November 2015 www.vfw8874.org

“Those Who Have Long Enjoyed Such Privileges As We Enjoy POST CALENDAR: Forget In Time That Men Have Died To Win Them.” SUNs World Tavern Poker 3:00PM MONs Monday Night Football 6:30PM ~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt ~ MONs Pool League 9-Ball 6:30PM TUEs Pool League 8-Ball 6:30PM VFW MISSION: WEDs World Tavern Poker 7:00PM The Veterans of Foreign Wars is an organization of war veterans committed FRI/SAT Free Pool All Day 2nd MONs VFW Aux Meetings 5:30PM to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing 3rd THUs VFW Member Meetings 6:00PM community services and advocating for a strong national defense. NOVEMBER COMMANDER’S THINK TANK: National Military Family Month Comrades, Deadline: Patriot’s Pen Essay NOV 1 Deadline: Voice of Democracy NOV 1 I wanted to make you aware of some upcoming events that our post will be VFW Auxiliary Meeting - 5:30PM NOV 2 participating in this month and early next month. First, we are very happy and Election Day NOV 3 proud to be hosting this year’s Los Alamos Veterans Day celebration. Our post, Veterans Day Committee - 6:30 NOV 5 as well as many other local fraternal organizations have been meeting for over a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) B-Day NOV 10 Veteran’s Day (Event - Fuller Lodge) NOV 11 month to plan this event which will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 11am VFW Meeting - 6PM NOV 19 at Fuller Lodge. This year’s event will be a little different, as we have partnered with Great American Smokeout NOV 19 Los Alamos County as they will be celebrating the signing of the Manhattan Project Thanksgiving NOV 26 National Historical Park on that same day, 10am at the LA Youth Center. For DECEMBER Veterans Day, we have the honor again to have Col. Ed Keith as our guest speaker and will be performing the (a cappella). The Girl Civil Air Patrol (USAF Aux) B-Day DEC 1 Alicia Solomon National Anthem Los Alamos Holiday Light Parade DEC 5 Scouts will be singing “Thank You, Soldiers” and Classic Air Medical will be providing Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day DEC 7 National Wreaths Across America DEC 12 everyone to attend both the celebration and to join us for lunch following the event. US National Guard B-Day DEC 13 Thethe fly-over food will with be prepared a helicopter by for the ceremony. (RonIt will Smith). be a fun event and we invite VFW Auxiliary Meeting - 5:30PM DEC 14 Smokin’ Bear BBQ VFW Meeting - 6PM DEC 17 Also, the Auxiliary Los Alamos Holiday Light Parade Christmas Eve DEC 24 which is scheduled for December 5, 6pm (thank you Joe Archuleta for volunteering Christmas Day DEC 25 to drive). This will hasbe anotherentered greata float way for thefor us to be involved with community events. So if you are interested in participating or volunteering to help with the Tita Garcia. As many of you know, we are also involved with the float, please contact Voice of Democracy (VOD) Audio-Essay competition. The VFW established this program in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. This year we have four participants that entered the local competition--judging will take place this week. The winner’s audio-essay will be submitted to the VFW New Mexico Department to compete at the state level. Our local winners have done really well at the state level in previous year, so we want to wish all our local competitors the best of luck in this year’s competition. As you can see, this is a very busy time of year for our post. We will be involved with many community activities. And with that, we need to pause and honor all those Veterans who have served this great country of ours. We also need to take time to God Bless the United States of America! thank them for their service and sacrifice. And Roger Anaya, Commander 1st Lieutenant John D. Gamble VFW - John D. Gamble Post 8874 VFW POST OFFICERS: LOOKING FOR YOU!!! Commander: Roger Anaya ~ IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN BY IN WHILE ~ Phone: (505) 672-0314 E-mail: [email protected] ~ PLEASE STOP BY! ~ ~ WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VISIT EACH WEEK ~ Sr. Vice Cdr: Beverley Simpson Phone: (505) 412-1607 IT’S IMPORTANT FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER, E-mail: [email protected] FOR CAMARADERIE AND SUPPORT! Jr. Vice Cdr: Art Brown Phone: (505) 239-6901 E-mail: [email protected] New Coast Guard Stamp: Quartermaster: Eluterio “Eli” Garcia A Forever Stamp honoring the U.S. Coast Guard was Phone: (505) 662-4453 dedicated August 4, 2015 at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Chaplain: E-mail: [email protected]. John Carney Phone: (505) 662-6193 Flu Shots for Veterans ~ Walgreens: E-mail: [email protected] Judge Advocate: Paul Elkins Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Phone: (505) 662-4634 and Walgreens are making it easier than ever for veterans to protect themselves E-mail: [email protected] With flu season right around the corner, the Post Surgeon: Jason Lott Veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA Health Care System can visit Phone: (505) 231-2640 against the influenza virus. E-mail: [email protected] their local Walgreens or Duane Reade advantage of this offer, simply use the registration form below. Then, present the Service Officer: Art Brown completed form to your local Walgreens locationor Duane to Reade receive pharmacist a free flu shot.with yourTo take VA Phone: (505) 239-6901 E-mail: [email protected] and photo ID cards. Adjutant: Eluterio “Eli” Garcia Walgreens will also automatically update your VA health Phone: (505) 662-4453 visitWith www.Walgreens.com/FindAStore your free flu shot, . Historian: E-mail: [email protected] Elkins care records. To find a location near you, call 800-WALGREENS (800-925-4733) or Phone: (505) 662-4634 E-mail: [email protected] 1st Yr Trustee: Nick Mezins Phone: (505) 662-4946 E-mail: [email protected]

