COMMANDER
LILIANA ARMENTA
Welcome to a new American Legion year and congratulations to all of our newly elected and appointed officers.
As I begin my service as your Post Commander, I have been reading through our Constitution, By-Laws, and the duties associated with each leadership position. There is a tremendous amount of responsibility entrusted to us, and I am committed to doing my very best to uphold our obligations to our Post, our Veterans, their families, and our community.
We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we also have tremendous opportunities to grow, serve, and strengthen our Post. One thing you can count on from me is communication, transparency, and a willingness to listen. Your ideas, feedback, and involvement are important. Please never hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue building a Post that honors our traditions while creating new opportunities to serve.
This month, our nation celebrates a historic milestone—the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. As we gather with family and friends this Fourth of July, let us take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who secured and defended the freedoms we enjoy today.
Patriotism, one of the American Legion’s Four Pillars, is more than displaying the flag or attending a ceremony. It is a commitment to honoring our nation, respecting those who served, preserving our constitutional freedoms, and passing those values on to future generations.
As members of the American Legion Family, we have a special responsibility to demonstrate patriotism through service, remembrance, and support of our Veterans and military families. Let us proudly display our colors, participate in community events, and take time to thank those who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation.
On July 27, we also observe Korean War Armistice Day. We remember the sacrifices of the brave men and women who served during the Korean War, often called the “Forgotten War.” We honor those who never returned home, celebrate those who came home, and recognize the lasting impact their service has had on our nation. Their courage and dedication deserve our continued remembrance and gratitude.
As a Legion Family, we celebrate together, honor together, and mourn together. Through our shared commitment to service, we ensure that no Veteran is forgotten and that the legacy of those who served lives on.
“Family is not defined by blood alone, but by the strength of those who stand together, support one another, and serve a common purpose.”
For God and Country,
Liliana Armenta
Congratulations to the 2026-2027
American Legion Riders Chapter 255 Officers!
Thank you for stepping up to lead and serve our Veterans, military families, and community. Your dedication helps strengthen the American Legion Riders and ensures we continue making a positive impact through service and fellowship.
The mission of the American Legion Riders is to promote and support the programs, core values, and aims of The American Legion through community service, charitable fundraising, motorcycle safety education, and fostering a positive, family-oriented atmosphere.
Wishing our new Chapter 255 leadership team a successful year ahead as you continue serving others, supporting veterans, and representing the American Legion Riders with pride.
For God and Country
Liliana Armenta
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
RIDERS FUNDRAISER
FOR THE
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Congratulations to Cadets Josiah Gibbs and Ervin Rodriguez for receiving the American Legion Awards for Scholastic Excellence and Military Excellence. Your hard work, discipline, leadership, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
American Legion for is proud to continue building bridges with our youth and supporting the next generation of leaders right here in our community.
Keep striving for excellence, cadets… and always stay steadfast in your goals and values. The future is bright because of young leaders like you
SERVICE OFFICER
MILTON IRONFIELD
Stand Down 2026 – July 17-18
https://vvsd.net/
Serving all vets with a parking lot full of food, clothing, shower facilities, employment & training services, homeless court, housing assistance, mental health services, access to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. The VA and many local government agencies and charities will be there.
VA options to keep your home while navigating financial hardships
https://news.va.gov/137159/va-options-keep-home-financial-hardships/
California Veterans Property Tax Exemptions:
https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/exempt.htm
https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/assessor/property-tax-savings.html
- Homeowners Exemption - Reduces the taxable value of your primary home by $7,000 saving you an exciting $70.
- Disabled Vets Exemption - Reduces property tax for 100% rated vets and surviving spouse and can be retroactive up to 8 Years. Adjusted for inflation, in 2025, $175k of the assessed value was exempt, and $263k for Low-Income households (below $79k). That amounts to a savings of about $1700 or $2600 each year.
https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/assessor/property-tax-savings/veterans-exemption1.html
Property Tax Relief for Seniors & Disabled - If you or spouse are age 55+, or severely disabled, including non-vets, you may transfer the base value of an existing home to a newly purchased home. It also allows disability modifications to your home, not to be added to the assessed value that is taxed.
https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/assessor/property-tax-savings/senior-disabled-exclusion.html
OWNER ALERT - a free service provided
https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording/owner-alert.html
https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/faqs/propositions110.htm
July 11th - Free VA Home Loan Master Class: learn how to use your full VA benefit for a first home, second home, and other investment opportunities in residential property
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/home-ownership-real-estate-investing-education-2186749
Charity of the Month - Tuesday's Children
www.tuesdayschildren.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AufGURsJJlQ&t=290s
Mission is to support families who have been affected by terrorism, military conflict or mass violence and offers a lifetime of support to military families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Tuesday's Children are actively looking for volunteers to help mentor children of fallen service members in the
Museum of the Month - The Greatest Generation Collection in Memorial Park
Dates of Service and Remembrance:
- July 4th weekend at Kimball Park
Who Are the Red Shirts at Post 255?
If you’ve stopped by the Post on the first Thursday evening of the month, you’ve probably seen a sea of red shirts — that’s the Association of Aviation Ordnancemen, Chapter 8 San Diego!
This incredible group is made up of both active-duty and veteran Aviation Ordnancemen/women, proudly representing a rating that’s been around since 1926. Their mission is simple — strength and unity through service!
Their Community Involvement includes:
• Adopted a local freeway section they clean monthly 
• Volunteer with US Warrior Program food distributions 
• Serve aboard the USS Midway Museum 
So next time you see a red shirt at our Post, give them a warm welcome — and extend a membership invite if they are not already a Post member.
At last week’s meeting, they celebrated Post and AO member Tom Crosby’s 92nd Birthday!
Fun Fact: Tom is one of our treasured living history members — a WWII POW and true American hero. 
Tom Crosby celebrates 81st Anniversary of being rescued from POW Camp
Congratulations to the 2026-2027
American Legion AUXILIARY Officers!
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
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American Legion Auxiliary #255 in 2024 participated in the
Many thanks to Tony Martinez for hauling the pop-up tent and all the supplies from the Post to Kimball Park, setting it all up and then returning it to the Post. Thank you Tony.
It was a good evening. Lots of folks stopped by the 255 tent for their pen, pencil, bubbles, sticker or pin. Lilliana was doing some Post recruiting and there were some very interesting conversations.
The Night Out was really a jointly sponsored event. The Post was represented by Historian and Public Affairs Officer Lillianan Armenta; the Auxiliary representative was Chaplain Shirley Ferrill and Juliana Vonesen and Natalia Armenta; the SON'S were represented by Adjutant Tony Martinez. Everyone was working together to make a good impression and presentation for Post 255.
AUXILIARY HOLLOWEEN PARTY
AUXILIARY KID'S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA PARTY
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Photos of events taken by Post Historian & PAO
Lilliana Armenta are on Post web site
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
RIDERS FUNDRAISER
FOR THE
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Meetings second Thursday of the month at 6 PM.
255 RIDERS RIDE IN POST 460 POKER RUN
Pictures provided by James Kim
More pictures on our Post Web Site: “calegionpost255.org”
GAIL EDWARDS
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Bust Your Balls event! Congratulations to the $700, $200, $100 winners! We raffled off 35 prizes and had a great ham lunch.
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More pictures on the Post web site. Pictures by Gail Edwards and Liliana Armenta.
POST RIDERS VISIT
VETERANS HOME
July 26th the American Legion Riders from 255 
— at Veterans Home of California - Chula Vista.
More pictures on the Post web site. Pictures by Gail Edwards and Liliana Armenta.
As always check the ALR DOC Calendar for all the events going in Area 5.
Be safe keep your eyes on the road, was that text message worth someone’s life?????
The display case at our Post has items for ladies and men. Just see your friendly bartender. We have a great selection of shirts available, it’s like “I don’t know what to wear?”. These are good to go anytime, anywhere!!
Get in line with the modern era; we have a Riders Group page on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/alr255/
If any Post member knows anyone that rides or is interested in riding, please contact any ALR member to get more information.
The Rider Chapter continues to support the Patriot Guard Missions (PGM) with escort service from the airport or funeral homes to their final resting place out of Honor and Respect for the Fallen. “We Still Stand for Those Who Stood for Us”. . There is now a video on U-Tube under the title of “Patriot Guard Riders – Who are they?”
Never forget and always remember our POW/MIA’s……. there is hope!
Until next month, “Share the Road”!! “PSST, are you looking out For motorcycles?
Reminder - Sons of American Legion Meeting Always on the First Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM. Come on down.
Wow! What a fantastic chili cook-off we had! The aroma of simmering spices filled the air, the competition was fierce, and the community spirit was absolutely amazing. Thank you to everyone who participated, whether as a chef, a taster, or a volunteer. Your support made the event a huge success!
And the winners are...
- Peoples Choice:
A big round of applause to all our chili chefs – every single pot was unique and delicious! We can't wait to see what culinary creations you will bring next year.
Chili Cook-off Shirts 2026 will be on sale for $20 all sizes. Please check the display case at the Legion.
FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE PEOPLE'S CHOICE
PINBALL MACHINE AT THE POST.
The SALs put a pinball machine in the Post. Funds from the machine go to SAL’s projects.
PERSONAL CONDUCT IN THE POST
All members, and their guests, are reminded that the Post is Family Friendly and as such, everyone needs to be mindful of how they conduct themselves.
There is no place at the Post for being rude or disrespectful to others, and at absolutely no time should any type of physical altercation be initiated inside the Post or in our parking lot.
Bartenders, with the assistance of Post Officers, will monitor behavior and if they feel a member or guest is crossing the line, that member or guest will be warned to stop. If the behavior continues the member or guest will be asked to leave the Post and it will be noted in the log book for further review by the Canteen Manager and E-Board.
Remember, our motto is that we are the “Friendliest Post” so let us all work to ensure “we” remain friendly!
POST/CANTEEN GUESTS
MUST BE SIGNED IN BY A POST MEMBER!!!!!
It is becoming evident that more and more members are bringing guests into the Post without properly signing them in. Failure to have guests sign in could lead to sanctions against the Post by the State ABC or we could lose our license to sell alcohol.
Guests are defined as anyone who is not an American Legion, Auxiliary or SON from any Post.
Members who fail to follow this simple rule risk losing their canteen privileges for a time period to be determined by the E-Board.
RECYCLE YOUR UNUSED EYE GLASSES AND
RECYCLE UNUSED CELL PHONES AND
RECYCLE USED PRINTER CARTRIDGES
AT THE POST
We are still collecting your unused eye glasses and unused cell phones for donations and are still collecting used ink jet cartridges at the Post. We turn the cartridges in to receive up to $40.00 store credit each month. The credit is then used to reduce the cost of our office supplies - paper and mailing dots for the newsletter, ink for our printers, stamps, etc. We used to turn in our quota each month, but haven't lately. We appreciate your help on this one.
Click on the respective buttons on the left side of this page
to please visit the photo gallery. Photos are periodically updated.
And the events calendar contains the monthly "happenings" for Post 255.