Jan - Post 77

Yolo Post 77
Woodland, California January - February 2009
(530) 662-9772
www.yolopost77.com
NEW AWARDS BESTOWED ON POST 77
FOR AMERICANISM ACTIVITIES AND
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Auxiliary supports heroes in iraq
The American Legion National Americanism Commission
in November awarded Post 77 the National Americanism
Citation for Outstanding Service to the community for 20072008.
At our November 25th membership meeting, Post 77
was presented the award for the “Best Overall Children and
Youth Program” in Area 1 of the State American Legion from
Area 1 Children and Youth Committee Chair Janet Hooper.
Post 77 received this honor over 96 other Posts in Area 1.
Dave Isbell, Post Commander
The Post 77 Auxiliary has sent Christmas packages to all
these Marines in Iraq. Left to right are: LCPL Joe Bolinger,
SGT Kurtis Griffis, SGT Joe Zimmerman, SGT Jason
Anderson, Sgt Chad Beckerleg, and LCPL Mike Gilbrith,
members of the Marines First Recon Division, Marines
special forces. They are in the field working out of a remote
base in Iraq from Nov. 8th to sometime in February. It is
their second tour of duty in Iraq.
Sgt Griffis, born in Woodland and grandson of Post
member Bud Emmerson, said: We received the Auxiliary’s
shipment to us. The gifts were shared with everyone in the
unit. They loved them. It is nice to be remembered. Thanks
so much to you all.
From the Post 77 Auxiliary: “Marines, we salute you for
your bravery and service to America.”
NEW U.S. LAW AUTHORIZES
VETERANS’ SALUTES DURING
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Veterans can now render the military-style hand salute
during the playing of the National Anthem, according to
recent changes in federal law. Last year, Congress authorized
veterans to use the military-style hand salute during the
raising, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. This year’s law
extends that to the National Anthem.
Dave Kauderer, Post Judge Advocate
READY FOR A WONDERFUL DINNER?
ANNUAL ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BASEBALL
CRAB AND SHRIMP FEED IS JAN.
Newspaper articles about the Post 77 baseball team were
regularly seen in the Woodland Daily Democrat, the Davis
Enterprise and the Sacramento Bee during the last baseball
season. Most of the money to pay for the expenses of the Post
baseball program came from profits made from the annual
Shrimp and Crab Feed. Another successful crab and shrimp
dinner will allow Post 77 to continue its baseball program.
So please join us to help attain that important goal.
This year’s fun dinner event will be Saturday, January
24, 6 p.m. in Waite Hall at the Yolo County Fairgrounds. All-you-can-eat crab, shrimp, salad, French bread and wine
is $37.50.
Those who would be willing to assist serving at the
dinner, please call Vince Olvera at 530-668-4517 or 8671543.
Frank Eakle, Athletic Committee Manager
Dave Isbell, Commander
Edward Trautt, 1st Vice Commander
Albert Castillo, 2nd Vice Commander
Gary Leach, Adjutant
Corbin Smith, Assistant Adjutant
Warren Meyer, Financial Officer
Steve Waldeck, Treasurer
Vince Olvera, Sergeant-at-Arms
Gil Garcia, Chaplain
Zeke Plocher, Service Officer
Frank Eakle, Athletic Committee Chair
Larry Schapiro, Historian
Homer Swigert, Executive Committee
Ray Redmill, Executive Committee
Dave Kauderer, Judge Advocate
William Allardice, Legislative Advocate
Event Calendars
MISCELLANEOUS GOINGS-ON
Our friends at the Woodland Lodge of the Elks have graciously
donated $250 to Yolo Post 77. In a letter from Exalted Ruler
Bruce Newman, he conveyed to Post 77 members: “This is in
recognition of the great work you are doing for our Veterans. We
as Elks believe that ‘so long as there are veterans, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”…. The
ever-generous Sir Speedy Printing, on W. Main St. in Woodland,
has again printed and donated the hundreds of programs needed
for the Post’s Veterans Day event. We salute them…. Eighteen
of Post 77’s Past Commanders meet for a fundraising dinner on
Dec. 5th. Funds were raised to pay American Legion dues for
Post members who can no longer afford to pay them. Pete Peters
and Ron Gee were the senior Past Commanders in attendance….
