch Fairgrounds, 12:00 pm

June 6, Monday End – Stand Up on the Delta, Antioch Fairgrounds, 12:00 pm

June 18, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

July 4, Monday Fourth of July Parade, SRVHS to the Livery, Danville, 9:00 am

July 6, Wednesday Officer Installation / Regular meeting – Vikram Ravi, Eagle Scout, 12:00 pm

July No Officer and Executive Member Meeting in July

August No Regular Meeting in August

August 20, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

September 7, Wednesday Regular evening meeting – Candace Anderson, 6:00 pm

September 17, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

October 2, Sunday Special meeting with Girls State and Boys State Delegates, 12:00 pm

October 15, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

November 2, Wednesday Regular evening meeting – Speaker TBA, 6:00 pm

November 11, Friday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Veterans Day, 5:00 pm

November 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

December 7, Wednesday Regular meeting – Speaker TBA, 12:00 pm

December 7, Wednesday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Pearl Harbor Day, 4:45 pm

December 10, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

December 10, Saturday Army-Navy Game Potluck, 10:30 am

December 17, Saturday Wreaths Across America, Alamo Cemetery, 10:00 am

Meetings:

Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Mike Yura, Program Director. We are planning evening dinners in September and November. Please remember to confirm attendance at our regular meeting luncheons and events by leaving a message at (925) 272-8480 or sending your email confirmation to commanderpost246@gmail.com. The full meeting schedule for 2022 is on page 7.

District 9

Membership
Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 91% of our members have renewed their membership through May 20, 2022. You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

VMB Library and Historical Collections Committee

Interested in military history. Please advise Bob Sada (sadartdent@sbcglobal.net) if you are interested in joining the LHCC as a representative of Post 246. Thank you to Ron Ferrell for serving on the LHCC on behalf of Post 246.

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE
Learn about the American Legion in this self-paced online course; go to: https://www.legion.org/membership/254637/basic-training-your-home

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is investigating investment opportunities through the Three Valley Community Foundation.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES

Please attend the ceremonies at San Ramon Memorial Park at 9:30 AM and/or at Oak Hill Park at 10:30 AM on May 30, 2022 as we remember our fallen comrades.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR MILITARY RECRUITS

The Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley with the support of VSOs including Post 246 and Scout Troops 60 and 888 recognized eight recruits joining the US Marine Corps, Navy, and Army and six appointees to the US Naval Academy, Military Academy, and Air Force Academy. RADM Mary O’Donnell, USCG, Ret. served as Co-Chair and MG Ronald Lowe, USA, Ret. presented challenge coins to each of the young women and men.

SCOUTING
Troop 60 advanced three Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout at their Court of Honor on April 11, 2022. Alan Scharlach, Post 246 Scouting Representative, presented Post 246 recognition certificates to Troop 60 Eagle Scouts at the Court of Honor.

GIRLS State Five delegates completed orientation to attend Girls State at California State University – Sacramento from June 27 to July 2, 2022. Thank you, Michelle Lee and Harvalee Grimm for your leadership in selecting delegates. Well done!!!

Boys State

Ten delegates completed orientation to attend Boys State at California State University – Sacramento from June 19 to June 25, 2022. Thank you, Eric Ardell and John Rowe for your work to select delegates. Well done!!!

AMERICAN LEGION SCAM ALERT

Please note recent email messages from National and Department of California warning members about phishing emails requesting donations for various causes. When viewing American Legion emails, please remember that The Department of California Commander's valid email address is commander@calegion.org and the National Commander’s valid email address is legion@em.legion.org.

POST PHOTOGRAPHER We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities. Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested. 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. COVID-19 booster vaccinations are available at the VA – Martinez Building AB6 Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 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.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

CITY OF SAN RAMON

The City of San Ramon website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things in San Ramon: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/home

STAND UP (PREVIOUSLY, STAND DOWN) ON THE DELTA

Stand Up on the Delta 2021 was postponed to 2022. The event will take place at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch per the following schedule:

2 June 2022 / Set Up

3 to 5 June 2022 / Stand Up

6 June 2022 / Take Down

Please consider signing up to volunteer at: https://dvgregistration.ivolunteer.com/volunteer_2022

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 Baseball Cap (size – adjustable) - $21.90 Assorted Polo Shirts (X-Large) - Donated by Carol Reid – No Charge
POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Post Officers for 2021-2022:

Commander: Mark Heinemann

V. Cmdr: Michelle Lee

2nd V. Cmdr: Alan Scharlach

3rd V. Cmdr: Eric Ardell

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

Past Commander: Eric Ardell
Executive Committee:
Neil Giles Ron Roe Michelle Haines Mike Yura Gary Soto Mary O’Donnell
Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons
Asst Adjutant: Michelle Haines

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

Scouting Rep: Alan Scharlach

VMB Ops Committee: Bob Landy

Museum Committee: OPEN / TBA

Protocol Officer: Floyd Cox

Board of Trustees: Ron Lowe / Eric Ardell

East Bay Standdown Rep: Mark Heinemann

Veterans Outreach: Mark Heinemann

Program Dir: Mike Yura

Scouting Rep: Mike Yura
Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

2022 Meeting Schedule

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 October 2022 – Meeting at 1:00 PM at the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No regular meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

Post246 Commander 5/8/22 Post246 Commander 5/8/22

Salvo - May 22

COMMANDERS CORNER

Post 246 will vote on nominations at our May 4, 2022 regular meeting for Commander, 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander, and three members of the Executive Committee. Nominees are Michelle Lee for Commander; TBA for First Vice Commander; Alan Scharlach for Second Vice Commander; and Michelle Haines, Gary Soto, and Mike Yura for Members of the Executive Committee. This is your post so please continue to support our 2021-2022 officers and vote for our 2022-2023 officers to help us make Post 246 bigger and better! We will install officers at the regular meeting on July 6, 2022.

The Veterans Memorial Building (VMB) is planning the High School Graduates Swearing-in Ceremony for 22 May 2021 at 1:00pm on the Library Green, 400 Front Street, Danville. VMB will also recognize appointees to the military service academies at the ceremony. VMB is asking all VSOs to provide help in setup, ushering, and teardown/cleanup along with a contingent from our Boy Scout Troops. Please contact Mary O’Donnell (309-9028) if you will help.

Mark Heinemann

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall

May 4, Wednesday Regular meeting – Martha Hernandez, California Relay, 12:00 pm

May 21, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 22, Sunday Swearing-In Ceremony, Danville Library Green, 1:00 pm

May 30, Monday Memorial Day Ceremony (VNVDV), Oak Hill Park, 10:30 am

May 30, Monday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Memorial Day at Sunset, 8:30 pm

June 1, Wednesday Regular meeting – Bill Green, Vietnam Vet, 12:00 pm

June 2, Thursday Start – Stand Up on the Delta, Antioch Fairgrounds, 12:00 pm

June 6, Monday End – Stand Up on the Delta, Antioch Fairgrounds, 12:00 pm

June 18, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

July 4, Monday Fourth of July Parade, SRVHS-Livery, Danville, 9:00 am

July 6, Wednesday Officer Installation / Regular meeting – Vikram Ravi, Eagle Scout, 12:00 pm

No Officer and Executive Member Meeting in July

No Regular Meeting in August

August 20, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

September 7, Wednesday Regular evening meeting – Candace Anderson, 6:00 pm

September 17, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

October 2, Sunday Special meeting with Girls State and Boys State Delegates, 12:00 pm

October 15, SaturdayExecutive Committe

MEETINGS

DISTRICT 9

District 9 holds its next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 17 May 2022 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 and about initiatives of the Department of California.

MEMBERSHIP

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 90% of our members (153 of 169 per National vs 158 goal or 95% per Department of California) have renewed their membership through April 23, 2022. You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

NEW MEMBERS

Please welcome our new members: Craig Thaxton served in the US Navy in the 1980’s; Michael Mahre served in the US Navy during the 1980’s; Matthew Hayward served in the US Marine Corps during Desert Storm; Will Glesener served in the US Army in the 1970’s; and Louis Giorgi served in the US Navy as a MD with the Marines during GWOT. We hope to meet you soon at a meeting.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) disqualified Post 246 based on its IRS tax status from investment in its funds in an April 2022 communication. The Finance Committee is investigating other investment opportunities including through the Three Valley Community Foundation. Investment in an EBCF fund was approved at the June 2, 2021 regular meeting.

MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORTION

Please attend the ceremony at Oak Hill Park at 10:30 AM on May 30, 2022.

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE

Learn about the American Legion in this self-paced online course; go to:

https://www.legion.org/membership/254637/basic-training-your-home

SCOUTING

Troop 60 advanced three Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout at their Court of Honor on April 11, 2022. Troop 888 advanced five Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout at their Court of Honor on April 25, 2022. Alan Scharlach, Post 246 Scouting Representative, presented Post 246 recognition certificates to Troop 60 and Troop 888 Eagle Scouts at their Courts of Honor. Scott Perkins, Post 246 member and San Ramon City Council member made the keynote speech at the Troop 888 Court of Honor. Congratulations to the new Troop 60 and Troop 888 Eagle Scouts. On April 23, 2022 Michelle Lee participated in a Pack 1776 US flag retirement ceremony at Camp Herms.

Troop 888 Court of Honor

〰️

Troop 888 Court of Honor 〰️

GIRLS STATE

Five delegates were selected following completion of interviews. On-line Orientation will take place in May. Girls State will convene at California State University – Sacramento from June 27 to July 2, 2022. Thank you, Michelle Lee and Harvalee Grimm for your leadership in selecting delegates. Well done!!!

BOYS STATE

Nine delegates were selected following completion of interviews. On-line Orientations will take place in late April or early May. Boys State will convene at California State University – Sacramento from June 19 to June 25, 2022. Thank you, Eric Ardell and John Rowe for your work to select delegates. Well done!!!

