24 in Reno, Nevada, made her official visit to the Department of Maine, American Legion on Sept where she experienced

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1 THE MAINE Legionnaire OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE NOVEMBER 2017 Vol. 32, Issue 4 36 Pages First Female National Commander Nominated to Lead Nation s Largest Veterans Organization D enise Rohan was elected national commander of the 2 million-member American Legion on August 24, 2017 in Reno, Nev., during the 99th national convention of the nation s largest veterans organization. She is the first woman to be elected to the top position of The American Legion. Born in McGregor, Iowa, Denise (Hulbert) Rohan lived in Elkader, Iowa, until leaving for U.S. Army basic training at Fort McClellan, AL. in She served on activeduty as a stock control & accounting specialist and repair parts specialist course instructor at Fort Lee, VA until her honorable discharge in August Rohan s father, Joe Hulbert, was a Legion Family Facility Tour Guide: Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux gives National Commander Denise Rohan a tour of The American Legion Family, Department of Maine facility in Winslow during her official visit to the Department of Maine Sept. 29. Adjutant L Heureux is pictured here explaining the happenings in each picture that hang on the wall of the Department s recently remodeled training room. volunteer firefighter. Both of her parents were volunteer EMTs and active in their church and community. Learning from their parents Rohan and her two sisters have always given back to their church and communities in some way. Rohan has served the American Legion since While commander of Post 333 in Sun Prairie, Wis., she established Sons of the American Legion Squadron 333 and chartered Boy Scout Troop 333. She has also served as the department (state) commander of the Wisconsin American Legion She and her husband are both 2006 graduates of the National American Le- NATIONAL COMMANDER DENISE ROHAN More on ROHAN, Page 2 Special Recognition: Sanford Post 19 member Raymond Fortier receives special recognition for being a loyal and dedicated Legionnaire. Raymond has been a member of the Legion for 72 continuous years. National Commander Denise Rohan, State Commander Randall Kluj and Post Commander Michael Iosua are seen here presenting Raymond with a Certificates of Appreciation and Continuous Membership during the National Commanders Banquet hosted by Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Left to right, Sanford Post 19 Commander Michael Iosua, National Commander Denise Rohan, Raymond Fortier, and State Commander Randall Kluj. Rohan Makes Her Official Visit to the Department of Maine By RACHAEL CURRIE, Office Manager Special to The Maine Legionnaire ational Commander Denise Rohan, N The American Legion s first female National Commander elected August 24 in Reno, Nevada, made her official visit to the Department of Maine, American Legion on Sept where she experienced some great Pine Tree hospitality during her stay. Accompanying her on her visit was her husband/aide Michael Rohan. They arrived in Maine on the afternoon of Sept. 28 and were greeted at the airport by National Executive Committeeman John Hargreaves and his wife Jennifer. Dept. of Maine State Officers later joined them for dinner and conversation at the Boones Fish House & Oyster Room restaurant located on the Old Port waterfront in Portland. Several Legion Posts in Southern, Maine had the honor of hosting Commander Rohan during her visit. Each Post did a fantastic job and credit goes out to District 1 Commander Gordon Kendal for organizing the event. On Fri., Sept. 29, Commander Rohan visited the Webber-Lefebvre Post 74 in Kennebunk and the Kennebunkport Memorial Post 159 in Kennebunkport for a meet and greet session. She then traveled to The American Legion State Headquarters in Winslow where she received a special welcome from state officers, staff, members and guests before receiving a complete tour of the facility by State Adjutant Paul L Heureux. She later traveled to the Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56 in York for a fish fry dinner and special presentations. Commander Rohan began her day Saturday with breakfast at West- Day Post 123 in Parsonfield (Kezar Falls) with Post members and guests, followed by a visit to the Charles S. Hatch Post 79 in Berwick for lunch and meet and greet session. Her last stop before ending her official visit to the Department of Maine took place Saturday evening with a banquet in her honor at the Thomas W. Cole Post 19 in Sanford which yielded a great turnout. She and her husband Michael departed Sunday morning to make another visit to another Department as the next of her many stops during her year as Commander of the world s largest veteran s organization, The American Legion. Welcome Gift Presented: State Commander Randall Kluj presents National Commander Denise Rohan with a gavel on behalf of the Department of Maine in celebration of her official visit. Special Presentations: District 1 Commander Gordon Kendal, right, and National Commander Denise Rohan enjoy special presentations put on by York Post 56 after the Post hosted a fish fry dinner in her honor Sept. 29. Commander Kendal organized the visitation schedule for the National Commander s official visit to the Department of Maine. Photos by Jeff Stevenson

2 2 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 G reetings from the Department of Maine American Legion. Summer has past by - and a flurry of activities have taken us to have a very busy September. First, we had our Fall Conference at Gray Post 86 Commander s Comments COMMANDER RANDALL G. KLUJ and also at the Mechanic Falls Post 150. Both Posts were excellent hosts for the conference and should be proud of their accomplishments. Then two weeks later, our new National Commander Denise Rohan came to Maine to visit and we were all honored to greet our 99th National Commander. She is the first female commander to lead the national organization. The hospitality of all Posts visiting during her visit made us so proud of you all, thank you for your warm greeting of Commander Rohan! The Department of Maine is having an exceptional year and just getting started. We are excited with the coming training sessions and conferences that are designed to educate the Legionnaires on what the American Legion is all about and how to establish, plan, and complete goals. One of my goals is to address membership retention by addressing causes of membership loss and turning the loss trend to positive numbers. An ancient mariner rime mentions a ghost ship. A ship just floating around with no crew, no plan, no course or maintenance. Just drifting until eventually it would take on water and sink. If you as a Legionnaire are just drifting, just following the wind, if you never take time to ask why you became a member, if you never put any conscience effort into what you could do to help The American Legion with the veteran programs, you will be like a drifting ship, eventually losing interest and most likely dropping out. Why did you join? At some time you wanted to be a part of The American Legion, meeting and associating with other veterans sharing a common goal. What has changed since joining? Have there been changes in your life or has something at your Post changed? This message is not for the loyal members who continue to stay members and pay their dues timely. For that we sincerely thank you and know that many just cannot physically attend Post meetings or participate in programs and fund raisers. Some of the causes for losing newer members and transfers is that we have become basically unfriendly, failing to greet these new members and introducing and welcoming them beyond their first meeting attendance. It only takes a meeting or two before they simply feel unwelcome, just a number and fail to return or renew. Sometimes we hear that members do not attend because it s just a few people that run the whole show and make all the decisions. In many Posts, that statement is true; however the reason seldom follows. When only a few will agree to serve as officers and work the programs, they have no choice. Some of those that agreed to step up have no training or experience and as a result the entire Post suffers, especially when dealing with new members early in their Legion career. The local Post is the dry dock where the drifting Legionnaire should be able to receive purpose, goals, directions and leave well informed (maintenance done) ready for a future voyage. The Department of Maine is providing education and training for present and future leaders. The American Legion at all levels could use members with leadership skills willing to step up and continue to learn and mentor. One of the greatest compliments is to be known as a person who steps up when others are stepping back. How do you want to be remembered? Opening Ceremony: State Commander Randall Kluj performs the Opening Ceremony for the National Commander s Banquet at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Left to right, NEC John Hargreaves, National Commander Denise Rohan, State Commander Randall Kluj, and Auxiliary V.P. Joan Caron. Rohan (Continued from Page 1) gion College and 2015 Graduates of the Wisconsin American Legion College - Basic Course. Both have gone on to serve as department (state) and national American Legion College facilitators. Rohan was employed with the University of Wisconsin Madison as the assistant bursar of student loans until her retirement in She managed the University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Wisconsin Green Bay and University of Wisconsin Colleges 120 million dollar loan portfolio made up of approximately 200 different federal, institutional and state programs in compliance with all laws, regulations, and policy. She was responsible for the efficiency and design of the computerized student loan accounts receivable system. She is a graduate of the Mount Senario A First Look M OTIVATION I am afraid the word motivation means many different things to many different people. So SCOTT PARADIS let s begin with the New Webster s Dictionary definition of Motivate (Motivation) to furnish with a motive; to impel; to induce. Some people say motivation is knowing where you want to go (your goals and objectives) and how you re going to get there (your plan). The word motivation is derived from the combination of the words: motivate and action (toward your goals). Motivation is not a big rally, although a rally can sometimes be used to stimulate motivation. Motivation, simply stated, is to set your goals and establish and work the plan that will enable you to accomplish those goals. Perhaps the late Will Rogers summed it up best when he said; Ladies and Gentlemen, in order to be successful in selling or any other activity, you need to know what you re doing, love what you re doing and believe in what you re doing. We know our Department Membership Goals for this year and we know the goals of our Districts and Posts. In order to continue the progress and inroads The American Legion has made in programs for Veterans, widows, children, orphans and the many programs for our community, state and nation, our membership must continue to grow. Membership is College (AA), and The Collegiate Management Institute. Rohan served the Family Readiness Group as a civilian volunteer with the Wisconsin Army National Guard s 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 1-105th Cavalry Squadron. She also served with the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard Airman and Family Readiness Program. Her theme as national commander is Family First and her fundraising project will provide temporary financial assistance to needy children of veterans and training for American Legion service officers. She has been married to her husband Mike since 1976 they have a son, Nicholas, daughter-in-law Angie, grandchildren Sawyer and Isla. Mike is very active with the American Legion on both the state and national levels and is a past department adjutant. Nick and Sawyer are members of Squadron 385, and Isla is a member of Unit 385. the life-blood of The American Legion. Perhaps that last sentence is motivation enough for us to attain our goals. As discussed in membership workshops of The American Legion, we must have PRIDE and COMMITMENT toward attaining our mission. We at Department Headquarters are committed to support and assist each District and Post in meeting their part of the membership challenge. We are all PROUD Legionnaires and will be even PROUDER of The American Legion and our own membership when we exceed our target for this membership year. Qualities to Attain Success We must all be self-motivated by a desire to attain our membership goals. We must be excited and motivated in the accomplishments and programs of The American Legion, so that we can convey this feeling of pride and belonging to all prospective members. Through our own PRIDE in The American Legion, there is a high degree of determination that will allow us to continue even when we encounter a setback or two. We will all learn from this tremendous experience and become more proficient, which will allow us to accomplish our goals. Our desire and determination will get the job done. We must be totally organized, at all levels of our membership campaign, with a plan of action that will accomplish, step by step, the goal we must attain. Our plan must consider all aspects of prospecting and selling as well as time management. There must be a COMMITMENT not only to doing the job but a total COMMITMENT of accomplishing the mission and goal. This commitment involves time and energy and whatever else is necessary to get the job done More on 1ST VICE, Page 3

