Legion Family Gathers at Spectacular Event Center in Bangor for Annual State Convention

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1 THE MAINE Legionnaire OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE AUGUST 2017 Vol. 32, Issue 3 32 Pages Legion Family Gathers at Spectacular Event Center in Bangor for Annual State Convention By PAUL L HEUREUX, State Adjutant Special to The Maine Legionnaire E xuberant attendees, new location, a packed convention hall, and inspiring speakers, made this year s Annual State Convention an event to remember. The Spectacular Event Center in Bangor hosted this year s annual gathering for the first time June 16, 17, and 18 and contributed to making this year s convention a great success. Although there are still a few areas to be worked out, the Legion Family Department of Maine received lots of positive feedback from those in attendance. The 99th Annual State Convention began Friday, June 16 at 9:00 a.m. with the Resolutions Committee meeting and public hearing on 7 resolutions submitted for action. After the public hearing, the committee went into executive session and discussed the various A Special Moment: Commander Randall Kluj surprises his wife Janet with a beautiful bouquet of flowers after being sworn in as the newly elected Department Commander for Maine American Legion on Saturday evening June 17. resolutions and what would be recommended to the general convention population on Saturday afternoon (see results pg. 11). At 12 noon, Department Commander Peter Johnson of Greenville called the convention to order in proper form and Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan welcomed all those in attendance. Attendees were then greeted by Bangor City Chair Joe Baldacci who welcomed everyone to the Bangor area. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and MVH Director of Public Relations Devin Robinson addressed this group of Legionnaires on Friday afternoon as well as MyHealtheVet Coordinator of VA Maine Health Care System Michael L Abbe, and Togus Regional Benefit Office Director Julie Carie. Legionnaires were also greeted by SAL NVC- East Joe Korba who was introduced by Detachment Commander Ronald Marr as well as VAVS Acting Chief Jonathan Barczyk. VAVS Chairman Lou Lamoreau had the honor of presenting Mr. Barczyk with a check in the amount of $7530 from donations received at The American Legion State Headquarters to go towards helping the Homeless Veterans in the state of Maine. Delegates had the privilege of hearing updates and reports from various committee chairmen such as NEC Installation Ceremony: Past Department Commander Herman Wright III performs the Installation Ceremony for The American Legion State Officers & District Commanders during the 99th Annual State Convention held June 17 at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor. Report by NEC John Hargreaves, Blind Camp update by Brian Knowlton, 100th Anniversary update by Donald Hands, Past Commander s Club by President Debra Couture who presented a $500 scholarship to Brook Wagstaff of Wiscasset and Beals House President Kenda Simmons who was presented with a $250 check from money collected at State Headquarters. Department Commander Peter Johnson presented Department President Veronica Gurney with a plaque in recognition and appreciation as the Auxiliary President as well as SAL Commander Ronald Marr for his commitment and dedication as SAL Commander History awards were presented by Ronald Caron awarding 1st place Post History plaque, National Standards to Robert K. Place, Charles Hatch Post 79 and 1st place Post History plaque, State Standards to Robert Bob Christie, Field-Allen Post 148. The Legionnaire of the Year, one the most impressive awards was presented Friday afternoon by Past Department Commander Ronald Rainfrette to Joseph T. Donahue of Brunswick. In recognition of receiving this prestigious award, the Past Department Commanders, Department Officers and guests treated Mr. Donahue to a special dinner. This year, the Legion Family got together and attended the Gotham City Ball Member Appreciation Banquet at the Spectacular Event Center put on by The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Maine where Unit members of the year were recognized as well as the Legionnaire of the year. All those who attended the banquet had a wonderful time; everyone raved about the meal and there were lots of laughs and cheers throughout. Before the close of Friday s session, various Legionnaires presented nomination speeches for the candidates running for election to department offices. Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux then stated a number of announcements for the delegate s in attendance with Department Commander Johnson recessing the convention until 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Commander Johnson reconvened the convention Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. Top Legionnaire: Joseph T. Donahue of Brunswick and member of the George T. Files Post 20, right, was awarded Legionnaire of the Year, the highest award granted by the Maine American Legion, during the Annual State Convention held in Bangor on June 16. Presenting the award is Department Commander Peter Johnson. with Maine Adjutant General Doug Farnum giving a brief overview to attendees regarding our Maine Veterans and Maine s participation of the Army National Guard. Although Senator s Angus King Jr., and Susan Collins were unable to attend the Annual State Convention due to prior commitments, they did, however, provide a video addressing our State of Maine Veterans. Moving forward with Saturday s packed agenda, Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan introduced the following candidate for National Commander Brett P. Reistad of Virginia who gave greetings to our fellow Legionnaires and discussed his goals as National Commander to helping our Nation s Veterans. Other guest speakers included Legionnaire Insurance Trust Special Consultant Dyke Shannon who gave attendees a run down on the LIT programs available and what they do for the Legionnaires of our department. District Attorney Maeghan Maloney, and Maine Veteran Honor Flight Board Member/U.S. Navy Retired, Joy Asuncion also gave greetings to those in attendance and provided a brief overview of their plans regarding our Maine Veterans. Guest speaker for Maine Seniors Magazine Publisher, David S. Nealley joined us this year to discuss More on CONVENTION, Page 2

2 2 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 andall G. Kluj was elected as the R Department of Maine Commander of The American Legion during the 99th Annual State Convention held at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor on June 17, Randy was born in Commander Kluj to Lead Maine American Legion Perth Amboy, New RANDALL G. KLUJ COMMANDER Jersey on August In April of 1966, he joined the United States Navy attending basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Continuing into communication training at Imperial Beach, California, he volunteered and was accepted for extensive special training involving power plant/power train maintenance for the Huey helicopter. He also did door gunner training at Fort Benning, Georgia, UDT, survival training at Navy Seal training site, Coronado, California, and Marine small arms training at Camp Pendleton, California. Having successfully survived all this Special Forces training, he was assigned to the Helicopter Attack Light Squadron 3, otherwise known as the Sea Wolves. In June 1967, Randy was deployed to South Vietnam and assigned to Det. 3 (Sea Wolves) as a crew chief/door gunner. The New Commander Greetings: American Legion Department Commander Randall Kluj takes the stand to give his greetings to those in attendance for the first time as the newly elected Department Commander for the state of Maine. primary mission was to support the U.S. Seal Team operations and to patrol the Mekong Delta region. Randall G. Kluj received 28 Navy Air Metals and other Vietnam decorations, plus the Seal Wolves became the most decorated unit in the Vietnam War. Returning state side in June 1968, he was discharged from Patuxent Naval Air Station, Maryland in In 1971, Randy married his wife Janet and was accepted into the East Brunswick, New Jersey Police Department. Upon completion of the Police Academy, he was assigned as a patrolman and had a distinguished twenty-five year career serving as Narcotics Detective and a patrolman training officer. Having retired in June, 1992, the Kluj family, now consisting of Janet and young Randall S. Kluj, immediately moved permanently to their new home in Orneville Plantation, Maine. As their son moved up to higher grades, Randy became involved with coaching baseball at Dover- Foxcroft Academy for a time and they kept involved with their son's activities. In Randy joined the Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post in Milo, Maine and became immediately involved almost daily as the Post facility was upgraded and community involvement was a priority. Randy became the Post Commander in 2004, and held that position until During that time, he arranged the dedication and posting of some American Flags on telephone poles throughout the community from May until Labor Day, an Easter egg hunt for the community children, a monthly free break- More on KLUJ, Page 5 Farewell Greetings: Outgoing Commander Peter Johnson gives his farewell speech to those in attendance after the ceremony held in his honor during the 99th Annual State Convention June 17. Convention (Continued from Page 1) Maine Seniors Veteran Issues as well as future articles that will be published in the Maine Seniors Magazine on the Department of Maine, American Legion and its Legionnaires. Our 99th Annual American Legion State Convention-goers Saturday afternoon were then greeted by U.S. Congressman Bruce Poliquin who addressed our Maine Veterans on Veterans issues around the State of Maine. Delegates on Saturday also had the privilege of hearing numerous updates and reports from various committee chairmen/chairwomen as well as seeing special awards presented. Americanism Committee update and Americanism awards and certificates were presented by the Americanism Committee Chairwoman Debra Couture and Commander Peter Johnson. The Women s Advisory Committee Chairwoman Debra Couture also gave a brief overview on the Women s Advisory Committee as well as presented awards to committee members Patricia Thurston and Judy Otis for their loyalty, devoted service and leadership which contributed to the advancement of the programs of The American Legion. Other committee updates and reports were given by National Security Chairman David Patch, Department Finance Committee Chairman/Finance Officer Tommy Adkins, Scholarship Committee Chairman Ronald Caron, Legislative update/awards by Chairman Matthew Jabaut and Advisor William Ciciotte, Maine Special Olympics Chairman Jesse Pierce as well as Maine Special Olympics President/ CEO Phil Geelhoed and Training/Camp Tall Pines Director Ian Frank. Mr. Geelhoed was presented a check for Special Olympics, Maine from the Department of Maine totaling $4200 received through donations from all over Maine. Maine Legion Baseball Director Dan St. Pierre updated those in attendance on the improvements/happenings of The American Legion Baseball program and its new website Commander Peter Johnson gave a brief overview of Dirigo Boys State as well as presented special awards to Paul Jacques (absent), Jim Johnson and Tony Tirabassi in recognition of outstanding excellence for their dedication and commitment to The American Legion, Dirigo Boys State Program; Department Vice Commanders Randall Kluj and Scott Paradis updated attendees on Membership as well as presented awards for 100% by Dec. 31, 2016 and Posts that acquired most new members; and Resolutions Committee Chairman Terry Knowles reported on committee resolutions. The convention on Saturday consisted of various awards presented to some impressive individuals in their particular field such as the Humanitarian of the Year award which was presented this year to Robert L. Bates, Otisfield, Maine; Humanitarian Citizen award to Sharon McKellar, Weld, Maine; Roger s Rangers/District Commander award to Raymond Lewis, District 6; Tony s Tiger/ Post Commander award to Darrell E. Savage, Lincoln Post 77; Law Enforcement Officer of the Year to Officer Timothy Williams, Skowhegan; Firefighter of the Year to Lieutenant Michael Arsenault, Rumford Fire Dept.; EMT/ Paramedic of the Year to Sergeant Robert M. Cook, Milo; Educator of the Year to Nancy Cash-Cobb RSU 14 - Windham Primary School; Americanism award to Diane F. Whalen, Wales; Service Officer of the Year award to Kelly Mulcahy, Naples Post 155; Commander s Award to Sportsman s Alliance of Maine and Wilderness Walk for Warriors just to name a few. For a complete listing of all awards, please see page 13. Late Friday afternoon the ceremony honoring the outgoing Department Commander Peter Johnson took place, conducted by Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux. Commander Johnson thanked everyone for their support and backing him throughout the year. Following his response, the Chairman of the Credentials Committee, William Alaimo read off the results of the voting for Department Officers running for office for Department Commander Randall Kluj, Milo Post 41 Department First Vice Commander Scott Paradis, Corinna Post 73 Department Second Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut, Topsham Post 202 Department Finance Officer Tommy Adkins, Stockton Springs Post 157 Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall, Gray Post 86 Department Historian, Jeffrey Stevenson, Bath Post 21 Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture, Litchfield Post 181 Department Chaplain Patricia Thurston, Rumford Post 24 Department Sgt-at-Arms Alfred McKay, Damariscotta Post 42 The 99th Annual State Convention concluded on Saturday afternoon, June 17, with our Sweepstakes drawing. The lucky winner for the top prize of $3,500 was awarded to Martha Albert, Belfast Post 43; $1000 to Malcolm Harriman, Winslow Post 178; and $500 to Gary White, Winslow Post 178. After the sweepstake winners were announced, the Memorial Service-Post Everlasting for those comrades who answered the final call this past year was conducted by Department Sgt.-at-Arms Patricia Thurston and Department Chaplain Gregory Couture. After the Retirement of Colors, the convention adjourned until 6:00 p.m. for the State Convention Installation Dinner held at the Spectacular Event Center which was conducted for the Legion, Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. Sunday morning saw the DEC meet at 8:00 a.m. where the committee reviewed the various items on the agenda and other topics of business of the Department of Maine.

3 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Commander s Comments irst, I would like to thank my fellow F legionnaires for the honor to represent the Department of Maine American Legion this year as your Commander. I will do my best not to disappoint that trust you have reposed in me. The American Legion is built on the four pillars care of our veterans, a strong national security, Americanism and our children and youth. That is our mission, to fulfill our obligation to our veterans present and past and to continue with what has made our organization so successful for 99 years. The Maine Legion has blossomed tremendously the past several years in the modernization of our Department Headquarters under the leadership of all Department Officers and Adjutant Paul L Heureux. Paul s spirit has certainly been the constant over this new transformation period. Our Legislative committee, Service office, training programs, and the Maine Legion Family Compound are all things that we should be proud of! There is more work to do. The one area that we need to diligently work on is our membership. I know no one seems to like the membership detail, but it truly is the organization s future. We need to do our best to let our M COMMANDER RANDALL G. KLUJ EMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP It seems you are always asked to increase your membership and no matter what programs you begin discussing, you always come back to membership. The reason for this is obvious -- SCOTT membership is PARADIS the lifeblood of A First Look new generation know the value of belonging to The Maine American Legion. Congratulations to all our new Legion officers, Department, Districts and Posts. Let s all work together and continue the great success we have made and build new ones. As we move toward our centennial year, it is my hope that each and every legion member remain energized to the cause that built this great nation with patriotism for God and country. I would ask for your support this coming year and I thank each and everyone in our legion family and to my fellow Veterans I thank you for your service to our country. I would like to leave you with this devotional prayer that I read at my installation. I accept each new opportunity to learn as I move toward my goals. Another Chance Young children learning to walk usually fall several times as they work at gaining enough balance to take a few steps. Yet they are so eager to have another chance-again and again. They do learn to walk and eventually to run! As an adult I, too, may stumble when I am learning something new. Yet I know that God will give me another chance. The timing and Degree of my success will be different from what others Experience, and this is okay. I have confidence in God and an Eagerness to learn. I may or may not reach my goal today, but Tomorrow holds new promise and possibility. With just one more day, one more time of trying, I realize a Breakthrough to new understanding. The American Legion. Without members, there would be no Legion programs. Without members, we would have no voice on Capitol Hill. Without members, there would be no accomplishment in assistance and support to veterans, their families, the community, state and nation. But, The American Legion has recorded consistent accomplishments for veterans and their families since It is often emphasized, It is not the price you pay to belong, but the price you paid to be eligible to belong. Often times your members are hesitant to ask veterans to join The American Legion because we are asking the veteran for his money and his time. Do you not feel, as a Legionnaire, that time and money will be well spent in advancing the many and various programs of The American Legion? Don t be hesitant or apologetic, ask them to join, ask them to renew NOW. You must offer every eligible veteran the opportunity to be a Legionnaire. Many Legionnaires ask; What do you talk about when you approach a prospective member? Because of the American Legion and its nearly three million members there is: A fair and equitable GI Bill of Rights for our veterans A Flag Code to direct the proper dis- More on 1ST VICE, Page 5 On the Agenda AUGUST MEETINGS District 5 Oxford: Aug. 15, South Paris Veterans Home, BBQ 5 p.m., hosted by Bethel Post 81, 7 p.m. mtg. SEPTEMBER MEETINGS District 3 Androscoggin: Sept. 17, Livermore Falls Post 10, 2 p.m. District 11 Waldo: Sept. 17, Brooks Post 183, 2 p.m. District 13 Penobscot: Sept. 10, Carmel Grange Hall, 2 p.m. Dean Williams from Healing Waters will be guest speaker. District 14 Piscataquis: Sept. 9, Guilford Post 119, 6:30 p.m. meal, 7:30 p.m. mtg. OCTOBER MEETINGS District 3 Androscoggin: Oct. 15, Auburn Post 31, 2 p.m. District 14 Piscataquis: Oct. 21, Milo Post 41, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. NOVEMBER MEETINGS District 3 Androscoggin: Nov. 19, Turner Post 111, 2 p.m. District 11 Waldo: Nov. 19, Palermo Post 163, 2 p.m. District 14 Piscataquis: Nov. 18, Monson Post 116, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. s the Finance A Officer for the Department of Maine, I see a great deal of the finance end of our business. There two major changes that affect us greatly as an organization are: 1. We are growing financially, as of last year we now have assets over one million dollars. 2. We now have capital assets or to put it another way, we have a physical plant that we need to update and maintain. Writing an article for the newspaper is difficult at times, because I m not certain what it is that you expect to read about. However, since I m the Finance Officer writing this article, the article should be about our financial status. So here we go. These are the highlights of the financial situation of our department for last quarter: Dues money for FY 2018 is coming in pretty much as expected. Money Matters TOMMY ADKINS Most of our large expenses have been paid, but we still have some of them out there. For instance, the Department Insurance bill, the mailing costs for The Maine Legionnaire, taxes etc. We are not anticipating any problems meeting our obligations to our vendors. Membership is a concern as we continue to lose more and more of our WWII veterans. Plans are underway to address this situation and other membership issues. We are uncertain of the associated cost that may incur as the 100-Year Committee moves forward. Our major Capital Expense, the sealing of the Parking lot, has been completed and the invoices paid. Our relationships with SAL, ALA, and the Legion Riders remains excellent and we anticipate it growing stronger. The Finance Committee will meet this month of August to review the past quarter results and make any recommendations needed to the DEC. I ll write about them in the next issue. Let me leave you with a closing question from something I am reading. The question is: Have you ever met someone for the first time and immediately wanted to buy them a toaster for their bathtub? Appreciation Award: Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux, right, presents Outgoing Department Commander Peter Johnson with an Appreciation plaque at the Annual State Convention in Bangor June 17 for his services to The American Legion, Department of Maine as State Commander during the year. Photo by Ronald Caron

