CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On Sept. 14, the Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 raised a total of $14,000 at its 10th Battle of the Bands and BBQ event for its Vets Helping Vets Fund. This fund helps veterans and their families during times of need throughout the year. 

American Legion Post 637 provides services to veterans in crisis by filling their short-term needs until the post can connect them with VA services. Examples of needed services include paying to repair a broken-down car of a stranded veteran, temporary housing for families, diapers for a family with no funds, emergency food and more. Many veterans will not ask for help, so many “fall through the cracks.”

The Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, founded by Bill and Kathy Cook, led the bands off with patriotic music. Local bands competing throughout the day were Mojo J, The Rubber Band and Jared Blum Band.

Local barbecue masters competing were Taeza’s Bottomline BBQ, Taste of Tuscany, Wild Wade’s, Texas Roadhouse and Hicks BBQ. The Way Riderz and The Way Ministries served a hot dog meal as an alternate to barbecue.

Also helping to make this event happen were Citrus Heights Women’s Club members, who ran the registration table and served cookies for dessert. Citrus Heights Police Department’s Police Explorers program members oversaw the wristbands, and Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) provided raffle tickets and elegant raffle baskets. The Lions Club of Elk Grove provided ice cream for dessert. Sunrise Park and Rec representatives were busy entertaining the children, with volunteers manning the bounce house, crafts and more. 

Sponsors included Sacramento County Supervisor and event Co-Founder Sue Frost, the City of Citrus Heights, Stones Gambling Hall, Rotary Club of Citrus Heights, Republic Services and City Councilmember Porsche Middelton.

Local deejay Carlos Verrett, a 23-year Air Force veteran, emceed the day and provided music in between the bands playing.

Following introductions led by Paul Reyes, the day began with a Ghost Soldier Ceremony honoring Nicole L. Gee, who was killed in action with 12 other Marines on Aug. 26, 2021, during the military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The family was presented with an official flag, which had been flown at the Naval Reserve Center in Sacramento for 24 hours in recognition of Gee.

Reyes read a poem, “Ask Me What I Was,” which was followed by Taps and “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

American Legion Post 637 Commander Charles Stone stated that Gee was one of many service members who saved 123,000 people from possible execution by the Taliban for supporting the Americans. Gee and her fellow Marines provided order to the chaos of the evacuation and allowed for all these people to be processed and evacuated safely.

While this was dangerous, Stone said that Gee had more love than fear to be able to stand there to protect all the innocent people during the evacuation. It was this love that allowed Gee to be where she was, protecting those who were coming into the airport.

American Legion District 6 Commander Mark Rice said, “Freedom is not free and sometimes the cost is high,” speaking of Gee’s sacrifice. He explained that Post 637 and the other District 6 posts had come together to purchase a special bench that will be located in Rusch Park to honor and remember Gee who “gave that last measure of devotion. May those who rest on her bench honor her love and her sacrifice.”

Gee’s uncle Toby gave a poignant story of life with Gee, saying that even with five boys in the extended family, “Nicole was the toughest,” a testament to how she lived her life to the end.

Commander Stone said of the day, “American Legion Post 637 is truly blessed to have many community partners to be able to provide the benefits for our service members. The Citrus Heights Women's Club, Rotary, the Lions Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution all partnered to put on the Battle of the Bands and Barbecues. Besides recognizing the sacrifice of Nicole Gee in helping to evacuate and save the lives of 123,000 people, (in 18 days) we were able to raise funds to assist needy vets in our community. This could only be done with the support of the community.

At the end of the day, it was announced that Mojo J had been voted the top band and Taeza’s Bottomline BBQ took the top BBQ vote.