COMMANDER'S CALL

Victor de la Rosa,
Commander, American Legion Post 132

Greetings all:

I would like to thank everyone from all the families who helped make and serve lunch we had for about 100 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard a success. We couldn’t do this stuff without all the volunteers.

Congratulations to all the new members on the board for the Legionnaires (see our Adjutant's article for the full list). Also thank you all for trusting me to be the Commander of our Post for the last 5 years. I think we have accomplished a lot to better the Post. Please continue to volunteer and support the activities at our Post.

Thank you.

Victor de la Rosa,
Commander, Post 132
victorplcnt@yahoo.com
714-227-5977

2ND VICE VENTURES

John Schutz
2nd Vice Commander, American Legion Post 132

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder that at the Legion Meeting (Thursday June 12) we will swearing in the Posts new Officers for all the Families.

We have some major events coming up and are still working hard putting fun events together for you and would realty appreciate your support by attending some of the events. Here is a sneak peek:

EVENTS coming our way:

JUN 7 SAT – POST CLEANUP DAY 9-2
JUN 8 SUN – NAME YOUR POISON DAY 12-2 PM
JUN 9 MON – POKER NIGHT 6-8 PM
JUN 10 TUE – CASINO BUS TRIP 8:30 AM
JUN 12 THUR - LEGION MTG 1900 – INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
JUN 14 SAT – ARMY BIRTHDAY
JUN 15 SUN – AUX BREAKFAST 9-11:30 FREE FOR ALL FATHERS
JUN 16 MON - FLAG TOUR ARRIVES FROM VISTA 12:00
JUN 18 WED – POST CLEANUP DAY 9AM – 2PM
JUN 19 THU – BINGO 6-8 PM
JUN 20 FRI - DOG TAG NIGHT (FREE DRINK)
JUN 21 SAT – MAKE MUSIC DAY
JUN 22 SUN - SCAVENGER HUNT DAY 11-2
JUN 23 MON – ANGELS BASEBALL GAME 6 PM
JUN 25 WED – CIGAR & STEAK NIGHT 6-10
JUN 26 THUR - LINE DANCING 6-8
JUN 28 SAT – TRIVIA $5.00 PER PERSON 3-5PM

IMPORTANT DATES:

June 6, 2025 – Anniversary of the World War II – Allied invasion in Normandy, France, now known as D-Day.
June 14, 2025 – Flag Day – A Day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag.
June 14, 2025 – Army Birthday - The US Army will celebrate its 250th birthday. This year's theme is "This We'll Defend," a battle cry first used by the Continental Army.
June 27, 2025 – National PTSD Awareness Day – A Day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.
July 4, 2025 – Independence Day POST WILL BE CLOSED

John Schutz

2nd Vice Commander

949-870-2084

jschutziv@outlook.com

ADJUTANT'S AGENDA

Brian Johnson
Adjutant, American Legion Post 132

Our Legion year is winding down and we are beginning to look toward the 25/26 Legion year which will begin in July. I would like to thank our members for a fantastic turnout at our May meeting. This was our night for 2nd nominations and elections. There was no drama this year as all candidate positions were uncontested. It is my great honor and pleasure to announce the results and introduce your officers for the 25/26 Legion year.

Commander - John Schutz
1st Vice Commander - Chris Padilla
2nd Vice Commander - Victor Munoz
3rd Vice Commander - Gerardo Robledo
Finance Officer - Susan Wood
Executive Committee (4 positions):

Ken Craner
Tom Duprey
Bill Stringfield
Mel Ramon

The appointed officers remain unchanged with one exception:

Adjutant - Vacant
Judge Advocate - John Minnella
Chaplain - David Anderson
Historian - Frank Cook
Service Officer - Jose Martinez
Sgt at Arms - Jose Guevara

After five years, I am stepping back from Adjutant to take a break and focus on a new role in the Riders. I appreciate all the support that has been shown over my term. Have no fear, I am still around to help where needed.

