The American Legion Department of Maine SMILE

Transcription

1 The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME Tel: (207) Fax: (207) legionme@mainelegion.org Website: Facebook: October 1, 2015 SMILE Why do anything unless it is going to be great. Department Address Change Reminder We currently have approximately 19 Posts that continue to send mail to our old address, please address all correspondence for Department to: The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive Winslow, ME Please note, mail sent to old address will be forwarded by the post office and delivery will be delayed 10 or more days. SMILE Change Please submit information to be included in the SMILE not later than Wednesday by Late information will not be included in that week s SMILE and will be held for the following issue if applicable. The SMILE and other forms may be found on our website at SMILE: FORMS:

2 Military Trivia In what year did the First U.S. Navy plane make a trans-atlantic crossing? Congratulations 11 th District Commander Lance Weddell for completing the American Legion Extension Institute Course. Scarborough Post 76 on receiving a special grant of $5000 from Home Depot for Post renovations Where In The State Are The Department Officers? This will be an on-going column as we follow the Department Officers around the State. Please feel free to attend these functions and support our Veterans by obtaining the most current information from these meetings. Oct 3 District 16, 1 pm, Mars Hill Post 118 Department 2 nd Vice Commander Randy Kluj Oct 11- District 3, 2 pm, Livermore Falls Post 10 Department 1 st Vice Commander Peter Johnson Oct 14 District 9, 7 pm, Winthrop Post 40 Department Command Ron Rainfrette Oct 17 District 6, 11 am, Thomaston Post 37 - Department Command Ron Rainfrette Oct 17 District 14, 12 pm, Milo Post 41 Department 1 st Vice Commander Peter Johnson Oct 18 District 11, 2 pm, Mount View High School, Thorndike, special presentation of Korean Reborn books Department Commander Ron Rainfrette and other dignitaries Membership ATTENTION!!! Legionnaires, Post Officers, District Officers, and Area Commanders The 2016 dues increase has been passed at our National Convention in August, In order to avoid the $5.00 dues increase for 2016 which will take effect on January 20, 2016, all members are encouraged to pay their 2016 dues before December 1, The Department of Maine s established deadline date has been set in order to meet National cut-off dates for any changes. Failure to meet Department or National deadlines will result in subsequent renewal notices being mailed with incorrect information. If you have not yet paid your 2016 membership dues, we strongly suggest that you do so before the December 1st cut-off date.

3 Membership Goals for 2016: The Department of Maine continues to beat National Membership Target Dates. The target for October 14 is 55% of our goal of 20,000 for 2016 and the Department of Maine was at 60.07% as of 24 September. The Department of Maine was led last week by Districts Ten at 71.38%, District 17 at 70.39% and District Seven at 67.17%. Our congratulations go out to District Commanders Leo Himes, John Cyr and Alfred McKay and the Posts of their districts. We appreciate your leadership in meeting Department Goals and we encourage all commanders to continue to emphasize retention and recruitment in this important goal. Attached to today s Smile are the Departments Goals for 2016 to aid in meeting our membership targets. All posts are requested to establish concrete goals at their local level to help us meet our common goal of 20,000 members in Department of Maine strategic plan for sustained growth goals Brand awareness Fund revamped public relations committee Increase content and distribution of the Maine legionnaire newspaper Create extensive exposure of department programs boys state, oratorical contest, legion baseball Expand use of new department headquarters for training, professional development and committee meetings Establish the Maine legion center for history and professional development at the winslow headquarters by end of 2016 Recognize news organizations, legislators and businesses that support legion goals Communications Continue collection and update of all possible s of legionnaires (department, district, post, committees, individuals) Encourage use of department web site, facebook, smile and legionnaire magazine Conduct more frequent meetings by using electronic media such as phone and video conferences for department, committee and district meetings Insure two way communications between department, area, district and post Training/education/leadership development Complete the establish of the Maine legion center for history and professional development by end of 2016 Continue the periodic training of post service officers Establish programs of instruction for new post commanders, adjutants and finance officers identify and qualify capable instructors Identify training requirements for lead training and request national support for fall and midwinter training Post creation/development and revitalization Initiate and encourage department, area and district officers to identify and assist struggling posts with purpose, membership and community involvement Membership, recruiting and retention Maintain retention at historic level Set membership goals based on negoiated levels and published timelines Establish and reward membership growth achievement Intervene with posts struggling to meet growth targets

