The Post Building has undergone several changes since we opened in 2010.For many years and a few coats of paint, the beige color looked nice, but, lacked that little bit of class that was missing. Well, thanks to Rick Batson, the addition of the seals for all our organizations has really helped the post to stand out for all to see.
In 2024 Rick started with the VFW and American Legion seals.In 2024 and 2025 he added the Legion “Be The One” and the Auxiliary and SONS seals.
Last week Rick added the Legion Riders logo.
Not to be overlooked, Larry and Nancy Gosnell have planted trees and plants by the outdoor stage, cleaning up an area that was truly an eyesore. Now, you’ll see Nancy out there watering and weeding on a regular basis. We thank all our volunteers for all their help.
Post 365 General Meeting June 21, 2025
Post 365 General Meeting June 21, 2025
Post 365 Historian Paul Krueger. His historical presentation for this meeting included significant events that have occurred on this date. The most important being the creation of the Veterans Administration.
The Veterans Administration was created by Executive Order 5398, signed by President Herbert Hoover on June 21, 1930. At that time, there were 54 hospitals, 4.7 million living Veterans, and 31,600 employees.
American Legion Post 365 and SAL Squadron 365 held their Installation for 2025-26 Incoming Officers at the General Meeting on Saturday June 21st. Conducting the ceremony was Installing Officer Christopher Yates, Past District 22 and Post 365 Commander.Outgoing Commander Brad Sakemi passes the American Legion Colors to Incoming Commander Tom Moore.
Outgoing Post 365 Commander Brad Sakemi passes the Gavel to Post 365 Commander Tom Moore.
Commander Tom Moore presents Jr. Past Commander Brad Sakemi with a plaque in recognition of his service as Commander for the past 2 years.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 365 Officers. L-R: Sgt-at-Arms Lyn Leahy, 2nd Vice Kathleen McDermed, 1st Vice Mandy Sakemi, President Colleen Collazo.Not present:Secretary/Treasurer – Karen Bowman, Historian – Marge Ernst, Chaplain – Monica CamargoAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit 365 President Colleen Collazo accepts the Gavel from Auxiliary Installing Officer Lois Cornish.Auxiliary Installing Officer Lois Cornish reads the Oath of Acceptance to the 2025-26 Auxiliary 365 Incoming Officers. Lois assured the membership that those officers not present for the installation were still eligible as they were re-elected and had already sworn the oath of acceptance previously.
VFW Commander Terry Moxley and VFW Auxiliary President Monica Camargo present 4-year Sunday Breakfast Volunteer Ethan Clark with College send-off checks.
SAL Squadron 365 Charter Dedication – June 11, 2025
Shaun Butler, Past Commander of SAL Squadron 365 and current Commander of District 22 SAL tells the history of the SAL Squadron 365 Charter that went missing in 2010 during the move from the old American Legion Post 365 building to our new home at 1234 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista.
The new charter, after more than 10 years of a fruitless search and then a request to District and National Headquarters for a replacement, is placed with the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Charters by SAL District 22 Commander Shaun Butler.
Signatures of those who attended the ceremony will be placed behind the charter. Some historian years down the road will have a great topic for discussion!
SONS of the American Legion Squadron 365 Charter. Home At Last!
Memorial Day Ceremony – May 26, 2025
On Memorial Day American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 conducted their Annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony at the Vista Civic Center. Thank You to Mandy Sakemi for the photos!
Post 365 Commander Brad Sakemi looks on as Scouts from Vista Troop 709 present the colors.
Post 365 and Post 7041 and their Auxiliaries participated in the event. Pictured (L-R): VFW Post 7041 Quartermaster Terry Moxley, VFW Auxiliary President Monica Camargo, Post 365 Commander Brad Sakemi (with son Nolan), Post 365 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore, Vista Mayor John Franklin, Post 7041 Commander Paul Krueger, Post 7041 Jr. Vice Commander Bruce Mackamul, VFW members John Keenan and Spike Harvey.
Vista Historical Society Ceremony – May 17, 2025
Terry Moxley, American Legion Post 365, VFW Post 7041 and MOC Pup Tent 40 member was inducted into the Vista Hall of Fame at a ceremony held Saturday. Terry has held several offices in both Posts, including Commander, Finance Officer and volunteers for kitchen duty 2 or 3 times a month along with friend “Spike” Harvey. He joins the Honor Roll along with Spike (2023) , Eleanor Hutchins (2018), and Congressman Darrell Issa (2019) and many others for his contributions to the Historical Society and to the City of Vista. Above: Vista Press Editor Eleanor Hutchins addresses the audience at the Vista Historical Society Induction Ceremony for Terry Moxley.Terry Moxley speaking to guests at his Induction Ceremony. At left are Eleanor Hutchins and T. R. Robinson.Terry Moxley and wife Michele Moxley.
American Legion Department of California Fund Raising Dinner – May 2025
Post 365 Finance Officer Patrick Burgess, American Legion Post 365 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore and Post 365 Commander Brad Sakemi at the Fundraising Dinner. Proceeds from the dinner help to support all American Legion programs throughout the state. If you would like to make a donation click on this link https://vistapost.org/?page_id=93 or you can bring or mail a check to the Post at 1234 South Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA 92084. If you have a specific program in mind, be sure to annotate that on your check. Thank You.
Small Unit Leaders Course Graduation – May 9, 2025
Post 365 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore presents the award to Advanced Infantry Training Battalion (AITB) Infantry Instructor’s Choice Award recipient, Sgt David P. Ivers at a ceremony held on Camp Pendleton.
American Legion Post 365 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore, Sgt David P. Ivers, and Retired United States Marine Chief Warrant Officer Gilbert Bolton. Gunner Bolton is a member of Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 and originated the award in 2022. Both the Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 have contributed to the program over the years.
Infantry Instructor Award
Honor Flight Return April 27, 2025
Thank You to SAL Squadron 365 for organizing a great WELCOME HOME event for the Honor Flight this year.
American Legion Post 365 Service Officer Art Haeussler is greeted by his wife MaryAnn upon his return from the Honor Flight from Washington D.C.
WELCOME HOME VETERANS!!!
SAL Squadron 365 Commander Shaun Butler and wife Kim
This years Honor Flight return was attended by the largest group of retirees and supporters since its inception. Thank you all for your support!
SAL Squadron 365 Commander Shaun Butler; Past SAL State Commander Jeff Flynt and Bruce Way, both members of SAL Squadron 149
Norm Linek, Joe Heard and Kim Butler
SAL Squadron 365 member Samuel Moore, Javier Collazo, Legion 1st Vice Commander Tom Moore & Dahlia, Riders 365 member Jim Sliffe, Butch Rafferty, Mark Baca, Bob Braman, Nick Rota, Steve Kuhn, Rick Batson, and Smitty.
Thumbs Up! Mark Baca
Steve Kuhn waves “Old Glory” for the returning veterans.
Welcome Home!
Joe Heard, 95 year old Korean War and Vietnam Veteran, and Kim Butler, wife of SAL Squadron 365 Commander Shaun Butler.
Smitty and Steve Kuhn Waiting for the plane…Where is our luggage?
American Legion Service Officer Art Haeussler, US Navy Retired, took this photo when he was in Washington D. C. as a member of the Honor Flight. A testament to the brotherhood of Navy and Marine Corps! Thank you Art.
General Meeting April 19, 2025
Commander Brad Sakemi announces the opening of Officer 1st nominations for the coming year. 2nd Nominations and voting will take place at the General Meeting in May.
Past President of the American Legion Unit 365 Auxiliary Judy Leonardi announces the beginning of the American Legion Baseball Season. The Post voted and approved a donation of $3,500.00 to American Legion Baseball. A Grand Slam Homerun!!!
Post Historian Paul Krueger addresses the membership with a history of events that occurred on this date. The main topic was “The Shot Heard ‘round The World”, April 19, 1775 – beginning of the American Revolution with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, an eight year conflict between American Colonists and the British Army.
1st Vice Commander Tom Moore updated the membership drive. He has notified several members via email and regular mail of dues. Membership stands at 88.86%. If you have not paid your dues, please stop by and pay up, or go to the website and do it there. Thank You.
Service Officer Art Haeussler reported 9 new cases were submitted. Also, he reported that due to the present shake-up in Washington you need to be careful of what you do on the national website, it is a little confusing at the moment. Art will be busy this weekend. He is a member of the Honor Flight going to Washington. Thank you for your US Navy and Vietnam service Art!!
