American Legion Post 94 Lacey Washington

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Up-Coming Meetings

Monthly Membership Meetings (Second Friday of every month)

6:00 PM – Social
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:15 PM – Program & Meeting

13 September

Annual Law and Order Awards Banquet

11 October 2024

The program will be a presentation by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland.

Please note that she will be at the Post from 6:00 – 7:00 pm for her presentation and to chat with the Post members.

Meal to be determined.

Up-Coming Events

A. Post Buddy Checks, 19 October 2024, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and participate.
B. Area II Roundtable, 26 October 2024, Post 30, Port Orchard.

Historical Dates in September

2 September 1945: Japan surrenders
2 September 2024: Labor Day
11 September: Patriots Day
11 September 2001: Pentagon and World Trade Center Attacked.
15 September 1950: U.S. Army forces land at Inchon, Korea
17 September 1787: U.S. Constitution approved
20 September: POW/MIA Recognition Day
22 September: First day of autumn
25 September 1951: Seoul, South Korea recaptured by U.S. Forces
29 September: Gold Star Mother’s Day

Post Property Sales Update

The closure of our property sales has been delayed due to county permitting and environmental studies. Studies and permitting process are proceeding.

Membership Update from Our Post Adjutant

Did you receive a renewal notice recently, but have already renewed your membership?

This may happen when you renew after the data cutoff date. Look at the right side of your renewal notice. You should see “AS OF:” and a date. That is the date that the National Headquarters in Indianapolis used to determine if your membership had been received. If you renewed sometime near that date, you notice probably crossed with your renewal.

You can go to Mylegion.org at Membership Application (legion.org) to pay on-line or email our adjutant to pay directly to the Post.

If you have questions, you can call me at (360) 701-5921 or email me at [email protected].

Larry Granish
Adjutant

Social Media

You can also follow Post activities on Facebook. Check it out and like us to follow events.
Our page is American Legion Post 94 Lacey Washington.

Safety Tip - September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and held annually in September, is a good reminder that natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time. It's important to have a planned response when you're at work, on vacation or on the road.

In 2022, 69,473 weather-related events resulted in 813 deaths and 1,718 injuries. Winter weather, heat, floods and hurricanes resulted in the most deaths that year, according to Injury Facts.

The National Safety Council offers safety tips specific on preparing for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, and how to minimize fire risks.
Federal agencies, like Ready.gov and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also are valuable resources for emergency preparedness. When you face a natural or man-made emergency, try to stay informed through radio, TV or the Internet. In some cases, however, cable, electric and cell phone service will be disabled, making communication nearly impossible.

The National Safety Council recommends the following general precautions that apply to many disaster situations:
● Make sure at least one family member knows first aid and CPR
● Download the FEMA app for resources, weather alerts and safety tips
● Have a family communication plan in place; all members of the family should review and practice the plan
● Have all family members' and other important phone numbers written down or memorized
● Have an emergency kit in your car and at least three days of food and water at home
● Be sure to store all important documents – birth certificates, insurance policies, etc. – in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box
● Know how to shut off utilities
VA News
Live Whole Health #238: Compassion is good for you, and it’s only a breath away
September 9, 2024
Hang Ruan, LICSW
Senior Social Worker with the VA Northwest Healthcare Network (VISN 20) Clinical Research Hub

Do you remember when you were a child and you felt sad, scared or hurt? Do you remember how it all changed the moment you realized there is someone who cares? Maybe it was a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a friend or a pet who cared about you. Someone cared—and it made all the difference in the world.

That’s what compassion is—being someone who cares. And compassion is a two-way street. There is someone who cares about you, and there is someone whom you care about. When we connect with compassion, it is literally good for our health. Research shows that compassion makes us more resilient to stress, improves our mental wellbeing and strengthens our immune system. It’s what we all need.

We inhale compassion with every breath
So how do we connect with compassion? It’s actually very simple. It’s literally right under our nose, and we are doing it all the time. When we breathe in, we take in the precious oxygen that our body needs. We take in the compassion of the trees and plants that are generously giving out what we need, every second of every day. And when we exhale, we breathe out carbon dioxide that the trees and plants need for their survival and growth.