3 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Money Matters O ver the last few years, I and others have made quite a few observations about legion finances and procedures. First, we need to offer within this Department some finance training at all levels. We TOMMY are presently ADKINS working on a course for Finance Officers. Many of our posts and districts do not routinely offer complete financial information. In fact, about the only information provided is what is in the checkbook. There is little information given to the members about what is going on in savings and investment accounts. Far too many posts operate without an approved budget, and even fewer do not routinely hold at least an annual audit. A number of our posts do not file the federal 990 forms. This filing is mandatory to get and keep your charitable organization status. I will address this issue in a later Legionnaire article. Along with this, many posts and districts have not filed for state sales tax exemption. The department distributed the procedure to apply for this benefit, yet several of you haven t applied for this status. Some of you because you have lost your charitable status through not filing your 990 forms for three consecutive years. I am amazed how many posts don t have the documentation as to who owns their buildings. Here is documentation that should be securely held by each separate organization. In fact, in addition to ownership documentation, most post financial and business documentation should be maintained for a minimum of seven years. Lastly, though there are many more observations to be addressed, right now, I am concerned about those posts in which the Commander or Adjutant also holds the Finance Officer position. I am reasonably sure that all Legionnaires are above reproach, but this is not a good practice and can and will eventually lead to trouble. If your post has this situation, I urge you to rectify it immediately. Money does matter, and every Legionnaire should be concerned about how it is spent and managed. Dept. Officers Welcome National Commander Rohan To State HQ: Dept. Finance Officer Tommy Adkins, right, and Department Service Officer Amedeo Lauria, left, welcome National Commander Denise Rohan to The American Legion State Headquarters on Sept. 29. On the Agenda DECEMBER MEETINGS District 2 Cumberland: Dec. 17, S. Portland Post 35, 2 p.m. Christmas party. District 5 Oxford: Dec. 19, Locke Mills Post 68, 7 p.m. Appoint nominating committee. District Christmas party. District 6 Knox: Dec. 2, Rockland Post 1, 10 a.m. District 9 Kennebec: Dec. 13, Augusta Post 205, 7 p.m. District 12 Hancock: Dec. 12, Northeast Harbor Post 103, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. mtg. JANUARY MEETINGS District 1 York: Jan. 14, Sanford Post 19, 2 p.m. District 3 Androscoggin: Jan. 21, Mechanic Falls Post 150, 2 p.m. District 5 Oxford: Jan. 16, South Paris Post 72, 7 p.m. Oratorical contest. Refreshments after. District 7 Lincoln: Jan. 8, Boothbay Harbor Post 36, 6 p.m. District 9 Kennebec: Jan. 10, South China Post 179 (or Maine Veterans Home), 7 p.m. District 11 Waldo: Jan. 21, Belfast Post 43, 2 p.m. FEBRUARY MEETINGS District 2 Cumberland: Feb. 11, Yarmouth Post 91, 2 p.m. District 3 Androscoggin: Feb. 18, Lisbon Post 158, 2 p.m. District 5 Oxford: Feb. 20, Dixfield Post 100, 7 p.m. Nominations. Light supper, 6 p.m. District 9 Kennebec: Feb. 14, Maine Veterans Home, 7 p.m. District 14 Piscataquis: Feb. 17, Dexter Post 53, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. District 16 S. Aroostook: Feb. 4, Van Buren Post 49, 1 p.m. Four Chaplains service. District 17 N. Aroostook: Feb. 4, Van Buren Post 49, 1 p.m. dinner. Four Chaplains service. 1st Vice (Continued from Page 2) successfully. We must all be willing to put in the time and effort necessary without considering it as drudgery. Last but not least or perhaps first, last and always we must have a good PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). We must know we will accomplish the goal no matter what. We must be open to suggestions from others and must be flexible enough to put these ideas in the overall plan to accomplish our goal. We must be possibility thinkers. We must look for and create opportunities and ways to improve our programs, which will aid us in accomplishing our goals. We must be results-oriented and revise our plan if the revision furthers the attainment of our membership goals. In summary, in order to succeed in our membership goals, we must have: Definite goals What is your goal? Department, District, Post Timetable/Plan of Action Commitment/Organization Hard Work/Organization Positive Mental Attitude Determination Team Work If you leave out just one of the above ingredients, your chances of making your goal will be less. Like a good recipe, all of the ingredients must be there in the right amounts and everyone will savor the flavor. Include all of the ingredients in your membership programs, and we will savor the flavor SUCCESS. Thank you for your precious time and honorable service. National Commanders Past and Present : Past National Commander ( ) Anthony Tony Jordan gives special greetings to National Commander Denise Rohan at The American Legion State Headquarters in Winslow on Sept. 29 during her official visit to the Department of Maine. Membership Update: Dept. 1st Vice Commander Scott Paradis gives an update on membership to those in attendance at the DEC meeting held during the Annual Fall Conference at Gray Post 86 Sept. 17. Photos by Jeffrey Stevenson

4 4 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 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. I Americanism Report hope you are all enjoying this wonderful fall weather we have been having lately. Winter will be here soon enough. I had the opportunity to go to The American Legion State Headquarters several weeks ago to attend The American Legion Americanism DEBRA Commission COUTURE meetings. It was a great experience and I want to give you an update of the Americanism Resolutions that were presented and their status. A more in depth description of the resolutions can be found by going to the legion.org website. On the main page of the website, scroll to the bottom of the page. On the right side under Media, select Digital Archives. On the next page that comes up, select Resolutions and Founding Documents of the American Legion. On the next page, select 2017 Fall Meeting of the National Executive Committee. All resolutions that the NEC reviewed and approved in Oct. are included here. The following is a summary of the five (5) Americanism Commission resolutions that the National Executive Committee approved. Americanism Resolutions: 1. Resolution No. 1 Reaffirmation for a Strong America. (I was very impressed with this resolution.) Resolved, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct , That The American Legion reaffirms its unwavering support for the American way of life under the Constitution of the United States of America; and, be it further Resolved, That the American Legion pledges support to the leaders of our government, armed forces and law enforcement agencies who have the duty and responsibility of providing an orderly process to our way of life; and, be it further Resolved, That The American Legion urges all Americans and freedom-loving peoples everywhere to stand united in their respect for officials at all levels of government; for military troops and law enforcement officers who place themselves in harm s way to protect our nation s citizenry, values and way of life; for those symbols and customs serving as tangible images of the freedom and liberties of these great United States of America; and for each other as fellow Americans; and, be it finally Resolved, That The American Legion use whatever means at its disposal to engage whatever means possible to promote a united nation and united American people. 2. Resolution No. 8 - Restructuring of the Temporary Financial Assistance State- More on AMERICANISM, Page 5 ack in the February issue of the B Maine Legionnaire, I wrote about setting up an area at Department HQ in our archives to accept any historical manuals, books, history about military people, special military equipment, ships, aircrafts, etc. that you might want to donate. The idea came The Adjutant Speaks PAUL L HEUREUX about when we realized that many of us had purchased these items but will have no one to pass these down to. These items will have no historical value to many as we enter those senior years, and we will not have an opportunity to actually make a decision as to where these items should go. Well, apparently many of you have decided to make that decision now. We have completely filled a new 6 shelf book case and have now purchased another in hopes that many other Legionnaires or non members that wish to donate will help us fill this next book case. As we were working on this project, we had other donated items that we had to address. Many of you have collected hat pins from not only our State Convention, but in your travels around the Country visiting Legion Posts and events. We have recently purchased 2 display cabinets to display these pins that reflect everything from State Commanders to National Commanders to individual pins from each of the 50 States. Then we started to receive numbered & framed military art on historical events. I just received a wooden cane with a metal plate with the logo of The American Legion with the date of 1933, National Convention, Boston, MA. And before I left the office Friday, I was given a National Convention pin for the year of 1936 in New York. We are marking these items with the names of the individuals and the dates that these items have been donated. To those who have donated, thank you, and to those who are thinking about it, come to HQ and see what we have done to secure these items for the future generations of Legion members. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Department HQ at This project has been about our history, while others have been about our future. Our second phase of Leadership training has just completed with one more to go. Our young instructors are very impressed with the dedication that has been shown to this new type of training. We are seeing the effects of this training already from the reports coming from the Post that these individuals are coming from. New projects, new members, and most of all, pride and purpose, that was not seen before. We even have a student that has moved on to attend a class at our National HQ and he is now promoting the Oratorical and Boys State program in area high schools. We have a few more highlights of this training that we will share with you all upon the completion of the final class. The most important part is that training is working because of the young leadership, the support of the Finance Committee and of the Department Executive Committee who have allowed and approved this new direction for us to take. We will have more to share in our next issue, but I want to close thanking you, our members that have been supportive of this organization by continuing to belong through good times and bad as we continue to make a difference as the strongest Veterans Organization in the world. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Fall Conference Introduction: Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux gives a brief introduction to those in attendance before the start of the training class instructed by Assistant Director of Internal Affairs William Sloan during Fall Conference held at Mechanic Falls Post 150 Sept. 17. Photo by Jeff Stevenson

5 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER I Historical Bulletin have recently had the privilege of meeting the American Legion National President Diane Duscheck who attended our POW/MIA ground breaking ceremony (a monument to be constructed to JEFFREY honor our Military members STEVENSON from Maine who are Missing in action from WW1 until present) at Legion Headquarters on Sept. 16 followed by a BBQ hosted by Post 86 in Gray. Then on Sept. 29 & 30, the Legion National Commander Denise Rohan who was accompanied by her husband Mike (also her Aide and is super cool) came to visit. They visited Post 159, Kennebunkport, our Legion Headquarters in Winslow and then Post 56, York on Sept. 29 for dinner. On Sept. 30, they visited Post 123, Porter for a light breakfast, Post 79, Berwick for a buffet style lunch and concluded at Post 19, Sanford for dinner. Upon arrival at Post 19, as the Commander was exiting her vehicle a Bald Eagle made an appearance and circled for a few moments before disappearing into the distance (I have pictures & video to prove it). Commander Rohan addressed all Posts with inspirational stories of sacrifice of not only the military, but of their families and the need for Family First which is her moniker for the upcoming year. Another highlight of the evening was when Raymond Fortier a Legion member since 1945, received a Certificate of Continuous Membership for 72 years of service to the American Legion. He stated the he was a member before most of us were alive, in my case he wasn`t wrong. The Hall in which the ceremony was held was named in dedication to his honor in October of last year. All of the aforementioned people are truly exceptional and deserving of our deepest respect, it was truly an honor to meet them. Equally, it was privilege to meet all of the Legionnaires, Auxiliary, SAL & Riders involved in all of the other events along the way. Additionally, the vocational school adjacent to Post 19 did an exceptional job in the creation of banners and announcements for the event! Great job to all involved! You`re work is exceptional! Thank you to Clark Thompson of James W. Williams Post 12, Bangor for your response to the request for pictures of Post homes, I look forward to receiving many more pictures of Post homes and their Officers from the posts through out our great State in the near future! Some items to consider if constructing a yearbook: Clinical precision is great, but also look at content and clarity of the subject matter. Make the viewer want to look at the picture just a little longer but also have anticipation of what is coming next. Does the picture have emotional content or promote legion programs and values? Don`t leave fun out of events but limit promotion of alcohol, the perception of the Legion should be is what we are really about: The Community, State & Nation. Events that happen at your Post home whether a Four Chaplains Service, member getting married at post home, Bike Run or a Barbeque/Clam bake, etc should not be overlooked; anything that happens at your Post home or the Post is involved with is a Post event. Remember that for your Consolidated Post Reports at the end of the year and your Adjutant will love you! Also look into publicizing your event(s). Many Posts do great things every day but very few people know about it except for a privileged few or just can not attend because of the time scheduled consider the demographics of the attendance you wish to achieve. Newsletters, local news, newspapers, Facebook, and are just a few tools that can get the word out in short order. Don`t forget to include the event, post name, address time/ duration of event and cost involved if any. Check out the Maine State Legion Facebook page: Maine American Legion/ Photos/Albums, for event pictures. If I have visited your post, odds are pretty good pictures were taken, keep checking out the Album section. If you see anything you like, feel free to copy and use as you see fit. Welcome aboard to our New Department Service Officer: Carl Curtis and DSO Administrative Assistant: Julie Kern! We have a great year ahead of us! Department Historian: Jeff Stevenson uslegionnaire@yahoo.com Photo Op: Department Historian Jeff Stevenson gets a photo opportunity with National Commander Denise Rohan during her official visit to the Department of Maine. The photo was taken during her visit to The American Family, Department of Maine facility in Winslow on Sept. 29. Americanism (Continued from Page 4) Photo by Jeffrey Stevenson A Gift From Legion State Officers: Americanism Officer Debra Couture, left, presents National Commander Denise Rohan with a $300 gift certificate to LL-Bean along with Maine souvenirs from The American Legion State Officers. The gifts were presented at State HQ in Winslow on Sept. 29 during her official visit to the Dept. of Maine. ment of Policy. A single onetime nonrepayable Temporary Financial Assistance grant of up to $1500 will be permitted in accordance with the conditions set forth in Exhibit A Temporary Financial Assistance Statement of Policy for the minor child (ren) of a qualifying veteran. The specific details must be read from the website for all the qualifying requirements for this assistance. 3. Resolution No. 9 - American Legion Baseball Program. Resolved, By the National Executive Committee of the American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct , That the fourth resolved clause of Resolution No. 9 of the National Executive Committee, May 6-7, 2009, which states: That beginning with the seasons, regional tournaments of the American Legion Baseball program be sited in one location for two (2) consecutive years, based on accessibility and central location as determined by open bids using objective, weighted evaluation criteria Shall be amended as follows: That beginning with the seasons, regional tournaments of The American Legion Baseball program may be sited in one location for one (1) year or two (2) consecutive years, based on accessibility and central location as determined by open bids using objective, weighted evaluation criteria. 4. Resolution No. 16 Cursive writing in 21st Century Schools. Resolved, By the National Executive Committee of the American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct , That the American Legion encourages school systems to maintain or reintroduce the implementation of cursive writing instruction in schools starting in third grade and reinforce the use of cursive writing through 12th grade. 5. Resolution No. 17 Authority for The American Legion to Enter Into Agreement with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Resolved By the National Executive Committee of the American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct , That the American Legion be authorized to enter into an agreement by and between the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard) and The American Legion; and, be it further Resolved, That said agreement will detail support provided by The Old Guard for the American Legion Boys Nation and other programs and activities of The American Legion within the National Capital region; and, be it further Resolved, That said agreement should be at no cost to The American Legion; and, be it finally Resolved, That after review and approval by the national judge advocate of said agreement, the national commander be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute said agreement and that the national adjutant be and is hereby authorized and directed to attest to the same. Now, onto more Americanism news. It is Oratorical Contest time. Please work with your high schools to see if there are students who want to compete in this event. All schools have been sent the package of materials for the competition. The state level finals will be held on Feb. 10, If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at navycaptpomi0031@gmail.com. I hope that all of you will vote on Nov. 7. Many of you may have already submitted an absentee ballot and others may go to the polls. Whatever you choose to do, it is important that you exercise that constitutional right. The 5th annual Women Veterans Appreciation Event will be held at Post 24 in Rumford from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Nov. 4. Please contact Tricia Thurston at if you would like to attend. Veteran s Day will be here very soon. Please remember to remove old flags from your cemetery after Nov. 11. Our town will be utilizing high school students to remove the flags after Veteran s Day. Our local high school requires a specific amount of volunteer hours of service before graduation. Several high school students will be volunteering to remove the flags as part of their volunteer service hours. This will also give these young people the opportunity to learn about our servicemen and women as they walk through the cemeteries removing the flags. Veteran s Day is a time for honoring those who have served our country and I thank all of you for your service both for your military service and for the service that you continue to give to your country, your state, your town, and your neighbors and family. God Bless you. Have a Blessed Holiday Season. Stay Safe. Respectfully, Deb Couture Americanism Officer

6 6 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 President s Message he POW/MIA Memorial brick sponsorships are starting to come in but T we still have a way to go before we have all of them sponsored. I have had several families of Maine POW/ MIA missing personnel reach out to ask if their loved one is included in the memorial. Let s get these PRESIDENT ANN DUROST bricks sponsored as soon as possible so the families of these missing heroes will know concretely that WE REMEMBER! Currently we have 143 bricks sponsored but that means we still have 337 to go! The cost to sponsor a brick is $ If every Unit, Post, Squadron, and Chapter sponsored just one brick, we would have almost all of them. I know many of you have already sponsored a brick and in some cases multiple bricks. Thank you so much for your fast support of this project! Has your Post, Unit, Squadron, or Chapter sponsored a brick? If not, please consider sponsoring a brick for a missing hero! There are missing heroes from every county and every corner of the State of Maine. You can find all the information about sponsoring a brick, along with a form, for the memorial on our website at: including a list of the missing as well as the county and town (if available) that they were from. 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. As many of you may know, I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and am undergoing treatment. I ve begun chemotherapy at this point and, so far, I am doing well. I just need to keep up with my rest and stay away from germs. My wonderful Officers and Past Department Presidents are ready and able to step in should you have an event you would like attended. Please reach out to Headquarters and speak to Department Secretary, Michelle McRae, who is coordinating any visits on my behalf while I am undergoing treatment. I ll be back as soon as I can but chemo takes some time I m afraid. My family and I appreciate any prayer you can offer as we continue on this newest adventure. Again, thank you for all that you do and God bless! For God and Country, Ann Durost, Department President American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of Maine The American Legion Family Department of Maine POW/MIA Memorial Project he American Legion Family, Department of Maine has joined together in T a joint project to build a POW/MIA Memorial at The American Legion Family Maine Headquarters. This memorial is to honor and remember the 479 Mainers who are still unaccounted for*. Each missing Mainer will have a brick listing their name, branch of service, and war conflict. Please help us keep these hero s memories alive with this memorial. They have given the ultimate sacrifice For God and Country. You can sponsor a permanent brick for the POW/MIA Memorial. Each brick is $50.00 and can be sponsored thru an American Legion Post, American Legion Auxiliary Unit, a Sons of the American Legion Squadron, or an American Legion Riders Chapter within the State of Maine. You may sponsor a specific name or someone from your area or you can choose to have us pick who you sponsor. Only one brick per name is available and the name must come from the official list of Maine Missing POW/MIA s that we have compiled*. Names are available on a first come basis. However, all missing Mainers need to be remembered with a brick so we will select an available name if yours is not available and we will notify you of such. The Official List of The American Legion Family, Dept. of Maine s Missing for the POW/MIA Memorial can be found at: The list will be updated as bricks are sponsored. For more information on how to sponsor a brick for the POW/MIA Memorial, please call The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Maine or visit or Auxiliary Meets National Commander: Auxiliary President Ann Durost, left, and Auxiliary Dept. Secretary Michelle McRae, right, have the privilege of meeting National Commander Denise Rohan during her visit to The American Legion Family compound on Sept. 29. Get Well Quilt Signing: Auxiliary President Ann Durost, right, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer observes as National Commander Denise Rohan signs a get well message on a special quilt made for her as a get-well gift. The signing took place during the National Commander s official visit to the Department of Maine and tour of The American Legion State Headquarters in Winslow on Sept. 29. Legion Family Project: The American Legion Family, Dept. of Maine celebrate its POW/MIA Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sept. 15 at its Maine State Headquarters in Winslow. The POW/MIA project was chosen by the American Legion, Dept. Auxiliary President Ann Durost, left, and Dept. Commander Randall Kluj, right, in a joint effort to build a POW/MIA Memorial at the American Legion Family complex. This memorial is to honor and remember the 479 Mainers who are still unaccounted for.

