DistrictSixteen

01/04/2025

“I accept the PCM on behalf of, and for, my sister veterans who richly deserve this recognition, by the President of the United States, to the thousands of enlisted women, officers, and women of all military occupational specialties serving in the combat theater, and all around the world – all worthy of remembrance and honor for believing we could make a difference serving our country.
Past National Commander Denise Rohan accepts Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden on behalf of Diane Carlson Evans.
Read all about it: https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/honor/2025/january/carlson-evans-pioneer-for-women-veterans-receives-presidential-citizens-medal

12/25/2024

09/10/2024

Here is the information for services for Johnny Velasquez:

Rosary
Dudley Hoffman Mortuary
Thursday September 12, 2024
6 PM
1003 E Stowell Road
Santa Maria CA 93454

Memorial
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Friday September 13, 2024
10 AM
1164 Obispo Street
Guadalupe CA

Burial
Immediately after the Church Service
Guadalupe Cemetery
4655 W Main Street
Guadalupe CA 93434

09/05/2024

It is with great sadness I report that long-time American Legion member Post 371 District 16, Johnny Velasquez has reported to Post Everlasting. Once we have information on Memorial Service we will get that information out.

05/27/2024

During my recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., I escorted Vietnam War Veteran Dennis (Jonesy) Jones and others from District 16 to view Anthony Dal Pozzo III, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot from Santa Barbara who was tragically shot by the Viet Cong on January 28, 1973, just one hour fifteen minutes after the war ended. I wrote this poem as a dedication to Warrant Officer
Anthony Dal Pozzo on this Memorial Day 2024:

His Name, A whisper, Etched on Granite Gray

The rotors slow, a mournful sigh,
The final mission 'neath a tearful sky.
A lonely Huey, etched in fading light,
The last Army aviator, tragically shot by a VC weapon sight.
His name, a whisper, etched on granite gray,
A final echo of a distant fray.
Did dreams of home fill his final breath?
Of loved ones waiting, to conquer death?
The jungle green, a shroud of silent fear,
Holds secrets close, year after year.
Was it a trap, a sudden burst of flame?
Or valiant rescue, etched in his name?
No matter now, the war is long since done,
But freedom's price, for a single son.
He rides the wind, with comrades lost before,
The last US aviator, at war no more.
Let history whisper, a lesson learned in pain,
May the ghosts of conflict, never rise again.
But for this soldier, let his memory hold,
A hero's journey, a story yet untold.

05/19/2024

The top 3 finishers in our National Oratorical Contest:
1st- Aubrey Moore of Washington ($25000 ),
2nd- Knox Boyd of Indiana ($22500).
3rd- David Daniel of Kentucky ($20000).
Amazing & talented group.