For the 44th year, the Post 77 Color Guard has led the Woodland
Christmas Parade. Marchers this year, who garnered the Post
a third place award, were Dave Koscis, Dan Cameron, Vince
Olvera, Marty Bernavage, Frank Lucchesi, Albert Castillo, and
Dave Isbell. Additionally, the Post has provided, this year and
for decades before, the chairs and tables used by the Woodland
Parade Committee…. American Legion Area 1 Commander
Mike Hooper visited with us at the November Post 77 monthly
meeting. Area 1 extends from Lodi to the Oregon border. Commander Hooper noted that he has put together training
teams to go to Area 1 American Legion Posts to assistant them in
instituting and running programs….. The Post 77 Veterans Day
program was one of the best attended in years. Congratulations
to Post member David Gee upon being awarded a Bronze Star for
his duty in World War II. Thanks to Post members Ted Puntillo,
Matt Rexroad, Jeff Monroe, Bill Hollingshead, Dea McKee,
Albert Castillo and the Post Color Guard for their participation
in the program. And, of course, we can’t forget the Post Auxiliary’s
fine food at the Veterans Day luncheon and the Woodland
Eagles lending us 150 chairs for the ceremony. Post member
Bob Griffith’s film of the Legion’s 1932 Memorial Day parade
in Woodland, which was shown at the hall, was a wonderful
highlight of Post 77 members’ contributions for years…. Post 77
members again participated in this year’s placement of wreaths
on all 3,705 graves of veterans at the National VA Cemetery in
Dixon. There were over 1,000 in attendance at the ceremony. Post
Adjutant Gary Leach worked on the committee to raise funds for
the wreaths and to plan the wreath laying. This was no small
achievement. The Dixon federal veterans’ cemetery was only one
of three in the United States, along with Maine and Arkansas,
where wreaths were placed on all veterans’ grave sites…. Post 77
was a drop-off site for the Woodland Marine Corps League Toys
for Tots program. Thank you to all who helped…. The Post 77
Auxiliary quietly each year purchases Christmas gifts requested
by 10 veterans at the Yountville Veterans Home. The Auxiliary
is indeed in the holiday spirit of helping others at Christmas
time…. The Pedro card league games are now each Thursday at
the Post. These league games began 1919 in Woodland…. If you
see some little people in uniform in the Post meeting room, they
are not short soldiers. Cub Scout den 9 of Pack 499 meets at the
Post. Another guest is the monthly meeting of the Woodland
january 2009
8th
7:00 p.m.Yolo County Veterans’ Coalition
meeting at West Sacramento VFW
21st 7:00 p.m. Post Executive Committee meeting
24th 6:00 p.m. Post 77 Baseball Committee’s annual
All-you-can-eat Crab & Shrimp Feed dinner
at Yolo County Fairgrounds, $37.50
27th 7:30 p.m. Post 77 membership meeting
february 2009
1st
3:00 p.m. Super Bowl XLIII party, pot luck, and viewing
game on big screen TV (no charge)
5th
7:00 p.m.Yolo County Veterans’ Coalition
meeting at Post 77
7th
6:00 p.m. Post 77 Past Commanders dinner, $12.
Open to all to attend
7-8 10:00 a.m. American Legion Area 1 meeting at
Post 521 in Rio Linda
16th 6:30 a.m. Post 77 members put out U.S. flags on
Main St., Woodland, for Presidents Day
4:00 p.m. Take down Post’s flags from Main St.
18th 7:00 p.m. Post Executive Committee meeting
24th 7:30 p.m. Post 77 membership meeting
Auxiliary
January 2009
6th
17th
7:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Regular meeting
Spaghetti & Meatballs dinner, $12.
February 2009
3rd
7:00 p.m.
Regular meeting
Upcoming Auxiliary dinner at the Post:
* March 14, Corned beef and cabbage dinner
Maria Hernandez-President
Christine De Knikker-First Vice President
Teddy Cooper-Second Vice President
Arlene Sandoval-Secretary
Mary Cogburn-Treasurer
If you have any questions about the Post 77 Women’s Auxiliary
or would like a ride to an Auxiliary meeting, call Maria
Hernandez at 661-2210 or Mary Cogburn at 662-0624.
IN MEMORIAM
len stefano
edmund lampman
“Farewell, My Comrades.”