4 District Meetings OCTOBER 2015 District 16 S. Aroostook: Oct. 3, Mars Hill Post 118, 1 p.m. dinner, mtg to follow, agenda items include new dues structure for 2016, news about Department happenings and dues assessment, etc. District 7 Lincoln: Oct 8, Boothbay Post 36, 6 pm. District 2 Cumberland: Oct 11, S. Portland Post 35, 2 p.m. Leg Dist 2 and Aux Dist 1 District 3 Androscoggin: Oct. 11, Livermore Falls Post 10, 2 p.m. District 12 Hancock: Oct. 13, Bar Harbor Post 25, 6:30 p.m. dinner, mtg to follow District 9 Kennebec: Oct. 14, Winthrop Post 40, 7 p.m. District 6 Knox: Oct 17, Thomaston Post 37, 11 a.m. District 14 Piscataquis: Oct 17, Milo Post 41, 12 p.m. Lunch, 1 p.m. mtg District 17 N. Aroostook: Oct. 18, Fort Kent Post 133, 1 p.m. dinner, fol by mtg. District 5 Oxford: Oct. 20, Buckfield Post 58, 7 p.m. speaker From the Adjutant LegionCare program now improved! The Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) is pleased to announce some important changes to the LegionCare program just revealed at the 97 th Annual American Legion National Convention earlier this month. The first of these exciting updates starting for enrollments after 1/1/2015, anyone enrolled in LegionCare will be covered for as long as they remain a member of The Legion Family. No need to re-enroll every 5 years! The second change, and what we think is the most important - All Legion Family members Legion, senior ALA, and senior SAL in good standing are now eligible for the coverage. The Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been working hard to provide valuable benefits to your entire family and we look forward to continuing to serve veterans insurance needs. Those Legion Family members stopping by our booth were able to enroll in the LIT s LegionCare program and have their coverage become effective immediately, but this opportunity is not restricted to just those who were at the National Convention. Every eligible Legion Family member may enroll, but the member must sign-up to be covered. Please keep the momentum going after the convention and spread the word about these exciting changes to LegionCare.

5 Reminder about LegionCare: What is LegionCare? LegionCare provides up to $1,000 of 24 hours accidental death coverage to an enrolled member. And if an enrolled members suffers a covered loss while performing official Legion Family business, there is an additional $4,000 benefit* --bringing the total to up to $5,000. How do I enroll? Just go online to and fill in the requested information. By enrolling on-line, your coverage will begin immediately and you will get an confirmation within minutes. Those without access to the internet may enroll by calling the LIT s toll-free number (800) and our customer service area will process your enrollment over the phone. Don t delay sign-up today! *Additional $4,000 benefit does not apply to residents of Minnesota and New Hampshire. New Legion Riders Chapter: Windham Post 148 is now recruiting members to form a new American Legion Riders Chapter (motorcycles) anyone interested may contact Mel Greenier at Please keep in mind that there is no Chapter in Cumberland County so the opportunity for a very successful group exists. A great time to ride with other veterans and family members while promoting for the continued care of all the veterans in the State of Maine. Maine's Hire a Vet campaign 2015: 100 days, 100+ employers, 100+ Veterans hired! Kicked off on 7 SEP. Browse jobs posted through the campaign at Interested VETERANS who are qualified, please contact Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist Rhiannon Guzelian at rhiannon.guzelian@maine.gov Veterans Discount: Bowling & Entertainment Center (Splitters Sports Grille), Augusta is offering a 20% discount on Bowling and shoe rentals with military ID, Veteran ID or DD 214. The Cutty Sark Motel in York Beach, ME is offering Legionnaires a discount of 10% for Sunday thru Thursday night stays during the months of September thru November. This is in addition to our already seasonally adjusted rates. Contact The Cutty Sark at , identify yourself as a Legionnaire, and get ready to enjoy a fall holiday at the beach. Free Stuff: Aluminum feet wheel chair ramp, 2 hospital beds w/air mattresses, and handicapped accessible shower, call Augusta Post 2, Pat Aluminum ramp, Augusta area, call Keith McCray Legal hanging files, Department Service Office WANTED!!! Post 9 Machias is looking for a part-time bookkeeper. If interested, please contact Ike Hubbard at

6 From Togus VA Maine Flu Shot: Oct 1, you may receive the vaccine from your Primary Care Team or Specialty Clinics during a scheduled appointment. To hear about updated opportunities to receive the influenza vaccine please call the VA Maine Flu Line at ext 4744 or ext th Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down: Oct 17, 9 am 4 pm, Free food, clothing, personal care items, haircuts, employment & training, housing resources, benefits etc. DAV Van departure location & times MILESTONE 7:45 AM HOPE HOUSE 7:30AM PREBLE ST. RESOURCE CNT 7:30AM 28 Portland Ave Indiana St Portland St. Old Orchard Beach, ME Bangor, ME Portland, ME *This is a wheelchair accessible bu8 PREBLE ST. RESOURCE CTR 7:30 AM HOPE HAVEN MISSION 7:00AM MILESTONE 8:00AM 8 Portland St Lincoln St India St Portland, ME Lewiston, ME Portland, ME *This is wheelchair accessible bus BANGOR AREA SHELTER 7:15AM TEDFORD SHELTER 7:30AM NEW HOPE SHELTER 6:30AM 263 Main St Cumberland St So. Main St Bangor, ME Brunswick, ME Solon, ME YORK COUNTY SHELTER 7:00AM SANFORD VET CENTER 6:30 AM TRINITY SHELTER 7:00AM 147 Shaker Hill Rd Main St McClellan St Alfred, ME Springvale, ME Skowhegan, ME BREAD OF LIFE KITCHEN 8:00AM MID MAINE HOMELESS SHELTER 7:30AM 157 Water St *Please wait by the door ready to g45 Augusta, ME 19 Colby St SACO TRAIN STATION 7:30AM Waterville, ME Saco, ME AND SHELTER :15AM 155 Hospital St. Augusta, ME For more information contact Maggie Fitzgerald ext. 5408