2nd Yr Trustee: Paul Elkins Phone: (505) 662-4634 E-mail: [email protected]

3rd Yr Trustee: Joe Archuleta Phone: (505) 690-4482 Newsletter Edr. Jason Lott House Cmte: Eluterio “Eli” Garcia Jason Lott Roger Anaya Beverley Simpson Membership Chair: Eli Garcia Patriot’s Pen Chair: Need Chair Voice of Democracy Chair: Need Chair Teacher of the Year Chair: Art Brown Scout of the Year Chair: Jason Lott

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in a sharp turn NOSE ART OF THE MONTH: Ready Willing and Able (serial number 42-41078). This B-24 was assigned to the 5th Air Force, 90th Bombardment Group, 319th Bombardment Squadron and participated in 59 AUXILIARY of the VFW: WWII bombing missions, and shot down three enemy Marilyn Monroe President: Nancy Dean in Korea (1954) Phone: (505) 665-3819 E-mail: [email protected] fightersA andnchors one ship. Aweigh Sr. Vice Pres: Maria Valenzuela John Hagen (Revised Lyrics 1997) Phone: (505) 672-9335 E-mail: [email protected] Stand Navy out to sea, Jr. Vice Pres: Kathy Steck Fight our battle cry; Phone: We’ll never change our course, E-mail: [email protected] So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y. Secretary: Cathy Crane Roll out the TNT, Phone: Anchors Aweigh. E-mail: [email protected] Sail on to victory Treasurer: Margaret “Tita” Garcia And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray! Phone: (505) 412-2686 E-mail: [email protected] Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh.

Chaplin: Annalisa Miranda Farewell to foreign shores, Phone: E-mail: [email protected] We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay. Through our last night ashore, Conductress: Patti Remelius Phone: (505) 490-3169 Drink to the foam, E-mail: Until we meet once more. Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home. Guard: Kathryn Clark Phone: (505) 412-1113 Blue of the mighty deep: E-mail: [email protected] Gold of God’s great sun. Patriotic Instr.: Alicia Garcia Let these our colors be Phone: (505) 662-4453 Till all of time be done, done, done, done. E-mail: [email protected] On seven seas we learn Historian: Alicia Garcia Navy’s stern call: Faith, courage, service true, 1st Yr Trustee: Maria Valenzuela With honor, over honor, over all. 2nd Yr Trustee: Annalisa Miranda

3rd Yr Trustee: Kathy Steck Starving On Bataan: CANTEEN: EXCERPT FROM: A World War II Memoir by Joe Bergstein (Los Alamos Resident) Mon~Thu 1PM to at least 8PM This excerpt is from a memoir authored by Joe Bergstein describing his military career, Fri 1PM to at least 9PM specifically his experiences in Bataan during WWII and as a POW of the Japanese Sat 11AM to at least 8PM military. This excerpt occurred after the invasion of Bataan prior to his capture. Sun 12PM to at least 7PM All this time the short rations were taking their toll on us. We did get a very little Happy Hour: 4-6PM MON~FRI meat on occasion. Once or twice we got a little mule meat some horse meat when the last of the 26th Cavalry’s horses were slaughtered. We shot a couple of monkeys, FRI/SAT ~ FREE POOL but there was little edible on them. We also killed an iguana (lizard) and a cobra, Smoking Policy: Post 8874 is which we ate. We even raided a quartermaster dump one night and got away with smoke free, except for the special a case that contained four big cans of peaches. Beans or C-rations would have been smoking parlor room located in the much better. The peaches or the syrup they were in gave us all diarrhea. The dump entrance loft, adjacent to the Canteen. been detected, but of course we were armed too. We had only that one opportunity Canteen Manager: towas get guarded to the vicinityby armed of quartermaster the dump, which troops was who located would far have to the fired rear. at usMost if we of hadthe Ashley & Samantha D’Anna time we lived with continuous gnawing hunger. We really paid for Mac’s [General Phone: (505) 670-7713 MacArthur] blunder in not stocking Bataan with adequate food supplies. I knew (505) 670-1853 the troops in the rear areas on the island forts were being fed far better than we E-mail: [email protected] were. They were supposed to be on half-rations too, but theirs was based on a lot Know Your Bartenders: better ration than ours was. That came to light when a truck carrying rations to a Ashley D’Anna detachment of the 60th Coast AA was stopped by MPs. The 60th was a Corregidor Samantha D’Anna Bataan contingent. It is a Amanda Giovo truism that the troops doing the hardest and most dangerous work always get the Kendra Cordova leastoutfit, and and worst the truck food carriedand are exotic the last stuff to get like anything ham to their but grief. Any physical activity David Dover was exhausting, we had lost a lot of weight, and we were all looking pretty gaunt. had chronic dysentery. Andy Long said his teeth were getting loose. Things were aboutOur khakis to get were worse. filthy and rotting and out boots were coming apart. George French

