What a most amazing Veterans Day program, in the Grass Valley Veterans Building, on 11 November 2024. We started off with scouts leading our pledge of allegiance. That was followed by Auxiliary Chaplain, Pam Biertuempfel, giving her invocation so well. Next was American Legion Finance Officer, John Madeiros, a Specialist 5 Army Medic who served 1968/1969 in Vietnam. He spoke so well, without any notes. Then, Ed Wydra, Major, U.S. Air Force (Retired)… KC-135 Pilot who also served in Vietnam, spoke most well. He was followed by Auxiliary Lady, Donna Mattson, singing service songs, as veterans responded by coming to the front of the auditorium when their service song was sung. Our Honor Guard shot three volleys, which was followed by taps played on two trumpets by the Nevada Union High School Band. That was followed with Paul McKim playing Amazing Grace so well on bagpipes. At the end of the program, Chicago Park Garden Club's Elsie Durgin and Carlotta Wixon-Welker, dedicated their Blue Star Veteran Plaque, sealed on the front of the Building. Adjutant Mike Hauser organized the scouts and the high school band… thanks Mike.

Our next Executive Board/General Meeting will be on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, at 5:00 PM, in the Bunker.

We will support and participate in "Wreaths Across America," at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, 14 December, at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Lou Conter, Lieutenant Commander U.S. Navy (Retired) will be honored. He saved lives as an E-5, 7 December 1941, on USS Arizona, when hit in Pearl Harbor. He later flew sea planes and was twice shot down in WWII. He served in the Korean War, and during Vietnam, retiring in 1966. He passed away last year at 101 years old.

We will host an American Legion Dance at 6:00PM, on Saturday, 21 December. We'll have a great band playing, "Robby James," thanks to Pete Vasilakos who put it together.

All for now,
Claude

This year’s Veteran Stand Down, on 18, 19 October, was another success, thanks to Melise Munroe, members of our Auxiliary, and several Roamin Angels. Chris Crockett was there singing on Saturday, supporting our Veterans. Thanks to ALL who helped.

Barbara “Babs” Conner leads Karaoke most every 2nd and 4th Sundays, in the Bunker Bar, at 1:00 - 5:00 PM. Anyone may attend.

Our Auxiliary will serve breakfast downstairs, before the Veteran’s Day Program, at 8:00 AM, 11 November. It will be biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and bacon…
Free to Veterans; $5 to Non-Veterans.

This year’s Veterans Day Program will take place at 10:00 AM, in Grass Valley Veterans Hall Auditorium, on Monday, 11 November. Local Boys and Girl Scouts will participate, along with the Nevada Union High School Band, led by Dave Fowler…thanks to coordination by Mike Hauser. We will have two Vietnam Veterans speak… John Madeiros and Ed Wydra. Our great singer, Donna Mattson, will perform. Chicago Park Garden Club will dedicate a Blue Star Memorial Veteran Plaque, at Program’s end, in front of the building.

So, come on out! See ya there.
Claude

We sponsored Nevada County Health and Wellness on Thursday, 29 August, in Grass Valley Veterans Center Auditorium… it was a most supported event by many organizations. Thanks to Jean Hauser and John Abas for preparing the lunch. Thanks to Mike Hauser for coordinating it. And thanks to the Auxiliary for serving and cleaning up.

Our Honor Guard supported the Grass Valley 9/11 Program, on Mill Street.

We will be having an Executive Board Meeting at 5:00 PM on
Tuesday, 1 October, in the Bunker. Mike Hauser will be leading it.

We’re planning our Veterans Day Event, on Monday morning,
11 November, at 10:00AM - 11:00AM, in the Grass Valley
Veterans Building Auditorium.
Come on out

All for now,
Claude

We supported the Injured Veterans Golf Tournament in Lake Wildwood on Wednesday, 31 July. It was “Sold Out,” and a real success! Our Color Guard was there for the opening.

We also supported the “Official Unveiling Ceremony” at McKnight Crossing, at 4:00 PM, on Thursday, 1 August.

Grass Valley will be hosting a “9/11 Ceremony,” on Wednesday morning, 11 September, on Mill Street.

