A Letter From Governor Newsom

In June of 2025, I wrote a letter to Gavin Newsom, introducing myself, my peace efforts, and some of my struggles with the current immigration policies implemented by Trump

Dear Governor:

Frank Moulton American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 wishes to present to you the enclosed award plaque in recognition of your outstanding service. Our Post is named in memory of a gay Army soldier who was killed in World War II. Our Post dedicated America’s first LGBTQ Veterans Memorial in Cathedral City in 2001. In 2019 this memorial became the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial. You sent us a special letter for the dedication ceremony. Your former CDVA Secretary Vito Imbasciani spoke three times at our memorial. We thank you for your support to LGBTQ veterans and their families.

I am also enclosing a copy of my third book. Also, a coffee mug and challenge coin that promotes the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial in Cathedral City. We would appreciate receiving a thank you letter.

I first met you in 1999 when you were a San Francisco County Supervisor. You presented me with a medal at a dinner hosted by the Alexander Hamilton Post 448 of the American Legion. I still have that medal and cherish it every day.

Our Post is very pleased with your leadership during the recent protests in Los Angeles.

You have responded to President Donald Trump’s misguided escalation in an effective manner. You have been a champion of due process for hard working immigrants.

My husband Guillermo Hernandez is an immigrant from Mexico. He was previously in this country as part of the DACA program. He had a drug problem when he was younger and completed his probation over six years ago. He has no pending court cases. He has a work permit. He has been waiting on his petition for a U-VISA for eight years. He is eligible for this VISA because he cooperated with the Palm Springs Police Department when he was a teenager and the victim of a violent crime.

In 2016 ICE arrested him in the court house elevator after he left a Superior Court proceeding where he was charged with trespassing at the Spa Casino before he was 21 years old. Former State Assembly Member Rob Bonta described Guillermo’s arrest at his press conference when he introduced the TRUTH Act. I testified in favor of this legislation before a State Senate Committee. Guillermo and I held the very first same-sex marriage in immigration detention history which was an international news story.

So, with President Trump’s disdain for DEI we fear an ICE arrest every day. I am living with AIDS and legally blind. I use a wheel chair. I am diabetic and I have a damaged heart. So, my husband is a vital care giver for me. I hope and pray he is not deported by ICE.

I am the former Vice President of California Young Democrats. I am the former Founding Chair of the California Democratic Party Veterans Caucus. I was co-chair of the "Salute to Veterans” at the 2000 Democratic National Convention. I have seen every American President since Richard Nixon. In 2019 President Trump and I were both honored at the AMVETS National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The Governor of Kentucky promoted me to be a Kentucky Colonel.

Our Post has held three rallies to save our VA health care. We are opposed to the budget cuts that were established by Elon Musk. We know you are working to help our veterans maintain quality health care.

I am a convert to the Roman Catholic Church and I pray the Holy Rosary every day for your good health and safety. May the Blessed Virgin Mary stand with you at all the crossroads of your life and point the way to Her Son. If you seek the Presidency of the United States, you have my solid support.

Best wishes,

Tom Swann Hernandez

Founder and Commander

AMVETS Post 66

This is the letter I received in response: