COMMANDER'S CALL

John Schutz
Commander, American Legion Post 132

Hello American Legion Family!

2025 is almost over - As the sun almost sets on another year we stand at the threshold of a brand-new year; I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May 2026 bring you the strength to overcome any challenges, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the joy that springs from the love and support of those around you.

Some of our major accomplishments this past year:

Repair of major water leak
Four Chaplains Day Ceremony
Southern California Wildfires Fundraiser
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony
Fleet Week 100 Service Members Lunch
Memorial Day Open House
Patriot Tour - Nation of Patriots
Orange International Street Fair Fundraiser
Post Family Picnic
Veteran Resource Fair
2.2 Mile Suicide Awareness Walk
Support the “Wall That Heals”
Veterans Day Open House
Support Field of Valor

What we have to look forward to in 2026

Casino Night
Post Pub Crawl
Breakfast – Every Sunday
Dinners – Every Friday
Taco Tuesday – Every Tuesday
Karaoke - Every Tuesday
Hamburger Night – Every Thursday
Bingo Night – 3rd Thursday of Month
Trivia Night – 4th Thursday of Month
Chili Cookoff Contest
Welcome Home All Veterans Ceremony
Veteran Resource Fair

2026 Membership Cards – Just a reminder that you need to renew your membership by 31 December, 2025 to remain in good standing. Our 2026 Legionnaire cards down at the post ready to give out after you pay your dues. If you decide to pay online through the national headquarters you can download your membership card at that time or bring your receipt to the post. Always remember if you are unable to get to the post, we can mail your card to you. Just let me know and I will take care of it for you.

Vacancies – We have opening for the Post Adjutant position. If you are interested, please contact me.

Support your Post – We have people that work really hard putting together our social events, dinners, breakfasts and fundraisers. They do this for you and all we ask is that you support these different events.

For God and Country,

John Schutz

Commander, Post 132

949-870-2084

jschutziv@outlook.com

2ND VICE VENTURES

Victor Munoz
2nd Vice Commander

We invite you to join us in supporting our Post and the Veterans we proudly serve. VOLUNTEERS truly make a difference—they are the heart of our Post. Please remember to treat them with kindness and appreciation for all that they do.

December Calendar to Remember
(Unless otherwise announced)
Every Sunday: Breakfast, 9–11 AM (Clubroom)
Every Tuesday: Taco Tuesday & Karaoke, 6–9 PM (Clubroom)
Every Thursday: Hamburger Night, 5–7:30 PM (Clubroom)
Every Friday: Dinner, 6–7:30 PM (Clubroom)
For additional events happening in December, please take a moment to review our December 2025 Calendar.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We sincerely thank Post 132, AL Riders 132, AVU families, individual Veterans, and all volunteers from our Post for their incredible support and contributions to our 5th Annual Veterans Day Event held Saturday, November 8, here at our Post.

We also want to thank our event security for their support and for generously donating their time for our Veterans. Thank you for managing the parking lot once the event began, and for providing door and crowd control throughout the day.

And most importantly, we thank all our guests who attended, and every Veteran who participated in our Roll Call. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life and service with us. We thank you, and welcome home.

This was an amazing event—held to honor and celebrate Veterans. Thank you for your commitment, your support from setup to takedown, and your teamwork. This was truly our best event yet, and my wife, Toni Jean Munoz, and I were honored to share it with all of you. It was a team effort—our American Legion family. We could not have done it without you.

Save the Date – 2026 Veterans Day Event

Please save the date and mark your calendar for our 2026 Veterans Day Event, which will once again be held here at our Post:

Saturday, November 7, 2025
11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

A very special thank you to American Legion Post 132 for your sponsorship and for donating the ballroom for our event. Thank you for always supporting us—it means more than you know.

A Thanksgiving Reflection

We hope everyone enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones.

We also wanted to share a touching message we received from a Vietnam Veteran describing his experience serving during the holidays.

Always remember: not everyone gets to go home for the holidays.

Please keep all service men and women in your thoughts and prayers daily, especially throughout the holiday season.

Warm Holiday Wishes

From our home to yours, we wish our AL Post 132 family a very Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year 2026!

Victor Munoz

USMC Veteran

2nd Vice Commander, American Legion Post 132

veteran1971@live.com

SKY PILOT'S REPORT

Frank Cook
Post 132 Chaplain

Before there were organized religions there were rituals and traditions which celebrated the “Winter Solstice” when the Sun, Moon and Stars appear in different places in the sky and on the horizon. Outside, temperatures drop. The daylight becomes shorter and darkness is longer. Depending on where one lives there are preparations for the colder weather and even for rain, frost or snow.

