SAL Detachment of California

10/30/2026

🎃 A Halloween Greeting from Your Detachment Commander! 🇺🇸

Happy Halloween, American Legion Family!

As we celebrate this spooky season, I want to extend my warmest Halloween wishes to all our Sons of the American Legion members, Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, American Legion Riders, and your families throughout the great state of California!

Halloween is a time for a little fun, a few tricks, plenty of treats, and making wonderful memories with family and friends.

Whether you’re dressed as a ghost, a vampire, or even George Washington, remember that beneath every costume beats the heart of someone who can make a difference!

As we enjoy the festivities, let’s continue to look out for one another, keep our children safe, and remember the spirit of service, camaraderie, and patriotism that brings our American Legion Family together.

Stay safe, have fun, and don’t let the ghosts and goblins scare away your American Legion spirit!

For God & Country,

Tony Orona, Jr.,
Aide-de-Camp to the Detachment Commander
Commander, District 21
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California

10/27/2026

10/26/2026

🇺🇸 YOUR VOICE. YOUR LEGION. OUR FUTURE! 🇺🇸

AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY — SAVE THE DATES!
November 13 & 14, 2026

The American Legion Family has an exciting opportunity to meet Matthew Shuman, candidate for National Commander of The American Legion (2027–2028), during two special events in Southern California!

These gatherings offer Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary members, American Legion Riders, and the entire Legion Family an opportunity to come together, ask questions, exchange ideas, and hear Matthew’s vision for the future of our great organization.

🇺🇸 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026
📍 Owen Coffman American Legion Post 519
Palm Springs, California

⭐ VIP RECEPTION
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Piazza de Liberace
1441 N. Kaweah Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
🎟️ Tickets: $150

Enjoy an exclusive afternoon of cocktails, appetizers, and conversation with Matthew Shuman in the historic former Liberace residence.

⭐ AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY TOWN HALL
🕒 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Owen Coffman Post 519
✅ FREE ADMISSION — Everyone is welcome!
🍽️ Dinner available for purchase at 5:30 PM
🎶 Entertainment begins at 6:00 PM

Come hear Matthew’s vision, ask questions, and participate in an open discussion about the future of The American Legion.

🇺🇸 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026
📍 American Legion Pacific Palisades Post 283
Pacific Palisades, California

⭐ TOWN HALL & TRIVIA NIGHT
Special Guest: Matthew Shuman

Join fellow American Legion Family members for an opportunity to connect with Matthew, share ideas, and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and trivia!

⏰ More event details coming soon.

🔗 Additional information:
https://bit.ly/283-shuman-26

🇺🇸 WHY IS YOUR PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT?

✅ Hear firsthand from a candidate for National Commander.

✅ Learn about his vision and priorities for the future of The American Legion.

✅ Ask questions and share your perspectives.

✅ Strengthen relationships across the American Legion Family.

✅ Encourage membership involvement, leadership development, and unity.

As Sons of the American Legion, our responsibility goes beyond membership. We have an opportunity to listen, learn, participate, and support the future leadership of the organization that brings us together in service to our veterans, their families, and our communities.

I encourage our members throughout District 21, the Detachment of California, and the entire American Legion Family to take advantage of these opportunities.

Two Days. Two Posts. One American Legion Family.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

BE THERE. BE HEARD. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

For God and Country,

Tony Orona, Jr.
Commander, District 21
Aide-de-Camp to the Detachment Commander
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California

🇺🇸 WE GOT THIS! 🇺🇸

10/24/2026

🇺🇸 DISTRICT 21 SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION FUNDRAISER! 🇺🇸

🚲 BIKE & BASKET OPPORTUNITY DRAWING! 🎁

Working Together for a Stronger District 21!

The Sons of the American Legion, District 21, is excited to announce our upcoming Bike & Basket Fundraiser!

Thanks to the generosity of Squadron 328, we have an opportunity to bring our American Legion Family together in support of our District and its continued efforts to serve veterans, their families, and our communities.

🎟️ TWO GREAT PRIZES!

* 🚲 Adult Bicycle
* 🎁 Liquor Gift Basket

OPPORTUNITY TICKETS: $5 & $10

📅 Drawing: Sunday, November 15, 2026
📍 Location: American Legion Post 79, Riverside
🇺🇸 Event: District 21 Meeting

⭐ WINNERS NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Our bicycle has already made stops at American Legion Posts 289, 328, and 500, and we hope to continue bringing this fundraiser to other posts throughout District 21!