7 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER th Anniversary of America s Entry into World War I his year marks the 100th anniversary T of America s entry into World War I. In 1917, as in our time, grateful citizens throughout Maine and across our nation came together to pay their respects to the patriots who gave their lives in the defense of freedom. That 1917 observance, then SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS called Decoration Day, must have been particularly moving, as the first members of the American Expeditionary Forces were preparing to embark for the battlefields of Europe. With great courage and sacrifice, victory was won and peace secured on November 11, 1918, a day now enshrined as Veterans Day. Just a few months later, in March of 1919, veterans of the American Expeditionary Force gathered in Paris for the first American Legion caucus, and that great organization was chartered by Congress before year s end. Among the American Legion s first accomplishments were the adoption of the red poppy to memorialize the fallen, support for the Boy Scouts, and leadership in the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, the forerunner of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those early accomplishments are the foundation of the principles that guide the American Legion today: remembering the patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice; helping our young people appreciate the values of our nation; and supporting all veterans, those who serve today, and their families. Providing that support is a responsibility all Americans share. I appreciate the opportunity to provide this update on initiatives I have undertaken in the Senate this year to help ensure that veterans receive the quality, accessible health care and other benefits they earned through their service. The bipartisan Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act I introduced would expand a successful program that helps those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans at home. By opening it to veterans of all eras, resources would be available to more of the family members and other loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for veterans. Caregivers, such as a spouse, parent, child, or even a close friend, may well jeopardize their own physical, emotional, and financial well-being in order to provide care to service members and veterans. These military caregivers improve the quality of life for veterans and contribute to faster and improved rehabilitation and recovery times. My legislation recognizes that sacrifice and offers support services. Another recent initiative would preserve VA nursing home care coverage for veterans. The bipartisan Keeping Our Commitment to Disabled Veterans Act I have introduced would extend for an additional year the existing authority that requires the VA to provide nursing home care for veterans with a 70 percent or more service-connected disability rating. Nationwide, tens of thousands of veterans currently receive this vital coverage, including approximately 161 veterans in Maine. By extending the authorization for nursing home coverage, this legislation makes sure that service-disabled veterans receive the care, resources, and support that they need. I co-sponsored several other pieces of important legislation that were signed into law this year. The Veterans Improvement and Modernization Act established three new lanes for veterans appeals to separate them into distinct categories and improve the speed at which they are processed. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the Forever GI Bill, eliminates an expiration date for veterans to use their education benefits and expands eligibility for certain military reservists and Purple Heart recipients. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Veterans Affairs, I also included other provisions in the annual VA funding bill to improve care for rural veterans by strengthening the VA Choice program, support State Veterans Homes, ensure adequate funding for homeless veterans programs, and authorize more leases for VA medical facilities. This includes the new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Portland, which was specifically authorized in separate legislation I cosponsored earlier this year. Nearly a century ago, the founders of the American Legion led the way in ensuring that all who serve our country in uniform receive the care and services they need and earned. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the commitment that we, as grateful citizens, have an obligation to keep. Legion Family to Gather in Bangor for Winter Conference he annual Mid-Winter Conference T will be held Jan , 2018 at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Rd, Bangor, ME (207) The conference will be hosted by Commander Randall Kluj and 2nd Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut. Hotel Reservations can be made at the following: Holiday Inn: 404 Odlin Rd. Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: - Room Rate: $89.00; 1 Double Bed only. Fairfield Inn Marriott: 300 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: - Room Judge s Chambers rom a legal standpoint, a Post s bylaws are one of the most important, if F not the most important, document there is relating to the Post. It contains the legal JUDGE ADVOCATE JASON HALL description of what the organization is, how it is organized and how it operates. More importantly, failure to follow the provisions of the by-laws can have devastating legal consequences for an organization and perhaps even for individual members. Surprisingly, despite their importance, by-laws are often neglected or misunderstood. On my visits to Legionnaires, I hear the by-laws are just some old document, hidden away in a book on the Commander or Adjutants desk. They are not read, the provisions are not known, and if they do Certificate Of Participation: National Commander Denise Rohan presents Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall with a Certificate of Participation Award for partaking in the 54th Annual National Membership Workshop held in Indianapolis July The award was presented at the Maine State HQ in Winslow on Sept. 29. Rate: $89.00 Quality Inn: 250 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: Room Rate: $75.00 Roadway Inn: 327 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: - Room Rate: $ Queen; $ Doubles Please state Legion when calling for reservations. Arrangements will be made and publicized in the SMILE and on website as soon as they are made. Please watch future editions for further information regarding, meals, lodging and speakers. happen to be read, they are outdated and not current to what is happening at the Post. If this description sounds like your Post, then let this be your wake-up call. Get a small committee formed and forge by-laws that can help and protect your assets and your veterans. Remember, when the process is complete, send a copy to HQ in Winslow and we will keep it on file for you. On another note, this time of year tends to be my last hoorah before the snow hits. The leaves are gorgeous, kids are getting sugared up on Halloween treats, and Veteran s Day is around the corner. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us and we will share time with family and friends. Do me a favor during your celebrations, set 1-2 extra sittings at your table. We have Legion Family that have no one to share the season with. Give the best gift you can to our fellow veterans, your time and lend an ear. I am hoping to meet many at upcoming District and Post meetings. In the meantime, enjoy your day and the people in it.

8 8 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 ello, my name is Carl Curtis, and I am H the new Department Service Officer. The transition between myself and Amedeo is complete. He has served the Legion well for the last 4 plus years in this position. We at the office wish him a fond farewell and the best of luck in his future endeavors. What a way to start November, with over 3 hundred thousand homes in Maine CARL CURTIS without power. I hope there are plans in place to check on our older members. The loss of power can be very difficult when power is needed for medical devices. If a member is without power, please do what you can for them. If your post is not able to assist then at least get them to the town for assistance. Please review the information listed below. PLEASE READ AND RESPOND TO YOUR MAIL FROM THE VA! Please read your VA notification of decision letter from front to back, if you 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 Service Office Update 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! 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 a 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. DSO Update: DSO Amedeo Lauria gives a brief update on the Department Service Office to those attending the DEC meeting at Gray Post 86 on Sept. 17 as the incoming DSO Carl Curtis look on. 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. 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 the 28th of November, This will be the last class of the year. The next class will not be until March of You can make reservations by ing me at carl.curtis2@va.gov. Mutual Helpfulness! To those Posts and Districts that do not have Service Officers, I 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 carl.curtis2@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. 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! More SERVICE OFFICE UPDATE, Page 9

9 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Service Office Update (Continued from Page 8) 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: 1. Did this disability start/occur while you were on Active Duty/ADUTRA or IDU- TRA? 2. Is it documented in your medical treatment record? Line of Duty? Performance file? 3. Is it Chronic? i.e. have you been seeing a doctor since service for the disability? 4. 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 FOL- LOW 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. RECONSIDERA- TION OR APPEALS 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 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. More SERVICE OFFICE UPDATE, Page 10

10 10 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 Service Office Update (Continued from Page 9) 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 carl.curtis2@va.gov, maureen.malley@va.gov, or Julie.kern@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. Upcoming DSO Presentations and Other Important Dates! DSO Seminar- 28 November 2017 We are here to serve YOU our American Legion members! Encourage other eligible veterans, spouses and eligible children/grandchildren and great-grandchildren to join us to continue of mission of Veterans Rehabilitation and mutual helpfulness. Helpful Phone Numbers for the VA in Maine and Nationally! (These are available in card form from the DSO for passing out at your Post!). The left card is for VA Healthcare The right card is for VA Benefits!

