A great party this year. Thanks to all who participated
Great Dinner prepared by Legion Auxiliary
Raffle Baskets with proceeds going to Auxiliary Charities
Out on the Patio, as usual, getting ready to fire up a cigar…
Karen Bowman who prepared the Halloween Menu, Larry’s Famous Sicilian Meat Sauce and Garlic Bread. Thanks, Karen – for all you do.
Melisa and Joe Kuntz. Joe didn’t want to dress up this year….
Captain & Tennille “Love Will Keep Us Together” – Cynthia Skultety and Fred Costa
Javier and Colleen Collazo jumped on a broom and flew in from Okinawa to join in the celebration. This photo was taken a few years ago – Javy hasn’t changed a bit…. WELCOME HOME!!!!
Knife Sharpening Event October 28, 2022
Micah Pruett, who owns American Edge Sharpening Service, works on one of the many knives and other cutting tools that were brought to the Post for sharpening.
On Site Tool sharpening van parked at the American Legion on Friday. People who brought their knives in for sharpening were able to “take off the edge” in the Club Room during Happy Hour while Micah “put the edge back on” their knives.
A busy afternoon, knives waiting to get sharpened. If you would like to contact Micah call (760) 518-6846 or email americanedgess@gmail.com
American Legion Post 365 General Meeting October 15, 2022
Post 365 Commander Bet Olson presents a check to SSgt Brown, an instructor at the Combat Instructor School at Camp Pendleton. With them is CWO Gib Bolton. The donation will be used for four (4) Awards (see Inset) presented to each of the top students in the Combat Instructors Course during the next year. The course is conducted at Camp Pendleton and Yuma, AZ. At the conclusion of the course the Marines are given the MOS 0365 (an appropriate number as we are Post 365…) OoohRah!
Post 365 Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer Karen Bowman kicks off the Annual Wreaths Across America Campaign. Donation forms are available in the Club Room. The donations purchase wreaths that will be placed at both Fort Rosecrans and Mira Mar Cemeteries in December.
Post 365 Chaplain Mary Ann Marron reads a poem, “The New Colossus,” the 1883 poem written by American Emma Lazarus. Auxiliary President Judy Leonardi and Secretary Karen Bowman are in the background.
Service Officer Art Haeussler gives an update on several topics including upcoming changes to Express Scripts medications, increase in our COLA (8.7%!), Filing claims with the VA, the Disparity Act and Suicide Prevention. More information can be obtained by contacting Art at the Legion or via his email – alr365art@gmail.comNorth San Diego Young Marines – Executive Officer Tim Killion, Sergeant James Calderon, Post Commander Bret Olson and GySgt Rei Killion. The two Young Marines gave a short presentation describing the goals of the training conducted. Commander Olson presented the Young Marines a check for $700.00.
Happy Birthday Navy!!! 247 and going Strong!
To all our Navy members. Happy 247th Birthday
Up On The Roof….October 13, 2022
No, that’s not The Drifters “Up On The Roof”, it’s Pierr, Javier and Sergio from Pivotal Roofing.
The American Legion and VFW joined forces (and wallets) once again, and finally got started on the long needed roof repairs.
After completely stripping all the old tiles, tarpaper and old patchwork repair work, Pierr says we will be waterproof soon.
Still lots of work to be done, but the number one project everyone wanted is finally underway. If you would like to help with the project, stop by and see the Club Room Manager. All contributions are greatly appreciated.
Old tiles removed and sealer applied…
New shingles – NO LEAKS!!!
VFW Post 7041 General Meeting – October 2022
L: Commander Moxley opens the October meeting; R: Jr. Vice Commander Mike Gervais gives an update on the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Programs. Interesting note – Walter Cronkite and Condoleezza Rice were both participants in these programs.
CWO Gib Bolton speaks to the membership about the Combat Instructor School Course at Camp Pendleton. At the conclusion of his presentation a motion was made and passed to donate $192.00 for four trophies that will be awarded at the conclusion of each class to the Marine who finishes at the top of the class.
Service Officer Art Haeussler speaks to the membership about an increase in fraudulent VA Claims, funding for local Veterans Centers and Suicide Prevention.