In this video, Dr. Greg Serpa from the Greater Los Angeles VA guides us through a 10-minute compassionate breathing exercise, bringing awareness to our breath as we take in kindness and breathe out compassion. We can begin with this simple circle of compassion that’s always unfolding right under our nose, and expand gradually to include our family, neighbors and community.



With ongoing practice of this compassionate breathing meditation, we can become more engaged and integrated into the natural web of compassion of which we’re already a part.
Learn how to bring more Mindful Awareness into your life with Whole Health.

Humorous Dad Jokes of the Month

1. What's brown and sticky? A stick.
2. I just watched all the Harry Potter movies back-to-back with a friend. It maybe wasn't the best idea, because it meant I couldn't see the TV.
3. How does a man on the moon cut his hair? Eclipse it.
4. How does Darth Vader like his bagels? On the dark side.
5. What’s more unbelievable than a talking dog? A spelling bee.
6. What is a calendar’s favorite food? Dates.
7. Why did the stadium get so hot after the game? Because all the fans left.
8. What type of bear is toothless? A gummy bear.
9. I found a wooden shoe in my toilet today. It was clogged.
10. I slept like a log last night. Woke up in the fireplace.
11. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. At least it does if you throw it hard enough.

Building Rental

Building Post Members Non-Members
Post Building $200.00 $400.00

There is a $200.00 refundable security deposit requirement as well. Please contact Paul Dennis at 360.688.6895 or at [email protected] to reserve either facility.

Service Officer Information

Do you feel that you have a residual health problem that is linked to your time in the service? Have you applied for benefits with the Veterans Administration and been turned down? If so, do not try to deal with the VA on your own. The Legion also has a Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program that could help you one time with paying your utilities, rent/mortgage, or other emergency needs. This is an American Legion Children and Youth program and to qualify you must have minor children in your home. If you feel you need help regarding your VA benefits or the TFA program please call the Post Veteran Service Officer, Rose Hodgeboom.

The Lacey Veterans Service Hub also provides a wide variety of assistance to veterans and now has over 35 providers working out of there. The Hub is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (except holidays) and is located at 4232 6th Avenue SE, Suite 202, Lacey, WA 98503. The phone number is 360.456.3850.

Post Officers for 2024-2025

• Commander Terry Ponton
• Past Commander Bob Nakamura
• 1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
• 2nd Vice Commander Paul Dennis
• Adjutant Larry Granish
• Finance Officer Gary Walker
• Chaplain Les Christiansen
• Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
• Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Carey
• Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
• Historian Brenda Carey

AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

Up-Coming Meetings

Monthly Membership Meetings (Second Friday of every month)

6:00 PM – Social
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:15 PM – Program & Meeting

9 August

Program will be:
• An update on Red Cross Activities in Support of Veterans, Active Duty, and their families – Kristen Mather.
• Post Member Spotlight – Brenda Carey
• Overview of Be The One Campaign – Dave Hodgeboom

Dinner will be Papa Murray pizza, salad, and Cheryl’s dessert.

13 September

Annual Law and Order Awards Banquet

Up-Coming Events

A. Area II Roundtable, 26 October 2024, Post 30, Port Orchard.

Historical Dates in August

4 August 1950: Defense of Pusan Perimeter begins
4 August: Coast Guard Day
7 August: Purple Heart Day
10 August: U.S. Department of Defense Birthday
10 August: Agent Orange Awareness Day
14 August: Navajo Code Talkers Day
15 August: VJ Day
16 August: National Airborne Day
29 August: Marine Corps Reserve Birthday

Post Property Sales Update

The closure of our property sales has been delayed until approximately January 2025 due to county permitting and environmental studies. Studies and permitting process are proceeding.

Membership Update from Our Post Adjutant

Did you receive a renewal notice recently, but have already renewed your membership?

This may happen when you renew after the data cutoff date. Look at the right side of your renewal notice. You should see “AS OF:” and a date. That is the date that the National Headquarters in Indianapolis used to determine if your membership had been received. If you renewed sometime near that date, you notice probably crossed with your renewal.

You can go to Mylegion.org at Membership Application (legion.org) to pay on-line or email our adjutant to pay directly to the Post.

If you have questions, you can call me at (360) 701-5921 or email me at [email protected].