Pool Tables: $. 50 per Game Free Pool on FRI/SAT Member’s Pool Table: $2 per person per day Wireless Internet: Free Ask Bartender for Password Atomic City Pool League: MONs & TUEs 6:30PM Tony Zukaitis: (505) 690-3965 E-mail: [email protected] World Tavern Poker: Wed (7-9PM) & Suns (3-5PM) Mike Cutler: E-mail: [email protected] Jukebox: Set Up Your Own Playlist Service MEDAL ~ American Campaign Medal: MEMBERSHIP: FROM: Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Campaign_Medal VFW 136 (131 Life) The American Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States Armed VFW Auxiliary 68 (39 Life) Forces by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was intended to recognize those military which members was first who created had performed on November military 6, 1942 service by Executivein the American Order 9265 Theater issued of Operations during World War II. A similar medal, known as the American Defense Service Medal was awarded for active duty service prior to the United States entry into World War II. The criteria was initially announced in Department of the Army Circular 1, dated January 1, 1943, so that the ribbon could be authorized prior to design of the medal. The criteria for the medal was announced in DA Circular 84, dated March 25, 1948 and subsequently published in Army Regulation 600-65, dated September 22, 1948. The American Campaign Medal was issued as a service ribbon only during the Second World War, and wasn’t issued as a full-sized medal until 1947. American Campaign Medal was General of the Army George C. Marshall, Jr. The first recipient of the The requirements for the American Campaign Medal were for service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 under any of the following conditions: - On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States. - Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. - Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. RECRUITING: - In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or A healthy organization continues independent force that the Soldier actually participated in combat. to grow and recruit new members, - Infurnished the continental a certificate limits by of the the commandingUnited States generalfor an aggregate of a corps, period higher of unit,1 year. or which brings in new ideas and energy. The boundaries of are as follows: The eastern boundary is By actively engaging new members, American Theater located from the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the we ensure the future of our honored 77th parallel north latitude, thence southeast through Davis Strait to the intersection organization, strengthen our cause, of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, thence and better perform our mission. south along the meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, thence southeast to Each of us should be reaching out to the intersection of the Equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, thence south fellow veterans to encourage their along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole. membership and have a goal of recruiting at least one new member The western boundary is located from the North Pole, south along the 141st per year. If you are aware of someone meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, thence south and southeast who may be interested, please contact meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, thence southeast toalong the theintersection Alaska boundary of the Equator to the and Pacific the 100th Ocean, meridian thence southwest longitude, along the thence 130th one of the post officers. south to the South Pole. The medal, made of bronze, is 1 1/4 inches wide. The obverse was designed by Thomas Hudson Jones. It shows a Navy destroyer underway with a B-24 Liberator

background is the skyline of a city. At the top of the medal are the words AMERICAN CAMPAIGNbomber flying. The overhead. reverse In of the the foreground medal, designed is a sinking by Adolph enemy submarine,Alexander Weinman,and in the is the same design as used on the reverse of both the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. It depicts an American bald eagle between the dates 1941 - 1945 and the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. MEDAL OF HONOR ~ PVT Joe P. Martínez: VFW’S CODE OF ETHICS: FROM: Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_P._Mart%C3%ADnez Private Joseph Pantillion Martínez (July 27, 1920–May 26, 1943) born in Taos, times; New Mexico, was a United States Army soldier who posthumously received the • Act in a professional manner at all Medal of Honor — the United States’ highest military decoration —- for his actions honesty and open communication on the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Private Joseph P. Martínez was the • arePromote valued; an environment where Medal of Honor during World War II first Hispanic-American and first Coloradan to receive the professional and mature manner; American soil (other than the 15 at Pearl Harbor) since the Indian Wars. • Resolve differences of opinion in a . His posthumous award was the first act for combat heroism on Joe Martínez was one of nine children born to José privileged information; Manuel Martínez and María Eduvigen Romo, both who • Respect the confidentiality of were natives of New Mexico. In 1927, his father, who any form of discrimination or was an agricultural laborer, decided to move from Taos, • harassmentRefuse to engage toward in ormembers, tolerate New Mexico to Ault, Colorado. There, Martínez received employees, volunteers or other his primary and secondary education. On August 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Camp Roberts, CA where he received his basic training. towardofficers; all people; On June 6, 1942, Japanese forces invaded the island of • Exhibit respect and fairness Kiska and on June 7, the island of Attu. These islands are and its members; and among the western most islands on the Aleutian chain • Speak highly of the organization and are part of Alaska. The U.S. feared that the islands PVT Joe P. Martínez activities of the organization. would be used as bases from which to launch aerial assaults against the West Coast, • Promote VFW and support the

