Department of Maine Legislature Meet and Greet

Transcription

1 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY Department of Maine Legislature Meet and Greet Much To Discuss: American Legion Dept. of Maine Public Relations Director and Augusta Post 2 Commander Patrick Eisenhart, center, exchange words discussing Veterans Issues at the State House. Veterans Meet And Greet At The State House: Dept. of Maine Legion Baseball Director and Auburn Post 153 Commander Daniel St. Pierre, left, District 16 Commander Nichole Jordan, and Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux in attendance during the Dept. of Maine Legislature meet and greet session at the State House, Hall of Flags on Jan. 26. Department Commander Ronald Rainfrette, left, District 16 Commander Nichole Jordan and Dept. NECA Brenda Dearborn during the Dept. of Maine Legislature meet and greet. Talking About What s Important To Maine Veterans: The American Legion, Dept. of Maine Officers and Legionnaires discuss issues that are important to Maine Veterans during the meet and greet session held at the State House, Hall of Flags on Jan. 26. Left to right, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux. Dept. Commander Ronald Rainfrette, Auburn Post 153 Commander and Dept. of Maine Baseball Director Daniel St. Pierre, and Senior Policy Advisor to Maine Governor LePage, Aaron Chadbourne. The American Legion, Department of Maine Historical Contest By: Ronald H. Caron, Department Historian POST NEWS LETTER These newsletters will be judged in three categories: Posts with a membership of less than 100, Posts with a membership of , and Posts with a membership greater than 250. The newsletters will be judged on informative layout and should be mailed to the Department of Maine ATTN: Department Adjutant. Contest ends April 30 th and entry must be in NLT May 1 st, The first place winner in each category will receive a plaque at the Department Convention. Awards and Rules DISTRICT NEWS LETTER The district newsletter will be judged on informative layout and should be mailed to the Department of Maine ATTN: Department Adjutant. Contest ends April 30 th and entry must be in NLT May 1 st, The first place winner will receive a plaque at the Department Convention. POST HISTORY BOOK These will be judged according to the 2015 Officers Guide score sheets. The books must be received at the Department of Maine ATTN: Department Adjutant no later than May 1 st, First place winners in each category will receive a plaque at the Department Convention and qualify for the National Contest in October, 2016.

2 16 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF MAINE OFFICIAL CALL FOR NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONVENTION n accordance with Article IV of the I Constitution and By-laws of the Department of Maine, The American Legion, the ninety-eighth Annual Convention is hereby called to convene at Bangor, Maine, June 17-19, The first business session will be called to order at 12:00 p.m. Daylight Savings Time, on the afternoon of Friday, June 17, 2016, with the final business session scheduled for Saturday morning, June 18, 2016, at 9 a.m. All general business sessions of the convention will be held at the Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine. PURPOSE The convention is called for the purpose of electing Department Officers for the ensuing year; to elect delegates and alternates to the 2016 National Convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio; to receive reports of all Department Officers and standing committees; to consider the resolutions and actions of subordinate bodies and to transact any other business properly brought before the convention. REPRESENTATION Each post is entitled to one delegate and one alternate, and one additional delegate and alternate for each one hundred members or fractional part thereof paid up to May 18, A post with less than 15 members is not entitled to any delegates. All department officers, district commanders, area commanders and Past Department Commanders, in good standing, shall be entitled to vote and have all the rights of delegates in the convention. These officers and Past Department Commanders are delegates-at-large and must not be named as post delegates. Alternate delegates are entitled to a seat in the convention but will have the right to vote only in the absence of the duly elected delegates. The decision of the selection of alternate delegates to represent absent delegates is a matter of decision within the respective delegations. All Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, Sons of the American Legion and guests are invited to attend convention as guests, but have no voice or vote unless delegates. RULES OF ORDER The rules of procedure at the Department Convention shall be those set forth in Robert s Rules of Order, newly revised. MEETINGS The Resolutions Committee shall hold a public hearing on all resolutions submitted in accordance with the Constitution and By-laws at the Cross Insurance Center on Friday, June 17, 2016, at 9 a.m. All delegates and alternates and members of THE AMERICAN LEGION 98TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION June 17 19, 2016 Cross Insurance Center, Bangor PLAN NOW TO ATTEND! The American Legion are invited to attend the session. Following this public hearing, the Committee on Resolutions will go into executive session to vote on resolutions to be brought before the body. The Department Executive Committee will hold the first meeting at the Cross Insurance Center on Sunday, June 19, All department officers, district commanders, area commanders and Past Department Commanders are requested to attend. CREDENTIALS Each post will fill out the credential blank submitted by the Department Adjutant and return same to the Department Headquarters listing the delegates and alternates elected to represent the Post. All delegates registration must be prepaid. All credentials must be verified by the Credentials Committee, which will be in session at the Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, The Department Adjutant shall issue to each Post, 30 days prior to convention, a statement of the number of 2016 membership cards, accompanied by state and national dues, received at Department Headquarters on May 18, Listed with the membership report will appear the number of delegates allowed each post. Credential reports should be filed with the Department Adjutant as soon as possible to allow for inspection and checking, thus correcting any errors. If there should be any changes in personnel on the list of delegates or alternates, corrections should be made with the Credentials Committee. Delegates must be registered with the convention in order to vote (1975 Convention Mandate). Registration fee of $5 for each delegate and alternate may be paid by sending a check made payable to The American Legion, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine NOMINATION AND ELECTIONS At the first session of Department Convention on Friday, June 17, 2016, nominations shall be made for the offices of Department Commander; Department First Vice Commander; Department Second Vice Commander; Department Historian; Department Americanism Officer; Department Sergeant-at-Arms; Department National Executive Committeeman, and Department National Executive Committeeman Alternate. Nomination of officers shall be made by registered delegates elected to represent the posts of the Department or by delegates-at-large attending the convention. Nominating speeches are limited to three minutes. There will be no seconds to nominations authorized (DEC Mandate Jan. 20, 1991) All candidates for elective department office must file with the Department Adjutant, prior to May 18, 2016, a letter of intent to seek office and furnish a copy of discharge papers, which makes them eligible for membership in The American Legion. The ballots for the Department Convention will be pre-printed indicating those candidates who have filed for office. Any candidate declaring after May 18, 2016 or nominated from the floor of the convention, will be a write-in candidate. Blank spaces will be left for write-in candidates. (DEC Mandate Jan. 27, 1985). VOTING Delegates may get ballots from the Credentials Committee at the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday, June 18, The Credentials Committee will be in session for two hours on Saturday morning, June 18, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Each delegate will go to the convention hall during the hours specified and secure ballots. No ballots will be issued after 10 a.m. Delegates will cast ballots immediately. Delegate s card, badge, convention registration and your 2016 membership card must be displayed during voting. Ballot Boxes will close promptly at 10:15 a.m. UNIFORM OF THE DAY Uniform of the day during the convention sessions will be The American Legion cap. Only the official representative of another veterans group may wear the cap of that organization in the convention hall. MEMORIAL SERVICE The Department Chaplain of The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Service to be held just prior to conclusion to the Saturday session, June 18, Posts wishing to have deceased members included in the Post Everlasting Ceremony are requested to submit a list of the honored dead to Department Headquarters. Lists must include name of deceased comrades and conflict served. If your post files a Post Everlasting list for The Maine Legionnaire and said list is up to date, a second list is not necessary. LAW AND ORDER Order will be maintained at all times in the convention hall under the direction of the Department Sergeant-at-Arms and his assistants. Delegates, alternates and members attending the convention are requested to be courteous to all speakers and visitors to the convention. PRESS The Department Adjutant s staff will maintain press facilities during Convention sessions. The Department Adjutant must approve all communications from the Department Convention. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS A formal installation ceremony will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 7 p.m. All department officers and district commanders will be sworn into office at that time and will automatically become members of the Department Executive Committee. RAFFLES OR SALES ITEMS There will be NO sales items or raffles at the Department Convention without specific permission of the Department Adjutant. This call will be read in all posts and district organizations and posted upon the bulletin boards of all posts. This call is being sent to the officers on record. If new officers have been elected, please transmit this information to them. Official: Paul L Heureux Department Adjutant Ronald Rainfrette Department Commander