Installation of officers from all of the Legion Family Units will be on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 pm in the ballroom. I hope to see you all there to support our incoming leadership teams.

That about wraps it up for me, I will see you down at the Post!

Brian "Spidey" Johnson

Post 132 Adjutant

adjutantdist29@gmail.com

JUDGE ADVOCATE'S JOURNAL

John Minnella
Judge Advocate, American Legion Post 132

Comrades and Friends!

Congratulations to all our newly elected and appointed Post 132 Legionnaires, SONS, Auxiliary and Riders. We wish all of them good luck as we begin the new fiscal year of the Legion. Similar congratulations are due to the new District 29 officers elected June 1 and to our UMAVA and AVU friends. All take office officially July 1. New Post 132 Commander John Schutz has asked me to remain as your Post Judge Advocate and I have agreed to do so.

June is also the month of Father's Day when we pay tribute to those who served as natural, adopted and stepfathers and grandfathers. None were or are perfect but almost all deserve honor and respect from us whatever their human failings.

June is also the month of our annual Department Convention – this year in Visalia again. If you have never attended, try to make it to one. It is a weekend of fun, renewed friendships, Legion business, and relaxation with veterans and their families. This year I hope to return to Post 132 with the Department Vice Commander position and cap after it having been elsewhere in Southern California for a very long time.

Remember our mutual commitment to the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution and the Legion’s Four Pillars (Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; National Security; Americanism; Children & Youth); and most of all remember our commitment to our Constitution and Country.

Post 132 continues to operate ever mindful of any and all legalities. Should you become aware of some potential or existing legal problem for the Post, please inform me at your earliest opportunity so it can be addressed. If I can be of any help to you, feel free to contact me 24/7/365.

John “Juancho” Minnella

Post 132 (#85) & District 29 Immediate Past Commander;

Post 132 & Department of California Judge Advocate.

Tel: 714/543-9005;

Email: drjminnella@yahoo.com.

CHAPLAIN'S CHAT

Dave Anderson
Chaplain, American Legion Post 132

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Chaplain Dave

anderson21us@yahoo.com

(714) 294-9245

CURATOR'S CORNER

Frank Cook
Museum Curator / Past Commander, American Legion Post 132

Artifacts from Our Museum

This month’s “artifact from our museum” is made of high grade polymer, rubber and canvas. It has built-in goggles and a filter. It looks pretty “goofy” but it can save one’s life. It is an “NBC” (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Mask, (Yes… the old “Gas Mask” of WWI but on steroids) Donated by: our new Commander, 1st Sgt. John Schutz, Vietnam Veteran. (1969-1980)

It is part of the MOPP (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) Gear that one had to don when threatened by any NBC attack. The 5 Levels of MOPP gear were:

MOPP 0 - None worn but all ready.
MOPP 1 - Overgarment worn, mask at the ready.
MOPP 2 - Overgarment and Overboots worn.
MOPP 3 - Overgarment, Overboots and Mask worn.
MOPP 4 - Overgarment, Overboots, Mask and Gloves worn.

As a member of the 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey, South Korea, I spent 72 hours at MOPP level 4, as training in the 1980s. At that time, Kim Jun Ill’s, grandfather was Premier of North Korea. He didn't have “The Bomb” but he did have several biological and chemical weapons at his disposal. I can still recollect the times we so often practiced for an attack.

Attaching your canteen, upside down, to the tube/port that allowed you to take in fluids. But before that, wiping the canteen top and tube with a wipe in my pack. Learning how to give myself a set of three injections into my thigh via “air pressured syringe” after “exposure” to a known agent. We were given sterile water which simulated the actual Atropine, Epinephrine and “whatever antidote,” if any, they thought we may need. As a Medic and then later Nurse, I had to don my equipment first before treating others. Sgt Quinones would always say; “What good are you to others if not to yourself first.”

