COMMANDER
LILIANA ARMENTA
Commander's Corner
We started August by participating in National Night Out, joining our
I want to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank all of our volunteers who continue to step up for every event and activity at Post 255. Whether you are cooking, serving, cleaning, setting up, breaking down, selling tickets, helping behind the scenes, or simply showing up when an extra set of hands is needed — you make a difference.
A special thank you goes to everyone who helps prepare our delicious Tuesday and Thursday lunches each week. These meals are about more than food. They bring people through our doors, create camaraderie, support our Post, and give our members and community a place to gather.
I was also proud of the support our Post family gave to a local Little League team, opening our doors and supporting their food sale to help raise funds for their trip to
I also want to recognize our Bar Manager and team, who are continually finding ways to improve the aesthetics of our Post and address needed repairs and improvements. The work that happens behind the scenes does not go unnoticed.
To everyone who has contributed your time, talents, ideas, labor, or support:
A HUGE, heartfelt THANK YOU!
We have accomplished a lot, but we still have a lot more to do! Let’s keep the love, unity, teamwork, and positive energy going as we continue improving Post 255.
I’ve also been busy attending meetings and representing Post 255 throughout our American Legion organization. I attended the Department Executive Committee meeting in Merced , California Escondido
Each of these opportunities gives me a chance to keep learning, share ideas with other Posts and Legion leaders, and bring new information, resources, and ideas back home to Post 255. Representing our Post beyond our four walls keeps us connected to the larger American Legion Family and gives us opportunities to learn from what other Posts are doing successfully. As August comes to a close, I will also be traveling to
September reminds us of the importance of service, sacrifice, remembrance, and honor.
On September 11, Patriot Day, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the courage of our first responders, and remember the men and women who answered our nation’s call in the years that followed.
On September 18, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor our prisoners of war and remember those who remain missing. We reaffirm a promise that must never be forgotten:
You Are Not Forgotten.
As we move into another month, I want to ask that we continue giving our best to this Post. Post 255 belongs to all of us. We may not always agree on every issue, and we may have different ideas about how things should be done. That’s okay. What matters is that we communicate, respect one another, work together, and never lose sight of why we are here.
Our decisions and actions should always be guided by what is best for the overall good of Post 255 and our mission.
Our main mission is Veterans.
When we work together as Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons, and Riders, we are stronger. Every meal served, event supported, membership renewed, meeting attended, fundraiser held, repair completed, and helping hand extended contributes to the future of Post 255.
What we do today isn’t only about us. We are setting this Post up for success for our future Post 255 family and the Legionnaires who will come after us. Let’s leave them a Post that is strong, welcoming, financially responsible, mission-focused, and filled with camaraderie and a commitment to service.
Let’s keep the love and unity going. Let’s keep showing up for one another. Let’s keep working together, and most importantly, let’s keep our Veterans at the center of everything we do.
For Veterans. For Community. For Unity. For the Future of Post 255.
In Service and Friendship,
Commander Lily Armenta
CHAPLIN
DEE DIAZ
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 2977 innocent people from close to 100 nations lost their lives due to terrorist attacks on the
This month especially (every month forever) please pause to remember and pray for those we lost and those left forever traumatized by those horrific events.
Even though this happened 25 years ago, we still feel it like it was yesterday. We remember the first time we heard the tragic news. We recall the first time we saw those appalling images.
We remember the way our thoughts and prayers were with those who passed and with their Families and Friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them now and always.
We remember those who survived. We recall their heartbreaking stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with them now and always.
We remember those who gave their lives willingly for the noble cause of rescuing others. We honor their selflessness in stepping up to help, to save and to serve. Our thoughts and prayers are with them now and always.
WE MUST NEVER FORGET!
Amen.
MILTON IRONFIELD
DD214 Access Online
National Personnel Records Center provides access to DD-214s
http://vetrecs.archives.gov/
http://www.archives.gov /veterans/military-service
You can also find them at VA.gov.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
www.va.gov/vre (800-827-1000)
• Vets with a 30% rating possibly 20%, within 12 years of discharge or date of VA rating. (not counted against GI Bill entitlement).
• Opportunities for direct hire for govt agencies.
