VFW Post 7041, American Legion Post 365 and City of Vista Officials participated in Memorial Day Services at the Vista Civic Center. A special THANK YOU to JMB Designs for contributing the photos for this event. For more information on JMB Designs follow this link: https://business.vistachamber.org/list/member/jmb-designs-inc-9093
Vista High School JROTC cadets Color Guard
Cory Wickline plays TAPS
Thank you for your service. We salute you.
John Keenan gives a short history of Memorial Day and reads the Grand Army of the Republic’s 1868 Proclamation that established it.
Mayor John FranklinDeputy Mayor Dan O’DonnellCouncilmember Corinna ContrerasCouncilmember Katie MelendezCouncilmember Jeff FoxIn accordance with the VFW Ritual, Vista Post 7041 holds a public memorial service for their departed comrades every Memorial Day. Chaplain Jose Flores: Comrades, in commemorating the virtues of our departed heroes who served their country in time of need we now offer our symbolic tributes.Post 7041 Past Commander Bruce Mackamul: I place upon our sacred shrine these red flowers, which symbolize the zeal of our departed comrades in upholding brotherhood, truth and justice.Post 7041 Quartermaster Terry Moxley: These white flowers I place as a token of the purity of affection we have for our departed comrades.American Legion Post 365 Commander Tom Moore: The blue of our national standard symbolizes truth and fidelity. Therefore, I place these blue flowers from nature’s bosom in token of our sincere respect for all departed comrades.Post 7041 Auxiliary President Monica Camargo: I place upon our sacred shrine this wreath as a symbol of eternity. Its color bespeaks life everlasting. Thus, do we say that the deeds of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, on land, on sea and in the air, are immortalized in the hearts of a grateful people.Left to Right: Post 7041 Past Commander Bruce Mackamul, Post 365 Chaplain Jose Flores, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Veterans President Tom Keegan, Post 7041 Treasurer Terry Moxley, Post 365 Commander Tom Moore, Post7041 Auxiliary President Monica Camargo, Post 7041 Commander Paul Krueger, City of Vista Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Dan O’Donnell, Councilmember Corinna Contreras, Councilmember Katie Melendez, Councilmember Jeff Fox.Miss & Mr. Vista and Court.Route 78 Civitan International
Military Sunday Baseball June 7, 2026
SD Alliance (Post 365)
A great day for a baseball game. Post 365 Commander Tom Moore and daughter Dahlia attended a District 22 game between SD Alliance (Post 365) and United (Post 416). The D22 Summer League tournament continues.
Meanwhile—down the road at PETCO PARK…. VFW Post 7041 Past Commander Mo Motier and wife Jeannie took in a Padres/Mets game. Sitting down the left field line they watched a few home run balls fly into the left field stands (most of them were off the Mets bats).
And District 22 SAL Commander Shaun Butler and wife Kim watched the game out in right field. A great place to visit and honor our veterans on Military Sunday.
Rummage Sale at the Post
Kathleen McDermed, Mandy Sakemi, Monica Camargo and Collen Collazo all helped organize the Rummage Sale held recently at the Post. Looks like the girls are going to take home more than they brought. You know the old saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”.
While Mom and Dad are at the rummage sale, Nolan Sakemi and Samuel Moore shoot a little pool. No money on the table kids….
Past Post 365 Commander Brad Sakemi checking out the “stuff”. You’re gonna need a bigger rucksack, Brad…
Burial at Sea Ceremony June 3, 2026
Cory Wickline and Art Haeussler represented American Legion Post 365 & VFW Post 7041 at Oceanside Harbor for a burial at sea ceremony for a Navy Veteran and his family. Cory played Taps during the ceremony
Memorial Day May 25, 2026
VFW Post 7041 80th Birthday May 20, 2026
Come and get ‘em. And that mug of beer just makes it perfect.!The first cupcake went to “Ed”. Ed is 15 years older than VFW Post 7041. Do the math….
Legionnaire of the Year May 13, 2026
ALR 365 Director (2nd Term) Elias Rodriguez accepts the Legionnaire of the Year 2026 Award from Post 365 Commander Tom Moore. The award is in recognition for Elias’ outstanding leadership and service during the past year. In addition to devoting much of his time and resources to post events, Elias is on heck of a good Chef!