American soil since the War of 1812. and it became a matter of national pride to expel the first invaders to set foot on After Martínez completed his basic training, he was assigned to Company K, 32d Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. The 7th Infantry Division landed at Holtz Bay, Attu. On May 26, 1943, the 32nd Infantry Regiment engaged in combat in the vicinity of Fish Hook Ridge against enemy troops. The regiment was pinned down into the Japanese foxholes and the men of his unit followed. Martínez was shot in by enemy fire and Martinez on his own account led two assaults. He fired his rifle wound the following day. Martínez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. the head as he approached one final foxhole after the second assault, dying of the Private Martínez awarded the Medal of Honor for combat heroism on American soil during World War II. was the first Hispanic-American recipient who was posthumously Martínez was buried with full military honors at Ault Cemetery, Ault, Weld County in Colorado. On April 13, 1945, the United States Navy named one of its ships, which served as a troop transport during the Korean War, the USNS Private Joe P. Martinez. The state of Colorado has honored his memory by naming a street and serves as the service center after him. The government named a Disabled American Veteransrenaming chaptera former in base Colorado reception and centeran American and early Legion officer’s post club in Californiawhich currently in his VETERAN AFFAIRS: honor. Three statues were erected with his likeness and are located in the Colorado Benefits Information & Assistance cities of Ault, Greeley at the Weld County Veterans Memorial Park, and Denver. The (800) 827-1000 U.S. Army also named an Army Reserve military installation in Denver, Colorado after Martinez. The 7th Infantry Division honored him by naming the Fort Ord Health Care (877) 222-8387 Welcome Center (originally the Post Headquarters built in 1941) Martinez Hall in Edu/Training (888) 442-4551 1977. Although Fort Ord closed in 1993, Martinez Hall still serves as a Veterans VA Life Ins. (800) 669-8477 Transition Service Center. Office of SGLI (800) 419-1473 CHAM PVA (800) 733-8387 Helpline (Agent Orange/Gulf War) (800) 749-8387 Direct Deposit (877) 838-2778 Headstones (800) 697-6947 Device for Deaf (800) 829-4833 Lt/ Everett Alvarez ~ Hanoi Hilton: Flag Etiquette: FROM: The American Patriot’s Almanac Standards of Respect: The Flag “You will write a letter to American pilots flying missions in the south. You will tell them it is wrong and they are criminals. You will tell them to protest to their government.” the traditional ways in which we Code, which formalizes and unifies With those words, Lt. Everett Alvarez’s North Vietnamese captors led him into a room furnished with a wooden table, stick pen, bottle of ink, and blank paper. It was November 5, 1966. For the next several days, his jailors deprived him of sleep, notgive to respect be used. to Theythe flag, are: also contains specific instructions on how the flag is kicked him, and them withheld food in an effort to get him to write a “confession.” The ordeal was one of many Alvarez faced during his long captivity.

• upsideThe flag down should only never as bea distress dipped torpedo boats, Alvarez signal.to any person or thing. It is flown shotOn August down over 5, 1964, North whileVietnam. flying He asoon mission found against himself enemy in the infamous prison known hadas the become Hanoi the Hilton first. American His starvation pilot drapery, or for covering a speakers • desk,The flag draping should a notplatform, be used or as for a animal hoof, or a blackbird lying feet up on a plate. Monstrous any decoration in general. Bunting ratsdiet scurried consisted across of a chickenhis tiny headcell. floatingMore POW in s slimy arrived. stew, The an of blue, white and red stripes is North Vietnamese often beat them, tied them up for days, available for these purposes. The or ratcheted handcuffs around their arms until it felt like blue stripe of the bunting should Lt. Everett Alvarez be on the top. Often held in isolation, the captives communicated by tapping a code on walls. hacksaws biting into their flesh. Not all survived. for any advertising purpose. “Contact with one another was essential,” Alvarez wrote in his book Chained Eagle. • ItThe should flag shouldnot be never embroidered, be used “Without it, we were doomed.” At the sound of pre-arranged taps, the POWs stood printed or otherwise impressed alone in their cells to whisper the Lord’s Prayer in unison, then recited the Pledge on such articles as cushions, of Allegiance with hand over heart. handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or At the war’s end, after eight and a half years in the Hanoi Hilton and other prisons, anything intended to be discarded Everett Alvarez came home. “Faith in God, in our president, and in our country -- after temporary use. Advertising it was this faith that maintained our hope,” he said. “God bless you, Mr. and Mrs. signs should not be attached to America. You did not forget us.” the staff or halyard

part of a costume or athletic • The flag should not be used as may be used on the uniform of uniform, except that a flag patch policeman and members of patrioticmilitary organizations. personnel, fireman,

on it, or attached to it, any mark, • insignia,The flag shouldletter, never word, have number, placed

afigure, receptacle or drawing for receiving, of any kind. holding, • carrying,The flag shouldor delivering never anything.be used as Veterans Day ~ Manhattan Project Veterans: of it should touch the ground or • anyWhen other the flag object; is lowered, it should no part be This year’s Los Alamos Veteran’s Day Event is being received by waiting hands and hosted by the VFW. Additionally, we’re combining our ceremony with the community’s celebration folded neatly and ceremoniously. of the establishment of the Manhattan Project arms. To store the flag it should be National Historical Park. During our event, we’ll mended when necessary. recognize Corporal Roger Rasmussen as a veteran • The flag should be cleaned and of WWII serving with the Manhattan Project. Rasmussen was a member of the U.S. Army’s • ourWhen country, a flag it isshould so worn be destroyed it is no Special Engineer Detachment (SED) in Los Alamos longer fit to serve as a symbol of Trinity Site. He’ll be honored at this year’s Veteran by burning in a dignified manner. Dayand aand witness presented to the afirst quilt atomic from weaponKelly Michel test at and the Special Engineer Detachment the Los Alamos Quilts of Honor. Manhattan Project The ARMY’s bugle Calls: CONTACTS: FROM: Army Officers Guide

