Local Post 53 of the American Legion in Hemet has a galaxy of regular and special events coming up this year. Much has been started under the aegis of Commandant Joe Males. When Joe became the Commandant, the Legion’s hall at 124 North Ramona Street was lying like a lonesome advertisement on an even more lonesome road.

Post 53 had fallen into almost a sense of despair due to a lack of leadership. Joe Males turned that around. Solar panels were installed, reducing the Post’s electric bills, new events popped up and a cocktail lounge opened (a source of income for the Post, and a great place to share experiences and relax). He has put together a great staff that works harmoniously as a team.

They have resumed their Friday night dinners, served between 5 and 7 p.m. Also, they now have karaoke on Friday nights, overseen by the affable Julian.

Upcoming, on January 26th, the National Commander of the Legion will attend breakfast at the Post between 8 and 10 a.m. All are invited.

Post 53 will unite with Post 4379(Winchester), Empire Mobility, and Veterans Paying It Forward in a weekly 9-ball pool tournament. For details, check out the Legion.

In March, Veterans Outreach will be sponsoring a Welcome Home Ceremony for our Veterans, beginning at 12:30 noon. Each Veteran and one guest will be treated to a free meal. On March 25th, the American Legion Riders are hosting a Bike Rally. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. There will be vendors on hand, entertainment, and food. And don’t forget their weekly Bingo on Tuesday evenings. You will be kept informed of updates and events as they develop. So all you Vets in the Valley, keep your eyes on your Veterans Corner because plenty is happening. One more thing, membership has been picking up since Joe Males became the Commandant. One wonders how he does all this while serving as Mayor of Hemet – but he does. I think he manufactures his own energy. Just sayin’.

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Now, and through June 2023, RTA is saluting veterans with special 25-cent bus rides on all bus routes, including Commuterink. While on board, enjoy free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, comfortable seating, friendly drivers, and, as always, their commitment to safety wherever you’re headed.

Must present a valid ID such as an RTA Veterans ID card, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued ID cards or a U.S. Uniformed Services ID card indicating retired status to receive a discounted fare.

25-cent rides are also offered to youth age 18 and under, seniors age 60 and above, disabled and Medicare card holders.

The American Legion Post 53 in Hemet along with Post 53 American Legion Riders, the Post 53 Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53 are taking action and writing to our legislative representatives in an effort to bring a greater sense of urgency and to push for American Businessman Paul Whelan, a Marine Veteran, release from a Russian prison.

U.S. officials have stated Whelan and his family are “suffering through an unfathomable ordeal” and condemned the American’s conviction, which was based on secret evidence and given a 16-year prison sentence.

The Judge Advocate of Post 53 says, “Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow Americans return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul. The Whelan family supported the exchange that freed Griner but expressed fears that Whelan would not be released for years if our government did not act to secure his release. Remember, the government represents you so let them know your concerns.” I appreciate the Advocate’s concern but it was Griner or no one. The Russians have us at a disadvantage and there is not much we can do about it except continue negotiations for further prisoner exchanges.

Beginning on January 9, 2023, the American Legion Post 53 in Hemet will host a kick-off breakfast with the Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce on the first Monday of every month from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Post 53 located at 124 N. Ramona Street in downtown Hemet. Contact (951) 392-3614 for further information.

Post 53 will be visited by the American Legion National Commander later this month and you can be sure the Hemet/San Jacinto Chronicle and this reporter will cover the event.

Meanwhile, Happy New Year and all that good stuff. Just sayin’

rustystrait@alice-petersen

• DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

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The American Legion is one of, if not the largest, Veterans organizations in America. It received a congressional charter in 1919 and has diligently served American military veterans ever since. The City of Hemet is blessed to have a very active post, worthy of a weekly column to let our citizens know what is going on in our active and veteran military community. This is the first of a weekly column called Veteran’s Corner that will be carried by the Hemet/San Jacinto Chronicle. As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War I know a little something about veterans,

The Legion proudly serves 2.4 million in 14,000 posts worldwide.There are 55 departments (one for each of the fifty states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines).

The Harold W. Hyland Post 53 in Hemet has assisted local veterans in housing, vehicles, and numerous other needs over the years and supports many other causes and programs you may never even thought about. I will be talking about all these things and events every week, and I welcome any insights from local veterans.

Since Joe Males took over as Commander there have been many changes and the post has become a popular hang out for veterans and their families. In addition to his duties as Hemet City Councilman, he has brought new facilities to the Post, the new bar (open daily) has become a very popular addition. There are activities for bikers, scouts, karaoke wonks and dinners. Keep your eye on this column and I will keep you informed. Many of the Post’s events are open to the public in order to better merge with the community.

So look forward to the big Christmas bash and toy giveaways coming up. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

• DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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