7 Family Assistance Center Christmas Across Maine 2015: a confidential, needs based program for Maine Military members currently serving and their families, experiencing financial difficulties during the holidays. Register at or a complete application to Military Family Assistance Center C/O Tracy Richard Buker Community Center, 22 Armory Street, Augusta, Maine

8 Pool League Tournament: Mondays, Winthrop Post 40, 7-10 pm. Public Supper: Second Tuesdays of the month, Dixfield Post 100, $7 adults, Children ½ price, meals vary, FMI call Live Music: Fridays, Sanford Post 19. Recurring Events Friday Night Karaoke: Fridays, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 pm. Saturday Night Dance: Saturdays, Augusta Post 2, 7 pm, $7, live bands. Texas Hold-Em Poker: Sundays, Winthrop Post 40, 2 pm, $55 Buy-in. Lakeside Dining Lunch Wagon: Sunny days, Winthrop Post 40, 12-4 pm, in front of Post. Line dancing: Thursdays, Sabattus Post 135, 6:30 pm Texas Hold-Em Tournament: First and Third Tuesdays of the month, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 pm Current Events Supper: Oct 2, Farmington Post 28, 5 pm, free pizza served to all hard working fair people, in appreciation for your work at the Farmington Fair. FMI call Matt Smith Farmhouse Project Band: Oct 2, Auburn Post 153, 7-11 pm, FMI call Benefit Ride: Oct 3, Old Town Post 75, 8 am registration, 9 am kick stands up, $20 per rider, $25 per couple. Ride on Rt 1 to Machias Post 9 returning on Rt 9 to Old Town Post 75 for Spaghetti Dinner at 4 pm, $6. Wounded Heroes Program of Maine: Oct 3, University of Southern Maine, 7 pm doors open, 7:30 pm screening, Searching for Home Coming Back from War. Public Supper: Oct 3, Gray Post 86, 5-6 pm, Beans, Casseroles, Chowders and Desserts, Adults, $8, Children under 12, $4. Stop Veteran Suicide Ride: Oct 4, from Topsham Post 202 to Lisbon Post 158, 9 am, $20 per person, trophies for top three persons/groups that raise the most money. Proceeds go to local organizations that focus on veterans in crises. FMI contact Topsham Post at Veterans Town Hall Meeting: Oct 6, Portland Post 17, 6 pm, VA Center Director and VBA representatives will provide updates of the VA Maine Healthcare System and the Togus Regional Office operations. VA staff will be on-site to provide detailed information on VA healthcare and other VA benefits/services and answer questions.

9 Pancake Breakfast: Oct 11, Winthrop Post 40, 7-10 am, $8. Korean Reborn Special Presentation: Oct 18, District 11 Mount View High School, Thorndike, 2 pm, presentation by Department Commander Ron Rainfrette and other dignitaries. FMI call District Commander Lance Weddell Military Appreciation: Nov 28, University of Maine, Orono, 7 pm, Hockey: Maine vs Alfond Arena, Orono. Free tickets to veterans and spouses, wear something military, FMI call Bangor Post 12, Doug Damon, Directory Changes Page 9, District 10 Commander Leo Himes ( ) Pg. 11, Area 6 Commander Ike Hubbard, 1561 Mason Bay Rd., Jonesport ( ) (c ) raker1@mgemaine.com The following is for John Hargreaves ( ): Pg. 6, National Vice Commander, Pg. 15, Boys State Committee, Pg. 16, Constitution And By-Laws Committee, Pg. 16, Convention Site Committee, Pg. 22, Resolutions Committee, Pg. 23, Task Force For The Future Pg. 11, Area 7 Commander Wayne Little, 122 Beckstrom Rd., Woodland ( ) (c ) dee @yahoo.com Pg. 27, York Post 56, Please remove Adjutant Gary Blair Pg. 45, Rockland Post 1 Finance Officer James Thompson, 260 Ash Point Dr., Owls Head ( ) Pg. 59, Bar Harbor Post 25 Adjutant Elizabeth Macul, 80 Mount Desert St., Apt. 46, Bar Harbor ( ) Pg. 67, Greenville Post 94, Please send all correspondence to the post. Pg. 71, Houlton Post 47 Commander Michael London, P.O. Box 1375, Houlton (c ) o Houlton Post 47 Adjutant Melony Lowery, 82 School House Rd. #9, Orient ( ) (c ) melonylowery@gmail.com o Houlton Post 47 Finance Officer Paul Gentle, P.O. Box 153, Houlton (c ) o Houlton Post 47 Service Office Roger Smith, 92 Burton Rd., New Limerick Attention all Post Commanders and Adjutants: In order to reduce the cost in mailing over 500 directories the District Commanders of all 17 Districts will be distributing directories (2 per Post) at all District meetings. If you have any concerns, please contact the District Commander in your Area.

