On behalf of all the veteran organizations and the veterans we all represent, The community is owed a big thank you for their support and honors this past Veterans Day.

The American Legion would like to say thank you to the "Chicago Park Garden Club" for their donation and dedication of the "Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker" now mounted on the Grass Valley Veterans Hall honoring the Armed Forces of America. Thank You.

A very special thank you also goes out to the Nevada Union High School Band for just an awesome morning of performances! The some 300 attendees were just awed by their performance. You may have caught some of the feed back published in the UNION.

Thanks to our Boy and Girl Scouts for not only participating but for literally saving the life of an 88 year old Navy Veteran who fell breaking a shoulder trying to attend the morning’s honors. They provided first aid, stabilized him and got him to the emergency room. Thanks to them and students from various grammar schools who created and passed out “Thank You” cards and letters to the Veterans.

The Scouts also once again retired some 1,800 flags... some huge!....one which flew over the McKnight Center. See the posted photos.

While we veterans appreciate the honors, this is not about us as crazy as that seems. This is about service to our country; this is about supporting America's future which happens when we support the next generations of Americans, such as these students and scouts, and show them how tight and close all Americans are.

Thank You Nevada County, Thank You fellow Vets.

Adjutant Mike

This past month The County of Nevada became enlightened about the activities of the various Veteran’s groups. Yep, they knew we take care of our fellow Vets and Active but they were surprised to learn about the various community support programs we (all the Veteran’s groups) run on a routine basis. Taking care of Boy and Girl’s State attendees, supporting Scouting and the High Schools, looking out for Seniors, Toy Drives for the less fortunate families, St Judes Hospital, STEM programs etc etc. The list is pretty darn extensive and surprised more than one Supervisor and many attendees. Here is a “You Tube” link to view the session and honors presented to all the Veteran groups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3alSOxu9qw
Skip to the 1:11 marker and view for about 40 minutes.

Why now? What’s the motivator?

It’s been relayed to you in past news that the Post sponsored “Senior Communications” sessions for almost 2 years time. In attendance was the County’s support organizations and many others who, by attending, came to realize the breadth of our reach. When the subject of a 6 million dollar grant came to life they sought our support. We gave it. They won the grant. The community will win. During the various power, fire and weather problems over the time line it was the two Veterans facilities that were available and used to ease safety problems for the community. They saw our assets value.

Every month several County staff attend our NCCVC (Nevada County Consolidated Veterans Council) meetings where all the Vet groups and the VSO present their programs, plans, and efforts. They hear our value and see what we as a group strive for continually.

The next NCCVC meetings will focus on how we communicate what we do with the community. How can we make sure the some 10,000 Vets living here know where they can find help? How do we let our Seniors know we are here and ready to support and thank them for our history and freedoms? How do we make sure America’s future leaders know we stand for them and behind them?

Stay tuned.

Lastly from this Army Sgt., Air Force Vet and VFW man Jeff Tynan needs a pat on the back. Thanks Jeff for your hard work and Veteran loyalty.

Check out the Photos

Adjutant Mike

Last month about a dozen of you receiving the printed and mailed version of the News Letter had it addressed to a different Legion Member at your address. Every month it’s a process of extracting addresses from the national data base and creating mailing labels to mail the News Letter. Every month it works...except in September. Why? That’s a mystery. Every test since last month has created the correct labels. Ummmm? Stellar wavelength movement?

I’m sure you have heard that the VSO’s veteran support meeting at the Grass Valley Vets Hall went over quite well for a first time event. The VSO, County staff and our Veteran organizations reported that they met veterans they have never seen previously. I believe the VVA signed up a few new members and all the organizations got to relay their activities and support systems in person to these “Newbies”.

Thanks to John Abas and Jean for heading up the cooking for the free lunch the Post underwrote. Thanks to our Scouts for assisting with the BBQ. Thanks to our Auxiliary members for providing the labor to make it all happen. We served about 150 lunches. We’ll keep you updated on the mobile clinic and let you know schedules & services when the info is made available

Just wanted to state my appreciation for the efforts everyone put in to support the Vets at the Health Fair Thursday.

Kudos to my wife and John Abas for playing chef and Craig & Scout troops for helping BBQ. Thanks to the Auxiliary for doing the kitchen support labor and John & troops for tending the bar. Shopping Man Munroe for his usual spree management. 150+/- meals served.

You all have heard repeatedly that there are 10,000 troops in the County. Know that they know you were watching their backs yesterday.

Stand Down is next. Let's do it again.