AMERICAN LEGION SCAM ALERT

Please note recent email messages from National and Department of California warning members about phishing emails requesting donations for various causes. When viewing American Legion emails, please remember that The Department of CaliforniaCommander's valid email address is commander@calegion.org and the National Commander’s valid email address is legion@em.legion.org.

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities. Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested.

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?

Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to any VA NorCal location and present it to one of the VA clerks.
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.
Fax a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to 916-366-5376.

If you have questions, please call 1-800-382-8387.

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.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

CITY OF SAN RAMON

The City of San Ramon website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things in San Ramon: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/home

STAND UP (PREVIOUSLY, STAND DOWN) ON THE DELTA

Stand Up on the Delta 2021 was postponed to 2022. The event will take place at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch per the following schedule:

2 June 2022 / Set Up

3 to 5 June 2022 / Stand Up

6 June 2022 / Take Down

Please consider signing up to volunteer at: https://dvgregistration.ivolunteer.com/volunteer_2022

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 (858-4199), 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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

Baseball Cap (size – adjustable) - $21.90

Assorted Polo Shirts (X-Large) - Donated by Carol Reid – No Charge

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: Eric Ardell

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

Past Commander: Eric Ardell

Executive Committee:
Neil Giles

Ron Roe

Michelle Haines

Mike Yura

Gary Soto

Mary O’Donnell

Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons
Asst Adjutant: Mike Yura

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

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

Program Dir: Mike Yura

Scouting Rep: Mike Yura

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

2022 MEETING SCHEDULE

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 October 2022 – Meeting at 1:00 PM at the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No regular meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

DISTRICT 9

Next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 17 May 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of odd numbered months.

Post246 Commander 4/4/22 Post246 Commander 4/4/22

Salvo - April 2022

COMMANDERS CORNER

Post 246 will accept nominations at our April 6, 2022 regular meeting for Commander, 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander, and three members of the Executive Committee. These officers will lead the Post for the 2022-2023 leadership year. If you are interested in serving your post and the American Legion as either an elected or appointed officer, please contact Eric Ardell, Nominating Committee Chair. This is your post so please support our 2021-2022 officers and selection of our 2022-2023 officers to help us make Post 246 bigger and better!

We will hold the election of officers at our regular meeting on May 4, 2022. We will install officers at the regular meeting on July 6, 2022.

The Veterans Memorial Building is planning the High School Graduates Swearing-in Ceremony for 22 May 2021 at 1:00pm on the Library Green, 400 Front Street, Danville. VMB will also recognize appointees to the military service academies at the ceremony. VMB is asking all VSOs to provide help in setup, ushering, and teardown/cleanup along with a contingent from our Boy Scout Troops. Please contact Mary O’Donnell (309-9028) if you will help.

Please check out “The Bucket of Shrimp”, a great story, from Eric Ardell on page 8.

Mark Heinemann

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall

April 6, Wednesday Regular meeting with Adam Lane, PIO, CHP CCC, 12:00 pm

April 16, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 4, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker from California Relay, 12:00 pm

May 21, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 22, Sunday Swearing-In Ceremony, Danville Library Green, 1:00 pm

May 30, Monday Memorial Day Ceremony (VNVDV), Oak Hill Park, 10:30 am

May 30, Monday Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting for Memorial Day at Sunset, 8:30 pm

June 1, Wednesday Regular meeting with Speaker TBA, 12:00 pm

June 18, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

July 4, Monday Fourth of July Parade, SRVHS-Livery, Danville, 9:00 am

July 6, Wednesday Installation of Officers / Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

No Officer and Executive Member Meeting in July

No Regular Meeting in August

August 20, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

MEETINGS

Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Mike Yura who replaced Michelle Lee as Program Director. We are planning evening dinners in September and November. Please remember to confirm attendance at our regular meeting luncheons and events by leaving a message at (925) 272-8480 or sending your email confirmation to commanderpost246@gmail.com. The full meeting schedule for 2022 is posted on page 7.

DISTRICT 9

MEMBERSHIP

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 87% of our members (147 of 169 per National vs 158 goal or 93% per Department of California) have renewed their membership through March 27, 2022. You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

NEW MEMBERS

Please welcome our new member: Michael Garcia who transferred from Lafayette Post 517. He served in the US Air Force and joined the American Legion in 2000. We hope to meet you soon at a meeting.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The post expects to complete investment of funds from the post savings account in East Bay Community Foundation investment ESG Fund in April 2022. Investment was approved at the June 2, 2021 regular meeting. Veterans Memorial Building of the San Ramon Valley invested funds successfully through the EBCF.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

VMB DOCENTS HONORED

Ron Lowe, President of the VMB Board of Directors, recognized Eric Ardell, Ron Roe, and Bob Sada for their service as VMB Docents in 2021 on March 5, 2022. Ron Roe received the 2021 Docent of the Year for his continuous service since program inception and a Gold Certificate for serving more than 100 hours in 2021. Ron also received a national President’s Volunteer Service Award certificate and medal (Ron Lowe is second from the left and Ron Roe is far right in the photograph).

SCOUTING

Troop 60 will advance three Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout at their Court of Honor on April 11, 2022. Congratulations to the Troop 60 Scouts.

GIRLS STATE

Five delegates were selected following completion of interviews. On-line Orientation will take place in May. Girls State will convene at California State University – Sacramento from June 27 to July 2, 2022. Please thank Michelle Lee and her team for their leadership in selecting delegates.

BOYS STATE

Nine delegates were selected following completion of interviews. On-line Orientation will take place in late April or early May. Boys State will convene at California State University – Sacramento from June 19 to June 23, 2022. Please thank Eric Ardell and his team for their leadership in selecting delegates.

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities. Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested.

AMERICAN LEGION SCAM ALERT

Please note recent email messages from National and Department of California warning members about phishing emails requesting donations for various causes. When viewing American Legion emails, please remember that The Department of California Commander's valid email address is commander@calegion.org and the National Commander’s valid email address is legion@em.legion.org.

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?

Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to any VA NorCal location and present it to one of the VA clerks.
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.
Fax a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to 916-366-5376.

If you have questions, please call 1-800-382-8387.

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

CITY OF SAN RAMON

The City of San Ramon website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things in San Ramon: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/home

STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA

31 May to 2 June 2022 / Set Up

3 to 6 June 2022 / Stand Down

6 to 8 June 2022 / Take Down

As more information is provided in early 2022, updates will appear in the Salvo.

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

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: Eric Ardell

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:

Neil Giles

Ron Roe

Michelle Haines

Gary Soto

Mary O’Donnell

Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons

Asst Adjutant: Mike Yura

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

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

Program Dir: Mike Yura

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

2022 MEETING SCHEDULE

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 October 2022 – Meeting at 1:00 PM at the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No regular meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

DISTRICT 9

Next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 17 May 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of odd numbered months.

The Bucket of Shrimp

An Old Man and a Bucket of Shrimp... a true story... a wonderful story . You will be glad that you read it, especially those who know Key Biscayne, Florida.

I hope you’ll pass it on.

It happened every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the blue ocean.

Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. Ed walks out to the end of the pier, where it seems he almost has the world to himself. The glow of the sun is a golden bronze now.

Everybody's gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the Pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts ... and his bucket of shrimp.

Before long, however, he is no longer alone. Up in the sky, a thousand white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way toward that lanky frame standing there on the end of the pier.

Before long, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds. As he does, if you listen closely, you can hear him say with a smile, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you”

In a few short minutes, the bucket is empty. But Ed doesn't leave. He stands there lost in thought, as though transported to another time and place.

When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along The Pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they, too, fly away.

And old Ed quietly makes his way down to the end of the beach and on home.

If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like a 'funny old duck,' as my Dad used to say. Or, to onlookers, he's just another old codger, lost in his own weird world, feeding the seagulls with a bucket full of shrimp.

To the onlooker, rituals can look either very strange or very empty. They can seem altogether unimportant, maybe even a lot of nonsense.

Old folks often do strange things, at least in the eyes of Boomers and Busters. Most of them would probably write Old Ed off, down there in Florida. That's too bad. They'd do well to know him better.

His full name: Eddie Rickenbacker. He was a famous hero in World War I, and then he was in WWII. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived, crawled out of their plane and climbed into a life raft.

Captain Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks. Most of all, they fought hunger and thirst. By the eighth day, their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were or even if they were alive.

Every day across America millions wondered and prayed that Eddie Rickenbacker might somehow be found alive.

The men adrift needed a miracle. That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle.

They tried to nap. Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged on. All he could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft. Suddenly Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull!

Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab it and wring its neck. He tore the feathers off, and he and his starving crew made a meal of it - a very slight meal for eight men. Then they used the intestines for bait. With it, they caught fish, which gave them food and more bait...and the cycle continued. With that simple survival technique, they were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued after 24 days at sea.

Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first life-saving seagull... And he never stopped saying, 'Thank you.' That's why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket full of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude.

* Reference: (Max Lucado, "In The Eye of the Storm", pp...221, 225-226)

PS: Eddie Rickenbacker was the founder of Eastern Airlines. Before WWI he was a race car driver. In WWI he was a pilot and became America's first ace. In WWII he was an instructor and military adviser, and he flew missions with the combat pilots. Eddie Rickenbacker is a true American hero. And now you know another story about the trials and sacrifices that brave men have endured for your freedom

As you can see, I chose to pass it on. It is a great story that many don't know. You've got to be careful with old guys, you just never know what they have done during their lifetime.

P.S. And the road into Key Biscayne is the Rickenbacker Causeway

Post246 Commander 3/6/22 Post246 Commander 3/6/22

Salvo Mar 2022

COMMANDERS CORNER

On behalf of Post 246, thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 2022 Crab Feed a success. Please join us at the March 2 meeting for details.