Commander Moxley listens as Quartermaster Mo Motier gives the financial report. Motions were made and passed for donations to the Combat Instructors Course and to the Annual Wreaths Across America Campaign. He reminded all that there is a $50.00 incentive to all those who apply for Life Membership in the VFW. Additionally, Mo told us that the long-awaited, much-needed repairs to the Post roof will begin on Monday! Honored Guests at our meeting: VFW Auxiliary members Sheila Jo-Toor Snyder – District 1 President; Diana Kulhanek – District 1 Senior Vice President; Mary Vannoy – Conductress. At the right are VFW 7041 Auxiliary President Monica Camargo and Auxiliary Treasurer/Secretary Karen Bowman
Santa Maria Bar-B-Q October 8, 2022
During the Bar-B-Q, American Legion Post 365, VFW Post 7041 & MOC Pup Tent 40 all donated $500.00 each to the Miss Valley Center Queen and Court Scholarship FundMo Motier getting the Tri-Tip ready. Absolutely the best Bar-B-Q in town.
Mo Motier and Haywood Bagley checking out the “Q” and music.
Live music by Ed Burrnett and good Bar-B-Q? What more can you ask for?
Shelby and Kendall with Heidi, winner of the 50/50 drawing ($130.00)
Bret Olson, Post Commander enjoying a good cigar along with his Bar-B-Q
Princesses of the Miss Valley Center Pageant, Kendall Bechtold and Shelby Rattray with American Legion & VFW Member Dan Canright. Kendall is Dan’s Great Granddaughter
Shelby and Kendall collected $48.00 in Buddy Poppy donations
Happy guests at the Post
Past Commander Steve Miller enjoying the meal
Municipal Court Reunion October 1, 2022
The Entrance to the North County Municipal Court (now Superior Court). The façade sculpture is the work of renowned artist James Hubbell. Inside to the left were the Municipal Court Criminal, Small Claims and Traffic Departments.
Karon Callahan opens a gift from Kay Johnson. A crystal miniature of Snoopy (Karon’s nickname is Woodstock).
Karon showing her gift to Cindy Price, Sonia Castro and Susan Smith
Commissioner Tony Brandenburg digging in to his Cheeseburger and Commissioner Dan Ornelas and wife look on.
Ginger Lane and Pam Albergo
John and Connie Gonzales with Susan Smith in background and Karen Derwin
Marjorie Johnson, Ray Johnson (no relation), Ginger Lane and Donna Valdez
Judge David Ryan and wife, Martha, talking with Commissioner Dan Ornelas
Martha (Nares) Paredes, Frances Castro and Laura (Parra) Lomeli
The Marshals
Lining up for the best Cheeseburger in town. The Sons of the American Legion Commander Shaun Butler, Keith Alger, Dean Bednar, and Tegan Butler did all the cooking. They had a great time and thank all of you for the tips!
Martha Paredes and Martha Baker
Gil Brecht, Cindy Price, Laura Lomeli, Steve Hicks
Martha Baker shows off the Reunion Cake. It didn’t last long
Martha Paredes, Laura Lomeli and Ray Johnson
Marshals Cliff Priest and Rod Reichter At right: Daryl Leapard and Henry Ruczewski
(L) Judge David Ryan and wife Martha, (Center) Laura Lomeli, (R) Judge Dana Sabraw and wife Summer Stephan – who is also the District Attorney for San Diego.
Kay Storm
Marshals Bill Thomas, Kirk Gossett, Chris Mata and Bob Wilson.
Tom and Pam Albergo
Kathleen DeForge and Kathy Engelhart
Michelle Cagle
Don and Martha Baker. The Marshal’s Department and the Municipal Court are lucky
Martha Paredes, Kay Storm, Martha Allen, Laura Lomeli (Front), Linda Mitchell, Karon Callahan
L-R: Commissioner Tony Brandenburg, Martha Allen, Linda Mitchell, Karon Callahan, Kay Storm and Commissioner Dan Ornelas
American Legion Post 365 General Meeting September 17, 2022
MEMBERSHIP – MEMBERSHIP – MEMBERSHIP. At the General Meeting, 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore speaks about Membership. If your membership card has 2022 on it, it’s time to RENEW. You can go online or stop by the post and ask for a renewal form.