11 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER The American Legion, Dept. of Maine High School Oratorical Scholarship Program he American Legion, Department of T Maine High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest will once again be held at Thomas College in Waterville on February 10, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Snow Date: February 17, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. The main purpose of The American Legion Oratorical Contest A Constitutional Speech Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship. Young orators will have the opportunity to earn some of the most generous scholarships. At the Post and District level, the scholarships offered range from $50 - $100, and at the State level $50 - $1500. At the National level, each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the National Oratorical Contest s 1 st round receives $1500 and those who advance through the 1 st round get an additional $1500. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. The members of the Oratorical Committee will be working with both Area and District Commanders to prepare Posts and Districts for their local contests. We hope to have all Post contests completed by Mid- December 2017 and all District contests completed by the end of January The 2018 National Finals is April in Indianapolis, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests are scheduled for Saturday, April 14, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, April 15. Certification of Department winners is due to National by March 18, For more information about the Oratorical Contest in Maine, please visit or contact your local American Legion Post, or The American Legion, Department of Maine Headquarters at Please check out the State and Local Oratorical Contests by visiting National s website at Announcing the 71st Annual American Legion Dirigo Boys State he American Legion, T Department of Maine is proud to announce its 71st Annual American Legion Dirigo Boys State program at Thomas College in Waterville during the week of June 17-21, Every American Legion Post and all subordinate bodies should alert their membership to one of the finest youth programs in the nation. The American Legion sponsors the Boys State program and we encourage all other groups and organizations to join in promoting the program through sponsorship of candidates to American Legion Dirigo Boys State. We ask that Post officers contact school principals or guidance counselors for assistance in this program and make sure that your school officials are knowledgeable of The American Legion Boys State program. The total cost for each student for the 2018 session is $300. However, partial sponsorship is also encouraged and can often make the difference on whether or not another student is able to attend. If you would like to be a sponsor for the 2018 Dirigo Boys State Program, please mail your donation to The American Legion, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine or make your donation online by visiting Please contact The American Legion State Headquarters at or visit or for additional information and application material. Thank you for your assistance in making the 71 st Annual American Legion Dirigo Boys State Program a success. Bits N Pieces Rockland Post 1 Rockland Post 1 ALR s voted to donate $200 to purchase a memorial stone at the Four Corners Park in Madawaska and $100 to Headquarters for a new sign for the Riders. Calais Post 3 Kudos to Eastern Maine Electric again for their assistance to Calais Post 3 in mounting flags down Hinckley Hill to the St. Croix Country Club. They are a really impressive as you enter Calais. Calais Post 3 made a donation to the St. Stephen Food Pantry. We are two countries with one mission, to support our veterans and our communities. Calais Post 3 and the local VFW participated in the opening ceremony of Hands Across the Border. Mike McLean carried our Nations Colors marching with the St. Stephen Legion Branch #9. Thanks to Hardwicks and Duty Free America for their great fireworks display. The Calais "Project Legion T Shirts" donated by Cabin Fever Embroidery arrived at the Houston, Texas American Legion Post #578 last week. The commander was very appreciative. We are corresponding via . We are still accepting donations or you may purchase shirts separately. We are planning a "Meet & Greet" on the 23rd of October at the "South of the Border". Will keep everyone informed on status. Sanford Post 19 Recently TW Cole Post 19's Auxiliary President, Deb L'Heureux and her husband SAL Historian, Paul L'Heureux started a campaign Backpack to Help Our Veterans. Deb & Paul work closely with the local Vet Center and asked if they had a list of children in grades 1 4 who were in need of school supplies. They were told they knew of 12 children of local veterans who could use help. Along with the help of Lafayette Social Club and our Post 19 members, they were able to completely fill 13 backpacks full of notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, etc. in time for opening of school. Kudos to ALL! Tenants Harbor Post 34 Tenants Harbor Post 34 donated $200 to the Cabin in the Woods project for homeless veterans at Togus VA Medical Center and $100 to sponsor two bricks for the Department of Maine POW/MIA Memorial project. Madison Post 39 Madison Post 39 for their donations of $150 to Boy Scout Troop 481, $150 to Dutch Soccer, $75 to Channel 11 and $100 to sponsor two POW/MIA bricks for the memorial at Department Headquarters. Unit 39 has mailed out $20, worth of coupons since the last newsletter. Many thanks to Maxine, Marie Wing and Barbara Wyman for their hours of gathering and cutting coupons. A special thank you to all who donate the coupons. Unit 39 for their donations of $100 to sponsor bricks for the memorial at Legion Headquarters, two $15 Bingo packages for Luck of the Draw for Special Olympics, one $15 Bingo package for Luck of the Draw for Solon Fire Department, one $15 Bingo package for Luck of the Draw for the benefit of Marshia Bishop Harrington family, $31.90 worth of children s books for Military Kids, $50 for the National President s Project, American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, $150 to Angel Flight, $50 to Maplecrest for the children s Halloween Walk-Thru, $25 to Madison s Trunk or Treat, $30 to each of the two Girl Scout Troops, $25 to Steve Foshay s Info Booth for Halloween treats, $650 toward the purchase for an ice machine at the post and $25 to Somerset Residential Center for the Residents Council/Activities. They also delivered twenty backpacks filled with school supplies to four different schools. Thank you to all who donated school supplies. SAL Squadron 39 for their donations of $100 to Somerset Residential Care Center to help fund activities, $100 to a family to help during difficult times, $100 to a SAL member who recently underwent surgery, $100 to Pine Tree Camp and $50 to help construct a monument being built at American Legion Headquarters for MIA/POW s. Norway Post 82 Kudos to the gentleman next door that trims the grass in front of the post and to the gentleman for furnishing crushed rock for the building project free of charge. Several others contribute time, materials or funds. Mars Hill Post 118 Mars Hill Post 118 made a donation of $715 to Honor Flight Maine. Lisbon Post 158 Lisbon Post 158 Legion Family donated $1,250 to the Travis Mills Foundation in July. This past month the post donated $200 to the NEF. Also, the Post donates $100 monthly to the VAVS. American Legion Riders A big thank you to all the riders who came out to support Special Olympics & Camp Tall Pines: 24 bikes, 26 riders from six chapters, total donations of $628 and a safe ride. Fourth Annual Camp Tall Pines Run was a success. The Legion Family Special Olympics Committee gave us a big welcome at Camp Tall Pines. Thanks to Nancy True & Kitty Doyle for bringing refreshments and Ian Frank for giving us the Grande tour. A special thanks to Post 155 Naples riders who presented Special Olympics with a check for $250.

12 12 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Questions with Rick Libby Former Coach Libby-Mitchell American Legion Post 76, Scarborough wenty Questions with Rick Libby-- T Q. You threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Hadlock Field toward the end of the 2017 season. This was a nice honor. A. It was a great time! Q. The Sea Dog fans gave a nice round of applause to you and you had your two granddaughters with you on the mound. Names and ages please! A. Piper, 8, and Scarlett, 7. Q. One of them had an LM hat on from your days of coaching Libby- Mitchell American Legion Post 76 baseball in the early 2000 s. A few people in the stands noticed that and mentioned it. A. Those were great days. Q. You were involved in resuscitating American Legion baseball with Libby- Mitchell Post 76 in Scarborough in l999. Looking back, what did your role as a coach for a decade mean to you? A. Coaching was a lot of fun. You try to teach the kids as much as you can. It gets into your head, real energy. I was lucky to have a couple coaches in Scarborough in the l960 s and 1970 s, Packy McFarland and Phil Martin. They inspired me. Q. You had a great career as a player Scarborough High, Thomas College, Portland Twilight League. What is more difficult, playing or coaching? A. Coaching! It is hard to figure out what is best for players, what position will they excel at, how to help make them their best. Q. When you coached with Libby- Mitchell Post, you often talked about character, helping make the kids into good young men. Why was that important? A. Libby-Mitchell Post member Gene Gutter was a POW. We were honored to have him come and throw out the ceremonial first pitch a few times. After he did that, each time, I would have him come over to the dugout and talk with the boys. He always said the same thing: Be good young men, boys, and have fun. Character is important. It is how you live your life, how you treat people. Every baseball coach should want to try to teach kids that. Q. What kinds of off-field activities do you remember doing with the players and team? A. They did beach cleanups; we sponsored a Red Cross blood drive each winter in Scarborough at the police station; we always had a float or two in the town s Memorial Day parade, and the kids rode on back of the float. Learn to help people, help your town, honor veterans for their great sacrifices for our freedoms. Q. Who do you remember working with from Libby-Mitchell Post? A. It was a great group of leaders. Dave Dolloff, Ken Dolloff, Duane Jutting, Gene Gutter. They hosted the team every year for a post-season BBQ. They raised money for equipment, came and threw out ceremonial pitches, talked with the boys, and were great role models. Q. Who do you remember as favorite players? A. Our first couple of years, we had three kids from Gorham on the team who were real leaders, real gung ho, Andrew Portwine, Eric Tanguay, and Joel Kirshner. They were into it. It was infectious. They brought other kids in too. Ryan Mater was a pitcher from Scarborough. Real gutsy kid. Matt Curran was a Scarborough kid who could play all 9 positions. Great bunter. Terrific teammate and leader. Those are the ones I remember from the early days. Q. What things were you most proud of when it came to working on player skills? A. The offseason program we started was needed. It went well. We would get l5-20 kids a winter throwing indoors. We went to Four Seasons Baseball, a facility started by a lady really into baseball, Peggy Siegle. That program sent a nice message to people in the area about Libby- Mitchell, what we were trying to do. Q. This year, Legion baseball at Libby-Mitchell Post died. The Post did not field a team for the first time since the Legion name went back on the hats and shirts in l999. How do you feel about that? A. That s a shame. I know there has been a trend the past few years for kids to go play on private teams that go play out of state rather than play Legion. That s too bad. They are missing out on good, affordable baseball, and some great life lessons. Q. Coach Libby, thanks for your time. Congratulations on a great honor at Hadlock Field, and on a great coaching career. Dan Warren was General Manager for Libby-Mitchell Post 76 baseball from 1999 to He wrote a column called The Baseball Beat during those years for the Maine Legionnaire Newspaper. For information, contact Dan Warren VETERAN OF THE MONTH - September WAYNE TILLEY So. Paris Veterans Home ayne Tilley NAVY W Wayne was born on March 12, 1934 in Harrison, Maine and grew up in Norway, Maine. He has 2 brothers, Barry and David. Wayne went to the Norway High School and graduated in In July 1953, he enlisted in the Navy and he earned the rank Sea Bee 2nd Class and also earned the National Defense medal. In July 1957, he was honorably discharged. While he was in the Navy, Wayne s duties were in the construction area, building factories and repairing and building homes for the people that lived in the Philippines. He also helped build the longest air strip on the coast. One of Wayne s fondest memories he has is when he was working with some of the guys in his unit and they got the work truck stuck in the mud and tried to get it out with another work truck. They ended up getting both of the trucks stuck in the mud and couldn t get either one out. Their boss told them to go get Tilley he can get it out, and he did. Wayne got married after the service to Beverly Corbett and together they had 3 children. They also took in 2 other children and raised them as their own. They have 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Wayne had worked at a factory for about a year before joining the Navy. After he got out of the service, he worked for Goodwin s Dairy in South Paris delivering milk for 3-4 years. He then worked for the Poland School Department for 4 years in the maintenance department, cleaning. Wayne came to the Maine Veterans' Home in 2016 and has met an old friend that he likes to hang out with and go on some of the outings together. He also likes to feed the birds and visit with the other residents. Thank You Wayne for your service. Help Support Veterans in the State of Maine Make a Donation Today! our support for Maine American Y Legion provides much needed assistance to veterans, service members and their families as well as children and youth programs in the state of Maine. Please visit and make your donation today! You may also make a donation by mailing your check payable to The American Legion, Department of Maine to: The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive Winslow, Maine The American Legion is an official 501C-19 charitable organization, so your donation will be tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your generous donation and for keeping it in Maine to help Maine Veterans. For more information, please call The American Legion, Department of Maine at KEEP IT IN MAINE! The American Legion Family History & Professional Development Plaque: With gratitude to the following for their generous donation, it was possible to achieve our goal for the completion of the facility to better educate our future leaders of The American Legion. This plaque hangs proudly in the training center located at our Maine State Headquarters facility in Winslow.