Please join me in thanking Eric & Mary Ardell, Phil and Lizabeth Connolly and their sons Jared & Christian, Elizabeth Freitas, Michelle Haines, Bob Landy, Michelle Lee, Raoul Miranda, Steve McCreery, Mary O’Donnell and Claes Eflving, Ron and Evelyn Roe, Bob Sada, Lorrie and Tim Sammons, Alan Scharlach, Gary Soto, and Mike Yura for their significant contributions to the success of the Crab Feed. Please patronize the donors listed on page 10 which contributed goods and services to the Crab Feed auctions and raffle and let the manager know how much Post 246 appreciates their donations which support our efforts with veterans; youth programs including Girls State, Boys State, and Scouting; active-duty military members and their families; and other community programs.

The meeting schedule for 2022 is posted on page 7 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.

Mark Heinemann

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall

March 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with surprise speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

March 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

March 19, Saturday VMB Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser, 5:30 pm

April 6, Wednesday Regular meeting with Adam Lane, PIO, CHP CCC, 12:00 pm

April 16, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 4, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker TBA, 12:00 pm

May 21, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

June 1, Wednesday Regular meeting with Candace Andersen, CCC District Supervisor, 5:30 pm

June 18, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

July 6, Wednesday Installation of Officers / Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

No Officer and Executive Member Meeting in July

No Regular Meeting in August

August 20, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

2022 MEETING SCHEDULE

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022

02 October 2022 Meeting is in the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

DISTRICT 9

MEETINGS

Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Michelle Lee and Mike Yura, her replacement as Program Director. We are planning evening dinners in February, June, September, and November. 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

DISTRICT 9

District 9 holds its next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 16 March 2022 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 and about initiatives of the Department of California.

Next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 16 March 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of odd numbered months.

RICHARD (DICK) SEAVEY - MEMORIAL SERVICES

A celebration of life for Dick Seavey will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 23 at Graham Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton. Burial will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 24 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dick’s name to Norwich University Cadet Scholarship Program, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663.

MEMBERSHIP

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 86% of our members (142 of 166 total members) have renewed their membership through mid-February. You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

NEW MEMBERS

Please welcome new members: Raymond Alberti, a former Alameda fire chief; Patrick Chatard; and Lloyd Riggs. We hope to meet you soon at a meeting.

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE

Learn about the American Legion in this self-paced online course; go to:

https://www.legion.org/membership/254637/basic-training-your-home

2022 CRAB FEED DINNER AND FUNDRAISER

Our in-person, live Crab Feed Dinner was a success based on input from members and guests. Several suggestions were made for improvements which we will need to incorporate into the planning and execution of the 2023 Crab Feed

Please recognize and patronize our Blue Sponsors: “Empowered Chiropractic” and “Lunardi’s”. Also, Post 246 thanks Gold Sponsors: “Jim Vlantis and Sara Ennor” and Blue Sponsors: “Stephen and Sandra McKae” and “Navy Veterans” for their support. Additional donors of goods and services are listed lower in the article. Thank you all.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER

VMB VSOs will host a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and Fundraiser at the Veterans Memorial Building Community Hall at 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Tickets are available from Bob Landy at $50 per ticket until March 11, 2022. Please save the date and attend this important fundraiser. Please leave a message for Bob at the Post 246 message line (272-8480) if you want tickets.

SCOUTING

Please read the letter of commendation (lower in article) from Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District which recognizes Eagle Scout Vikram Ravi of Troop 888 for his Eagle Project which located and mapped the location of over 200 gravesites of veterans buried at the Lafayette Cemetery. In addition, Vikram raised funds for flag holders and medallions to mark their gravesite locations permanently.

Pack 997 held its annual Bridging Ceremony on February 27. Ten Scouts bridged from Pack 997 to Scout Troops 621, 805, 874 and 2001.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

CITY OF SAN RAMON

The City of San Ramon website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things in San Ramon: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/home

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities. Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The post expects to complete investment of funds from the post savings account in East Bay Community Foundation investment ESG Fund in March 2022. Investment was approved at the June 2, 2021 regular meeting. Veterans Memorial Building of the San Ramon Valley invested funds successfully through the EBCF.

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?

Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to any VA NorCal location and present it to one of the VA clerks.
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.
Fax a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to 916-366-5376.

If you have questions, please call 1-800-382-8387.

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE

STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA

31 May to 2 June 2022 / Set Up

3 to 6 June 2022 / Stand Down

6 to 8 June 2022 / Take Down

As more information is provided in early 2022, updates will appear in the Salvo.

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

POST OFFICERS AND COMMMITTEE CHAIRS

POST OFFICERS FOR 2021-2022

Commander: Mark Heinemann

1st V. Cmdr: Michelle Lee

2nd V. Cmdr: Alan Scharlach

3rd V. Cmdr: Eric Ardell

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

Neil Giles / 983-9018

Ron Roe / 837-9428

Michelle Haines / 899-3422

Gary Soto / 837-9363

Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersions

Asst Adjutant: Mike Yura

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

Program Dir: Mike Yura

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

RECOGNITION OF EABLE SCHOUT VIKRAM RAVI, TROOP 888

LAMO-LAFAYETTE CEMETERY DISTRICT

3285 MT. DIABLO BLVD./ P.O. Box 1955, LAFAYETTE, CA 94549

(925) 284-1353 – Fax: (925) 284.4144

E-MAIL: alcdist@pacbell.net

February 1, 2022

Boy Scouts of America Corporate Office PO Box 152079 Irving, TX 75015-2079

RE: Vikram Ravi

Dear Boy Scouts of America,

My name is Patricia Howard and I have been the General Manager of the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District for over 25 years. Last year, an Eagle Scout approached the District, pitching a large project to me.

In March 2021, Eagle Scout Vikram Ravi approached the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District to create a map of unmarked veteran graves. Vikram is part of the Boy Scout Troop 888, located in San Ramon, CA.

Vikram planned and executed a large project, consisting of locating and mapping the geolocation of almost two hundred unmarked veteran graves in the Lafayette Cemetery, based in Lafayette, CA. Furthermore, Vikram raised the funds to purchase the flags and high-quality flag holders with veteran medallions. Lastly, Vikram organized 15 other Scouts to participate in the mapping side of the project.

His project was a huge success. The medallions act as a permanent marker that helped the District place flags and Wreathes Across America lay wreathes for Christmas. These medallions will permanently help the District place flags for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas. This Christmas is the first time in the District's 167-year history where wreathes were placed on all veteran graves, both marked and unmarked.

This young man went above and beyond to honor the veterans in our Cemetery, and not only were we impressed, but we were proud to have met him. Vikram performed well beyond expectations for his age, showing a level of maturity we would expect from seasoned professionals. I'd like to cite a specific example that made the greatest impression, showing his thoughtfulness and care.

Before the other Scouts began their search for veterans and unprompted, Vikram gathered his troop and explained the manners and etiquette expected at a cemetery. He asked for the utmost respect and care, avoiding stepping on headstones, or damaging grave items. Vikram was polite, respectful, and showed genuine leadership.

I can't stress enough how surprised I was he had the presence of mind needed to not only understand, but also transmit respectful behavior when most people lack when visiting through the cemetery.

Both the Board of Trustees and I would like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to Eagle Scout Vikram Ravi. We would also like to thank San Ramon, CA, Troop 888 and especially Eagle Scout mentor Shanthi Subramanian, who guided Vikram along the way.

Warmest regards,

Patricia A. Howard

District Manager

2022 CRAB FEED DONORS

Ace Hardware

Bridges Restaurant

Safeway Stores

The Vine and Spirits

Piatti’s Restaurant

Blue Line Pizza

Sloat’s Garden

Lunardi’s Market

AMC Theaters

Sideboard

Norm’s Place

Sprouts

Charles R Vineyards

Concannon Vineyard Estate

Emerson Brown

Trader Joe's Danville

Empowered Chiropractic

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

Blue Line Pizza

Chico's Danville

Lizbeth Connolly

Faz Restaurant

Hall Wines Napa Valley

Melo's Pizza

Danville Brewing Co. Gift Card

Home Depot

Patrick James

Peju Winery

Pete's Brass Rail & Car Wash

Pleasanton Golf Center

Rakestraw Books

Harveys Resort Lake Tahoe

The Growler

USS Hornet

Post246 Commander 3/6/22 Post246 Commander 3/6/22

Salvo Feb 22

Commanders Corner

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Dick Seavey transferred to Post Everlasting on January 20, 2022. Dick was an American Legion member for 32 years and a US Army Veteran. We will miss the support that he gave to our Post and veterans in our community. Please keep Georgeann and the Seavey family in your thoughts and prayers.

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

January 22 to 29, Saturday to Saturday Crab Feed On-Line Auction Fundraiser

January 29, Saturday Crab Feed Dinner & Fundraiser, 5:00 pm

February 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, Hon. Laurel Brady, 6:00 pm

February 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

March 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with Alzheimer’s Assn. speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

March 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

March 19, Saturday VMB Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser, 5:30 pm

April 6, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

April 16, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 4, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

May 21, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

June 1, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

June 18, Saturday Executive Committee m

MEETING SPEAKERS

February 2, 2022 – The Honorable Laurel Brady will discuss Veterans Treatment Court, a Collaborative Justice Court within the Superior Court of Contra Costa County at the Danville Black Bear Diner at 5:30PM for a dinner meeting. Spouses are welcome.

March 2, 2022 – Speaker (To Be Advised), Alzheimer’s Association

2022 – Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Michelle Lee until her replacement is named. Please consider volunteering to replace Michelle Lee as Program Director whose responsibilities include finding speakers for our meetings. Let Michelle or Mark Heinemann know if you are willing to take over the Program Director position.