Bugle calls by recordings, colorless and scarcely recognized, serve as reminders of VFW/Canteen Phone: (505) 662-3506 past eras when the calls of the bugler regulated the military day, and served as an essential means of communication in battle. Remaining is Taps, the last sound of the bugle, as a soldier is laid to rest. NM Veterans’[email protected] Service Officer: Historically, the beats of the drum and the calls of the Jeff George (505) 346-4810 bugle go far into past centuries. The calls in current [email protected] use date back to the very beginning of our Army and NM VFW Service Officer (NVS): It is noteworthy that before the Civil War, each branch Cynthia Archuleta hadreflect its theown influence calls, with of thethe InfantryBritish and using French the beatsarmies. of (505) 346-4881 the drum. But this created confusion when several [email protected] units were involved in battle. In 1867, Gen. Emory VFW Tactical Assessment Center: Upton prepared a document embodying changes 24-hour help line for questions made necessary by the Civil War, and requested Maj. & concerns w/VA entitlements Truman Seymour (later General) to prepare a new (800) VFW-1899 system of calls for all arms and branches of the Army. They have been continued in use. The history of a Santa Fe Veterans Counseling Center few selected calls follow: Phil Chavez (505) 988-6562 • First Call: Similar to the French cavalry call “Le Garde a Vous.” [email protected] • Reveille: Same as the French call, this dates from the Crusades. The armies of the Crusaders were amazed and frightened at the military music of the Creole Nouvelle Restaurant: Saracens, and their instruments were captured and copied. Thereafter, the MON~THUR , 10:30AM~2PM European armies used music to greater advantage in both battle and ceremony. FRI, 10:30AM~8PM • Assembly: The old cavalry assembly call, in use from about 1835, was replaced *10% Discount for VFW Members* in 1867 by the present more martial-sounding call. Pete & Esther Lucchini • Mess Call: Similar to the French call “Le Rappel.” (505) 661-4050 www.facebook.com/CreoleNouvelle • Retreat: French cavalry call dating from the Crusades. • To the Color: The old cavalry call “To the Standard,” in use from about 1835, Disabled American Veteran (DAV) was replaced in 1867 by the present more military-sounding call. Service: Provides free rides to • Tattoo: Originated during the Thirty Years War and called the Zapfenstreich. veterans Tuesday thru Thursday to At 9:00 pm, when the call was sounded, all bungs (Zapfen) had to be replaced and from the Albuquerque Veterans in their barrels, signifying the end of the nightly drinking bout. A chalk line Administration Hospital. (Streich) was then drawn across the bung by the guard so that it could not be For assistance call: opened without evidence of tampering. “Tap-to” thus became “Tattoo.” • Attention: From the British call “Alarm” for the troops to turn out under arms. Merejildo Ortega • Taps: Army of the Potomac composed the (505) 351-4405 call in July 1862, for use in his own brigade, supposedly to replace the three Bernardo Jaramillo General Daniel Butterfield of theConfederates would not know a burial (505) 753-5594 was taking place. Soon thereafter, it replaced “Tattoo” as the last call of the day. (505) 927-3529 Itsvolleys use becamefired at militarypopular funeralsthrough theso the Union Army. Reference to the word Taps

has been found as early as 1861 and is variously explained, one version being Hospital Service Coordinator (800) 465-8262 x2821 that it originally was soldier slang for “Tap-To,” as “Tattoo