• Education & Training - 2 years training plus housing allowance.
• Special Employer Incentive Program (SEI) - covers employer’s costs of hiring Vets including salary training, uniforms, and tools.
• On the Job Training (OJT) Program: supplements wages plus tools.
• Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE): get job experience in a govt agency (fed, state, local), build your resume and search for jobs while you train.
Can you get VA Dental Coverage?
https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/
• Full coverage with a 100% VA rating or partial coverage for a service-connected dental condition.
• VA dental insurance - covers dependents, similar in cost and benefits as most employer plans.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/dental-insurance/
• VA Homeless Veterans Dental Program - to relieve pain or to help you get a job.
• Tricare also has optional Delta Dental coverage.
Supplemental Claims for Denied Benefits
If you disagree with our decision on your claim, you can file a Supplemental Claim to add new evidence for review. If VA denied your disability claim in the past, but now considers your condition presumptive, you are encouraged to file a Supplemental Claim.
https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/
Tricare Global Nurse Advice Line - 24/7
800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
Connect with a registered nurse by phone, chat, or video.
https://tricare.mil/nal
VA Health Connect - 24/7
San Diego: 877-252-4866
https://www.va.gov/health/connect-to-va-care/index.asp
Salute to Veterans Parade
The American Legion and the National City Chamber of Commerce are supporting the National City Veterans ceremony and festival on November 8th, in Kimball Park. If you would like to volunteer or serve on the planning Committee, please call our Chair, Karen McManus at 619-477-9339 or Sherry Gogue at 619-337-0721.
September 12th - Free VA Home Loan Master Class: learn how to use your full VA benefit for a first home, second home, and other investment opportunities in residential property
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/home-ownership-real-estate-investing-education-2186749
2026 Veteran and Retiree Expo
12 September 2026 - 8am - 1pm
Pacific Views Event Center, Bldg 202850, Camp Pendleton
Breakfast and Lunch included! Get the latest updates on programs and services that affect vets and dependents. Engage directly with representatives of agencies and non-profits, legislative updates, health care changes, and available services.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-pendleton-veteran-and-retiree-expo-tickets-1712351933729
MCAS Miramar Air Show
https://miramarairshow.com/
September 25-27, 2025
Dates of Service and Remembrance:
September 11th - National Day of Service
September 17th - Constitution & Citizenship Day
3rd Friday, September 19th - POW/MIA Recognition Day
Last Sunday, September 28 - Gold Star Mother’s Day
Who Are the Red Shirts at Post 255?
AVIATION ORDNANCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 8 SAN DIEGO
HAS BEEN MOVED TO A PAGE ON THE LEFT SIDE COLUMN OF THE HOME PAGE
AUXILIARY MEETING IS ON THE THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT 5 PM
*** 2025 AUXILIARY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA pictures are now on this web site.
*** 2025 AUXILIARY HALLOWEEN PARTY pictures are now on this web site.
*** 2025 AUXILIARY NIGHT OUT NATIONAL CITY BOOTH pictures are now on this web site.
2026 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
KIMBALL PARK
Post 255 Auxiliary again this year participated in the 2026 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT at Kimball Park.
They engaged with neighbors, built bridges, and shared the benefits of joining the American Legion with our community.
MORE PICTURES OF THE 2026 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CAN BE SEEN IN THE "PHOTO GALLERY"
ON THIS WEB SITE HOME PAGE
CHILL AND GRILL
AUXILIARY FUNDRAISER IN AUGUST
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Congratulations to the 2026-2027
American Legion AUXILIARY Officers!
Reminder - Sons of American Legion Meeting always on the First Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM. Come on down.
*** 2025 CHILI COOK-OFF pictures are now on this web site.
- Commander’s Corner
Sons of The American Legion – Squadron Update
Greetings to all Members,
I hope everyone is doing well. Things have been relatively quiet around the Squadron lately, with no major events or big announcements on the immediate horizon.
However, this quiet period gives us a great opportunity to take care of essential housecleaning—starting with our annual membership dues.
Membership Dues Breakdown
• SAL Membership: $30 annually
• Dual Active Legion Members: $15 annually
Note for Dual Members: To qualify for the reduced $15 SAL rate, you must present your current, valid American Legion membership card when paying your dues.
