June 8, 2021 American Legion Post 132 Newsletter

American Legion Oro Valley Post 132, Auxiliary and SAL activities and info relevant to veterans, May 21, 2021

As usual, there is much to cover in this edition of the Post’s newsletter. Your Post remains active and continues to make a difference in the lives of

Meetings for June:

June 17 Post Meeting (in-person) to include the installation of the Post officers for the 2021-2022 leadership year: Please attend and show your support of these members who are filling our officer positions. We have many new members of the leadership team this year. A reception with Post provided snacks and beverages will follow the meeting. Thursday, June 17, 6:30pm at Vistoso Memorial Chapel, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Oro Valley. Masks are optional. Note: No Post meetings during July and August. POC: Gary Smith 214-431-2187 or [email protected] No Auxiliary Unit meeting this month. Their next meeting will be in September.    

Dates and activities to remember:

June 7 – July 1. Play Ball: The 2021 American Legion Baseball Area A League is about to begin. No opening day ceremonies this year, but no COVID restrictions in place at this time. Nine teams are participating in the senior youth league and each team will play 12 games followed by playoffs. Oro Valley Post 132 is once again the sponsor of the Red Raiders team comprised of ballplayers from local high schools. Each player wears a jersey with Post 132 on it. We are grateful to Roy Busby who will again take on the head coaching position. Roy also is head coach of the Red Raiders Junior team. Next three games of the Red Raiders Seniors team are: Wednesday, June 9, 7pm at Kino field #6; Thu, June 10, 7pm at Vista Grande HS; Monday, June 14, 7pm at Arthur Pack field 6. See attached schedule of remaining games. Come out and support the players and coaches who are representing our Post. Bring family and friends.    

Addresses of playing fields

Kino Sports Complex (2500 E. Ajo Rd. Tucson 85713)

Reid Annex Fields (900 S. Randolph Way Tucson 85716)

Cherry 1 (425 S. Cherry Ave., 3 blocks south of intersection of E Broadway Blvd and N Campbell Ave)

Vista Grand HS (1556 N Arizola Rd Casa Grande 85122)

Arthur Pack Regional Park (9101 N Thornydale Rd Tucson 85742)

June 14, Flag Day ceremonies: Post 132 will again partner with the Catalina Mtn. Elks Lodge to celebrate National Flag Day. An Elks Flag Day ceremony, beginning at 10am, will be followed at 11:15am by the formal and moving American Legion Unserviceable Flags Ceremony with the Post Color Guard and concluding with the dignified and respectful ritual burning of the ceremonial flag. Post 132 collects more than 600 unserviceable American flags each year for proper disposal. A catered lunch will follow but please RSVP to Wayne Larroque at 520-825-0732 if staying for lunch. Location: Vistoso Memorial Chapel (same location as our monthly meetings) 2285 E. Ranch Vistoso Blvd. Oro Valley.

June 22. Passage of the GI Bill: Did you know that The American Legion drafted the original tenets of the legislation and played a lead role, despite early opposition (documented) by all other Veterans organizations of the time, in the passage of the June 22, 1944 Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, better known as the GI Bill? Did you know that the WWI combat veterans who founded the American Legion, under the leadership of COL Theodore Roosevelt Jr., insisted that all veterans involved in the war effort, including those in support roles, be eligible to join? Did you know that the American Legion’s version of the GI Bill legislation was the only version submitted to Congress that specifically included minorities and women as beneficiaries of the legislation?  

 

August 21. The 2021 annual golf tournament fundraiser: Dear members and friends. As with just about any service organization, fundraising, whether we like it or not, is a necessary and vitally important activity. As we are currently without an income producing facility of our own, fundraising and individual donations are what allow us to sponsor our “care and assistance” programs which have been recognized and honored by military organizations and other veterans’ groups. The annual golf tournament is our “main event”. Quote: “The American Legion Oro Valley Post 132 has been a steadfast ray of hope to our less fortunate veterans by providing care and assistance when most needed”. Words recently spoken by the Chairman of the Tucson Veterans Serving Veterans Alliance. We ARE making a difference. To help us carry on our mission of hope, we are sponsoring our 12th annual charity golf tournament. This year’s golf tournament is Saturday, August 21 at The Views G.C., a favorite of golfers. One hundred percent of the proceeds stay within the greater Tucson area, and will be used to provide care and assistance to local homeless and other veterans in need, and to the families of struggling soldiers of our “adopted” Arizona National Guard and Reserve Units, our citizen soldiers. Every member can help in some way even if not a local resident. If you golf, get a foursome together and encourage others to do the same. Friends, neighbors and merchants will welcome the opportunity to help veterans and services members in need. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and are tax deductible. POC is Steve Didio, golf tournament chair, at 520-332-9481 or [email protected] or go to our website https://ovamericanlegion132.com/12th-annual-golf-tournament-aug-21-2021-help-us-to-help-those-in-need/Please see the attached tournament flyer in pdf and jpg formats  

 

 

Past Activities and Information:

May 8,Post 132 “Adopt-A-Road” clean-up: Keeping Oro Valley the Clean Scene! Members of the Post, SAL and Riders, equipped with pick-up tools and trash bags, removed debris from the Post’s assigned one mile stretch along Tangerine Rd. The clean-up turns into a social gathering and fun is had by all. Thanks to Tom Roblee for coordinating this quarterly activity and to the volunteers who make it happen. 