Larry Granish
Adjutant

Social Media

You can also follow Post activities on Facebook. Check it out and like us to follow events.
Our page is American Legion Post 94 Lacey Washington.

Safety Tip (SafetyStage.com)

Safety of COVID-19 vaccines

One hot topic for August is the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations. This month is National Immunization Awareness Month as sponsored by the CDC, and this annual month of observation is used to highlight the importance of all vaccines.

Get started by giving your staff the option to take the Adult Vaccine Quiz. 10 quick questions will show them which vaccines they should have by now. This is a great starting point to highlight the importance of vaccinations and to get everyone up to speed. However, it is also a relevant opportunity to highlight the COVID-19 vaccine. At the time of writing, only around 50% of adult Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID, so exploring the safety of the vaccine is crucial to improve immunity.

DOWNLOAD SAFETY TALK

The dangers of running red lights

Stop on Red Week is on August 2-8 this year. Sponsored by the National Coalition for Safer Roads, this week of observation is used to bring greater awareness to the number of and severity of intersection crashes. This is a good opportunity to revisit safe driving techniques and traffic signals.

According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle deaths hit a spike of 24% in 2020 despite a reduction in miles driven. Besides driving vehicles as part of work, many workers could be tempted to engage in unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, skipping red lights or overtaking if they’re running late for work or a meeting. Other risk factors include not wearing a seatbelt, or driver distractions such as phones and GPSs. With 56% of drivers admitting to skipping a red light at least part of the time, this is a critical message to reiterate.

DOWNLOAD SAFETY RESOURCE

VA News
VA launches updated Burn Pit Registry, paving way for improved research into health of Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving
For immediate release
August 1, 2024
10:00 am

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the launch of the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (Burn Pit Research Registry). The Burn Pit Registry is a database that combines Veteran and service member data to help VA better understand, research, and ultimately improve treatment for the health challenges facing Veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their military service. Addressing the health issues associated with military related toxic exposure is a priority for VA and the entire the Biden-Harris Administration, and this announcement marks an important milestone in that effort.

The registry is an important research tool that enables VA to identify and study health challenges spanning the Veteran and service member population as a whole — providing Veterans and service members an opportunity to help improve the care and benefits of Veterans and service members in generations to come. The registry will now include more than 4.7 million Veterans and service members who meet participation criteria based on Department of Defense records.

Importantly, participating in or opting out of the registry does not impact nor determine eligibility for Veterans’ individual VA health care or benefits. Those who do not wish to participate in the Registry can opt out by completing this online form.

“The Burn Pit Registry is fueling groundbreaking research and enabling VA’s ability to identify and proactively address health challenges that toxic-exposed Veterans face at a population level,” said Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “While the registry does not impact an individual Veteran’s health care or benefits, it does serve as a catalyst for advancing new and innovative treatments for the Veteran population as a whole — including informing decisions related to presumptive conditions, more precise predictive medicine, and proactive Veteran care. This redesign massively expands the registry and reduces the participation requirements for Veterans, paving the way for critical research in the coming years.”

“This tool is a significant improvement in making data available in a way that better serves all those who were exposed to burn pits and other hazards,” said Department of Defense Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Lester Martinez-Lopez, M.D. “Being part of the Registry is a way for individuals to help and improve our understanding of the challenges faced by service members and Veterans affected by these exposures.”

While this research database does not impact individual care and benefits, there are many avenues for Veterans to reach VA for the services they deserve. We encourage Veterans seeking screening, health care, or benefits for toxic exposures to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411.

This redesigned version of the registry incorporates extensive Veteran feedback, expands participation criteria, automatically includes participants in the registry, and simplifies participation requirements.

Veterans and service members (living or deceased) who, according to DOD records, served in the military campaigns or theater of operations listed below during the designated time frame will be automatically included:
• Operations and Campaigns: Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Iraqi Freedom; Enduring Freedom; and New Dawn.
• Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, waters of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Syria, Uzbekistan, and Egypt between Aug. 2, 1990, and Aug. 31, 2021.
• Somalia since Aug. 2, 1990.
• The Southwest Asia theater of military operations and Egypt any time after Aug. 2, 1990
• Afghanistan, Djibouti, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, or Yemen any time after Sept. 11, 2001.
• Associated airspaces with the countries listed above as well as the waters of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea.