“Tap-To” in the infantry was sounded on a drum -- thus Taps • Fire Call: Similar to certain British and French calls. ” was first spelled, and • First Sergeant’s Call: Martial Music of Camp Dupont, 1816, when it was a drum call sounded when the adjutant wished This call is first mentioned in sergeants to report to the adjutant or sergeant major, comes from the German Army.to summon the first sergeant. The present bugle call, used to notify all first New Mexico Lottery: The Los Alamos VFW is now an authorized retail location for the New Mexico Lottery. In addition to Bingo, you may play Powerball, Mega Millions, Hot Lotto Sizzler, Roadrunner Cash, and Pick 3. If you purchase these at the VFW, and you win, the VFW also wins as the retailer selling the ticket. REPRESENTATION: President Barack Obama Website: www.whitehouse.gov Phone: (202) 456-1111 Address: The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 Senator Tom Udall Website: www.tomudall.senate.gov Phone: (202) 224-6621 Address: 110 Hart Senate Off. Bldg Great American Smokeout ~ NOV 19: Washington DC, 20510 From: www.cancer.org Senator Martin Heinrich Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take Phone: (202) 224-5521 part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. They may use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. Washington, DC 20510 Address: B40D Dirksen Senate Office Bld The Great American Smokeout event challenges people to stop using tobacco and Rep. Ben Ray Luján helps people know about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay Website: www.lujan.house.gov quit. Phone: (202) 225-6190 Address: 330 Cannon HOB In many towns and communities, local volunteers use this event to publicize the Washington, D.C. 20515 need to quit, and press for laws that control tobacco use and discourage teens from starting, and support people who want to quit. Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have support, such as: • Telephone smoking-cessation hotlines • Stop-smoking groups • Online quit groups • Counseling • Nicotine replacement products • Prescription medicine to lessen cravings • Guide books • Encouragement and support from friends and family members Using two or more of these measures to quit smoking works better than using any one of them alone. For example, some people use a prescription medicine along with nicotine replacement. Other people may use as many as 3 or 4 of the methods listed above. Telephone stop-smoking hotlines are an easy-to-use resource, and they are available in all 50 states. Call them at 1-800-227-2345 to get more information on quitting

Governor Susana Martinez Phone: (505) 476-2200 tobacco and to find telephone counseling or other support in your area. Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Rm400 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Sen. Richard C. Martinez Phone: (505) 929-0125 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Box 762 Espanola, NM 87532 NM Rep. Stephanie G. Richard Phone: (505) 500-4343 E-mail: [email protected] Address: P.O. Box 4657 Los Alamos, NM 87544

Los Alamos County Council Phone: (505) 663-1750 E-mail: [email protected] Address: 1000 Central Ave., Suite 350 Los Alamos, NM 87544 Auxiliary To The VFW News: Just a reminder that the Auxiliary to the VFW is now women VFW MISSION: and men, and that we’re accepting applications. The only To foster camaraderie among United requirement for membership is that you have a spouse (or are a States Veterans widow/er), parent, grandparent, child, grand-child, siblings, or To serve our veterans, the military, half-sibling who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW. and our communities. of overseas To advocate conflicts. on An application is included on the last page of this newsletter. behalf of all veterans. Los Alamos Holiday Light Parade on VFW VISION: December 5 at 6PM. We’d love to include you and any of your children or grand- Ensure that veterans are respected Also, we’re hosting a children’s float in the children. Also, we’re looking for any extra Christmas lights and decorations that we for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are can borrow for the float. Please contact Tita Garcia at (505) 412-2686 if you’d like their loved ones have made on behalf to help out with the float. ofrecognized this great for country. the sacrifices they and VFW PURPOSE: The purpose of this corporation are fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational and are; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of Nationwide Gravesite Locator ~ Veterans: the United States Constitution and laws; to foster true FROM: http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/ patriotism; to maintain, and fidelityand extend to its The Nationwide Gravesite Locator includes burial records from many sources. the institutions of American freedom; These sources provide varied data; some searches may contain less information and to preserve and defend the United than others. Information on veterans buried in private cemeteries was collected States from all enemies. for the purpose of furnishing government grave markers, and it does not have information available for burials prior to 1997. VFW CORE VALUES: • Always put the interests of our The database of burial information is updated each day. Search for burial locations members first of veterans and their family members in VA National Cemeteries, state veterans • Treat donors as partners in our cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for cause veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government • Promote patriotism grave marker. • Honor military service This on-line database is accessible at http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/. • Ensure the care of veterans and their families • Serve our communities • Promote a positive image of the VFW • Respect the diversity of veteran opinions

ATOMIC CITY POOL LEAGUE: VFW PRIORITIES: • VA Health Care Standings as of October 4, 2015: • Suicides & Homelessness 9-BALL STANDINGS 8-BALL STANDINGS • VA Benefits & Compensation • Seamless Transition Team Win % Won Team Win % Won • Military Quality of Life High Altitude 0.000 00 Balls Deep 75.00% 12 • Education & Employment Los Ojos 0.000 00 Red Eye Express 71.88% 23 • Defense & Homeland Security Breakers 0.000 00 Hits Happen 53.13% 17 • POW/MIA Bad English 0.000 00 Them Again 37.50% 6 The Balls in Hand 0.000 00 Breakers 18.75% 6 U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Birthday ~ NOV 10: FROM: Military.com - http://www.military.com/marine-corps-birthday On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” for service as landing forces