4 4 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 THE MAINE Legionnaire OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE Official Newspaper of The American Legion, Dept. of Maine. Published at Sun Press, 104 Park Street, Lewiston, Maine, by The American Legion Department of Maine. Business Office, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME Website: Tel.: Fax: rachael@mainelegion.org Facebook: Paul L Heureux, Editor Rachael Currie, Assistant Editor & Layout Editor Third Class Postage paid at Waterville, Maine Subscription for Maine Legionnaires $2 as a part of their dues. Other subscription Rate $10 a year. Average Circulation: 22,000. T Americanism Report hank you all for a great convention in June. I attempted to make sure that all Posts that had diligently submitted information and articles that involved any aspects of Americanism were recognized at the Convention. However, what happened was a DEBRA lengthy list of COUTURE awards for many great Posts that ultimately took up too much time to present. I would like to ask all of you to give me some recommendations on how you believe that the Americanism awards should be determined for next year. I have had several recommendations so far and am interested in hearing from anyone who has an idea to make it better. I want to attempt to visit as many Posts as possible over the next 6 months. I will probably be calling many Posts to see if it is OK if I stop in for a meeting. At the present time, I will be using last year s directory to contact the Posts. The Department of Maine is attempting to get all the Post Officer forms so that they can set up a new directory that includes who the current Post officers are, but we are dependent on all the Posts to submit that information so that Rachael and staff can complete that task. Please send your Posts information to Rachael if you have not done so already. On the Americanism front, the Maine American Legion baseball finals were fantastic, as usual. I am anxiously awaiting the results of this weekend s games in Massachusetts to see how our Maine winners, the Bangor Comrades, did in the regional playoffs. Thank you to Dan St. Pierre and all the Posts, players, coaches, and staff who make this so successful each year. As the new school year approaches, our high school seniors will begin to look for and complete scholarship applications. If you have family members or know of students who would qualify for an American Legion scholarship, please let them know what is available to them. The website for scholarships offered by the national organization may be obtained by visiting or by ing scholarships@legion.org. As an example, there were 55 American Legion Legacy scholarships awarded totaling $671,892 in All 55 scholarships were awarded to children of post- 9/11 veterans having been assigned a combined disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs of 50 percent or greater. Additionally, the Department of Maine has several scholarships available for qualified applicants. More on AMERICANISM, Page 7 he State Convention ended on the T 18th of June at a new location with a different venue and ideas. We were given very constructive ideas for some adjustments that must be made for next years Convention. Thank you again to all Legionnaires, The Adjutant Speaks PAUL L HEUREUX Auxiliary and Son s members for your patience and support to make this Convention a successful event. Next on the agenda is to prepare for our team to be sent to our National HQ for a membership meeting & class sessions. This year s team is made up of the following State Officers:1st Vice Commander Scott Paradis, 2nd Vice Commander Matt Jabaut, and Judge Advocate Jason Hall. They have been preparing their thoughts and ideas to bring to our National HQ. They in turn will bring the new ideas back to the State of Maine and share that information at the Fall Conference in September. This is a special team for the Department of Maine for all three are Legion College graduates. Two of them, Matt Jabaut & Jason Hall have just completed the first class of a 3 part weekend course for the Department of Maine with classes held in our new training building at HQ. The feed back received has been very positive and many have said that they have never before received this type of training. I must note this because the 2 instructors are younger than most who attended the class and most realized that weekend that the younger veterans are joining and are stepping up to make a difference. Why did these new Legionnaires join? Well I sat down with some of them to find out why. It was not an easy task for them. They had to look around and see what all the Veterans Service Organizations had to offer. They had to see if they would be well received. They also wanted to see who had key committees and people in place to make sure their voices where heard. They wanted to see how we operated at the Post, State and National level. Did the American Legion meet their goals? Well in some areas, we did. They noticed that here in The Department of Maine that many of the current leadership was determined that we did not turn our head away from these veterans as many of us were when we joined. We took the time to listen and learn. We also have made great strides in involving our female veterans in key positions at the Post, and State level. Do we still have areas that need improvement? Yes we do, but we are determined to listen and make adjustments so that our organization will continue to support these veterans as well as all others now and in the future. So what do you do at the post level to attract these new veterans? What we found is that they want to know a few things. First and foremost; what are you doing at the post level? Are you holding meetings just to complain, or are you meeting to actually do something for veterans, your community, or even the larger picture at the State & National level? What does your post look like? Next time you walk into your post home, take a look around. What does it really look like? Is it clean? Updated with a little paint? How about organized? How do you run your meetings? Flag and POW-MIA chair respected? We have been doing this for almost 100 years, so if not, when did you stop? These veterans (male & female) hold many of the same values that maybe some of you have now taken for granted. If you do not have a post home, do you still have pride in your meetings? Keep that in mind when they show up for their first meeting. In closing, I want to thank all those Legionnaires that have made a big difference in the last 4 years. Thank you to those who have attended our Post Service Officers class and created a busy office because you have been part of the process to guide veterans to our 2 Service officers. Also we are grateful to those who are now attending the training classes to bring better leadership for the future of our organization. Finally, thank you to those Legionnaires who are sending in extra donations for our programs and KEEP IT IN MAINE programs. Yes, that and many more reasons why you all are making a difference in Maine. FORWARD & FOCUSED Memorial Service For Past Department Commander: Past Department Commander Herman Wright III, left, and Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux convey their heartfelt condolences to those attending the Memorial Service of Past Department Commander John Doyle on June 6. He will forever be remembered, and forever missed. Photo by Jeff Stevenson

5 1st Vice (Continued from Page 3) play and respect for Old Glory A viable VA Health Care system Courage to fight for a Constitutional Amendment against flag desecration Persistent efforts to secure recognition and treatment for illness caused by Agent Orange and unknown illnesses from the Persian Gulf War. You can tell the prospective Legionnaire about: THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGA- ZINE, which contains updates on the status of legislation that directly affects all veterans information on outfit reunions monthly interviews with key government officials debates on the Big Issues from two opposing points of view occasional accounts of real-life experiences during the war years and much, much more. The American Legion Member Benefit Plan. Substantial travel discounts for both the member and family include motel and rental car discounts, eye care plan, and the discount prescription program. Also, medical and dental insurance plans are available. (Go to for more information.) American Legion Life Insurance Plan available only to members the largest, low-cost insurance plan of its kind in the country. Now offering exciting plans for members and their families. The American Legion Membership Card, which gives the member access to nearly 14,000 Legion Posts worldwide and guarantees that our members will always have a fellow veteran nearby. But more important are the intangible benefits of membership, the ones you can t put a dollar value to the lifelong friendships that develop from being actively involved with others the leadership qualities one gains by holding offices at the Post, District, Department, or National echelons the sense of accomplishment one feels after seeing a project through to Historical Bulletin M y Fellow Legionnaires! It is my distinct pleasure to be serving as your 2 nd Vice Commander for the Department of Maine. I want to thank all of you for your support and look forward to a productive and great year! A Second Look MATTHEW JABAUT In July, we attended the National Membership workshop in Indianapolis, IN. F ellow Legionnaires, thank you for your selection as Department Historian, it is truly an honor. I would also like to convey deep appreciation to Department Commander Randy Kluj, Past JEFFREY Department STEVENSON Commander and Department Adjutant Paul L`Heureux, Department 1 st Vice Scott Paradis & Past Department Commander Herman Wright for their encouragement and support. Starting our new year, I am asking all Historians/Posts for some help to make an early start for our Department yearbook. The goal is to get a picture of each and every Post home (or where you meet), a group photo of all officers, listing all names using: Front, Middle, Back row & Left to Right format. Any additional information such as hours of operation, meeting schedule & Post history would also be encouraged. This might not seem like a lot initially, but this project is going to be huge in the overall collective, early participation would be greatly appreciated! Pictures of who the Post is named after, record of Military service or Community involvement would truly give an indepth history to the roots of the American Legion Department of Maine as never before seen and would be a great asset to our upcoming Centennial anniversary. District & Area Commanders please send your pictures as well. Due to the frequency of Post events, regrettably it is unrealistic to attend all scheduled events, but I encourage Posts throughout the State to send in pictures of their events. Digital format is preferred and hard copies sent will be maintained at Headquarters. Pictures must be clear and notated in the afore-mentioned format for consideration for possible publication. Thank you once again, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can in the upcoming year. Respectfully, Jeff Stevenson uslegionnaire@yahoo.com We had a great meeting with the Leading candidate for National Commander and wanted to share her priorities for the coming year. Membership is always a priority as an organization and is priority number 1 for all of us. She has asked that we really work on early renewals, CPR, and Training. Some of you may have received renewal s already, and first and foremost, I must apologize on behalf of our organization for the tone of those s. It was a hard push sell on renewals and was the wrong approach. We have made that known to our National organization and More on 2ND VICE, Page 13 he committee held a meeting at the T American Legion Post 2 in Augusta on July 8 th. We thank Commander Howard for providing a place for us to meet. As you all know, it is hard to get everyone together for a meeting with so many committee members living in different locations. We were lucky to have a call in from up north by Sheri who provided information and ideas. An event will soon be planned up north in the spring. Information will be given as we get it. The Damariscotta Post 42 s Auxiliary has shared their interest in planning a luncheon for October. Rumford Post 24 is currently planning their 5 th Annual Women Veteran s Luncheon on November 4 th. A morning of pampering will begin approximately at 9am. Lunch and guest speakers will follow. Flyers will be sent out closer to the event. Please support us to get the word out to all women veterans. This event is free to women veterans and they do not Kluj (Continued from Page 2) fast for veterans, and introduced and trained members in the POW/MIA ceremony that has been presented at all Kiwanis free dinners for the community veterans involving two hundred fifty veterans and families. Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post became an outstanding Post in Maine because of Randall Kluj's energy, drive and continual new ideas. During and Randy became involved with the Department of Maine heading up the Troop Greeter liaison and becoming the Department Vice Commander for In he became the Commander of the THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST successful completion and most importantly, the self-satisfaction of knowing that just by being a member we are helping others less fortunate than ourselves. All of the above-mentioned benefits of membership, both tangible and intangible, add up to one thing opportunity. This opportunity is enhanced by additional benefits of membership available through your Department and your Post. At your next Post meeting, emphasize to your Legionnaires that membership in The American Legion is an opportunity to be shared with those non-member, eligible veterans. The American Legion provides for our veterans and their families through the following programs: Troop Support Services (TS2), Temporary Financial Assistance, Legion Riders, Heroes to Hometowns, Assistance to needy children and families, Missing Children Programs, College Scholarships to High School Students, Drug Abuse Programs, Veterans Administration Volunteer Services, Teenage Suicide Prevention Programs, Blood Donor Program, Special Olympics, High School Oratorical Contest, The American Legion Auxiliary/ Girls State and Nation, Boys State and Nation, The National Emergency Fund, American Legion Baseball, The Family Support Network, Job Assistance Programs, The Flag Honor Guard, Boy Scouts, Cub Packs, Explorer Units, Sons of The American Legion, Flag Education Programs, Department Service Officers, Crime Resistance, and Children s Miracle Network Affiliation. Ask them where their interests lie and offer them the opportunity to serve. As The American Legion continues its intensive drive to protect and preserve veterans benefits programs especially in the area of medical care the numerical strength of the organization is so important. Is your Post doing its part in the nationwide drive to increase the Legion s growth? Thank you for your time and your service. Women s Advisory/Women Veterans Action Committee Update need to be a legion member to attend the luncheon. Please let us know if you are willing to hold a women veterans luncheon at your Post. One or more of the committee members will support you with your event. Please reach out to one of the following committee members if you would like further information: Committee Chair Tricia Thurston, Joy Bordeau, Deb Couture, Brenda Dearborn, Sheri Drake, Gloria Hall, Eileen Krawczyk, Catherine Merrill, Kelly Mulcahy, Judy Otis, Destiny Poole, Alley Smith, Renee Wells, and Caroline Yarmala. Our contact information can be found on the mainelegion.org website. If you know of professionals who are willing to volunteer and provide manicures, haircuts, massages or reiki please share their information with us. Thank you in advance for supporting these events. Tricia Thurston, Chairwoman District (Piscataquis County) for two years and continued to improve the District before moving onto the Department of Maine Vice Commander Vice Commander In he was also the Commander of Post providing leadership to bring the Post forward during difficult times. Randy has been the right man at the right times within the American Legion Post, District, and the Department of Maine. He has an extensive knowledge of the American Legion at all levels, noted for his ability to work within the communities and extremely patriotic. Randall Kluj and his wife Janet love living in Maine, having purchased a home located on an old farm property in a remote area where they have plenty of apple trees, fields and woods to enjoy.

6 6 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 President s Message ongratulations to all our American C Legion Family newly elected officers on all levels. We are all looking forward to the upcoming year and working with TAL Commander Kluj and SAL Commander Marr on our wonderful programs. What a great American Legion Family we have here in the great State of Maine! PRESIDENT ANN DUROST POW/MIA Project: Newly installed Auxiliary Dept. President Ann Durost and Dept. Commander Randall Kluj present their POW/MIA Memorial Project to those in attendance during the DEC meeting in Bangor on June 18. Left to right, newly elected Officers, Auxiliary President Ann Durost, Dept. Commander Randall Kluj, Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut and Dept. Judge Advocate Jason Hall. As many of you may know, I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and am undergoing treatment at this time. They believe they have caught it early and I am hoping to have a swift recovery and be back to my old self again soon. In the meantime, please help us sponsor all 480 bricks for the American Legion Family, Department of Maine POW/ MIA Memorial. This year s project is to build a lasting memorial on The American Legion Family Campus to remember our POW/MIA s from Maine. There are 480 Mainers still missing from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. We plan to place a brick for each of the unaccounted for soldiers that have never been found. Each brick in the memorial can be sponsored thru a Post, Unit, Squadron, or Chapter of the American Legion Family, Department of Maine. This is SO important. These 480 Mainers gave their all and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Let s get those bricks sponsored so we can build the memorial! The info for sponsoring bricks is available on our website at: Please remember that the document is ever changing as bricks are being sponsored and we will try to keep it updated on the website ever couple of weeks. Only one brick can be sponsored for each individual and they are on a first come, first serve basis. You can also do a monetary donation to the memorial to help with construction as well as maintaining it moving forward if you wish. Also, important to note, there is a section of FAQ s (Frequently Asked Questions) Section that you should read and if you have a question that is not answered there, please reach out to Department Secretary, Michelle McRae, for the answer. It is vital that we proceed with this project in a manner that is respectful of the nature of the project and I know everyone will work to do so and honor these 480 Mainers. I hope to be back to full speed soon and appreciate any prayer you can offer for my family and I as we embark on this newest adventure. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Philippians 4:6-7 For God and Country, Ann Durost, Department President Gothem City Ball Attire: Auxiliary Department Vice President/newly installed Auxiliary President Ann Durost and Auxiliary Secretary Michelle McRae model their Batman attire at the Gothem City Ball Member Appreciation Banquet held at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor on June 16. Left to right Ann s son Nathan, Ann Durost, Ann s daughter Amy and Michelle McRae. VETERAN OF THE MONTH - May JOHN C. CHILD So. Paris Veterans Home ohn C. Child J NAVY 3RD CLASS PETTY OFFICER John was born on May 12, 1933 in West Peru, Maine just outside of Rumford, Maine. He grew up with 3 sisters and 2 brothers. John graduated from Dixfield High School. He worked at the Stowell MacGregor mill for a couple of summers while he was in high school. After high school, he continued to work there as a supervisor until he enlisted into the Navy in January John was on medical duty where he took care of the wounded vets and assisted the doctors, going wherever he was needed. He served on the USS O Brian ship and one other hospital ship, it was not the front lines, but close he says. John was honorably discharged in January 1956 and received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupational Service Medal. After the service, he signed up for the Navy Reserves and did VETERAN OF THE MONTH - June GEORGE E. VINCENT So. Paris Veterans Home eorge E. Vincent G ARMY-MACHINIST George was born in Auburn, Maine on Feb. 22, He enlisted into the Army and served from Feb. 25, 1946 to Nov. 12, He served in Germany during World War II and worked as a machinist. George earned the Army of Occupation medal, World War II Victory medal and the M-1 Rifle MKM badge. In 1949, George married Clemence Trepanier and spent 31 years together. He remarried in 2002 to Jean Blanchard from Bryant Pond and lived there together for 11 years. George has 2 daughters, Diane Bowie & Susan Raymond, a stepdaughter, Bethany Dunham and he also has 2 grandchildren, Sasha & Breanne. After the service, George worked as a machinist at Bates Mill in Lewiston, Maine Veterans Home Certification: John G. Kezal of Rumford, right, proudly holds his State of Maine certificate that he received after being sworn in as a member of the Board of Trustees, Maine Veterans Home by Dedimus Justice Sheryl J. Briggs, left, on Apr. 27. that for 12 years while working at Diamond International where he made ice cream sticks, medical applicators, and other wooden products. John retired from Diamond International after working 42 years for them. He was happily married for 50 years and has 13 children, 6 boys & 7 girls who live throughout the states. He also has 27 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. After their last child left home, he and his wife bought a motor home and traveled everywhere for 6 years. Hawaii was the only place they didn t go. John was a sports nut in his younger years playing baseball & football in high school. He enjoys NASCAR racing, while he was out traveling the states, he got to meet Dale Earnhardt. John also enjoys reading sports books and going outside. He came to the Maine Veterans' Home in June 2015 and resides on the Residential Care Unit. Thank you John for your service. Maine. He joined the Auburn Fire Department for 25 years. He became a master electrician and opened his own electrical business called Vincent Electrical. George was always a hard worker, he was a master of many trades and built 3 houses. Anyone who knew him would easily recognize him with a pipe in his mouth and called him Pipeman George enjoyed gardening, tinkering, woodworking, big band & country music and reading the newspaper. George came to the Maine Veterans' Home in August 2015 and likes to help out filling the bird feeders outside and working in the flower gardens on the grounds. He also enjoys hanging out with other residents on his unit. Thank You George for your service.

7 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Modernizing the VA Appeals Process to Support Maine Veterans SENATOR ANGUS KING hroughout our T nation s history, men and women have answered the call to protect the safety and security of their fellow citizens and the values of the United States. Our country owes an eternal debt of gratitude to our veterans; their sacrifice and courage must not be forgotten. An important way Congress can show its commitment to veterans in Maine and across the country is through commonsense improvements to the VA system to ensure veterans have accessible, timely and high -quality health care services. That s why I am pleased the Senate has passed two important pieces of legislation. The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act will overhaul the outdated VA appeals process. And the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 will provide emergency funding to the VA to fund the Veterans Choice Program for an additional six months which is critical for veterans in rural parts of our state and authorizes funding for a new Community Based Out Patient Clinic (CBOC) in Portland. The Veterans Appeals and Modernization Act addresses the debilitating inefficiencies of an appeals system that has not been updated since 1933, causing a backlog of over 450,000 veterans waiting for decisions to be rendered on their appeals. This legislation seeks to modernize the system, giving veterans who are choosing to appeal a decision a set of clear, straightforward options. These options include submitting an application to a higher-level adjudicator at a regional VA office, submitting new evidence to be considered, and a request to submit the application directly to a Board review. These are commonsense fixes that will cut red tape and help expedite and reform the appeals process. As many veterans in Maine know, the Veterans Choice Program builds on the success of Project ARCH (Access Reached Closer to Home) and is critical Americanism (Continued from Page 4) The beginning of the school year also means planning for the High School Oratorical Contest. Please start working with your schools on this project. Additionally, there are many students in charter schools, home schools, and private schools who may be interested in participating. Several sites that include lists of many of these are included here: to supporting veterans who would otherwise have to travel long distances and sometimes wait hours to receive the health care they need. Lawmakers from both the House and the Senate have come together in support of the Veterans Choice Program, and Senator Collins and I have worked closely with these bipartisan, bicameral groups to ensure that the program is continued. Similarly, the reauthorization of VA medical facility leases is crucial to providing veterans across the country with access to convenient health care. Senator Collins and I have worked persistently on this issue to ensure that leases are reauthorized for these facilities. In January, we reintroduced the Providing Overdue Care Act, which would authorize pending leases for 23 VA medical facilities; in May, along with Representatives Pingree and Poliquin, we wrote to VA Secretary David Shulkin and Director of the Office of Budget and Management Mick Mulvaney to urge the administration to help authorize the leases; and in July, we wrote to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to press the committee to include the leases of 27 VA medical facilities including the CBOC in Portland in upcoming legislation to extend the Choice program for FY17 and FY18. The new Portland CBOC will consolidate the existing Saco and Portland CBOCs and enhance VA outpatient services. The lease will increase veterans access to a core set of services and additional specialty care in a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient health care facility in the Portland area. The planned full deployment of tele-medicine technologies in the new clinic will also further improve veterans access to care in rural locations throughout Maine. These bills are important steps towards ensuring that veterans receive the care they need close to home, and that they receive fair and timely review of their appeals. Improving how we serve our veterans lends credence to their accomplishments and sacrifices and reaffirms our commitment to the brave men and women who have worn, and continue to wear the uniform. private-schools_2017. Lastly, there is a great deal of additional information from the National Americanism Committee available at the following site that will give you some updates on what has been happening within the Americanism committees. Please check it out when you have time. legion/commissions/2017_americanism_edited_0.pdf Thank you for all that you do for the American Legion and your communities. For God and Country, Deb Couture I Carry the Legacy Forward have pushed the importance of membership, both with recruiting and retaining, since I took office as your national commander last September. As we dip below 2 million members, membership is of great concern to me. We lost 66,000 members in 2017 to NATIONAL post everlasting, however, COMMANDER CHARLES SCHMIDT we only gained 64,267 new traditional members. And there are more than 18 million eligible members who need to hear from The American Legion. Even though my time as the Legion s national commander is coming to a close, membership will always be a message that I will continue to deliver and push for. Please remember that it s membership that keeps our programs viable and able to support youth, veterans and their families; allows us to advocate for veterans; and makes us the strongest veterans service organization in the nation. Without membership, who is going to contribute the more than 645,000 volunteer y name is M Jason Hall, it is an honor to serve the many veterans throughout our great State of Maine as your newly appointed Department Judge Advocate. I served in both the Air Force and Army (save the bad jokes, I have hours at VA hospitals that our dedicated members did last year? Who is going to fundraise for our Operation Comfort Warriors program and help deliver those donations to America s wounded, injured and ill heroes to let them know that within a grateful nation resides an especially grateful American Legion Family? And who is going to hold the VA accountable to ensure our veterans receive the health care and benefits they so rightfully deserve? As we approach The American Legion s 100th anniversary in 2019, membership will remain poignant in leading the largest veterans service organization into its next century. We need your help if the only organization that we all love is going to remain relevant. Are we doing all that we can to say, Join us!, to those eligible to do so? Remember, membership will always be the lifeblood of The American Legion. I thank you for allowing me to serve as your national commander, as it has been my greatest honor to represent each and every one of you during my travels to posts, department conventions and our nation s capital. Now I ll leave you with my lasting message Carry the Legacy Forward. If you do, we will carry The American Legion into its next century. August 3, 2017 Judge s Chambers JUDGE ADVOCATE JASON HALL heard them all) and look forward to meeting many of you in my upcoming travels. I represented Maine in 2016 as the National American Legion College graduate from the Department of Maine and I am currently one of the instructors for many of the courses being offered at HQ in Winslow. Keep an eye out for some upcoming training opportunities, information will be in the SMILE. In my day job, I deal with many nonprofits, many of them are faith-based. A pastor friend of mine informed me of a situation he was dealing with at this church, his congregation was shrinking and his friend s church was growing. The idea to merge churches was both financially and doctrinal compatible. One church was board run with members not having a vote, the other church was congregationally governed. A special meeting of the members was called, the merger was discussed and, after a robust debate, the merger motion was approved on a 19-7 vote. This was after argument broke out, members walked out of meeting infuriated, and long term members were not given a voice at the meeting. To make a long story short, legal teams were brought in by older members whose voice was silenced at the meeting, a defense team was assembled, 2 years of litigation, 5 weeks of trial, $200,000 in legal fees, and more stress than you need in a lifetime. Emotions were raw, nerves were frayed, bank accounts emptied, and friendships were terminated or barely hanging by a thread. The moral of the story: BY- LAWS MATTER. If the sides knew what they could do and what they could not do, it may have never turned into such a mess. I have seen many Legion Posts, including my own, searching for their bylaws or officers not knowing what their bylaws are. The turnover at some Posts leaves the new people not knowing what their by-laws are. Please, for the sake of future officers at your Post send a copy of your by-laws to HQ for review. We will keep a copy on file to alleviate any challenges that could occur in the future. I look forward to serving you, in the meantime, step up and volunteer to do what you can for this great organization.

