John Newman

Is the canteen/bar manager here at the American Legion Post 53.

Served in the Navy from 1983 to 1986 on board the USS Vancouver LPD 2.

Joined the Legion in 2019, and is also a member of the Legion Riders Post 53.

John discusses the importance of joining the Legion and his support in acquiring his VA health benefits.

Post-Service Officer Ronnie Imel is a major resource for veterans in understanding the VA System and all the benefits they are entitled to receive.

Post 53 is very active in the Hemet Community and holds several events each month to encourage community involvement.

The Hemet Post 53 is one of the most successful Posts in District 21 and a model for many posts on recruiting and supporting veterans.

Joe Males is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who was discharged from the
Marine Corps as a Sergeant.

After starting his own business in 1996, JM Consulting, Joe, and Cynthia decided to
move to Hemet in 2005 to be close to family. Joe had a successful computer company
with seven employees and would drive back to Whittier to monitor his employees twice
a week.

From the beginning, Joe was volunteering his services to the senior community. He
would help seniors with their computers and teach them how to use them properly. Joe
never accepted payment for helping seniors.

Joe joined the Elks Lodge 1740 and within six months became the Esquire who is
stationed to the right of the Exalted Ruler. His duties included organizing meetings for
the Lodge, preparing candidates for initiation, and introducing visiting members.

After a few months at the Elks Lodge, he was asked by one of the members if he would
be interested in joining the American Legion. He joined the American Legion Post 53
and within two months he was elected the 1st Vice Commander within eight months
from that date he was elected the Commander of the American Legion Post 53 and still
retains that title.

Since his time with the American Legion, they have helped many of their Veterans with
housing, food, automobiles, and other necessities that are necessary for everyday life.
Joe has always been a hands-on person and has dedicated himself to helping within the
community.

“I ran for City Council to bring change to Hemet. I want to resolve the homelessness
issues alongside the Hemet Council and I want to bring businesses into our City. I’ve
always been a person that gets things done and I plan to be that person for our City.”