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Fred E. Hayes Post 57

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Newsletter

Local and National Items are included -- Most recent is first.

Legion Presents Awards and Recognitions at Schools

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Legion Presents Multiple Awards

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Post Named a Top WAA Fundraiser in State

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Legion Announces Grandview's School Awards

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Bickleton Graduate Receives School Award

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Flag Disposal Box Installed at City Hall

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2021 Penny-a-Day Campaign Underway

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Summer 2020 Post Gazette

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Scams Against Veterans on the Rise

/files/Scams_Against_Veterans_on_the_Rise.pdf

Health Emergency Forces Cancellation of National Convention

/files/Health_emergency_forces_cancellation_of_American_Legion_national_convention.pdf

Penny-a-Day Top Donors Named

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Legion Names Scholars at Grandview High School

/files/American_Legion_Names_Scholars.pdf

Cub Scouts Host Successful Pinewood Derby

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Cubs and Scouts Schedule Recruiting Nights

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Post Names 2019 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

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Commander Gates presents awards to Benton County Deputy Dean Perry (center) who is accompanied by his supervisor Lt. Matthew Clarke.

Vining Named Humanitarian of the Year

/files/Vining_Named_Humanitarian_of_the_Year.pdf

Summer 2019 Post Gazette

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POW/MIA Flag Display

Effective July 23, 2017, HB 1204 regarding the days to display the POW/MIA flag requires that "Each public entity must display the national league of families' POW/MIA flag along with the flag of the United States and the flag of the state upon or near the principal building of the public entity…"  A "public entity" as used in this legislation "means every state agency, including each institution of higher education, and every county, city, and town."  The flag must be displayed on the following dates: 

 

If the designed day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the POW/MIA flag must be displayed on the preceding Friday.

Public Works Honored for Support of Veteran Ceremonies 

(Grandview, WA – June 29, 2017): Grandview’s Public Works Department was recognized for their support of Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America events in Grandview during the regular meeting of the Grandview City Council on June 27th.

Members of Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion were present to watch Post Commander Robert Gates present a certificate of appreciation to the Grandview Public Works Department.  The certificate was presented to honor the hard work all the employees have done for Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America.  “They have worked very hard to prepare the cemetery for Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America and we did not want their efforts to go unrecognized,” Gates said.  Council members agreed that Grandview’s Cemetery was the best looking of all in the Lower Valley due to their efforts.

Another award was also presented during the meeting.  Commander Gates presented The American Legion Bronze Medal to Public Works employee Hector Mejia for his outstanding selfless and cheerful service during the two events every year.  “There is nothing that is too much to ask of Hector,” Gates said.  “He volunteers to work both events and works hard to make sure everything is perfect.”

 

Commander Gates presents Certificate of Appreciation to represetantives of Grandview Public Works (L-R), Hector Mejia, Scott Smotherman and Santos Trevino.

The local Post’s membership voted to present the awards during their regular June meeting, noting that Mejia had gone far and above what the community could have expected.

 

Camp Lejeune Presumptive Health Conditions

     (March 14, 2017)  “The Department of Veterans Affairs finalized regulations to establish new presumptions of service connection for eight conditions for Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. If you have a record of service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, served there for at least 30 days during that period, and developed a condition that you believe is related to exposure to the drinking water at the base, VA recommends you file a disability compensation claim.”

General Information

As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing commitment to provide care to Veterans and their families, the VA amended its regulations, effective March 14, 2017, to establish presumption of service connection for eight conditions associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.

From 1953 to 1987, water sources at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune were contaminated with industrial solvents that are correlated with certain health conditions.  Scientific authorities and health experts determined that the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, benzene and other petroleum contaminants from leaking storage tanks and determined that prolonged exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of certain health conditions.