Adjutant Mike

The VA Mobile Health Clinic, BBQ and Fun

We are very close to introducing a mobile health clinic here on a routine basis. VSO West is in the final stages of establishing an introduction appearance by the VA/Mather/Mobile health unit at the Vet Hall.

The first appearance is tentatively Thursday August 29th which will focus on services and protocols and then afterwards on a monthly basis to the Grass Valley Veterans Hall for Medical services.

We want to make this an over the top happening to service our fellow VETS and show the VA what the demand is and opportunities are. Good demand and reception = more frequent visits or ? ... one can only dream. This may only be a show and tell on the 29th but that's a start.

FREE BBQ Lunch

We are going to stage a BBQ lunch as part of the day. FREE. Mr. Abbas & my wife Jean, will make the food a draw in itself. Maybe have some take home abilities as well. What goes well with good news & good Food? How about some entertainment by our Veteran Guitar instructors and some student VETS?

Obviously many details need to be ironed out which will happen soon. Monitor the Post’s WEB site and your text and e mail for updates as they happen. Questions? Simply call the post’s phone and leave a message 530 575 7002.

Now you know. Stay tuned. Spread the word.

Heads Up

“Blue Star Moms” is an organization founded and dedicated to supporting active military and their families. We will include a special ceremony at this years November 11th Veterans Day event at the Veterans Hall staged by our local “Blue Star Moms”. Expect some special honored guests and a deserved unveiling.

Adjutant Mike

What's happened on the 4th of July?

1776 – The Continental Congress approved adoption of the amended Declaration of Independence, prepared by
Thomas Jefferson and signed by John Hancock–President of the Continental Congress–and Charles Thomson, Congress
secretary, without dissent.

1801 – First Presidential Review of U.S. Marine Band and Marines at the White House.

1802 – The United States Military Academy opened its doors at West Point, New York, welcoming the first 10 cadets.

1804 – Staging the first-ever Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi River, Lewis and Clark fire the expedition
cannon and order an extra ration of whiskey for the men.

1826 – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third presidents of the United States, respectively, die on this
day, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

1832 – The song “America” was sung publicly for the first time at a Fourth of July celebration by a group of children at Park
Street Church in Boston.

1884 – The Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States in ceremonies at Paris, France. The 225-ton, 152-foot
statue was a gift from France in commemoration of 100 years of American independence.

1942 – 1st American bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe (WW II). US air offensive against Nazi-Germany began.
Six American planes join a RAF squadron attacking airfields in Holland.

1944 – 1,100 US guns fired a 4th of July salute at German lines in Normandy.

1960 – The 50-star flag made its debut in Philadelphia. A 50th star was added to the American flag in honor of Hawaii’s
admission into the Union on August 21, 1959.

1970 – 100 were injured in race rioting in Asbury Park NJ.

1976 – The nation held a 200th anniversary party across the land in celebration of America’s 200 years of independence.

2004 – In NYC a 20-ton slab of granite, inscribed to honor “the enduring spirit of freedom,” was laid at the World Trade
Center site as the cornerstone of the skyscraper that will replace the destroyed towers.

2004 – The Army’s 1st Armored Division stowed its flags and prepared to head home after the longest tour in Iraq of any
American combat command.

1946 – French designer Louis Reard unveils a daring two-piece swimsuit at the Piscine Molitor, a popular swimming pool
in Paris. Parisian showgirl Micheline Bernardini modeled the new fashion, which Reard dubbed “bikini,” inspired by a
news-making U.S. atomic test that took place off the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean earlier that week.

1954 – The B-52A bomber made its maiden flight.

1960 – The 50-star flag made its debut in Philadelphia. A 50th star was added to the American flag in honor of Hawaii’s admission into the Union on August 21, 1959.

1970 – 100 were injured in race rioting in Asbury Park NJ. (probably PIO’ed Cause I left Ft Monmouth in 1969)

1976 – The nation held a 200th anniversary party across the land in celebration of America’s 200 years of independence.

2000 – Coast Guard HH-65A CGNR 6539 rescued 51 persons from a burning oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The aircrew
responded to the fire and safely airlifted 15 people to a nearby platform nine miles from the fire. They then evacuated
another 36 people to awaiting boats. One of the 6539’s crew had landed on the platform to coordinate the rescue. As the
helicopter returned to retrieve him, the rig exploded and sent a fireball 100 feet into the air. Unsure whether he survived,
the 6539 flew into the thick, black column of smoke and safely rescued him. All four aircrew were awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross.