established the Continental Marineswith the and fleet. marked This resolutionthe birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, Marines distinguished VFW MEMBER’S themselves in a number of importantthese first operations, including OBLIGATION: In the presence of Almighty God - the Bahamas in March 1776, and the members of this order here undertheir firstthe amphibiouscommand of raidCaptain into assembled - I (Your Name), do of my (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. own free will and accord, solemnly Continental Marines, Nicholas remained the promise and declare that: senior Marine American Revolution and is considered to I will bear true allegiance - to the beThe the first first commissioned Marine Commandant officer in the. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an Constitution of the United States end to the Revolutionary officer throughout War and the as the last of the Navy’s ships were sold, the • of America - and I will always be Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence. loyal thereto. Following the Revolutionary War I do further solemnly promise and led to the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on July 11, 1798. Marines declare - that I will comply with saw action in the quasi-war with France,, increasing landed conflict in Santo with Domingo, Revolutionary and took Francepart in • the Congressional Charter - By- many operations against the Barbary pirates along the “Shores of Tripoli”. Laws and Ritual of this Order - and I will always be loyal thereto - that Since then, Marines have participated in all the wars of the United States, and in I will never wrong or defraud Marines have executed this organization - nor a member more than 300 landings on foreign shores. most cases were the first service members to fight. To date, thereof - nor permit any wrong to Today, there are more than 200,000 active-duty and reserve Marines, organized be done to either - if in my power into three divisions stationed at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton and Okinawa, to prevent it. Japan. Each division has one or more expeditionary units, ready to launch major I will never propose for operations anywhere on short notice. Marines Expeditionary Units are self- membership - any person not • eligible - nor one whom I know to Semper Fidelis, meaning “Always Faithful” in Latin. be unworthy. sufficient, with their own tanks, artillery, and air forces. The motto of the service is I will never make known to anyone WORLD TAVERN POKER: - not authorized to receive it - any • of the work of this order.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the • UnitedShould States my affiliation - cease in - withany way the - I will consider this pledge - as binding outside of the order - as though I had remained a member of same. All this I promise and pledge - upon the honor of a true comrade - and a TOP RANKED PLAYERS for NE Region of New Mexico (as of Oct. 31, 2015) • citizen of our great republic. 1 Patrick Berkebile 10345 8 Brian Appell 9410 15 Todd Berkebile 8431 2 Ann Rundle 10028 9 Diego Sisneros 9395 16 Michael Jensen 7495 3 Sean White 9895 10 Bob White 9250 17 Joseph Archuleta 7262 4 Cecilia Johnson 9705 11 Ken Rutherford 9188 5 Damon Hosford 9661 12 Peter Samaniego 9186 6 Mike Gallegos 9566 13 Joe Grider 8831 7 Cat Scarberry 9519 14 Nan Nan 8691 MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS ARMY Values: Loyalty VFW MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Duty ~ 3rd THURSDAY of each MONTH at 6PM! ~ Respect Selfless Service Your VFW Cap: Honor The VFW Cap “Overseas Cap VFW Integrity Members. It is a part of our heritage and traditions. Personal Courage ” is the signature item that identifies us as The history of the Cap goes back to WWI when American Forces who were serving NAVY Core Values: in the trenches discovered that their campaign hats were ill-suited for use in the trenches and “acquired” French caps, which were an early version of the overseas Honor cap. These kept a soldiers head warm and dry, could be worn under a helmet, and Courage Commitment was adopted and the “Overseas Cap MARINE Corps Values: stationedwere easily overseas stuffed in into the acombat pocket. theater It wasn’t of operations. long before this unofficial headgear ” was made an official part of the uniform while Honor This Cap is the regulation cap to be worn at Post Meetings. The color shall be green, Courage shade 51. Lettering on the cap shall be in gold, and for many, there are a variety of Commitment braids that identify current and previous positions within the organization. The COAST GUARD Values: VFW Cap may be ordered from the Honor VFW Store (http://www.vfwstore.org/ Respect products/25525). Currently, the cap may Devotion to Duty be purchased for a base cost of $34.75. AIR FORCE Values: Please note that while wearing the VFW Cap, it is appropriate to render the hand salute. With the passage of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act (Section 1877), Integrity First which amended Title 4, U.S. Code, veterans may now salute the U.S. Flag during Service Before Self Excellence In All We Do parade or in review. In September 2008, the President signed the 2009 Defense Authorizationthe ceremony ofAct hoisting which included or lowering Section the 595 flag and or added when the National flag is passing Anthem in to a the occasions for a military hand salute by veterans. Later legislation is planned to add the Pledge of Allegiance. All veterans are encouraged to render a hand salute under these circumstances, regardless of their headgear or lack of headgear.