I never faced the “real stuff” and am very glad no one had to, but if you ever hear “metal on metal” or someone gives you the “arms bent and moving to their shoulders and back” signal… please don your goofy mask. Hey, some folks wear one every day… it's called their face ;)

Frank Cook

Museum Curator / Past Commander

(657) 468-5566

AUXILIARY ACTION

Diana Trujillo
Event Planner, American Legion Post 132

Welcome to June!

It has been an honor to serve as your Auxiliary President for 2024–2025. I am so proud of the positive changes, meaningful challenges, and valuable lessons that our unit has experienced and grown through together. It has truly been a blessing to exceed our membership goal and begin building connections with our new members.

As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 Auxiliary year, I’m excited for what’s to come! Please feel free to share any ideas you may have to support our unit—whether it’s fundraising, fun outings outside of the Legion, or other suggestions. Together, we can continue to build a stronger unit and keep our mission alive in serving veterans and supporting Post 132.

Our May Auxiliary Breakfast was well attended! Thank you to John Schutz for always making the coffee and for your extra help! And thank you to all our ladies who volunteered, we had a fun time!

Our Auxiliary Dinner on May 23rd was a great success with the help of our three Veteran cooks: Ernie Lopez, Vangee, and Ernie Ceyla! They grilled 70 steaks outside and they were Bomb! The student veteran’s graduates from SCC enjoyed their dinner and awards! Roadhouse rocked the house to complete the night! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make our dinner a great success!

Final Nominations were completed, and we will have a short meeting on Wednesday June 11th and Installation on Thursday June 12th at 7pm in the Hall during the Legionnaire meeting.

Diana Trujillo

Auxiliary President

dtrujillo5280@gmail.com

SONS SPOTLIGHT

James Gomez
Commander, Sons of the American Legion Post 132

New Leadership Team Takes Charge July 1st

Squadron 132 members have elected their leadership team for the 2025-2026 year, with yours truly returning as Commander for another term alongside a strong roster of dedicated officers.

Returning Officers:

Commander: James Gomez
1st Vice Commander: Mike Holmes
Finance Officer: David Laguna
Sergeant at Arms: Kevin P Anderson
Chaplain: Pierre Duco
Executive Board Members: Tommy Dees & Terry Hildenbrand

New Addition:

3rd Vice Commander: Tom Duprey

The Squadron is still seeking volunteers for two key positions: Adjutant (responsible for meeting notes and monthly minutes) and 2nd Vice Commander (works with event coordination). Members interested in serving should contact me.

Record-Breaking Sons Events

May proved to be an exceptional month for Squadron 132's service efforts. The Mother's Day Breakfast served a record 37 meals, with all mothers receiving complimentary meals and champagne. Volunteers Mike Holmes, Frank Cook, Tony D'Ambrosio, Tim Lukasik, Emilio Rangel, and Neil Tajada made the celebration memorable for families at the Post.

Even more impressive was the Squadron's Friday dinner service, which generated over $1,250 in meal sales—the highest total ever recorded. Despite operating with a reduced crew during an exceptionally busy night that included a mariachi band and even a small kitchen fire, the team of David Laguna, Terry Hildenbrand, Tommy Dees, Mike Holmes, Ben Farner, Justin Fawver, Mark Fawver, Tony D'Ambrosio, and Randy Calcetas delivered outstanding service. Special recognition goes to the auxiliary volunteers Carol Holmes, Yolanda Guzman and Esther Ouellette who helped with our record-breaking raffle sales and Post 132 for sponsoring the mariachi entertainment.

June Schedule Changes

Squadron 132 has made several schedule adjustments for June and July to accommodate the Installation of Officers ceremony and holidays:

Friday, June 6 - Squadron Dinner Night featuring steaks and David Laguna's famous homemade taquitos. We start serving at 6 and go until 7:30 or whenever food runs out.

Sunday, June 8 - Squadron Breakfast (moved up from the usual schedule after trading spots with the Auxiliary for Father's Day).