We encourage our Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons, and Legion Riders to participate and help make this fundraiser a success!

Every ticket purchased is an opportunity to support the Sons of the American Legion and strengthen the bonds of our American Legion Family.

A special THANK YOU to Squadron 328 for your generous donation and to everyone helping promote this fundraiser!

Together, we can accomplish great things when we work as ONE American Legion Family!

For God and Country. 🇺🇸
WE GOT THIS!

Tony Orona, Jr.
Commander, District 21
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California

10/22/2026

🇺🇸 Brothers, here’s an encouraging update!

Congratulations to Bill Hernandez, Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, Detachment of California, on successfully completing three days of California American Legion College (CALC) at American Legion Post 106 in Redlands!

Following my earlier post, I asked Commander Hernandez to share his experience and what this training could mean for the Sons.

His overall impression?
“Best 3 days of Legion training by far”

Commander Hernandez described a full schedule covering effective Post meetings, community engagement, flag etiquette, and the proper use of American Legion trademarks. Teams developed marketing plans and presented them to the class. The training also emphasized that Buddy Checks and Be the One are everyone’s responsibility.

His favorite topic was resolutions—learning when to use them, how to follow the proper format, and working in teams to refine and present a resolution. Saturday evening also offered time to network, enjoy burgers, and show off a few singing talents!

When asked whether the Sons could benefit, Commander Hernandez shared:
“The SONs are a mirror image of the Legion and anyone wishing to serve in a greater capacity would definitely benefit from the CALC training.”

What comes next? Commander Hernandez identified discussions with the instructor about expanding the training to Sons members as the next step.

Thank you, Commander Hernandez, for representing us and exploring opportunities to help our members become stronger, more knowledgeable leaders. We look forward to seeing these conversations move forward!

For God and Country.
We got this! 🇺🇸

Tony Orona, Jr.
Aide-de-Camp to the Detachment Commander
Commander, District 21
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California

10/17/2026

🇺🇸 Brothers, your voices are being heard!

Our Detachment Commander, Bill Hernandez, was invited to attend California American Legion College (CALC) this weekend at American Legion Post 106 in Redlands. He is there to evaluate how the curriculum could be adapted for members of the Sons of the American Legion.

The course currently serves Legionnaires, with requirements that include completing The American Legion’s online Basic Training and writing a resolution—both things we, as Sons, can do!

This is an encouraging step toward expanding educational opportunities for our members. Understanding more about The American Legion helps us become stronger leaders, better support our veterans and their families, and strengthen our squadrons.

Thank you, Commander Hernandez, for representing the Sons and exploring opportunities for us to learn and grow. I hope this weekend leads to meaningful progress for those of us eager to take that next step.

For God and Country.
We got this! 🇺🇸

Tony Orona, Jr.,
Aide-de-Camp to the Detachment Commander
Commander, District 21
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California

10/13/2026

Detachment of California Commander Bill Hernandez, the Mejia brothers from Squadron 155, and I, Tony Orona, Jr., Aide-de-Camp, had the honor of representing California at the memorial service for Past National Commander Jeff Frain at American Legion Post 27 in Apache Junction, Arizona.

It was deeply moving to gather with Jeff’s family, Sons, Legionnaires, and Past National Commanders from across the country to honor his life, friendship, and service. The memories shared reminded us how much one person can mean to so many.

Among those heartfelt tributes were these reflections from Gary Manwell of Squadron 27 and Matt Griffins, who shared how Jeff’s guidance and friendship shaped their lives.

Listening to these memories, I was reminded that leadership is about the people we encourage, the friendships we build, and the time we give to others. Jeff’s reminder to lead with passion and always make time for family is something we can all carry forward.

On behalf of our California delegation, thank you to Jeff’s family and our Arizona Legion Family for welcoming us and allowing us to share in this meaningful tribute.

Rest in peace, Jeff. Your legacy lives on through the people you inspired and the lives you touched.

For God and Country. Transferred to Squadron Everlasting. 🇺🇸

Tony Orona, Jr.
Aide-de-Camp
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of California