It is the final season of the year. Three months of Winter ahead.

When organized religions came into our societies around the earth, almost all held this season in special regard.

For the Christians it is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas). For the Jews it is a time of reflection and joy (Chanukah). The Hindus celebrate Pancha Ganapati, the Buddhists Rohatsu. Some African Americans celebrate Kwanza and Yule is a Pagan/Wiccan celebration.

Whichever religion you subscribe to, or not, I wish you Peace, Love and Good Health this season and in the New Year!

Lastly, I'd like to include a holiday poem my sister sent to me while I was serving in South Korea:

Season’s Greetings

“Tis the night before Christmas,

and all through la casa,

not a creature is stirring….

Caramba! Que pasa?

Los stockings are hanging

con mucho cuidado,

in hope that Old Santa

will feel obligado.

To leave a few cosas aqui and alli,

for Chico y Chica,

(Y algo por mi)

Los ninos are snuggled,

all safe in las camas,

some in vestidos, y some in pajamas.

Their little cabezas are full of good things,

they esperan Santa will remember to bring.

But Santa is down at the corner saloon,

es muy borracho since mid-afternoon.

Madre is sitting beside la ventana,

shining her rolling pin por la manana,

when Santa will come in,

un manner extrano,

lit up like Star Spangled Banner cantando!

Y madre will send to him to bed con los coches,

Merry Christmas to all, and to all….

Buenos Noches!”

Reverend Frank Cook, Chaplain

American Legion Post 132

(657) 468-5566

francisd.cook@yahoo.com

CURATOR'S CORNER

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

Artifacts from Our Museum

This month’s “Article from our Museum” is mostly made of wood although it has some metal hinges and a rope cord to make it firmer when laid upon. It is a Civil War Union Officer’s Field Cot/Bed. Made by J. Hersee of Buffalo, New York, in June 1861, these beds were issued to, and used by, officers only.

Enlisted men found themselves sleeping on the ground, sometimes in tents and winter quarters, but most of the time wrapped in a blanket on the open ground.

By the end of 1862, Baggage Trains had to carry only the “Fighting Necessities” as was stated in the Union Quartermaster’s Guide due to their length of several miles. Wagons with horses stretched over miles of open area exposing themselves to raids and attacks by Confederate Forces. So, after a few disastrous battles for the North, General Command ordered beds and cots to be only used by Captains and above.

Beds like this one were taken apart and the wood burned for cooking and heating. Very few of these 1861 beds survive today in any museum. We are lucky to have such a rare piece of history which we all have at home in a different form and use at night.

(Even though this bed/cot is firmly secured to the wall in our museum, don't be too surprised to see it opened in the middle of the room from time to time with Bill Stringfield sleeping on it with a note that states; “Please do not Disturb!”)

Frank Cook, Museum Curator/Past Commander

(657) 468-5566

francisd.cook@yahoo.com

AUXILIARY ACTION

Diana Trujillo
President, Auxiliary Unit 132

Auxiliary Unit 132 December Events Recap

A Season of Community, Caring, and Celebration

Hello, Auxiliary Unit 132 friends! As December settles in and the year draws to a close, it's a wonderful time to reflect on our vibrant community, all we've accomplished together, and the importance of caring for ourselves and our families during this busy season. Let's take a look back at recent highlights and get excited for the festive events ahead!

Recent Event Highlights

We kicked off November with our always-popular Auxiliary breakfast, bringing together friends old and new over a delicious meal. The Holiday Boutique was a hit, offering unique gifts, crafts, and holiday cheer—thank you to everyone who contributed, shopped, or volunteered to make it special. Our elves have been busy, too, preparing toys for the upcoming Kids Christmas Party. Your generosity ensures smiles and magic for our youngest members! We also had a special moment honoring our Gold Star Mother Maggie Bell at the Flags over the plaza. After Thanksgiving, we gathered for a cozy Auxiliary dinner, sharing warmth, laughter, and gratitude as we transitioned into the holiday season.

Auxiliary member and Gold Star Mom Maggie Bell was honored at the Flags over Orange flag ceremony in the Orange Plaza.

Upcoming December Events Overview

December is packed with opportunities to connect, give back, and make memories. Whether you’re volunteering, attending, or just stopping by for a meal and a chat, there’s something for everyone. Don't forget to carve out moments for self-care and family time—your well-being is just as important as your service!

Girls State Fundraiser: Ugly Sweater Bunco Party – December 8th

Dust off your quirkiest holiday sweater and join us on December 8th for our Girls State Fundraiser: the Ugly Sweater Bunco Party! The fun runs from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. All proceeds help send deserving young women to Girls State, fostering leadership and civic engagement. We need both players and volunteers, so sign up at the bar or contact an Auxiliary officer. It’s a night of games, laughter, and supporting a great cause—don’t miss out!