Major Clark Gable, U.S. Army Air Corps (1942- 44). Clark Gable enlisted NEWSLETTER: as a private and was If you are not currently receiving this later assigned to OCS and newsletter and would like to be added received a commission. to the e-mail distribution, please contact Jason Lott at woubuft@gmail. missions as an observer/ com. Additionally, if you would like gunnerHe flew in a B-17 five earning combat a to submit an article or photo, please Distinguished Flying Cross contact Jason at this e-mail address. and an Air Medal. SHOW SUPPORT BY: Flying Your Flag: Support our MEMBER BUSINESSes IF YOU ARE A MEMBER AND OWN A BUSINESS especially on all patriotic holidays. WE WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE THIS BUSINESS defenders by flying the U.S. Flag, Voting: Your vote makes a difference! IN OUR NEWSLETTER ~ SEND THE INFORMATION TO: Exercise the freedoms our veterans [email protected] have fought for throughout history. ~ VFW ~ Ladies Auxiliary ~ Men’s Auxiliary ~ Volunteering: Pay a visit to a lonely or ailing veteran in your community to VETERANS’ SCHOLARSHIPS: let them know they are not forgotten. The VFW and one of its major supporters, Sport Clips Haircuts, have again Reaching Out: Write a letter to a partnered to help our veterans and their families. The VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A service member stationed overseas Hero Scholarship or help out a military family in your assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive community. student loan debt.” willIt’s just provide another service way membersto say “thank and you veterans” to those with who the deserve financial it Educating America’s Youth: Help the most. Please see below for full details on the scholarship program and to apply. educate America’s youth on the Scholarship Details: importance of our American history and patriotism. Limited to one per family per semester • Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified applicants Getting Involved: Remind others Applications for the fall semester will be accepted January 1 through April 30 • why we must protect and honor Applications for the spring semester will be accepted August 1 through • fellow veterans. November 15 • Fall semester scholarships will be awarded in August, and spring semester Speaking Out: America’s young scholarships will be awarded in January people need to understand what • Scholarships must be used by the end of the school semester for which the service to our country means. veteran is applying or they will become null and void Writing: Send a letter to your local • Scholarships are restricted for tuition and fees only and will be paid directly to newspaper to remind your fellow accredited schools • citizens that freedom is not free. Eligible Applicants Must: Lobbying: Learn about key battles Be a citizen of the United States veterans are facing and make your Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National opinion heard on Capitol Hill. • Guard or Reserve • Have completed Basic Training and follow-on training (Advanced Individual Get involved Supporting Our Troops: Training, Technical school, etc.) with VFW Post sponsored programs • Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below such as Homecoming Events, parades, service programs, fund raisers and • Participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program visits to hospitalized veterans. • orDemonstrate school at an a accreditedneed for financial post-secondary assistance institution Hiring a Fellow Veteran: Veterans • If selected, authorize the VFW and Sport Clips, Inc. to announce and publish looking to hire an employee can give award of your scholarship. If awarded a scholarship, the recipient’s name, city, a fellow hero a job. • state, photograph and essay may be used for promotional purposes by the VFW and Sport Clips, Inc. without further consent from the recipient. JOINING THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

VFW HISTORY: The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves. (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. Since then, the VFW’s voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI Bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill and the fight for compensation for

for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members, Annually, the nearly 1.9 million members of the and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting inVFW Iraq and Afghanistan. volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. VFW MEMBERSHIP: If you are a U.S. Citizen who has served honorably in the Armed Forces eligible to become a member of the VFW. If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea and has served in an overseas conflict, you are also eligible to join our ranks. You can join us even if you are still serving in the military. The VFW counts over 75,000 active- duty, Reserve and National Guard service members; or among have ourever elite received membership. hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you’re APPLICATIONS:

John D. Gamble VFW Post in Los Alamos, or you may apply on line at: www.vfw.org/oms/NewMember.aspx. An application is atPlease the bottom submit of athis copy page. of your eligibility documentation (DD-214, awards, etc.) and at least your first month’s dues to the

DUES: Age One Payment 12 Month 24 Month Options for VFW dues include paying annually ($35), a one time 18-30 $425.00 $40.39 $20.23 Life Membership (adjacent chart), or an installment plan for a 31-40 $410.00 $39.02 $19.58 Life Membership. Several payment plans are available, including 41-50 $375.00 $35.84 $18.05 12 month and 24 month installment plans. 51-60 $335.00 $32.20 $16.32 61-70 $290.00 $28.11 $14.36 71-80 $225.00 $22.20 $11.53 81+ $170.00 $17.20 $ 9.14

JOINING THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY

VFW AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP: Eligibility for the VFW Auxiliary is spouses, widowers, parents, grandparents, children, grand-children, siblings, and half- siblings of those who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW. APPLICATIONS: John D. Gamble VFW Post in Los Alamos, or you may apply on line at: http://www.vfwauxiliary.org/membership-application-form/ Please submit a copy of your eligibility documentation and at least your first month’s dues at the HOW TO REQUEST A DD FORM 214: Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research, as well as establishing your eligibility for membership with the Veteran of Foreign War’s auxiliaries. Most veterans and their next- of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records several ways: Request Military Service Records Online, by Mail, or by Fax: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ Note: Response time for records requested from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) varies and is dependent upon the complexity of your request, the availability of records and their workload. Please do not send a follow-up request before 90 days have elapsed, as it may cause further delays. While the NPRC works actively to respond to each request in a timely fashion, the Center receives approximately 4,000-5,000 requests per day. They are responding to requests for separation documents within 10 days about 92% of the time. However, requests that involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 Fire, or older records which require extensive search efforts, may take 6 months or more to complete.

DUES: Age One Payment 12 Month 24 Month Options for the Auxiliary of the VFW dues include paying annually ($35), 18-30 $425.00 $40.39 $20.23 a one time Life Membership (adjacent chart), or an installment plan for a 31-40 $410.00 $39.02 $19.58 Life Membership. Several payment plans are available, including 41-50 $375.00 $35.84 $18.05 12-month and 24-month installment plans. 51-60 $335.00 $32.20 $16.32 61-70 $290.00 $28.11 $14.36 71-80 $225.00 $22.20 $11.53 81+ $170.00 $17.20 $ 9.14