2004 – In NYC a 20-ton slab of granite, inscribed to honor “the enduring spirit of freedom,” was laid at the World Trade
Center site as the cornerstone of the skyscraper that will replace the destroyed towers.

2004 – The Army’s 1st Armored Division stowed its flags and prepared to head home after the longest tour in Iraq of any
American combat command.

Armed Forces Day 2024 I want to say thanks to everyone who teamed up and helped make this event the success it was. Every service was present. Every veteran group was present. Somewhere over 2,000 showed up to say thanks and have some fun. It was amazing to me the number of people who were either new to the area or were considering the move here. The oft repeated observation amongst that group was how tight and friendly this community is. The goal of the day was to stage an event where families and kids could meet and greet our active. See what they do. Hear what they say. Learn what service is about. Touch the aircraft and equipment in person. First responders of every type displayed their unique equipment and could talk to visitors and connect what they do now with what our active military learn and do while in service.

So once again, on behalf of the county, city and Chamber of Grass Valley, the Golden Empire Flying Assoc., and you Post 130..... thanks! We look forward to growing this and making 2025 even better.

Adjutant Mike

Thanks to everyone for attending the Mama Jean’s Corn Beef Dinner in support of our Scouts. The food was great. About 80+ attendees. Cookies Sold. Great performances of the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.

The Scouts Bowling this weekend was fun again this year! Great Miner Moe’s Pizza... 15 Pizzas bought... 15 pizzas eaten along with Girl Scout Cookies for dessert... The winners were celebrated. Prayers for a bike injured fellow Scout. Thoughts and thanks to veterans and Post 130.

For Armed Forces Day Beale has announced their team of T38’s will put on a show for us. The CHP will have their helicopter available for a see and touch. They are also working on bringing in a fixed wing and possibly their dog rescue team. A new old aircraft is being brought in for rides - a biplane; 3 front row seats, pilot in the rear. Fun, fun!

Vietnam Veterans Day 2024

I write this to honor the 500,000 + Veterans who served in Vietnam those many years ago.

I write this to Honor the 55,000+ men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.

I write this to honor all the Veterans who have passed since from the diseases of that war. The PTSD, the agent orange, the suicide.

To honor the Friends & Family serving with me:
Father in Law Ben serving in his 3rd war, Aunt Helen Merchant Marine, Phil the Marine wounded in Da Nang, Army Dave serving two tours maintaining Hueys, Craig wounded as an MP guarding a convoy, Barry the Army medic, Mark the 11B grunt helping rescue Rocky Blier, Steve the Crew chief on a Puff gun ship, Bruce serving in the Gulf of Tonkin at the beginning, Norm the forward artillery observer, Tom the artillery Marine, Dave the Huey Pilot and recently lost friend Sam the Navy SEAL.

These were just some of the people I grew up with who that war touched. None of us who didn't have Fathers & family involved in previous wars. All who volunteered to serve in this one. All who were treated miserably by the very people they served. Labeled as Baby killers, dishonored and spat on in their return home.

Several years ago Commander Claude and Member Norm Dotson suggested we Vietnam Vets meet and simply share our experiences, what we did, what we experienced, what we remember….who we remember. The lunches we staged have consistently drawn a crowd. The bonding, BS, and laughs memorable.

This year we are staging the event at Trialblazer Alta Sierra Pizza on Wed. March 28th 11:30am. We want every Viet era Vet possible to attend. Let’s shoot the breeze, joke a bit as usual and remember our deserving friends.

Activate that Senior Brain - Adjutant Mike

For the past year and a half many City, County and State agencies have joined local and regional non profits to discuss various subjects which help to improve the senior life here in Nevada County. The subjects have ranged from weather safety, fire safety, and the act of communicating itself. Just recently we met to discuss how to support and encourage physical health. The South Yuba Club was kind enough to host the meeting and worked with various senior agencies and mental health organizations after the meeting to share ideas, services and resources. The VSO, VFW, VVA and the Legion are investigating opportunities and programs to help pay for Veteran and Veteran Family gym membership at the facility of your choice be it SYC or any other local facility. Stay tuned we hope to have info to you soon.

If you are a UNION subscriber you no doubt are aware of another result of these meetings. The UNION is now publishing a quarterly insert called “Aging Well”. This insert is also distributed to various facilities and operations in and out of the County to the tune of some 20,000 printed publications. You’ll see the next publication in February and the focus will be on exercise benefits and opportunities. You’ll see a Veteran oriented page with some info and opportunities.

Keep an eye open.