2022 MEETING SCHEDULE

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022 – Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Danville Black Bear Diner

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022

02 October 2022 Meeting is in the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

DISTRICT 9

Next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 16 March 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of odd numbered months.

MEMBERSHIP

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 83% of our members (139 of 168 total members) have renewed their membership through mid-December. You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE

Learn about the American Legion in this self-paced online course; go to:

https://www.legion.org/membership/254637/basic-training-your-home

2022 CRAB FEED DINNER AND FUNDRAISER

Our in-person, live Crab Feed Dinner is set to go. Bidding is open at our online auction (https://www.32auctions.com/2022CrabFeed) from January 22 to 7:00 PM on January 29. Please visit the site and make bids on items of interest. We will hold a live auction and raffle during the dinner. Doors will open at 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

We will follow guidelines set by Contra Costa County Health to stay safe for the Crab Feed. Currently, Contra Costa County requires indoor diners to:

1. Wear face coverings except when seated at at table.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER

VMB VSOs will host a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and Fundraiser at the Veterans Memorial Building Community Hall at 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Please save the date.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar, etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

Like to take pictures with an iPhone or camera? We need YOU!! We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities.

Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The post expects to complete investment of funds from the post savings account in East Bay Community Foundation investment funds in February 2022. Investment was approved at the June 2, 2021 regular meeting. Veterans Memorial Building of the San Ramon Valley invested funds successfully through the EBCF.

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.

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?

Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to any VA NorCal location and present it to one of the VA clerks.
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.
Fax a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to 916-366-5376.

If you have questions, please call 1-800-382-8387.

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE

STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA

31 May to 2 June 2022 / Set Up

3 to 6 June 2022 / Stand Down

6 to 8 June 2022 / Take Down

As more information is provided in early 2022, updates will appear in the Salvo.

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Post Officers for 2021-2022:
Post Officers for 2021-2022:

Commander: Mark Heinemann

1st V. Cmdr: Michelle Lee

2nd V. Cmdr: Alan Scharlach

3rd V. Cmdr: Eric Ardell

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

Ron Roe

Neil Giles

Mary O’Donnell

APPOINTED OFFICERS & COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Asst Adjutant: Mike Yura

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

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

Post246 Commander 3/6/22 Post246 Commander 3/6/22

Salvo Jan 2022

Commanders Corner

On behalf of Post 246, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year in 2022. I hope that you enjoyed a Merry Christmas, Happy Winter Solstice, Hanukkah Sameach, or Joyful Kwanzaa. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We are calling members whom we do not see regularly at meetings and events to just say hi. Please call us back if we miss you; we really do want to chat! 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 consider volunteering to replace Michelle Lee as Program Director whose responsibilities include finding speakers for our meetings. Let Michelle or me know if you are willing to take over the Program Director position. Please continue to give your suggestions 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

January 1, Saturday New Year’s Day

January 5, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, Tammy Quirin/ARF, 12:00 pm

January 15, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

January (TBD) Post Oratorical Contest

January 22 to 29, Saturday to Saturday Crab Feed On-Line Auction Fundraiser

January 29, Saturday Crab Feed Dinner & Fundraiser, 5:00 pm

February 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, Hon. Laurel Brady, 6:00 pm

February 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

March 2, Wednesday Regular meeting with Alzheimer’s Assn. speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

March 19, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

March 19, Saturday VMB Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser, 5:30 pm

April 6, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

April 16, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 4, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

May 21, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

June 1, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

June 18, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

Meeting Speakers

January 5, 2022 – Tammy Quirin and her team (Amada Conlon, Alex Abrahamson,

and Brooke Stensby) will present the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Pets and

Vets Program. Tammy retired from the Army where she served as a military police

officer, dog handler, dog trainer, and instructor in the USA, Germany and Korea.

Her team members have extensive backgrounds in animal welfare.

February 2, 2022 – The Honorable Laurel Brady will discuss Veterans Treatment

Court, a Collaborative Justice Court within the Superior Court of Contra Costa

County at the Danville Black Bear Diner at 5:30PM for a dinner meeting.

March 2, 2022 – Speaker (To Be Advised), Alzheimer’s Association

2022 – Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Michelle Lee until

her replacement is named.

District 9

District 9 holds its next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 18 January 2022 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 and about initiatives of the Department of California.

Membership

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 79% of our members (132 of 168 total members) have renewed their membership through mid-December.

You can renew your membership using two easy ways: 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.

New Members

Please welcome Al Kalin to our Post. Al retired from the US Army and is also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a biking enthusiast and serves in leadership roles with “Mount Diablo Cyclists” and “Bike Danville” to improve biking safety and accessibility. Please also welcome new members Raymond Alberti and Patrick Chatard, both recent transfers from Post 1000. Raymond is an Army veteran from the Korean War and Patrick is a Navy veteran.

We hope to see all of them at a future meeting soon!

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 will hold a live auction and raffle during the dinner at 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Contact Bob Sada for tickets which are $55 per person due to increased costs.

We will follow guidelines set by Contra Costa County Health to stay safe for the Crab Feed. Currently, Contra Costa County requires indoor diners to:

1. Wear face coverings except when actively eating or drinking.

2. Show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (CDC: two-dose mRNA series or one dose Janssen vaccine) or a negative COVID-19 test result from the past three days. We will check vaccination records and test results. 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.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

VMB VSOs will host a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and Fundraiser at the Veterans Memorial Building Community Hall at 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Please save the date.

Post Photographer

Like to take pictures with an iPhone or camera? We need YOU!! We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities. Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested.

Investment Committee

The post expects to complete investment of funds from the post savings account in East Bay Community Foundation investment funds available to non-profit organizations as approved at the June 2, 2021 regular meeting. Veterans Memorial Building of the San Ramon Valley invested funds successfully through the EBCF.

Attention: Stamp Collectors

Keep Your Medical Record 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.

CC Vets Service Office

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 / Take Down

As more information is provided in early 2022, updates will appear in the Salvo.

Wreaths Across America

Post 246 members supported the annual Wreaths Across America event at Alamo Cemetery on December 18, 2021. Left to right in the photograph are members Ron Rowe, Gary Soto, and Michelle Haines who served in the color guard for the ceremony. Eric Ardell coordinated Post 246 support to the organizer of the event.

Scout Troop 888 Court of Honor

Post 246 recognized three Eagle Scout recipients at the Troop 888 Court of Honor on December 20, 2021. Alan Scharlach, Post 246 Scouting Representative and 2nd Vice Commander presented certificates to the new Eagle Scouts.

Las Positas College “Adopt a Family For The Holidays”

Thank you to all Post 246 members who donated to the Las Positas College “Adopt a Family for the Holidays”. Your participation made it a great success according to Todd Steffan of LPC’s Veterans First program.

Flag & Emblem Store

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

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: Eric Ardell

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

Past Commander: Eric Ardell

Executive Committee:

Gary Soto

Dick Seavey

Ron Roe

Neil Giles

Mary O’Donnell

Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons

Asst Adjutant: Mike Yura

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

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

Post246 Commander 11/28/21 Post246 Commander 11/28/21

Salvo - Dec 2021

Full Format PDF

COMMANDERS CORNER

Buddy Calls are continuing as we check on the welfare of Post 246 members. If you can help with Buddy Calls, please contact Eric Ardell. We are concentrating on those members whom we have not reached yet. We want to make sure you are doing well and will ask if you need any assistance. If we have left you a voice mail or sent you an email or letter, please give us a call back and let us know how you are doing. You support our post, and we are here to support you.

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 consider volunteering to replace Michelle Lee as Program Director whose responsibilities include finding speakers for our meetings. Let Michelle or me know if you are willing to take over the Program Director position.

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

December 1, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, David Compton, 12:00 pm

December 11, Saturday Army - Navy Game, VMB, 12:00 pm

December 11, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

December 18, Saturday Wreaths Across America, Alamo Cemetery, 11:00 am

December 19, Sunday Executive Committee special meeting, 2:00 pm

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 22 to 29, Saturday to Saturday Crab Feed On-Line 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

March 19, Saturday VMB Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser, 5:30 pm

April 6, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

April 16, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 4, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, TBA, 12:00 pm

May 21, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

MEETING SPEAKERS

December 1, 2021 – David Crompton and Diane Freidman 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 until her replacement is named 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.

MEMBERSHIP

Please renew your membership for calendar year 2022. About 75% of our members have renewed their membership through mid-November. You can renew using two easy ways: 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.

NEW MEMBER

Please welcome Michelle Haines. Michelle served in the US Air Force and currently works for a non-profit that serves seniors. Her hobbies include hiking, sports, photography, music, and cooking.

VETERANS DAY

Post 246 sponsored a display on “Women in the Military” at the VMB Community Hall for the Veterans Day Pop Up Museum. Please congratulate Michelle Lee, Steering Committee Chair (center); Elizabeth Freitas (right); Mary O’Donnell (left); and Patty Wernet (MOAA) who designed and staffed our outstanding display. Congratulations to the Smith, Proctor, and Evans families who won books in the raffle.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA. ALAMO CEMETERY

Post 246 is again supporting Wreaths Across America Ceremony honoring the veterans interred at Alamo Cemetery at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 18, 2021. After the opening ceremony, we will place wreaths at marked gravesites. Our post will provide unloading and stationing support before the ceremony on Saturday.

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:

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER

VMB VSOs will host a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and Fundraiser at the Veterans Memorial Building Community Hall at 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Please save the date.

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

Like to take pictures with an iPhone or camera? We need YOU!! We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our post activities.

Please call or contact a Post Officer or Executive Committee member if you are interested.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

ATTENTION: STAMP COLLECTORS

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.