We will be helping sponsor Nevada County Health and Wellness, at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, 29 August, at the Grass Valley Veterans Hall. We will be providing a Free BBQ Lunch, by Jean Hauser and John Abbas, and our Bar will be open. Our Auxiliary will be providing labor assistance.

The owner of Friar Tucks wants to do some free dinners for veterans. We’ll let you know when?

We’ll be having our Executive Board Meeting on Tuesday, 3 September, at 5:00 PM in the Bunker. See you there

All for now…
Claude

We are once again supporting the “Injured Veterans Golf Tournament,” in Lake Wildwood. It’s been a huge success in past years. You can participate and golf in it for $140 per player. You can register at IVGT.us, or contact Dan Pray at danpray911@comcast.net, or Brad Crumpley at bradcrumpley@yahoo.com.

We are supporting the “Official Unveiling Ceremony” at McKnight Crossing, on Thursday, 1 August, Ceremony at 4:00 PM. There will be a Bud Anderson Statue unveiling. And it will also be at 10:00 AM, on Friday, 2 August.

Coming up will be our Executive Board Meeting, on Tuesday, 6 August, at 5:00 PM, in the Remembrance Room. Hope to see you there

All for now…
Claude

Our 22 June Dance was a Great success, due to the hard work of several members
and Auxiliary… Pete Vasilakos, who organized it and helped set it up, with help
from “Friendship Girls;” Linda Robertson and Barbra “Babs” Conner, who set up,
worked and broke down the upstairs Bar; Laurie Stanton, who set up the on-line
ticket sales, and worked with Holli Woods and Theresa Roberts doing tickets at
the Front Desk. Ray’s “Dream And The Dreamer” Band were So good, with many dancers on the floor during each tune. And there was Felix Taco serving a very reasonable and good tasting dinner.
Thanks to all of you.

Our “Bunker” Bar did quite well at the last “Native Sons Dinner,” due to John Madeiros and Linda
Robertson.

The Auxiliary is planning a Dinner, on the 1st Tuesday, 6 August, at 6:00 PM. I’m sure it will be very
reasonable and good.

Coming up will be our Executive Board Meeting, on Tuesday, 2 July, at 5:00 PM, in the Bunker. Hope
to see you there.

All for now…
Have a Very Happy 4th of July
Claude

Thanks to the hard work of our Adjutant, Mike Hauser, the Armed Forces Day Event at Grass Valley Airport was done so well and well attended. And there were over 50 classic cars there which people enjoyed seeing. The opening ceremony included the swearing into the military of many young boys and girls. A lot of people enjoyed flying on classic military airplanes.

We had a most good turnout for our Memorial Day Program at Grass Valley Memorial Park. There were several good speakers: U.S. Marine Veteran, Gary Miller, Grass Valley Mayor, Jan Arbuckle, Veteran Service Officer, David West, Navy Vietnam Veteran Corpsman, Rick Barringer. And what Great singers… Donna Mattson, Judy Gurley, Barbra “Babs” Conner, Terry Allwein, and Mike Baker, who also played taps on his trumpet. Several veteran and Veteran support groups dedicated Wreaths for our fallen Veterans. Our Color Guard and Honor Guard also did a very good job. Thank you all for your support. If you missed the Program, check it out on our website, which Laurie Stanton manages.

Our Executive Board will meet on Tuesday, 4 June, at 5:00 PM in the Bunker. Any member is welcome to join us there.

See you there.
Claude

Our Auxiliary put on a great Dinner on 2 April. The next one will be Mexican, the 1st Tuesday, 7 May, at 6:00 PM. That will be just after our Executive Board/General Meeting, upstairs in the Remembrance Room at 5:00.
Thanks to Mike Hauser… The Scouts had a good turnout for Bowling and Lunch, on Saturday, 23 March.
The day before Vietnam Veterans Day, 28 March, we had 29 veterans show at Trailblazer Pizza. We went around the room giving everyone there a chance to tell their story. Was a very interesting time.
On Saturday, 18 May, which is Armed Forces Day, there will be a great event at the Nevada County Airport, with many old and present military aircraft there to check out, and so many veterans gathering. You won't want to miss it.
At 11:00 AM, on Monday, 27 May, Memorial Day, we will have an event at Grass Valley Memorial Park. Veterans and veteran support Groups will honor deceased veterans with wreaths. We will have a couple veteran speakers, great singers, and will end with firing Three Volleys and Taps, followed by bagpipes.
A lot going on in May. See you there.