8 8 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 ope you are all enjoying this great H weather! The DSO is working hard every day to take care of our membership and veterans in Maine. Once again, here is some helpful information! PLEASE READ AND RESPOND TO YOUR MAIL FROM THE VA! Please read your VA notification of decision letter from front to back, if you AMEDEO LAURIA have questions call the DSO and make an appointment to review it with a service officer! We are not always notified when a VA letter goes out. It is the veteran s responsibility to request filing for other benefits and appeals. In some cases only the veteran can sign the claim. Under the paperless system we do not see all the notification letters. CALL US! Also, We have had several cases of service connected veterans who have temporarily lost benefits for failure to answer VA mail or failure to update their address. It is the veteran s responsibility to notify the VA when they have a change of address. The easiest way to do it is on My Healthy Vet and on E-Benefits premium account. In addition, Failure to attend a VA directed comp and pen, submit forms requested by the VA or other lack of communications with the VA may/will cause them to possibly stop or lower your benefits. Examples: Individual Un-Employability - You must inform the VA of your employment status every year, until they stop asking. Usually age 65. Status of dependents must be reported to the VA once every eight years if you are receiving benefits due to your dependent s (in most cases when you are granted 30% or higher in compensation or when in receipt of a VA pension). If you fail to get a notice, your address may be wrong in the system; be proactive! Widow fails to update her address, mail was returned by the post office, and her benefits were stopped! Service Office Update Try not to let this happen, be proactive in your dealings with the Veteran s Administration. Call the Service Office if you need help. APPEALS OF CLAIMS. Appeals have very strict time lines. See the attached chart below! These dates are chiseled in STONE. Do not lose benefits by waiting too long to appeal the denial of your claim; if warranted. 12 months from notification letter, to file a Notice of Disagreement. 60 days from Statement of Case to file an appeal to the BVA. 30 days from Supplemental Statement of Case to file an appeal to the BVA. 120 days from the mailing date of aa Board of Veterans Appeals Decision to file to progress to the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Clams. Trying to File Claims by Telephone and . Please do not assume if you leave a telephone message or send an asking us to file claim, that the claim has been filed. We need to discuss it with you by phone at the very least! We MUST talk with you, in most cases, to ensure that we are clear on what you want. After the claim is filed, you should call eight working days after you file to ensure the claim was accepted by the VA. This will avoid any misunderstandings or lost claims/ appeals. Your first claim MUST be filed here in person at Togus or through E-Benefits; with few exceptions. If you do not want to travel to Togus, you can receive assistance from Maine Veterans Services in locations around the state. Contacting the DSO for Assistance by Telephone. We are handling a r ecor d number of veterans through the Department Service Office. If you call to make an appointment or check on your claim and can t get through, speak clearly and leave your name, and phone number and what you are looking to accomplish. If you are in appeal and need to meet a cut-off period, make sure you tell us that as well. We try to return phone calls within hours. Due to volume of calls, we only call back once and leave a message to call us back. Here are the problems we run into when trying to contact you about your claim/ appeal: Phone number is wrong because we couldn t understand you; call back. Your voic on your phone is not setup - Ask someone how to set it up. Your mailbox is full - Ask someone how to clear it. Make sure your voic has your name so we know we have the right phone number when we call; we only leave a generic message for your privacy. We are not allowed to talk to anyone but the claimant; unless we have a VA third party release on file. Local power of attorney is not sufficient to allow us to talk to anyone but the veteran. Post Service Officer of the Year 2017! Congratulations to Post Service Officer Kelly Mulcahy, American Legion Casco- Raymond Memorial Post 155, American Legion Department of Maine who was selected as Post Service Officer of the Year. Kelly was recently recognized at the State Convention for her efforts. Kelly does a great job at the Naples American Legion Post assisting veterans in her local area, and reaching out public relations efforts. Congratulations Kelly! Service to Veterans: If you have previously filed a claim, you may be able to file your claim with us by making a telephonic appointment; this works especially well with those veterans who receive their entire healthcare at Togus or a Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Financial Assistance. Keep in mind that requests for financial needs should be directed to your town/city for general assistance (GA), and either a local Legion post for a possible fundraiser or the American Legion Department Headquarters. In addition, we can make referrals to other service organizations, but we do not have the funds to pay rent, mortgage, credit card bills or other ongoing bills. If you have children, mention TFA to the Department Adjutant when you call to see if you are eligible to apply. PSO Training Seminar. The next PSO Training Seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 the class is currently at capacity. You can make reservations for the Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 and future classes now by ing the DSO at amedeo.lauria@va.gov. Mutual Helpfulness! To those Posts and Districts that do not have Service Officers, recommend you encourage your officers/ members to step up. It can be very rewarding to assist our membership, their survivors and dependents obtain their well-earned benefits. Also, if you are a Post Service officer, who is unable to attend, contact the DSO, we will put you on our list to receive the Department Service Office Newsletter. We have trained over 130 Legionnaires, Congressional Staffers, and leadership of Military Service Organizations, which has directly resulted in our Legionnaires and Maine Veterans and their survivors receiving compensation and pension! Remember if you have a change of Post Service Officer, please ask your newly elected Post Service Officers to sign up and attend the PSO seminar. Also, I will add them to the DSO newsletter until they can attend. PSO Contact Information. Post Service Officers, as a minimum, please send us your full name, Post, telephone number (your phone number will not be released) and address. The purpose is so that members of your post can contact you for local assistance and also so that I can contact you, by phone or , if we hear from a member in your post that needs assistance. DSO Newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter, please your contact information to amedeo.lauria@va.gov and state in the body of your if you would like your name listed in the newsletter as well as permission to link to your address through the newsletter. The newsletter is ed out monthly. The newsletter was developed as a way to stay in touch with Post Service Officers and to keep them up to date on changes and sources of information that is of value to our veterans. The newsletter contains active links to a variety of resources for veterans as well as links to you, so you can better serve the members of your post. We are not doing mailings at this time. Benefits (Check for more information) VA Insurance S-DVI. When you are initially service connected for an illness or injury you are entitled, if eligible, for VA Life Insurance in the amount of $10,000. You must apply for this insurance within two years of initial service connection to receive it; to include subsequent grants of service connection. If you are under age 65 you may be eligible to purchase an additional $30,000 of VA Life Insurance (S-DVI). If you are 100% disabled, when you apply, and under the age of 65, you can request a waiver of the premiums on the first $10,000. You normally get a letter with a blue pamphlet and application in it read it carefully. Far too many veterans die with no insurance leaving their survivor to try to find monetary resources for burial. Don t be one of those veterans. You can find more information regarding VA Insurance on In addition, the American Legion has various policies to help you avoid large medical and burial expenses. You can find more information at The VA Burial Benefits, while a nice benefit, are not near the $10,000 you can purchase or can possibly get for free; if eligible. Think about your family before you toss the little blue insurance pamphlet and elect not to sign up. More SERVICE OFFICE UPDATE, Page 9

9 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Service Office Update (Continued from Page 8) Not all veterans receive a death benefit from the VA. Contact our office to find out your eligibility. Camp Lejeune Update! File your claim now! IMPORTANT NOTE! If you filed before for these conditions, and were turned down, YOU MUST FILE AGAIN ASAP! VA s Rule Establishes a Presumption of Service Connection for Diseases Associated with Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C. The presumption of service connection applies to active duty, reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and are diagnosed with any of the following conditions: adult leukemia aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes bladder cancer kidney cancer liver cancer multiple myeloma non-hodgkin s lymphoma Parkinson s disease These conditions are presumptive; other conditions can be claimed with a nexus letter from a doctor; for more information contact the DSO. Also, VA is reimbursing certain veterans family members for eligible out-ofpocket medical expenses related to the 15 covered conditions. More information can be found at: C123 AIRCRAFT AND AGENT OR- ANGE Under certain circumstances and eligibility veterans who were involved with C -123 Aircraft, the aircraft used to spray Agent Orange, may be entitled to presumptive service connection. This would also apply to survivors benefits claimants who were turned down in the past. Contact the DSO for the eligibility requirements. Benefits will, according to the VA, only go back one year from the date the claim is filed. Should I file a compensation claim? The decision to file a claim is a personal one. It is your claim; not the DSOs claim. Also filing a claim is a team effort, the veteran, DSO, VA, and private health care provider. You must be an active participant in the claims process. In general terms ask yourself these questions: Did this disability start/occur while you were on Active Duty/ADUTRA or IDUTRA? Is it documented in your medical treatment record? Line of Duty? Performance file? Is it Chronic? i.e. have you been seeing a doctor since service for the disability? Do you have a current medical diagnosis? This is a very general list, but can help you in deciding whether or not to file. The best course of action is to always contact the DSO and make an appointment. Do not request copies of your service records as the VA is responsible to get your military performance and medical records from the records holding agency. In addition, they will obtain your VA treatment records as well. Also, if you elect to do so; they can request, with your authorization in writing, your private treatment medical records as well. Also keep in mind that service connected disabilities may have a direct impact on benefits for your survivors. Don t delay as time can make it more difficult to develop a claim for benefits. INTENT TO FILE. Some veterans are not ready to file a claim or are looking for additional information and execute an Intent to File with our office. That is NOT a claim for benefits. You have 1 year to file your claim; one year period! Failure to file in one year starts the clock on your claim from the day you file. DO NOT FORGET TO FOLLOW UP AND FILE YOUR CLAIM! COMPENSATION AND PENSION EXAMS (Also called rating exams). You must make every effort to attend your compensation and pension exams, failure to do so may result the denial of your claim with the VA. Notify the point of contact listed on your medical appointment sheet if you are unable to be present as well as the DSO so that we can work with the VBA to reschedule it. Failure to report for you rating exam is an almost guaranteed denial. The VA is now contracting Compensation and Pension exams with a private contractor. If you are asked to go a long distance, over 50 miles, and would rather be seen here in Maine, let the contractor know and then call the DSO so that we can make sure it happens. RECONSIDERATION OR AP- PEALS OF VA CLAIM. If your claim is denied by the VA, it is in your best interest to schedule an appointment with the DSO, so that we can review the reasons for denial and to see if we have sufficient evidence to appeal the decision. While, depending on the claim we may request immediate reconsideration of denial, we will not automatically submit Notice of Disagreements (NODs) or a VAF 9, Appeals to the Board of Veteran s Appeals without talking with you and reviewing your claim. If you receive notice to file a VAF 9, or any VA correspondence for that matter, notify the DSO immediately so we can assist you otherwise you may lose your ability to have your claim heard by the Board of Veteran s Appeals in Washington D.C. Keep in mind that you can have a hearing locally by a Togus Decision Review Officer and then, if not successful in your appeal, a hearing with the Board of Veterans Appeal in Washington D.C. by videoteleconference. You must notify us immediately upon receipt of a Statement of Case or a Supplemental Statement of Case as there are 60 and 30 day time limits on filing for appeal respectively. IMPORTANT: Even though it says cc American Legion, we DO NOT get a paper copy. It just means that it is in the VA electronic file so we can access it. Call us if you want to appeal your decision so we can discuss it. NEW AND MATERIAL EVIDENCE. VA claims that are denied and have not been appealed within the appropriate time frame require New and Material Evidence to be reopened. It is sometimes futile and frustrating to the veteran to keep resubmitting the same claim as it will most likely be denied. The definition of New and Material Evidence is: New evidence is evidence not previously of record, and is neither cumulative nor redundant. Material evidence is relevant and relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim; has a legitimate influence or bearing on the decision in the case, and; is neither cumulative nor redundant. You can discuss this with your service officer to see if your evidence meets the criteria and your claim may be reopened. SURVIVING SPOUSES. We offer veterans the service of sitting down, along with your spouse, to fill out the documentation required to apply for Survivor Benefits; Accrual, Widow s Pension and Dependent Indemnity Compensation (DIC). How does this assist you? We do a preliminary review of your Service Connected disabilities and attempt to determine what entitlement may result at the passing of the veteran. We scan in the required documents and create a draft claim. At the time of the passing of the veteran, the spouse would come to the office with a copy of the Official Death Certificate, he or she would review and sign the documents for submission to the VA in Philadelphia. While it is something we don t like to think about, it helps you as you look at your financial situation after the veteran passes. Keep in mind that with few exceptions the veteran s compensation ceases at the demise of the veteran. The last paycheck must be held for disposition instructions from the VA, or you may incur a debt to the government. NON-SERVICE CONNECTED (NSC) PENSIONS. Non-Service Connected pensions are available to veterans who have received an other than dishonorable discharge who served a specific period of time during a recognized war period. The NSC benefit is currently starts at approximately $12,868 per year for a single veteran. Benefits are offset by any additional income. If you are receiving a Non Service Connected pension be aware that you must report any additional income to the VA immediately or you may incur a debt to the government! Example: If you received your NSC pension before your Social Security payments started, you must notify the VA and not spend the additional money. (EXAMPLE) If you are receiving NSC pension of $1072 and you start receiving Social Security payments of $700, you are only entitled to the $700 from Social Security and $372 from the VA, a total federal benefit of $1072 combined. The VA will periodically check your Social Security number against income tax database, social security database etc. and will start collection if you are getting overpaid; after giving you a chance to respond. Notify the DSO immediately if you get a notification of proposed collection from the VA (Debt letter from St. Paul, MN). CHANGE OF VA CONTACT IN- FORMATION. It is extremely important to keep the VA up-to-date with your contact information, i.e. current address and telephone number. You must provide this to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) (Claims/Pensions etc.) and to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) if you are enrolled at the VA hospital. This information is NOT shared! Also, if you are a snow bird, let the VA know when you are out of town and furnish the new address as failure to do so many affect your claim, compensation/ pension exams and medication delivery. VA HEALTHCARE (Check for more information) Please keep in mind that the American Legion can advocate for you regarding healthcare and billing, but you must be an active partner in the process and follow the procedures to obtain healthcare. If you decide to do something outside the VA process you may be stuck with EXTREMELY large medical bills. The VA is a healthcare provider not health insurance, with the exceptions of true, emergencies; eligible veterans must follow the proper procedures to obtain care. Your VA card is NOT like a MEDICARE or Insurance Card. The same applies to Veterans Choice you must go through the VA to schedule your healthcare. It can be a very complicated process at times. If you have eligibility for VA care, you MUST contact the VA before getting care outside the system or you may be responsible for billing by private providers. You have 3 days to report your emergency care to the VA to preserve possible VA coverage. NOTE: In an emergency always contact 911 first! If you have a VA Veterans Choice card, you still must coordinate your care through the VA and HealthNet; the provider. Please note, Veterans Choice bills are handled by Healthnet, not the VA. Emergency Care outside the VA will only be covered by the VA if you follow the correct steps; and it MUST be an EMERGENCY as specified in law, if not directed by the VA. Also, if you contact the VA and they send an ambulance to get you, and you turn it down, you may be held responsible for hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills. ALWAYS CONTACT THE VA first! Be careful about consults recommended by outside providers; always notify the VA if the private provider wants to send you to another provider; not approved by the VA in advance. The DSO can assist you in the appeal process if the VA will not pay the provider. Some billing issues are very easy to fix and some are not! Do not sit on the bills as there are time frames you must meet to ensure proper resolution. Also, the DSO cannot advise you on your health insurance or health care choices. Those decisions should be made in consultation with appropriate VA or private health benefits advisors. NEW WAYS TO APPLY FOR VA HEALTHCARE. Sign up for VA More SERVICE OFFICE UPDATE, Page 10

