A great New Year’s Eve Party this year. The dress was 80’s, and boy did we ever get some great outfits. DJ Frogman got things fired up with some great tracks. Thanks to everyone who made the evening a success.Elias and Elizabeth, Marisa and Joe, Javier and Colleen and friends. Paul Krueger in front. Rock On!!!
Frogman and Liz
Stoners…..
Allen thinks he’s still back there, so do many others….
Paul Krueger – or is it Van Halen?
Lots of party gifts.
Irma and Margie celebrating another great year. Ronnie’s Mom and friend are two wonderful ladies. Happy New Year “Girls!”
Karen Bowman and Cindy Skultety sharing the moment.
Frogman getting ready to play Auld Lang Syne. Guido checking to see what time it is in New York City. Countdown time.“Let’s see, is it 3 hours or 4 hours?”
American Legion Post 365 General Meeting December 20, 2025
Post 365 members attendance at meetings is one of the most important duties. We can’t provide support and events without your input.
Post 365 Commander Tom Moore presents a Letter of Appreciation to Auxiliary 365 President Colleen Collazo. The Certificate was from the City of Vista in appreciation for Colleen’s work in coordinating events in the Vista Annual Christmas Parade.
Service Officer Art Haeussler brings the membership up to date on Congressional activities relating to the military.
2nd Vice Edmund Arguello passes on information on upcoming events, including the New Years Eve Party and a Pre-Winter Olympics Formal Dinner.
1st Vice Javier Collazo drapes the Charter in memory of Carlos Sandoval a Post 365 and Riders 365 member who passed away recently.
Carlos Sandoval – US Air Force Retired Rest In Peace Dear Friend
Wreaths Across America December 13, 2025
Thank you to everyone who donated, supported, and participated in Wreaths Across America.This past weekend, American Legion Riders 365 participated in Wreaths Across America at Miramar National Cemetery.
But wreaths are only part of the tribute. Our heroes truly live on when we speak their names.
There is a saying: a person dies twice—once when they take their last breath, and again the last time their name is spoken.
Please, say their names. Keep their memory alive.
Never Forgotten
Honor The Fallen
Each visit was a reminder of the lives, service, and families behind the headstones.
Alongside fellow American Legion members from other Posts and clubs, we were all there for the same purpose, to honor and remember those who served.While there, we took quiet moments to visit and remember Ken “Casper” Cross, Brian “Devil” Rineberg, Robert “Grumpa” Murray, Mike Meoli, U.S. Navy SEAL and teammate, John and Joyce Benner, Paul Looney, Robert and Delorus La Bouve, and Clarence and Rose Marie Deckwa.We remember. We honor. We teach.American Legion Riders member Butch Rafferty “Overlooking a mass sea of lives lost without regret.” Photo submitted by Mike Stevenson
Bob Goldstein Remembrance Ceremony December 2, 2025
On Tuesday, December 2nd, Vista Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 7041 conducted a Memorial Service for Bob Goldstein. Bob was a long time, long suffering Padres fan, and whenever we met in the clubroom he and I had two things to say – depending on the outcome of the previous night’s game. If the Padres lost, Bob would say, “We Stink!” If the Padres had won I would say, “We’re going to the World Series.” Bob was a wonderful friend and he will be missed by everyone (especially on Opening Day next year. Go Padres!)John Keenan reads the eulogy for Bob Goldstein. John and Bob were good friends, and would spend hours in the Clubroom discussing their favorite baseball teams – the Mets and the Padres.
Past Commander Terry Moxley conducts the VFW Memorial Ceremony in remembrance of Bob Goldstein.
Bob Braman offers a bouquet of Red Roses, symbolizing the zeal of our departed comrade in upholding brotherhood, truth and justice, and for serving his country in time of need.
Chaplain Jose Flores places a wreath as a symbol of eternity. Its color bespeaks life everlasting, symbolizing, his deeds immortalized in the hearts of a grateful people.Past Commander Terry Moxley offers a final salute to Comrade Bob Goldstein.
The Monday Plus + Volunteer Chefs
Karen Bowman, Lyn Leahy, Lisa, Monica Camargo and Andrea Drew, our Chefs for Monday Night Dinner – and so many other kitchen duties.These Ladies constantly amaze us with their culinary creativity. Please stop by for a great meal on Monday and thank them. Thank you Ladies for all that you do to feed the hungry masses!
Thanksgiving 2025
A great Thanksgiving Dinner at the post. It all started with Karen Bowman spending 3 days cooking turkeys and getting them ready for all the hungry diners. Karen also provided all the photos for the event. Thanks, as always for this tireless, always there when you need her, wonderful lady!
The “Fry-Babies” took care of the Deep-Fried Turkeys.
It may look pretty sad, but underneath that crispy skin is a moist delicious turkey.
Getting things ready, a few of the ALL VOLUNTEER folks who make things go around here.
Some of the happy diners.
More volunteers, serving the members and guests who attended the Thanksgiving Dinner.
Margie and J.D. Ernst. Only one caption for this picture. “Finger Lickin’ Good!”.
Always a volunteer, always looking her best – Monica Camargo – and always with an apron and a big smile!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, from all the volunteer staff from the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, VFW Post 7041, and VFW Auxiliary Post 7041.
Thanksgiving Donations Camp Pendleton November 22, 2025
On Saturday, November 22nd, VFW Post 7041, along with several other local organizations, were present at the Camp Pendleton Commissary. The commissary allowed us to use almost the entire front sidewalks for the distribution. The lines extended all the way down and around the corner.