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE

STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA

3 to 6 June 2022 / Stand Down

Alan Scharlach is serving as our “Supply Officer” and will order items for post members. Go to 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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

CUB SCOUT PACK 997 POPCORN SALES

Pack 997 Information (http://cubpack997.org)

Pack 997 was established in Fall 2012 at Live Oak Elementary School. Pack 997 currently consists of 90 scouts (boys and girls) from K-5th grade and 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

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. Pack Donation: 100% of your donation will be used towards Pack 997 activities. Please email pack997.sanramon@gmail.com for details

LAS POSITAS COLLEGE “ADOPT A FAMILY”

Several Post 246 members adopted a Las Positas College student veteran’s family in 2020. Please consider helping out by following the instructions in the flyer which follows:

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: Eric Ardell

Adjutant: Bob Landy

Finance: Phil Connolly

Chaplain: Jon Heinson

Historian: Gerald Lindahl

Judge Advocate: Ron Lowe

Sgt-at-Arms: Floyd Cox

Service Officer:

Junior Past Commander: Eric Ardell

Executive Committee:

Gary Soto

Dick Seavey

Ron Roe

Neil Giles

Mary O’Donnell

Appointed Officers & Committee Chairpersons

Asst Adjutant: Mike Yura

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

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org

Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik and Sons

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 donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

2022 MEETING SCHEDULE – POST 246

Regular Meetings (First Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Room, Veterans Memorial Building)

05 January 2022

02 February 2022

02 March 2022

06 April 2022

04 May 2022

01 June 2022

06 July 2022

No meeting in August

07 September 2022

02 October 2022 Meeting is in the VMB Community Hall to recognize 2022 Boys State and Girls State Delegates (No meeting on 05 October 2022)

02 November 2022

07 December 2022

10 December 2022 (Army-Navy Game Potluck)

Officers and Executive Committee Meetings (Third Saturday of the Month from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Second Floor Meeting Room)

15 January 2022

19 February 2022

19 March 2022

16 April 2022

21 May 2022

18 June 2022

No Meeting in July

20 August 2022

17 September 2022

15 October 2022

19 November 2022

10 December 2022 (Changed due to expected conflict with Wreaths Across America at Alamo Cemetery on 17 December 2022)

DISTRICT 9

Next regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 18 January 2022 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of odd numbered months.

Post246 Commander 10/28/21 Post246 Commander 10/28/21

Salvo- Nov 2021

Full Format Version

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

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

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

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:

ATTENTION: STAMP COLLECTORS

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

UNIFORM ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM POST 246 INVENTORY

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

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 –

Post246 Commander 10/11/21 Post246 Commander 10/11/21

Salvo - October 2021

Full Format Version

COMMANDERS CORNER

Post 246 lost a dedicated member when Randy Reid passed to Post Everlasting on August 29. Randy served several terms as Post 246 Commander and District 9 Commander. As District 9 Commander during the pandemic, he converted District 9 meetings from in-person to conference calls and provided an example to the eight Posts in District 9 that all Posts could successfully maintain engagement with their members and continue their programs using hybrid arrangements. For me personally, Randy was one of my first mentors in my American Legion journey. I am indebted to him for the guidance and advice that he provided generously to me. Our condolences go out to Carol and the Reid family.

Eric Ardell has accepted appointment as Third Vice Commander in addition to his commitments on Membership and Boys State. Thank you, Eric.

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

October 3rd, Sunday Boys & Girls State Recognition Luncheon, 1:00 pm

October 9th, 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 11th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

December 18th, Saturday Wreaths Across America, Alamo Cemetery, 10:00 am

December 25th, Saturday Christmas Day

January 1st, Saturday New Year’s Day

MEETING SPEAKERS

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.

2022 – Please provide suggestions to Michelle Lee.

DISTRICT 9

District 9 hosted six student veterans and advisors from Contra Costa College and from Diablo Valley College at its monthly meeting on 21 September. The guests provided short summaries of their military careers, their goals for the student veteran organizations at their colleges, and challenges that they face to make their colleges more attractive to veterans who are making the transition back to civilian life, a part of which is to continue their educations to achieve their civilian career goals.

DISTRICT 9 AND AMERICAN LEGION POSTS HONOR RANDY REID

American Legion Post 29 (Martinez) and VFW Post 1351 (Martinez) provided a Color Guard Detail at the church service and American Legion Yolo Post 77 (Woodland) provided a Rifle Detail at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery service in honor of Randy Reid. Randy was remembered at the Post 246 and District 9 meetings in September. Post 246 greatly appreciates the support from these Posts to Carol and the Reid family.

MEMBERSHIP

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. Saturday Clinics: October 16 and October 23, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 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.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

DANVILLE PARADE

The 4th of July parade held by the Kiwanis Club and the Town of Danville on Saturday, 4 September 2021 was a success. James Bundgaard and Ed Ott provided historic military vehicles, and PG&E provided a truck. Boy Scout Troop 888 carried the American Legion banner and provided other support. Thank you to the Post 246 members, their family members, Troop 888 adult leaders, and Troop 888 Scouts who participated in the parade.

9/11 REMEMBRANCE

Post 246 members participated in the 20th Annual Remembrance ceremony on Saturday, 9/11 in Oak Hill Park. Post 246 joined other VSOs of the SRV Veterans Memorial Building to support the ceremony.

PARKS RESERVE FORCES TRAINING AREA COMMUNITY EXPO

Post 246 will participate 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. Please contact Mark Heinemann if you want to help staff the Post 246 display.

VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING FUNDRAISER

Veterans Memorial Building fundraiser on Monday August 30, 2021 at Gianni’s Italian Bistro raised $7,618. Thank you to Post 246 members who waited tables, delivered take-out orders, and dined at Gianni’s

BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE DELEGATE RECOGNITION LUNCHEON

We will hold our October regular meeting as a luncheon at 1:00 pm on Sunday, 3 October in the VMB Community Hall. We would like to see a really good turn out to meet and hear from our fourteen delegates about their experiences at Boys and Girls State. Our Post sponsors these young men and women to attend these programs. Let’s show our support by attending the luncheon. Feel free to bring your significant other so that they too can hear from our delegates. This luncheon is free to all attending. We would appreciate it if some of you would arrive at 12:15 pm to set up tables and chairs. Contact Eric Ardell to advise if you and a guest will attend and if you can help set up.

LAS POSITAS COLLEGE VETERANS 2.2 FOR 22 CHALLENGE

2022 CRAB FEED DINNER AND FUNDRAISER

We need your help with the following:

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 (set-up on November 10, 2021) and staff the display. Post 246 needs your support to develop a great display. 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

UNIFORM ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM POST 246 INVENTORY

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

ATTENTION: STAMP COLLECTORS

A MARINE AND SAILOR’S GUIDE TO THE UNITED STATES

Alan Scharlach, US Army, thought that Marines and sailors might benefit from the Guide on page 9 of this month’s Salvo. Marines and sailors plan to respond in the November Salvo. Enjoy! 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: Eric Ardell

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:

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

Pgm 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

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!!

Post246 Commander 9/2/21 Post246 Commander 9/2/21

Salvo - September 2021

Full Format Version

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 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.

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

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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

ATTENTION: STAMP COLLECTORS

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

Post246 Commander 7/27/21 Post246 Commander 7/27/21

Salvo - August 2021

Full Version

COMMANDER’S CORNER

As I write my first Commander’s Corner, I want to thank all members for your support. I look forward to your guidance and assistance as our Post resumes many of the activities which were cancelled or delayed due to Covid19 in 2020 and 2021. Eric Ardell led us through a challenging time and initiated major changes to our meetings and community programs successfully. Please join me in expressing appreciation to Eric for all he accomplished to make Post 246 a leader in District 9 and Department of California. Please continue to give your suggestions for speakers to Michelle Lee and for Post activities and programs to any of the 2021-2022 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 check out our website at www.americanlegionpost246.org. Jordan Orvik, the son of Rusty Orvik, helped the Post to enhance the website over the last year.

Mark Heinemann

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall***

August 4th, Wednesday NO Regular meeting

August 12th, Thursday Social Event, Black Bear Diner, Danville

August 21st, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

August 30th, Monday Blue Star Moms Paper Shred Fundraiser, Caldwell Banker Realty, Livery, 101 Sycamore Valley Road, Danville, 1-4 pm

September 1st, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker TBA, 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 Patriot Day

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, 12:00 pm, Beverly Lane

November 11th, Saturday Veterans Day

November 11th to 14th Thursday-Sunday Pop-up VMB Museum, All Day

November 20th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

November 25th, Thursday Thanksgiving Day

December 1st, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm, David Compton

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

December 25th, Saturday Christmas Day

AUGUST SOCIAL EVENT

Post 246 is holding a no-host social event at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the Black Bear Diner (807 Camino Ramon, Danville) since we do not schedule a regular meeting in August. If you and your spouse/guest, as appropriate, plan to attend, please confirm by sending your RSVP to marklheinemann@gmail.com as soon as possible.

MEETING SPEAKERS

September – Our speaker is to be confirmed.

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 will assume 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.

MEMBERSHIP

As you know, it is now time to 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 these new members to our post:

• Kristopher Edwards, a first Gulf War Navy vet, a transfer from Post 1000

• Timothy Greenhouse, a Plebe at the US Military Academy, a new member

• Lily Holtmeier, a Plebe at the US Military Academy, a new member

• Mary O'Donnell, USCG (ret), a new member and our July speaker

• Joseph Toscano, a Panama era vet, a transfer from Post 1000.

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?

• Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to any VA NorCal location and present it to one of the VA clerks.

• 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.

