On July 9, the Citrus Heights City Council recognized the exemplary work of two Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 members. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – On July 9, the Citrus Heights City Council recognized the exemplary work of two Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 members, emphasizing the importance of its partners in the city and community who are all working together to improve the lives of veterans in Citrus Heights, the state and nation. 

Citrus Heights Post 637 was founded in 1955. Its ongoing purpose has been to take care of veterans and provide a place for veterans to connect, find support and feel a sense of belonging. Post 637 uses two messages to assist veterans: the “Power of We” and “Be the One.” The “Power of We” or POW, recognizes that we are stronger together. The post works with other groups within the city and county to provide outreach services and provide events. The second is the “Be the One” campaign, which is designed to empower every individual to be the one who supports a veteran in need, with the goal of reducing veteran and service member suicides from the current rate of 21 per day.

To meet the helping veterans’ mission from July 2024 to June 2025, Steve Gall, Post 637 Service Officer, and Ben Lehr, Assistant Post Service Officer, used funds provided by the post’s Vets helping Vets Fund to serve more than two dozen veterans by offering critical support in time of need.

According to Stone, “This includes veterans who were on the edge of suicide and then walking them back from that edge by providing them the support they need.”

Both were recognized for exemplifying the spirit of the American Legion “Be the One” campaign.  

Under the direction of Commander Charles Stone and his strong push to reach out to veterans, Lehr noted, the results have been “fantastic. It’s been a joy and a pleasure.”

Lehr also explained how working together as a community makes the difference for all involved.

“When you help a veteran and you see the smile on their face because they thought no one cared, it makes my life bigger and better knowing I’ve helped them through my job,” Stone said.

Post Service Officer Gall said, “I am still new to the job and am still learning but it has been so rewarding, being able to help people beyond what I would have imagined, a lot of feel-good things happening.” 

Being able to raise the funds to make all of this happen has made the difference. 

In 2016, former Citrus Heights City Councilmember Sue Frost created the Battle of Bands & BBQ as a primary fundraiser, working with the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, and over the years, partnering with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Citrus Heights Rotary, Citrus Heights Lions Club, Citrus Heights Women’s Club and others to make a memorable event for all.  Through the years’ different bands, barbecue restaurants and caterers have also participated.

Citrus Heights Post 637 was founded in 1955. Its ongoing purpose has been to take care of veterans and provide a place for veterans to connect, find support and feel a sense of belonging. Courtesy photo

Stone explained to council members that each year at the event, veterans are honored. In 2024, Marine Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, a Roseville resident killed in the line of duty on Aug. 26, 2021 at Abby Gate in Afghanistan, was honored for her service. Her family was invited and attended the event and today there is a permanent bench dedicated in her honor.  

According to Stone, this year the Battle of Bands and BBQs will recognize the 760 Californians who have died since 9/11 as part of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), including veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, most who have never been officially recognized. Four of the 760 names are from Citrus Heights. A 13’ by 14’ banner will be hung with the names of each fallen veteran.

This year’s eighth Battle of the Bands and BBQ will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Rusch House, 7301 Antelope Road. This family event will have music, a bounce house, youth activities, raffle baskets and a day of relaxation and camaraderie.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to https://8thBOTB.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will go to the Vets Helping Vets Fund.  Chalpost637.com If you have any questions, Post Commander Stone can be reached at 916-947-7150.