Supporting the Post
We are very fortunate to have the support of many organizations. Many of the local Motorcycle Clubs participate in and hold their own events at Post 365. Recently two clubs in particular, the Forgotten Sons and the Cucuy’s, have held events here. We thank them for their support.
Honor Flight Monday May 4, 2026
American Legion Riders participated in the Honor Flight return on May 4th. The mission of the Honor Flight is to celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.Seated at center is Medal of Honor recipient Captain Royce Williams USN (ret.)ALR365 Director Elias Rodriguez presents a check for $4,000.00 to the California Vet Veterans Home of Chula Vista at an event held in Santee recently.
Diamonds & Denim American Legion Baseball
District 22 American Legion Baseball is beginning its 8th season. The Summer League, with various teams from different organizations throughout San Diego County will begin the first weekend in June. To find out more on American Legion Baseball follow this link: https://www.ald22baseball.org/ American Legion Post 365 members attended the Denim & Diamonds event, kicking off the 2026 American Legion Baseball Season. Pictured here are (L-R) Kim and Patrick Burgrss, Liz and Elias Rodriguez, Post 365 Commander Tom Moore and Post 365 2nd Vice Commander Guido Arguello.
May The Fourth Be With You May 4, 2026
Derby Day @ The Legion May 2, 2026
Mark Baca really had a good day “at the track”. First, he buys the winning Raffle ticket and then wins the Booze Basket! I’ll have a Double, Bartender…Ray Johnson tries his luck and hits big. The other fellow wasn’t as lucky, but he got a Bargain Burger so the day was a success!!!
Cigar Night Thursday April 30, 2026
If you’re not sure what type of cigar you want, Chris White can point you in the right direction. Chris has a full array of smokes available. He brings a great selection to the event and will help you make a good choice.Cigar Night has become more than a get-together. What started out with a few guys enjoying a smoke out on the patio has become a full-fledged EVENT.
Great conversation, great smokes.
And it’s also wing night. Can’t beat that!
Riders 365 Poker Run April 25, 2026
Opening Ceremonies started with Jena Rock singing the National Anthem. Jena is from Alliant University in Scripps RanchThe family members of Carlos “Los” Sandoval receive a plaque and a Certificate of Dedication for Carlos.The recipients of donations by the Riders 365 were: Veterans Home of Chula Vista, Guardian Grange, Honor Flight San Diego,SEAL Family Foundation and North County Veterans Stand Down.The Silent Auction was a great success again this year.Liz Rodriguez and Honor Flight Director Dee Folse and his wife LeeAnn discuss the Honor Flight San Diego Program. For more info on this program click on this link: https://www.honorflightsandiego.org/Post 365 Finance Officer Patrick Burgess signing up new members.Riders 365 Director Elias Rodriguez and Post 365 Commander Tom Moore introduce our guests: Vista City Council members Jeff Fox, Dan O’Donnell and San Diego City Council member Marni von Wilpert.San Diego City Council member Marni von Wilpert talks about the Proclamation Day that the San Diego City Council award to Post 365 Riders for their support and commitment to those who have served. The Proclamation officially made April 25, 2026 “Daryl Malone Memorial Poker Run Day”.Past Riders 365 Director Joe Kuntz and his wife Melisa – and their dog “Roxy”.Long time friends Rick and Tracy Majoskey, members of Rider 365 rode down from Las Vegas to attend the event.The Bastard Sons kept the place rockin’
Always available at a Riders 365 event, a chance to get your bike washed.