• 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 a fund 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 below or go to www.deltaveteransgroup.org and click on the link to pick the day and time that you want to volunteer. Stand Down on the Delta made "Unity" the theme and 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

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE

FLAG RETIREMENT

2nd Vice Commander Alan Scharlach, our Chartered Representative for Scouting, visited Oakmont Mortuary in June which graciously retired our American Flags. The ashes were placed in a position of honor inside an Ossuary dedicated for that purpose.

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 a color guard, military vehicles, a PG&E truck, and Boy Scout support. Contact Eric Ardell if you want to ride in a military or PG&E vehicle. Contact Mark Heinemann if you want to participate as a member of the color guard.

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 Eric Ardell, Michelle Lee, or Mark Heinemann to support the Post’s effort to develop a great display.

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA CONVENTION

The Department convention took place 25-27 June 2021 virtually. Randy Reid as District 9 Commander attended the virtual meeting along with Eric Ardell, Mark Heinemann, Bob Landy, Michelle Lee, and Raoul Miranda as Post 246 delegates. The convention accepted several amendments to the Department of California bylaws.

VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING FUNDRAISER

The flyer for the upcoming Veterans Memorial Building fundraiser on Monday August 30, 2021 provides details of this fundraiser. This event is a “Tips for Change” event at Gianni’s Italian Bistro. It is the only event for the year to fund all the activities at the VMB. Please support this highly important fundraiser.

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

We have the following Legion uniform items available for purchase (no shipping or taxes required):

Plain Short-Sleeved Uniform Shirt with patches (size Med) (2) - $20.00 ea

(These shirts are new but purchased from a local uniform shirt company years ago; patches are sewed on)

Legion Metal Collar Devices (10) - $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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

Call Eric Ardell if you would like to make a purchase!!

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

Alan Scharlach (cab1ho@sbcglobal.net) is our post “Supply Officer” and will order items for individual post members. Go to https://emblem.legion.org/ to do your shopping; then email Alan with the item number, quantity, color, and any other item details needed to purchase the item you want. If you call Alan, please leave a detailed message.

ATTENTION: STAMP COLLECTORS

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.”

– Henry David Thoreau –

Post246 Commander 6/25/21 Post246 Commander 6/25/21

Salvo - July 2021

Full Version

COMMANDERS CORNER

As I sit down to write my final Commander’s Corner, I want to thank all of you for

your support and assistance. It has been a great team effort in growing our

membership by about 30%, conducting our yearly fundraising events, participating

in American Legion, Veterans Memorial Building, and community events, and

gaining financial stability thanks to Admiral Russell Gorman.

I turn over command of the post to Mark Heinemann who I am sure will build on

our progress and continue to make the post a great place to participate in many

veteran programs and events. I encourage all of you to give Mark your full

cooperation and support.

One thing you can all do, give us your suggestions for speakers, for post activities, or

how you might help with current activities.

Be sure to see our new website at www.americanlegionpost246.org. Check it out!!

Stay safe and wear your masks (a little bit longer)!!!

Eric, Commander

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall IS BACK!!

June 19th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

June 19th to 25th California Boys State (virtual)

June 25th to 27th Dept of California Convention (virtual)

June 28th to July 3rd California Girls State (virtual)

July 4th, Sunday Independence Day Kiwanis Parade (CANCELLED)

July 7th, Wednesday Regular meeting w/speaker, 12:00 pm RAdm Mary O’Donnell, USCG

In-Person Installation of Officers, District Commander, Mike Clement

July 17th, Saturday NO Executive Committee meeting

August 4th, Wednesday NO Regular meeting

August 21st, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

September 1st, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD

September 4th, Saturday Kiwanis “4th of July” Parade

September 6th, Monday Labor Day

September 10th to 13th, Friday-Monday Standdown on the Delta, CCC Fairgrounds, Antioch

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

October 31st, Sunday Halloween

SPEAKER FOR JULY

Our speaker for our July 7 regular meeting is Rear Admiral Mary O’Donnell, US

Coast Guard (Ret.). She was commissioned on April 13, 1973.

She graduated from Ohio State University where she received a Bachelor of Science

degree in English Education; from Michigan State University with a Master of Arts

in Comparative Literature, and from the University of Michigan's School of

Business, completing studies in Strategic Human Resources Planning. She also

attended Golden Gate University, completing the course work for a Master of

Public Administration and attended the Naval War College, the National Defense

University, and completed the CAPSTONE program for flag officers.

Her military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Korean Theater

Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 gold stars.

In September 2009, President Obama appointed Rear Admiral O’Donnell to the

Military Leadership Diversity Commission.

In her civilian capacity, Rear Admiral O'Donnell is the Director of Mission Support

Services at National Security Technologies, LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada. Her home is

in Danville, California, with her husband, Claes Elfving, and two daughters.

Mike Clement, 2021-2022 District 9 Commander will also speak and give us an

update on District 9 and his plans for the year.

MAJGEN DAN HELIX MEMORIAL SERVICE

Korean War Purple Heart Recipient - Former Mayor of Concord - Veterans

Advocate - VMB Advisory Board during redevelopment

A memorial service for MG Dan Helix will be held at the Concord Pavilion on June

26th at 11am. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, if you would like to send

memoriam, please send to United States Volunteers, 815 Fulton Shipyard Rd,

Antioch, CA 94509, or to your favorite charity

NOTE FROM NATHAN JOHNSON

Thank you for this very generous donation to the Martinez Veterans Service Office

on behalf of Veterans Voices. AL Post 246 will be recognized as a sponsor on the

upcoming Veterans Voices episodes (next episode is June 14th @ 7pm).

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 our

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. Thank you for your service!

STAND DOWN ON THE DELTA

Stand Down on the Delta 2021 "Volunteer Registration" is open. To Volunteer time

September 7-17, 2021, click the link or go

to www.deltaveteransgroup.org and click

the "The Big Red Button" to pick your

area and time you want to Volunteer.

This year's theme is "Unity" and the 20th

Anniversary of September 11, 2001, will be

recognized 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

CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICE EARNS NATIONAL ACHIEVMENT AWARD

Martinez VSO was recognized with an Achievement Award

from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award

honors innovative, effective county programs that strengthen

services for residents, highlighting the virtual VSO for its

innovativeness in extending claims representation to

Veterans and their families. 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 from an accredited Veterans Service

Representative with filing for VA benefits.

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA CONVENTION

The Department convention will take place 25-27 June 2021 (Friday to Sunday)

virtually. Eric Ardell, Mark Heinemann, Randy Reid, Michelle Lee, Raoul

Miranda, and Bob Landy will be the Post 246 delegates.

UNIFORM ITEMS AVAILABLE

We have the following Legion uniform items available for purchase (no shipping or

taxes required):

Plain Short-Sleeved Uniform Shirt with patches (size Med) (2) - $20.00 ea

(These shirts are new but purchased from a local uniform shirt company years ago;

patches are sewed on)

Legion Metal Collar Devices (10) - $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

Legion Cap (size 7) new - $49.95

Legion Cap (size 7) used – $19.95

Call Eric Ardell if you would like to make a purchase!!

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

Alan Scharlach is our post “Supply Officer” and will order items for individual post

members. Go to https://emblem.legion.org/ to do your shopping; then email Alan

with the item number, quantity, color, and any other item details needed to

purchase the item you want.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the

government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of

taking care of them.”

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

Pgm 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

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org Post Webmaster.....Rusty Orvik

Salvo Editor: TBD

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 133, Danville, CA 94526 Message Center: (925) 272-8480

Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for Helmut for Heroes at a future live meeting!!

A P-51 STORY (I could not help but share)

This 1967 true story is of an experience by a young 12-year-old lad in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It is

about the vivid memory of a privately rebuilt P-51 from WWII and its famous owner/pilot.

In the morning sun, I could not believe my eyes. There, in our little airport, sat a majestic P-51. They said it had

flown in during the night from some U.S. Airport, on its way to an air show. The pilot had been tired, so he just

happened to choose Kingston for his stop over. It was to take to the air very soon. I marveled at the size of the

plane, dwarfing the Pipers and Canucks tied down by her. It was much larger than in the movies. She glistened in

the sun like a bulwark of security from days gone by.

The pilot arrived by cab, paid the driver, and then stepped into the pilot's lounge. He was an older man; his wavy

hair was gray and tossed. It looked like it might have been combed, say, around the turn of the century. His flight

jacket was checked, creased and worn - it smelled old and genuine. Old Glory was prominently sewn to its

shoulders. He projected a quiet air of proficiency and pride devoid of arrogance. He filed a quick flight plan to

Montreal ("Expo-67 Air Show") then walked across the tarmac.

After taking several minutes to perform his walk-around check, the tall, lanky man returned to the flight lounge to

ask if anyone would be available to stand by with fire extinguishers while he "flashed the old bird up, just to be

safe." Though only 12 at the time I was allowed to stand by with an extinguisher after brief instruction on its use --

"If you see a fire, point, then pull this lever!", he said. (I later became a firefighter, but that's another story.) The air

around the exhaust manifolds shimmered like a mirror from fuel fumes as the huge prop started to rotate. One

manifold, then another, and yet another barked -- I stepped back with the others. In moments the Packard -built

Merlin engine came to life with a thunderous roar. Blue flames knifed from her manifolds with an arrogant snarl. I

looked at the others' faces; there was no concern. I lowered the bell of my extinguisher. One of the guys signaled

to walk back to the lounge. We did.

Several minutes later we could hear the pilot doing his pre-flight run-up. He'd taxied to the end of runway 19, out

of sight. All went quiet for several seconds. We ran to the second story deck to see if we could catch a glimpse of

the P-51 as she started down the runway. We could not. There we stood, eyes fixed to a spot half way down 19.

Then a roar ripped across the field, much louder than before. Like a furious hell spawn set loose -- something

mighty this way was coming. "Listen to that thing!" said the controller.