North County Veterans Stand Down. We need volunteers. Go to the website or call the number on the above poster.
Riders365 Director Tim Herington presents a check for $2,500.00 to Matt Foster, Chairman (NCVSD), for the North County Veterans Stand Down which will take place in October.
Assistant Sgt.-at-Arms Alina Diaz and EBoard Member Rick Batson drape the Post Charter for Thomas Morton who passed away recently. Tom was a life member of both American Legion Post 365 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041.
Chili Cookoff September 17, 2022
Awards for the Chili Cookoff sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 365
American Legion Post 365 Chili Cook-Off, on Saturday, September 17th. 16 Cookers participated in the cook-off. Winners for the Chili Cook-Off were: 1st Chuck Giacalone, AKA Chop 460, 2nd Mandy Sakemi, 3rd Andrea Drews, 4th Cheryl & Jack BohmAlso, at the Chili cook-off the Vista Boys and Girls Club were given 10 youth bicycles generously donated by Bishop Fox Cyberware. L-R: Bishop Fox Reps, Shannon Rogers, Sr HR Manager; Denise Cato HR Coordinator; Amber Council Business Development Rep.; American Legion Art Haeussler; Sierra Lorado, Vista Boys & Girls Club Volunteer Coordinator; Diana Ortiz, Vista Magnet Site Coordinator
Celebration of Life for Thomas A. Morton – September 11, 2022
VFW Post 7041 conducted a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Life Member Tom Morton.
Prior to the Celebration of Life, VFW Chaplain Jose Flores asks for a Moment of Silence in remembrance of those who perished on 9/11.
Dennis Morton, Tom’s brother thanks everyone for their friendship and love for his brother.
Art Haeussler, Post 365 Service Officer, remembers Tom and a friend and a person who contributed so much to so many during his life.
Joe Patton remembers Tom as a friend and fellow Sheriff during their years with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Chuck Potter and Tom Morton worked together in 1972 as MP’s at Camp Pendleton. Chuck and Tom spent many nights on foot patrol in downtown Oceanside making sure the young Marines enjoyed their liberty and kept out of trouble.
American Legion Post 365 Past Commander Chris Yates leads the audience in the singing of The Marine’s Hymn. Chris was the one who invited Tom to bring his Carl’s Refugees to the Post back in 2010 and started the Carl’s Corner section in the Club Room.
Ray Johnson tells of his first meeting with Tom and their years at Carl’s Tavern, The American Legion, and the history of Carl’s Corner at the Post. A short video presentation of Tom’s contributions was shown.After moving to Vista in 2001, I sought the “neighborhood” watering hole. There was this nondescript building next to the Primo parking lot. It wasn’t pretty, bore little adornment (Carl’s sign) and did not look particularly welcoming. Upon asking – I was informed that it was a Marine bar. I thought that wasn’t a place for me and never entered the premises. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER! Moving along, I settled at the Turf Room in the Vista Entertainment Center. It was dark, worn down and needing a lot of work. In my experience – a typical Buffalo dive bar. The beer was cold (and cheap), the staff friendly and had enough eye candy to keep an old man amused. Then one week – my oasis was invaded. A semi rowdy crowd of older gentlemen started showing up at Happy Hour. They weren’t bowlers but could hold their own on the barley sandwiches and were mostly a polite bunch. They were Refugees – somewhat like Moses wandering the desert – but they were looking for a different kind of spirituality. This Band of Comrades had their leaders. One was Tom Morton. A 0311 grunt – Tom had lived a multifaceted life and had stories that ran through the whole-time stream. I learned much about the Devil Dogs from him. He also radiated piety, courage, patriotism and strength of character. And then there was that strange devotion to a silver Honda. Tom – I am a better person for knowing you. Your time on Earth was honorable as I know will be your standing at Post Eternal. Semper Fi Marine!Bob (Buffalo Bob) LambThe Morton familyThe “Carl’s Refugees” gather in the Carl’s Corner of the Club Room.My wife, Kay, and I met Brad and Mandy Sakemi at the Tom Morton Celebration of life last Sunday. They told us a story about Tom meeting their son, Nolan, a few months ago. At the time Nolan was wearing his SAL cover and Tom was impressed with the youngster. He stopped and spoke with him for a few minutes and before leaving gave Nolan a VFW/Legion Challenge Coin and a Beer Chip. He told Nolan that when he was of age to have a cold beer he was to use the chip to buy his first drink, and Tom told him to tell the bartender, “This beer was bought for me by a U.S. Marine”. So, mark your calendars, in 2038 join Nolan in the Club Room for a cold Miller Lite. See you there.
