Brad Sakemi, Commander Post 365 accepts the colors from Jr. Past Commander Bret Olson.Past District Commander Christopher Yates reads a Resolution concerning the Be The One program.Today, the No. 1 issue facing the veteran community is suicide, according to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. It is estimated that between 17 and 22 veterans or servicemembers take their lives each day. That’s more than 6,000 annually. The rate of suicide for veterans is more than 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults. As the Global War on Terrorism continues, there will be more veterans facing mental-health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.June 17th, 2023 American Legion Post 365, American Legion Unit 365, and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 365 held their 2023-24 Officer Installation Ceremonies at the Post. Members from the three organizations and guests look on as the installation ceremonies begin.Past American Legion District Commander Christopher Yates conducted the ceremonies for the Legion & Sons of the American Legion.Past District President Donna Smith conducted the ceremony for the American Legion Auxiliary.
A symbol of the transfer of power, Brad Sakemi receives the gavel from Bret Olson.
Newly elected President of American Legion Unit 365 Auxiliary, Colleen Collazo accepts the gavel from Past District President Donna Smith.
American Legion Post 365 Officers for 2023-24. L-R Jerry Stephens-EBoard, Mark Baca-Sgt at Arms, Joe Kuntz-2nd Vice Commander, Art Haeussler-Service Officer, Norman Linek-EBoard, Dan Canright-EBoard, Jose Flores-Chaplain, Kevin Leahy-Judge Advocate, Raymond Johnson-Historian. Rear Center-Christopher Yates Installing Officer, Rear Right-Bret Olson Outgoing Commander.Donna Smith conducts the Installation Ceremony for American Legion Unit 365 Auxiliary. (L-R) President Colleen Collazo, 1st Vice Martha Baker, 2nd Vice Mandy Sakemi, Sec/Treasurer Karen Bowman, Historian Margie Ernst, Chaplain Monica Camargo. Observing are Post Commander Brad Sakemi and Jr. Past Commander Bret Olson.Sons of The American Legion Squadron 365 Officers being sworn in by Past District Commander Christopher Yates. (L-R) 2nd Vice – Ben Gerber, Historian – Nick Rota, Sgt. At Arms- Vaddin Butler, Adjutant – Keith Ager. Observing at right is Brad Sakemi, newly elected Commander of Alvin Myo Dunn American Legion Post 365.Newly Elected Post 365 Commander Brad Sakemi, a Third Generation US Army Veteran, brings down the gavel, ending the Installation ceremony.
US Army Birthday Cake Cutting June 14, 2023
Shawn Clarke gives the Invocation prior to the Cake Cutting Ceremony. The Legion and VFW thank Shawn for all the work he put in that made this year’s Ceremony such a success.With the Installation of the American Legion Post 365 new Commander, Brad Sakemi, an Army Veteran, we will see this event grow in the future. “HOOAH”
Brad Sakemi, Post 365 Commander reads the message from the 2nd Continental Congress that established the US Army on 14 June 1775
Rick Huff, longtime VFW member reads “The Soldier’s Creed”
Cake Cutting: Traditionally, the Army selects the longest and shortest serving members in attendance. In this case Herb Freuen, 23 years’ service and Mike Springer, 2 years’ service cut the cake.Shawn Clarke 2nd Ranger Battalion 77-94; Rick Huff 1st Battalion 325th Infantry 82nd Airborne 80-84; Herb Freuen Charlie Company, 121st Signal Battalion 1st Division, 57-80; Greg Peck 9th Infantry Division Ft. Lewis, Washington 72-75; Mike Sakemi 68-71 Ft. Rucker, Alabama; Mike Springer Europe and Greece 66-67; Brad Sakemi 2nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade; Not Pictured (AWOL) Spike Harvey Tripler Army Hospital Honolulu, Hawaii, 63-65
Family Fun Day at The Legion June 3, 2023
American Legion Squadron 365 Sons of the American Legion hosted a Family Fun Day at the Post on June 3rd. Commander Shaun Butler and members of the SAL treated more that 150 visitors to an afternoon of fun, games, and food. And all for FREE.
Inflatable Ski-Ball and Water Slide
Obstacle Course was a popular place to be – with a water pistol…
Corn Hole game
Vaddin Butler was the guest Chef at the Popcorn Machine
This young lady served a whole lot of cotton candy.
What’s going on here? Looks like a popular place to be…..
…of course. The tattoo booth, Kennsley and Hazel getting all painted up.
After a long afternoon at the tattoo booth, Kennsley, Hazel and Dannie relax with a big bag of Cheetos and a cool, cool, snow cone.
Legion Riders 365 were on hand to have fun and help out.
Samuel Moore (in background) and his buddies gave everyone a good wetting down.