It was a full exhausting day but reached more than estimated!
All total we distributed 1000 Turkeys and meals.
Cookouts & Camaraderie Jeff Mendez and friend were joined by Buffalo Soldiers M/C of Oceanside members Duane ”Magic” Jackson and Clarence ‘Poowman’ Davis Jr. along VFW Post 7041 Art Haeussler.“It takes a village”, as the saying goes, and with the help of these great people, and many others, we helped make many Happy Thanksgivings in 2025.
Certificate of Appreciation November 15, 2025
Retired Navy Veteran, Past Post Commander, Service Officer, Executive Committee Member, and just about anything else you can think of, Art Haeussler is presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Post 365 Commander Tom Moore at the General Meeting on Saturday November 15th.
Marine Corps 250th Birthday November 10, 2025
American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 held their annual Marine Corps Birthday Party last Monday. This one was special as it marked the 250th year of the founding of the Corps. Photos and captions were provided in large part by Post Members’ Terry Moxley and Paul Krueger. We thank them for their time and effort.Terry Moxley calls the members and guests to order as the Birthday celebration begins.
Lyn Leahy cuts the first piece of cake.
Youngest Marine: Sergeant Dustin Barbossa , age 23 Oldest Marine: Marine Veteran David Johnson, age 94 Happy Birthday Marines!
Post 365 Commander Tom Moore reads General Lejeune’s message, a tradition since it was first read November 10, 1921. The message commemorates the Corps’ history and the distinguished service of past and present Marines, emphasizing a legacy of “military efficiency and soldierly virtue” that will continue to be upheld by future generations.
Vista Mayor John Franklin presents American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 a Proclamation making November 10, 2025 “United States Marine Corps Day” in the City of Vista.
Member and guests look on as the Commandant’s 2025 Birthday Message is presented.
More than 100 members and guests attended the event.
American Legion Riders held their annual fundraiser. Winner of the special prize this year was “Butch” Rafferty. Net profits from the fundraiser go towards Riders Charities.The winning ticket is held by Elias Rodriguez, Riders 365 DirectorThe final event of the day is ALWAYS “Chip” Dykes leading the singing of “The Marines’ Hymn”. The first verse is sung with gusto and the noise is deafening, but when “Chip” starts verse 2, there is a noticeable drop off in volume. During Verse 3 there is a lot of mumbling as the crowd tries to remember all the words. But that’s OK. One of these day’s we’ll get it right, “Chip”. I promise!
Post 365 Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat Kids Party – October 2025
The Post 365 Halloween Party had some great costumes this year. I’m sure you will recognize Mark Baca and Cynthia Skultety, Colleen and Javier Collazo and Post 365 Commander Tom Moore in the back row. In front there’s Karen Bowman, Jahneia, and at right are Monica Camargo and D.J. At the far left is Darth Vader, whose part time jobs include Post 365 Historian and Post 7041 Commander – real name – Paul Krueger! Saving the best for last: the gorgeous playboy bunny is Mandy Sakemi, and, yes, that’s her husband on the floor, Brad, working the Chippendale outfit. “Hands off, Bowman!”
Dena Krueger and Darth Vader (Paul Krueger)
May the Force be with you.
Dena and Paul Krueger along with Jahneia. Looks like Deana is working on that fantastic spaghetti dinner cooked up in Karen Bowman’s steaming cauldron. Thanks, Karen, for ALL you do! At the left is the Post 365 Court Jester – Javier Collazo. I make a motion that the role of Court Jester be made an official position in the Legion; and that Javier be nominated, elected, and accept the position for a term of life plus 10 years.
Post 365 Auxiliary President Colleen Collazo getting things ready.
Lots of goodies for the kids.
Some great costumes this year!This little girl said she doesn’t care for black cats, so she has a white one – less scary….
Certificate of Appreciation October 18, 2025
Mandy Sakemi, 1st Vice President of American Legion Post 365 Auxiliary was recently presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication to duty. Mandy assists in the Commanders Steak Night on Fridays, and thru her steadfast dedication learned the POS System, and all cashiering duties, which have made a huge difference in the operation of Steak Night. We thank her for her dedication to the Post, God and Country.
Happy Birthday U S Navy October 13, 2025
Happy Birthday to all our U.S. Navy members. The post celebrated the birthday during the Monday Night dinner.U S Navy Veteran Alina Diaz and Art Haeussler US Navy (Ret.), hand in hand, cut the first slice of cake. Sitting at their usual table, diners Larry and Nancy await their slice of cake.VFW Post 7041 Commander and Navy Veteran Paul Krueger provided the cake
Oktoberfest October 4,2025
Thanks to SAL Squadron 365 for a great Oktoberfest The food was great, the entertainment was even better. And the costumes, “Vundabar”! Special Thanks to Andrea Drew for the photos!
Cynthia Skultety and Mark Baca
How long can you hold a beer mug? Javier Collazo and Post 365 Commander Tom Moore give it a go.
Javier fades in the stretch…
And the winner is – Tom Moore. Now that’s a BEER!
The Yodelers – Riders 365 Director Elias Rodriguez, Mark Baca, and Post 365 Commander Tom Moore. Wish I had brought my earplugs. Not pictured in this photo was Kathleen Garcia, whose yodeling took a few coats of paint off the walls.
