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.