This list is in addition to those who were based or stationed at a location on or after Sept. 11, 2001, where an open burn pit was used in Afghanistan, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Egypt, or Syria.

The data included in the registry includes deployment locations, military personnel information, and demographics to include gender, race, and ethnicity. No medical information will be stored in the registry. Veteran and service member data will be accessible only to select VA epidemiologists and researchers and institutional review board-approved researchers. It will be used to conduct research on the cohort over a period of time. The results will inform the policy decision-making efforts of VA executive leaders, including those related to presumptive conditions.

To learn more, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp.

Humorous Dad Jokes of the Month

• Why shouldn't you tell secrets in a cornfield? There are too many ears all around.
• What kind of underpants do lawyers wear? Briefs.
• What do you call it when a cow grows facial hair? A moo-stache.
• Did you hear about the two rowboats that got into an argument? It was an oar-deal.
• Did you hear about the cleaners who went to space? They ended up scrubbing the mission.
• What did the beach say when the tide came in? Long time no sea.
• Why do turkeys play percussion? They have drumsticks.
• There are only two things I don't eat for breakfast: Lunch and dinner.
• I adopted a dog from a blacksmith. As soon as I brought him home, he made a bolt for the door.
Building Rental

Building Post Members Non-Members
Post Building $200.00 $400.00

There is a $200.00 refundable security deposit requirement as well. Please contact Paul Dennis at 360.688.6895 or at [email protected] to reserve either facility.

Service Officer Information

Do you feel that you have a residual health problem that is linked to your time in the service? Have you applied for benefits with the Veterans Administration and been turned down? If so, do not try to deal with the VA on your own. The Legion also has a Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program that could help you one time with paying your utilities, rent/mortgage, or other emergency needs. This is an American Legion Children and Youth program and to qualify you must have minor children in your home. If you feel you need help regarding your VA benefits or the TFA program please call the Post Veteran Service Officer, Rose Hodgeboom.

The Lacey Veterans Service Hub also provides a wide variety of assistance to veterans and now has over 35 providers working out of there. The Hub is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (except holidays) and is located at 4232 6th Avenue SE, Suite 202, Lacey, WA 98503. The phone number is 360.456.3850.

Post Officers for 2024-2025

• Commander Terry Ponton
• Past Commander Bob Nakamura
• 1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
• 2nd Vice Commander Paul Dennis
• Adjutant Larry Granish
• Finance Officer Gary Walker
• Chaplain Les Christiansen
• Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
• Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Carey
• Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
• Historian Brenda Carey

The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. And starting March 5, 2024, w...

June 14, 2024 (Corrected)

Meeting opened by Commander Nakamura at 7:30.

4th District Command Scott Olson was escorted forward and welcomed,

Commander welcomed everyone and Sergeant-at-Arms Notter introduced guests.

Roll Call of Officers:
Commander Bob Nakamura
1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
2nd Vice Commander Andi Garate
Adjutant Larry Granish
Chaplain Les Christiansen
Finance Officer Gary Walker
Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
Sergeant-at-Arms James Notter
Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
Historian Terry Ponton

Minutes of May 10, 2024, meeting approved as posted.

Committee Reports
• Adjutant Granish reported that membership is now 192 of our goal of 201 or 95.52%.
• Finance Officer Gary Walker that our checking balance as of March 2024 is
$7,864.19. One thousand-forty dollars has been reinvested with Edward Jones in a CD at 5.1% for 10 months.
• Service Officer. Rose Hodgeboom reported that she is working with a couple widows on benefits available to her and referred several vets to the HUB.
• Sickness and distress: Steve Dawson, Post 118 passed away and Paul Dennis’ eldest son passed away. Cards are available to sign.

Unfinished Business:
• Gary Walker reported on the recent meeting with the buyer and issues affecting closing on the property. One issue is the nests of a red-tailed hawk. Most of the issues involve the buyer on the property behind us, but it affects our closing. Now looking at first quarter of next year.