13 Your Letters THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Generous Scholarship Much Appreciated To The American Legion Dept. of Maine, Thank you all so much for your generous scholarship of $500. This will really help me out as I prepare for Maine Maritime Academy in the fall. Sincerely, Chris Shelmerdine Honored To Be Recognized Dear Paul L Heureux, Thank you for selecting me for the C&Y Scholarship. I am honored to be recognized by the American Legion. I will make sure to contact you at the end of my first college semester. Thanks, Signid Sibley A Privilege To Receive C&Y Scholarship Dear Mr. L Heureux and The American Legion, Dept. of Maine, Thank you for choosing me as your 2017 recipient of the C&Y Scholarship. It is an honor and a privilege to be awarded this and once again thank you for all you do. Sincerely, Kathryn Jakubowski Extended Thanks & Appreciation Dear Paul, Please extend my thanks and appreciation to Commander Johnson, your members and yourself for your invitation to spend the weekend with you in Bangor for your 99 th Annual Department Convention. I enjoyed meeting your Legionnaires and appreciate their kindness and support. I hope to be able to visit again. Best regards, Brett Reistad Candidate for National Commander An Honor To Be Selected Educator of the Year Dear Mr. L Heureux, It is an honor to be selected as the Department of Maine Educator of the Year. I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach children. Thank you very much! Sincerely, Nancy Cash-Cobb Generosity Extended To Help Homeless Veterans Dear Members of The American Legion of Maine, Thank you for your generous donation to the VA Homeless program. The veterans that we work with depend on the generosity of groups like yours. The funds that you donated are used to assist homeless veterans that are moving into housing with things like security deposits, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies and bedding. Thank you again for your generosity. Sincerely, Department of Veterans Affairs Staff Scholarship Money Pays Off To the members of The Maine American Legion, Summer never seems to last forever, and as mine draws closer to an end, I wanted to thank you for your generous scholarship! This summer as I get ready for school in the fall, I'm also preparing for football too. Since I'm in the football program, I'll have to report for school on August 11th. That is a week before school actually gets underway because of football camp. I m enrolled in the Marine Technology (MET) at MMA and I ll also be a-part-of the regiment at Maine Maritime Academy. As a marine engineer, I'm excited to learn how to operate, maintain, and modify the machines aboard the ocean's many ships. To help prepare myself for this, I took two years of pre engineering classes at Rockland's Mid Coast School of Technology. Upon my finishing of four years of studying at MMA, I will receive a Bachelor of Science degree and after a federal exam, a U.S. Coast Guard third assistant Engineer's license. A Visit To State Headquarters: Department Chaplain Patricia Thurston, left, and National Commander Denise Rohan at The American Legion, Department of Maine Headquarters on Sept. 29 during Commander Rohan s official visit to the Department of Maine. This will be a tough and challenging four years at MMA, but in the end it will be well worth it for all that I will learn, the skills that I will acquire, and the memories that I will make along the way. Thank you again for your thoughtful decision to award me with your scholarship. This will not only greatly help me out by financing my way through college, but it helps me be better prepared for the future that lies ahead of me. Thank you! Sincerely, Chris Shelmerdine Maine Maritime Academy student An Unexpected & Humbling Honor Peter Johnson, State Commander Dear Commander Johnson: Receiving the American Legion's 2017 Humanitarian Citizen Award is an unexpected and humbling honor that I will always cherish. Looking around the room yesterday and listening to your convention's speakers, brought back many memories and confirmed why my heart is filled with American pride. In 1965, handling military and veterans cases in Senator Margaret Chase Smith's office afforded me many unique opportunities that gave me a deep appreciation for those who serve. Many evenings and weekends were also spent at Walter Reed Army Hospital visiting with wounded soldiers to affirm that their sacrifices were appreciated, despite the widespread publicity being given to anti-war protesters. As the Vietnam conflict came to a close and the decades passed, fewer and smaller opportunities presented themselves. Then in 2007, Fate intervened with an unexpected request to provide "a few care packages" to a group of soldiers deployed in Iraq. That day, a door was reopened and a new heart-filling journey continues to unfold. Along the way, I've been blessed with the gift of an extended family of active duty soldiers and Marines, their families, and countless supportive veterans. While I did not and cannot serve in uniform, I am committed to serving those who have responded to America's call to duty. Please know that I deeply appreciate the honor conferred on me by your organization and that I will do my utmost to be deserving of it. Sincerely, Sharon McKellar Testimonial Dinner An Event To Remember Thank you to everyone who attended the Department of Maine joint testimonial dinner. It was truly a memorable evening. The American Legion Family of Post 2, Augusta, exceeded expectations from the décor to the two surprises of an appetizer and bread bowl soup with our meal. The Auxiliary, along with the SAL and Riders had challenged the Legion that we could raise $3,500 to replace the flooring in the cabin before the Legion raised their funds. A highlight of the evening, and thus far, the best kept secret of the year from me, was when Department Secretary, Michelle, had me put on the boxing gloves and warm-up jacket where I was officially named Veronica Boo Boo Gurney. With the theme from Rocky playing, Michelle announced the Auxiliary was declared the winner of the American Legion cabin at Camp Tall Pines challenge! The Auxiliary, on our own, raised $3,516.34! These funds will be used to replace the flooring in the cabin. Another successful program completed by Maine American Legion Auxiliary members. Yet another extraordinary happening of the evening was when Michelle announced the total of this year s President s Project, Veterans Emergency Fund at Togus, was shy only $279 of the $5,000 goal I had hoped to achieve. The American Legion Department Adjutant, Paul L Heureux, said, with the goal being that close he couldn t see it not being met and brought forward a donation. At the same time, Paul then challenged all of the American Legion Department officers right then and there, to do the same. That being said, donations were brought front drum roll and in an exceptional Department of Maine, amazing American Legion Family effort, the President s Project goal was exceeded by over $200. Thank you all for Believing, for all of your efforts and consideration to support both Special Olympics/Camp Tall Pines and this year s President s Project. Veronica Gurney, American Legion Auxiliary, Department President. 30th Annual Lobster Dip Set pecial Olympics Maine is pleased to S announce the 30th Annual Lobster Dip on New Year s Day (January1st, 2018) at 12 noon in front of the Brunswick in Old Orchard Beach (39 West Grand Ave.). For more information, please visit support/lobster-dip/ Remember Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

14 14 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 Events and Happenings with Legion Riders Remembering A Fallen Biker: On Aug, 17, the Legion Rider Family lost a friend, biker, officer, member, and founder of Dover- Foxcroft Chapter 29 Legion Riders, Francis Michaud. Smooth roads Frank. Legion Riders Summer Rally: Legion Riders held their Summer Rally for 2017 in Madawaska at Legion Post 147 hosted by the Riders of the Post. The Riders experienced two rides this summer. One ride was going across to Canada stopping at Great Falls for the zip line experience, and the other through the Northern countryside of Aroostook County which took place on July 29. Thank you to Director Jenn Daigle and her crew for the great hospitality shown to all visiting Riders from all parts of the State. Our Citizens Soldiers Appreciation Day adawaska American Legion Riders M have long believed that appreciation of a soldier s efforts and service is of the utmost importance. Recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of our servicemen and servicewomen is just a small way we can thank them for what they do. For 5 consecutive years now, joining the Madawaska American Legion Riders, this year are Madawaska Post 147 & Unit 147 Auxiliary along with Veterans of Foreign Wars of Caribou and their Auxiliary, celebrate their local soldiers through their annual "Our Citizens Soldiers Appreciation Day". Recently held on August 26, the Madawaska Post 147 and Veterans of Foreign Wars of Caribou celebrated the soldiers belonging to the 185th Engineer Company of Caribou. Upon arrival back from Gagetown, Canada, they were provided with a full spread of food that any classic American barbeque would have along with gifts of appreciation to each of our proud soldiers and gifts for their significant other. It is best to celebrate the love and support of a grateful community from within they reside. The day was a huge success and efforts to continue these acts of appreciation and gratitude will continue through the American Legion Riders of Madawaska. Submitted by Chairman Dan Bruno Madawaska Chapter 147 Highview Manor Veteran Wall Dedication Veteran Wall Dedication Attendees: Veterans & Madawaska American Legion Riders Chapter 147 members in attendance for the Veteran Wall Dedication on Sept. 23. There were 2 floors that were done. This is a project that our Chapter has taken on to honor our Veterans in the nursing homes in Northern Aroostook county. Left to right, front row seated, Joseph Raymond, Ernest Gendreau, Daniel Dube, Cecil Dugal, Raoul Chasse, and Armand Cote. From left to right, second row, Edward Ellis, Bridget Daigle, Nancy Michaud, Post 147 Commander/Chapter 147 Finance Officer Greg Morin, Dave Russell, Diane Daigle, Jim Cyr, Robert Gagnon, Claude Roy. Veteran Wall 2nd Floor: Veteran Wall Dedication on the 2 nd floor of The Highview Manor. Veteran Wall 3rd Floor: Veteran Wall Dedication on the 3rd floor of The Highview Manor. Eagle Cane Presentation: On the same day as the Veteran Wall Dedication, Louis Dufour was presented his Eagle Head Cane by American Legion Riders State Chaplain Edward Ellis. He is pictured here, center, with Vincent (great grandson) and his family, left to right, Pauline (daughter), Charlotte (daughter), Charles (son), Morgan (Charles wife), Cecile (daughter), Richard (Pauline's husband). Appreciation Day: Pictured here are Maine National Guard, 185th Engineer Company of Caribou, American Legion and VFW members of Madawaska and Caribou. Far left, Madawaska Chapter 147 Director Jenn Collin, VFW Auxiliary President Pat Edgecomb, VFW Commander Roger Felix, and Co-Chair of the event Betty Bruno. Veterans On The Dedication Wall: Three Veterans that are on the dedication wall, left to right, Raymond Gies, Ernest Pratt, and Louis Dufour. POW/MIA Remembrance Day: Madawaska Riders Chapter 147 participate in the POW/MIA Remembrance Day at the Caribou Veterans Cemetery on Sept. 15. Summer Rally: Legion Riders Chapter 147, Madawaska, experienced two rides this summer. One ride was going across to Canada stopping at Great Falls for the zip line experience, and the other through the Northern countryside of Aroostook County which took place on July 29. During the Maine ride, the Riders, pictured here, stop for lunch at Lakeview Restaurant, overlooking Long Lake. Eagle Cane Ceremony: American Legion Riders from Madawaska Chapter 147 and Naples Chapter 155 attend Eagle Cane Ceremony for WWII Navy Sea Bee in Eagle Lake.