Looks like he has a little bit of work ahead…
Frenchie and Bob served up some great food.Ray Johnson and Matt Foster. Matt has moved to Tennessee but made a special trip out here for the event. Matt is a member of VFW Post 7041 and a life member of MOC Pup Tent40. He is also the Director for the North County Veterans Stand Down. For more information on NCVSD click on this link: https://ncstanddown.org/
Riders 365 Proclamation Day April 25, 2026
Riders 365 and the San Diego City Council. Standing in the center of the group is Marni Von Wilpert holding the Proclamation Liz Rodriguez, San Diego Council Member Marni Von Wilpert, Riders 365 Director Elias Rodriguez, and Jeff Wilson who works on the Mayors Detail and at one time worked patrol together with Elias Rodriguez (SDPD, Ret.)San Diego City Council Member Marni Von Wilpert with members of American Legion Riders 365. Marni is sitting on Ray La Bouve’s (kneeling by front tire) bike. Born to Ride
General Meeting April 18, 2026
Eleanor Hutchins presents a thank you card to American Legion Post 365 Commander Tom Moore in recognition of the Post’s donation to the Annual Pancake Breakfast.Eleanor is active in many Vista Civic organizations as a community volunteer and is the Owner/Editor of the Vista Press. For more info visit https://www.thevistapress.com/
The Gold Glove Award was recently presented to Post 365 as the leading contributor in last years American Legion Baseball Tournament.Post 365 Historian Paul Krueger presents his history facts of events happening on April 18th. Paul Revere’s ride in 1775 (“Listen my children and you shall hear…..” H.W. Longfellow), Jimmy Doolittle’s WW II raid on Tokyo in 1942, and the 1988 Praying Mantis raid on Iran warships in 1988.
Post 365 Finance Officer Patrick Burgess accepting a Certificate of Appreciation from Post 365 Commander Tom Moore for his work in support of Post Activities.
1st Vice Commander Javier Collazo announcing that our Post has reached the 100% membership goal. Congratulations to Javier for his tireless work in keeping Alvin Myo Dunn Post 365 ahead of the pack statewide in Membership!!!
Service Officer Art Haeussler passing on valuable information regarding VA Benefits and several services available here at the Oceanside VA. See below.
Alan E. “Spike” Harvey – 1940-2026
Terry Moxley drapes the Charter for Alan “Spike” Harvey.Alan E. “Spike” Harvey passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 3, 2026, leaving a legacy of service, community, and family.Spike served as board member and president of the Vista Historical Society and volunteered at the local American Legion and the San Diego National Football Foundation. He was active at North Coast Church in Vista. Spike’s life was a testament to his values: hard work, dedication to community and hometown, and love of God and family above all else. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched in Vista and beyond. A memorial service to celebrate Spike’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, April 24th, at North Coast Church, located at 2405 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92084.In his memory, donations may be made to ministries at North Coast Church, Got Your Back San Diego, or the Vista Historical Society. Click here to Send Flowers to the family of Alan
Jog-A-Thon February 24, 2026
SAL Squadron 365 member Nolan Sakemi recently participated in the Monte Vista Elementary School Jog-A-Thon. The event was sponsored in part by American Legion Post 365 Auxiliary. Donations such as these support school programs and our local youth!
Happy Birthday, Chaplain Plank April 15, 2026
David Plank, the Post Chaplain for both American Legion Post 365 and VFW Post 7041 back in 2013-2015, celebrated his 99th Birthday recently. We wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more. Thank you again for all your help in the past years
Veterans History Project April 8, 2026
The Veterans History Project, now in its 2nd Year, offers an intimate look into the personal experiences, challenges and triumphs of Veterans from diverse backgrounds.Through these compelling narratives,the Project aims to foster a deeper appreciation for their contributions.A very proud Post 365 Commander Tom Moore with his Certificate from the Veterans History Project. No need to point him out, he is American Legion from head to toe!In attendance at the event in support of Commander Tom Moore, are SAL member Nolan Sakemi, his Dad, Jr. Past Commander Brad Sakemi, and Post 365 2nd Vice Commander Edmund “Guido” Arguello. Congratulations to Tom Moore for keeping Alvin Myo Dunn American Legion Post 365 “on the skyline”.
Easter Bunny April 5. 2026
Peter Cottontail hopped up the bunny trail from Encinitas Post 416 to deliver some Easter Eggs and gifts. That is one tall bunny, the ears can attest to that…
Wall of Honor Project April 2, 2026
Project Wall of Hero’s is 2 parts. First wall of granite plaques is going from the house patio door 40 ft by 7 ft tall to the Patio coner wood gate. The pictures here provide a general idea of the way the finished wall will look, but not exact; it will be more compact and have more surface space to apply plaques.
Aaron is looking for volunteers to help with this project. You can contact him at aaroncross621@gmail.com