Continued on page 3
MISCELLANEOUS GOINGS-ON
CHILDREN OF MILITARY PERSONNEL
VISITED BY SANTA CLAUS AT THE POST
Continued from page 2
Little League Board of Directors…. Post Adjutant Gary Leach,
Terry Parkhurst and Larry Schapiro met with the American
Legion National Commander David Rehbein at Amador Post
108 on Dec. 13th. Commander Rehbein had just arrived the
day before from a month-long trip visiting troops in various parts
of the world.
Vince Olvera, Sergeant-at-Arms
POST 77 RECEIVES “EARLY BIRD”
MEMBERSHIP PENNANT
Many thanks to all of you who have paid your 2009
dues. We received the American Legion “Early Bird”
pennant in November, an award which goes to Posts
that meet or surpass 75% of their membership goal by
Veterans Day. It is now flying on the Post’s flag.
The Department of California membership rules
state that, after January 31, 2009, those who haven’t paid
their 2009 dues will no longer be considered members
in good standing.
We surpassed our membership goal given to us by
the American Legion last year. Please help us do it again
this year by getting your dues paid before January 31st.
Post 77 sponsored a Christmas party on Dec. 21st for the
benefit of the children of members of the Armed Forces. In
addition to games, songs and food, Santa Claus came with
presents for all the good-little girls and boys. All the kids looked
like they believed in Santa. Nadine Salonites, wife of Post 77
member Carl Salonites, led the children in Christmas songs.
Thanks to clubroom manager Patti Cox and Carolyn Smith
for all their work on putting the Christmas event together,
to Dollar Tree for many of the toys, and to Woodland OSH
Hardware for providing the Christmas tree. Other Santa’s
helpers, who wrapped presents, decorated the tree, etc., were
Sharon Koscis, Sherry Krug, Corbin Smith, Cris Kovarik, and
Larry Schapiro.
Santa Claus
Ed Trautt, First Vice Commander
POST 77 MEMBERS IN UNIFORM
WELCOME, NEW POST 77 MEMBERS
Post 77 member and Army Sgt. Jassen Galusha served in
Iraq in 2007 and 2008. Sgt. Galusha is rightfully proud of
his work to rebuild three schools in Iraq. He found working
with children and repairing their schools very rewarding.
With seven years of service in the Army, we expect to
hear more from Sgt. Galusha, as he plans to make a career in
the Armed Forces.
We salute him for his service to America.
Clarence Van Hook of Guinda served in the Air Force
from 1952-56, plus six additional years in reserves duty.
Sgt. Kurtis Griffis, Marines, is currently stationed in Iraq.
Tansey Thomas of Davis was a member of the Navy
WAVES from 1953-58.
Randy Gordon of Madison was in the Air Force for 20
years as a Medic specializing in neurology.
Roy Postell has rejoined Post 77. He traveled throughout
the world with the Navy from 1950-54.
Andy Nantz served in Korea and Japan with the 1st and
3rd Tank Battalions of the Marine Corps, 1957-61. During his
1976-92 stint in the Navy Reserves Seabees, he was called up to
active duty as part of Operation Desert Shield.
Alan Khatoonian was in the Marine Corps Reserves prior
to joining the Air Force, where he worked as a nuclear weapons
specialist with the 1009th Special Weapons Squadron.
Brian Robertson of Knights Landing served two tours of
duty in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee.
John Cameron was in the Navy from 1954 to 1958.
Staff Sgt. William Blanton currently stationed at Travis Air
Force Base has been in the Air Force for 16 years.
SACRIFICE AND SERVICE ON THE HOME FRONT
World War II seemed imminent and patriotism ran high.
In this 1939 Veteran’s Day parade there were members
of the Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCA, 4-H, Elks Club, the
American Legion and Auxiliary
Billy Hollingshead age 4. His
first U.S. Army uniform. 1942
See Story Next Page
1943 Victory Garden. Legionnaire and
WW I Veteran Paul W. Hollingshead.
Photos from the Paul W. Hollingshead collection.
Photos and text courtesy of
Legionnaire Bill Hollingshead
Flags, Flags, and more Flags and Patriotic Parades.
Memorial Day Parade down Main Street in 1944.
DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA
COMMANDER AL LENNOX MEETS WITH
POST 77 MEMBERS
SACRIFICE AND SERVICE ON THE HOME FRONT
Tom Brokaw wrote a book called “THE GREATEST
GENERATION.” The title describes all of those who
served, were disabled and died in the service of our
country during World War II. It also includes those of us
who grew up and have vivid and lasting memories of the
war.