Wreaths Across America – December 13th, 9:00 AM

On December 13th at 9:00 AM, join us at Fairhaven Memorial Park for Wreaths Across America. This solemn and meaningful event honors veterans by laying wreaths on their graves, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our freedoms. Participating is a beautiful way to pay tribute, teach children about remembrance, and strengthen our community spirit. We encourage everyone to come out and help—your presence matters.

December 14th Breakfast: Burritos or Pozole

Our December breakfast is set for December 14th, featuring a tasty choice of breakfast burritos or comforting Pozole. Bring your appetite and your friends—it's the perfect way to fuel up for the holiday hustle and enjoy some camaraderie.

Kids Christmas Party – December 20th, 12–2 PM

Mark your calendars for December 20th, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, for the beloved Kids Christmas Party! There will be crafts, treats, games, and a special visit from Santa himself. It’s a magical afternoon for the kids and a joyful gathering for all ages. If you’d like to help, we’re still looking for volunteers to make the day extra special.

Auxiliary Dinner – December 26th

After the Christmas rush, join us on December 26th for our Auxiliary dinner. This month’s menu: beef and bean tostadas served with rice and sweet corn cake—a delicious way to unwind and catch up with friends before the year ends.

New Year's Eve Celebration – East Coast Style!

Ring in the New Year with our Post on December 31st, East Coast style! The festivities run from 5:30 to 10:00 PM and feature live music from the Roadhouse band. Tickets are $25 each, available at the bar, and include a delectable dinner. Come dance, celebrate, and welcome 2026 with your Legion family!

Closing Thoughts

Thank you to each and every member for your energy, compassion, and dedication. Your involvement—whether big or small—keeps our Unit thriving. As we rush from one event to the next, remember to take care of yourself and cherish time with loved ones. Together, we make a difference not just in our community, but in each other’s lives.

We look forward to seeing you at our December events. Let’s finish the year strong—with gratitude, joy, and plenty of holiday spirit!

In Gratitude and Service,

Diana Trujillo

President, Auxiliary Unit 132

dtrujillo5280@gmail.com

RIDERS ROUNDUP

David Pritchard
Director, ALR Chapter 132

Hello Riders,

Here's what we have going on for December:

Friday, December 12 - Riders' are serving dinner. Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mac & cheese.

Saturday, December 13 - Riders' meeting at 8:30am

Wednesday, December 24 - Santa Ride to Orangewood Children's Home (time to be announced)

Sunday, December 28 - Riders' are serving breakfast. Chicken fried steak.

David Pritchard

ALR Chapter 132 Director

pritcharddavid1@yahoo.com

SONS SPOTLIGHT

James Gomez
Commander, Sons Squadron 132

Holiday Kickoff Dinner - Friday, December 5th

We're kicking off Post 132's holiday season with our Deck the Halls Steak Dinner ($20) and Holiday Harvest Pork Chop Dinner ($15). The first Friday of every month is staffed entirely by the Sons of Squadron 132, and this special holiday dinner is THE event that launches us into the most wonderful time of the year at the Post.

Whether you're helping your fellow Sons serve or coming to eat, you're helping our Squadron. All profits from raffles and meals go straight to us. (Bar proceeds also help Veterans, but through the Post itself, not directly to the Sons.)

SPECIAL GUEST: SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO POST 132!

Santa has the night off from the Tustin PD Santa Sleigh Night and has agreed to help us deliver presents to some lucky attendees. (He's a friend of our fellow Son Mark Bickel!)

LIVE MUSIC ALL NIGHT:

The Sons have co-sponsored classic rock band The Bourbon Boys, who'll be playing from 6:30-10:30 PM. This is the ONLY live music scheduled at the Post this month – take advantage of it and come on down! At 8:00 PM, we'll pause for God Bless America, Santa will bring presents, and we'll do our weekly raffle. Then the music kicks back in from 8:30-10:30 PM.

EVENT DETAILS:

Food Service: 6:00-7:30 PM (or when food runs out – a strong likelihood!)

Music: 6:30-10:30 PM (with break from 8:00-8:30 PM for God Bless America, Santa, and raffle)

Next Sons Meeting: Tuesday, December 9th at 6:00 PM

Join us for our monthly meeting to discuss Squadron business and upcoming activities.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Breakfast Coordinator

For years, Mike Holmes has tirelessly worked every third weekend of the month to ensure that we have a Sons-sponsored breakfast nearly every month (except when AVU gives us an occasional break). Mike has informed us that his last breakfast as the Sons breakfast coordinator will be our December breakfast. We thank him very much for his hard work and say enjoy the breakfast retirement – you've earned it!