Post Cleanup – September 11, 2022
Last Sunday members of American Legion Riders Chapter 365 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 365 got together and cleaned up all around the post.
Palm trees got a much-needed trimming, bushes were pruned and a lot of mulch was spread around the open spaces.
The area around the stage was cleaned up and additional signs were added.
The Cactus at the entrance to the post got a good trimming.
Thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time and effort for all their good work.
Can anyone help Jim Sliffe find his rake???
VFW Post 7041 General Meeting September 10, 2022
LEFT: Adjutant Mark Storsteen takes minutes as Commander Terry Moxley holds Officers roll call. RIGHT: Mike Gervais gives the membership an update on our participation in the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen programs and information on how to become a “Legacy Life Member”.
Chaplain Jose Flores drapes the Charter for Life Member Tom Morton who passed away recently.
Chaplain Jose Flores reads a prayer for Tom Morton. Tom was a life member of both the VFW and American Legion and was the current Chaplain for American Legion Post 365.
Service Officer Art Haeussler updates the membership on the recently passed PACT Act.
VFW District 1 Commander John Lewis is welcomed by Post Commander Terry Moxley
VFW District 1 Commander John Lewis. John is a member of VFW Post 7420 and as District 1 Commander he oversees 27 posts in the Southern California Area. At our meeting he updated us on the District website, the importance of MEMBERSHIP, the upcoming POW/MIA Ceremony on the USS Midway, the Annual Honor Flight, and the District Meeting to be held in Fallbrook on November 6th. At left, Adjutant Mark Storsteen feverishly tries to keep up with the District Commander,
Labor Day Party September 5, 2022
Monica Camargo serving up some great Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The food was great – Mo Motier makes the best pulled pork in the County!!
Karen Bowman supervises the Great Horse Race Event
Doug Hill – still looking for a winner… It was a great day at the Post – and the Air conditioning helped make it a fun -COOL Day for everyone.
American Legion General Meeting August 20, 2022
American Legion Post 365 and Auxiliary Unit#365 held their General Meetings on Saturday. We encourage you to attend these meetings, held every 3rd Saturday of the month. We need your input to help guide our post and to make it a place to visit and enjoy the camaraderie with your fellow servicemen and women.During the General Meeting on Saturday, Past Historian Ray Johnson gave a presentation in honor of National Navajo Code Talkers Day (August 14, 2022). The photo above was donated to the Legion by member Ron Hoffman and was included in the video that was part of the presentation. If you would like to see the video, it is available on YouTube under the Title, “Tribute to Navajo Code Talkers” on the American Legion 365 YouTube page. Scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the YouTube link.
VFW Post 7041 General Meeting August 13, 2022
VFW Post 7041 held its General Meeting on Saturday August 13th. A good turnout by the membership. If you are a member and would like to participate, just show up on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM (Bring your current membership card).
Honor Flight
Tom Morton (in foreground)
At the General Meeting of VFW Post 7041 on Saturday August 13, 2022, Tom Morton, Life Member and Viet Nam War Era veteran announced that he has applied for the 2023 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He will participate in the program next year. Honor Flight San Diego (HFSD) is a non-profit branch of the nationwide Honor Flight Network which consists of over 130 independent “hubs” across America. HFSD escorts veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials using monies donated by individuals, foundations, associations, business owners and corporations who wish to recognize our veterans’ contributions and thank them for their service and sacrifice to the United States and its citizens.