3 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY Third Annual Women Veteran s Luncheon A Huge Success! W omen Veteran s Advisory/Action Committee Update The Women Veteran s Advisory/ Action Committee has met at the William J. Rogers Post 153 in Auburn. A special thank you goes out to Commander Dan for making us feel welcome and giving us a place to meet. The committee was successful in creating guidelines for the following year. Our plan is to hold at least four events for women veterans to attend. The following are members of the Women Veteran s Advisory Committee: Tricia Thurston Chairwoman, Ramona Naragon, Brenda Dearborn, Elaine Scanlon, Sarah Glynn, Debra Couture, Gloria Hall, Catherine Merril, and Alley Smith. These veterans make up an eclectic range of knowledge and resources. If you have any ideas, questions or comment please do not hesitate to contact us. I am proud to report that the 3rd Annual Women Veteran s Luncheon held at Post 24 in Rumford was a huge success! There were 55 women veterans from all over the state of Maine and New Hampshire in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a day of pampering, presentations and lunch. There are many people to thank for making this such a success. I will start with the professionals who selflessly donated their time to give back to our veterans. Reiki: Birdie Rocray and Tina Erwin of Rumford, Manicurists: Jenn DeMascio, Melanie Calden and Dawn Arsenault of Rumford, Massage Therapists: Heather Richambaum of Portland and Theresa Rainey of Norway, Beauticians: Kelly DeRoche of Rumford and Lynne Steele of Damariscotta. We could not do this without the support of our community and those who traveled from far away. Thank you Post 24 volunteers! You are the best volunteers anyone could ask for. Without you we could not have done this event! Susan Richard, Rena Nichols, Pam Marcellino, Donna Chaisson, Donna Wotton, Gayle Bean, Jo Gaudet, Carol Roach, Heidi Steele, Doris Martineau, Yvette Umbro, Lynn Mcaloney and of course Oxford County Sherriff Wayne Gallant. Your amazing talents were noticed by all! To those behind the scenes, Roger, Joe, Greg, Harry, Wendall, and Randy you are always there when we need you! Thank you to all Women Veteran s Advisory Committee members who came to welcome our veterans. To our presenters Amedeo Lauria, LaRhonda Harris, Jodie Clark, Joy Asuncion and Deb Couture thank you for giving very informational presentations. Thank you Dunkin Doughnuts for the food donations, Hannaford for the beautiful cake, Arlene Thibeau for the quilt and gifts, Gloria Hall for the basket, and to Karen Mann and Carol Roach for lending us the privacy screens. Thank you to each and every one of you. You all brought so much love and respect to our women veterans. Your support is very commendable. My hope is that I have not forgotten anyone who helped, but if I have, please know that your support was very appreciated. The next planned luncheon will be at Post 2 in Augusta on April 30th. More info will be given as it becomes available. If you have questions around this event please contact Deb Couture at navycaptpomi0031@gmail.com or myself at tricia425@roadrunner.com. If you would like to plan an event at your Post you may contact one of the committee members and we will do what we can to assist and support where needed to ensure the event is successful. We now have a Facebook page! It is called Women Veteran s Advisory Committee Dept Of Maine. Please like and share it. This page will support us in getting the word out for events as well as important information for veterans. Until next time stay safe and may God Bless America! Navy Veterans: Front row, left to right, Sarah Glynn, Jodie Clark, Audrey Banks, JoAnn Hill, Deb Couture, Joy Asuncion, Alley Smith and Judy Otis. Back row, left to right, Sue Breau, Denise Emery, Deb Lyons, Tricia Thurston, Kathy Thompson, Leslie Adkins and Ruth Moore. Army Veterans: Front row left to right, Shanna McDermott, Alley Smith, Gloria Hall, Louise Bolduc Barbara Kasiola, and Theresa Rainey. Back row left to right, Mitzi Sequoia, Debbie Arsenault, Madeline Littlefield, Trena Magoon, Sharon Hale, M. Mike Wilson, Connie Shields and Winnie McMorrow. Air Force Veterans: Front row left to right, Brenda Dearborn, Vi Eastman, Donna Alexander, Norma Bondeson, Marjorie Richards, and Amber Walker. Back row left to right, LaRhonda Harris, Cathy Merrill, Cheryl McKenney, Kim Crawford, Joelle Parsons, Shirley Thompson, Kathy Thompson, and Jane Fisher. Marine Veterans: Front row left to right, Tina Handley, Joy Bordeau, Alley Smith, Mary Ann Green, and Danielle Fowler. Back row left to right Linda Withee, Claire Poirier, and Barbara Finkbeiner. Tricia Thurston, Dept. Sgt At Arms Women Veteran s Advisory/Action Committee Chairwoman Best Volunteers: Rumford Post 24 members volunteer at the 3rd Annual Women Veteran s Luncheon. Front row, left to right, Susan Richard, Gayle Bean, and Rena Nichols. Back row, left to right, Lynn Mcaloney, Doris Martineau, Donna Chaisson, Pam Marcellino, Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Tricia Thurston. Committee Members: Women Veteran s Action Committee members left to right, Brenda Dearborn, Tricia Thurston and Deb Couture. More on FEMALE VETERANS Page 18