Tuesday, June 10 - NO SONS MEETING (dark to encourage attendance at Installation two days later)

Thursday, June 12 - Installation of Officers at 7:00 PM (newly elected officers should attend with garrison caps)

Friday, July 4 - NO SONS DINNER (Post closed for Independence Day)

Regular meeting schedule resumes Tuesday, July 8, with the next Squadron dinner on Friday, August 1.

The Squadron continues to meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM sharp at the Post, serving both the Legion family and the broader Orange community through their dedicated volunteer efforts.

James Gomez

Sons Commander, Post 132
buglepost1312@gmail.com

RIDERS ROUNDUP

John Schutz
Director, ALR Chapter 132

Hello Riders:

Here is our Schedule for June 2025 so far:

JUNE 9 – FRI - Riders Dinner Sloppy Joes / potato salad / Corn on Cob (Help setup 2:30 Dinner 6-7:30]
JUNE 14 – SAT - Riders Meeting (0830) – RIDE: AFTER MTG.
Jun 16 MON – Patriot Tour Flag Arrives at Post (Help setup 0830 – Ceremony 1200)
Jun 17 TUE – Transfer Patriot Tour Flag Meet Riders at Mobil gas station, 445 Ventu Park Rd, Newbury Park, then proceed to El Sancho Loco Taqueria via Newbury Rd. (KSU 0900)
JUNE 22 – SUN - Riders Breakfast BISCUITS AND GRAVY (Setup 0700 – Breakfast (8:30 – 1100)

John Schutz

ALR Chapter 132 Director

9949-870-2084

jschutziv@outlook.com

EVENT PLANNER'S PERSPECTIVE

Diana Trujillo
Event Planner, American Legion Post 132

Hello June,

I can’t believe May is over! We had a lot going on.

Thank you to those who came out on Friday May 2nd to enjoy the Mariachi Band Los Potrillos OC. It was a great start to Cinco de Mayo!

Relentless Pro Wrestling has a new So-Cal Heavyweight Champ, Mikey O’Shea and a new So-Cal Women’s Champ, Danika Blodwyn. And let’s not forget the reigning So-Cal Cruiserweight Champ, Alec Tomas. Thank you for another incredible show.

We would like to thank Chris Rivera from Seis Soles Wine Co. Wine maker Chris Rivera is located at his store Wine & Wax in the circle at 146 S. Glassell. We had a great turnout and so much fun!

FLEET WEEK was incredible! Thank you to all the volunteers who showed up in force to honor and provide these 100 service members with lunch. Lots of memories were made at our post that day.

It was so great to host Santiago College Veterans Graduation dinner and enjoy the music of Roadhouse.

Another great event was Valor on May 25th from 2pm-10pm building a veteran community through the power of music was amazing.

Memorial Day Monday May 26th: A special thank you to our cooks from the Elks and all the volunteers who helped make the potluck a success.

Trivia is growing! It is so much fun to watch the teams battle to win. Thank you, Rita, Joyce, and Brian, for making it successful. Everyone had a great time. Congrats to team – The Go Getters for taking first place!

Phil Shane, as usual, put on a great show! It was great to see him looking well and playing all our favorite songs.

Looking forward to June! It’s much quieter but there is something for everyone.

Join us for Karaoke and Tacos on Tuesdays

Peter makes great burgers on Thursdays, with Bingo on the 3rd Thursday and Line dancing on the 4th Thursday.

Sunday June 8th – Pick your poison! Noon -2pm only $20 come and try some specialty drinks made by some of our post members.

Wednesday June 25th: Patriots Promise 2025 Fundraiser in the Hall 5pm-10pm - tickets for our members are $50 which includes a steak dinner, a cigar, music by Tony B, camaraderie, and a chance to win some raffles as we raise funds for Veterans in need.

