Vallarta Vets Semi-Official Newsletter from American Legion Post 14 J. R. Wilson - American Legion Post 14
July 2, 2017

VA Memorial Benefits

A couple of months ago, Cheryl (our Service Officer) received a “Birthday Present” from the VA. It was a note telling her about her BURIAL Benefits. She asked me to pass on the information.

Please go to Memorial Benefits for all sorts of information – that can BENEFIT you!

Here’s another link with a form for pre-need eligibility determination: VA Forms. This is another example of benefits from the VA that are good for us – but that we don’t, generally, know about.

THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL BE 100 YEARS OLD IN 2019

Web links of interest

VFW 
Vietnam Veterans of America 
Hurricane Preparedness from Ready.gov 
Ready.gov has LOTS of great ideas – take a look
Hurricane Preparedness from NOAA 
Hurricane Tracking via Accuweather 
Hurricane Tracking via Weather Underground 
The American Legion Store.  (Great source for gifts, clothes, and trinkets).

The Next Time you see a Vet – Say THANKS!

Commander’s Comments

It’s been an eventful last couple of weeks… We’ve had two U. S. Navy ships anchor in the Bay and I was able to officially welcome one of them (I was there to welcome the other – but things got delayed by a few hours and so I wasn’t able to welcome it), tour the first one (U.S.S. John Finn), and attend the receptions for each of the crews at Murphy’s Irish Pub. I also had the honor of presenting Dennis Rike a plaque commemorating his four years as Commander. And, I’ll be meeting with Todd and Russ later this month to assist in formulating a Finance Manual for the Post.

I would like to ask the membership to step up and support our troops when they are in the area. This doesn’t require a lot of time – mostly it means coming to the reception at Murphy’s Irish Pub (or wherever) and shaking a few hands, shooting the breeze with some of the young men and women, and saying “Thanks” for protecting the U. S. A.

And lastly, I ask for your prayers – for the young men who perished on the USS Fitzgerald off the coast of Japan during the accident earlier this month. May God Bless them.

Thanks, Dennis

Over the last several years (2013 to 2017) Dennis Rike has led the Post to levels beyond what anybody could have ever imagined. Through his vision, guidance, perseverance, and his many hours of hard work, he has made the American Legion a name that is often recognized in the area and is synonymous with help and compassion.

We could list some of the accomplishments – BUT – where to start, where to end (its on-going), and which projects and events to put on the list is just too much for this writer… Suffice it to say that there have been hundreds of projects around the Bay of Banderas that have the American Legion’s name on them. Not only projects for locals, but also events and services for local Veterans. In addition, Dennis has made sure, throughout the years, to see that any vet that needed help – got help.

Although Dennis is no longer the Commander of Post 14, he hasn’t slowed down – in fact, he has cranked it up a notch with his tireless pursuit of helping others. The Post is proud to partner with him and The Jay Sadler Project to assist in funding multiple projects around the Bay.

At the June Meeting, Dennis was presented with a plaque commemorating his years of faithful service as Commander.

THANKS, Dennis for all you’ve done - and all you do - for the American Legion and for the people of Puerto Vallarta and surrounding communities.

Carla’s Kitchen - A REMINDER - Vets (and other expats) often run out of cash and/or food by the end of the month. Many stop in to Steve’s Sports Bar and ask Carla for help – whether it be for a burger or a few pesos. Carla helps them whenever she can. She has started a small warehouse of extra food for these folks. SO, the next time you are at the grocery store, Sam’s, or Costco – grab some extra food and drop it off at Steve’s. Carla will see that it goes to those in need. Thanks in advance for helping your fellow vets!

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