I had the honor and privilege of being asked to sit on an Eagle Badge award/review committee this past month. Pictured here is Bryce who designed, engineered, raised funds for and managed a build team in Browns Valley to construct a sports court for use by the community. His parents and Scout masters had nothing but compliments for troop 232’s team leader.

The other news? Bryce has enlisted in the Army and will head off to boot camp in the Fall. His goal is to become a Ranger and attend OCS.

Adjutant Mike

The owners of the refurbished McKnight Center will be creating “Patriots Point” on the South East side of the center near the new flag pole & flying colors we’ve all seen. “Patriots Point” will honor our first responders and military by placing monuments and plaques representing each service. It will be a gathering area . The Post will join in on the planning of the event to introduce the area. Stay tuned!

I’ve been in contact with Congressman Kevin Kiley’s staff recently. The Congressman is very interested in a face to face meeting with the Veterans of Nevada County. While I do not have a concrete day & time established, due in part to the budget negotiations hang ups and voting required, Post 130 is hosting the event and we are tentatively shooting for the end of June. The target days are Fridays the 23rd or 30th or Mondays the 19th or 26th. The meeting will be held in the morning on one of those dates at 10 - 11am. We’ll have some coffee and treats available and make it a comfortable gathering & meeting. This will be a face to face conversation. Answer questions, ask questions, make suggestions hear the response do the planning and next steps. While the Legion will host the event all Veterans from all organizations and generations are welcome to participate. This is not a political event. This is an event to demonstrate why America is great, why America is great because of her Veterans, the Men and Women who dedicated at least part of their lives to making life better for every citizen.

Keep you posted as we move forward.

Adjutant Mike

It’s been a busy Spring and that’s good!

We staged the Vietnam Veterans Day at Trailblazer Pizza in late March.

Nevada Union’s history teacher Cheryl Hendrickson and her students spent March and some of April interviewing various veterans from all eras. The idea is to create a WEB site that other County instructors can use to gather real first hand information and history about the various conflicts and the individuals who served during those periods. Some dozen Vietnam Vets were interviewed at the Trailblazer lunch. Cheryl came by recently with a few students to pick up a set of the CD’s with video interviews we did for the 100th anniversary in 2019. Both she and the students relayed how utterly amazed they were at actually “living” history, sacrifice, and service by being able to talk with our fellow veterans. They all asked that I relay their appreciation to all of you. The project is well underway and may be expanded to gather other pieces of history.

In early April the Post, thanks to the auxiliary, provided a complimentary lunch for the volunteers helping to clean up and remodel what will be the County’s new senior center. We met some great volunteers and a few of the Seniors the new center will service. Meal on wheels driver, Gold Country Senior Services board member & Vet, Jon Katis, invited & transported Doris to the meal. Doris is 97 years old and a veteran’s widow. Her attitude and stories were just great. I joked with her while being wheeled in if she wanted a drink to go with lunch? “Yes! A bloody Mary” she said. To keep it safe I got her a non alcoholic (shhhhh!) bloody Mary but you would not have known based on her smile.

The Post hosted the 4th “Senior Communications” group discussion also in early April. Once again some 25 organizations from the City to the County to the State to the Feds and many ..many non profits attended once again. There will be another meeting in June and I think you’ll begin to see much better communication and team work serving the County’s seniors but as a result, the entire population.

Lastly, “Cars, Karaoke and Kids” happened in mid April. Some great music, great food, awesome classic cars, great exposure of the Scout’s programs and some terrific fund raising of almost $2K for them and the Auxiliary’s Active Military Family support programs.

Check out the photos and plan on joining in as we keep supporting the community.

Our local Veterans have had the honor of working with and supporting Nevada County's kids in many ways over the years. Staging fun events like bowling & archery competition, sock hops, rafting and camping. Supporting fund raising events for 4H, NEO and the Scouts. Toy Drives for those in need. Selecting and sponsoring students for Boy's and Girl's State so they can learn firsthand about our Government and freedom.

Many of you know that I’ve worked with the High Schools for a number of years. Twenty some years ago I hired students who were involved in the R.O.P. technical programs now known as the C.T.E. programs. More recently Post 130 was kind enough to have me work on the Boy’s State programs. The Point being, I’ve gotten to know the kids and the schools pretty well.

Not surprising then is Nevada Union High School is about to honor all Veterans. Students will be interviewing Veterans of all eras to learn about service, service to the Nation and in doing so be literally in the presence of history.

WWII Veteran, Arizona and Pearl Harbor survivor Lou Conter is at the top of the list. Lou doesn't do interviews any longer as a rule but jumped at the chance to talk with local students. Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Jim Taylor gratefully made himself available as well as other Men and Women veterans from all eras. The Vietnam Veterans are hosting 6-8 students, teachers and some from the Board at a lunch shortly so they can interview those Vets and get a personal feel of service. Look for pictures and stories soon.

Unfortunately we had to cancel the Scout dinner this past month. Snow & Rain, No power, No internet, equals No response to requests for reservations. We’ll reschedule the event soon.