Trivia is all set for Saturday June 28th from 3-5pm. Only $5 a person. Bring your team and come and enjoy the fun!

The Wall That Heals

The Wall That Heals is coming to our community here in Orange October 2nd-5th. As you may have heard I have been speaking to all our families about this great event. As promised here is the link to our website. We are still building our site, but you will be able to do the following: https://thewallthathealsorange-2025.org/

Sign up for in Memory – A Vietnam veteran who served in the Vietnam war but had since died.
Sign up for updates
Learn more about the Wall that Heals
Donate

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

See you at the Post!

Diana Trujillo

Event Coordinator

dtrujillo5280@gmail.com

A Legacy of Service: Honoring Manuel “Sonny” Macias and the Dedication of His Sister, Madeline

By Diana Trujillo

In the heart of Orange, California, history lives on through memories, service, and the enduring commitment of individuals like Madeline Macias. A proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Madeline’s story is one of devotion—to her family, her country, and especially to her younger brother, Vietnam War veteran Manuel “Sonny” Macias.

A Bright Young Scholar Turned Soldier

Manuel Macias, affectionately known as “Sonny,” was the youngest of several siblings. He stood out from an early age for his intelligence and love of history. A graduate of Orange High School in the late 1960s, Manuel had an impressive academic mind, even learning German out of admiration for one of his teachers. He shared that passion with Madeline, often writing her letters in German while stationed in Vietnam—letters she couldn’t read until he translated them upon returning home.

His military journey was marked by growth and resilience. Initially working as a paramedic, he later served as a transport specialist and rose to the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army. During combat in Vietnam, he faced intense challenges, including firefights that left many of his platoon wounded. In one harrowing moment, Manuel and his fellow soldiers survived only because they made it into their foxholes just in time, hiding under tents while enemy fire roared above.

Life After War

After returning from Vietnam, Manuel pursued higher education, earning degrees from Santa Ana College and Long Beach State. He later worked in transportation-related civilian positions for the federal government and the Internal Revenue Service in Arizona.

Despite his academic and professional accomplishments, his return home was marked by difficulty. Like many Vietnam veterans, he encountered misunderstanding and hostility from civilians who could not comprehend what he had endured. One memorable incident during a family gathering ended in Manuel defending his experience with deep emotion, prompting his family to stand firmly by his side.

Manuel also faced post-traumatic stress, which surfaced in moments like reacting to kitchen noises that triggered memories of war. Despite this, he remained a devoted brother, uncle, and godfather, developing a deep bond with Madeline’s children and continuing to enjoy simple pleasures—music, gardening, and visits to air shows.

A Sister’s Tribute

Madeline joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 2017, driven by a desire to honor not only Manuel but also their mother, who had endured the heartbreak of losing a son, Jack Lopez, in World War II. For Madeline, the Auxiliary is more than a group—it’s a calling to support and honor veterans of all eras, ensuring their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.

Today, Madeline serves as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms and assists with membership, public relations, and assisting at events. She has played a key role in promoting the local veterans’ museum, recognizing its value as a historical cornerstone of the orange community.

“One of my proudest moments,” she shares, “was getting our museum featured in the Orange Plaza Review. It may be small, but it holds some of the most important history in the city.”

Remembering Manuel

Asked how she wants her brother’s service to be remembered, Madeline’s voice is steady and proud: “He was very strict, very respectful, and deeply loved his country. He valued protocol and wanted everyone to show respect—not for him, but for the uniform and the nation.”

She credits this patriotic spirit to their parents, especially after the loss of their older brother in Okinawa during World War II. “My mom never recovered from that,” Madeline says. “She couldn’t get involved in honoring them, so I do it for her.”

Manuel Macias was more than a soldier. He was a historian, a teacher at heart, a beloved uncle, and a man who lived with deep convictions. Through Madeline’s eyes, his story lives on—not just as a war hero, but as a cherished brother whose quiet dignity left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

The Bugle

June 2025 - The Bugle