Brad Sakemi greets Scarlett, Hope, & Avery. The three girls are the daughters and niece of one of our favorite bartenders, Carol Kuhl.
Yep! That’s outgoing Legion Commander Bret Olson and “Clean Shaven”! Rumor has it that his beard caught fire while lighting up one of his 50 cent cigars….
Cindy Skultety and her best friend “JAKE” not from State Farm…
Incoming Legion Commanders wife Mandy Sakemi and SAL Commanders wife Kim Butler did all the heavy lifting. Thanks to Mandy for all the great photos.
U.S. Army Veteran Mike Sakemi with son Brad Sakemi, Incoming Post 365 Commander
Mandy Sakemi and Norm Linek – their help making Family Day a success is appreciated. The wording on their Tshirts says it all. VOLUNTEER We are successful here at the post because of all of our volunteers. If you can donate just a couple of hours to help YOUR post, please, contact us on our website or stop by and let us know you are willing to help. The satisfaction you will experience from helping out is a great feeling.
Visit from World War II Veterans May 19, 2023
On Friday, May 19, 2023, 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore attended an event at the Baypoint Preparatory Academy in San Marcos that honored World War II Veterans who were guests of this year’s Honor Flight San Diego. American Legion Post 365 provided 500 US Flags for the event.
Reception Line for WW II Honor Flight Veterans at Baypoint Preparatory Academy
Royce Williams Elmer Royce Williams, born 4 April 1925, is a retired United States Naval Aviator. He is known for his solo dogfight with seven Soviet pilots during the Korean War, which, has been called “one of the greatest feats in aviation history” by military experts. On January 20, 2023, he received the Navy Cross – the highest military decoration given by the U.S. Navy – from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. In 1952, Williams was serving with VF-781 aboard the USS Oriskany as part of Task Force 77. On 18 November 1952, while on combat air patrol near Hoeryong, North Korea, his group of four pilots spotted seven MiG-15s overhead. The other three pilots had to return to the carrier and the MiGs began to fire on Williams, putting him into a one-man dogfight with seven MiG-15s that lasted 35 minutes. It is believed to be the longest dogfight in U.S. Navy history. Commanders on his carrier ordered him away, but Williams had to tell them that he was already fighting for his life. He shot down four of the MiGs and likely hit two others. By the end of the 35-minute period, only one of the MiGs was still in the air with him, and he managed to escape back to his carrier, out of ammunition and having lost his hydraulics. He was uninjured, but 263 holes were counted in his Panther jet. He never saw the plane again; reportedly, it was pushed into the sea.Andre C. Chappaz – U. S. Army 1885th Engineer Aviation Battalion – Technician 5th Grade T/5 Andre was a member of the Army Corps of Engineers and spent 4 months in Guam, eight months on Okinawa and 72 days at sea. He also helped to build airfields for B-29 bombers on the Mariana Islands and Ryukyus. His assignments included: locating mines and unexploded ordinance in areas that were designated for airfield construction, providing protection to the bulldozer operators by riding as an armed guard on the equipment and participating in patrols in Japanese held areas. After the war, Andre returned to Art School on the GI Bill. At 96 years old, he does not plan on slowing down! He was still downhill skiing two years ago and still belongs to a local biking club.Gilbert D. Nadeau – U.S Navy – 1944-1954 – Signalman 3rd Class Gil Nadeau served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific from 1944-1946. He served as a visual signalman aboard an LCS (L-45), which at that time stood for Landing Craft Support, and was part of the “Mighty Midgets.”He served in the Philippines, the invasion of Borneo and in Okinawa.His final combat mission was Okinawa, where he witnessed and survived devastating kamikaze attacks.
American Legion 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore meets with some of the Baypoint Staff
Tom Moore meets Gilbert Nadeau.
Happy Birthday U. S. Army June 14, 1775
Happy Birthday, ARMY. The U. S. Army flag was raised over the Post on June 1st by American Legion Post 365 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041 Life Member Raymond K. Johnson. Johnson, who is also the Post 365 Historian-elect offered the following tribute: On 14 June 1775, Congress “Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia… [and] as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.”
Vista Strawberry Festival – May 28, 2023
American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 sponsored a booth at the Vista Strawberry Festival on May 28th. Along with a Membership and Buddy Poppy Drive, Post 365 Service Officer Art Haeussler donated two bicycles (pink and blue) that were raffled off and made two kids very happy at the end of the day. Pictured here are Javier and Colleen Collazo manning the booth. A total of $400 in donations was collected during the festival.
(L-R) Newly Elected American Legion Commander Brad Sakemi, son Nolan, EBoard member Norm Linek, along with Tegan and Vaddin Butler enjoying the festival
Kim Butler and Nolan Sakemi getting ready for a ride on Bob Braman’s bike.
