American Legion District 18

American Legion District 18 Commander Steve Turley of Pomona and his delegation returned from the 91st annual State Convention of The American Legion in Riverside recently with many awards for various programs promoted during the year.   Many topics of concern were covered, including legislation involving veterans affairs and the Legion’s stand that all American service personnel still unaccounted for most never be forgotten and the fight for a full accounting must continue.  Legislators were commended on passage of legislation dealing with education and retirement benefits for the National Guard, beautification of veterans memorials, and extended benefits for Guardsmen and reservists who are employed by the state.  Goals were outlined in the area of veterans’ homes,  the Governor’s priorities regarding veterans, the Cal-Vet Home Loan program and other services the Department provides.  The Legion continues to stress the importance of passage of the Flag Amendment, and as aptly stated by Past National Chairman General Patrick Brady, Medal of Honor winner, “we must pass the Flag Amendment.  It is our duty as veterans and American patriots to protect the flag that all served under.  We must never retreat and never surrender in the fight to pass the Flag Amendment.  Together we can, we must, and we will win”.

A “Distress Call”” was given as all over America Veterans’ properties are in extreme danger and veterans need to unite and stand up against the land heists by anti-Veteran factions that include federally paid employees and elected public servants who accommodate businesses and non-profit organizations that want this land for their own greedy and self-serving interests.  Veterans land is an extremely valuable commodity, not only in monetary value, but more importantly in human sacrifice.  Consequently, there can never be a true price placed on the value of our freedom and Veterans’ land should never be negotiated away when it was paid for in life and limb.  The National Security Chairman  placed special emphasis on immigration and the serious problem of alien border crossers, in labor, coming into the United States for our hospitals to care for them, costing the State of California $400 million per year..  The Chairman also stressed the need for stricter security on all ocean containers coming from overseas aboard ships and airplanes into the United States.

The installation of the new Department Commander Dennis Fercho of Camarillo closed the Convention, followed by the Oath of Office which was given to the newly-elected District 18 Commander George  “Bucky” Curtis along with all 30 District Commanders from thoughout the State of California.  The District 18 Installation of Officers will be held Saturday, July 25th, at Charles P Rowe Post 30, 239 E Holt Ave., Pomona, 3:00 p.m. Serving  with Commander Curtis will be Vice Commanders John Sampson of Pomona, Doug Monroe of Pasadena,  Magda Torrellas of El Monte, and eight Executive Committeemen Gil Cardoza of Alhambra, Luis Dominguez of Ontario, Mike Delgado of Whittier, Jack Hawthorne and Juliana Potter of Baldwin Park, Art Lopez of El Monte, Peter Douglas of Altadena and Don Story of San Dimas.  Dinner will follow ($7.00) and reservations may be made by contacting Adjutant Peggy McIntosh, 626-287-0139 or by calling the Post at 909-620-0943.