15 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER More Events & Happenings with the Legion Riders Madawaska Chapter 147 Ridgewood Veteran Wall Dedication adawaska Riders Chapter 147 dedication of the Ridgewood Veteran M Wall on July 22. Two television stations, Channel 8 and local station WFKT of Fort Kent were present. A DVD was done by WFKT. This is a project Chapter 147 is doing for our Veterans in the nursing care facilities in: Madawaska, Van Buren, Frenchville, Fort Kent and Eagle Lake. There are eight homes altogether. The idea is to give the Veterans a small piece of the home that is dedicated to them. The Riders work with the homes to accomplish this project. We ask the Veteran or family member for a military picture. Pictures are copied, framed and a dedication ceremony is then planned. Just one more way to show support and honor our Veterans. They are in our thoughts and hearts every day. Eagle Cane Ceremony: The Eagle Cane ceremony took place in Eagle Lake the day after the summer rally in Madawaska. Naples Post 155 Don Mulcahy (seen here) gave a 45 minute presentation at the Eagle Cane ceremony in memory of Gilbert Shaw in presence of his family who are from all over New England. Gilbert Shaw was a life-long member of Eagle Lake Post 176. Petty Officer 2nd Class Gilbert Shaw passed away last year. The Madawaska Legion Riders attended in force including Rider Chaplin Ed Ellis. Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders provided the luncheon after the Eagle Cane ceremony for everyone in attendance. Cutting the cake is Patty Bouchard who is the eldest daughter of Gilbert Shaw. Madawaska Riders Chapter 147 dedication of the Ridgewood Veteran Wall. This bench is in front of the wall with the flag and an army hat donated by State Legion Riders Chaplain Edward Ellis. Posing At The Four Corners Park In Madawaska, Maine: Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders Secretary Line Mulcahy, left, and Treasurer Bill O Neil pose at the Four Corners in Madawaska for the Annual Legion Riders Summer Rally July 28, 29, & 30. Robert E. Michaud Marines VETERANS HONORED ON THE RIDGEWOOD VETERAN WALL Joel Albert Army with his son, left. Clifford Gendreau Army with his wife Louise. Naples Chapter 155 Honored To Host Our Legion Brothers: Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders were honored to host four American Legion Riders from Chapter 31 Monterey County California. The folded American Flag (seen here) was flown over the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" in Washington, D.C. and will be flown over the new Cemetery upon the return to California. Their ride is known as the Epic Ride across our country to raise awareness and financial support for the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. These gentlemen will have ridden 10,000 miles upon completion of the Epic Ride. Left to right, Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders Treasurer Bill O'Neil, Monterey, CA, Chapter 31 Legion Rider Rick Phinney, Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders Assistant Director Donald Mulcahy, Naples Post 155 and District 2 Service Officer Kelley Mulcahy, Pops Culver, Hy Libby, and Monterey County, CA, Chapter 31 Fred Loveland. Elroy Daigle Army with his daughter Debra Ouellette Roland Michaud Army with his wife Alex. A Warm Reception: A well-earned warm and friendly reception at Naples Post 155 to our Legion brothers from California. It was both an honor and privilege to support them in their Epic Ride. Elroy J. Belanger Army Joseph Michaud Air Force KIA Honor Flag Presentation: Monterey County, CA, Chapter 31 Legion Riders, Fred Loveland, left, and Rick Phinney, present Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders with the KIA Honor Flag on Sept. 19. The flag represents the heroes who have paid the ultimate price, the heroes who have gone before, and the heroes of the New Year.

16 16 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 uring The D American Legion s Fall Meetings last month, the National Executive Committee passed a total of 20 resolutions that support veterans, Legion programs, and other Legion-supported efforts. There was We are for America NATIONAL COMMANDER one resolution, however, that received applause and unanimous approval Resolution 1, Reaffirmation for a strong America. The resolution, in part, reaffirms the Legion s unwavering support for the American way of life under the U.S. Constitution; it urges Americans and freedomloving peoples everywhere to stand united in their respect for each other, for military troops and law enforcement officials who place themselves in harm s way to protect our way of life, and for symbols and customs serving as tangible images of freedom; and it encourages the Legion s promotion for a united nation and a united American people. If you haven t already done so, I encourage you to read it in its entirety online: pdfresolution1_fall2017.pdf. This resolution is also a reaffirmation of The American Legion... of who we are and who we ve always been. We are veterans who love America. We are not against anyone. We are for America. We are for Americanism. And we stand by the need to protect the land that we love. Overall, our philosophy should always be to work together. Because as veterans, we must reach out and welcome all veterans no matter age, gender or race. We can work together. Because as I always say, we are family. We are the American Legion Family. And we are our nation s family. You can view all the resolutions that were passed during Fall Meetings in the Legion s Digital Archive at archive.legion.org. Digital Dispatch November 7, 2017 NATIONAL COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE PIN D uring the membership year, National Commander Denise H. Rohan will award her National Commander pin to any Legion family member who obtains three new members into The American Legion. A New Member is defined as any eligible person joining for the 2018 membership year who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2017 membership year. Only one of each will be awarded per individual. Each member listed must be eligible for membership in The American Legion. Please forward names of SAL members or Auxiliary members to your detachment or unit for use in their respective incentive programs. To maintain the integrity of the National Commander's pin incentive program, only one pin will be awarded per individual. Upon receipt, national membership staff will confirm the names and mail the pin directly to the person who earned it. Commander Rohan s incentive program will end June 30, 2018, or when supplies are exhausted. The National Commander Membership Incentive Pin form can be found by visiting pin or NATIONAL COMMANDER S HONOR RIBBON uring the membership D year, National Commander Denise H. Rohan will award her National Commander Honor Ribbon to any American Legion Family that achieves 100 percent membership by May 30, For this award, the Legion Family is defined as a post and any combination of an Auxiliary unit, Sons squadron or Legion Riders chapter. Each branch must achieve 100 percent to qualify for the award. Commander Rohan s Honor Ribbon incentive program will end May 30, 2018, or when supplies are exhausted. The National Commander s Honor Ribbon form can be found by visiting or Participation Certificate: National Commander Denise Rohan, right, presents Department 2nd Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut with a Certificate of Participation Award for attending the 54th Annual National Membership Workshop in Indianapolis July The award was presented at the National Commander s Banquet held at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30.

