Paul Krueger holding the monthly Trivia Time event.
Hope he’s not “Double Dipping….”Trivia Time is becoming a big time event at the Post. Check the calendar for the next date. A great fun time!
Infantry Unit Leaders Course Award – March 20. 2026
Sgt Benjamin H. Putnam, ITB Bravo Co. was the Instructors Choice award recipient for the Infantry Small Unit Leaders Course.Seen here are: Putnam with the Award; Pat Burgess, Post 365 Finance Officer and Post 365 Commander Tom Moore.Gunnery Sergeant Gib Bolton, a member of Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 created the School of Infantry Class in 2022. The facility where the Course is held was recently named Bolton Hall, in honor of CWO4 Bolton. American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041, have been supporters of the Course since its inception in 2022.
Certificate of Appreciation March 21, 2026
Rick Batson receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Post 365 Commander Tom Moore. Rick has been dressing up the outside walls of the Post with images of the Post 365 Organizations and Groups who have participated in the Post Events.
Rick’s most recent addition is this image of Marine Riders Iwo Jima Chapter. The Riders donated funds and labor to resurface and stripe the parking lot and most recently upgraded the roof on the patio to waterproof it. As fate would have it, rain the very next day proved that the job was a complete success!
Post 365 Chili Cookoff March 21, 2026
A great turnout for the Chili Cookoff. The winners this year were: 1st Place – Lyn Leahy, 2nd Place Jon McDermed, and 3rd Place Lisa Rasberry.
American Legion Riders Chapter 365 March 20, 2026
Outgoing Riders 365 Director Nick Rota receives a plaque from 2025-26 Director Elias Rodriguez. From April 2024 to April 2025, Nick Rota stepped into the Director role and absolutely delivered. He navigated the position with grit, commitment, and heart — no small task in a role that demands time, leadership, and sacrifice. Nick didn’t just hold the title — he led. The kind of leadership that shows up, puts in the work, and leaves things better than they were. Thank you, Nick.
Please join us in welcoming our newest member to American Legion Riders Chapter 365 – Vista, California. Edmund Sanchez. We’re proud to have you on board, Edmund! Your commitment, camaraderie, and service mindset are exactly what this chapter is all about. From the road to the community, we ride with purpose—and we’re excited to have you riding alongside us. Welcome to the family, brother.
Post 365 St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2026
Post 365 held their Annual St. Patrick’s Day party on March 17th. Everyone dressed for the occasion.
Our kitchen staff made sure we all ate well.
A group of “ Leprechauns” celebrating. Karen Bowman shows off her Irish socks (with a little help from Kathleen)!
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” Lyn and Kevin Leahy (in foreground) and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s members. Lyn also did the corned beef!! Visit the Friendly Sons website at: https://friendlysonssd.org/
Marine Riders presentation March 15, 2026
On Sunday March 15th,the Marine Riders received plaque and Certificate of Appreciation for the contribution and work they did on our post. The work involved the repaving an striping of the parking lot and the renovation of the patio roof.Especially noted was Richard “Slammer” Gruber for his individual efforts. Accepting the plaque from Post 365 Commander Tom Moore is Johnny Magbanua. “Slammer” can be seen in the back row wearing a white ball cap and holding the Certificate of Appreciation.
The Marine Riders logo is one of several being painted on the walls of Alvin Myo Dunn American Legion Post 365. The artwork is being done by Rick Batson, a Post 365 and Riders member. Next time you visit, take a few moments to look at the images he has designed and painted on the post.
Poker Night February 28, 2026
How many cards do you want?
“I’ll play these.”
“It’s only chips.”
SHITE!
“I’m all in!”
A great day for everyone!Quit peeking.Shaun’s new favorite toy- an automatic card shuffler….
Come on out and welcome a hero home. March 26, 2026
Retired U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams, a proud member of VFW Post 3795 in San Marcos and American Legion Post 416 in Encinitas, was awarded the Medal of Honor last night during the State of the Union. Now 100 years old, Captain Williams earned our nation’s highest recognition for valor after facing seven enemy aircraft alone during the Korean War, shooting down four Soviet MiGs in one of the most extraordinary aerial battles in U.S. Navy history.
Today our post attended a great event. Rick Batson and Art Haeussler were on the red carpet with the marine detail for the arrival of Royce Williams.
Hundreds of veterans, family members and supporters welcomed home retired Navy Captain Royce Williams at Palomar Airport Thursday as he stepped off a White House private jet following one of the most historic weeks of his life.
A true heroes welcome.
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 365 Commander Jim Sliffe and several members of American Legion Riders 365 came out in large numbers to show honor at the arrival of Royce from Washington.A Great Day for our Post!
