The Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291

Legion Year 26 – 27 Newsletter No. 2

紐約華裔美國退伍軍人會會務簡訊

www.ltkimlau.com

September, 2026

Dear Legionnaires 親愛的會友：

We truly hope you had an enjoyable, safe, and healthy summer, filled with time to relax, recharge, and make great memories with family and friends.

We proudly kicked off our America 250 commemorative activities in partnership with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA). It was a memorable and inspiring day that began with our Post Color Guard ceremonially raising the American flag from the front of the CCBA building to its rooftop, where it flew proudly. Inside the CCBA auditorium, elected officials, veterans, and community leaders gathered to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. In his address, Commander Wong reflected on the struggles and sacrifices of our nation’s Founding Fathers, whose courage and determination secured the freedoms we enjoy today. He also highlighted the remarkable contributions of Chinese Americans throughout our nation’s history. Commander Wong shared that his own great-grandfather was among the Chinese laborers who endured tremendous hardship while helping build the Transcontinental Railroad. He noted that more than 20,000 Chinese Americans served during World War II, many of whom were not yet U.S. citizens but answered the call to defend their adopted homeland. Bridging history with the present, he celebrated the achievements of Chinese Americans today, who continue to excel in medicine, science, technology, business, public service, and countless other fields.

On Independence Day, we continued a tradition established in recent years by participating in the Lower Manhattan Historical Association’s Independence Day Parade. Beginning at Castle Clinton in Battery Park, our contingent proudly carried a magnificent oversized American flag through the historic streets of Lower Manhattan to Fraunces Tavern. The strong participation from Chinatown sent a powerful and unmistakable message: Chinese Americans are an integral part of this nation, and we proudly celebrate our American heritage.

Just days later, on July 9, exactly 250 years after the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in New York City, our Post Color Guard had the distinct honor of leading the commemorative parade from City Hall Park down Broadway to Bowling Green. Standing on the very streets where George Washington’s soldiers and generations of early Americans once gathered, we proudly participated in the 250th-anniversary reenactment of that historic reading, helping bring one of our nation’s defining moments to life.

The 108th New York Department Convention, held in Syracuse, unanimously elected Vietnam-era veteran Thomas R. Schreck of Rochester, N.Y., as Commander of The American Legion Department of New York on July 18, 2026.Commander Schreck enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969 and served aboard the USS San Marcos and USS Plymouth Rock, with deployments to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America and South America. A member of Chili American Legion Post 1830 since 1989, Schreck has held leadership positions at every level of The American Legion. He is a longtime advocate for veterans and youth programs and has been actively involved with New York Boys State since 2004.

Post leadership had the pleasure of attending Cathay Post 384’s 95th Anniversary celebration in San Francisco on August 1. Over the years, Kimlau Post 1291 has developed a close and lasting friendship with our fellow Legionnaires at Cathay Post. We were especially grateful for their friendship and support when members of Cathay Post traveled to New York to join us in celebrating our 80th Anniversary two years ago. During our visit to San Francisco, we received a warm and generous welcome throughout the celebration. A special highlight of the evening was the installation of Cathay Post officers, conducted by Past National Commander Fang A. Wong. We congratulate Cathay Post on 95 years of dedicated service to veterans and the community.

At The American Legion’s 107th National Convention in Louisville, outgoing National Commander Dan K. Wiley reflected on his year of service and reaffirmed his commitment to America’s veterans: “The American Legion will always have your back.” Commander Wiley highlighted the Legion’s support for the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which would strengthen VA funding, expand mental health and suicide prevention programs, and improve benefits and support for disabled veterans, caregivers and families. He also pointed to the Legion’s advocacy accomplishments, including helping veterans obtain more than $29 billion in VA benefits and advancing new treatment opportunities for veterans.

On September 3, delegates unanimously elected Colorado Legionnaire Jay Bowen as the new National Commander for 2026–2027. Commander Bowen introduced his theme, “Be Part of the Solution” (BPOTS), calling on Legionnaires to work together to strengthen the organization and better serve veterans, their families and communities. He will continue The American Legion’s Be the One mission to prevent veteran suicide, emphasizing that any number greater than zero is too many. His fundraising initiative will support the Veterans and Children Foundation, providing temporary financial assistance to veterans and families while supporting training for accredited Veterans Service Officers.

VA Secretary Doug Collins delivered an inspiring address outlining the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to improve efficiency, expand access to care and strengthen suicide prevention. He highlighted significant progress in reducing the disability claims backlog, cutting the average wait from 145 days to 75 days. He also reported a 16% increase in community-care visits, expanding veterans’ access to medical services. Addressing the critical issue of veteran suicide, Collins noted that 60% of veterans lost to suicide had not contacted the VA. He urged Legionnaires to help bridge that gap by reaching out to fellow veterans and promoting the American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative.

For the first time, two Medal of Honor recipients addressed the National Convention. Retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Britt Slabinski, president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, reminded Legionnaires that the Medal represents not only the recipient but also the comrades who served and sacrificed alongside him. He said “Honor is not something you possess. Honor is something you practice.” Medal of Honor recipient Donald “Doc” Ballard challenged Legionnaires to welcome, mentor and prepare the next generation of veterans to lead. He emphasized suicide prevention and cited the success of Buddy Check, which has surpassed 2.1 million wellness checks.

The convention also honored the 20th anniversary of The American Legion Legacy Run. Despite the tragic death of Assistant Chief Road Guard Michael Haas during the nearly 1,000-mile ride, more than 230 Riders and passengers continued the journey, raising more than $1 million for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation.

我們衷心希望您及你的家人度過了一個愉快，健康且安全的夏天。

本會非常慶幸與中華公所攜手合作舉辦慶祝美國建國二百五十年活動，這不僅是一場紀念慶典，更是一個回顧歷史．裁念先賢．以及展望末來的時刻。本會儀仗隊先舉行莊嚴的升旗儀式，將美國國旗從中華公所大樓前升至樓頂．國旗在高處迎風飄揚，顯示對美國的尊敬。繼續是本會會員，嘉賓及社區領袖齊聚中華公所禮堂共慶美國建國二百五十週年。黃主席在致詞中回顧美國先賢所經曆的艱辛及犧牲，指出他們以堅定的信念為後人創下享有自由的機會。他並強調華離在美國歷史上重要貢獻，他的曾祖父是當年鐵路華工之一，親身經歷艱苦工作及惡劣生活環境。第二次世界大戰有超過兩萬華裔參軍，其中有許多甚至不是公民，但仍挺身而出，保衛新到的國家。華人勤奮努力，在美國醫學，科技，商業，公共服務等行業都創下矚目的成就。

本會繼往年一樣在七月四日參加由下城歷史協會舉辦的獨立日遊行，從炮台公園出發，沿著曼哈頓充滿歷史的狹窄街道進行抵達歷史攸久的法蘭西斯酒館。本會遊行隊伍高舉一面巨大的美大國國旗，沿途受到熱烈歡迎。今年遊行華埠眾多團體踴躍參與，顯示出華裔美國人與美國社會是不可分割的一部分，盡力服務社區，為身為美國一分子而感到驕傲。

二百五十年前的七月九日是美國獨立後首次在紐約市巴靈格林廣場公開宣續美國獨立宣言。本會參加在下城舉辦的遊行，本會儀仗隊帶領遊行隊伍在市政廳公園，沿百老匯大道前往巴靈格廣場聚集，共同見證國家歷史，在同一片土地宣讀美國獨立宣言，承傅歷史，尊重先賢，顯彰愛國精神。

第一百零八屆紐約州總會年會在上州雪城舉行，來自羅徹斯特的越戰時期退伍軍人湯姆斯、施雷克擔任二零二六至二零二七年紐約州總會主席，施雷克主席曾服役於海軍，服役期間被派遣至地中海，加勒比海，中美洲及南美洲等地區。自一九八九年加入美國退伍軍人會以來，施富克主席積極參與退伍軍人會事務，並在州級擔任重職，他長期關注培育青年，尤其熱心紐約州青年公民教育工作，支持青年及傳承美國退伍軍人會使命，帶領紐約州退伍軍人向前發展。

三藩市華裔退伍軍人會在八月一日舉辦九十五週年慶祝及就職典禮，本會受邀前往参加，三藩市華裔退伍軍人會與本會一直保持着密切而深厚的友誼，兩個分會雖然相隔數千里，但都秉持服務退伍軍人及社區的宗旨，因此建立了長久的友情。兩年前，他們特別從三藩市遠道而來參加本會八十週年慶祝活動，令我們十分感動，也一直銘記於心。這次我們到訪期間，給予我們熱情歡迎，讓我們感受到如老友重逢，親切溫暖。本會前全國總會主席黃宏達在晚會上擔任職員就職監誓儀式，場面隆重，令人難忘。本會謹祝三藩市華裔退伍軍人會會務興隆．我們兩個分會友情永固，共同為退伍軍人及社區人下出更大的貢獻。

即將卸任的全國總會韋利主席在肯塔基州路易維爾市舉辦的全國第一百零七屆年會回顧了過去一年退伍軍人會的重要成就及承諾，他強調美國退伍軍人全國總會提倡的「永遠顧慮退伍軍人」的主題，呼籲所有退伍軍人支持「照顧美國退伍軍人法案」，這項法案旨在加強美國退伍軍人事務部的經費，擴大心理健康及輕生預防，並改善對傷殘退伍軍人照顧者及其家人的福利與支援。除了政策倡議外，韋利主席指出，美國退伍軍人總會長期為退伍軍人爭取應有的權益獲得非常主要的成果，在過去一年，協助美國退伍軍人獲得美國退伍軍人事務部超過二百九十億美元的福利，同時也積極推動新的治療方式，為退伍軍人提供更多的醫療選擇。

在九月三日的全國年會中，來自科羅拉多州的傑伊、鮑思獲選為第一百零七屆全國退伍軍人總會主席，他在就任後提出他今年服務的主題是「成為解決方案的一分子」，呼籲所有的退伍軍人積極參與，共同努力為退伍軍會穩固及加強更有效為面對遭遇艱辛的退伍軍人尋求解決及服務。鮑恩主席表示，他會繼續推動全國總會數年來成功的方案「自當重任」，強調任何超過「零」的輕生退伍軍人數字都是太多，他期望每一位會員都能主動關心身邊同胞，為他們提供支持及協助。此外，他非常重視年度募款計畫，支持「退伍軍人及兒童基金」，培訓專業人才協助有需要的退伍軍人及其家庭提供臨時經濟援助，繼續履行退伍軍人會的服務退伍軍人及社區的宗旨。

美國退伍軍人事務部部長道格、柯林斯在全國退伍軍人會年會上分享了退伍軍人事務部近年在改善服務效率，擴大醫療照護以及加強輕生所做的努力。他表示美國退伍軍人事務部正持續改善行政，希望讓退伍軍人能夠更快速，更方便地獲得所需要的服務。在退伍軍人傷殘福利申請方面，美國退伍軍人事務部已取得明顯進展。傷殘申請的平均等待時間已從一百四十五日大幅縮短至七十五日，讓退伍軍人能更快獲得應有的福利，而社區醫療照護服務選擇的使用次數也增加百分之十六，使更多退伍軍人可以在社區內接受醫療服務，擴大醫療照護。

今年美國退伍軍人全國年會第一次有两位兩位榮譽勳章得獎人致詞。退役海軍海豹部隊總士長，國會榮譽勳章協會主席布里特、斯拉賓斯基提醒年會代表，榮譽勳章所代表的不只是獲獎者個人，也代表那些曾經並肩作戰、共同承擔風險，甚至為國家犧牲的同袍。他強調「榮譽不是你所擁有的東西，榮譽是你每天實踐的行動。」另一位榮譽勳章得主唐納德・巴拉德則呼籲退伍軍人會會員積極接納，指導和培養新一代退伍軍人，為他們未來承擔領導責任做好準備。他特別強調輕生預防的重要性，並指出「同袍問安」計畫已經完成超過二百一十萬次關懷聯繫，展現出主動關心退伍軍人健康的重要價值。兩位榮譽勳章得主的致詞，不僅向年會代表介紹了服役者所肩負的責任，也提醒大家，真正的榮譽來自服務、關懷同袍，以及將服務精神傳承給下一代。

美國退伍軍人摩托騎行會舉辦在全國年會前開始長途摩托騎行，超越數個州抵達年會，騎行隊發動募款活動全力支持退伍軍人及兒童基金。今年是騎行隊二十週年，雖然募到超過一百萬元的可觀款項，但在騎行的途中助理隊長米高、哈斯不幸意外去世。這令各人悲哀萬分，但他們意志堅強，決定繼續前往，完成使命，以行動表達對哈斯的敬意，更充分展現了騎行隊的服務及團結精神。

Post Activities 會務

The following motions were approved during the June 28, 2026 General Meeting:

本年六月二十八日第一次會員大會通過下列各項議案:

Approved the Lt. Kimlau Post 1291 2026-2027 budget plan.

通過本會二零二六至二零二七年度預算。

Approve new members of the “Post Scholarship Committee” (Gabe Mui, Don Yee and Henry Wong) for the LY 2026-2029 term.

通過本會獎學金委員會新成員 – 梅本立、余超俊、黃偉生，二零二六至二零二九年。

Approved new members of the “Post Compliance Committee” (Sean Tse, Bo Chen and Thomas Ong) for the LY 2026-2029 term. Ping Wing Chu to fill the position vacated by Mimi Wang.

通過本會順從法令委員會新成員 – 謝國寶、陳波、鄧燦業，三人任期為二零二六至二零二九年。朱炳榮填補王咪咪空缺，二零二六至二零二八年。

Approved to appoint Robert E. Lee, Esq. as the Post Legal Consultant for LY 2026-2027.

通過委任李羅伯特為本會本年度法律顧問。

Approved a one-time $30.00 2026 transportation reimbursement for meetings and functions to all members with over 15 years of good standing membership status with the Lt. Kimlau Post (as determined by Post records as of June 2026). Deadline to claim the special reimbursement is December 31, 2026.

通過本年度會員出席會議車馬費，凡會員入會超過十五年者（以本會記錄為準），每人三十元。此車馬費必須於本年十二月三十一日前領取，逾時作廢。

Approve to participate in the CCBA celebration of America’s 250^th Anniversary.

通過参加由中華公所舉辦的慶祝美國建國二百五十年典禮。

Approve to participate in the LMHA July 4^th Parade.

通過本會參加下城美國國慶日遊行。

Approve to participate in the July 9^th reading of the Declaration of Independence and Parade.

通過参加在七月九日市府公園至已包靈格林遊行及宣讀美國獨立宣言。

Approve to host the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 5:00 pm to integrate with the Department Commander Visitation on the same day.

通過二零二六年“紀念九、一一”儀式下午五時舉行。

News/Announcement/Gossip

The 2026-2027 Membership cards have arrived and ready for pick up. Members can remit the $30.00 membership dues by mail or in person (daily except Tuesday and Saturday). Members’ eligible (fifteen or more continuous membership years) for the Post 2026 Transportation Reimbursement can substitute this payment for annual dues.

二零二六至二零二七年會員證已經開始分發（辦公時間，每日下午二時至四時，星期二及星期六除外），各會友請將三十元會費以郵寄方式或親臨本會繳交。適合條件領取二零二六年會員出席會議車馬費會友可用車馬費代繳會費。

Taps 仙逝會員

We are sad to report the following legionnaires have passed on to the Commander of us all post everlasting.

May Our Comrades Rest In Peace!

Wah Chong Jew 趙華昌 (March 26)	Suey Ho Ng 伍瑞桃 (March 26)
Kenneth K. Chew 趙國安 (April 26)	John B. Yee 余保忠 (May 26)
Roger Lee 李雨波 (June 26)

New/Transfer Members 新入會會員

There were three new member approved by the last General meetings

去年第四次會員大會及本年第一次會員大會通過接納下列三位新入會會員：

Nestor Jairo Sierra 甄宇健 (Gulf Marine)	Mantai Wong 王孟泰 (Gulf – Navy)
Ludovic Lee-Freithofnig 李侑撰 (Gulf – Marine)

Please join us to welcome the above new members. Hope to see all of you in future functions.

我們歡迎上述新會友加入我們的行列，更希望他們多參加本會各項活動。

We hope the above information will be of interest to you and we hope to hear from you soon. Let us know what we can do for you. Until we meet again, stay well!

我們希望這份簡訊，對你有所幫助，更希望在不久的將來，能得到你參予本會各種活動的回應。假如我們有任何可以為你服務之處，務請隨時提出意見。