In seconds the Mustang burst into our line of sight. It's tail was already off the runway and it was moving faster

than anything I'd ever seen by that point on 19. Two-thirds the way down 19 the Mustang was airborne with her

gear going up. The prop tips were supersonic. We clasped our ears as the Mustang climbed hellishly fast into the

circuit to be eaten up by the dog-day haze. We stood for a few moments, in stunned silence, trying to digest what

we'd just seen.

The radio controller rushed by me to the radio. "Kingston tower calling Mustang?" He looked back to us as he

waited for an acknowledgement. The radio crackled, "Go ahead, Kingston." "Roger, Mustang. Kingston tower

would like to advise the circuit is clear for a low-level pass." I stood in shock because the controller had just asked

the pilot to do an impromptu air show! The controller looked at us. "Well, What? I can't let that guy go without

asking. I couldn't forgive myself!" The radio crackled once again, "Kingston, do I have permission for a low-level

pass, east to west, across the field?" "Roger, Mustang, the circuit is clear for an east to west pass." "Roger,

Kingston, I'm coming out of 3,000 feet, stand by."

We rushed back onto the second-story deck, eyes fixed toward the eastern haze. The sound was subtle at first, a

high-pitched whine, a muffled screech, a distant scream. Moments later the P-51 burst through the haze. Her

airframe straining against positive G's and gravity. Her wing tips spilling contrails of condensed air, prop-tips again

supersonic. The burnished bird blasted across the eastern margin of the field shredding and tearing the air. At

about 500 mph and 150 yards from where we stood, she passed with the old American pilot saluting. I felt like

laughing; I felt like crying; she glistened; she screamed; the building shook; my heart pounded. Then the old pilot

pulled her up and rolled, and rolled, and rolled out of sight into the broken clouds and indelible into my memory.

I've never wanted to be an American more than on that day! It was a time when many nations in the world looked

to America as their big brother. A steady and even-handed beacon of security who navigated difficult political

water with grace and style; not unlike the old American pilot who'd just flown into my memory. He was proud, not

arrogant, humble, not a braggart, old and honest, projecting an aura of America at its best.

That America will return one day! I know it will! Until that time, I'll just send off this story. Call it a loving reciprocal

salute to a Country, and especially to that old American pilot: the late-JIMMY STEWART (1908-1997), Actor, real

WWII Hero (Commander of a US Army Air Force Bomber Wing stationed in England), and a USAF Reserves

Brigadier General, who wove a wonderfully fantastic memory for a young Canadian boy that's lasted a lifetime.

Post246 Commander 6/1/21 Post246 Commander 6/1/21

Salvo - June 2021

Full Version

COMMANDERS CORNER

FLASH!!! The really good news is we are back to live meetings!! We only had 12

intrepid souls to join us but that is a great start, including: Robert Mixson, a

member who we had not been able to contact for some time because of bad info but

reconnected based on a personal visit; and Ed Ott who we had not seen for over a

year. Don McInnes a long-time member checked in on Zoom. Glad to see you all!

We will continue with live meetings going forward as well as Zoom for the time

being. We will work on making the Zoom hookup more inclusive so maybe

everyone can see everyone else if that will work.

The Officer election was held at our May regular meeting. The following officers

were elected:

Commander – Mark Heinemann

1st Vice Commander – Michelle Lee

2nd Vice Commander – Alan Scharlach

Executive Committee – Neil Giles, Gary Soto, and Ron Roe

Appointed Officers are:

3rd Vice Commander – Randy Reid

Junior Past Commander – Eric Ardell

Adjutant – Bob Landy

Finance Officer: Phil Connolly

Chaplain: Jon Heinson

Historian: Gerald Lindahl

Judge Advocate: Ron Lowe

Sgt-at-Arms: Floyd Cox

Service Officer: Leroy Vares

Executive Committee – Dick Seavey

We are planning on Officer installation at our regular meeting on 7 July 2021.

Please plan to attend in person.

I know I have been tracking our membership status for 2021 but guess what. 1 July

we move on to start 2022 membership renewals. I hope you will consider renewing

your membership at your earliest opportunity and thank you for your continuing

support.

We are going to start a fourth round of Buddy Calls and focus on those members

who we have not reach so far and those members who we have not talked since last

year. We would really love if members would volunteer to help.

Be sure to see our new website at www.americanlegionpost246.org. Check it out!!

Stay safe and wear your masks!!!

Eric, Commander

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Coffee at the Vets Hall IS BACK!!

May 23rd, Sunday VMB High School Swearing-in Ceremony

May 30th, Sunday VNVDV Memorial Day Ceremony, CANCELLED

May 31st, Monday Memorial Day

June 2nd, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker Alberto Aranda, 12:00 pm

June 14th. Monday Flag Day

June 19th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

June 19th to 25th California Boys State (virtual)

June 25th to 27th Dept of California Convention (virtual)

June 28th to July 3rd California Girls State (virtual)

July 4th, Sunday Independence Day Kiwanis Parade (CANCELLED)

July 7th, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD, In-Person Installation of Officers

July 17th, Saturday NO Executive Committee meeting

August 4th, Wednesday NO Regular meeting

August 21st, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

September 1st, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD

September 6th, Monday Labor Day

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

October 31st, Sunday Halloween

SPEAKER FOR JUNE

Our speaker for June will be Alberto Aranda, M.S., Faculty Counselor-Veterans/

General, Diablo Valley College, USMC/OIF Veteran. He will speak on issues facing

student veterans, in general; and about issues the DVC Student Veteran Alliance

faces, anything on the horizon for student vets, any good news or success stories.

FROM THE DESK OF NATHAN JOHNSON, CCC VETS SERVICE OFFICER

VA announces public virtual listening sessions on development and implementation

of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

The VA will be holding two public virtual listening sessions to help inform VA’s development of the

Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) and its

implementing regulations. The virtual sessions will occur on May 25 and May 26, 2021 from 10:00

a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time. Virtual check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m. for registered

speakers. Oral comments, testimonies, and/or technical remarks will be time limited based on the

number of speakers (see notice for details).

Registration information is located in the Federal Register.

The SSG Fox SPGP, created pursuant to Section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans

Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, is a three-year community-based grant program that

would provide financial assistance to eligible entities to provide or coordinate providing suicide

prevention services to eligible Veterans and their families. On April 1, 2021, VA published a request for

information in the Federal Register (86 FR 17268) seeking written comments from the public with an

accompanying Press Release. Listening sessions are an opportunity for interested persons to help

inform VA’s development of the SSG Fox SPGP.

or more information about the SSG Fox SPGP please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BOB WRIGHT

Bob was a long-time member of

the Marine Corps League as well

as VMB docent. Most

importantly he was the host for

Saturday morning coffee for

several years. Please contact Jon Robbins at

jonathanrobbins@hotmail.com

For questions or to RSVP since attendance may be limited.

CALVET: ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER VETERAN

CELEBRATION

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage thousands of years old,

have both shaped the history of the United States, and had their lives dramatically

influenced by moments in its history. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have

answered the call to duty through every major war and continue to serve diligently

today through all branches of our military.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs Minority and Underrepresented

Veterans Division is hosting an informational webinar to commemorate Asian

American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing and celebrating all

Asian and Pacific Islander American Veterans and their contributions to our

Armed Forces.

Join us on Thursday, May 27 at 10 a.m. to ask us questions, share ideas, and learn

more about our Division and how we continue to support underrepresented

veterans. All veterans and family members are invited to join the conversation,

which will take place via Zoom.

Registration Link:

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=r85aptzab&oeidk=a07ehyxzjid

1caea901

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA CONVENTION

The Department convention will be held 25-27 June 2021 (Friday to Sunday)

virtually. Eric Ardell, Mark Heinemann, Randy Reid, Michelle Lee, Raoul

Miranda, and Bob Landy will be the Post 246 delegates.

AMERICAN FLAG RETIREMENT

Do you have an old or worn US flag you would like to have retired in the proper

manner? Alan Scharlach will be doing so in June so bring your flag(s) to the

Veterans Memorial Building by noon on June 2, 2021 and place in the flag basket at

the front entrance.

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

Still no takers? Like to take pictures with an iPhone or camera? We need YOU!!

We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our

post activities. There is a need to attend many our functions. Please give me a call.

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

Alan Scharlach is our post “Supply Officer” and is available to order items for

individual post members. Go to https://emblem.legion.org/ to do your shopping;

then email Alan with the item number, quantity, color, and any other item details

needed to purchase the item you want.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar,

etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE

American Legion self-paced online course; go to https://www.legion.org/alei.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led,

like sheep to the slaughter.”

George Washington

POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Post Officers for 2020-2021:

Commander: Eric Ardell

1st V. Cmdr: Mark Heinemann

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

Executive Committee:

Gary Soto

Dick Seavey

Ron Roe

Neil Giles

Michelle Lee

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

Pgm 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

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik

Salvo Editor: Eric Ardell

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 133, Danville, CA 94526 Message Center: (925) 272-8480

Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for Helmut for Heroes at a future live meeting!!

Post246 Commander 5/19/21 Post246 Commander 5/19/21

Salvo - May 2021

(FULL VER WITH IMAGES)

SALVO - MT DIABLO POST 246 MAY 2021

COMMANDERS CORNER

News Flash: The election of officers will be held at our May meeting for Commander, 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander, and 3 members of the Executive Committee. These officers will lead the Post for the 2121-2022 year. If you are interested in serving your post and the American Legion as either an elected or appointed officer, please contact us now! This is your post so come help us make it bigger and better! Installation of officers will be held at the first live regular meeting, hopefully this summer.