New Business/Correspondence:

• Discussion on candidates for Department office. The following are running for office:
o National Executive Committeeman
 Bob Clark, Post 17
 Jim Cook, Post 265
o Alternate National Executive Committeeman
 Rafael A Munoz-Cintron, Post161
 Rick Sucee, Post 7
o Department Commander
 Al Jensen, Post 212
 Kevin Russell, Post 137
• Motion made seconded and passed that the Post withhold endorsement and those going to convention will caucus.

Installation of Officers for the 2024-2025 Legion Year:

• Fourth District Commander, Scott Olson installed the officers for the 2024-2025
o Commander Terry Ponton
o Past Commander Bob Nakamura
o 1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
o 2nd Vice Commander Paul Dennis
o Adjutant Larry Granish
o Finance Officer Gary Walker
o Chaplain Les Christiansen
o Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
o Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Carey
o Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
o Historian Brenda Carey
• Commander Scott presented Bob with Past Commander plaque on the behalf of the members of the post.

Good of the Legion:
• Our next meeting will be August 9, 2024. We don’t meet in July because of Department Convention.
• Department Convention will be July 12-14 in Kennewick.
• The 74th Anniversary Commemoration of the Korean War will be tomorrow, June 15, 11:00 am at the Korean War Memorial on the Capital Campus.
• Boys State starts Sunday at Warm Beach.
• Rose thanked everybody who helped out with Special Olympics.
• Incoming Commander, Terry Ponton thanked members for their support and spoke on some things he hopes to do during his term.
• Commander Nakamura thanked the post members for their support over and past year and for his Past Commander Plaque.
• District Commander Olson spoke on his time as District Commander. He spoke about our upcoming convention. He thanked the members for inviting him to be the installing officer.

There being no further business, Commander Nakamura closed the meeting at 8:35.

Bob Nakamura Larry Granish
Commander Adjutant

June 14, 2024

Meeting opened by Commander Nakamura at 7:30.

4th District Command Scott Olson was escorted forward and welcomed,

Commander welcomed everyone and Sergeant-at-Arms Notter introduced guests.

Roll Call of Officers:
Commander Bob Nakamura
1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
2nd Vice Commander Andi Garate
Adjutant Larry Granish
Chaplain Les Christiansen
Finance Officer Gary Walker
Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
Sergeant-at-Arms James Notter
Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
Historian Terry Ponton

Minutes of May 10, 2024, meeting approved as posted.

Committee Reports
• Adjutant Granish reported that membership is now 192 of our goal of 201 or 95.52%.
• Finance Officer Gary Walker that our checking balance as of March 2024 is
$7,864.19. One thousand-forty dollars has been reinvested with Edward Jones in a CD at 5.1% for 10 months.
• Service Officer. Rose Hodgeboom reported that she is working with a couple widows on benefits available to her and referred several vets to the HUB.
• Sickness and distress: Steve Dawson, Post 118 passed away and Paul Dennis’ eldest son passed away. Cards are available to sign.

Unfinished Business:
• Gary Walker reported on the recent meeting with the buyer and issues affecting closing on the property. One issue is the nests of a red-tailed hawk. Most of the issues involve the buyer on the property behind us, but it affects our closing. Now looking at first quarter of next year.

New Business/Correspondence:

• Discussion on candidates for Department office. The following are running for office:
o National Executive Committeeman
 Bob Clark, Post 17
 Jim Cook, Post 265
o Alternate National Executive Committeeman
 Rafael A Munoz-Cintron, Post161
 Rick Sucee, Post 7
o Department Commander
 Al Jensen, Post 212
 Kevin Russell, Post 137
• Motion made seconded and passed that the Post withhold endorsement and those going to convention will caucus.

Installation of Officers for the 2024-2025 Legion Year:

• Fourth District Commander, Scott Olson installed the officers for the 2024-2025
o Commander Terry Ponton
o Past Commander Bob Nakamura
o 1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
o 2nd Vice Commander Paul Dennis
o Adjutant Larry Granish
o Finance Officer Gary Walker
o Chaplain Les Christiansen
o Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
o Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Carey
o Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
o Historian Brenda Carey
• Commander Scott presented Bob with Past Commander plaque on the behalf of the members of the post.