Our dues support local veteran initiatives, youth programs, and community outreach. Please make sure to submit your renewal early so we can keep our membership roster current.
If you have any questions or need to submit your dues, stop by the Post or reach out to any of the SAL Officer.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our veterans!
In Comradeship,
Wayne E. Dull Jr.
Commander, Sons of The American Legion Post 255
PINBALL MACHINE AT THE POST.
The SALs put a pinball machine in the Post. Funds from the machine go to SAL’s projects.
Meetings second Thursday of the month at 6 PM.
*** 2025 RIDERS CV VETERANS HOME VISIT pictures are now on this web site.
*** 2025 RIDERS SUMMER TIME BASH pictures are now on this web site.
*** 2025 SAINT PATRICK'S DAY PARTY pictures are now on this web site.
*** 2025 CHILI COOK-OFF pictures are now on this web site.
SMOKESTACK MEMORIAL RUN
There was a good turn out for the Smokestack memorial run for the pie. 255 had Doug, Robert, Wally, Manny and Bill.
NIGHT OUT
American Legion Post 255 Riders supporting our community in the National Night out with our local National City Law Enforcement and first responders.
MORE PICTURES OF THE 2026 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CAN BE SEEN IN THE "PHOTO GALLERY"
ON THIS WEB SITE HOME PAGE
As always check the ALR DOC Calendar for all the events going in Area 5.
Be safe keep your eyes on the road, was that text message worth someone’s life?????
The display case at our Post has items for ladies and men. Just see your friendly bartender. We have a great selection of shirts available, it’s like “I don’t know what to wear?”. These are good to go anytime, anywhere!!
Get in line with the modern era; we have a Riders Group page on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/alr255/
If any Post member knows anyone that rides or is interested in riding, please contact any ALR member to get more information.
The Rider Chapter continues to support the Patriot Guard Missions (PGM) with escort service from the airport or funeral homes to their final resting place out of Honor and Respect for the Fallen. “We Still Stand for Those Who Stood for Us”. . There is now a video on U-Tube under the title of “Patriot Guard Riders – Who are they?”
Never forget and always remember our POW/MIA’s……. there is hope!
Until next month, “Share the Road”!! “PSST, are you looking out For motorcycles?
POST/CANTEEN GUESTS
MUST BE SIGNED IN BY A POST MEMBER!!!!!
It is becoming evident that more and more members are bringing guests into the Post without properly signing them in. Failure to have guests sign in could lead to sanctions against the Post by the State ABC or we could lose our license to sell alcohol.
Guests are defined as anyone who is not an American Legion, Auxiliary or SON from any Post.
Members who fail to follow this simple rule risk losing their canteen privileges for a time period to be determined by the E-Board.
PERSONAL CONDUCT IN THE POST
All members, and their guests, are reminded that the Post is Family Friendly and as such, everyone needs to be mindful of how they conduct themselves.
There is no place at the Post for being rude or disrespectful to others, and at absolutely no time should any type of physical altercation be initiated inside the Post or in our parking lot.
Bartenders, with the assistance of Post Officers, will monitor behavior and if they feel a member or guest is crossing the line, that member or guest will be warned to stop. If the behavior continues the member or guest will be asked to leave the Post and it will be noted in the log book for further review by the Canteen Manager and E-Board.
Remember, our motto is that we are the “Friendliest Post” so let us all work to ensure “we” remain friendly!
RECYCLE YOUR UNUSED EYE GLASSES AND
RECYCLE UNUSED CELL PHONES AND
RECYCLE USED PRINTER CARTRIDGES
AT THE POST
We are still collecting your unused eye glasses and unused cell phones for donations and are still collecting used ink jet cartridges at the Post. We turn the cartridges in to receive up to $40.00 store credit each month. The credit is then used to reduce the cost of our office supplies - paper and mailing dots for the newsletter, ink for our printers, stamps, etc. We used to turn in our quota each month, but haven't lately. We appreciate your help on this one.
Click on the respective buttons on the left side of this page
to please visit the photo gallery. Photos are periodically updated.
And the events calendar contains the monthly "happenings" for Post 255.