Since no one can fill Mike's shoes, instead of looking at a single breakfast coordinator for all our breakfasts, I'm going to seek guest breakfast coordinators for each month's breakfast. It makes the commitment a little more manageable. I'll be calling on 12 of you to take on this one-time-a-year responsibility, and I will be eternally grateful.

2026 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL - ACT NOW!

If you haven't renewed for 2026, your membership card will expire at the end of this month (December 31, 2025). But there's an easy fix: Renew now!

The 2026 membership cards have been delivered and are available now! Annual dues remain $30.

Membership Renewal Options:

In Person: Attend any monthly Sons meeting (2nd Tuesday at 6pm), visit the bar area, or connect with Commander James Gomez or First Vice Commander Mike Holmes. We strongly encourage in-person pickup during our Sons dinners, breakfasts, or Friday evening meals, where either Commander Gomez or Mike Holmes will typically be present to process your renewal.
Mail: Send your renewal check to Post 132 Sons, PO Box 214, Orange, CA 92856 (we recommend using the PO Box for enhanced security)
Digital: Renew through your MyLegion.org account if you have one established

Your 2026 card will be valid through December 2026. Don't let your membership lapse – renew today!

For the good of the Squadron,

James Gomez
Sons Commander, Squadron 132
buglepost132@gmail.com

EVENT PLANNER'S PERSPECTIVE

Diana Trujillo
President, Auxiliary Unit 132

Event Coordinator Recap: November Highlights at Post 132

Reflecting on a Month of Community, Service, and Celebration

November was a vibrant and memorable month for Post 132, filled with events that brought our members, families, and community partners together. Below is a recap of the activities that made this month special.

November 7th: Marine Corps Birthday Celebration

On Thursday, November 7th, the Post gathered to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The festivities were filled with camaraderie as members raised a toast to two and a half centuries of distinguished service. A special thank you goes to Veterans Air Mechanical for graciously hosting the iconic Marine cake, making the occasion all the more memorable for our Marine veterans and the entire Post family. Cheers to 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment!

Happy 250th Birthday Marines!

Field of Valor: November 8th – 13th

From Saturday, November 8th through Thursday, November 13th, the Handy Baseball Fields were transformed for the Field of Valor. This inspiring display honored the service and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Flags waved proudly, each representing a story of courage and dedication. Thank you to all who visited, volunteered, and helped make this tribute possible.

Field of Valor

Veterans Day Collaboration with Orange Elks 1475

On Tuesday, November 11th, at 2:00 PM, Post 132 joined forces with Orange Elks Lodge 1475 for the Second Annual Veterans Day Collaboration in the Hall. The event was a heartfelt tribute to our veterans, filled with camaraderie and remembrance. Following the formal program, everyone enjoyed a potluck in the Clubroom, sharing delicious homemade dishes and good conversation. The turnout was fantastic, and we are grateful for the spirit of partnership and mutual respect that marked this meaningful day.

Elks 1475 Exalted Ruler Kelley Martinez and American Legion Post 132 Commander John Schutz address everyone who helped us celebrate Veterans Day.

Thank you JC Cortez (pictured), Kevin Wagner, and Laura Lockbridge for helping feed attendees of the American Legion Post 132 and Elks Lodge 1475 Veterans Day Collaboration

All Family Early Bird Dinner

Thursday, November 13th, saw our All Family Early Bird Dinner at 6:00 PM in the Clubroom. Families gathered for a wonderful evening of food and fellowship. The event provided an opportunity for new and longtime members alike to connect, share stories, and enjoy a hearty meal in a welcoming atmosphere.

Bingo and Burger Night

On Thursday, November 20th, Bingo and Burger Night brought excitement and friendly competition to the Clubroom at 6:00 PM. Members and guests enjoyed a classic burger dinner before settling in for rounds of bingo. Laughter, cheers, and a few lucky winners made for a lively and enjoyable evening.

All Family Potluck

Wrapping up the month, our All Family Potluck took place on Wednesday, November 26th, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. The Clubroom was filled with the aromas of home-cooked favorites as families and friends gathered to share a meal and celebrate the season of gratitude. The potluck was a wonderful reminder of the strength and warmth of our Post 132 community.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated, volunteered, and contributed to making November such a success. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to build the bonds that make Post 132 such a special place.

Let’s end the year by supporting all the events happening at the post!

Finally, help us ring in the new year with our East Coast Celebration from 5:30-10pm, Music by Roadhouse, tickets at the bar for $25 and includes dinner.

In Gratitude,