Sons of the American Legion members Samuel Moore and Nolan Sakemi handing out Buddy Poppies. They did a great job, collecting more than $400 from festival goers.
Legion Commander Brad Sakemi with wife Mandy and Eboard member Norm Linek. Norm has a knack for keeping close to good looking ladies….
Not apprehended. Samuel Moore and Nolan Sakemi meet with San Diego County Sheriff Deputies Galvan and Anderson.
American Legion Poppy Drive 2023
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #365 members got together earlier this week to begin the mail-out letter campaign for this year’s Poppy Drive. All the money contributed by members and the public for Poppies is used for veteran’s welfare, or for the well-being of their needy dependents and the orphans of veterans. Pictured (L-R-clockwise) Mandy, Monica, Karen, Kathleen, Kelly, Colleen and Margie. Send in your donation, or stop by the Club Room and make a donation. We thank you!!
John McCrae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields which inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance. In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote his now famous poem after seeing poppies growing in battle-scarred fields.
Derby Day at the Legion May 6, 2023
Janaya, getting ready to serve Mint Julips to all the Derby fans.
American Legion Auxiliary member, Colleen Collazo enjoying a pre-race beverage, and taking photos of the members and guests having fun at the Derby Days Party at Post 365
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 365 Commander Shaun Butler and wife Kim showing off their Derby Hats. Shaun was also the Burger “King” in the kitchen for all the hungry race fans.
Legion Auxiliary member Kathleen McDermed shows off her Derby Special hat. Now, that’s a HAT!!!
Legion & VFW Secretary/Treasurer Karen Bowman setting up her Derby Race table.
Karen Bowman teaching Nolan Sakemi how to play the horses.
THE BEST TRIFECTA IN TOWN!! – Karen Bowman, Debora Stangle, Mary Ann Maron – Win, Place & Show!
Veterans Organizations Mission22, Wounded Warriors Homes, and Freedom Dogs were on hand to help Veterans.
AL Riders Chapter 365 raffle booth. All proceeds went to their supported charities.
Cecelia LeBouve and Colleen Collazo setting up the silent auction table
VFW life member Mo Motier opened the kitchen and served breakfast burritos to all the Riders prior to the Run.
Riders 365 Director Tim Herington welcomes participants to the 9th Annual Darryl Malone Memorial Poker Run. At left, Jim Sliffe gave the invocation prayer prior to the start of the run.
General Meeting April 15, 2023
Commander Bret Olson conducts the 1st Nominations for the 2023-24 Officers. 2nd Nominations and Final Voting will take place on May 13th at the General Meeting. Please attend and vote or put your name in the running for one of the offices.
General Membership participates in the Nomination process.
The American Legion Auxiliary also held their 1st Nominations at the April meeting.
1st Vice Commander Tom Moore passes along information on membership renewals. If you have not paid this year membership it expires June 30 by law you are delinquent and your # of continuous years is in jeopardy. It becomes super hard to get back those years.
Service Officer Art Haeussler gives an update on several topics. Request you go to our web site and read full reports on what is happening in Congress on bills that affect each of us. Google scholarships are moving forward. Two applicates from post have begun their training. Reminder: get your DD-214 and put it were handy. Also get Will in order with Powers of: Finance, Health and your personal assets.
SAL Commander Shaun Butler announced the SAL will sponsor a Family Day event on June 3rd at the Post. Please come out and enjoy this event with other children and have them bring their parents, they will have fun also. More information will be available soon.
Happy Birthday, Mary Ann!!! April 8, 2023
Mary Ann Maron celebrated birthday #96 at the Post on Saturday April 8th, 2023. Mary Ann loves Lady Bugs, and gives her special creations to members and friends in celebration of their special days. She has been the VFW Auxiliary Chaplain for more than 20 years. Thanks, Mary Ann, for all the things you do here at Post 7041.
Legion Auxiliary Easter Egg Coloring and Dinner April 1, 2023
Thank You to Colleen Collazo for all the great photos!
Where will all these colors go, on the eggs or the kids?
John working on his Easter Eggs
Nolan and John showing off their Chocolate Easter Egg loot.
The kids had a great time playing all sorts of games.
Where’s Doug???
Our thanks to Karen Bowman who prepared a fantastic Spaghetti Dinner
The Easter Bunny, Mary Ann Marron, enjoying the afternoon with Kathleen McDermed and Doug Hill, who was on standby for the Pin The Tail On The Donkey contest.
The Spaghetti Dinner was a hit with this lady, who asked to be identified as “Cutie”
Legion Sergeant-at-Arms Alina Diaz and husband Dan, enjoying their dinner. Alina and Dan celebrate #22 later this month. Congratulations!