All for now.
Claude

Our 5 April scouts dinner was well done. Boy scouts presented the Flag and led the
Pledge of Allegiance. A girl scout sang our national anthem and presented the
POW MIA Table. It was very well attended. Another great dinner by Jean Hauser.

The Auxiliary will be having a 1st Tuesday lasagna dinner and “Bingo Night” on 2 April,
at 6:00P, for only $18. We will be having our Executive Board Meeting just before the
dinner, at 5:00PM in the Remembrance Room.

We recently installed a new Ice maker in the Bunker, purchased by Honor Guard member, James
O’Neal. James also donated $1,000 to repair the air conditioning on the Honor Guard Bus.
Thank you very much, James.

After being our hard working bartender for quite some time, Linda Robertson was recently
designated our new bar manager. Appreciate your dedication, Linda.

Scouts will be using our Bowling Alley on Saturday, 23 March, at 11:30 - 2:00, with lunch at
12:00 - 1:00.

We will be hosting a Vietnam Veterans Day Event, at Trailblazers Pizza, at 11:30 - 1:00, on
Thursday, 28 March. Any veteran may come to support those who sacrificed themselves back then.

All for now,
Claude

Post 130 will host the District 7 Monthly Meeting on Saturday, 2 March, at 9:00AM, in Grass Valley Veterans Hall Auditorium. Our Auxiliary will meet in the Dining Room, followed by serving Lunch. We’ll need some helpers to set up chairs and tables in the Auditorium at 8:00AM. All members are invited to District Monthly Meetings… so come on out.

After mentioning the success of our December dance, Pete Vasilakos talked about planning future dances… 22 June, 26 October and 21 December.

After recently losing his oldest Son, John Madeiros is looking for someone to help him by becoming Bar Manager.

Adjutant, Mike Hauser, is working with the County, replacing the Rood Center Veteran Display. Local veteran groups may donate to it. Mike Hauser and Melise Monroe are working with senior groups to have veteran meetings. Armed Forces Day, Saturday, 18 May, at Grass Valley Airport. There will be an Awards Dinner in the Grass Valley Veterans Hall Auditorium the Friday night before, 17 May.

We will have Lunch on Vietnam Veteran’s Day, Good Friday this year, at 11:30AM on 29 March, at Trailblazer Pizza. That’s when Veterans meet to talk about their experiences.

We will have our Executive Board/General Meeting at 5:00PM, Tuesday, 5 March. That will happen just before the Scout Dinner in the Dining Hall at 6:00PM

All for now,

Claude

In December, the Wreaths Across America representatives held a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cemetery to honor and remember veterans by placing Christmas wreaths on all veteran headstones. Post 130’s color guard presented the colors and our honor guard shot three volleys and played Taps. All branches of the military were represented in a special wreath presentation in a display of gratitude. The ceremony was well attended by the community.

On December 16th, Post 130 held a dance, hosted again by Pete Vasilakos. The dance was attended by over 100 people with the Robby James and the Streets of Bakersfield keeping dancers moving. Thanks again to Pete for his efforts!

March 5th, we will have a dinner in honor of the Boy and Girl Scouts. The Girl Scouts will entertain by performing songs. They will also be selling their cookies for their troop. On March 23 from noon to 3:00pm, we will host the Scout Bowling; about 60- 70 are expected.

Thanks to all members who have paid their dues, we are at 80%. Please help us reach our 100% goal by paying your dues.

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, March 2nd, we will host the next American Legion Post and Auxiliary District 7 Meeting. The Post will meet in the Auditorium and the Auxiliary will meet downstairs. The Auxiliary will offer lunch. If you want to learn more about us or would like to give input, consider coming. All Legion/Auxiliary members are invited to attend. Our next Post Executive/General Meeting is February 6th at 4pm. Following our meeting, the Auxiliary will be having a Valentine Sweetheart Dinner fund raiser at 6pm.

