Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 Installs New Officers

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On June 20, 2023, American Legion Post 637 began a new year with the installation of past commander Paul Reyes and a new board of officers. The room was full, however as outgoing Commander Sylvia Thweatt said during her greeting, she is disappointed that most of those present were guests. Covid has taken its toll on members.

Reyes realizes the “nasty curve” Thweatt was handed four years ago near the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Thweatt announced this would be her last meeting as commander, and her last meeting at the post. On a positive note, she said the last four years, despite challenges, had been mostly drama free, thanks to the guidance and support she received from her board. Her move to 10 acres in Ohio will be bittersweet. She did invite those visiting the Cincinnati area to call and she will “give you a tour.”

First to be introduced for the evening was Citrus Heights resident and former mayor, now Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost.

Also in attendance was Mayor Tim Schaefer, City Council members Bret Daniels, MariJane Lopez-Taff, incoming District 6 Commander Mark Rice, and members of the Citrus Heights Police Department.

Former Department (State of California) Commander Jere Romano based out of Sanger, California did the installation of officers. Romano took control of the meeting and declared all positions of the post now vacated. Acting Sargeant at Arms Tish Lovisone, Commander of Folsom Post 362, escorted the incoming officers present to the front of the room.

Romano urged all incoming officers to “familiarize yourselves with the duties of your office and carry out those duties with the same spirit from which arose the American Legion. Remember, there is no rank among us, for we all serve as equals”.

He reminded all that the purpose of the American Legion is the “rehabilitation of all disabled veterans, care of the dependents of those who have answered the final call, and the care of those who are now suffering from wounds, disease, and want. Also, the education of our children and service to the community, state and nation.”

The new officers present were sworn in by Commander Romano. Several officers could not be present due to health issues.

Romano then thanked outgoing Commander Sylvia Thweatt for her service over the last four years and for the splendid service she has rendered the American Legion in general. He repeated his personal belief that, “It doesn’t matter how big or small a post is, you are all important to the Department of California.”

Immediately following the swearing in, the new/returning Commander Reyes took over. He said his goal is to “have a large group like tonight of all members.”  He thanked Thweatt and presented her with a certificate of appreciation for the great job she had done over four years.

On behalf of the Sacramento Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Frost presented Thweatt with an official proclamation thanking her for her unceasing work with our veterans during the most challenging time in our history.

Immigrating to the United States from the Czech Republic, she served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1992 working in several different areas. She served as commander of post 637 from 2019 to 2023.

Reyes’ plan for the future is to revive the ever-popular veteran’s picnic, which began in 2011 until Covid shut it down. He also hopes to have more involvement with the community and work with other posts, as they work to increase membership. “Ohio’s gain is our loss.”