Good of the Legion:
• Our next meeting will be August 9, 2024. We don’t meet in July because of Department Convention.
• Department Convention will bd
• The 74th Anniversary Commemoration of the Korean War will be tomorrow, June 15, 11:00 am at the Korean War Memorial on the Capital Campus.
• Boys State starts Sunday at Warm Beach.
• Rose thanked everybody who helped out with Special Olympics.
• Incoming Commander, Terry Ponton thanked members for their support and spoke on some things he hopes to do during his term.
• Commander Nakamura thanked the post members for their support over and past year and for his Past Commander Plaque.
• District Commander Olson spoke on his time as District Commander. He spoke about our upcoming convention. He thanked the members for inviting him to be the installing officer.

There being no further business, Commander Nakamura closed the meeting at 8:35.

Bob Nakamura Larry Granish
Commander Adjutant

March 8, 2024

Meeting opened by Commander Nakamura at 7:30.

Commander welcomed everyone and Sergeant-at-Arms Notter introduced guests.

Roll Call of Officers:
Commander Bob Nakamura
1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
2nd Vice Commander Andi Garate, excused
Adjutant Larry Granish
Chaplain Les Christiansen
Finance Officer Gary Walker
Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
Sergeant-at-Arms James Notter
Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
Historian Terry Ponton

Minutes of February 9, 2024, meeting approved as posted.

Crystal Schienbein, WDVA Chief Information Technology Officer and Navy veteran escorted forward. She spoke about her career in the Navy. She gave a presentation on WDVA programs and how the post can post our events on their calendar. She spoke on veteran oriented bills that passed the legislature. She presented two Vietnam Era coins. Commander presented her and her assistant, Jessica, with a Legion coin and received a WDVA coin in return.

Committee Reports:
• Adjutant Granish reported that membership is now 182 of our goal of 201 or 90.55%. We have met the March goal of 90%. The April goal is 95%. He reported that the annual report has been filed with the WA SOS.
• Finance Officer Gary Walker that our checking balance as of February 2024 is
$12,032.23. One thousand dollars has been invested with Edward Jones in a CD at 5% that matures in April. He also reported that the sale of the property is moving along but has been slowed by the county approval process and staff shortage. The Nisqually Tribe requested verification that there were no tribal burials on property. Trilogy verified this a submitted the report to the county/
• Service Officer. Rose Hodgeboom no report.
• Nominating Committee: Rose Hodgeboom presented the first reading of nominations for 2024-2025. Second reading will be in April and final reading and floor nominations will be in May.
o Commander Bob Nakamura
o 1st Vice Commander Sharonda Amamilo
o 2nd Vice Commander Terry Ponton
o Adjutant Larry Granish
o Finance Officer Gary Walker
o Chaplain Les Christiansen
o Service Officer
o Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Carey
o Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
o Historian Terry Ponton

Unfinished Business:
• None

New Business/Correspondence:
• MSP to raise dues by $5 due to National per capita increase.
• Rose Hodgeboom asked members to volunteer for Special Olympics first weekend of June.
• We need to get a speaker for our ceremony here on Memorial Day. The Legion Band is confirmed.

Good of the Legion:
• Our next meeting will be April 12, 2024.
• 4th District Spring Conference will be held March 9th. It was scheduled to be at Post 148 in Eatonville, but due to a conflict we will now host it.

There being no further business, Commander Nakamura closed the meeting at 8:35.

Bob Nakamura Larry Granish
Commander Adjutant

MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

Up-Coming Meetings

Monthly Membership Meetings (Second Friday of every month)

6:00 PM – Social
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:15 PM – Program & Meeting

8 March 2024
Rescheduled - Guest speaker will be Crystal Schienbein, WDVA’s Chief Information Technology Officer. Crystal is a Navy veteran and will share with us some of the WDVA priorities in the coming months and years, as well as updates to some of WDVA Programs and Services.
Dinner will be pizza, soup, and Cheryl’s surprise dessert.
12 April 2024

Program to be determined

10 May 2024

Election of Post Officers

Up-Coming Events

Fourth District Spring Information

Date: 9 March 2024 starting at 10:00 am

Location: Our Post

Historical Dates in March

19 March 2003: Operation Iraqi Freedom begins

20 March 2003: Iraq War begins

25 March Medal of Honor Day

29 March Vietnam Veterans Day

Post Property Sales Update

The closure of our property sales has been delayed until approximately January 2025 due to county permitting and environmental studies. Studies and permitting process are proceeding.