There were two fronts; the War Front and the Home
Front. Our personal experiences made us participants
in the fight for freedom. We lived each day with service,
shortage, sacrifice and just plain doing without. Home
Front patriotism was at its highest with posters, slogans,
songs and movies.
Soon after Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941,
Ration Books were issued. Rationing included butter,
sugar, meat, rubber, gasoline and toys made of metal.
Automobile production stopped and the plants were
converted to making tanks, jeeps, ships and planes.
There were metal scrap drives with the emphasis on
aluminum for the planes. Recapped tires became the
necessity.
Victory Gardens bloomed as we grew fruits and
vegetables for our own tables. Home canning in Mason
Jars filled the kitchens with the aroma of peaches,
apricots and home grown vegetables.
A poster with a helmeted soldier said it all; “Do with
less so they’ll have enough.”
See Photos Opposite Page
On Nov. 25th, the American Legion Commander for
the Department of California, Al Lennox, attended Post 77’s
general membership meeting. Also in attendance were Area 1
Commander Mike Hooper and officers of District 6.
Commander Lennox rightfully reminded members that
the United States “did not become the world’s superpower from
weakness.” Armed Forces veterans had a part in keeping America
strong and “Veterans are still serving America.”
The American Legion, he noted, espouses patriotism, love of
God, country, and community. And in that mission and others,
the American Legion will be 90 years old in 2009. “I believe
there would be a huge void in America if the American Legion
didn’t exist.” In that regard, Commander Lennox explained
some noteworthy accomplishments of the American Legion
throughout its existence, such as: in 1923, the American Legion
wrote the U.S. Flag Code; an American Legion Past Commander
in 1943 wrote the G.I. bill; and in 1966, the Legion spearheaded
the movement of accountability for our MIAs and POWs; and
later led campaign for identifying the effects of Agent Orange on
those who served in Vietnam. American Legion funds have gone
for good causes, including, in 1945, providing a $50,000 grant
to help get the American Medical Association started, $1 million
towards the construction of the Vietnam Wall monument in
Washington, D.C. and three-quarters of a million dollars for the
World War II monument on the mall in the Capitol.
In just this last year, Commander Lennox related to the Post
77 members in attendance, the American Legion and its Posts
donated over $2.3 million in cash and $2.1 million in goods to
needy children, $3.8 million in scholarships, and more than $6.7
million in cash and the cost of community services.
We can all agree with Commander Al Lennox that “the
American Legion makes a difference.”
Terry Parkhurst, Post 77 Past Commander
Post 77 Past Commanders’
fund - raising dinner is
coming in February
A special treat dinner at the Post hall on
Saturday, February 7, at 6pm:
glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetable
and a salad.
In November, the U.S. Army National Guard in Sacramento presented
Post 77 with two awards for our repeated assistance to members of the
National Guard. Post Commander Dave Isbell receives those awards
from Dea McKee of the National Guard. To the National Guard we
say, it is always our pleasure to aid those in uniform who are serving
America.
Tickets for this Post 77 dinner,
at $12 per person, are available in the
Post Clubroom from 1pm to 9pm each
weekday (11pm on Fridays) or call the Post
at 530-662-9772
tuskegee airmen visit post 77
ENHANCED VA MORTGAGE OPTIONS
Veterans with conventional home loans now have
new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are
available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement
Act of 2008.
Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or
conventional mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent
of the value of the property. These types of loans were
previously limited to 90 percent of the value. Additionally,
the law raises VA’s maximum loan amount for these types
of refinancing loans. Previously, these refinancing loans
were capped at $144,000. With the new legislation, such
loans may be made up to $729,750 depending on where the
property is located.
Originally set to expire at the end of this month, VA’s
authority to guaranty Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
and Hybrid ARMs was also extended under this new law
through September 30, 2012. Unlike conventional ARMs
and hybrid ARMs, VA limits interest rate increases on these
loans from year to year, as well as over the life of the loans.