May 10, support of Local housing program for our less fortunate Veterans: Using donations from the Post and AuxiliaryAuxiliary Unit 132 member Judy Haberski purchased and delivered shelving units to 51 Homes Vets Project Manager Glenn Fournie. The much needed shelving units will help organize the many donations made to the program. The Tucson 51 Homes for Veterans program helps formerly homeless veterans into furnished apartments. The furnishings are donated by local organizations including our Post and Auxiliary Unit. The veterans appreciate the opportunity to once again live in a safe and comfortable place. There is always a need for twin sheets, new or gently used towels and kitchen supplies. Call Judy Haberski if you wish to donate, 520-591-7741. Thank you.

May 11. Supporting the Oro Valley Police Dept Explorer Scouting program: Post members Wayne Larroque, Bob Franke and Steve Kendall met with OVPD Chief Kara Riley and other officers with the Dept. Post commander Larroque presented Chief Riley with a check representing the Post’s annual donation to the OVPD Law Enforcement Explorer Cadet program. This is an important American Legion Americanism program supported by Post 132. The program provides law enforcement career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. 

May 12. Flags for Eagle Scouts: Congratulation to four new Eagle Scouts from the Oro Valley Scout Troop 270 led by scout master Wally Van Winkle. Post members Larry McNameeJoe Hornat and John Madaloni presented an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor to each Eagle Scout. American flags, which have flown over our nation’s capital, have been presented by Post 132 members to more than 160 deserving Eagle Scouts.  

Get your raffle ticket(s):For a MasterGraphics print of a Civil War scene on canvas, framed and lighted. JACKSON AND HIS DISCIPLES size 20” X 30” The guns in the scene were called Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. Est. value $450. Only 200 tickets to be sold at $10 ea. Need not be present to win. Drawing during Post meeting Nov 18, 2021. All proceeds for the care and assistance of local veterans and service members in need. Check payable to A.L. Oro Valley Post 132 (on memo line enter: “civil war print”) Mail to: Oro Valley Post 132, PO Box 69665, Oro Valley, AZ 85737. Donated by Post member Jim Burt. For tickets contact Bob Franke  [email protected] 520-909-2070

COVID-19 vaccine available to ALL veterans: The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (Tucson VA) is currently providing the COVID-19 vaccine to ALL Veterans, not just those enrolled in the VA care program, their spouses, and caregivers. Those interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to sign up at the following link https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed or call (520) 629-4729 to schedule an appointment. Important: The vaccine station is now in building 3.

VA to re-adjudicate Veteran and survivor claims for possible herbicide exposure: Veterans who were previously denied service connection for an herbicide related presumptive condition due to lack of in-country Vietnam service will have their claims automatically re-adjudicated by the VA. The department began re-adjudicating claims in April for Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War but were denied for one or more herbicide related conditions on the basis that military service was not performed on the landmass of the Republic of Vietnam or on its inland waterways. Re-adjudication means VA will review the evidence of record and provide replacement decisions in the cases of Veterans who were previously denied service connection benefits.

Locate VA facilities or approved community providers: Community providers for same day urgent care of minor illness and injury and medications. https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Arizona Dept of Veterans Services: The Arizona Dept of Veterans’ Services provides Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs) who are accredited by the U.S. VA. The VBCs advocate for Arizona’s veterans, service members and their families with receiving federal and state Veteran benefits. To speak with a VBC, call 602-535-1215. 

Contact Info:Facebook: Please like, follow and share with others to help spread the word about our Post and award winning programs.

www.facebook.com/ovamericanlegionPost132

Post Website: www.ovamericanlegion132.com

Post Mailing address: Oro Valley Post 132, PO Box 69665, Oro Valley, AZ 85737

Post 132 commanderWayne Larroque (520) 301-5303,  [email protected]

SAL Squadron 132 email address [email protected]

SAL Squadron 132 commander – Ed Davis, (520) 229-1064, [email protected]

Riders Chapter 132 president – Jeff Fawks (661) 802-2596 [email protected]  

Post Service Officer: Jim Martens (503) 939-1570 / [email protected]

Auxiliary Unit president: Anne Stiles, [email protected]

Ed Davis, Past Commander/Newsletter Editor, 520-229-1064, [email protected]the

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