Membership Update from Our Post Adjutant

Did you receive a renewal notice recently, but have already renewed your membership?

This may happen when you renew after the data cutoff date. Look at the right side of your renewal notice. You should see “AS OF:” and a date. That is the date that the National Headquarters in Indianapolis used to determine if your membership had been received. If you renewed sometime near that date, you notice probably crossed with your renewal.

You can go to Mylegion.org at Membership Application (legion.org) to pay on-line or email our adjutant to pay directly to the Post.

If you have questions, you can call me at (360) 701-5921 or email me at [email protected].

Larry Granish
Adjutant

Social Media

You can also follow Post activities on Facebook. Check it out and like us to follow events.
Our page is American Legion Post 94 Lacey Washington.

Safety Tip

National Safety Council Springtime Safety Tips

Time to Change the Clocks

Daylight Saving Time begins every year on the second Sunday in March (10 March 2024). We "lose" an hour when the clocks are set forward (except in Hawaii and most of Arizona), and for many, that means a tired couple of days as our bodies adjust. The consequences of fatigue can be serious, so plan accordingly.

Daylight Saving Time, which in 2024 begins Sunday, March 10, means it's also a good time to review your spring safety checklist.

Smoke Alarms

Three out of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Test your smoke alarms every month and replace the battery at least once a year. If the alarm makes a "chirping" sound, replace the battery immediately.

Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and in the common areas on each floor of a home. Mount them at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms, less than 12 inches from the ceiling and away from windows, doors and ducts.

Smoke alarms can be interconnected wirelessly. That means, when one sounds, they all sound. A Consumer Product Safety Commission survey found this is the best way to notify everyone in a home if there is a fire. Be sure to purchase smoke alarms with the label of a reputable testing agency, like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Anything that burns fuel can potentially become a source of carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can kill. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom and on every level of the home. The safety tips for CO detectors mirror those of smoke alarms: change the batteries, test them and interconnect them, if possible. Also, make sure vents for your gas appliances (fireplace, dryer, stove and furnace) are free and clear of snow or debris.

Family Emergency Plan

The National Safety Council recommends every family have an emergency plan in place in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Spring is a great time to review that plan with family members. Have a home and car emergency kit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says an emergency kit should include one gallon of water per day for each person, at least a three-day supply of food, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, filter mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, and medicines. Visit the FEMA website for a complete list. The emergency plan also should include:
• A communications plan to outline how your family members will contact one another and where to meet if it's safe to go outside
• A shelter-in-place plan if outside air is contaminated; FEMA recommends sealing windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting
• A getaway plan including various routes and destinations in different directions
• Also, make sure your first aid kit is updated.

Get Rid of Unwanted Medicines

NSC recommends you take unwanted or expired medicines to a prescription drop box or take-back event near you. Or, learn how you can use Stericycle Seal & Send envelopes to send your unwanted medication to be safely destroyed.

Getting the Urge to Clean?

With the warm weather comes a desire to shine and polish your home. But when warning labels are ignored or chemicals fall into the wrong hands, disaster can occur. Learn what you can do to keep you family safe around poisons in the home.

Window Safety

With warmer temperatures arriving, it's important to practice window safety – especially in homes with young children. Find more information about window safety.
VA News
Veteran health care, all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service — at home or abroad — will be eligible for VA health care beginning March 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2024
5:00 am

At the direction of President Biden, VA is expanding health care eligibility to millions of Veterans — including all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 — years earlier than called for by the PACT Act