Zeke Plocher, Post Service Officer
After honoring the World War II Tuskegee Airmen at the Post’s
Veterans Day program, members of the Tuskegee Airmen and the
wife of the Tuskegee Airmen’s Commander, George “Spanky”
Roberts, spoke at the Post 77 hall. Here, Mrs. Edith Roberts holds
the microphone for 90-year old Boyd Taylor. Left rear are Tuskegee
Airman pilot Larry Brown and Col. James Crump, Jr
FREE HOME REPAIRS POSSIBLE FOR
VETERANS WHO FACE FINANCIAL
HARDSHIP
The Heroes at Home organization assists low income
veterans in Yolo and Sacramento counties by making
repairs and modifications in their homes. This includes
accessibility/mobility ramps, roll-in showers, and grab bars,
and electrical, carpentry, plumbing, paint and yard work. Applications must be submitted by January 26, 2009. Those accepted are to demonstrate significant need based
on current household income or future financial risk due to
disability.
Applications can be obtained at the Post 77 hall,
phoning Heroes at Home at (916)455-1880, or from their
website: rebuildingtogethersacramento.org.
Ray Redmill and Homer Swigert, Post Executive Committee
Start off the new year right by attending
the Post 77 Auxiliary’s January 17, 6:30pm
Spaghetti and Meatball dinner.
The Auxiliary waited until they had just the
perfect recipes for dinner. Now they are
ready to go. Be there to experience their
Italian culinary delights.
Tickets can be purchased for $12 at the
Clubroom, by calling 662-9772, or buying
dinner tickets at the door.
The Post Auxiliary support us.
Let’s support them!
INTERESTED IN BEING ON A
POST-SPONSORED TRAIN TRIP TO RENO?
The Post Clubroom is planning a “Reno Fun Train Trip”
for the end of February or the beginning of March. The train
leaves for Reno on a Friday evening and returns on Sunday
afternoon. Entertainment is provided on the train, along
with dinner on the way up and lunch on the train trip back.
If you are interested in re-living the days when the train
was king, call Patti Cox, Post 77 Clubroom Manager at (530)
662-9772.
John Benedict is here stirring up one of his outstanding dinner
recipes. John has been the chef at many of the Post 77 dinners in
the last year and again will bring us his secret recipes at the Post’s
Feb. 7th p.m. dinner.
100 FROM YOLO COUNTY’S 184TH NATIONAL GUARD WENT OFF TO WWII TOGETHER
Prior to World War II, the National Guard Headquarters Company of the 184th Infantry Division met in the previous American Legion Post 77 hall, known
as the old Armory, which was on the same spot as is the current Post 77 building. This year marks 68 years since 100 Yolo County “boys” from the 184th were
called into federal service, left Woodland on March 16, 1941, and later went off to war together. Before World War II was over, they had fought from the Aleutian
Islands to Okinawa. Some did not return. Many did and became an important part of life in Yolo County.
The March 15, 1941 Woodland Democrat reported that “Eighty-seven enlisted and five officers will leave Woodland [March 16] on a special Southern Pacific
train at 3:55 a.m. Eight others of the transportation division will leave in the company’s two trucks and one motorcycle in convoy with other motorized equipment
from the 184th.” On March 11th, a dinner was held in their honor at the Post 77 Armory on Bush St. The Woodland Democrat newspaper noted that: “Ten, 20,
even 30 years from now 215 Yolo County residents, including 96 soldiers from the 184th infantry, are going to remember the farewell party given last night at the
armory.”
In the above photograph taken in 1939, Captain Otto Niemann, Commander the Company, is the sixth soldier from the left, front row. To his right is Lt.
Frank Lucchesi; Paul Smith sits as the 4th soldier from the left side, Arthur Delsano is 6th, and Bud Linderman is 6th. Harley Jull is also in the front row, 4th soldier
from the right and Milton Lewis is the first soldier from the right; sixth from the left in the front row is George Linderman. In the second row are Benny Dutcher,
Dean Aulman, Alvin Smith, Ronald Woodhouse, and George Marston 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 9th from the right. Herb Chandler, Albert Lodi and Lawrence
Mayfield are 1st, 2nd and 4th from the left. Leslie Simpson, Dick Longee, Jack Simpson, and Les Morgan are 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th from the left in the third row. Carl Bremmer is 2nd and Don Coons is 7th from the right in the 3rd row. Earl Armstrong is pictured 4th from the left in the back row, while Jim Given is 5th.
Also in the back row are Melvin Clover (2nd from the right) and Lloyd Harling, 6th from the right. Back row, 6th and 7th from the left are Elton Shell and Pvt.
Agnew. Other members of the 184th were Post 77 Past Commander Don Urain, John Baccelli, David Armus (who died in action on Okinawa), Eulogio Guerrero
(who valiantly went back in the jungle to retrieve the body of Davis Armus), Earl “Smokey” Lattimer, James Dyer and Laurence “Mutt” Holland.