10 10 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 Service Office Update (Continued from Page 9) Healthcare. Sign-up for VA Healthcare can now be done three ways! The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it has eliminated paper signature requirements for Veterans wishing to enroll in VA health care. Effective immediately, VA has amended its enrollment regulations to allow Veterans to complete enrollment applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a paper signature. By adding this telephone application option to VA s regulations with this amendment, VA will now offer three ways to enroll. This option provides Veterans a convenient third enrollment option. Paper - VA Form EZ. Call VETS (8387), Mon-Fri between 8 am and 8 pm, EST. On-Line at TOGUS VA WOMEN S CLINIC. If you haven t already heard, there is a Women Veterans Clinic here at Togus. It specializes in women s health issues. Please keep in mind that there are medical conditions that may be claimable for the children of women veterans who served in certain areas and/or on certain ships that are presumptive for Agent Orange. If you are a woman veteran, it is a good idea to give us a call or look for more information on Other Important Information SEPARATION DOCUMENTS. I would just like to remind you, that most of your benefits start with a Separation Document (DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22). Always good to safeguard those documents and make sure your spouse and family know where they are stored, at your bank, credit union or lockbox at home. If you have lost yours, please contact us and we can tell you how to obtain a replacement. It is a VERY important document for obtaining VA benefits. Use this link for obtaining a DD 214 or other military records, as well as awards and decorations. You can apply by mail or online. It usually takes days for a response. Link: veterans KOREA REBORN BOOK. We still have on hand at the DSO at Togus a limited supply of hard bound books Korea Reborn A Grateful Nation Honors Veterans for 60 years of Growth that were given to us to recognize and present to those that served in the Korean War. They are a gift from the people of South Korea to those who served. If you are a veteran who served in Korea during the period June 27, 1950 Jan 31st 1955 we will be happy to provide you with a copy! We still have a good supply of these. They are also available through the State of Maine, Department of Veterans Services. LIBERATION OF KUWAIT BOOK. (We do not have these in the DSO, they are in MVS, Bldg. 248, 1st Floor or contact Adria Horn at Maine Bureau of Veterans Services). Twenty-five years ago, Saddam Hussein ordered his military to invade Kuwait, Iraq s peaceful neighbor to the south and an ally of the United States. Our country s swift and resolute response led to a quick, decisive victory and a lasting sense of pride in the effectiveness of Operation Desert Storm. Maine s Bureau of Veterans Services is proud to share with veterans of Operation Desert Storm a commemorative book, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. Honoring the Veterans of Desert Storm highlights the many stories of valiant service of our men and women in uniform during the war. Each book includes a letter with personal thanks from Governor LePage for service during Operation Desert Storm. Desert Storm Veterans interested in receiving a copy of the book may visit any Maine Bureau of Veteran s Services (BVS) field offices with their DD 214, demonstrating Desert Storm service. If you do not have a copy of your DD 214, you may request one either in person at one of the Maine BVS field offices. Adria O. Horn, Director Bureau of Veterans' Services 117 State House Station Augusta, ME mainebvs@maine.gov DONATIONS TO THE AMERICAN LEGION. Due to the level of service provided by the Department Service Office, and the quality of our Legion program, our members and the veterans we serve are constantly asked about giving back financially to the American Legion Department of Maine. The services provided by the DSO are done so WITHOUT charge by law! Your membership dues and various fundraisers pay for the cost of maintaining the service office at Togus. Please remember that your membership dollars keep the DSO open and available to our membership and veterans. Please encourage your eligible friends and family to use the DSO and to become members of the American Legion. There is power in numbers! Join us! On the other hand, if you wish to donate to the programs of the American Legion Department of Maine or remember the Department in your estate and financial planning, please contact the Department Adjutant at 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901, (207) We are currently in the process of developing a program for charitable donations to fund the programs of our department and information should be coming out soon. Membership is Important to Support our Four Pillars! Remember, it is your membership dollars that keep the Department Service Office open and running! Encourage eligible veterans in your city or town to join the American Legion! Helpful Hints! We encourage membership to use E-Benefits and MyHealtheVet! These systems allow you to check on your claim status, and healthcare from the privacy of your own home 24/7! If you run into problems call the DSO we can walk you through sign-up or answer questions. Veterans or Widow on a PENSION, (NOT COMPENSATION or DIC) MUST notify the VA, in writing, through the VSO if possible, about ANY income from other sources, to include Social Security, or they risk incurring a debt to the Government. We are seeing more and more of this and the debt can be SUBSTANTIAL!! Call if you have any questions! Ensure you understand the rules of compensation and pension; and for what you are being compensated for; disability, spouse, children. Failure to understand the why may result in overpayments and a debt to the government, resulting in a financial hardship for you and your family. It is important to note that the VA has pretty much gone paperless, so the Department Service Office no longer gets copies of all correspondence going to veterans in regards to claims. You MUST call us when receive any paperwork from the VA to ensure the best service. Remind your post members that it is always best to make an appointment to talk with a Service Officer at the DSO. While we will try to take walk-ins on a space available basis; appointments always have first priority for service. *If we assist you as a walk-in, service will terminate if the veteran with an appointment arrives; we will reschedule you to see us to complete your claim. If you have filed and completed a claim in the past, you do not need to come to Togus, in many cases, to file a supplemental claim for additional injuries or illnesses. Call first to find out if you need to come in! Stay up to date, by checking on a regular basis. Always call us eight (8) working days after your file a claim to make sure the VA accepted it. If you have filed a claim, and have not received any correspondence from the VA about their claim within 30 days, call us immediately to check on the status of their claim! If you filed a claim in the DSO office within the last 120 days, and have heard nothing, check with the DSO for the status. Follow up on claims/appeals with a quarterly phone call. Your PSOs are not accredited by the American Legion or VA to counsel veterans on the validity and substance of your claims please contact the DSO for assistance. However, your PSO can assist you with filing an Appointment of VSO and Intent to File pending an appointment with the DSO. An Intent to File is NOT a claim it basically holds your date of claim for benefits, you must follow up within one year to file your formal claim. The VA no longer accepts Informal Claims. If you come for Healthcare, remember to file for travel reimbursement, if eligible, within 30 days of your visit to the VA or you may lose out! You should file, if eligible, before you leave Togus or the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Don t forget to file for eligible trips to VA referred health care providers. If you need transportation to the VA call: PLEASE USE THE DSO TO TRANS- MIT YOUR CLAIMS/EVIDENCE TO THE VA; THIS ENSURES A PAPER TRAIL AND EVIDENCE IT WAS SUBMITTED! You can either mail it or drop it off in the office! DSO CONTACT INFORMATION. We are located at Togus VA Medical Center, Building 205, Room 318. You can contact us by telephone at , Fax at , or by at amedeo.lauria@va.gov, maureen.malley@va.gov, or eileen.krawczyk@va.gov. We are here to assist you Monday through Friday, hours, closed on Federal Holidays and Patriot s Day. Just a reminder, it is always a good idea to make an appointment rather than drop in as we may be seeing other veterans and would hate to miss you. That said, you are always welcome to stop in the DSO Office, say hello, and have a cup of coffee and talk about the status of your claim or seek other assistance. DSO APPOINTMENTS. If you are thinking of filing a claim, plan ahead! Appointments are always welcome! We don t turn walk-in veterans away, but you may have to wait until those with appointments are taken care of by the service officers; the best course of action is an appointment. We will be glad to make an appointment for you; just ask! ( ). REQUESTING A DSO PRESENTA- TION AT YOUR AREA/DISTRICT OR SPECIAL EVENT. If you are interested in having us speak at your area or district meeting or event, just contact us to set up a time and date! Requests are handled on a first come first serve status; subject to the availability of travel funds. Please set aside at least 30 minutes of your agenda for the presentation.

11 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Public Relations Committee he Public relations Committee held its T first meeting under the direction of Commander Kluj on 26 July. Its purpose was to start the process of developing the Public Relations plan for the Department of Maine for the year It is my privilege to serve as chairman this year. The Department and the National Legion organizations, for the last four years, have recognized the central role Public Relations has for the future of American Legion. This role was codified in both the National and Department s Strategic Plan for Membership. In spite of this realization, the actual performance in terms of results, by our Department and I, believe the National Headquarters has been spotty at best. Having just completed a year as Department Commander, I consider the Department s performance in Public Relations as the most disappointing responsibility I failed to accomplish. That is not to say there weren t isolated successes in Public Relations often executed by department, districts and posts. There were, but there wasn t a coordinated effort to make sure the execution of our plan was coherent, complete and executed on time. The actions that came out of the committee meeting were to identify a list of events, programs, and activities that will enhance the public s knowledge of Legion activities. The committee will then put all of these items on a timeline for execution of public relations actions and assign responsibility for each event. The demonstration to the public of how The American Legion executes our support of veterans and their families, the youth of our communities, a strong national defense and patriotic activities should solidify our support by the public, increase our membership and solidify our viability as an organization. Items that we are currently including in our planning include: Major Programs (Boys State, Baseball, Oratorical Contest, Boy Scouts, Youth Shooting, Scholarships) 100 th Anniversary Activities Fall and Mid-winter Conferences State Annual Convention National Commander and Leading Candidates visit to Maine Significant historical events such as Legion Birthday, Four Chaplin s ceremony Other anniversary s as appropriate A potential Media Day date to be determined Our plan will address how to maximize coverage in News Print, TV, Radio and Social Media. I would like to invite all Department members, posts and districts to recommend items they would like the committee to include in the plan and any support they want from the department for local activities. Please send suggestions to me at: rumridge27@gmail.com. PR Committee Chairman, Peter Johnson Dirigo Boys State Recognition: Department Commander Peter Johnson presents Jim Johnson, center, and Tony Tirabassi, right, as well as previous Director Paul Jacques (not pictured) with an Appreciation plaque in recognition of outstanding excellence for many years of dedication and commitment to The American Legion, Dirigo Boys State program. The presentation took place at the 99th Annual State Convention held June 17 at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor Resolutions Action Taken at Convention he American Legion Department of T Maine Resolutions Vote Convention Floor, June 17, 2017 Resolution 1 Expansion of Presumption Herbicide Exposure Dates for Korean Veterans Benefits - MOTION PASSED Resolution 2 Establish Disability Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Contaminates in South Korea - MOTION PASSED Resolution 3 The American Legion SMILE RULED BY COMMITTEE OUT OF ORDER. Resolution 4 Area Commanders Elimination MOTION FAILED Resolution 5 Creation of Personnel Committee REFERRED BACK TO THE TASK FORCE FOR THE FU- TURE COMMITTEE Resolution 6 Hiring of Department Adjutant MOTION FAILED Resolution 7 Pr ocedur es for Disciplinary Action MOTION PASSED Bits N Pieces Gardiner Post 4 The post paid $3,665 for all expenses to bring Albert Walter Wiley from The Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii where he was buried. It took over four years of cutting through Government Red Tape to get him home to Maine. He was one of the veterans that the post was named for. Caribou Post 15 Unit 15 received several awards during State Convention in Bangor including the Believe Award for Outstanding Unit, Seventh District for Meritorious Service, a Certificate of Appreciation for participation in the C&Y program and a Community Service Certificate of Appreciation. Becky Dixon was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her work as the Gift-Shop Chair at the Caribou Maine Veterans Home. Sanford Post 19 Sanford Post 19 for their donations of $200 to Saco VA Walk N Roll, $200 to Sanford High School Project Graduation, $100 to Trafton Senior Center - Stepping Out for Seniors Walk-A-Thon and $500 to Langlais Race Team. all Conference will be held Sept. 15- F 17, Legion Conference will be at Mechanic Falls Post 150 and Auxiliary Conference at Gray Post 86. Friday, September 15 th : 1:00 p.m. - POW/MIA MEMORIAL GROUNDBREAKING American Legion Family Campus, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow. All members of The American Legion Family are invited to attend the groundbreaking, further details will be available soon. Friday evening Entertainment tbd at Gray Post 86. Saturday, September 16 th : 8:00 a.m. Auxiliary Registration Gray American Legion Post 86, 15 Lewiston Road, Gray, Me. Coffee and muffins will be available. 8:30 a.m. Auxiliary Conference Lunch - chop suey, chicken and veggie soup, Italian bread, dessert, $5.00 per person. Legion Conference - Mechanic Falls Post 150, 41 Elm St., Mechanic Falls, Me. We are having Mr. Bill Sloan from our National HQ instruct/facilitate the following classes: American Legion Amateur Radio Program, Disaster Preparedness & Response, Post Operations & Membership Development, and District Commanders Madison Post 39 Unit 39 donated $25 to Somerset Hospice in memory of Sharon Holt, $100 to Operation Military Kids, $600 to VAVS for comfort items and $100 to Somerset Special Olympics. Since the last newsletter Maxine Dube has mailed out $21, worth of coupons. Squadron 39 donated $350 to Special Olympics, $100 gift will go through the Madison-Anson ATV Club and $250 for Special Olympians local to the Madison area. Madison Post 39 ALR s donated $250 to Somerset Special Olympics. Oakfield Post 52 The Pleasant Hill Farms Nursery has planted some trees around The Four Corners Veterans Monument and will plant some flowers later. Tammy and her husband Robert Mulvey have done a great job with the monument and deserve a big thank you. Historian Randy Rockwell agreed to supply pounds of cleaned fiddleheads for the public supper held jointly with the Smoki-Haulers Snowmobile Club. Fall Conference September 15-17, 2017 SAL Gray Post 86 Saturday evening, September 16 th : 5:00 p.m. American Legion Riders (ALR) Ride-In. An invitation has been mailed to all ALR Chapters throughout the state to ride-in to help support. 5:30 p.m. - Gray Post 86 A Family barbecue is planned to give all member s of the Legion Family a chance to socialize and meet National President Diane Duscheck. Menu: $10 per person. On the menu for the evening will be chicken, burgers, hot dogs, pasta and potato salads, Cole slaw, homemade navy beans and dessert. Casual dress. Please make checks payable to ALA Unit 86, and mail to: Nancy True, 220 Shaker Rd., Gray, Me Deadline for reservations is September 6. Entertainment for Saturday will be karaoke. Sunday, September 17 th : Coffee and muffins will be available. 9 a.m. Auxiliary DEC meeting, Gray Post 86. Dress is Auxiliary branded. Legion DEC Meeting (if needed) - Gray Post 86. Hotel is Fireside Inn, MUST say American Legion when making reservation. Rate is $64.95 (with tax = $70.80).

12 12 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 American Legion Baseball Baseball Committee Members Inducted Into Maine Sportsman Hall Of Fame: Two American Legion Baseball Committee members are inducted into the Maine Sportsman Hall of Fame July 23, Pictured here are Field Director for Legion Baseball Dennis Damon, left; Zone-1 Commissioner David Paul for Legion Baseball, right; and Department of Maine Legion Baseball Director Dan St. Pierre, center. Mr. St. Pierre attended the award ceremony to show the American Legion gratitude for all the dedication that these two men have shown to support our Legion program. Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony: Dan Warren, left, at Maine Baseball Hall of Fame induction banquet on July 23, 2017 with Master of Ceremonies Bo McFarland (Libby- Mitchell Post/Manchester Post State Legion Champs 1965). District 5 Well Represented at The 99th Annual State Convention By HARRY G. ORCUTT, Dist. 5 Adjutant Special to The Maine Legionnaire merican Legion District 5 Oxford A County was well represented by delegates from its constituent posts at the Department of Maine 99 th Annual Convention, held at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor, from June 16 th to the 18 th. Leading the Delegation was District 5 Commander Randall Canwell of Post 24, Rumford. Accompanying him were Department of Maine Sgt.-at-Arms Tricia Thurston, who was elected and installed as Department Chaplain, and her husband, Area 2 Commander Kirk Thurston, both of Post 24. Also attending were District 1 st Vice President James Lowell, of Post 58, Buckfield;, District 2 nd Vice President Harold Wilbur, of Post 151, West Paris; District Adjutant Harry G. Orcutt of Post 68, Locke Mills; Robert McCarthy, Commander, Post 81, Bethel; Frank Burgess, Commander, and Oscar Hebert, Finance Officer, Post 100, Dixfield; Gloria Hall, Adjutant, and Barbara Finkbeiner, Member, Post 58; and Silas Parlin, Member, Post 82 Norway. If I left anyone out, I truly apologize as getting to Bangor from our pristine westernmost county is quite a trek. Among the highlights of the convention was the election and installation of Department Officers, headed by Department Commander Randall G. Kluj, of Post 41, Milo. He will lead the Maine Department in its Centennial year. We heard a moving testimonial from a veterans mother, who had anxiously awaited her son s return from a war zone tour of duty, happily believing him safe, only to experience the parting pain of his suicide, and not knowing he had been emotionally afflicted. The day he took his own life was like that of any other in this country, wherein he was joined by 21 other male and female More on DISTRICT 5, Page 13 Bangor Comrades Capture State Legion Baseball Title: Bangor's Coffee News Comrades defeat Yankee Ford of So. Portland on Sunday, July 31 to capture the Maine American Legion State Championship Legion Baseball State Tournament Results Husson University Winkin Complex Bangor, Maine Senior Legion Tournament Scores: Game 1 - Bangor 4 Fayette-Staples 0 Game 2 - Oxford Hills 4 Coastal Landscape 3 Game 3 - So. Portland 7 Pastime 6 Game 4 - Wells 5 Brewer 3 Game 5 - Coastal 6 Fayette-Staples 2 Game 6 - Pastime 8 Brewer 1 Game 7 - Bangor 2 Oxford Hills 0 Game 8 - So. Portland 12 Wells 2 Game 9 - Oxford Hills 3 Pastime 2 Game 10 - Coastal 12 Wells 2 Game 11 - Bangor 2 So. Portland 0 Game 12 - So. Portland 9 Oxford Hills 0 Game 13 - Coastal 18 Bangor 4 Game 14 - So. Portland 11 Coastal 2 Championship Game Bangor 9 So. Portland 4 Junior Legion State Tournament Results: Game 1 - Thirsty Turf (Cheverus) 4 Hartt Transportation (Hampden) 3 Game 2 - Skowhegan 7 Cape Elizabeth 0 Game 3 - Hartt Transportation 11 Cape Elizabeth 2 Game 4 - Thirsty Turf 5 Skowhegan 3 Game 5 - Hartt Transportation 9 Skowhegan 0 Game 6 - Hartt Transportation 7 Thirsty Turf 6 Game 7 - Thirsty Turf 4 Hartt Transportation 3