WASHINGTON — Today, VA announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military — at home or abroad — will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5, 2024. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.
As directed by President Biden, this expansion of VA health care eliminates the phased-in approach called for by the PACT Act — meaning that millions of Veterans are becoming eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than written into law. This is a critical step forward because Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Additionally, VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for Veterans.
VA encourages all eligible Veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and apply for VA health care beginning March 5. Since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on August 10, 2022, more than 500,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.
“If you’re a Veteran who may have been exposed to toxins or hazards while serving our country, at home or abroad, we want you to come to us for the health care you deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans – and once you’re in, you have access for life. So don’t wait, enroll starting March 5th.”
“Beginning March 5, we’re making millions of Veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “With this expansion, VA can care for all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. We can also care for Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home – by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more. We want to bring all of these Veterans to VA for the care they’ve earned and deserve.”
In addition to expanding access to VA care, this decision makes it quicker and easier for millions of Veterans to enroll. Many Veterans believe they must apply to receive VA disability compensation benefits to become eligible for VA health care, but this is not correct. With this expansion and other authorities, millions of eligible Veterans can enroll directly in VA care – without any need to first apply for VA benefits.
This expansion of care covers Vietnam Veterans, Gulf War Veterans, Iraq War Veterans, Afghanistan War Veterans, Veterans who deployed in support of contingency operations for the Global War on Terror (Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Resolute Support Mission), and more.
This expansion also covers many Veterans who never deployed as a part of a conflict but were exposed to toxins or hazards while serving in the U.S. Specifically, under this expansion of care, any Veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) — at home or abroad – is eligible for VA health care. VA has determined that Veterans who were exposed to one or more of the following hazards or conditions during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training participated in a TERA:air pollutants (burn pits, sand, dust, particulates, oil well fires, sulfur fires);chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, depleted uranium with embedded shrapnel, contaminated water); occupational hazards (asbestos, industrial solvents, lead, paints including chemical agent resistant coating, firefighting foams); radiation (nuclear weapons handling, maintenance and detonation, radioactive material, calibration and measurement sources, X-rays, radiation from military occupational exposure); warfare agents (nerve agents, chemical and biological weapons); and more. VA will use all available information to determine if Veterans participated in a TERA, including military records and service connection.
VA is executing a nationwide campaign to ensure that as many Veterans as possible enroll. To date, VA’s PACT Act outreach campaign has included more than 2,500 events nationwide, $13 million in paid advertising, 88,000 earned media clips, more than 400 million emails and letters to Veterans, VA’s first-ever text messaging campaign, the creation of a one-stop-shop PACT Act website, and more. This is the largest outreach campaign in VA history, which has one goal in mind: ensure that all Veterans —and their survivors — get the health care and benefits they deserve under the PACT Act.
For more information about how the PACT Act is helping Veterans and their survivors, visit VA’s PACT Act Dashboard. To apply for care or benefits today, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411. More information on eligibility can be found at VA.gov/PACT.
Humorous One Liners of the Month

• Corduroy pillows: they’re making headlines!
• Life is too complicated in the morning.
• Bills travel the mail at twice the speed of checks.
• Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.

Building Rental

Building Post Members Non-Members
Post Building $175.00 $375.00
Pavilion $200.00 $350.00

Pavilion will be available for rentals weekday and weekends starting in May 2023.

There is a $200.00 refundable security deposit requirement as well. Please contact Paul Dennis at 360.688.6895 or at [email protected] to reserve either facility.

Service Officer Information

Do you feel that you have a residual health problem that is linked to your time in the service? Have you applied for benefits with the Veterans Administration and been turned down? If so, do not try to deal with the VA on your own. The Legion also has a Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program that could help you one time with paying your utilities, rent/mortgage, or other emergency needs. This is an American Legion Children and Youth program and to qualify you must have minor children in your home. If you feel you need help regarding your VA benefits or the TFA program please call the Post Veteran Service Officer, Rose Hodgeboom.

The Lacey Veterans Service Hub also provides a wide variety of assistance to veterans and now has over 35 providers working out of there. The Hub is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (except holidays) and is located at 4232 6th Avenue SE, Suite 202, Lacey, WA 98503. The phone number is 360.456.3850.

Post Officers for 2023-2024
• Commander, Bob Nakamura
• 1st Vice Commander, Sharonda Amamilo
• 2nd Vice Commander, Andy Garate
• Adjutant, Larry Granish
• Finance Officer, Gary Walker
• Service Officer, Rose Hodgeboom
• Sergeant-at-Arms, Jim Notter
• Judge Advocate, Dave Hodgeboom
• Chaplain, Les Christiansen
• Historian, Terry Ponton

The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. And starting March 5, 2024, w...