The Veterans Memorial Building’s High School Swearing-in Ceremony is being planned for 23 May 2021 at 1:00pm on the Library Green on Front Street inDanville. Attendance may well be somewhat limited but currently we know of six recruits and several appointees to the military academies. We are asking all VSOsto provide help in setup, ushering, and cleanup along with a contingent of our Boy Scouts. Please contact me if you will help.

Vaccine information is really encouraging, and live meetings may now be on the horizon. But keep wearing a mask and social distance. Let us do our part and wear them in any public setting.

Third call to say hi to Robert Denison, Ken Duley, David Horton, William House, Sally Malone, Dr. Conrad Rougeux, Lee Sarty, Kenneth Winters, and Richard Zaslove. We want to make sure you are doing well and ask if you need any assistance. We will keep trying to reach you, but if you would, please give us a call.

We are almost to 100% membership: now at 96.7% of members as of 3/12/21! Our goal is 153; we currently have 35 PFULs, 41 members paid online, 66 members paid through the Post, and 6 transfers from Post 1000. That is 148 out of 153 members that continue support of our post and the Legion. Thank you!!

We are going to start a fourth round of Buddy Calls and focus on those members who we have not been able to reach so far and those members who we have not talked since last year. We would really love if those who would like to help.

I want to say welcome to our newest member Adriana Santos, an Army veteran and student at Los Positas College. You may remember her as one of our recent speakers.

Be sure to see our new website at www.americanlegionpost246.org. Check it out!!

Stay safe and wear your masks!!!

Eric, Commander

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** Every Saturday 9 to 12 Coffee at the Vets Hall **** Back soon!!

April 17th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 5th, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD
Speaker – Nathan Johnson, CCC Veterans Service Officer

Election of Officers/Exec Committee

May 15th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

May 23rd, Sunday VMB High School Swearing-in Ceremony

May 30th, Sunday VNVDV Memorial Day Ceremony, Cancelled

May 31st, Monday Memorial Day

June 2nd, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD

In-Person Installation of Officers (TBD)

June 19th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

June 19th to 25th California Boys State (virtual)

June 28th to July 3rd California Girls State (virtual)

July 4th, Sunday Independence Day

Kiwanis Parade (status unknown)

July 7th, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD

July 17th, Saturday NO Executive Committee meeting

August 4th, Wednesday NO Regular meeting

August 21st, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

September 1st, Wednesday Regular meeting with speaker, 12:00 pm TBD

September 18th, Saturday Executive Committee meeting, 8:30 am

October 3rd, Sunday Boys & Girls State Recognition Luncheon, 1:00 pm

SPEAKER FOR MAY

Our speaker for May will be Nathan Johnson, Veterans Service Officer for Contra

Costa County in Martinez. He hosts Veterans Voices, a monthly live talk show

featured on Contra Costa Television. Nathan has been an adjunct faculty member

at Golden Gate University since 2017. Nathan served in the Marine Corps as an

intelligence analyst with 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, CA. After

September 11, 2001, Sergeant Nathan Johnson deployed to Pakistan where he

supported Operation Enduring Freedom, and again on January 17, 2003, where he

crossed the border into Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 1 in combat operations

to defeat the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Republican Guard, and the Saddam Fedayeen. He

was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in August of 2003. He then

moved to the Bay Area and earned his BA in Communications at CSU Stanislaus

and his MSW at UC Berkeley. He is pursuing his MBA at Golden Gate University.

SPEAKER FOR JUNE

Our speaker for June will be Alberto Aranda, M.S., Faculty Counselor-Veterans/

General, Diablo Valley College, USMC/OIF Veteran. He will speak on issues facing

student veterans, in general; and about issues facing student veterans, challenges

which the DVC Student Veteran Alliance faces, anything on the horizon for student

vets, any good news or success stories.

USS TELESFORO TRINIDAD CAMPAIGN

In commemoration of the 106th Anniversary of the awarding of the Medal of Honor

to Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, the USS Telesforo Trinidad Campaign

is launching an initiative to name A US Navy Warship after an American national

of Filipino descent who served in the US Navy. Trinidad holds the distinction of

being the first and only Asian American (and first Filipino) in the U.S. Navy to

receive a Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary

heroism during boiler explosions onboard the USS San Diego (ACR-6) while

underway in the Gulf of California on January 21, 1915. Trinidad brought two

crewmembers to safety in spite of his own physical injuries from the explosion.

For further information, please visit Facebook/USSTTC.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 60 COURT OF HONOR

Vice Commander Alan Scharlach joined a fantastic with Boy Scout Troop 60 Court

of Honor on. Boy Scouts are awarded merit badge recognition, scout advancement

and for the studious few, their Eagle Scout award. Troop 60 out did themselves

with six (6) Scouts becoming Eagles and two of them Eagles with Palm (meaning

they earned at least 5 additional merit badges more than was necessary to become

Eagles). In context, only 11% of all Boy Scouts are awarded Eagles. Having five (5)

at one Court of Honor acknowledges the great leadership and drive of these Scouts

and this Troop.

Among some of the achievements this year for the Troop were hiking, practicing

Flag Etiquette at the Veterans Memorial Building, and Eagle

Projects such as building road barriers. Pictures can be seen at

our website under Boy Scout Troop 60 album. Sadly, after 5

years both Boy Scout Troop 60's Scout Master Jim Saunders and

their Committee Chairman Praveen Kasani will be retiring from

their posts and moving on. Both Jim and Praveen have been

great supporters of our Post, supplying Scouts for the Crab feed,

Fourth of July Parade, swearing in ceremonies just to name a

few events.

POST PHOTOGRAPHER

Still no takers? Like to take pictures with an iPhone or camera? We need YOU!!

We are looking for a post photographer(s) to help capture pictures and videos of our

post activities. There is a need to attend many our functions. Please give me a call.

FLAG & EMBLEM STORE

Alan Scharlach is our post “Supply Officer” and is available to order items for

individual post members. Go to https://emblem.legion.org/ to do your shopping;

then email Alan with the item number, quantity, color, and any other item details

needed to purchase the item you want.

TOWN OF DANVILLE

The Town of Danville website contains links to notices, alerts, news flash, calendar,

etc. about all things Danville: http://www.danville.ca.gov/list.aspx

AMERICAN LEGION BASIC TRAINING COURSE

American Legion self-paced online course; go to https://www.legion.org/alei.

THE OIL PATCH WARRIORS OF WORLD WAR II.

Seventy-five years, a Band of Roughnecks went abroad on a top-secret mission

into Robin Hood's stomping grounds to punch oil wells to help fuel England's

war machines. The year was 1943 and England was mired in World War II. Uboats attacked supply vessels, choking off badly needed supplies to the nation.

But oil was the commodity they most needed as they warred with Germany.

A book "The Secret of Sherwood Forest: Oil Production in England During

World War II" written by Guy Woodward and Grace Steele Woodward was

published in 1973 and tells the obscure story of the American oil men who

went to England to bore wells in March 1943. England had but one oil field, in

Sherwood Forest of all places. Its meager output of 300 barrels a day was

literally a drop in the bucket of their needs of 150,000 barrels.

Then a plan was devised: send some Americans and their expertise to assist in

developing the field. Oklahoma based Noble Drilling Company signed a one

year contract to drill 100 wells for merely costs and expenses.

42 drillers and roughnecks from Texas and Oklahoma, most in their teens and

early twenties volunteered for the mission to go abroad. The hands embarked

for England in March 1943 aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Four National 50

drilling rigs were loaded onto ships but only three of them made landfall; the

Nazi U-boats sank one of the rigs in route to the UK.

The Brits' jaws dropped as the Yanks began punching the wells in a week,

compared to five to eight weeks for their British counterparts. They worked

12-hour tours, 7 days a week and within a year, they had drilled 106 wells and

England oil production shot up from 300 barrels a day to 300,000.

The contract fulfilled; the American oil men departed England in late March

1944. But only 41 hands were on board the return voyage. Herman Douthit, a

Texan derrick-hand was killed during the operation. He was laid to rest with

full military honors and remains the only civilian to be buried at The

American Military Cemetery in Cambridge.

"The Oil Patch Warrior," a 7-foot bronze statue of a roughneck holding a four

foot pipe wrench stands near Nottingham England to honor the American oil

men's assistance and sacrifice in the war.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY’

"It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than

by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong."

Thomas Sowell

POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Post Officers for 2020-2021:

Commander: Eric Ardell

st V. Cmdr: Mark Heinemann

nd V. Cmdr: Alan Scharlach

rd 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

Executive Committee:

Gary Soto

Dick Seavey

Ron Roe

Neil Giles

Michelle Lee

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

Pgm 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

Post Website: www.americanlegionpost246.org Post Webmaster: Rusty Orvik

Salvo Editor: Eric Ardell

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 133, Danville, CA 94526 Message Center: (925) 272-8480

Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for Helmut for Heroes at a future live

meeting!!

Troop 888 Court of Honor

〰️

Troop 888 Court of Honor 〰️ Troop 888 Court of Honor 〰️

Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

RECOGNITION OF EABLE SCHOUT VIKRAM RAVI, TROOP 888

Commanders Corner

Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

Commanders Corner

Upcoming Events

Meeting Speakers

District 9

Membership

New Members

2022 Crab Feed Dinner and Fundraiser

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

Post Photographer

Investment Committee

Attention: Stamp Collectors

Keep Your Medical Record Updated

CC Vets Service Office

Stand Down on the Delta

Wreaths Across America

Scout Troop 888 Court of Honor

Las Positas College “Adopt a Family For The Holidays”

Flag & Emblem Store

Uniform Items Available From Post 246 Inventory

Post Officers and Committee Chairs

Keep saving your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for donation to Helmets for Heroes at a future meeting!!

American Legion Post 246

Troop 888 Court of Honor 〰️