Elmer Royce Williams (born 4 April 1925) retired United States Navy (USN) naval aviator. He is known for his solo dogfight with seven Soviet pilots during the Korean War in 1952, which military experts have called “one of the greatest feats in aviation history”.Originally awarded the Silver Star in 1953 for his conduct during the dogfight, in 2023 he was given an upgrade to the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second highest decoration. In 2026, Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor. Williams is the last living Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War
Post 365 General Meeting February 21, 2026
Post 365 membership at the February meeting. Attendance has been very good recently. Please attend the meeting whenever you can. It’s your ideas and participation that makes things happen!Commander Tom Moore checking up on his “Wingman” Adjutant Mike Stevenson.Alina Diaz receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Commander Tom Moore for her work for organizing and administering the Oratorical Contest and Boys & Girls State delegate selection interviews.
Aaron Cross presents his vision of a Memorial Wall to the membership. Similar to the wall at Mount Soledad. He is looking for volunteers to help with the project.
Sketch of the Memorial Wall.
Post 365 Historian Paul Krueger gave us a history lesson in recognition of Presidents Day. All Presidents who served in the military: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Harrison, Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Filmore, Pierce, Buchanan (Private), Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt (only President to be AWARDED the Medal of Honor), Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Nixon, Gerald Ford, Carter, Regan, George H. W. Bush, George W. BushPast Historian and website minion Ray Johnson. “Hmmm, what’s this button for?”
Post 365 Oratorical Contest February 7, 2026
The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest challenges high school students to explore and understand the U.S. Constitution while developing confidence, leadership, and communication skills. The contest is an inspiring experience that restores faith in the future of our democracy. Contestants gain a deeper appreciationfor the Constitution and the responsibilities ofAmerican citizenship, while building integrity, advocacy skills, and respect for civic engagement.Post 365 Oratorical Chairperson Alina Diaz, with Jayden Galindo, winner of the 1st Prize at American Legion Post 365 Oratorical Contest Saturday January 25th Jayden is a student at Mission Vista High School in Oceanside.Jayden then won the 1st Prize at the District 22 Oratorical Contest on February 7th Jayden’s next stop will be the Area 5 contest at Post 595 in Perris, CA on Sunday 15 February at 1pm.
Remembering Maryann Marron February 8, 2026
Robert Burns Supper – January 31, 2026
Flag of Scotland National Motto: “No one provokes/attacks me with impunity”.Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns,was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide.
The first Burns supper in The Mother Club in Greenock was held on what was thought to be his birthday on 29 January 1802; in 1803 it was discovered from the Ayr parish records that the correct date was 25 January 1759.
The Burns Supper prepared by Karen Bowman and Kathleen, starts with a general welcome and announcements, followed with the Selkirk Grace.
After the grace comes the piping and cutting of the haggis. The piping was performed by Piper Stephanie Trudeau, seen here with Michael Garcia, Kathleen’s husband.“Address to a Haggis” was read by Derek Martin. At the end of the meal, a ‘Toast to the Lassies’, was read by Kathleen GarciaMembers of the event wearing their kilts . The Tartan pattern represents the clan or region that family is from.The event concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”, the most famous of all poems written by Burns.
Post 365 General Meeting January 17, 2026
Post 365 Historian Paul Krueger gave a short history of the beginning of Desert Storm that occurred on this date (January 17th) 25 years ago. What started as Desert Shield became Desert Storm and eventually would be referred to as The Gulf War.
Joe Kuntz, Post 365 and Riders 365 member was there on that fateful day and posted this. Joe was Desert Storm.
Post Commander Tom Moore discussed several upcoming events including the free movie and Swimnar next month.Commander Tom Moore presents Post Adjutant “Mad” Mike Stevenson with a Certificate of Appreciation for his continued hard work and dedication to duty as the Post Adjutant. And with Tom announcing that he will again throw his hat into the ring for next year’s Commander, Mike looks forward to another year in the trenches…
Carlos Sandoval Memorial Ride January 2, 2026
Carlos “Los” Sandoval was honored with a memorial ride and service attended by members of ALR 365, Combat Vets, the Patriot Guard, and supporting ALR chapters. Approximately 12 members from ALR 365 were present, providing a steady and respectful presence throughout the ride and service. The ALR Area 5 Vice Director also attended, riding in with his wife as passenger, showing support for Los’s family and the riders in attendance.The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association stepped up in a strong and dependable way and were a solid presence throughout the day. The Patriot Guard Riders assisted with professionalism and respect, helping establish order, provide a proper flag line, and support both the procession and the service at Miramar. Several members from ALR 460 were also present and stepped up to support the memorial. At the request of Los’s sister, Yvonne Sandoval, Los’s motorcycle was used for one final ride to the memorial service, with his urn placed in the right saddlebag. She rode as passenger with the ALR 365 Director for that final ride with her brother..Ride Captain Tim led the procession, which included approximately 23 motorcycles and several support vehicles. The coordination and cooperation among all involved allowed the focus to remain where it belonged, honoring Los and supporting his family. The day was handled with dignity and respect, and the support shown by everyone who attended did not go unnoticed.