Post 77 member Herb Chandler is one of the few in the 184th from Yolo County still alive. Herb joined the National Guard in 1936 at age 14 to earn some
money for clothes. Herb’s father, Brian, was already a member of the 184th Headquarters Company at that time. At age 18, Herb Chandler was off to war. In
March 1941, the Yolo County 184th marched out of the Post 77 old Armory and down to a train out of Woodland to camp at San Luis Obispo, and later in
the San Diego County area and Fort Lewis, WA. From Fort Ord, their next stop in their summer uniforms was the Aleutian Islands of Alaska as part of the 7th
Division. In June of 1942, Japanese forces occupied the Aleutian Islands of Kiska, Adak and Attu. The 184th was to help re-take the island of Kiska, where the Japanese
had an airfield and a good harbor. On August 15 1943, American Forces came ashore at Kiska. But before that, unknown to the Americans, on July 28 the entire
enemy garrison of 5,183 had slipped off the island unseen in the heavy fog. In the August 15 U.S. landing on the uninhabited island, the only guns fired were those
of friend against friend by mistake. Unfortunately, two 184th soldiers from Yolo County were killed on their first day from that friendly fire. The retaking of those
islands in the Aleutians ended Japan’s only campaign in the Western Hemisphere. For the 184th, it was then on to the Marshall Islands, after a stop for training in
Honolulu.
The 184th was transported to the island of Kwajalein, one of the Marshall Islands, in the beginning of 1944. After four days of heavy fighting, the island was
taken. Miraculously, none among Yolo County’s 184th were killed.
From Honolulu in October 1944, the 184th went to Leyte in the Philippines. They fought fiercely through the jungles of Leyte from Oct. 1944 to Feb. 1945
when the island was secured, including fighting off Japanese suicide attacks and defending themselves from snipers in the trees. Herb Chandler and Carl Schneider
of Woodland were among those of the 184th Company who saw General Douglas MacArthur wade ashore, fulfilling the General’s promise of “I shall return.”
It was not over for some of Yolo County’s finest. On April 1, 1945, they landed in Okinawa, 300 miles from the Japanese mainland, for what became the
bloodiest battle of the Pacific War. The men of the 184th were given three candy bars for food and sent out on their missions. For the next 2 1/2 months a
seemingly endless succession of heavily defended ridges, draws, cliffs and caves stalemated the American drive. As Carl Schneider wrote: “The Japanese had set up a
brilliant first line of defense. They had dug tunnels from the back sides of the coral ridges and then dug out giant sized rooms to store food and ammunition. Then
they continued the tunneling to the front side if the ridges, with portholes just big enough to launch motor shells or traverse their machine guns or drop grenades
on advancing troops. Our artillery had little or no effect on them, as they would just withdraw within their tunnels until the artillery attack stopped, and then
quickly resume their defensive positions….. The battle for Okinawa was as close to Hell as a living human can encounter. The 90 plus days we fought, the nights
were always filled with noise. Their guns or ours or both. There was never a quiet time. There were continual attacks and counterattacks. Herb Chandler was
among those wounded on Okinawa. Others in the 184th were not so “lucky” and died on that island. As with many American veterans of war, many took their
individual stories of heroism to the grave with them.
[Thanks to Betty and Pinky Swigert for the above 1939 photograph.]
Larry Schapiro, Post Historian
American Legion
Yolo Post 77
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit #55
Woodland, CA
523 Bush Street
Woodland, CA 95695
Return Service Requested
Coming out of the kitchen from helping to prepare the Post’s Veterans
Day turkey dinner, Adjutant Gary Leach (l.) receives this year’s annual
Post 77 Bob Dahl Legionnaire of the Year award from Committee chair
Frank Eakle
WISE WORDS FROM GENERAL
EISENHOWER
“Freedom from fear and injustice and oppression will be
ours only in the measure that men who value such freedom
are ready to sustain its possession – to defend it against every
thrust from within or without.” Dwight David Eisenhower
American Legion, Yolo Post 77 Commander Dave Isbell (r.) presents
to Mark Engstrom an American Legion certificate honoring Engstrom
Properties for flying the United States flag 24 hours a day, with a
spotlight on in the evenings, on top of the Hotel Woodland.