4 18 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 Female Veterans (Continued from Page 17) Certificates Presented: Dept. Sgt At Arms Tricia Thurston presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Meroby 2nd grade teachers Heidi Steele, left, and Shelly Dupuis, right. Their support in having their 2nd graders create beautiful thank you cards for women veterans was much appreciated. Cards were displayed at the 3rd Annual Women Veteran s Luncheon in Rumford for all to admire. Honor Flight: Joy Asuncion gives a presentation on Honor Flight of Maine at the Women Veteran s Luncheon held at Rumford Post 24 on Nov. 14. Army Veterans in attendance at Rumford Post 24 Women Veteran s Luncheon held on Nov. 14. Left to right, Buckfield Post 58 Adjutant Gloria Hall, and Winnie McMorrow. Legionnaire of the Year Sought s that exceptional Legionnaire, the one I with unquestionable leadership ability, a member of your Post? Do you have that member within your post that seems to stand above the rest in all phases of your post activities? Does he or she aspire to higher positions within the American Legion? If your post has that member who would qualify for the honor and prestige for the Past Department Commanders Award, why not submit their name and resume? Being chosen for this award is indeed a great honor. When in doubt, ask those who were previously chosen. It is a title you will be known for during your entire Legion career. Maybe your Post has previously sent a candidiate for this award who was not chosen. Why not submit the name again? There are no rules stating how many times you can apply. Your candidate could be this year s winner. Remember, everything in life is a gamble. The deadline for applications is May 1, Applications can be obtained through Department Headquarters or on-line at Send completed applications to The American Legion, State Headquarters, Attention: Past Department Commanders Award Chairman, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine District 1 anta Claus and the United States Marine Corps had a bit of help this year S from some Legionnaires from Berwick, Maine. Every year, the Marine Corps Reserve collects new, unwrapped toys, books and other gifts and distribute those toys at Christmas to children in some 700 communities covering all 50 states. (This past Christmas, there were more than 1,400 Children registered just in Southern York County and another 1,400 in the Biddeford/ Saco half of Making Christmas Wishes Come True Remembering Obi-Wan ate last year, we lost another phenomenal Legionnaire to the call of L the Great Commander. His name is Robert L. Stillings. In 2008, when Bob became Post Commander, he asked if I would be willing to serve as the Post s Public Relations officer. I jumped at the chance because it meant that I d get to work directly with Bob supporting the amazing group of men and women of Charles S. Hatch Post #79 in Berwick. Bob was so knowledgeable that I York County). There were many toy drop-off locations inside area businesses throughout York County, to include the North Berwick Auto Center, run by Barry Stevens, the Service Officer for Charles S. Hatch Post #79. But there was one unique outdoor location that had people talking! Chuck and Pamela Bogdan of Berwick, Maine, have been creating large scale outdoor Christmas light displays since Utilizing thousands of lighted ornaments they have collected over the years, visitors were greeted by reindeer, penguins, peppermint canes and even a life-size animated Santa Clause! In addition to toy donations, the Bogdan s also collected donations of nonperishable food items in memory of Pam s father, Derald Goodwin, Sr. who was a 45 year member of the First Church Congregational in Rochester, New Hampshire. While this was the first year the Bogdan s have taken donations for Toys for Tots, since 1997, they have collected hundreds of pounds of food for the Food Cupboard maintained by Photo by: Bob Place Berwick Legionnaires Andy Buckman, Chuck Bogdan, Post Commander Frank Milinski, Phil Jenks, 1st Vice Commander Jeffery Chase, Paul Lapierre, Post Chaplain and Mark Pilgrim with assembled bicycles. the First Church Congregational. The members of Post #79 voted unanimously to donate $ to the Bogdan s so they could purchase bicycles for the December 2015 Toys for Tots drive. Chuck, who coincidentally is the Post Adjutant, along with a team of Post volunteers, assembled the bikes well ahead of Santa s deadline. The Bogdan s Christmas light display and toy/food drive was a smashing success. In addition to the bicycles, they collected over 100 toys and received a Certificate of Appreciation from Carol Lombard, Coordinator for the Southern York County Toys for Tots program. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to view this remarkable Christmas display and who donated toys and food. You made Christmas wishes come true and made a difference in the life of a young child and/or a struggling family. It just doesn t get any better than that! would often him asking for advice, and one day, I chose the subject line; Help me Obi-Wan. Bob obviously recognized the reference to the Star Wars films, and in his reply, he addressed me, an Air Force veteran, as Skywalker. Thus began an exchange that lasted for many wonderful years. While Bob did not really look much like Sir Alec Guinness, what you may not know is that Bob was a Jedi in real life! Jedi, as defined in the More on OBI-WAN, Page 19

5 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY District 1 continued Obi-Wan (Continued from Page 18) I District 2 Oxford English Dictionary, are trained to guard peace and justice in the universe and to serve as mentors to aspiring Jedi. As a United States Army veteran who served during the Korean War era, Bob certainly attained the Knight rank and his stature only increased when he moved from military duty (serving for over twenty years in the Army and Army reserves) to civic duty. Following military service, Bob served as a patrolman in the Ogunquit Police Department, was Chief of Police for Waldoboro, worked for the Lincoln County Sheriff s Department, was a dispatcher for Sanborn s Transportation of Augusta and became a Director of the Fraud Investigation and Recovery Unit for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, retiring in What a remarkable career and what a remarkable Legionnaire! Bob became a Legionnaire in 1988 and he commanded our Post from 2008 to He developed instructions pertaining to Berwick s Memorial Day Services and assembled and directed the March Order and Interval. He was a wiz on the computer and routinely created and organized the spreadsheets, receipts, Certificates of Appreciation, letters and invitations that drove key Post activities and fundraisers. Bob recognized the importance of establishing a virtual presence so he created our Post website and served as the Post s first webmaster (which he later transitioned over to his Public Relations Officer.). To cement his place in the J edi Hall of Fame, Bob had the good sense to marry Lois (Hussey) Stillings, his wife of 54 years. Together, they raised eight (yes, eight!) daughters and Bob was the proud Grumpy (not Grampy ) of nine beloved Grandchildren, at last count. While all Veterans eventually leave active service, the service never leaves us. Deep down, the many United States Veterans who have fought for our freedom really are Jedi Knights. Throughout our history and our universe, U.S. veterans have trained to guard peace and served as mentors to fellow service members, and to their own children and their grandchildren. They continue to serve in all walks of life yet as they walk among us, we often fail to appreciate that underneath it all, they are and always will be Jedi. It is my honor and privilege to have known and worked with this particular Jedi Knight. I miss my Obi-Wan, my mentor. Robert L. Stillings was truly one of a kind sharp, smart, driven, headstrong, opinionated and sometimes unbending. He was a Legionnaire for 27 years but he was a Jedi for a lifetime! Farewell and rest in peace, my Obi-Wan. The Force will be with you, always. By: Rosanne Martin, PR Officer Charles S. Hatch Post #79 American Soldier Registry would like to remind fellow Legionnaires about the existence of The Registry of the American Soldier, which is a program of the Army Historical Foundation. Those who have served honorably in the Army (including the World War II Army Air Corps), the National Guard, or the Army Reserve, are entitled to have their names and a brief narrative of their service entered on-line. The pages of those so honored, will be permanently displayed at the new Army Museum at Fort Belvoir, Va., when the building program is completed. Anyone who has served in one of these Army categories may enter their own information. Any person, regardless of whether they served, may honor another who did serve. There is no cost associated. To register a name or to find out more information about the program, go on the Internet to Remember: Patriot s Day April 18th For God and Country, Jack M. Sands Waldorf, MD Member Harold T. Andrews Post #17 District 3 District 4 Learning To Make Bread At Lisbon Post 158: Members of Coombs-Mountfort Post 158, Lisbon, had great fun learning how to make stuffed bread. Pictured left to right are Legionnaires Brian Govang, Harley Simard and Auxiliary President Doreen Heath. Living History With Real Hero s: Three WWII Veterans, and longtime members of the Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28 of Farmington, greet each other during a 70 year membership ceremony for Richard (Dick) Ferrari, Army, at center. Left is Francis Paling, Marines, 59 years as a Legionnaire, of Wilton, and right is Munroe Hawkins, Army Air Force, 62 years as a Legionnaire of Farmington, who just celebrated his 96th birthday. Farmington Post 28 Finance Officer Receives Special Award: Charles R. Hartwell, right, was recently presented a special award for his 23 years as Finance Officer of Roderick-Crosby Post 28 of Farmington. This award was presented by Past Commander David Targett, left. Hartwell has been a member of the American Legion for 62 years. He has served as Past Commander of District 4 and is also Past Commander of Post 28. Charles is an Air Force Veteran.