Secretary McDonald has determined there is sufficient scientific and medical evidence available to establish a presumptive connection for the following conditions:

The rule allows Servicemembers with records demonstrating no less than 30 days of service (either consecutive or cumulative) at Camp Lejeune during the specified timeframe, and who have been diagnosed with any of the eight enumerated diseases, to be presumed to have a service-connected disability for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits.  The rule applies to all military active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel that meet the requirements of the regulation.  VA encourages Veterans who have a record of service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and developed a condition that they believe is related to exposure to the drinking water at the base, to file a disability compensation claim with VA.

Affected veterans are encouraged to contact the Post's Service Officers by calling 509-882-1984.

Post 57 Among "The Finest in the Lower Valley"

During our Annual Veterans Day "SOS Brunch," the Post was treated to a special surprise while recognizing their community heroes.  The event featured recognitions to three humanitarians / heroes, a firefighter and a Washington State Trooper.  Additionally, the Post recognized three of their four Boys State Delegates.

However, after a Fourth Estate Award was made to the Sunnyside Daily Sun News, we received a surprise. In accepting the award, Publisher / Editor Roger Harnack made a presentation to Post Commander Robert Gates and the members of our Post.

“For the last few weeks, we have been receiving nominations for the “Valley’s “Finest,” he said.  “This includes everything from restaurants, burgers, medical clinics, hunting, fishing and, among others, civic organizations.”  He then presented Commander Gates with the “Finest Civic Organization in the Lower Valley” certificate.  “The Post received quite a few nominations,” Harnack said.  “You do great work.”

"We are pretty excited to receive this award," said Gates.  "We do a lot of work in our communities to support veterans, military members and their families as well as the youth, but for many people it seems to appear as though we are 'flying under the radar.'  I'm glad people recognize the efforts of our members in all of our communities."

The Post offers many programs and operates under the principle, "Veterans Still Serving America."

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is Local Trooper

(Trooper Jarryd Bivins (R) receives the Post's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from Post Commander Robert Gates, accompanied by Sgt. David Wilbur (L).

(Grandview WA - November 12, 2016)  Grandview’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for The American Legion is Trooper Jarryd Bivins of the Washington State Patrol’s Grandview Detachment.

Bivins was honored at Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion’s Annual Veterans Day Brunch in Grandview on November 12th.

“His nomination was incredible,” said John Myers of the Grandview Post.  “The citation we read during his award was two and a half pages long, but we had to tell everything because it was so remarkable.”

Trooper Bivens was commissioned into the Washington State Patrol in September 2014 and assigned to the Grandview Detachment.  His nomination stated that the Detachment is made up of many highly capable Troopers and one could presume it would be hard to single out one individual, but that presumption would be incorrect.

Myers noted that law enforcement has come under higher public scrutiny, so having an individual of such capability and high moral standards is highly appreciated with our communities.

“Words like hard charging, courteous, respectful, honest, friendly, diligent and thorough don’t even begin to describe the full character of Trooper Bivins as we saw in his nomination,” Myers said.  “His record of contacts and actions alone in the last year far exceed the Detachment’s averages.  We are so proud to honor him.”

Trooper Bivins was presented with The American Legion’s Medal of Merit by Post Commander Robert Gates on behalf of the members of the Grandview Post.

Trooper Bivins will be submitted as a nominee for the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for the Department of Washington of The American Legion.  If selected, he will be honored in Kennewick next July.

Grandview Volunteer Firefighter is Firefighter of the Year

(Grandview Volunteer Firefighter Ali Hurst receives the Post's Firefighter of the Year Award from Commander Robert Gates.)

 

Grandview WA, November 12, 2016)  Grandview’s American Legion Post knows that every day, our citizens rely on the knowledge that a capable, professional fire department will respond in times of emergency need.  This is even more critical when our community is served primarily by a volunteer force supervised by paid professionals.

During their Annual Veterans Day Brunch, members of Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 paused to honor one such volunteer who joined the Grandview Fire Department in 2012, Firefighter Ali Hurst.

In their nomination of Ms. Hurst, her peers noted she had been a continual learner during her entire time with the Department.  She was also noted to bring a positive attitude to everything she does, always willing to help anyone who needs it, a team player, and always projecting a “can-do” attitude.  She was reported to be willing to share knowledge and always bringing a positive energy to whatever she was doing.

With these characteristics of her selfless service to the community consistent with the beliefs of The American Legion and the local Post, Commander Robert Gates, on behalf of the members of Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion in Grandview, presented The American Legion Medal of Merit as Grandview’s 2016 Firefighter of the Year to Firefighter Ali Hurst.

Ms. Hurst will be submitted as a nominee for the Firefighter of the Year Award for the Department of Washington of The American Legion.  If selected, she will be honored in Kennewick next July.

Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 has been serving the community and local veterans since October 13, 1919 with an emphasis on veterans and military as well as their families, Americanism programs and mentoring youth.

Daily Sun News Receives Legion Award

(Sunyside Daily Sun News Publisher / Editor Roger Harnack recives the Post's Fourth Estate Award from Commander Robert Gates)

 

(Grandview WA, Novemebr 12, 2016)  During their Annual Veterans Day Brunch, members of Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 presented their Fourth Estate Award to the Sunnyside Daily Sun News and Publisher / Editor Roger Harnack.

“We have appreciated the efforts of the Daily Sun News to cover the activities of both or Post and area events,” said Post Adjutant Jim Davidson.  “Their coverage of issues of concern to veterans, life stories and the respect shown to our veterans is remarkable.”

Davidson noted that 2012 was the last time the Post had presented the award, but hoped it would be more frequent.  “Just in the last week, the paper featured two members of our Post in unsolicited articles that told important life stories to share with the Lower Valley community.”

The award was presented by Post Commander Robert Gates.

In his comments upon receiving the award, Mr. Harnack turned around and presented an award to the Post.  “For the last few weeks, we have been receiving nominations for the “Valley’s “Finest,” he said.  “This includes everything from restaurants, burgers, medical clinics, hunting, fishing and, among others, civic organizations.”  He then presented Commander Gates with the “Finest Civic Organization in the Lower Valley” certificate.  “The Post received quite a few nominations,” Harnack said.  “You do great work.”

The Grandview Herald was also named for the Fourth Estate Award for their assistance and coverage of the Post’s Annual Penny-a-Day campaign, but no representatives were present to receive the award.

Grandview Legion Post Presents Heroism Awards

(Heroism / Humanitarian recipients Gretchen Chronis and Richard Zook with Commander Robert Gates.)

           (Garndview, WA - November 12, 2016)  During a time when so many community citizens do not wish to get involved, Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion took time at their annual Veterans Day Brunch on November 12th to recognize three Grandview citizens who did step forward and make a difference in the life of one person, giving him a second chance at life.

                In September, the Grandview Fire Department was dispatched to the scene of a possible heart attack or man down.  On arrival, they discovered three Grandview citizens who had stopped to help a man lying in the front yard of a residence.  Mr. Donacio H. Balderas-Lucas was the first to make contact with the man.  He was driving by when he observed a man lying on the ground.  The man was not responsive and was gasping for air.  911 was called and CPR was initiated.  Mr. Richard Zook arrived and assisted with keeping the airway open.  Ms. Gretchen Chronis arrived and maintained contact with 911, assisted with checking for a pulse and directed the CPR process.

                After numerous rounds of CPR by EMS and Fire Department personnel and 30 minutes of down-time, a pulse was established and the man was transferred to a local emergency department for further treatment.

                Post Commander Robert Gates, on behalf of the members of the Grandview Legion Post, presented The American Legion Heroism Medal and Humanitarian Award to Richard Zook and Gretchen Chronis.  The award for Donacio H. Balderas-Lucas will be presented at a later date.  All three citizens, as a group, will be submitted as nominees for the Humanitarian Award for the Department of Washington of The American Legion.  If selected, they will be honored in Kennewick next July.

Boys State Delegates Recognized

(From left to right, Ty Fodor, Mitchell Reid, Matthew Denchel and Commander Robert Gates.)

          At their Annual Veterans Day "SOS Brunch," the members of Fred E. Hayes Post 57 and their guests heard reports from the 2016 Boys State Delegates and presented them with certificates of Good Citizenship.

          Matthew Denchel of Grandview and Mitchell Reid of Sunnysode, both students at Sunnyside High School, and Ty Fodor of Sunnyside, a student at Sunnyside Christian High School, spoke briefly about their individual Boys State experiences.

          Fodor was elected as Mayor of his city and described the city problem they were tasked to solve.  He said the experience made him a better speaker.

          Denchel served in the House of Representatives and was the Finance Chairman.  He said the experience helped him better understand how governent works.

          Reid was also elected to the House of Representatives.  He too mentioned that the experience made him a better speaker.

          A fourth delegate, Patrick Zecchino of Granger, a student at Sunnyside Christian High School, was unable to be present for the brunch.  He was elected to the Supreme Court.

          This was the first time in 76 years that a young man from Grandview High School did not attend Boys State.  "That was a major disappointment for us," said Jim Davidson, local Boys State coordinator.

          Boys State is a week-long, hands-on experience in government.  Boys who will be seniors in the next school year are eligible to apply, either through the Post or on-line at www.evergreenboysstate.org.

Post Adopts Expectation for Respect of the US Flag 

At their recent regular business meeting, members of Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion endorsed and adopted a recent action by the national organization on the Legion’s expectation for respect of the US Flag.

The American Legion believes in the U.S. flag and everything it stands for, and Legionnaires who fought for the nation’s symbol take deep pride in it. To continue its flag-protection efforts, the Legion’s National Executive Committee adopted a resolution at its recent Fall Meetings in Indianapolis that outlines the organization's expectation for rendering proper respect to the flag during Legion program participation at the department (state) and national level.

Resolution 16 – brought forth by the Americanism Commission – also comes in light of recent actions by professional athletes, and now that of several youth sports teams, who are kneeling during the national anthem out of protest.

“The American Legion does not deny the right to protest, for that is a privilege given to all citizens of this great nation that is protected by our military and the service of our membership to defend our democracy,” said Richard Anderson, Americanism Commission chairman. “’To foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism’ defines our responsibility to instill character, citizenship and sportsmanship, among other values. Resolution 16 defines only a small commitment to our youth, to maintain the values upon which The American Legion was founded.”

As stated in the resolution, The American Legion expects participants of its programs to show proper respect to the U.S. flag at all times, including during the national anthem. It recommends for department and post leaders of all Legion programs to clearly state to individuals in advance of program participation about the organization’s expectation for respect of the flag. If a participant involved in any Legion program “cannot or will not” meet the Legion’s expectation, the resolution states that “the individual should not be a participant in American Legion programs.”

“While we cannot mandate this resolution to our respective departments, we hope that this will be a guideline for them to respond in a similar manner (as national) to teach and respect the honor and rights of American citizenship and its responsibilities,” Anderson said.

For individuals participating in American Legion programs at the national level, the resolution states that those who “cannot or will not” meet the organization’s expectations for proper flag respect “will be removed from the program and not be allowed any further participation.”

“The resolution is going to set an example for our youth, and our youth will lead by example, for respecting our flag and respecting our national anthem,” said American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt. “And hopefully our youth, through our American Legion programs, will be examples for those professionals who choose not to respect our flag and our national anthem.

“That’s what The American Legion does – we are building great role models for the future of this organization and for this country.”

Grandview’s American Legion Post, in adopting this stance, will apply the expectation in all local programs and awards of The American Legion.  “This applies to all of our youth recognition awards, including the School Award, Vocational and Athlete Scholars and our Boys State and Girls State delegates,” said Post Commander Robert Gates.  “It extends to other local awards programs, such as Educator of the Year and public safety awards,” he added. “We must take this stance since it is one of the pillars or foundations of our organization.”  The Post doesn’t expect problems, but they want to be clear up front what their expectations are regarding respect to the US Flag and National Anthem to eliminate any confusion.

Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 has been serving the community and local veterans since October 13, 1919 with an emphasis on veterans and military as well as their families, Americanism programs and mentoring youth.