10 Ways to Access the Directory on the Website: 1) Visit a. Click on the DIRECTORY tab b. Click on the DEPARTMENT OF MAINE DIRECTORY 2) Visit a. Click on the FORMS/APPLICATIONS tab b. Scroll down to Department/Misc Forms c. Click on DEPARTMENT OF MAINE DIRECTORY 3) Visit and click on DEPARTMENT OF MAINE DIRECTORY. Shortcut when Using the Directory: Use the following shortcut (CTRL F) to locate a Post name, town, officer, etc. 1) Press the Ctrl key (located on the bottom left hand side of your keyboard) and press the F key at the same time. 2) Type what you would like to locate in the Find box and press Next. How to Print One Page or Multiple Pages: 1) To print one page or multiple pages, click on the print icon or press Ctrl P. 2) Under Pages to Print, click Pages and type the page or pages you would like to print in the box to the right. 3) Press Print. Please call the office if you have any questions or should need assistance. Donations THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Guilford Post 119(in memory of Lois Worcester) $200 Beal s House Kudos Guilford Post 119 for their donation of $100 to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association in memory of the late Post Commander Ronald Deane.

11 Thank You Dotie the wife of Darryl S. Budg Leavitt s, Rockland Post 1 Commander and Chapter 1 Legion Rider Director who recently passed away, would like to extend her gratitude to all members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion and an special Thank you to the American Legion riders for attending the funeral. Sick Call Donald Simoneau, 3451 Main St., Fayette, ME 04349, Past Department Commander of The American Legion. Answer to military trivia question: Best Wishes to The Legion family, Paul L Heureux Department Adjutant

12 USAA FINANCIAL USAA is The American Legion's preferred provider of financial services. Offering a range of top-rated financial and insurance products and services. USAA welcomes honorably discharged U.S. military veterans, active-duty troops and qualified family members and descendants of those who have served. USAA contributes funds to American Legion programs when members join through a dedicated channel: For more information, please click on the link below: Financial Products to Help You Meet Your Goals From free checking to bank built on military From knowing how 401(k), we'll help retirement. Insurance Get world-class coverage for your car, home, health and life while enjoying member-only benefits. Banking competitive home loans, see what a values can do for you. Investments With our extensive range of funds and disciplined approach, we'll help you build and manage your portfolio. Retirement much to save to rolling over a guide you on your road to Have a Question? A USAA representative is ready to talk to you

13 Legionnaire Insurance Trust Sign up for Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance The LIT AD&D has changed its policy on expiration dates. If you signed up after 1 Jan 2015, the expiration date is indefinite. Can t remember when you signed up? Go ahead and sign up again. Then you won t have to worry about it forever. Do be sure to put something in your private papers so someone will know you have coverage. Remember it is worth $1000 in the event of an accidental death. It is worth $5000 if you were involved with some type of Legion activity, i.e. returning from a meeting, picnic, convention, etc. We would like to sign up more members for this free insurance. It is not a difficult process. One way is to include the LIT sign up card with membership as it is processed to the member. Another way is for the Post Adjutant to find out the members dates of birth and go online to thelit.com and enter the info right on the spot. For those of you who lack internet access, as LIT Director for the Department of Maine, I would process these entries. I have had posts send me a lists of their members with the members names, membership numbers, date of birth, mailing address, and address. This information can be mailed to the attention of Mona Naragon, The American Legion, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME You can also to mainelitdirector@gmail.com. By your signing up for the AD&D, the Department of Maine receives much needed funding to run our programs. Don t forget that the Auxiliary and SAL can also sign up. Thanks for your efforts on this valuable program for the Maine American Legion Family. Mona Naragon Director Legionnaire Insurance Trust Form Free Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance First Name Middle Initial Last Name Mailing Address: Date of Birth: Legion Membership Number: Address: Gender (Male or Female): (Street or P.O. Box) (Town) ( State) (Zip Code) (Month Day Year) Please Mail Form to: The American Legion, Department of Maine Attn: Mona Naragon 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME