At the recent annual Veteran of the Year Award dinner held at
Bayonet Black Horse Golf Club, Commander Gerry Paratore
was presented the Veteran of the Year award.
Pictured above is Commander Paratore with his wife Karen
and some of his "Post 512 Family".
Photo courtesy Lois Flint
L to R Michele Lynch, Mario Gonzales, Commander Gerry Paratore, Karen Paratore, Anastasia Gonzales, Mike Brown, Tom Neu, John Wickham
American Legion Post 512
Supports T-Ball!
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JOHN W. TOMKINSON
4 JANUARY 1945 - 11 MARCH 2022
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one our most beloved members. John was truly a larger than life figure. Proud to have been called a Marine, John had served with honors in Vietnam. One of the earlier 'advisers' and later combatant John's service to his Country was at the top of his life goals.
John came to us after walking the width of the United States after leaving the service. Ending up in Carmel he soon became a recognizable figure around town. Known for his generosity and willingness to help others he soon was someone people in need would turn. John was a man of many talents and could do just about anything. Partnered with his long time friend George Shepard they would be found daily helping the elderly and those homebound.
John loved his American Legion and served in almost every position possible both at the Post 512 and District 28 levels. But he seemed most happy when he was working as a Service Officer. In that position he could do the thing he loved most, helping others.
In late 2011 'Johnny' had a dream, a Stand Down for homeless veterans in Monterey county. In the summer of 2012 the very first Monterey County Stand Down happened. An event which continues to this day!
John will be missed by many but his mark on life will last forever. The spirit of John Tomkinson, "Commander Cupcake", is something we all will remember.
John came to us after walking the width of the United States after leaving the service. Ending up in Carmel he soon became a recognizable figure around town. Known for his generosity and willingness to help others he soon was someone people in need would turn. John was a man of many talents and could do just about anything. Partnered with his long time friend George Shepard they would be found daily helping the elderly and those homebound.
John loved his American Legion and served in almost every position possible both at the Post 512 and District 28 levels. But he seemed most happy when he was working as a Service Officer. In that position he could do the thing he loved most, helping others.
In late 2011 'Johnny' had a dream, a Stand Down for homeless veterans in Monterey county. In the summer of 2012 the very first Monterey County Stand Down happened. An event which continues to this day!
John will be missed by many but his mark on life will last forever. The spirit of John Tomkinson, "Commander Cupcake", is something we all will remember.
VETERANS DAY 2021
Devendorf Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea
American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard
visits the 28th District. Enjoys a day of golf and fun
with members of Posts 512 and 31 at Salinas dinner.
From left to right: Paul Martin, Bonnie Rodriguez, Post 512 Cdr. Gerry Paratone,
Natasha Pinedo (31),Post 31 Cdr. Gideon "Taz" Turner, Nat'l Cdr. Paul Dillard (TX),
Robin Knowles and Paul Rodriguez
Natasha Pinedo (31),Post 31 Cdr. Gideon "Taz" Turner, Nat'l Cdr. Paul Dillard (TX),
Robin Knowles and Paul Rodriguez
Post Commander Paratore's Christmas
and Year In Reflection message!
[Click HERE!]
Our Ladies Auxiliary comes thru once again for
the "Heroes Ride" in the Carmel stop-over!
The next morning! Bright and early!
35 Riders (Heroes) and their Support Team
"Thank You Carmel! We had a great time!"
"We'll see you next year!"
THE AMERICAN LEGION INDYCAR 48
RACED AT LAGUANA SECA!
Meet the drivers of IndyCar No. 48; Jimmie Johnson & Tony Kanaan
(See the Car 48 and poster! Click HERE!)
Two of the biggest names in auto-racing history drive The American Legion 48 car
in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES races across the country in 2021.
Post 512 & District 28 GO to the Races!
Photos courtesy of Audrey James & Michael Bloom
A good time was had by all!
Thank You Post 512
and your volunteers!
We signed up nearly two dozen new members from around the State!
The Helmets for Heroes was also a big success as people were feeling
in a good mood just to be out in the great weather and moving around freely!
Jimmie Johnson finished 17th which was better than anticipated. He is new to Indy Cars coming from NASCAR driving but they hold great hopes for him!
American Legion Post 512 and China Post 1 at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. "The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand!". Represented by Richard Connelly, Bill Sparkman and John Tomkinson.
Photo courtesy of Tom Nash