6 20 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 District 6 War Memorial Post 30 Veteran s Day Duties O n November 11th, members of War Memorial Post #30 of Camden made several stops in their local communities in support of Veteran s Day The day began at the Camden Hills High School café where members enjoyed a breakfast sponsored by the National Honor Society. Next on the agenda was a stop at Quarry Hill retirement center in support of the Veterans residing there. Next up was the annual 30 minutes of silence at the Camden Village Green where the post Honor Guard marched to the memorial and stood in silence for 30 minutes in remembrance of all Veterans inscribed on the wall. Once completed, members split their resources and went to several locations; Camden Windward Gardens and Camden Villa where members met with Veterans and residents alike. Some went to Post 1 in Rockland where they provided their thoughts on Veterans Day to Village Soup TV which has since aired, and some went to Augusta and the Veterans home to meet with friends and Veterans. All in all another great day in celebration with our local communities to remember our Brothers and Sisters in military service to our great country. Camden Post 30 Pay Tribute to Wreaths Across America Convoy T he Honor Guard from Post #30, along with other members and family, gathered at Lincolnville Beach on December 6th to pay homage to the Wreaths Across America convoy. The convoy of vehicles stopped at Lincolnville Beach where a wreath was presented to Kip Stinson, Post 30 member, who laid it at the War Memorial cannon at the Beach. A second wreath was thrown into the Frohock River, which flows into Penobscot Bay, by Blue Star members and a WWII Veteran who were with the Wreaths contingent. Mr. Morrill Worcester, founder of Wreaths Across America was on hand and thanked Legion Members and Veterans for their service and duty on this day. Camden Post 30 members of the Honor Guard on Frohock Bridge. Left to right, Ben Hazen, Rosey Gerry, Owen Cassas, Mark Thurlow, John Hyssong, Gerry Grover, Everette Fizer, Sandy Lyle, and Sandy Cameron. Camden Post 30 Veterans Day Event: Rockland Post 1 Adjutant Doug King, Camden Post 30 Commander Frank Carr, Camden Post 30 member and District 6 Commander Ray Lewis, and Camden Post 30 member John Hyssong in attendance at a Veterans Day Event. District 7 Boothbay Harbor Post 36 members attend a flag raising ceremony at the grand opening of Hannaford Supermarket in Boothbay Harbor Sat. June 13. Left to right, Bob Raudenbush, Linc Sample, Lew Curtis, Palmer Payne. Behind the Flag is David Patch and Jasper Orne. Camden Post 30 Color Guard: Post 30 Color Guard members honor the Camden Wall. Left to right, Gerry Grover, Everett Fizer, Rodney Lynch, John Hyssong, Mark Thurlow, Owen Casas, Rodey Gerry, and Ben Hazen. Wiscasset s American Legion Post Renovated: Veterans Day Program: Camden Post 30 Color Guard members with students after Veterans Day Program held at the Camden Middle School. Color Guard left to right, John Hyssong, Mark Thrulow, Everett Fizer, Rosey Gerry, Owen Casas, and Rodney Lynch. American Legion Post 54 Second Vice Commander John Kennedy (left) and Commander Bill Cossette stand in front of the recently renovated post on Bath Road in Wiscasset Nov. 12. (See Wiscasset s American Legion Post Renovated Article on Page 21) Photo by Abigail W. Adams The Lincoln County News

7 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY District 7 continued Wiscasset s American Legion Post Renovated welve World War II veterans were T honored for their service during a luncheon at the Schooner Cove Independent Living Facility in Damariscotta at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11. The meal was at the 11th hour in honor of Veterans Day and World War II veterans. The event included the introduction of World War II veterans with their military affiliation. American Legion Auxiliary National Executive Committee Woman Mary Jane McLoon introduced the following WWII veterans: Thomas Darson, U.S. Navy; Elton Fraser, U.S. Air Force; Robert Hills, Royal Air Force/U.S. Air Force; Peter Coffin, U.S Air Force/U.S. Army; Muriel Wilhelm, U.S. Navy; Robert Ifill, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines; Harriet Hibbard, U.S. Army; Ralph Moxcey, U.S. Air Force; Albert Sears, U.S. Navy, Albert Rottner, ntil approximately two years ago, U most of the American Legion Bradford-Sortwell-Wright Post 54 building on Bath Road could not be seen by passersby. It was obscured by shrubs, which were contributing to the building's rot, Post 54 Cmdr. Bill Cossette said. The building is now not only visible from the road, but passersby may notice new vinyl siding, a new roof, new windows, and new doors. The renovations, completed just recently, were part of a multi-year effort to remodel Post 54 and transform it into a building that can host community functions. With the outside of the building nearing completion, new flooring on the interior is one of the few remaining projects at the post, Cossette said. Our wives will be happy when we're done, he said. Already, Post 54 hosted a wedding over the summer. Cossette said he would like to see more events such as that occurring at Post 54. The ability to complete the flooring project largely depends on fundraising activity and how much Post 54 is able to take in through its bottle drive, he said. Since the purchase of Post 54's current building on Bath Road in 2005, it has been a work in progress, Cossette said. Materials to complete the upgrades to Post 54's exterior were purchased approximately four years ago with leftover money from the sale of Post 54's old hall, Cossette said. Hancock Lumber, Ames Supply, and Brunswick Steel were extremely generous, Cossette said, and offered the post discounted materials. American Legion members volunteered their time and energy to complete the upgrades to the building, Cossette said. This was totally a volunteer effort, he said. Completing the renovations before the winter season is a big relief, Cossette said. He thanked 2nd Vice Cmdr. John Kennedy, Dennis Hill, and Jim Savage profusely for their work. Anyone who worked on this should be proud of it, Kennedy said. The Lincoln County News By Abigail W. Adams World War II Veterans Honored at Schooner Cove U.S. Army; Joe Gray, U.S. Army; and William Bowman, U.S. Army. Veterans from the Korean conflict were also present to honor the veterans who fought before them. American Legion State Cmdr. Ronald Rainfrette was the guest speaker at the celebration. Rainfrette, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict, thanked the veterans for their service. He told them he knew firsthand the ravages of war. His father, John, a Marine in WWII, was in the battles of Iwo Jima and Saipan, and would have gone to Ottawa if he had not been wounded on Iwo Jima. Rainfrette said his father never talked about it, but his wounds from the war told the story. After returning from the war protecting his country, John became the first police chief in Camden, protecting his community and Photo courtesy Scott Shott: Lincoln County Healthcare Veterans salute the flag during a ceremony at Schooner Cove in Damariscotta on Veterans Day. From left: Mike Johnson, Ralph Moxcey (World War II), Mary Jane McLoon, Gary Pitcher (Vietnam), Roy Benner (Persian Gulf), Jerry Miller (Vietnam), and Schooner Cove resident Vic Macomber (Korea and Vietnam). devoting about 38 years to public service, according to Rainfrette. Your service to this country will be remembered for generations to come, Rainfrette told the veterans. It is time to bring this country back to the beacon of light it once was. Rainfrette said the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. We are not just Americans. We are citizens. Healing has begun, heroes have died, and the heroes we have created have fought for this country and died for their family and friends. He said the veterans in attendance are among the heroes that have been created through their commitment and service to their country. The event was organized by Schooner Cove Executive Director Karen Westhaver, Resident Services Consultant Mary Beth Bonang, and McLoon. A luncheon was served by the staff at Schooner Cove to the veterans and their guests. Prior to the ceremony, several gathered at the Schooner Cove flagpole to lay a wreath. Wiscasset Honors Veterans of Past and Present iscasset veterans and townspeople W gathered at the town office meeting room on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, to honor all living veterans and remember those who fought and died defending their country. The service included a message from U.S. Sen. Angus King, a song sung by Denise Reynolds, a spiritual message from the Rev. Wally Staples, comments from the American Legion Auxiliary, and a wreath-laying ceremony by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary at the veterans monument. The ceremony opened with a welcome from Wiscasset American Legion Post Cmdr. William Cossette, and a thank you to the town for allowing the ceremony be held inside instead of outside in the rain. Gail Kezer, from King's office, read a message from King, who thanked all the men and women who served in the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to their country. These selfless patriots, and their dedicated families, embody the very best of America, and today we acknowledge not only what they have accomplished, but also what they have inspired, King said in the message. King asked for people to rededicate themselves to caring for those who have fought in the battles to keep the U.S. free, pointing out that many veterans are struggling with homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and a lack of access to health care. He quoted a portion of President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address, affirming the government's obligation to care for those who were injured during war, and to provide for the families of the men and women who died on the battlefield: To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan. King said, These are more than just words, they are a Lincoln County News Nov. 19 By Charlotte Boynton call to action that we are still duty-bound to fulfill. Let us celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices of our veterans, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them just as they have supported us. The group gathered at the Veterans Day service was entertained by Denise Reynolds singing America The Beautiful. Wiscasset American Legion Auxiliary member Diane Munsey thanked veterans for their service and said, If it were not for you, the auxiliary would not be here. One of the veterans from the audience shouted out, You're right. Staples said, Veterans Day is a very special day and quoted President Ronald Reagan: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. Staples said freedom is not free and the cost of freedom is great. To remind the audience of the cost of freedom, he recited the poem In Flanders Fields by Col. John McCrae, a doctor in the Canadian Army during World War I. The poem is about an American cemetery in Belgium where hundreds of veterans are buried. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. The Lincoln County News By Charlotte Boynton Veterans Day Message: The Rev. Wally Staples delivers a Veterans Day message to Wiscasset Legionnaires and veterans and their family members at the Wiscasset town office Nov. 11. Photo by Charlotte Boynton

8 22 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 District 8 Harpswell Post 171 Ninth Annual Christmas Party for Togus VA t Post 171 s ninth annual Christmas A party for Togus VA long-term care patients on Dec. 11, active duty members of the Navy, currently serving at BIW, and Coast Guard from South Portland assisted patients at the pizza and lobster roll lunch and with opening individual gifts afterwards. Lobster rolls were provided by Roy Harpswell Post 171 Christmas Party: Left to right, Best Buy Manager Ray Poulin VA Recreation Therapist Liz Marrone, red sweater, and Roger Dumont with patients. Knight, aka Santa. A computer for the community room, purchased from and installed by Best Buy Topsham, was donated by Post 171 to the Togus Veterans Village. Santa Roy Knight received a plaque from Harpswell Post 171 for his assistance over the last several years with the Veterans Day Parade All Photos by Dave Sosnowski Assistance Rewarded: Santa Roy Knight receives a plaque from Harpswell Post 171 for his assistance over the last several years with the Veterans Day Parade. Christmas Party Attendees: Some of those in attendance at Post 171 Annual Christmas Party. Left to right, Gary Anderson, Gary Cornwell, Bill O Connell, Cdr. Mike Doyle, Bob Webber,Past Post 171 Cdr. Roger Dumont, Adj. Richard Rector, Russ Kondratiuk, William Sabrowski behind. Bath Post 21 : Bath Police Officer Garrett Olson, head of the Bath Police Benevolent Association, presents a check for $890 to Smith-Tobey Post 21 Commander Chris Gillespie. For the second year, Officers of the Bath Police Department stopped shaving for the months of November and December. The price for each to pay for the rugged Maine look was to donate at least $100 to a fund dedicated to local charities. A total of $1780 was raised. This year the fund was split in two. The Bath Area Food Pantry and The American Legion Smith-Tobey Post 21. In the letter from the Association, Officer Olson noted that the American Legion is among the most reputable of charities with donated money going to the many programs that support veterans and their families. The money from the "no-shave" fund will go Photo by Michael Frelk to the Post 21 outreach program geared toward the happiness and well-being of our veterans in the long term care facility at Togus VA Hospital. Bravo Zulu and a big thank you to the generous Officers of the Bath PD! Phippsburg Post 216 Initiation Ceremony: Commander Ken Kellogg and Sgt-At-Arms Dave Barnes swear in newest Legion members, left to right, Bob Morse, Fred Hartman, and Bruce Macmillan at the Post initiation Ceremony in January. Certificate of Commendation: Phippsburg Post 216 Commander Ken Kellogg presents a Legion Volunteer Fire and Rescue Certificate of Commendation to Pastor Dan Coffin and a Legion Volunteer Rescue Service Certificate of Commendation to his wife Kathi for their many years of service to the citizens of Phippsburg. Comrade Coffin was also presented with a Legion Certificate of Appreciation for his service as Judge Advocate for Post 216. Dan and Kathi were honored at a farewell ceremony in November at the Small Point Baptist Church, where Dan ministered, as they head to their new home in Wayne, ME. Phippsburg Post 216 raises funds each year in support of local veterans by holding a raffle. This year Epiphany Quilters California donated handmade military fleece quilts as some of the prizes. First Vice Commander Gary Flemmings, left and Comrade Dick Soule, right manned the raffle table at the Phippsburg School. The drawing was held in December and over $700 was raised. Photos taken by Post 216 Public Affairs Officer Mike Young & Chilloa Young

9 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY District 8 continued Photos taken by Post 216 Public Affairs Officer Mike Young & Chilloa Young District 9 held a meeting at Gardiner Post 4 on Nov. 11, Veterans Day where Peter Ogden Bureau of Veteran Services, honored Bob Cunningham of Augusta Post 205, right, with several metals. Bob was awarded the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Army Guard Conduct Medal and a Memorial Korean War book. District 9 Retirement Ceremony: Phippsburg Post 216 Commander Ken Kellogg reads a Legion Firefighters Certificate of Appreciation at Phippsburg Fire Chief Jimma Totman s retirement ceremony in Sept. Retiring Chief Totman has served as the Fire Chief for over 22 years. Andy Hart, replacement Fire Chief, is in the background. Congratulations!!! District 9 for providing the most number of pictures & articles for publication in The Maine Legionnaire. District 9 continued August Post 2 Oratorical Contest Winner Noah Aube receives scholarship money after winning the Kennebec County competition after four other students failed to compete in the American Legion National Oratorical Contest. Mr. Aube is a high honors student and captain of the Cony swim team who s presented a speech entitle, Sorting out Fact from Fiction in the Media, a Citizens Responsibility. On hand to present his award was State Senator Roger J. Katz the former mayor of Augusta, District 9 Commander Donald Chase, and Post 2 Commander Patrick Eisenhart. Commander Eisenhart said, I am extremely impressed with this young man for his courage to compete when others failed to participate. He had very little time to write his 8 to 10 minute prepared speech on the U.S. Constitution and a citizens responsibility to our government. I was particularly impressed with Noah s knowledge of the Bill of Rights. Noah, an Eagle Scout, has acquitted himself and Cony High School well. We all wish him well when he competes for the state championship at Thomas College on February 13th where he will compete for $1500 first prize and an all-expense paid trip to Indianapolis for the national competition in April. Since 1938, the first national American Legion Oratorical Contest, Maine students have come close, but never won. Hopefully, Cony High Senior Noah Aube will be the first. Left to right, American Legion District 9 Commander Donald Chase, Cony High Senior Noah Aube, and Senator Roger Katz. Augusta Boy Scout Troop 603 came full force on Veterans Day at the Augusta Post 2 home. They provided Honor Guard services, served a pot luck dinner, and listened to guest speaker Past State and National Commander Tony Jordan. The event was well attended and was followed by a highly successful auction of donated items. Legislature Of The Year: Past National Vice Commander William Ciciotti, District 9 Commander Donald Chase, and Post 2 American Legion Commander Patrick Eisenhart, on behalf of The American Legion, Department of Maine, presented former Augusta Mayor and sitting State Senator Roger J. Katz, with the Legislator of the Year Award. Presenting the award to Senator Katz is American Legion District 9, Kennebec County Commander Don Chase, left at the District 9 meeting held Jan. 13 at South China Post 179. Wreath Laying At Blue Star Markers: Hallowell Post 6 members help the Kennebec Garden Club honor past Veterans by laying wreaths at the Blue Star Memorial plaques located in Hallowell and the Maines Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.

10 24 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 District 10 District 9 continued Skowhegan Post 16 Ceremony: The Skowhegan- Litchfield Post 181 completed a flag Madison Elks Club had a Veterans and Flag Retirement Ceremony held at Skowhegan Post 16 on Nov. 14. The Boy Scouts with the help of the scout master and assistant scout master did a great job. There were two guest speakers: a representative from Bruce Poliquin's office, Karen Staples and House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe. The ceremony went well despite the blustery day. Skowhegan Post 16 member Tina Richards is pictured here properly disposing a flag. retirement ceremony on Veterans Day, Boy Scouts from Troop #698 and Teague Morris, representing Senator Angus King's office, also participated in the events. Boy Scouts Provide Great Information: The Honoring WWII Veterans: Litchfield Post 181 honor their WWII Vet- Boy Scouts pictured here are cutting the flag and telling what each piece means at the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Club Veterans and Flag Retirement Ceremony held at Skowhegan Post 16 on Nov. 14. erans on Veteran's Day with a luncheon, ball caps, and certificates. Post 181 has 11 WWII Veterans who are members. On Popcorn Duty: Augusta Post 205 members 2nd Vice Commander Tom Shea, left, and his partner Adjutant Don Demers on popcorn duty at the Turnpike Mall. The two have been doing popcorn duty at the Turnpike Mall every other weekend since October of The popcorn they sell is by donation only. They have raised more than $1700 for their Food & Fuel assistance program. The $50 food cards and $200 Fuel Gift Certificates are donated to the Military Family Assistance Center where they are distributed to needy military families and to our Veterans. Photo by Pat Harrington Scouts Receive Certificate Of Participation: Scouts of Troop 603, sponsored by American Legion Post 205 of Augusta, receive their certificate for participating in Wreaths Across America at our local Veteran Cemetery. Standing at left is Scoutmaster Stephen Richardson, Scouts Michael Fortin, Jushua Hoffman and Adjutant Don Demers. In the first row at left are Scouts Eric McDonnell, and Stephen Labbe. Photo by Clay Hoffman Saluting Our Veterans Day Tribute: The Messalonskee Middle School put on a "Saluting Our Veterans Day Tribute" at the Messalonskee High School for the Veterans on Nov. 6, and did an awesome job! The highlights of the Tribute were the Veterans marching beneath a canopy of flags held by the students to the auditorium, and a young lady did a dance with sign language to the song "I'm Proud To Be An American" by Lee Greenwood. Stories were read from the students that did interviews with Veterans at the Cole Land Transportation Museum on Oct. 6. At the end of the ceremony the students shook all the Veterans hands and thanked them for their service. Left to right, Messalonskee Middle School students Deklan Thurston, Lydia Bradfield, Alex Jackson, Joselyn Oeullette, Brian Folsom, Tina Richard from District 10 and Post 16, and Rylee Poulin. Pittsfield Post 32 members at their local Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 11.

11 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY District 11 District 11 Meeting: District 11 meeting held at Palermo Post 163 on Nov. 15. Front row, Left to right, Dept. Finance Officer Tommy Adkins, Christine Adkins, District 11 Commander Lance Weddell, Martha Weddell, Department 1st Vice Commander Pete Johnson, and behind Chris Adkins is Department Commander Ron Rainfrette. Both Chris Adkins and Marth Weddell were presented Certificates of Appreciation for their outstanding support of District 11 functions at the meeting. Photo by Laura Adkins Photo by Chris Adkins Jan 17, 2016 Frank D. Hazeltine Post 43 in Belfast, ME Certificate Appreciation: District 11 Commander Lance Waddell, left, presents Certificate of Appreciation to Senior Vice- President and Belfast, ME Site Executive Brian J. King, center, for all the support that Bank of America has given to District 11 of the Department of Maine over these past years. Looking on is Judy Otis Service Officer of District 11. Recognition: Department of Maine, District 11 of The American Legion recognized five Korean War Veterans for their service at Belfast Post 43 on Jan. 17. Front, left to right, James Wood, Theodore Bigos, Oscar Bryant Sr., Allen Yeaton, and Robert (Mike) Sexton, District 11 Commander Lance Waddell and District 11 Adjutant Lee Snyder. Back, left to right, Department of Maine Finance Officer Tommy Adkins and the Department of Maine Commander Ronald Rainfrette. We remember their service to this country and the sacrifices they and thousands of other veterans made so that others may share in the American dream. Lee Graham Post 97 in Howland held its annual Boys and Girls State Dinner on Oct. 22 at their Post home. Front row, left to right, Mikayla Roy and Sophia Carson. Back row, left to right, 13th District-Penobscot Commander John Neel, Post 97 Commander Henry Carey, Ethan King, Zachary Sides, and Unit 97 President Gale Wallace. District 13 District 13 continued Banners of Heroes ERMON, Maine Marching in a H parade usually doesn t require homework, but Hermon High School s Jr. ROTC members had a special assignment given to them by local veteran Harry Rideout ahead of marching in Bangor s Veterans Day event on Wednesday. Rideout has organized what he is calling Banners of Heroes, a program that commemorates the service of individual veterans. He is asking the Hermon JROTC members to carry the banners in the parade and to learn the stories behind the names on the banners. He knows he can count on us, Maj. Marcel Fortier, senior Army instructor at Hermon High, told cadets on Oct. 30, the day the project was unveiled to students. This is why he came to us first, instead of Bangor or Brewer or Old Town. This is a very rewarding endeavor, and I know it will be for you as well. Banners of Heroes, made possible through donations and a group of volunteers, has put the name of every military person with Maine ties who has died while serving the country since Sept. 11, 2001, on individual banners the cadets will carry. I just wanted to honor the fallen since 9/11, Rideout said. The first one, he was at the Pentagon when four planes were hijacked and crashed on U.S. soil, starting the Global War on Terror. The Maine Army National Guard s Survivor Outreach Services provided the list of names of Maine service members, or those who have Maine ties, who are State of Maine Gold Star Honorable Service Medal Hermon HS JROTC Leaders: Major Fortier and 1st Sergeant Jenkins are the leaders of the Hermon High School JROTC group, which happens to be the largest in the state. recipients. The homework assignment for the Jr. ROTC cadets, to whom Fortier teaches leadership skills with retired 1st Sgt. Rob Jenkins, is designed to educate them about each and every soldier. We wanted it to be a little bit more than just carrying a banner, Fortier said. The 73 banners will be carried again during the Memorial Day parade. Then they will be delivered to the hometowns of each Mainer listed. The banners will find permanent homes at American Legion halls, Veterans of Foreign War gathering places, other military clubs or town halls, Rideout said. Hermon, which is Rideout s hometown, provided him with a place to plan the program with other volunteers, and The First bank provided money to pay for the banners. The original idea was to post the banners on a series of telephone poles in town, but that changed when Rideout ran into Fortier, who reminded him the Hawk Battalion has 101 cadets. It s been quite a journey, said Rideout, a longtime veterans advocate who helped coordinate the Support Our Troops of Greater Bangor in 2003, now known at the Maine Troop Greeters. I think it s a really cool idea, said Capt. Sabrina Growe, 17, a senior at Hermon High School and the Alpha Company commander. It s a nice honor to support those who have fought for us, added 2nd Lt. Jerika Myers, 17, a junior. Posted by Nok-Noi Ricker on Nov. 10, 2015 Article taken from Bangor Daily News - bangordailynews.com URL to article: news/bangor/hermon-jrotc-to-carry-banners-of-heroes-inbangor-parade/ Banners Of Heroes Project: Harry Rideout has been working on this "Banners of Heroes" project since July. 75 Hermon High School JROTC cadets carried the lead banner and 73 individual ones. Very impressive young people who also learned info. about their Hero. They will be doing the same in The Memorial Day parade, then present banners to family members later.

12 26 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 District 14 District 14 Meeting: Dept. 1st Vice Cmdr. Peter Johnson addresses the Piscataquis District at their meeting held Nov. 21 at the Towne-Holbon Post 116 in Monson. Peter Johnson did an excellent presentation on the relationships between Posts, Districts, Department, and National making it very clear that the backbone of the American Legion are the individual Posts and the upper levels are there for support to the Posts when it comes to resources and information. It is extremely important for the Post to attend their District meetings, and find ways to obtain the resources available to them, and get them out to their members through meetings, newsletters, or visits. Looking on (back row, standing) is District 14 Commander Dan Nutter Sr. Outstanding Leadership: Past National Vice Cmdr. Douglas Haggan and National Adjutant Dan Wheeler issued an American Legion certificate of Appreciation to Dept. Cmdr. Richard Dick Graves in appreciation for outstanding Leadership. Certificate was signed September 4th, Presentation was made by Dept. 1st Vice Cmdr. Peter Johnson and 2nd Vice Cmdr. Randall Kluj during the 14th District meeting Nov. 21, 2015 in Monson, ME. Left to right, Peter Johnson, Richard L. Graves Sr., and Randall Kluj. Photos by PDC/Acting 14th District Historian Richard Graves Post/District Oratorical Contest: The 14th District and Greenville Post 94 recently conducted the 2016 Oratorical Contest at Greenville High School. Left to right, GHS English Teacher Alan Cartwright, 3rd place winner Connor DiAngelo, 2nd place winner Dakota Morehouse, 1st place winner Keegan Cannell, Post 94 Cmdr. John Guerin, and 14 District Cmdr. Dan Nutter. Keegan Cannell will proceed on to the State Championship Feb. 13 at Thomas College. Monson Post % Membership: Dept.1st Vice Cmdr. Peter Johnson and 2nd Vice Cmdr. Randall Kluj present a 100% Membership Award to Monson Towne- Holbon Post 116 during the 14th District meeting Nov 21. Left to right, Monson Post 116 Cmdr. William Ranta, Peter Johnson, Post 116 Adjutant Matthew Deloia, and Randall Kluj. Photo by PDC/Acting 14th District Historian Richard Graves Sangerville Post % Membership: % Membership Award is given to Post Cmdr. Bradford Ellis of Sangerville Stott-Flanders Post 165 during the 14th District meeting held at the Towne- Holbon Post 116 in Monson on Nov. 21. Commander Ellis credits Post Adjutant Edward Grant for all the hard work. Presenting the award is Dept. of Maine 1st Vice Cmdr. Peter Johnson, left, and 2nd Vice Cmdr. Randall Kluj, right. Veterans Day Parade: Calais Post 3 Commander Mike Mclean carries our Nations Colors with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 for their Remembrance/Veterans Day parade. We strive to be two countries with one mission. Photo by PDC/Acting 14th District Historian Richard Graves District 15 Calais Post 3 Commander Mike Mclean, right, and Father (Mej) Ret Dave Sivret at the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry in Calais where they, along with other volunteers, distributed Thanksgiving Boxes to the community. Membership Is KEY!!!

13 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY POST NAME CONFLICT Post 1 Rockland Walter K. Butler Jr. Post 2 Augusta Benjamin Avery Korea Post 2 Augusta Robert Shailer WWII Post 2 Augusta Robert J. Bender Sr. Korea Post 4 Gardiner James Verhille Vietnam Post 4 Gardiner Frederick W. Honnen Korea Post 4 Gardiner Fred Moody Vietnam Post 4 Gardiner Dana L. Walls Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Joseph A. Dutil Korea Post 5 Waterville James W. Steeves WWII Post 5 Waterville Willard J. Shirley Jr. Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Alcee A. Vigue WWII Post 5 Waterville Charles S. Maroon WWII Post 5 Waterville Morris F. Peters Korea Post 5 Waterville Richard P. Principato Korea Post 6 Hallowell James R. Curtis Korea Post 8 Cherryfield Ernest Corliss Korea Post 8 Cherryfield Preston Smith WWII Post 8 Cherryfield Dorothy Leighton WWII Post 8 Cherryfield Nelson Read WWII Post 8 Cherryfield Lester Foster WWII Post 8 Cherryfield David Cotton Persian Gulf Post 10 Livermore Falls Francis R. Therrien WWII Post 10 Livermore Falls Robie Wagner WWII Post 12 Bangor Emile A. Amnotte WWII Post 13 East Millinocket James McLean WWII Post 13 East Millinocket Keith W. Boynton Jr. Korea Post 24 Rumford Lucien J. Arsenault WWII Post 24 Rumford Donald Knapp Korea Post 24 Rumford Gerald J. Gallant WWII Post 24 Rumford Lionel N. Belanger WWII Post 24 Rumford Robert A. Marcoux Vietnam Post 24 Rumford Omer C. Pelletier WWII Post 24 Rumford Lawrence R. Kerr WWII Post 32 Pittsfield Ida Briggs WWII Post 32 Pittsfield Donald Neal Vietnam Post 34 St. George Raoul A. Champagne Vietnam Post 36 Boothbay Harbor Robert E. Zimmerli WWII Post 36 Boothbay Harbor Harold L. Robinson WWII Post 36 Boothbay GeorgeW. Cochrane WWII Post 39 Madison Bernard C. Landry WWII Post 41 Milo Wallace E. Blowers Korea Post 41 Milo Carlton E. Martin Vietnam POST NAME CONFLICT Post 49 Van Buren Armand Morrow WWII Post 49 Van Buren Joel N. Ayotte WWII Post 50 Unity Robert C. Gardiner Korea Post 54 Wiscasset Norman E. Carlson Korea Post 55 Limerick William G. Lazouras Korea Post 58 Buckfield Steven Vogelsang Vietnam Post 69 Southwest Harbor Robert C. Bartlett WWII Post 72 South Paris Joseph F. Cooney Korea Post 77 Lincoln Harold Ham Sr. Korea/Vietnam Post 77 Lincoln Myron G. Worster WWII Post 79 Berwick Robert L. Stillings Korea Post 84 Orono John E. Achorn Korea Post 88 Presque Isle Leighton Parlin Korea Post 88 Presque Isle Ivan R. Porter Korea Post 88 Presque Isle Carl L. Langley WWII Post 88 Presque Isle Jerome Churchill Vietnam Post 88 Presque Isle Victor Pelletier WWII Post 91 Yarmouth Donald D. Hincks WWII Post 94 Greenville Maxim Squires Korea Post 94 Greenville Adrian J. Breton WWII Post 98 Brewer Edward Robertson Vietnam Post 100 Dixfield Edwin L. Pulk Korea Post 107 Etna-Carmel Thomas J. Ashford Vietnam Post 118 Mars Hill Charles E. Durost Jr. Vietnam Post 130 Bar Mills George M. Pease WWII Post 145 Frenchville Christian Guerrette Korea Post 147 Madawaska Roger N. Pelletier Korea Post 148 Windham Joseph Labbe Korea Post 153 Auburn Richard S. McFadden Korea Post 153 Auburn John K. Vickery Vietnam Post 155 Naples Edmund J. Gordon Korea Post 155 Naples Russell Littlefield Korea Post 158 Lisbon Shirley Thiriet WWII Post 164 Falmouth Kenneth H. Hamilton WWII Post 171 Harpswell George M. Kotuby WWII Post 197 Westbrook John V. Dumbrocyo Sr. WWII Post 197 Westbrook Joseph Guimond Korea Post 200 Hermon Barry Knowles Korea Post 205 Augusta Donald R. Lambert Vietnam Post 205 Augusta Raymond J. Arbour Vietnam Post 205 Augusta Charles W. Miller Jr. WWII Post 213 Hampden William H. Sinclair Korea Post 214 Lebanon Joseph V. Zammit WWII WHAT S HAPPENING AT... Fort Pepperrell Post CN-09 Veterans Day Celebration: Fort Pepperrell Post CN-09 members in attendance at the Veterans Day Celebration held at Laval High School in Newfoundland. Left to right, Adjutant Harlow Snippen, Service Officer George Walter, Terry Clower, Commander John Walther, and Ray Reiser. Post CN-09 Scholarship Awarded: Rebecca Drunken receives the Fort Pepperrell Post CN09 Scholarship for the 2015 year. Paying Tribute To Those Who Served: Ray Reiser, left, and John Walther after laying a wreath at the St. John s National War Memorial on Nov. 11.

14 28 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, FEBRUARY 2016 Department of Maine American Legion 5 Verti Drive Winslow, ME Change Service Requested NON PROFIT ORANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WATERVILLE MAINE PERMIT NO. 6 Attention: Next Deadline is Apr. 22 he deadline for material, stories and/ T or pictures to be submitted for consideration for use in the May 2016 issue of The Maine Legionnaire will be April 22, Please be reminded that only those articles and/or pictures which are sent in proper form will be considered for publication. Ineligible stories or pictures that cannot be reproduced will be returned to you. A reminder that stories must be in story format, we are unable to compose your information for you. As always, the editorial staff may edit all submissions at its discretion. We are once again asking for input from all posts, auxiliary units, S.A.L. squadrons, individuals, etc. To make this paper informative to you, it is imperative that we receive submissions from the membership. Photos should be clearly marked as to who s who in the picture as well as who took the picture. Anyone interested in submitting a guest editorial should contact The Maine Legionnaire business office at: (207) or via at: legionme@mainelegion.org. Legislator Meet And Greet Session: American Legion Dept. Officers, Legionnaires and Veterans show their support at the Department of Maine Legislator meet and greet at the State House, Hall of Flags on Jan. 26. Thanks goes out to our elected officials in Augusta for supporting our Veterans by taking the time to stop by to discuss issues and pending legislation of interest to Maine Veterans. Left to right, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, Dept. Public Relations Chairman, Patrick Eisenhart, Dept. Legion Baseball Director and Auburn Post 153 Commander Daniel St. Pierre, District 16 Adjutant Nichole Jordan, Dept. Commander Ronald Rainfrette, Dept. NECA Brenda Dearborn, Madison Post 39 member and State Representative Bradlee Thomas Farrin, Dept. Service Officer Amedeo Lauria, and Augusta Post 2 Service Officer Jim Palmer. L/A Fighting Spirit Contribute To Homeless Veterans: The Lewiston/Auburn Fighting Spirits present Dept. Commander Ronald Rainfrette with a check in the amount of $4530 on Dec. 13 to help support our Homeless Veterans in Maine. Accepting the check with Commander Rainfrette is Auburn Post 153 Commander Daniel St. Pierre, back, center, and Auburn Post 153 1st Vice Commander David Jacobs-Pratt, back, right. American Legion State Oratorical Winner: Department Commander Ronald Rainfrette presents the winner of The American Legion State Oratorical Contest Cherith Bell of Sanford, Maine, with a certificate, medal, and a check in the amount of $1500. Miss Bell, a senior at Sanford Christian Academy represented District 1 at the state competition held Feb. 13 at Thomas College in Waterville. She will compete at the National level April in Indianapolis for a chance to win up to $18000 in scholarships. CONGRATULATIONS CHERITH FOR JOB WELL DONE!!!