Chaplain's Corner

 Sheila Green

chaplain@amvets115.org 

VISIT THE MEMORIALS PAGE

MEMBERS OF THIS POST

and LADIES AUXILIARY MEMORIAL PAGE

WHO PASSED AND ARE MISSED

Commander's Corner

Welcome to August!

August was originally named Sextilis (Latin for sixth) in the early Roman calendar. As Old Roman placement it was the 6th month of the year.  August was renamed to honor Emperor Augustus Caesar in 8 B.C. Augustus added a 31st day so that August would not be shorter than July.

We have members who have had physical challenges in the past month. Mike Harelick, Ray Conley, and Eric Oake have been hospitalized. While Ray is recovering at home, Mike has, with improved strength, joined us back at the post for meetings. However, sadly, Eric Oake passed away on August 6th. Member Alex Barragan’s wife’s father also passed away please keep those recovering from their illnesses in your thoughts and prayers. Please keep Eric’s wife Isabel, and Erica Barragan in your thoughts and prayers as well.

I pray that you will take the time to smell the roses and enjoy your loved ones. Be safe, stay cool, and always show kindness.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

These words have become an enduring emblem of American ideals and are inscribed not only on the statue but also in public spaces like John F. Kennedy International Airport 

 We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

--Preamble to the United States Constitution

The Constitution of the United States of America

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

--Preamble to the United States Constitution

The “All Men Are Created Equal” Amendment

The phrase “all men are created equal” does not appear in the U.S. Constitution as a standalone amendment. It comes from the Declaration of Independence (1776), written by Thomas Jefferson, and was not a legally enforceable right at the time. It was a political and philosophical statement asserting that all men have certain unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.

  “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the official U.S. national anthem in 1931, inspired by Francis Scott Key’s 1814 poem written during the War of 1812. 

 Above:  The original 15-star, 15-stripe "Star-Spangled Banner" which flew over Ft. McHenry that inspired the poem by Francis Scott Key which became the song which became the national anthem. Currently on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

The Star-Spangled Banner lyrics, first stanza 

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming; Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there: Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

 To My fellow military service men and women,

This is America’s 250th anniversary! 

“The diverse experiences of our ancestors’ shape who we are today both cultural storytelling and biological inheritance. Exploring this past connects us to a broader human narrative, providing insight into the resilience, traditions, and traumas passed down through generations.” 

We are living in a time when much is being asked and is required of us to ensure that our country will live up to the ideals it was founded upon. Let us dig deep within ourselves to always bring out the beauty we possess. Our beauty will always translate into action to ensure a more perfect union for all those on American soil. This is my prayer and I hope it is yours.

 America The Beautiful lyrics, last stanza

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Peace, love, and safety to you as we celebration across our nation its 250th Anniversary!

Chaplain Sheila Green

 Father’s Day  

June is the beginning of summer!

In the Northern hemisphere there are the longest daylight hours of the year during the summer solstice.

Special dates in June

D-Day June 6, 1944

Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest seaborne invasion in history, to liberate Nazi-occupied Western Europe. Nearly 160,000 American, British, and Canadian troops crossed the English Channel to storm five heavily fortified beaches in Normandy, France. 4,414 Allied soldiers were confirmed killed on June 6, 1944, with total Allied casualties (including wounded and missing) reaching approximately 10,000.

Fatalities included 2,501 Americans

1,913 Allied nations (primarily British and Canadian forces)

Estimate between 4,000 and 9,000 German soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing that day.

Continued on next panel  → 

First American Woman in Space June 18, 1983

Sally Ride, an astrophysicist, traveled in space on the Shuttle Challenger.

Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, TX, the announcement was delivered to those still in captivity in Texas that they were finally free. The enslaved did not receive the news of their freedom until two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The executive order by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1,1863, declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states actively rebelling against the Union, “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free”. 

I pray that your summer will be full of precious memories that you will create with your loved one. Be safe, stay cool, and always show kindness.

Chaplain Sheila Green  

 Sheila Green

chaplain@amvets115.org 

VISIT THE MEMORIALS PAGE

MEMBERS OF THIS POST

and LADIES AUXILIARY MEMORIAL PAGE

WHO PASSED AND ARE MISSED

Commander's Corner

 The month of May brings Spring flowers, sweet smells, the change of seasons, and many special occasions to celebrate and commemorate our military service men and women.

May 1st – May Day celebrated as a Spring festival and Labor Day celebrated

May 5th – Cinco de Mayo

May 10th – Mother’s Day

May 16th – Armed Forces Day honors those who serve in all branches of the United States Military

May 22nd – National Maritime Day

May 25th Memorial Day honoring US Military personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in military service as they gave their lives for our country.

Continued on next panel  → 

  The First Memorial Day Celebration

A discovery by a Yale University professor at a Harvard’s archive suggests the earliest observation of Memorial Day was held by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. Records show that the group transformed a racetrack that had once served as a prison for union captives into a proper burial site.

On May 1, 1865, thousands gathered for a procession led by 3,000 school children carrying flowers and singing patriotic songs.

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women and the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.

Harry S Truman, 33rd U.S. President, 1945

Source: newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org

May the month of May be full of peace and love.

Chaplain Sheila Green

April Showers Bring May Flowers

The phrase “April showers bring May flowers”  is a popular saying used often during the month of April. This is  typically the time when the last bit of snow turns to all rain as  temperatures climb, and increased rain shower activity sparks the  beginning of flowers and plants to really start blooming."

Hello  to my AmVets comrades. I have missed seeing you all these last past  Saturdays. I have had two eye surgeries, one planned and the other in an  emergency to correct a problem. However, my faith remains strong. I  look forward to seeing you all soon. 

I encourage all to pray for those serving our country in the atmosphere of today. Let us not forget to pray for their families. 

With devotion and love,

Chaplain Sheila Green

The Month of March is Women’s History Month

Women in the Military 

Women for over 200 years proudly served in the United States Military

Revolutionary War

Deborah Sampson along with many women disguised themselves as men to fight in the war. Sarah Osborn along with other women supported troops by delivering food and supplies under dangerous conditions. 

Civil War

Harriet Tubman, renowned conductor of the Underground Railroad, became a spy and nurse during the Civil War.

World War I

The U.S. Army Nurse Corps (ANC) officially became a part of the military.

Though women did not have the right to vote they were allowed to serve in the U.S. Military.

Continued on next panel  → 

World War II

350,000 American women served in uniform in non-combat roles

Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) was renamed to form active-duty Woman’s Army Corps (WAC). WAC was officially disbanded on October 20,1978 to become Army soldiers.

Army’s  Women Airforce Service Pilots  (WASP) disbanded on December 20, 1944

Navy – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES)

Marine Corps – Enlisted Women in the Marine Corps integrated into regular forces after 1948

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the first and only unit of Black female service members of the Women’s Army Corps to be assigned to overseas service

After the end of World War II

President Harry S Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law officially allowing women to serve as full, permanent members of all branches of the armed forces.

At the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century 

Many first for women in the military, first fighter pilots, Four Star General in the Army, and first rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard. 

Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner, born in Texas was the first of six women to become a Naval Aviator and first woman to command a naval aviation squadron.

https://www.uso.org/stories/3005-over-200-years-of-service-the-history-of-women-in-the-us-military

 January 2026  

  Greetings to all,

We have now entered the year 2026!

May this year be a year of great peace and hope for us all.

Let us continue to enjoy the company of our fellow Am Vet veterans, and Ladies Auxiliary. I look forward to our Saturday breakfasts and other planned activities for 2026.

Sincerely,  

Sheila Green

chaplain@amvets115.org 

Poem

The new year stands

before us. Like a chapter

in a book, waiting to

be written.”

Melody Beattie

Five Famous Historical Events for the Month of January

Illuminating Facts

1865 The United States Congress passes the 13thAmendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the US.

1964 US President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty” in his State of the Union Address.

1967 The First Super Bowl was played between Green ay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs.

1991 The Gulf War begins as Allied Forces launch Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

2007 Apple announce the first iPhone, transforming mobile technology.

Christmas 2025 

To all the men and women who served our country, Seasons Greetings!

It is something very special about you who give the greatest gift that can be given, the gift of your time, skill, and dedication in service. Many lives are made safer because you continue to be willing to give the priceless gift of self.

May your days be merry and bright.

May peace embrace you.

May love surround you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Chaplain Sheila Green

Christmas Sentiment

A bowl of berried holly,

A candle’s flickering light,

A glowing fire, and singing,

That make the Yuletide bright-

These and sweet remembrance

Of friendships old and new

Can make a heart be merry

The joyous season through.

Betty G. Ahearn

Sincerely,  

Sheila Green

chaplain@amvets115.org 

November 2025 

November in Texas brings the anticipation of cooler weather and the retrieval of time as we set our clocks back an hour. This is the month of commemoration and of thanksgiving.

November 11th is Veterans Day for all of us who have served in the United States armed forces. I hope each of you will be surrounded by people who will honor your dedication and service to our country. You are greatly appreciated.

November 27th is Thanksgiving. We give thanks for the blessings of life, liberty, family and friends. May you have the blessing of being surrounded by love, laughter, and good eats.

I pray for your safety, and your peace. I hope that this holiday season will be a good one for you. Let us remember our fellow comrades who find this time of the year difficult to get through. If this is you, I want you to know that I am available to sit and chat over coffee or tea.

Sincerely,  

Sheila Green

chaplain@amvets115.org 

 Messages  ~ September 2025 

The month of September is the transition from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn, a new season.

 I pray our veterans will look forward to the cool breezes, and a refreshing of our spirits. May God bless us all with peace, hope, and love as we sail through the remaining of 2025.

Sincerely,  

Sheila Green

chaplain@amvets115.org 

 Messages  ~ March 2025 

Spring is in the Air!
On the edge of Spring
 Light enters in a new day
Awaken my soul 

by Cindy Smith 

 Greetings,      

I am so very excited about the opportunity to serve AMVETS Post 115 as chaplain.  Chaplain Rafael is greatly missed, and I only hope to represent him well.  Please look for my messages on this web page  "Messages From the Chaplain."      

 I will be available for anyone wanting an ear to listen or for someone to   pray with you. Please know that I am only a call away. I look forward to serving you, my fellow veterans, as chaplain.