13 onvention Awards 2017 C Children & Youth Scholarship - $500 scholarships: Joshua Passaarelli of Scarborough, Signd Elizabeth Sibley of Poland, Christopher J. Shelmerdine of Warren, Rebekah Joy Paradis of Waterville, Kathryn Jakubowski of Brewer, Logan Henderson of Marshfield, and Sarah McGillicuddy of Hodgdon Daniel E. Lambert Scholarship - $1000 scholarship to Ian Ferguson, Windsor, and Cody Lee Tozier, Nobleboro James V. Day Scholarship - $500 scholarship to Brooke Wagstaff, Wicasset Humanitarian Legionnaire to Robert L. Bates, Otisfield. Humanitarian Non-Legionnaire to Sharon McKellar, Weld Educator of the Year Award to Nancy Cash-Cobb, Windham Law Enforcement Officer of the Year to Officer Timothy Williams, Skowhegan Firefighter of the Year Award to Lieutenant Michael Arsenault, Rumford Fire Department EMT/Paramedic of the Year Award to Sergeant Robert M. Cook, Milo Legionnaire of the Year Award to Joseph T. Donahue, Brunswick Outstanding District Commander to Raymond J. Lewis, District 6 Outstanding Post Commander to Darrell E. Savage, Lincoln Post 77 Eagle Cane Awards to George and Donna Gunning, Windsor, and Burt Truman, Hallowell 2017 State Convention Awards Bangor, Me. June 16-18, 2017 Americanism Award for Boys Scout Program to William Benson, Levant Americanism Award to Diane Whalen, RSU #4 First Place Post Scrapbook (Nat l Standards) to Robert K. Place, Charles S. Hatch Post 79, Berwick Second Place Post Scrapbook (Nat l Standards) to Norman D Carver Jr, Camden War Memorial Post 30, Camden First Place Post Scrapbook (State Standards) to Robert Bob Christie, Field Allen Post 148, Windham Honorable Mention to Naples-Casco- Raymond Memorial Post 155, Naples, and Coombs-Mountfort Post 158, Lisbon First Place Post Newsletter Large Member Category to Tardiff-Belanger Post 39, Madison First Place Post Newsletter Medium Member Category to Field Allen Post 148, Windham First Place Post Newsletter Small Member Category to Veterans Memorial Post 205, Augusta 100% Post Membership by Dec. 31, 2016 to: First District C. Fayette Staples Post 57, Old Orchard Beach Webber-Lefebvre Post 74, Kennebunk Hutchinson-Butler Post 130, Bar Mills Kennebunkport Memorial Post 159, Kennebunkport Second District Field-Allen Post 148, Windham Fourth District Roderick-Crosby Post 28, Farmington Fifth District Mundt-Allen Post 81, Bethel Frank W. Shaw Post 137, Fryeburg Ninth District Goodrich-Caldwell Post 6, Hallowell Thirteenth District Arnold R. Kelley Post 200, Hermon Fourteenth District Towne-Holmbom Post 116, Monson Stott-Flanders Post 165, Sangerville Fifteenth District Rogers-Worcester Post 108, Jonesport Frederick S. Mills Post 172, Vanceboro Sixteenth District Pattee-Page Post 187, Easton Canada Fort Pepperrell Post CN09, St. John's, NF Canada Most New Members Award (1-100 Members) Cobscook Post 59, Pembroke, West Day Post 123, Kezar Falls Most New Members Award ( Members) Field-Allen Post 148, Windham Most New Members Award ( Members) Fitzgerald-Cummings Post 2, Augusta, Smith-Wiley Post 4, Gardiner Most New Members Award ( Members) Winslow-Holbrook-Merrit Post 1, Rockland Most New Members Award ( Members) Napoleon Ouellette Post 24, Rumford Most New Members Award ( Members) Bourque-Lanigan Post 5, THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Waterville Boys State Recognition of Outstanding Excellence Awards to Paul Jacques, Jim Johnson, and Anthony Tirabassi Women s Advisory/ Women s Veterans Action Committee to Debra C. Couture, West Gardiner, Judy Otis, Searsport Fourth Estate Media Award (Radio) to Richard Dick Gleason, Gleason Radio Group Fourth Estate Media Award (Newspaper) to Greater Lisbon Ledger Fourth Estate Media Award (Television) to John J. P. Fortier, Mt. Blue TV Post Service Officer of the Year to Kelly Mulcahy, Naples Post 155 The Silhouette Project to Linda Lajoie Catholic Charities Path Program Award to Janice Lara-Hewey, Patricia Lehmann, and Don Harden Commanders Awards to Wilderness Walk for Warriors and Sportsman s Alliance of Maine Junior Shooting Sports Program Award to Edward W. Stanhope American Legion Department of Maine Achievement Award to the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Maine Legislator of the Year Awards to Senators Brownie Carson, Ronald F. Collins, Nathan L. Libby, Garrett and Paul Mason; Representatives to Owen Casás, Michael Devin, Bradlee Farrin, Jared Golden, Martin Grohman, Sheldon Hanington, Louis Luchini, Bettyann Sheats, Denise Tepler District 5 (Continued from Page 12) veterans who also took their lives. This mother later learned that each of these veterans believes that he or she alone is experiencing the devils of anguish. The assembly was informed that help is immediately available for veterans who are considering suicide; all they have to do is pick up the phone and reach out to the American Legion Department of Maine s Service Office at , or contact the Service Officer of any American Legion Post. In either case, they will receive help from fellow veterans. The American Legion, as it approaches its first century of service to God and Country, recognizes that its political influence to help veterans is largely based on its 2.2 million membership. And though we do not advocate for individual politicians, we hasten to recommend to veterans with the proper skills that they run for office, and in becoming elected, join those like themselves who are helping veterans every day. The freedoms that we daily experience are truly not free. The 99 Americans who enjoy a fulfilling life of boundless opportunity do so because of the one American who served in both peace and war. We invite any veteran who is eligible because he or she served in a recognized conflict of the past or present century to find comradeship and support with fellow veterans of the Legion. We are your home. Yours in Service, Harry G. Orcutt, Adjutant District 5 Convention Sweepstakes Drawing: Dept. Sgt.-at-Arms Patricia Thurston, left, assisted by Cathy Merrill, Naples Post 155, draws the sweepstakes winners at the Annual State Convention in Bangor June 17. Congratulations to the following winners! Martha Albert, Belfast Post 43 (Grand Prize Winner), $3500; Malcolm Harriman, Winslow Post 178, $1000, and Gary White, Winslow Post 178, $500. 2nd Vice (Continued from Page 5) hopefully have resolved. The urgency of renewals is important to our organization as at a national level we spend $250,000 on reminders and chasing down late renewals, after Dec 31 st. I bet we all could think of better things for National to spend ¼ million dollars on then reminding us all to renew. This does not excuse the s or tone of the reminders but wanted all to have the importance of renewing early and I ask that we have all of our renewals in by Veterans Day, Nov 11 th. The next priority for the year is Consolidated Post Reports or CPR. These are extremely important for all of us to complete so that we can show all of the amazing work all of our posts do. This is the leverage and strength behind our ability to influence our communities and leaders. We are happy to provide support as a Department if you need assistance in completing the report either online or on paper. Education is another priority for the year. This really drives retention by building our leaders abilities at the post and district levels so that new members have a legendary experience within our organization. To this end we will be continuing and growing the Department Level training at our facility at Headquarters. As a prerequisite to that training, we are requiring the ALEI training that is offered online through MyLegion.org. This training is also required for all District commanders as well. In September, this training will be free to all legionnaires and we should all take it if you have not done so already. I think that these priorities are the right ones for our organization and our Department. I hope that all of you will join me in supporting the successful completion of our goals in these areas in the coming year and by doing so we will all be helping to Drive Maine Forward! EMBERSHIP IS

14 14 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 Legion Riders Mean Business The Veteran Honoring Wall adawaska Chapter 147 began a M new project for our Veterans in the nursing homes and residential care in the Northern Aroostook County. It includes homes in Madawaska, Van Buren, Frenchville, Fort Kent, and Eagle Lake. There are a total of 8 homes that will be visited. The program is called the Veteran Honoring Wall. The Riders gathered pictures of the Veterans when they were in the service and copied and framed the pictures for the project. They work with each home to provide an area for display. Pictures of the Veterans will remain on the wall while they are a resident at the home. When more Veterans move in, they will be added to the wall. The Veteran Honoring Wall is a place the Veterans can be proud of showing to family and friends. It s also just another way to let them know they are not forgotten and are always in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. The Riders first presentation was July 5 at the Country Village Estates in Madawaska where a total of 6 Veterans were honored. Riders Chapter 147 Participate in National Nursing Home Week ercy Nursing Home celebrated M National Nursing Home Week on May 12. This year s theme was Spirit of America" during the years of During this time Harley Davidson was invented so they wanted to do a motorcycle show in the courtyard for the residents. The American Legion Riders Chapter 147 were invited to participate in this show. Chapter 147 showed four motorcycles at this event to the residents and also provided some with a small ride. This was a huge success and the residents loved seeing the bikes and talking with the riders. Honoring Veterans: Madawaska Chapter 147 visited the Country Village Estates in Madawaska, Me. on July 5 to honor 6 Veterans for the Veteran Honoring Wall. Front row, left to right, Madawaska Chapter 147 Director Jenn (Daigle) Collin, Alsime Raymond, Normand Belanger, Aurele Clavette, and Herby Lavertu. Back row, left to right, State of Maine Chaplain for the American Legion Riders Edward Ellis, Maurice Sirois, Diane Daigle, Nivard Hebert, and Chapter 147 Historian Bridget Daigle. Veteran Honoring Wall: Veteran Honoring Wall at the Country Village Estates in Madawaska displaying pictures and names of the following Veterans, left column, Maurice Sirois, Nivard Hebert, Norman Belanger and right column, Aurele Clavette, Alsime Raymond, and Herby Laver- Eagle Cane Presentation: Members of Legion Riders Chapter 147 present the Eagle Head Cane to Maurice Sirois, a 95-year old WWII Army Veteran, on May 3. Left to right, Director Jenn Daigle, Maurice's son-in-law and daughter, Mr. Sirois, and Ed Ellis. Have You Asked a Veteran TO JOIN Today? Help us increase membership for 2018! Riders Motorcycle Display: Members of the Legion Riders Chapter 147 display their motorcycles for Spirit of America Event on May 12 at the Mercy Nursing Home in celebration of National Nursing Home Week. Left to right, Robert Gagnon, Nancy Michaud, Assistant Director Glen Thomas and Robert Thibodeau. Harley Tryke Ride: Assistant Director Glen Thomas gives Veteran Joel Pelletier a ride on his Harley Tryke on May 12 at the Spirit of America Event. What it Means to be an American Legion Riders of Madawaska Scholarship Program or eight consecutive years, the American Legion Riders of Post 147 in F Northern Maine have selected a total of 35 students to receive a scholarship to invest in their future collegiate career. Students from Madawaska, Van Buren, Fort Kent, and St Agatha High Schools can apply for this scholarship if they meet the basic requirements set out by the post. A special scholarship is awarded to a grandchild of an active Rider anywhere in our country or Canada. One of the things required by this post in the scholarship application is a written essay, usually following a theme of patriotism. This year s essay focused on the topic: What it means to Be American. The responses Post 147 received from their applicants were eye opening and were refreshing and reassuring to hear and definitely worth a read. Natalie from Van Buren Secondary School views being an American is helping others and using our given rights to improve the world around us. The following is a short excerpt from Natalie s essay: Being American, we should appreciate the rights we are given to us that many men and women have fought for us to have. Being an American to me is to help another, whether it is Polish or Chinese or Afghan or Muslim. Because being American does not just mean living in America, every person has a part of being American in them, deep inside, embedded, until they wish to release that piece, and share it with the world. That is what being a true American is to me. Allyson from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical School describes being an American as simple as one word: PRIDE This 5 letter word is what I think it means to be American. Some people may have different views about What it means to be an American, but I think pride is very important and all Americans should have it. Without having pride I would of never aspired to be a police officer without it I wouldn t care what America could end up like. But with pride I want to make my country the best it can be and I want to do as much as More RIDERS SCHOLARSHIP, Page 15

15 More Legion Rider Business THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Riders Scholarship (Continued from Page 14) possible to succeed in doing just that. Kelsey from Wisdom High School has described being an American as pride, bravery, and unity in her essay. The following is a short excerpt from her essay: Our pride, bravery, and drive to succeed are what makes us a great nation and makes many proud to be Americans. And, Like President Abraham Lincoln once said in the Gettysburg Address, We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America. Alexander from Madawaska Middle High School believes a big part of being an American is representing and respecting our stars and stripes. To be an American means you respect the United States Flag. As a young Scout, I attended a few flag burning ceremonies and it really brought home what the flag meant to me. The prayer said literally gave me goose bumps knowing that men and women fought to keep our Country free, giving us freedoms that we enjoy today. The final recipient, David from Fort Kent High School believes being an American is more than just one thing, but a two part process. I am getting to it that being American has two parts to it. The first part is that you will have the opportunity to follow your dreams. The other is that you have to work for it, and the more ambitious your dream, the more you will have to work for it. The class of 2017 seems to have a pretty good head on their shoulders and there is no doubt that they will have a very bright future. The American Legion Riders of Post 147 would like to congratulate the recipients, wish them luck on their journey, and to never forget what it means to be an American. Submitted by: Jenn Daigle, Director & Dan Bruno, Scholarship Chairman Appreciation For Support: Naples Riders Post 155 presents a plaque and Certificates of Appreciation to the Lake Region Vocational High School Law Enforcement class for their support during the Veterans Out Reach benefit show. Left to right, Shawn McDermott, Instructor Bob Ellis, Director Nathan Wilson, Madison Day, David Jordan, Christopher Wildes, District 2 Service Officer Kelly Mulcahy, Treasurer Bill O'Neil, and Assistant Director Don Mulcahy. Naples Chapter 155 Honor Flight Naples Chapter 155 Winter Meeting: Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders members, left to right, Bill O'Neil, John Leisenring, Bob Ellis, Don Mulcahy, Line Mulcahy, Vinny Yedynak, Craig Stevenson, at the American Legion Riders Winter meeting held at Winthrop Post 40 on Feb. 4. Recognition For Great Work: Naples Riders Post 155 Director Bob Ellis, Master Builder Scott Burnham, and Assistant Director Don Mulcahy, present Scott Burnham with a Patriot Ships clock from the Chelsea Clock Company in recognition for his efforts in building our Fire Tug Boat L il Squirt. Legion Riders Chapter 155 were among the hundreds that welcomed home the WWII and Korea Veterans on the Honor Flight, Sun., Apr. 2 at the Portland JetPort. Left to right, Walker Elsaesser, Sis Littlefield, Bob Ellis, Bill O'Neil, Nathaniel Elsaesser, Kelly Mulcahy, Vinny Yedynak, Line' Mulcahy, Don Mulcahy, Abby Elsaesser and Steven "Pinky" Betters. Future Rider: Chapter Steven "PINKY" Betters, Kelly Mulcahy, Naples Post 155 Service Officer and her son Nathaniel (future Chapter Rider). Future Coastie Nathaniel Elsaesser with his Comrades. Patriot Riders Chapter 3 join the American Legion Riders Chapter 155 to welcome home our WWII and Korea Veterans on the Honor Flight from Washington, DC.

16 16 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 Award Presentations at the Annual State Convention (June at Spectacular Event Center, Bangor) Humanitarian Of The Year: Department 1st Vice Commander Randall Kluj, left, and Law and Order Chairman Kirk Thurston, right present Humanitarian of the Year award to Robert L. Bates of Otisfield, center, and Humanitarian Citizens Award to Sharon McKellar of Weld, 3rd from left, both surrounded by family. Educator Of The Year: Nancy Cobb-Cash of Windham, Me., receives The American Legion, Department of Maine Educator of the Year award from Department Commander Peter Johnson. Law Officer Of The Year: Officer Timothy Williams of Windham, surrounded by family, receives Law Officer of the Year award from Department 2nd Vice Commander Scott Paradis, left, and Department Law & Order Chairman Kirk Thurston, right. Roger s Rangers & Tony s Tigers: PNC Anthony Tony Jordan presents District 6 Commander Raymond J. Lewis the Roger s Rangers Award for Outstanding District Commander and Lincoln Post 77 Commander Darrell E. Savage the Tony s Tigers Award for Outstanding Post Commander. Left to right, Dept. 1st Vice Commander Randall Kluj, Linda Savage, Darrell E. Savage, PNC Anthony Tony Jordan, Raymond J. Lewis, and Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Scott Paradis. James V. Day: Brook Wagstaff, of Wiscasset, 3rd from right, surrounded by family and friends receives the $500 Past Commanders Club James V. Day Scholarship award from Club President Debra Couture, 2nd from right, and Department Commander Peter Johnson, right. EMT/Paramedic Of The Year: Department 2nd Vice Commander Scott Paradis, left, and Department Law & Order Chairman Kirk Thurston present the EMT/Paramedic award to Sergeant Robert M. Cook of Milo with wife and daughter by his side to receive the award. Jr. Shooting Award: Edward W. Stanhope of Auburn receives the Jr. Shooting Sports Program award from Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joe Donahue, center, and Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture. Wilderness Walk For Warriors: Department 1st Vice Commander Randall Kluj, left, presents brothers Tim and Chris Robinson with the Wilderness Walk for Warriors Commander s award for outstanding support of Veterans and their families. Sportsman s Alliance Of Maine: Department Commander Peter Johnson, left, presents the Commander s Award to Sportsman Alliance of Maine for creating the SAM Youth Conservation Center & supporting youth outdoor activities including American Legion youth shooting sports. Receiving the award, left to right, is Greg McNeal and David Trahan. Photos by Ronald Caron

17 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Meet the Officers RANDALL KLUJ Commander Milo Post 41 PAUL L HEUREUX Department Adjutant Auburn Post 153 SCOTT PARADIS 1st Vice Commander Corinna Post 73 MATTHEW JABAUT 2nd Vice Commander Topsham Post 202 TOMMY ADKINS Finance Officer Stockton Springs Post 157 DEBRA COUTURE Americanism Litchfield Post 181 ALFRED MCKAY Sergeant-At-Arms Damariscotta Post 42 JEFFREY STEVENSON Historian Bath Post 21 PATRICIA THURSTON Chaplain Rumford Post 24 JASON HALL Judge Advocate Gray Post 86 JOHN HARGREAVES NEC Richmond Post 132 RONALD RAINFRETTE NECA Rockland Post 1 AMEDEO LAURIA SERVICE OFFICER Sabattus Post 135 MAUREEN MALLEY Ass t Service Officer Hallowell Post 6 Legion Family State Convention Installation Dinner/Dance Registration At Its Best!: Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, right, with the help of District 6 Commander Ray Lewis register attendees to the Installation Dinner/Dance on June 17. Registering is the newly installed Auxiliary President Ann Durost, left, and Naples Post 155 Service Officer Kelley Mulcahy. Social Hour: Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Scott Paradis, Past Department Commander Ronald Sailor, Damariscotta Post 42 member Stanley Wall and State Commander s Aide and Post 42 member Al Benner socialize at the State Convention Installation dinner/dance event. Installation Of State Officers Legion, Auxiliary & Sons Installation Dinner: Newly installed Auxiliary President Ann Durost and husband Paul Durost enjoy their meal before installation takes place. Paul is a member of the George Edwin Kirk Post 25 in Bar Harbor. Installation Dance: Auxiliary Dept. Officers tear up the dance floor in celebration of their newly installed Dept. officers.

18 18 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE 2017 Dirigo Boys State Awards Award Delegate's Name Dirigo Town Maine Town Boys Nation Delegate #1 Jackson Peck Ames Newport Boys Nation Delegate #2 Edward York King Kennebunk Boys Nation Alternate #1 Liam Wallace Lincoln Leeds Boys Nation Alternate #2 Ethan Nadeau Lincoln Saco James Boyle Winner Elijah Stitson Williamson Limerick James Boyle Alternate Ian Ramsay Hall Orland Alexander LaFleur Winner Jonathan Donnelly Parris Brewer Alexander LaFleur Alternate Daniel O'Neill Cutler Winterport Samsung Scholarship Connor Diangelo Cutler Greenville Junction Governor Jackson Peck Ames Newport Senate President Ethan Nadeau Lincoln Saco Speaker of the House Liam Wallace Lincoln Leeds Chief Justice Gary Pitcher Hall Corinna Municipal Best Citizens Ames George Edmunds Ames Wilton Cutler Ben Andrews Cutler Farmington Hall Jacob Rainey Hall Andover Hunton John Farrington IV Hunton Springfield King Zachary Wyles King Alton Lincoln Cole DuBois Lincoln Searsport Parris Holden Clapp Parris Stockton Springs Williamson Alexander Moreira Williamson Stillwater Leroy Keller Award John Farrington IV Hunton Springfield Best Exam Alexander Moreira Williamson Stillwater Director's Award Edward York King Kennebunk First Time Photo: Boys and Girls State Directors share a photo together for the first time in many years. Boys State Director Shawn Babine, left, and Girls State Director Brenda Stevens visit Farmington Post 28 on June 8 to talk about Dirigo Boys and Girls State. Boys & Girls Nation Delegates Meet With King: Jackson Peck, Kylee Roberts, River Lisius and Edward York (left to right) meet with Angus King (ME) in the Senate Reception Room in the US Capitol Building. American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation take to Capitol Hill to meet with their senators and legislative staff on Thursday, July 27, Photo by Lucas Carter / The American Legion. 100th Anniversary Looking Back, Marching Forward Historical Insights into the American Legion Policies not Politics he founders of the American Legion T envisioned the American Legion to be different from the Grand Army of the Republic veterans group also known as the GAR. The GAR represented the Civil War northern soldiers and became a "strong arm" of the Republican party. Our founders stood against the American Legion being used to elect persons and against Legionnaires holding paid elected offices. They did not want the American Legion to fall victim to partisan principles which tended to divide and not unite the group. The answer they reasoned; was to their energies to support appropriate policies and not to get caught up in partisan politics. The American Legion would not be bound to any political party but could be counted upon to support legislation in veterans interests. By 1920s, the American Legion was in Cleveland for the 2 nd convention. There were many who wanted to soften the position of the American Legion on politics. Specifically, they wanted to strike the words "absolutely nonpolitical" from the constitution, and allow post officers to hold paid elective office. They wanted to give questionnaires to political candidates on behalf of the American Legion. They asked how could a Legionnaire Memorial Day In Ashland 1943: (Right Photo) Ashland Post 109 Memorial Day Parade in 1943 shows Color Guard at ease. Looks like they are equipped with 1903 Springfields. Looking Back, Marching Forward be part of the political process if he was not able to declare a party or support a particular candidate? Why would the American Legion deny itself of potential political influence? The answer was that a Legionnaire was expected to do his political duty as a citizen and not as a Legionnaire. The Legion would stay out of politics as partisanship was potentially divisive. After much debate, a Legionnaire summed up the issues on behalf of the minority saying; His argument was compelling and helped turn the tide on the issue. The convention voted down the majority report 963 to 142. That Legionnaire was James L. Boyle, the Adjutant of the Department of Maine who would serve over 30 years in that position. Donald G. Hands Post 56 Historian 100th Anniversary Chairman: (Left photo) The American Legion Department of Maine s 100th Anniversary Chairman Donald Hands and wife Susan enjoy the Annual State Convention Installation dinner held June 17 at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor.

