For as many years as I have been a member of the VFW, John Duarte has been a leader in our post, district and state. John has served four terms as Post Commander, currently elected to the positions of Judge Advocate and as such is the main advisor to the Post Commander; twice elected to the position of District Chaplain and served with distinction as the District Adjutant, is currently on the State Legislative Committee as our Central California Delegate. Thanks to John Duarte’s diligence, we might be the first post in our district that has challengers for the three VFW programs in education: Teacher of the Year, Voice of Democracy, and Patriot’s Pen. The three individuals that have been selected to represent our post are Jean Sawyer, Jenny Banh and Joseph Olson. We’re fortunate to be in San Leandro. Our post is located in one of the few communities that observed Veteran’s Day. At San Leandro City Hall there was a flag raising ceremony at 0830. Mayor Sheila Young and Assemblywoman Ellen Corbett were present as were many other city officials. Because it was raining, the ceremony was held in the council chambers. There was a large turnout. After the ceremony, many of us went to a local restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. If possible, I would like this to be an annual event.

Our VFW Post 819 potluck dinner is well planned. It will be at our Veteran’s Building, Saturday, December 11, starting around 6 p.m. Everyone that wishes to arrive early, feel free to do so. The party is for everyone to enjoy himself or herself and the party starts when you arrive. What helps make the Christmas pot luck enjoyable to me is it is the one time of the year I get to see many of the members that can’t attend the monthly business meetings. Invitations are mailed to dignitaries and citizens that helped our post (continued)