The American Legion District 18 meeting will be conducted by Commander Gil Cardoza of Hacienda Heights Friday, May 20th, at Abraham Lincoln Post 241, 4725 Maine Avenue, Baldwin Park at 7:30 p.m.  Dinner precedes the meeting at 6:00 p.m., and reservations for dinner can be made by calling the Post at 626-337-1944.

Commander Cardoza will remind the membership of the importance of continuing to support the American Legion “Operation Comfort Warriors” program which last year was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Pepsi Corporation.  Since 2008, The American Legion family has raised funds for this program dedicated to providing military personnel with comfort items not usually supplied by the government.  The American Legion pays all administrative costs for the program, meaning 100 percent of donations, including the grant money, will go directly to purchasing items for the troops.

Service Officer Henry J. Hicks of West Covina will report on the information for veterans   Since 1957, if a veteran had military service earnings for active duty, Social Security taxes were paid.  Since 1988, inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves (such as weekend drills) was also included.  Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for military service from 1957 to 2001 can be credited to a veteran’s record, which may qualify the veteran for an increase in the amount of benefits received.  From 1957 through 1967 extra earnings credit will be added to the record when applying for Social Security Benefits.  From 1968 through 2001 the credits have already been automatically added.  After 2001 there are no special extra earnings credits.

As the Legion year is rapidly coming to a close, District Commander Cardoza will receive first nominations for officers for the 2011-2012 Legion year, with second nominations and election of officers and delegates to the forthcoming convention in Ontario at the June meeting on June 10^th at West Covina Post 790, 330 N Azusa Ave., West Covina.    The membership is looking forward to the convention in Ontario co-hosted by District 18 and District 25.  The co-chairman from District 25, Joseph Garcia of Chino, has promised this Convention to be like the old time conventions with a display of military vehicles, a parade, a BBQ, fireworks and some new twists that will keep delegates in their seats throughout the sessions.