19 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST eterans are spreading the word V about the organization's past and contributions SANFORD-Veterans of the local American Legion are learning a lot about their post and are spreading the word about their mission and contributions to the community as they prepare for their centennial celebration in Take the man after whom the post is named, for example. There's a picture of Thomas W. Cole on the wall at the American Legion Hall on Main Street, but, according to Dale Midgley, the post's current commander, not everybody knows who he was. He was the first soldier from the Sanford- Springvale area to be killed in World War I. He was wounded on May 8, 1918, and succumbed to his injuries two days later. One year later, on July 19, 1919, the local American Legion Post was founded, District 1 American Legion Post 19: Closing in on a Century chartered and named after him. Cole is buried in Center Conway, New Hampshire, where his family is originally from.. Here's another fact some local people might not know: The post's first home was a boxcar, located where the tennis courts are now at Gowen Park on Main Street. According to "This Post Lives in a Box Car," an article by Carter Johnson in a 1926 issue of "The American Legion Weekly," the clubhouse was built in response to the post's growing concerns over the cost of renting other places to gather. "The work took four weeks and total cost to the post was $1,000, Johnston reported. "Much of the lumber and many of the interior fittings were donated. The post found itself owner of a clubhouse and two acres of land, and free from debt." The post moved to its current brick building located between Aubuchon Hardware and the Willard School on Main Street in the late 1930s. There's one member of American Legion Post 19 who knows much about the local organization's history, and that's because he has been a part of it for the past 72 years. Ray Fortier served as the post's commander in 1947, "during the big fires when half of York County went up in flames," as he described the time. He also has served as the post's chaplain and is now a member of its executive board. According to Midgley, Fortier also has an unofficial title, post historian. "I've been proud to be a Legionnaire, proud to be a part of an organization that helps veterans and other citizens," Fortier said during a recent visit he and Midgley took to the Sanford News. "That's my foundation." Fortier enlisted in the Navy in the fall of 1942 and completed boot camp in Newport, Rhode Island, according to an article in the February 2015 issue of "The Maine Legionnaire." He completed gunnery training in Little Creek, Virginia, and then continued on to the Brooklyn Navy Armed Guard. From there, he found himself on the front lines of World War II, reporting to such far-flung locales as North Africa, Iraq Post 19 Post History: Commander Dale Midgley, left, and Executive Board member Ray Fortier are seen here at the local American Legion Hall, home of the Thomas W. Cole Post 19. Photo by Shawn P. Sullivan. and embattled points throughout Europe. Midgley served in the U.S. Army from 1962 through He joined the local American Legion post 25 years ago and became particularly active in its activities and mission about eight or nine years ago. As Post 19 approaches its 100th year, both men and others are digging into their organization's history and trying to educate the public as to what they and their fellow Legionnaires are all about. There's a misconception out there that the American Legion is mostly about socializing holding dances and other such events. "This is a pretty common misconception with most veterans' organizations," Midgley stated. "That's not what we're about. We are a veterans service organization. That is our whole objective." Congress chartered the American Legion in 1919, the same year Sanford- Springvale established its own post. According to the organization, there are now 2.4 million members of the American Legion in as many as 14,000 posts across the world. To become a member of the American Legion, you must be a veteran who served in World War I (April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918); World War II (Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946); the Korean Conflict (June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955); the Vietnam War (Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975); Lebanon and Grenada (Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984); Operation Just Cause in Panama (Dec. 20, 1989 Jan. 31, 1990) or the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror (Aug. 2, 1990 to the present). Midgley emphasized the American Legion's four specific functions, or pillars: veterans' affairs and rehabilitation; Americanism; children and youth; and national security. Collectively, the American Legion honors these pillars by helping veterans get the health care and other benefits that they deserve and need; educating young people about the U.S. Constitution; working with high schools on annual oratorical competitions; awarding scholarships to students; supporting Boy Scouts, members of various youth organizations, and Special Olympics athletes; and supporting local police officers, EMTs, firefighters and others who protect the community. The local American Legion is comprised of four groups: Post 19; the Sons of the American Legion; the American Legion Auxiliary; and the American Legion Riders. Every year, they work together to raise funds for organizations and causes that are in step with the pillars. "Arnie's Ride," for example, is an annual fundraiser for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. "Most of our donations go to local charities and state charities," Midgley said. And the list of recipients is long. In 2016, the following organizations received donations from American Legion Post 19: Toys for Tots; The Alzheimer's Association of Maine; Boy Scout Troop 324; the Sanford Salvation Army; Sanford Regional Technical Center; Sanford Firefighters; the Sanford Police Cadets; the Sanford Mainers Baseball Team; the Y Trafton Senior Center; Habitat for Humanity; York County Community Action Corporation; Waban; and many more. Midgley, Fortier and their fellow Legionnaires are currently compiling as many articles and pictures of the post's history as they can, so that "people can understand that (the American Legion Post 19) didn't just appear," but instead has a rich past that soon will have spanned a century. "We're trying to make it come alive again," Midlgey said. "We're proud of our history." By Shawn P. Sullivan, Sanford News Editor Sanford Post 19 Box Car Clubhouse: When Thomas W. Cole Post 19, Sanford was tired of paying rent, members of the Forty and Eight put on their overalls and build a clubhouse. Picture shows them at work when the job was partly finished. A Gift of History Presented to the Ramsdell Rogers Post 56 erald and Gwyneth Wykes, who G were teenagers living in Coventry, UK., during the repeated bombings by the Luftwaffe shared their poignant stories of survival and how grateful they were for American assistance in defeating the German forces. Gwyneth remembers, People would gather in the shelters before dark with sleeping bags in anticipation of the bombing raids. The normally dignified and properly dressed Coventry citizenry sometimes found themselves in the shelters wearing their night clothes. People took this opportunity to share the raw feelings and emotions of their experiences resulting in an uncommon comradery which carried the masses through the repeated attacks. They acquired pictures of King George VI, and then Prime Minister Winston Churchill standing in the smoldering ruins of the Coventry Cathedral after one of the blitzes. These pictures are a gift to the York Ramsdell Rogers Post 56 of the American Legion from the Coventry History Center showing their heartfelt appreciation for the United States of America in helping to bring the war to a successful conclusion. York Post 56 Receives Special Gift: Gwyneth & Gerald Wykes present a historic WWII photo to Ramsdell Rogers York Post 56 which is accepted by Post Commander Donald G. Hands on May 29.

20 20 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 York Post 56 Recognizes Eight Brothers who Served in WWII hile the eight Bardsley brothers W served in the U.S. Army during World War II, their parents, Harold and Emily Bardsley hung a flag in first floor window of their home at 461 Lincoln St. Waltham, MA, with blue stars on a red and white background honoring their sons in military service. One cannot imagine the thoughts of Harold and Emily Bardsley who were raising 13 children at their Lincoln St. home and having to say goodbye to eight of them in 1941, not knowing if they would ever return. The Bardsley's relied on humor in response to the call for all eight brothers to enlist in the U.S. Army in In fact, Theodore "Heck" Bardsley always kidded that, "I didn't join (voluntarily); I was invited to tour Europe, at no cost to me, by President Roosevelt." Still, World War II was a harrowing experience for all of District 1 continued the Bardsley's. Each time Harold and Emily Bardsley picked up the daily newspaper, turned on the radio or answered the doorbell, they must have feared the worst -- which one or more of their sons perished in battle. That fear certainly increased after November 1942 and the dreadful news about the "Fighting Sullivans," the five brothers all killed in the Pacific during an attack on their ship, the USS Juneau. Those fears also affected William Bardsley' girlfriend, Edna. "I used to write to him every day and I still have all of his letters in a box at home," said Edna Bardsley, who married William in 1945, after his honorable discharge and return stateside. "I wrote to him that I wanted to join the Army myself, to be with him, and he said no way." William Bardsley fought in the African campaign under Gen. Dwight Eisenhower in 1942, and then completed a tour in the European theater, giving him the opportunity to reunite with his younger brothers Walter and Robert. "Bill walked seven straight days to find his brother Bob in southern France," Edna recalled. The Bardsleys' sacrifices are remarkable. Military historians verify that the Bardsley's provided the highest number of family members -- eight -- ever to fight in the U.S. military at any one time. The brothers served a combined 338 months and earned 28 medals in total. Walter Bardsley, like his brother William, received a Purple Heart, and Walter's most significant battlefield action in Germany earned him a Bronze Star. "Dad was in an area overrun by Germans, and he (and a fellow soldier) tricked 23 Germans into surrendering, because the Germans thought, because of his gunfire, that he was part of a battalion, said Walter Bardsley's son and namesake. In winter 1944, Walter Bardsley fought in the Battle of the Bulge, holding the line along the Belgian-German border against a larger German force. Three months later, in March 1945, Ted Heck Bardsley was Looking Back, Marching Forward The Bradsley 8: Left to right Leonard, William, Robert, Lewis, Theodore, Harold, Walter, and Raymond Bardsley. stationed near Ludendorf Bridge at Remagen, Germany, and survived attempts by German snipers to destroy that bridge as well as U.S. M24 Chaffee tanks, M8 armored cars, half tracks, jeeps, troop carriers, and 2 1/2- ton trucks managed in the garage. Heck's son David said his father seldom spoke about what Germany was like for him in the spring of Likewise, the surviving family of Lewis Bardsley has just a few details of his four years of service. "We knew he fought in the Philippines, in the Army, but he never really talked about it," said Edna G. Bardsley, Lewis Bardsley's widow of 20 years. This is a common thread of many soldiers of many wars and conflicts. The American Legion Post 56 in York Maine now proudly displays the black-and white photograph of the eight Bardsley s in the lobby of our new Post home. The photograph was taken at a late 1940s induction ceremony at the Waltham Massachusetts American Legion Post 156, from the eldest, Leonard, William, Robert, Lewis, Theodore, Harold, Walter and Raymond. Sadly, the only survivor is Ted, who will turn 90 this coming February. The Bardsley s have been part of the community here in York, Maine since Ted and his wife Doris moved here permanently in January Ted, Doris and their son David have been active members of Post 56. In honor of these eight brave men that served our country with such pride, we at the American Legion Post 56 has dedicated a walkway located in the commemorative garden at our new Post to them. It is called the Bardsley Walk of Honor. Each brick in the walk will be engraved in memory of, or acknowledgement of, a Veteran or loved one. The first eight bricks in the walk are for the Bardsley boys. We are inviting anyone interested to The Gift join the American Legion Post 56 in purchasing a brick. Bricks can be purchased at the Post for $100. This includes engraving the brick and placement within the walkway. For more information please contact the Post at The photo and article is of my 8 uncles The Bradsley 8 featured in an article labeled - American Legion Post 56, York, Maine Recognizes eight brothers who served in World War II. Steve Bardsley Memorial Flags Placed On Veteran s Graves: Ramsdell Rogers York Post 56 Commander Donald G. Hands and the York Scout Troop 306 gathered to place memorial flags on the graves of Veterans on May 13. There were about 22 scouts and over 1,000 flags placed in one hour. The scouts were provided with orange juice, donuts and particularly happy as they were able to bring a flag home. Our thanks to the scouts, leaders, parents, and Post officers who participated. his is the story of a man you ve never T met but wish you had. The story of a hero, a father and a veteran who gave his life in the service of our great country. This is the story of Technical Sergeant Carl Raymond Chapman. Carl was born on a cold January day in 1918, in Rochester, New Hampshire. He graduated from Spaulding High School and at the ripe old age of 18, bought his first and only car, a brand spanking new door Deluxe Ford for the list price of $ Five years later, young Carl joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Carolina. While you Looking Back, Marching Forward Technical Sergeant Carl Raymond Chapman standing beside 1936 Ford. couldn t question Carl s patriotism, you might question his judgment, but he did have the good sense to marry his one true love Florence in late May of 1943, thereby redeeming himself. Carl enjoyed his last furlough in November of that year, and not long after, he and his fellow infantrymen were sent overseas to join the fight. Meanwhile, Florence Chapman anxiously awaited news from York Post 56 Namesake: York Post 56 Commander Donald Hands, places a flag on the grave of Edward Ramsdell, the first namesake of the Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56 of York, Maine, on May 13 at the First Parish Cemetery. Carl s letters home, while looking forward to the birth of their first child. (One of the letters Carl sent from France had shrapnel holes, a portent of things to come). The summer of 1944 was bittersweet for the Chapman family, as Florence gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, named after his dad, just days before receiving news that her husband was killed in action in Normandy, France. Patriotism runs deep in this family. Fast forward to 1965, when Carl Chapman, Jr., following in the footsteps of a father he never got to know, joined the U.S. Army. As the sole surviving son of a father lost in battle, he was not allowed to be stationed outside the continental United States, but he was allowed to marry! In 1967, Carl Jr. married the amazing Georgia (known as Bunki to family and friends). Much to his surprise, one of the wedding presents he and Bunki received was like a gift from heaven his Dad s 1936 Ford that Carl s grandfather, Preston, More on THE GIFT, Page 21

21 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST The Gift (Continued from Page 20) had stored all these years, unbeknownst to Carl Jr. Carl Jr. and Bunki, then and now, have a lot to be thankful for: two wonderful sons (Gregory Preston and Michael Scott), grandkids, and a carload of memories embodied by that grey 1936 Ford that sits in his garage awaiting the day it will be handed down to his youngest son. This car, along with dozens of other District 1 continued classic vehicles of all makes and models will be showcased on Sun., June 4, at the 5 th Annual Berwick Car Show, from 8:00 to 2:00 (Rain Date June 11). Mark your calendars now so you don t miss this great free family-oriented event, hosted by Berwick Post 79 to benefit area veterans. Yes, patriotism runs deep here in these parts, so come on over to Berwick, show your colors, meet Carl and Bunki and other car enthusiasts (along with the owners of dozens of classic trucks, motorcycles and customs) and vote for your favorite. You ll be glad you did, and so will we! Boys Scouts Photo Action Yields 7000 Views: Boy Scouts were assisting with a luncheon for Veterans at Gray Post 86. They were asked to line up so we could snap a picture of them as we wanted to post it on Facebook to show off to the community how the scouts and Legion work together. The photographer was concentrating on the camera and the scouts decided they didn t want to form a line up, they had their own plan for the picture. So when the photographer finally got the camera ready and went to focus on them...this is what the scouts decided. We did put this on our Facebook and spent $5 to promote our page which got over 7,000 views within 20 miles of Gray. Our most successful post to date! District 2 Portland Post 17 Memorial Day Parade: Portland Post 17 put on a parade despite the cold and rainy day on May 29. The participants included units from Portland Post 17, VFW Post 6859, the Portland Fire Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff s Department, the Maine Corrections Department, Deering High School Band, the Boy Scouts of America, and the VA. The parade went from Longfellow Square to Monument Square on Congress Street. At Monument Square, the Cumberland County Sheriff s Department Drill Team put on a demonstration with their parade rifles. Speeches by the Mayor and other dignitaries at Monument Square took place after the parade. The VFW Post 6859 Color Guard is pictured here marching in the Portland Post 17 parade. Portland Post 17 Memorial Day Speech: Portland Post 17 Commander Paul Avery gives his speech to those in attendance after the Portland Post 17 parade May 29. Portland Post 17 Flag Day Celebration: Portland Post 17 members put out 1,500 flags on veterans graves at the cemetery on Lincoln Street in South Portland on May 23. Front row, left to right, Tom O'Connor, Bill Chittick, Paul Avery, John Kimball, and Rick Cobb. Back row, left to right, Bucky Mulkern, Joe Rich, Mike Smith, Tim Curran, Rick Anderson, Jack Kuntz, and John Griffin. Absent from photo is Mike Ferrante. Standish Post 128 Recognition: Department Commander Peter Johnson, left, presents Standish Post 128 Commander Bruce Roubo with a certificate for 100% Membership and a Citation for Meritorious Service at Standish Post 128 meeting in May. Coffee Social at Windham Post 148 W indham Post 148 held a coffee social at the Veterans Center on April 12 with over 2 dozen in attendance. Special Guest was Frederick Douglass Williams, 95, a WWII Veteran and a Tuskegee airman P51 pilot. Fred was also a long time lawyer and Town Councilor in Windham heavily involved in local politics. Fred Frederick Douglass Williams, a WWII Veteran & a Tuskegee airman P51 pilot. Fred was also a long time lawyer and Town Councilor in Windham (left photo). received an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Field-Allen Post as well as recognition by the local VFW Post. He spoke for over 40 minutes on a wide range of topics including the war, a civics lesson, the constitution, and the fellowship and brotherhood of Veterans. Honorary Life: Fred Williams, center, receives an Honorary Life Membership to Windham Post 148. Left to right, Bob Christie, Bob Beane, Jerry Black, Fred, Bob Miele, Charlie Tuffs, and Dave Tanguay. Regaling Veterans: Fred Williams, age 95, regales the assembled coffee of some two dozen Veterans with life lessons on civics and brotherhood. Fred Willams shows articles about the Tuskegee airman from WWII to Don Swander and Carroll McDonald (WWII P 51 pilot) to his right (top photo).

22 22 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 District 2 continued Naples Post 155 Installation Ceremony: The induction ceremony of new officers for the Naples Post 155 on Sat., May 13. Front row, left to right, Auxiliary President Marian Merrill, Vice President Sis Littlefield, Secretary Kathy O'Neil, Chaplin Barbara Richard, and Treasurer Midge Proctor. Second row, left to right, Post 155 Chaplain Kathy Merrill, Service Officer Kelly Mulcahy, Adjutant Bill O'Neil, Finance Officer Richard Bell, Vice Commander Don Mulcahy, Commander Bill Stuart, and standing behind Bill Stewart is Assistant Vice Commander Jim Proctor, Sergeant-At- Arms Dave Poullis, Sons of the American Legion Sergeant-At-Arms Vinny Yedynak, 1 st Vice President Rick Turcott, President Stephen Lapointe, Treasurer Mike Lapointe, Historian Rick Robinson, and 2 nd Vice President Todd Lapointe. Mother s Day Breakfast: Naples Post 155 Mother s Day Breakfast is served by Auxiliary member Paula Smith to new Auxiliary member Carol Archambault. Congratulations!!! District 2 For providing the most number of pictures & articles for publication in The Maine Legionnaire. Naples Post 155 Welcomes New Member: Naples Post 155 Commander Bill Stewart, left, welcomes new member Al Archambault to the Post. Mother s Day Prep: Naples Post 155 members, left to right, Mike Lapointe, Curtis Merril, Don Knight and Steve Smith prepare breakfast for Mother s Day. Fabulous Show: USO Pin Up Tour put on a Fabulous show at Naples Post 155 to raise money for the funding of shows at VA hospitals across the country. A Legion Family: Naples Post 155 new Vice Commander Don Mulcahy and District 2 Service Officer and "Service Officer of the Year, daughter Kelly Mulcahy. Left to right, Kelly's children, Walker, Nathaniel and Abbigail. Naples Post 155 Honors 5 th Graders At Songo Locks School: Thanks to the efforts of 5 th grade teacher Mrs. Jamie Smith and custodian Bob Small, the students were taught how to put the flag up in the morning and retire it in the evening. We were so impressed with their folding of the flag the proper way day after day we felt they deserved special recognition. Each student was presented an award letter, a good citizen pin and a flag by the American Legion. District 3 Turner Post 111 was issued a new Charter on May 18. The Post was originally named the Turner Memorial Post 111 until the evening of May 18 when the Post was newly named, The Philip S. Bryant Memorial Post after the only Turner resident killed in action during the Vietnam War. Left to right, Department of Maine State Commander Peter Johnson, Turner Post 111 Commander Kenneth Finley, Post 111 Finance Officer Dale Bryant, brother of Philip S. Bryant for whom the Post was named, and Department of Maine State Adjutant Paul L'Heureux. Auburn Post 153 installation of Officers, front row, left to right, Treasurer Tibby Dupius, 2 nd Vice Commander Steve Simard, Post Commander Dan St. Pierre, 1 st Vice Commander David J.P. Jacobs-Pratt, Adjutant Hugh Brown Jr., Adjutant. Back row, left to right, State Adjutant Paul L Heureux, Trustee John Pape, Trustee Jen Lane, Sargeant-at-Arms Mike Spaulding, Chaplain Claire Porier, Service Officer Keith Davis. Absent: Trustee Fern Labbe, Trustee Bert Pare and Historian Donald Peck.