Submitted by Corbin Smith, 1st Vice Commander

Last Saturday, 16 December, Robby James and the Streets of Bakersfield drew a large crowd of dancers and people listening to their great country music. That was due to the continuing efforts of our 2nd Vice Commander, Pete Vasilakos. Felix Taco put out many great Mexican dinners for only $10. Our bar sold a lot of drinks, with Linda Robertson working hard.

John Madieros is still crying out for HELP… He needs a couple more BARTENDERS for backup. So, PLEASE step up and volunteer. All tips go to the bartenders. You may contact John by email: johnmadieros@aol.com, or phone: (530) 273-4988. We did get a few auxiliary ladies to help Linda at December’s Native Sons Dinner, and at the saturday concert. We also had an auxiliary lady run the bar at last Wednesday’s bowling night. I think a couple of them are looking at possibly becoming more regular. Thank you so much for your help!

Barbra “Babs” Conner hosted a most enjoyable Christmas Karaoke party last Sunday, with not only singing, but also gift exchanges. The next Karaoke event will be on Sunday, 28 January, at 12:00 noon - 4:00 PM, in the Bunker Bar. After that, they will be on every 2nd and 4th Sunday. A small donation of $5 is asked at the door.

Our auxiliary is planning to host a dinner on the 1st Tuesday, 6 February. Stand by for more details.

Our next Executive Board/General Meeting will be on the 1st Tuesday, 2 January 2024, at 4:00 PM. Our District 7 Commander is planning on coming. Looking forward to seeing you there.

All for now…

Claude

Our Veterans Day Program was well done, with a decent size audience in the Auditorium of Grass Valley Veterans Building. The Union Paper covered our program, before and after. Thank you Union. And thanks to our great speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Josh Tull, U-2 Pilot serving at Beale AFB. Singers, Donna Mattson and Mike Baker entertained the crowd with beautiful, patriotic songs. We honored those Veterans we recently lost, along with others from the past. And after our Honor Guard, headed by Pete Vasilakos, fired three gun volleys, Mike Baker played Taps, followed by Paul McKim on bagpipes. Then Chef Brian Bliss served a delicious lunch in our dining hall, thanks to Melise Munroe and her Auxiliary Ladies. Lunch was free to Veterans, along with free Bloody Marys in the Bunker Bar.

Our next Executive Board/General Meeting will be on the 1st Tuesday, 5 December, at 4:00 PM. Please note the date and time, and do your best to make it.

Thanks to Pete Vasilakos, a great country band, “Robby James and The Streets of Bakersfield,” will provide a dance on Saturday, 16 December, at 6:00 - 10:00 PM, in our auditorium, for only $15. Taco Felix will have food available, as we will have drinks at our bar.

I was recently contacted by Al Delsid, Vice Commander of Sons of American Legion (SAL), Area 1. He asked if our SAL is active. As far as I know, we do not have any active members of SAL since our last active member, Randall Stallings, passed away. I’m reaching out to see if there is any interest in Post 130 SAL? If not, Al will close the unit. So, please let me know.

John Madieros is Still crying out for HELP. He needs a couple more BARTENDERS for Backup. Between himself as Finance Officer and Bar Manager, all he has to help is his assistant, Linda Robertson. We have Bar use by bowlers on Wednesday and Thursday nights, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Besides that, currently, the Bar is used only a couple times a month. So, PLEASE step up and volunteer. All tips go to the bartenders. You may contact John by email: johnmadieros@aol.com, or phone: (530) 273- 4988.

All for now…

Claude

Stand Down had a most successful annual event 13 and 14 October, from 8:30 AM until 2:30 PM, in the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Some 265 Veterans in attendance were supported by over 38 veteran support organizations. Breakfast and lunch was served thanks to the efforts of John Abas. Singer song writer, Chris Crockett, entertained Friday morning. Let’s thank organizer, Melise Munroe, for all her hard work. And thanks to ALL who supported Stand Down.

The 1st Tuesday in November, the 7th, our Executive Board/General Meeting will take place at 4:00 PM. Please do your best to make it.

On the coming Veteran’s Day, 11 November 2023, we will have quite a Program starting at 10:00 AM in the upstairs Auditorium of the Grass Valley Veterans Hall. Speaking, we will have U-2 pilot, Josh Tull, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, from Beale Air Force Base. There will be patriotic songs sung by our very talented singers… Breona Calvert, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Donna Mattson and Mike Baker. The Program will end around 11:00 AM with our Honor Guard firing three volleys, playing Taps, followed by Bagpipes by Paul McKim. Lunch will follow the Program in the downstairs Dining Room… Pulled Pork, Ranch Beans, Fresh Fruit and Cookies, by outstanding Hospitality House Chef, Brian Bliss, for only $1… FREE to Veterans. You will not want to miss this Program.

Veteran, Stan Zabka, died 7 October, 2023, after serving in WWII with seven of his brothers, who all survived the War. He made some very entertaining presentations for Post 130. His service will be at 11:00 AM, 4 November, at Twin Cities Church.

All for now… Claude

This year's 9/11 ceremony was well organized between our adjutant, Mike Hauser, and Grass Valley Chamber CEO, Robin Davies. It took place on Mill Street, near the Del Oro Theater, where we had excellent speakers and singers and a lot of first responders, both firefighters and law enforcement. However, there was not a huge crowd of onlookers, as it was not that well advertised. We will put it out better next year. Thanks to Donna Mattson for her beautiful job singing God Bless America.

Then on Wednesday, 13 September, thanks to Mike Hauser’s planning and coordination, we had a large gathering and drive by at Eskaton for the 102nd Birthday of Lou Conter, the last survivor on the Arizona when bombed and sunk in Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. There were active duty servicemen and servicewomen from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, law enforcement, firefighters, various veteran group members, and many others. Lou was seated in front of his garage door, and the people either marched or drove slowly. While piloting seaplanes and saving many lives during WWII, Lou survived being shot down twice. What a Hero! Thank you So much for your service to our country, Lou.

The 1st Tuesday in October, the 3rd, our Executive Board/General Meeting will take place at 4:00 PM. Please do your best to make it.

Stand Down Nevada County will be held this year at Nevada County Fairgrounds, Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. It’s open for free to any veteran in Nevada County. Our post will provide lunch on Saturday. As in the past, veterans will have free services from many veteran support organizations.

On upcoming Veteran’s Day, 11 November 2023, we will have quite a program starting at 10:00 AM in the upstairs auditorium of the Grass Valley Veterans Hall. Speaking, we will have U-2 pilot, Josh Tull, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, from Beale Air Force Base. There will be patriotic songs sung by our very talented singers. The program will end around 11:00 AM with our Honor Guard firing three volleys, playing taps, followed by bagpipes. We’re planning on following the program with lunch in the downstairs dining room. You will not want to miss this program.

All for now… Claude

Our WWII Veteran and long time member, Frank Lujan’s Memorial Service, on 2 August, was quite well done. It started off with our Honor Guard firing three volleys and playing taps in the parking lot, with everyone present. Our Commander then presented the flag in the bunker to widow, Suzzane. The ceremony was emceed by Frank’s good friend, who always supported him, taking him to medical appointments, etc., Tom Munroe. And our most active Auxiliary provided delicious food. Thanks to all those who came out to respect this WWII hero.

On Tuesday, 1 August, we had a good turnout for our Executive Board Meeting. Without other members present, we postponed our General Meeting. This coming 1st Tuesday, 5 September, we will meet at 4:00 PM for a combination of meetings, Executive Board and General. This year’s Nine Eleven (9/11) ceremony will take place on Mill Street, Grass Valley, at 9:00 AM. Mike Hauser, together with Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce, has put together what should be a most appropriate and well attended program. Stand by for more details.

We’re planning our Veteran’s Day Program, at 10:00 - 11:00 AM, on Saturday, 11 November, in the auditorium of Grass Valley Veterans Hall. It will begin with our Color Guard presenting the colors and the singing of our national anthem. We will have an active duty U-2 pilot from Beale AFB, Lieutenant Colonel, Josh Tull speak. There will be exceptional patriotic music. And we will close at 11:00 AM (11,11,11) with the firing of three volleys, taps and bagpipes. We’re planning to have Lunch in the downstairs Dining Hall after the program. You will not want to miss it.

All for now… Claude