23 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST District 3 continued Auburn Unit 153 installation of officers, front row, left to right, 2 nd Vice President Pam Sampson, Secretary Bonnie Lewis- Pratt, President Audrey L Heureux, Chaplain Carol White-St.Pierre, Sergeant-At -Arms Sylvia Beaulieu. Back row, left to right, Installing Sergeant-At-Arms Ann Durost, Installing Chaplain Joan Caron, and Installing Officer Michelle McRae. Celebrating Memorial Day: William J. Rogers Auburn Post 153 Commander Dan St. Pierre, other officers, and students from Auburn s Franklin Alternative School under the leadership of David JP Jacobs -Pratt, took part in placing new American Flags on the grave sites of deceased Veterans at the Jewish Pine Street Cemetery as well as a single private burial site of another Veteran. Franklin Alternative School Students. Front row, left to right, Cam Watson, Dylan Thurlow, Jenna Greer, Ryan Hardy and Instructor/Advisor David JP Jacobs- Pratt. Jacobs-Pratt is Auburn Post st Vice Commander. Back row, left to right, Auburn Post 153 Commander Dan St. Pierre, Chaplain Claire Poirier, Trustee Fern Labbe and Historian Donald Peck. Placing Flags: Auburn Post 153 members place flags on Veterans graves on Memorial Day. Left to right, Trustee Fern Labbe, Donald Peck and Post Commander Dan St. Pierre. Lisbon Post 158 Celebrates Memorial Day ell, I awoke at W 5 a.m., and before I even looked out the window, I knew what kind of day it would be, either cold, over cast and rainy, a stifling hot and humid Memorial Day. Just like every Memorial Day for the past 50 years, and sure enough it was over cast, cold and rainy. I resigned myself to the worst and donned my L.L. Bean BRIAN GOVANG Post Historian vest (I had put my winter jacket away last week). I trudged out the door to do my duty as Lisbon Post 158 Historian. You see, I had to be at the American Legion Post by 6 a.m. to meet the Saluting Teams and start the day. The Lisbon Post 158 had split into 3 teams to do this important task of honoring our deceased veterans. Already I had to make a decision, which team to go with. I chose Jack LaChance s team who was going to my favorite places, the grave of John Blake, a Revolutionary War Veteran on the Ridlon Road and the Lisbon Cemetery on the Ferry Road. Jack s team fired a Salute at John Blake s grave site. John was the only veteran buried there so he was important to me. Jack s team, Montana (Mongo) Watson, Jack LaChance and Fred Field fired the salute. Then we went to the Lisbon cemetery to honor all the veterans there. Unlike John s, who was alone, there were about 100 veterans there. After a small problem with Jack s rifle, we gave them a gun salute and, standing at attention, a hand salute. Note the flags in the background. Then we were off to Saint Anne s Cemetery where we met with the other saluting teams to honor Thomas Fields, a well -known Special Forces Soldier killed in Somalia. Saluting team members are Rene Dubois, Glenn Simard, Fred Fields, Harley Simard, Jack LaChance, Montana Watson, Richard Everette, Armand Marcouillier, and Louis Albert. With a job well done, we then headed to our Post home for a well-deserved free breakfast. Joe St. Amant and his helper Linda Craige provided us a breakfast feast for royalty. Great job Farmer Joe and Linda we couldn t have finished the day without you (and there was a lot left to do). Then all we did was socialize for about ½ an hour then it was time to go to the Parade so off we went again. We got there just in time, our color guard was just coming up the street, leading the parade. The members are John Enmen, Harley Simard, Richard Everette, Fred Fields, and Peter Colbe. Next came the Lisbon High School Marching Band. They were really good and their trombone player doubled as the bugle player taps at the monument ceremonies. Then next in the parade came our very own beauty, the Poppy Queen Ms. Madison Tremblay with Doreen Heath (driver), Madison Tremblay, and her mother Mary Gilbert. Now it was time for Howard Shep Shepardson to lay the wreath at the Marion T. Morse Monument to honor Spanish American War and the First World War Veterans. So with the Color Guard standing at attention and the Bugler playing Taps, Shep played his respects and laid the wreath. The next stop was at the Lisbon Falls High School Memorial for Veterans of Wars since 1919 and Shep repeated playing his respects, the Color Guard at attention, and band playing Taps. Then it was time for us to remember sailors who had lost their lives at sea. Cindy Pomelow, President of the Legion Auxiliary, and Ron Saindon, Commander of Post 158, prepare to toss the wreath into the Sabattus River. The wreath floats away to sink as the sailors did in parts unknown. Our Saluting Team fired a Salute and the High School Bugler plays Taps as it floats silently away. Our next stop was Lisbon Post 158 home to pay our respects to veterans at the posts memorial stone. Cindy Pomelow and Ron Saindon place the wreath at the Posts Veterans Enman of Post 66 fires the Salute and the Lisbon Bugler Sophia (from the middle school) plays Taps to conclude the formal Memorial Day Ceremonies.. By Brian Govang, Post 158 Historian Monument. The Saluting Team Maurice Morgan, Dean Logan & John

24 24 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 District 4 District 5 Dixfield Post 100: A Certificate of Appreciation was presented by Department of Maine NEC John Hargreaves, left, to the Swasey-Torrey Dixfield Post 100 Commander Charles Green for his dedicated work at the Post & District level during District 5 meeting and installation held at Rumford Post 24 on Apr. 19. Farmington Post 28 Vice Commander Ray Edgar, left, receives the 100% membership award along with an Americanism Award from Area 2 Commander Kirk Thurston. Award Presented to Bethel Post 81: During District 5 meeting & installation held on Apr. 19 at the Napoleon-Ouellette Rumford Post 24, a Membership Award was presented to the Mundt- Allen Bethel Post 81. Presenting the award is Department of Maine Judge Advocate Matt Jabaut, left, and accepting the award for Bethel Post-81 Adjutant is Richard Grover. Rumford Unit 24 Installation of Officers Ceremony held on June 4. Front row, left to right, President Jo Gaudet, Vice President Donna Wotton, Secretary Stefanie Wilson, Chaplain Arlene Thibeau, Sergeant-At- Arms Judy Sanborn, and Executive Committee member Carol Roach. Back row, left to right, Installing Chaplain & Rumford Post 24 Historian Mike M. Wilson, Installing officer Rumford Post 24 Finance Officer, and Department of Maine Chaplain Tricia Thurston, Installing Sergeant-At-Arms & Rumford Unit 24 member Rena Nichols. Buckfield Post 58 Parade: Members and supporters of Buckfield Post 58 marching in 4th of July parade in Turner, Me. Photo by Jeff Stevenson 2017 Memorial Day Flagging at Locke Mills Post 68 emorial Day 2017 may be long past, M but Jackson-Silver Locke Mills Post 68 will not soon forget the help they received in flagging veteran s graves from members of Bethel s Cub Scout Pack 566. On Sat., May 27, the members met in the Post 68 Great Hall for a presentation describing the four of 13 cemeteries and burial sites of Greenwood veterans the Pack would assist the Post in flagging. The talk articulated the history of veteran service and the wars in which those interred fought. After the talk, all involved drove to the Mt Abram Cemetery in Locke Mills, the largest in Town, where the Cub Scouts, siblings, and parents split up and addressed in short order. There, they were met by town reporter, Amy Chapman, who writes a column for the Bethel Citizen. Amy kindly brought along for everyone a large batch of her renowned chocolate chip cookies. (Ask anyone in Greenwood who has enjoyed these cookies how special this treat was). After the cookies were consumed, it was on to the Hicks Cemetery on the Greenwood Road; followed by the Cole and Bryant Cemeteries on Rowe Hill Road. The Cole family were among about a handful of Revolutionary War soldiers families who first settled the area in 1800 and founded Greenwood in 1816, out of Township # 4. The Bryant family share those honors in nearby Woodstock, where Bryant Pond is the largest village, and Lake Christopher (named for Christopher Bryant), is the largest lake in the village. The Bryant s, though buried in Greenwood, are so close to the village of their name, walking from the far corner of their cemetery to the edge of nearby bluff, a person may look down upon their namesake lake. It was then on to Bryant Pond s Breau s Too Country Store and Restaurant all then adjourned to finish a morning well spent with a pizza lunch. The Cub Scouts were scheduled to march behind the Post Color Guard on Memorial Day, but due to the vagaries of the weather, the wellattended services were conducted indoors in the Post Great Hall. Yours in Service, Harry G. Orcutt, Post 68 Adjutant. Memorial Day Flagging: Front row, left to right, Kyan & Davon DeGrutola, Kaiden & Damian Robinson, Emmy Wright. Back row, left to right, Kathy & David DeGrutola, Post Adjutant Harry Orcutt, Cathy Robinson, Cameron & Chris Wright. Photo by Unit 68 Secretary Susan M. Vacca Firefighter of the Year Award: Left to right, Rumford Post 24 Cmdr. Bill Petire, Lt Mike Arsenault, Krissie Arsenault (wife), RFD Deputy Chief Chris Bryant (2008 recipient of this award), and Law & Order Chairman/Area 2 Cmdr. Kirk Thurston. Flag Disposal Ceremony: A Flag disposal ceremony was conducted at Bethel Mundt-Allen Post 81. Participants were, left to right, Dan Whitman, Dave Smith, Bob Dion, and Dickie Farren. Ice Cream Anyone?: Legionnaires Bob Dion and Norm Clanton of Bethel Mundt-Allen Post 81 serve ice cream to kids at Bog Brook Youth Camp. Ice cream was provided by Sugar Shack with money raised through donations and workers tips.

25 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST Rockland Post 1 held their Installation Ceremony May 20. Left to right, Sergeantat-Arns Stephen Pomakis, Chaplain Rev. David Franclemont, Adjutant Douglas King, 2nd Vice Commander Dane Winslow Sr., 1st Vice Commander Wayne Johnston, Commander Destiny Pooler. Absent: Finance Officer Harry Mank Jr., and Historian Sean Digerness. District 6 Rockland Post 1 Rededication Ceremony: The 4th Maine Memorial Monument Rededication Ceremony was held at the Midcoast Area Veterans Memorial site adjacent to the American Legion Rockland Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt Post 1 on July 3. Captain David Sulin, 20th Maine Company B, gifts photo of Rockland Civil War troops to The American Legion Rockland Post 1 Commander Destiny Poole. Rockland Post 1 Color Guard: Rockland Winslow- Holbrook-Merritt Post 1 Color Guard at the Rockland Memorial Rededication on July 3. Left to right, Sons of The American Legion Dave Bartosik, Legionnaire Bill Lawry, Legionnaire Steve Pomakis. USCG Honor Guard Representation: FN Maurous, PO3 Baker and PO2 Kibe at the Rockland Memorial Rededication Ceremony. Photo by Jeff Stevenson District Commander s Award: Department of Maine NECA Ronald Rainfrette presents District 6 Commander Raymond Lewis, left, with the State of Maine s District Commander s award during the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony held at Camden Post 30 on June 24. District 8 Brunswick Post 20 Installation: Brunswick s George T. Files Post 20 held their installation of newly elected officers on June 11. Installing Officer & Past National Vice Commander William Chick Ciciotte, assisted by State Adjutant Paul L Heureux, acting as the Installing Sergeant-At-Arms and Americanism Officer Emeritus Gilbert Ormsby, acting as Chaplain. Front row, left to right, 2 nd Vice Commander Marty Diller, 1 st Vice Commander Dave Watson, Post Commander Joe Donahue, Adjutant Albert (Al) Farris Jr., Chaplain/ Service Officer Read Rich. Back row, left to right, Historian Wayne Thibodeau, Sergeant-At-Arms Larry LaRochelle, Trustee John Houston, Post Parliamentarian Dan Lindsley. Those later installed Americanism Officer John Rivard, Finance Officer Jim Oikle, Trustee Jorge Maderal, and Trustee Chick Ciciotte. Brunswick s Donahue is Honored as Maine Legionnaire of the Year e joined the Navy right out of high H school and served three tours in Vietnam as a flight deck troubleshooter on an aircraft carrier, before moving onto civilian life in But during those nine months Joe Donahue left the Navy, he couldn t find anything that made him happy back home in South Worcester, Mass. Everybody was doing the same thing, going to work, Legionnaire Of The Year coming home, going to work, coming home. Nobody was doing anything... They just wanted to stay in their own routine. So he returned to the Navy where he served from 1961 to Donahue, now of Brunswick, had an exciting Naval career. For the last 12 years, he was a flight engineer on C-130s flying special operations out of Guam and drone launches out of San Diego and equipment to the Antarctic. He lived in New Zealand where he met his wife, and made a lot of friends during his services. He was the officer in charge of an electronics department in Rota, Spain when he got a Joe Donahue of Brunswick's George T. Files Post 20 is pictured in front of the Legion hall's new flag pole donated by a Post member. Donahue has been selected as the Legionnaire of the Year. call asking if he d go to Brunswick Naval Air Station where one of the squadrons had lost a senior chief. He agreed to take his place, and was sent to VP10 in Two years later he retired. I loved the Navy, I just really enjoyed it, he said. But it was the right time. His Photo by Darcie daughter was Moore/The Times ready to start Record Staff high school. Now, the 72-year -old said he d love to do it all over. Of course his family would think differently. And for the last six years, he s been very immersed in the work of his local American Legion post, seven serving the last three years as its commander. Now he has been chosen as the American Legion s legionnaire of the year for the state of Maine. It is the first time since Brunswick s George T. Files Post 20 was established in 1919, that a member More on Donahue, Page 26

26 26 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 Donahue (Continued from Page 25) District 8 continued of the post had been selected for this prestigious award. While Donahue was a Post 20 member for 22 years, he only became active in the organization six years ago. Somewhere along the way, the post had dissolved, but two very involved local legionnaires Chick Ciciotte and Gil Ormsby called all the members, gathering them to help bring the post back to life. The post now has its own home in the former Evergreen building at 1 Columbus Drive. Under Donahue s recent leadership, the membership is at 121 members and continues to grow. Ciciotte nominated Donahue for legionnaire of the year, and said Donahue has done so much for the post, helping to start up youth programs and other community programs, and has been willing to drive across the state to help veterans and other posts, and made sure things got done when others have been ill. He s even done the janitor work, Ciciotte said, and it s all volunteer. Donahue will be honored during installation of the newly elected officers Sunday and then again as legionnaire of the year at the Maine American Legion convention next week. Initially Donahue didn t know anything about Post 20 or even where they met. There is still many misconceptions within the community and among younger veterans about the American Legion. It is a non-political organization and when it asks to go into schools, it s not for military recruiting. Its members serve the community and also work to help veterans connect with services and benefits. Working with youth programs has been one of Donahue s favorite roles. He s served as the Americanism Officer, working with the Boy Scouts on the flag retirement program, starting the only youth shooting course (using air rifles), and sponsoring baseball teams. The Legion also offers Boys and Girls State, which allows youth to learn how the State Legislature works; and the Oratorical Contest where participants give a dissertation on the U.S. Constitution and can win thousands of dollars in scholarships if they make it to the national competition. Donahue said there are many Post 20 members who work hard, and it s the team effort that reflects well on him. I couldn t do it all myself, he said. The programs are too important. By Darcie Moore/The Times Record Brunswick Post 20 Honors WWII Veterans runswick George T. Files Post 20 B honored 29 WWII Veterans at the Post home on Fri., July 28. Most Veterans brought their loved ones. Past National Commander Anthony G. Jordan was the special guest. He talked about the Greatest Generation and contributions that we Americans now enjoy. Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness. Tony presented Certificates of Appreciations from the state of Maine and Brunswick Post 20 as well as commemorative WWII coins. He was assisted by Brunswick Town Manager John Eldridge. A cold luncheon was served by the wives and friends of Legion members. Local Boys and Girls Scouts were on hand to escort and serve those disabled Veterans. District 8 Commander Dan Lindsley was on hand to greet the WWII Veterans as well as David Patch who was there to assist with Veterans wishing to take part in the Washington, D.C. Honor Flight. Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joe Donahue hosted the event thanking all WWII Veterans for their service as well as the volunteers who made the event a Hugh success. Local newspaper The Times Record was there to interview some of the local WWII Veterans as well as Channel 8 T.V. to tape the event. All in all, a great event with a total of 87 people present to honor the WWII Veterans. Submitted by William Chick Ciciotte Freedom & The Pursuit Of Happiness : Special guest, Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan, right, talks about the Greatest Generation and contributions that we Americans now enjoy Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness at the WWII Veterans Ceremony held at Brunswick Post 20 on July 28. Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joe Donahue, left, looks on. Bath Unit 21 Memorial Day Celebration: Auxiliary Smith-Tobey Unit 21, Bath, take part in the Memorial Day Parade. Front row, left to right, Pam Atwood, Little Miss Poppy Cheyenne Withers, Raven Wing, Rylee Lynn Morton (in front of ) Lilly Stevenson and Bryaunnah Morton. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Bath Post 21 Memorial Day Speaker: Guest speaker, State Representative Jennifer De Chant, right, gives her welcome speech to Bath Post 21 members and guests in celebration of Memorial Day as Bath Post 21 Commander Ed Morton looks on. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Memorial Day Parade: Front, left to right, Harpswell Post 171 Chaplain Roger Dumont USN (Ret), Post 171 Commander Mike Doyle USA. Second row, left to right, Chuck Collins USN, Steve Collins USA, Chris Collins USAF. Third row, left to right, Bob Webber USAF, Bill Allen USCG carrying the US flag, John Ott USA (Maine flag), Matt Maurer USN (POW/MIA flag), Jim Swol USMC (Post 171 flag), Bill O Connell USAF. Post 171 charter member Lee Chipman USA, WWII/Korea, was Parade Grand Marshal. There was a program at Harpswell Center after the parade during which Maine Sen. Brownie Carson, a Vietnam veteran, spoke and Maine Representative Jay McCreight read In Flanders Fields. Gale Doyle recited the Gettysburg Address and Dorie Barnes sang the national anthem. Afterward, there were refreshments at Centennial Hall. Photo by Else Boland Harpswell Post 171 crew assembled on the front porch of the Grange prior to departing for Ewing Narrows Bridge. Back row, left to right, Chuck Collins, Sergeant-At-Arms Steve Collins, Chris Collins. Second row, left to right, Americanism/Service Officer Paul Standridge USN, Commander Mike Doyle. Front row, left to right, Finance Officer Bill O Connell, Assistant Americanism/Service Officer Bill Allen, Assistant Sergeant- At-Arms Jim Swol, Chaplain Roger Dumont, 1 st Vice Commander John Ott, Matt Maurer, Adjutant Bob Webber. Not shown is 2 nd Vice Commander Rollie Weeman who met the group on the bridge to play Taps. Photo by Bonnie Dumont Honoring Those Lost At Sea: Harpswell Post 171 Chaplain Roger Dumont USN (Ret), left, commemorates those lost at sea in all conflicts, while Commander Mike Doyle USA, hidden, prepares to throw a wreath into the Narrows. Color Guards, left to right, Steve Collins USA, Chris Collins USAF, Chuck Collins USN, Bill O Connell USAF, Jim Swol USMC, Matt Maurer USN, John Ott USA, Bill Allen USCG, and Bob Webber USAF. The Rifle Squad fired 3 volleys. They are Steve Collins, Chuck Collins, Chris Collins, Bill O Connell, and Bob Webber. Rollie Weeman USAF played Taps. Photo by Else Boland

27 HE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST District 8 continued Harpswell Post 171 Installation Ceremony: Harspwell Post 171 Installation Ceremony was held on May 15. Commander Mike Doyle is installed by NECA Ron Rainfrette, center, and NEC John Hargreaves. Sitting in the left of the photo are Americanism/Service Officer Paul Standridge, left, and Assistant Americanism/Service Officer Bill Allen. Photo by Lili Ott/Roger Dumont Flag Day Ceremony: Local Boy Scouts of America representative, Scott McInnis, disposes flags properly during Flay Day Ceremony held June 14 at Harpswell Post 171. Installation & Medals: Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture installs Barbara Kasiola, District 9 & Gardiner Post 4 Chaplain at a District 9 meeting held at Litchfield Post 181 on July 12. Barbara won 2 Bronze medals for javelin and for bowling. She also won 11 total medals at The National Veteran's Golden Age Games in Biloxi, Mississippi held this May. Support YMCA Camp: YMCA CEO & Director YMCA Camp of Maine Jeff Gleason, pictured with Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture, at recent Kennebec County District 9 Meeting held May 10 at The Maine Veterans Home. Jeff presented the many opportunities for local boys and girls to experience by attending the YMCA Camp of Maine located in Winthrop. Many deserving students are provided assistance for programs with Financial Assistance from the YMCA Camp of Maine Annual Fund. District 9 American Legion Posts were encouraged to make donations to help deserving young boys and girls. Support for one week at the camp is $635. Recruiting Award Pin: Phippsburg Post 216 Commander Gary Flemmings, left, congratulates Sgt-at-Arms Dave Barnes during the presentation of his recruiting award pin at the monthly meeting in June. Photo by Post Adjutant Mike Young Appreciation For Service: Three Army Veterans of the Elwell family, left to right, PFC Frederick W. Elwell III, SGT Alan R. Elwell and SFC Frederick W. Elwell II (also Post 2nd Vice Commander) receive Appreciation for Service certificates at Phippsburg Post 216 Annual Veteran s Appreciation Ceremony and BBQ held in June. Comrade Elwell s second Army Veteran brother, MWO Richard S. Elwell, was unable to attend. District 9 Photo by Chilloa Young District 9 Meeting at Litchfield Post 181 on July 12. Teague Morris, Outreach Director for Senator Angus King, shares Senator King's recent work on behalf of veterans. PREVENTING VETER- AN SUICIDE, cosponsored with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and FACILITATING TRANSITION TO VETERAN STATUS, cosponsored with Senator Thom Tillis (R- N.C.). Other topics covered were Appeals Modernization, Accountability, Privatization, Caregivers, and Proposed Budget Criticisms. Installation Of District 9 Officers: Installation of Kennebec County District Officers, left to right, Installing Sergeant-At- Arms & State Chaplain Greg Couture who are 1 st Vice Commander Howard Betts, 2 nd Vice Commander & Americanism Officer Jim Palmer, Adjutant Eileen Krawczyk, Finance Officer Dana Parker, Judge Advocate & Area 4 Commander Lowell Lamoreau, Historian Mike Madden, Service Officer Herbert Mann, and Sergeant- At-Arms Ron Dixon. Absent: Commander Donald Chase. Certificates Of Appreciation Presented: Department of Maine Americanism Officer Debra Couture presents Certificate of Appreciation to members of Augusta Post 2 at District 9 meeting in Augusta, May 10. Back row, left to right, Service Officer Jim Palmer, Adjutant Al Donnel, Commander Howard Betts, and Americanism Patrick Eisenhart. Front row, left to right, State Americanism Officer Debra Couture and Augusta Post 2 Sergeant-of-Arms Eileen Krawczyk. Augusta Post 2 Veteran s Day Ceremony at Capitol Park in Augusta. Left to right, members of the Augusta Cub and Boys Scout Troop, Augusta Post 2 Past Commander Doak, Post 2 Commander Betts, Post 2 Past Commander Dowling, Unit 2 Auxiliary Past President Dowling, and Post 2 Past Commander Sielhan.

28 28 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 District 9 continued Teaming up in Support of Boys and Girls State he Armory Street, Augusta Branch of T Camden National Bank, Cony High School, and Augusta Post 2, and two Auxiliary Units in Kennebec County have teamed up to send five boys and four girls to Boys and Girls State. The Department of Maine American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary put on Boys and Girls State, a four dayovernight, immersed program at Thomas College and Husson University in June. At Boys and Girls State, participants learn the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of franchised citizens while having fun in competitive, intramural fun. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. High school juniors interested in attending applied either through their neighborhood or area American Legion post, their high school guidance department, or directly to the American Legion, Department of Maine. The American Legion selects high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring local American Legion post, a local business, another communitybased organization, parents or individual donors. American Legion Boys/Girls State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State. Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion Departments in the United States except Hawaii. As separate corporations, Boys State programs vary in content and method of procedure but each adhere to the same basic concept, teaching government from the township to the state level. Patrick Eisenhart, Public Relations Department of Maine Augusta Post 2 Boys & Girls State: Front row, left to right, Danielle Breau, Brandon Gosselin, Haley Gagne, Tara Jorgensen. Back row, left to right, Augusta Post 2 Commander Howard Betts, Olivia Varney, Hayden Ouelette, Camden National Bank Branch Manager Brent Vicnaire, Michael Levesque, Alee Cloutier, Kennebec County District 9 Vice Commander Patrick Eisenhart. Newly Promoted Senior Chief: Augusta Post 2 Adjutant Al Donnell places cover on newly promoted Senior Chief William Price with his son William, Jr., pinning his dress uniform on Apr. 20, in Jacksonville, FL. Senior Chief Price is a member of Madison Post 39. The other Senior Chief AEC Juan Esteban was promoted the same day with his family present. Senior Chief Price asked Post 2 Adjutant Al Donnell to drive to Jacksonville, FL, to perform the ceremony. Mr. Donnell had served with Chief Price s dad and they became close friends. Dad had passed away before the promotion so Mr. Price thought it was fitting to ask his dad s best friend to perform the ceremony. True friendship has no distance! Getting Ready For The Memorial Day Parade: Hallowell Post 6 members and guests assemble for the Memorial Day Parade. Annual Flag Retirement: Hallowell Post 6 conducted their annual Flag Retirement and Disposal Ceremony on June 21 at the Hallowell Wharf in Granite City Park, with the assistance of Boy Scout Troop #647. The ceremony was well attended with community members participating. Memorial Day March: Members of Goodrich-Caldwell Post 6 Hallowell march in the Memorial Day Parade. Hallowell Post 6 present American Flags to four Hall-Dale High School graduating band members for perfect attendance. They have shared their time and talents for the past four years supporting Post 6 activities. Without their efforts, Americanism Service to our community would not have been complete. Hallowell Post 6 Commander Maureen Malley and Past Commander Mike Madden made the presentations at the High School during the assembly June 9. Monmouth Richmond Post 132 Commander Brenda Dearborn, left, and Past Commander Gilbert Bond, right, present Roland Lord with a 70 year membership certificate from National & Richmond Post 132 on May 22 at the Augusta Maine Veterans Home. Litchfield Post 181 Memorial Day speaker, Vietnam Veteran and Litchfield Post 181 member Roger McLane. Post 204: (Left photo) - Monmouth Commander Tracy Gray, right, and 2nd Vice Commander Don Morin, left, hand out Poppies at the Monmouth Post Office. (Right photo) - Monmouth 2nd Vice Commander Don Morin, left, hands a poppy to Marcia Grace.

29 HE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST District 11 Stockton Springs Post 157: Korean War Veteran Robert B. Hickey was honored recently in a ceremony at Stockton Springs Post 157. Left to right, Past Waldo County Commander Lance Weddell, Post Commander Judy Otis, Korean War Veteran Robert B. Hickey, and former District Adjutant Lee Snyder. Legionnaires Supporting The Community: Unity Post 50 Ron Cropley, left, and Daryl Bell rebuild the ramp at the Troy Union Church after the church steeple renovations near completion. Members Honored At Town Meeting: Stockton Springs Post 157 was honored at Stockton Springs Town Meeting. Nine members of Post 157 gathered on Sat., June 17, as the Post Cmdr. Judy Otis accepted the town's Volunteer Organization of the Year award. The award, associated with Volunteers Across America was presented by Selectperson Lesley Cosmano. In her remarks, Ms. Cosmano thanked "the Post for its decades of service to our community". As always, Cmdr. Otis was gracious and sincere in her remarks saying "these members will do anything they are asked to do, I am proud to be part of this family of great people". District 13 PUFL Award: Left to right, Lincoln Post 77 Commander Darrell Savage, PUFL Award Recipient, WWII Veteran Henry Hunter, District 13 Historian Maxine Hunter, and, State Representative Sheldon Hanington. Hampden Post 213 Open House: Three members of the Hampden Memorial Post 213 participated in a Volunteer Open House & Community Forum that was held at the Hampden Academy on Apr. 9. In addition, more than 25 other civic community organizations were represented. Ken Preble and Tom Healy are pictured here manning the booth. Hampden Post 213 Support House in the Woods embers of the Hampden Memorial M Post 213 delivered a check for $250 on March 8 to Deanna House who runs House in the Woods, left to right, John White, Deanna House, Paul House, Ken Preble, Leo Buzz Belanger, and Bill Emery. House in the Woods is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation s armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Lee, Maine and other natural habitats, to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation s freedom and democratic ideals. House in the Woods was founded after Sargeant Joel House was killed on June 23, 2007 by a roadside bomb in Taji, Iraq and Sargeant Blair Emery was also killed on Nov. 30, 2007 by a roadside bomb in Baqubah, Iraq. Joel s fellow soldiers and friends traveled from Fort Hood, Texas to Lee, ME to share in Joel s funeral. After the funeral, his brothers shared memories at the House s family camp on silver Lake. They swam, kayaked, roasted marshmallows over a campfire, and were eventually even able to laugh and tell jokes despite the enormous pain tin their hearts. Surrounded by nature and family, battle hardened soldiers were able to put aside the facade of emotional impenetrability to express the buried emotions of sorrow, grief, guilt, and pain. This experience planted a seed in Joel s parents to create House in the Woods. Memorial Day Parade: Bangor Post 12 members and guests march in Bangor Post 12: John Nelligan, Historian for Bangor Post 12, District 14 the Memorial Day Parade in Bangor. ready for action at the Memorial Day Parade in Bangor. Lincoln Post 77 Awards WWII Veteran PUFL incoln Post 77 Commander Darrell L Savage, 2nd Vice Commander Tom Brown, and Representative Sheldon Hanington took a ride up to Macwahoc to visit WWII Veteran Henry Hunter who was awarded PUFL American Legion membership. They pleasantly surprised him with an official American Legion hat and had him sign his membership forms. They had a nice visit with Henry and he shared memories of his eight campaigns he served in back in 1943 to Mr. Hunter will be 99 years old on Sept. 28 and has been married to his loving wife Maxine for 72 years August 11. Mr. Hunter was thankful for the kind gesture and Mr. Hanington added "I have known Henry and Maxine for 45 years and they are the sweetest couple. I enjoy conversations with Henry and I cherish his friendship. He was one of the very 1st Aroostook County WWII Veterans and we are blessed that he is still here to share his stories. Greenville Cecil R. Cole Post 94 is the recent beneficiary of a spectacular new flag pole donated by an anonymous donor to replace the old flag pole damaged by a snow plow last winter. Trophy Received For The 4th: Greenville Cecil R. Cole Post 94 Officers, left to right, Bill Spach, John Guerin, Darrell Roath and Donna Mabee receive the Town Managers trophy for the 4 th of July Parade in Greenville.

30 30 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 District 14 continued Dirigo Boys State Sponsorship: Greenville Cecil R. Cole Post 94 sponsored five boys to the 2017 American Legion Dirigo Boys State Class. Standing, left to right, Noah Pratt, Connor DiAngleo, Nick Foley, Anthony Mason and John Watt. The contingent included three Eagle Scouts and the Boys State Samsung Scholarship winner Connor DiAngelo. Seated, left to right, Past Department Commander Pete Johnson, Post 94 Commander John Guerin and Greenville High School English Teacher & Boys State Coordinator Alan Cartwright. District 15 Calais Post 3 American Legion display on Maine Street "Veterans Pixie House" which was donated By Bonnie Johnson. District 17 Auxiliary Thank You For Dedication & Support: During District 17 meeting held at the Thomas O. Cyr Madawaska Post-147, Department of Maine Adjutant Paul L Heureux (front) took the time to thank the Auxiliary members of the Post for all their dedication to help support The American Legion. Front row, left to right, Sergeant-At-Arms Nancy Michaud, Executive Committee Loretta Clavette, President Barbara Morin and Unit Member Diane Beaulieu. Back row, left to right, Vice President Gail Bourgoin, Executive Committee Jessica Daigle and Treasurer Raymonde Corriveau. Frenchville Post 145 Commander Robert Sinclair presents continuous membership awards to the following Post members on Flag Day at the Post home. Left to right, Roland Paradis, 50 years; Clovis Daigle 70 years; J. Bertrand Michaud 50 years. All three have served as Post Commander at different times and various other elected offices. Absent: Cammille Morneault 60 years, and Normand Nadeau 60 years. A Visit To Lubec Post 65: During a Post Revitalization trip to Cobscook Pembroke Post 59, the team also had an opportunity to visit the Stuart-Greene Lubec Post 65. Left to right, Lubec Post 65 Service Officer George "Bubba" Eaton, District Commander Ike Hubbard, Past Department President of Auxiliary Lois Hubbard, Post 65 Commander Mike Sawtelle, Constitution/By-Laws Chair for The Department of Maine Auxiliary Audrey L'Heureux and Department of Maine State Adjutant Paul L'Heureux. The team was well received by all Post members. District 16 Oakfield Post 52 received a special 100% membership award at District 16 meeting held at Mars Hill Post 118 on May 5. Left to right, Area Commander Wayne Little, Oakfield Post 52 2nd Vice Commander Bruce Barrett, Oakfield Post 52 Commander Richard Burton and District 16 Commander Rod Collins. Flags Down Before They re Raised. Flags After They re Raised. Veterans Represent Madawaska Post 147: Two Veterans representing Madawaska Post 147, Eugene Michaud, left, and Richard Cyr. The flag was raised in honor of Ernie Levesque, Patrick Albert, and Bernadette Albert. Flag Raising Ceremony: Madawaska Post 147 held a Flag Raising ceremony at the Caribou Veterans Cemetery on May 10. There are 30 flags that line the entrance to the cemetery. Each flag is sponsored by either family members of a deceased Veteran, an American Legion Post, or VFW Post.

31 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST POST NAME CONFLICT Post 4 Gardiner Douglas L. Tyler Vietnam Post 4 Gardiner Roger G. Gagnon Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Norman W. Mathieu WWII Post 5 Waterville Real B. Trepanier Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Raymond L. Bourque Korea Post 5 Waterville Lawrence J. Byrne WWII Post 5 Waterville John G. Noel Korea Post 5 Waterville James A. Thibodeau WWII Post 5 Waterville Robert J. Chamberlain Korea Post 6 Hallowell Donald E. Nichols WWII Post 12 Bangor Laforest E. Mathews Korea Post 13 East Millinocket Ora J. Bartlett Korea Post 15 Caribou Joseph D. Michaud Vietnam Post 20 Brunswick Gilbert Ormsby Korea Post 23 Baileyville Joseph J. Dobriko Jr. Vietnam Post 24 Rumford Arthur Patrie Korea Post 24 Rumford Donald Gilbert Vietnam Post 25 Bar Harbor John C. Sweet WWII Post 32 Pittsfield Joseph G. Varricchio Vietnam Post 49 Van Buren John P. Watson WWII Post 50 Unity Stanley E. Knox WWII Post 57 Old Orchard Beach John H. Brooks Vietnam Post 58 Buckfield David Gammon WWII Post 65 Lubec Roland M. Cheney WWII Post 66 Lisbon Falls Richard W. Laroche Korea Post 84 Orono Roland L. Huston Vietnam Post 88 Presque Isle Floyd H. Ledger WWII Post 94 Greenville Lionel Breau WWII Post 94 Greenville Omer W. Servant WWII POST NAME CONFLICT Post 94 Greenville Jess G. Daigle Vietnam Post 94 Greenville Alcide Daigle WWII Post 102 Stonington Byron Bray WWII Post 102 Stonington William Hutchinson WWII Post 102 Stonington Norman A. Wood Vietnam Post 102 Stonington Mary P. Hardy Korea Post 102 Stonington Dowe Eaton Korea Post 107 Etna-Carmel Beverly E. Lawrence Korea Post 107 Etna-Carmel Ralph P. Kelly WWII Post 118 Mars Hill Dalton M. Cronkite WWII Post 118 Mars Hill Stanley Hartley WWII Post 147 Madawaska Eddie L. Paradis Vietnam Post 147 Madawaska Reginald J. Raymond Korea Post 148 Windham Fredrick Collins WWII Post 148 Windham John Rollins WWII Post 148 Windham Gerald Bell Korea Post 149 Waldoboro Vernon E. Hutchins Korea Post 153 Auburn Joseph Derosier WWII Post 153 Auburn Paul A. Caouette Vietnam Post 164 Falmouth Lon Blauvelt Korea Post 173 New Portland Peter R. Pease Vietnam Post 179 South China Robert C. Dowe Vietnam Post 179 South China R. Allan Wenzel Vietnam Post 197 Westbrook Roger Larrivee Jr. Vietnam Post 205 Augusta Lawrence E. Danforth Korea Post 214 Lebanon William L. Prentice Vietnam Post CN09 St. John s Eric P. Adams Korea Post CN09 St. John s Warren Hudson WWII WHAT S HAPPENING AT... St. John s Newfoundland Post CN-09 MORE AWARDS PRESENTED AT... St. John s Newfoundland Post CN-09 meeting held June 26. Front row, left to right, Dave Cook, Anne MacFarlane, Bernard Agriesti, and Richard Mease. Back row, left to right, Ray Reiser, Millard Starr, George Salter, John Guelich, John Walther and Harlow Snippen. The Annual State Convention History Awards: Department Commander Peter Johnson presents History Awards to Post Scrapbook winners at the Annual State Convention in Bangor June 16. Left to right, Commander Johnson, Sabattus Post 135 Harvey Moses, representing Lisbon Post 158 Brian Gavang for Honorable Mention; Naples Post 155 Curtis Merrill, Honorable Mention; Camden Post 30 Norman D. Carver Jr., 2nd Place Post Scrapbook winner (National Standards); Berwick Post 79 Robert K. Place, 1st Place Post Scrapbook winner (National Standards); Windham Post 148 Robert Bob Christie, 1st Place Post Scrapbook winner (State Standards). Convention Newsletter Awards: Department Commander Peter Johnson, left, presents Post Newsletter Awards to Madison Post 39 H. Ralph Withee, Windham Post 148 David Tanguay, and Augusta Post 205 Herb Mann at the Annual State Convention June 16 in Bangor. The Silhouette Project: Dept. Judge Advocate Matthew Jabaut, left, and Dept. Commander Peter Johnson, right, present White Star Mother Linda Lajoie the 2016 Silhouette Project award at the Annual State Convention June 17 for her dedicated efforts to insure those that have taken their lives in service to our country are not forgotten. 4th Estate Award Recipients: 4th Estate Awards were presented during the Annual State Convention to the following recipients: Left to right, Steven Harris and Duane Belanger for Mt. Blue TV and Jim Veilleux for The Greater Lisbon Ledger.

32 32 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2017 Department of Maine American Legion 5 Verti Drive Winslow, ME NON PROFIT ORANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND MAINE PERMIT NO. 493 Attention: Next Deadline is Oct. 27 he deadline for material, stories and/ T or pictures to be submitted for consideration for use in the November 2017 issue of The Maine Legionnaire will be October 27, 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. CHANGE OF ADDRESS CARD Membership Card No. Date / / Post No. Refer to membership register Member s Name Show as entered in membership register Old Address Street, Route or P.O. Box Post Office State Zip New Address Street, Route or P.O. Box Post Office State Zip Remarks To update your address: Complete all sections of the above for and mail it to The American Legion, Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine Commanders Take The Lead: Newly installed Department of Maine Commander Randall Kluj, left, and outgoing Department Commander Peter Johnson, right, have the honor of leading the th of July parade in Bangor. Legion College Graduates Share The Knowledge: Department 1st Vice Commander Matt Jabaut, center, and Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall, left, were the Dept. of Maine facilitators for the New Leadership Course that took place at Dept. Headquarters on May Department Adjutant Paul L'Heureux, right, provided the material, support and required paperwork for the course. This is the first module to be taught (Module-I) with others to follow. The information taught is nothing that has ever been done in the Department of Maine. All three individuals are graduates of The American Legion College, with Matt & Jason bringing the new Post 9/11 Veterans information. RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE TODAY: PLEASE VISIT