17 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Legion s Local School Programs Offered he main purpose of the Legion s T High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objects of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship. This contest is for students who welcome learning. For the student who looks for an academic challenge and an opportunity to gain scholarship monies. The American Legion s High school oratorical Scholarship Program is a natural fit. Students learn valuable information about our country s Constitution in a contest that has been held by the American Legion for more than 76 years. The local contest will be held at the George T. Files Post 20, Brunswick American Legion, 1 Columbus Drive, Brunswick with the winner moving onto the Department of Maine and that winner competing nationally in Indianapolis, IN for an $18,000 scholarship. Contestants will be judged on their prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must not take up less than eight minutes or more than ten minutes for delivery. The assigned topic discourse must not consume less than three minutes or more than five minutes for delivery. The purpose of the assigned topic discourse is to test the speaker s knowledge of the subject, the extent of his or her research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the Constitution. For more information contact the Brunswick American Legion Post 20, at There are also school awards for students in grades 6-8. Students will be asked to write an essay, 250 words or less, Why I love America. Students will receive a savings bond of $100 for 1 st place and $50 for 2nd and 3rd place finish. Local school Harriet Beecher Stowe, Coffin and St. John s schools will be asked to participate. Burial Benefits The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial funding for veterans of up to between $300 and $2,000, depending on the circumstances. Find out if you are eligible for a burial and plotinterment allowance by calling or going to and clicking on the Memorial Benefits link. Honor Flight Maine Honor Flight Maine was established in March 2014 and joined the National network May 1, We accept WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans as well as terminally ill Veterans. Our goal is to get all Maine Veterans of these Wars to see their memorials in Washington, D.C at NO-COST to the Veteran. For more information call David Patch, cell no POW-MIA Remembrance Day George T. Files Post 20, Brunswick American Legion held its annual POW- MIA Remembrance Day last month, a very solemn ceremony to Honor the 12 Maine Service members still listed as POW/MIA s also 25 crew members of two VP 26 aircraft short down over Vietnam. Five local members killed in action during the Korean War and 6 killed in Vietnam. Thanks to Harpswell Post 171 Color Guard and Buglar Roland Weedman for playing taps. The Times Record Veterans Corner October 6, 2017 By Chick Ciciotte and Joe Donahue THE AMERICAN LEGION 100TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION June 15-17, 2018 Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Road, Bangor, Maine PLAN NOW TO ATTEND! A Special Welcome: State officers, members, and guests give a special welcome to National Commander Denise Rohan during her visit to Maine State Headquarters in Winslow Sept. 29. Commander Rohan is pictured here with some of those present. Left to right, Dept. Asst. Service Officer Maureen Malley, Dept. Americanism Officer Debra Couture, National Commander Denise Rohan, Skowhegan Post 16 member Tina Richard, Dept. Chaplain Patricia Thurston, and Area 7 Commander Sheri Drake. Scholarships Available pplications are now available for the A Department of Maine Children and Youth Scholarships and Daniel E. Lambert Memorial Scholarship. Any Post, individual or school who would like to receive a copy may obtain one by going online to located under Forms/Applications, or by contacting us by mail at The American Legion, Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Me , legionme@mainelegion.org, or Tel: (207) Nominate Your Top Scout he American Legion's support for T Boy Scouts of America began at the Legion s first national convention in Today, Legion posts sponsor more than 2,500 Scouting units across the country. This is natural for Legionnaires who bring their servicelearned skills and experiences as veterans to help build character and positive traits in our country s youth. Few other post activities generate more goodwill from the community. The Legion annually honors the Eagle Scout of the Year at the national convention. The winner of the competition receives a $10,000 scholarship, and the three runners-up are each awarded $2,500 scholarships. Further information is also available from department adjutants, or the Americanism and Children & Youth Division: The American Legion P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN The 2018 Eagle Scout Nomination Form is available by visiting under Forms/ Applications or by calling Department Headquarters at Holiday Packages ime to think about mailing those holiday packages to military overseas T Start your planning for those end-ofyear holiday cards and packages going to or from military locations overseas. Military postal officials and the U.S. Postal Service have released some suggested deadlines to make sure those goodies reach their destinations in time for Christmas. To get them there in time for Hanukkah, which starts on Dec. 12 this year, subtract 13 days from the deadlines. The deadlines for various methods of shipping are the same for all the APO/ FPO/DPO (diplomatic post office) ZIP codes, with the exception of some mail going to APO/FPO/DPO ZIP 093, which covers overseas contingency areas. The deadlines: USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post): Nov. 6. Space Available Mail (SAM): Nov. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! From All of Us at The American Legion Department of Maine 27. Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL): Dec. 4. First Class and Priority Mail (letters, cards and packages): Dec. 11 except for contingency ZIP 093, which is Dec. 4. Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 16 (note: not available for ZIP 093). Domestic mail (not APO/FPO) to sailors on ships in port or on shore duty in the U.S.: First Class by Dec. 19, Priority Mail by Dec. 20, Priority Express Mail by Dec. 22. You can get information about shipping to military locations overseas, including information about free shipping supplies, at the U.S. Postal Service Military and Diplomatic Mail web page. Those who ship Priority Mail Large Flat- Rate Boxes to an APO/FPO address receive a $2 discount. Mil Money By: Karen Jowers

18 18 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 Maine American Legion Family Events National Convention 2017 POW/MIA Ceremony Let s Talk Business: Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan, left, and Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture exchange words relating to business at the National Commander s Banquet held Aug. 22 in Reno, Nevada during the 99th Annual National Convention. Legacy Fund Donation: Dept, of Maine Commander Randall Kluj, right, presents National Commander Charles Schmidt a check in the amount of $3600 for the Legacy Fund on behalf of the Maine American Legion Riders. Social Gathering: Incoming National Commander Denise Rohan and State Adjutant Paul L Heureux during the National Commander s Banquet held Aug. 22 in Reno, NV. Remarks From The National President: The American Legion National President Diane Duscheck gives her remarks to those attending The American Legion Family, Department of Maine POW/MIA Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony. Opening Ceremony The American Legion Department Auxiliary President Ann Durost gives opening statements to those in attendance at the POW/MIA Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony Sept. 15. Flag Representation: The American Legion Dept. Commander Randall Kluj gives an overview about the representation of the POW/MIA Flag. Left to right, Dept. Auxiliary President Ann Durost, Riders State Director Kaye Bouchard, SAL Detachment Finance Officer David Raymond and Dept. Commander Randall Kluj. Maine Delegation Prepare To March: The American Legion Department of Maine delegation get ready to march in the 99th Annual National Convention parade held Sunday, Aug. 20 in Reno, NV. Front, left to right, Caroline Yarmala, Aux. PDP Kitty Wing, Aux. PDP Jeri Greenwell, Dept. Americanism Officer Debra Couture, Aux. PDP Betty Seeley, Aux. PDP Terry Owen, Janet Kluj, Dept. 2nd Vice Matthew Jabaut, Audrey L Heureux, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, and Dept. Commander Randall Kluj. Back, left to right, Detachment Commander Ronald Marr, Aux. PDP Deb Marr, Aux. Secretary Michelle McRae, PDP Mary Jane McLoon, SAL NEC Richard Huntly, Brian Agnew, Dept. NEC John Hargreaves, Greg Couture, SAL Judge Advocate Don Allisot, Jr., and Dept. Judge Advocate Jason Hall. Picture Perfect: Department Commander Randall Kluj, left, and Department NECA Ronald Rainfrette stand beside the POW/MIA picture that was framed and matted by NECA Rainfrette. Ron also designed the groundbreaking shovels used at the ceremony. THANK YOU RON!!! Photos by Jeff Stevenson

19 Maine Legion Family Events Continued THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Fall Conference National Commander s Banquet WVAC Meeting: The Women Veteran s Advisory Committee met during Fall Conference at Mechanic Falls Post 150 on Sept. 16 to discuss ideas for a future luncheon to be held at State HQ in Winslow. Veterans who attend the luncheon will receive a special coin from the Maine Bureau of Veteran Services. Left to right, Past Dept. Commander Brenda Dearborn, Mars Hill Post 118 Commander Renee Wells, Dept. Chaplain Patricia Thurston, District 11 Commander Judy Otis, Dept. Americanism Officer Debra Couture, Naples Post 155 member Cathy Merrill, Area 7 Commander Sheri Drake, Buckfield Post 58 Adjutant Gloria Hall, and Dept. Assistant Service Officer Maureen Malley. Fall Conference Training: National HQ Internal Affairs Assistant Director William Sloan teaches a class on membership to interested Legionnaires on Sept. 16 during the Annual Fall Conference held at Mechanic Falls Post 150. Falls Sweepstakes: Dept. Chaplain Patricia Thurston, center, assisted by Americanism Officer Debra Couture, right, draws the winners for the Fall Conference sweepstakes drawing and hands them to Dept. Commander Randall Kluj to make the announcement. The Grand Prize Winner receiving $4000 went to Carl L. Knox, Augusta Post 2, $750 to Gerald A. Parker, Unity Post 50, and $250 to George Mayo, Brewer Post 98. DEC Meeting: Dept. Commander Randall Kluj takes rollcall at the Department Executive Committee meeting held at Gray Post 86 during the Annual Fall Conference Sept. 17. Left to right, Dept. 2nd Vice Matthew Jabaut, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, Commander Randy Kluj, Dept. 1st Vice Scott Paradis, and Dept. Judge Advocate Jason Hall. DEC Meeting Attendees: Department Officers pay close attention during the Department Executive Committee Meeting held at Gray Post 86 on Sept. 17. Greetings: Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan gives greetings to those in attendance during the National Commander s Banquet held at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Left to right, NEC John Hargreaves, National Commander Denise Rohan, PNC Anthony Jordan, Auxiliary Vice President Joan Caron, SAL Detachment Commander Ronald Marr, Sanford Post 19 Commander Michael Iosua, and Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux. Exchanging Ideas: National Commander Denise Rohan s husband and Aide, Michael Rohan, left, gives his take on various Legion happenings around the country with 2nd Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut, right, and Naples Post 155 member Kelley Mulcahy, center. SAL Presentation: Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander Ronald Marr presents National Commander Denise Rohan with an LL-Bean gift certificate from contributions collected from the SAL State officers. The gift was presented at the banquet held in her honor at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Legion Business: SAL State Adjutant Bruce Pierce and wife Arlene discuss Legion business with National Commander Denise Rohan during the banquet held in her honor at Sanford Post 19. Auxiliary Welcome: Auxiliary Vice President Joan Caron welcomes the National Commander and presents a gift on behalf of the Auxiliary Dept. of Maine. at the National Commander s banquet. Left to right, Past National Commander, Anthony Tony Jordan, NEC John Hargreaves, National Commander Denise Rohan, State Commander Randall Kluj, Aux. Vice President Joan Caron, SAL Commander Ronald Marr, District 1 Commander Gordon Kendal, and Sanford Post 19 Commander Michael Iosua. Photos by Jeff Stevenson

20 20 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 1 Sanford Post 19; Biddeford Post 26; Limerick Post 55; York Post 56; Old Orchard Post 57; Kennebunk Post 74; Berwick Post 79; North Berwick Post 87; Saco Post 96; Kezar Falls Post 123; Bar Mills Post 130; Alfred Post 134; Wells Post 143; Kennebunkport Post 159; Dayton Post 177; Eliot Post 188; Lebanon Post th Anniversary Looking Back, Marching Forward Historical Insights into the American Legion The Two American Legions sk any Legionnaire when the American Legion was created and he/she A will probably say "1919 in Paris" or "After WWl in France". Did you know that the American Legion we know and love is actually the second incorporated American Legion organization? The first was incorporated in New York State on the 5th of March in Richard Jones; author of "A history of the American Legion" writes: "There had been an American Legion in in the States, to which Donovan, Goodrich, Mills, Drain and Hanson, and probably others at the caucus had belonged and of which T.R. Jr. (Theodore Roosevelt Jr.), had been a director." Several of the persons named above were part of the "Big 20". The "Big 20" was the initial group of officers that met at a dinner in France; envisioned and then championed the formation of the American Legion we know. This begs the question: Why two legions and what happened to the first one? The first one was born out of the prewar "preparedness" movement in the United States. Fearing that war was inevitable; our government needed to know what skill sets our workers had and what the nation's industrial capabilities were. When the Great War started, twenty three thousand members skilled in 77 occupations had signed pledge cards. By 1917, that first American Legion turned its records to the Council of National Defense and disbanded. Our American Legion was incorporated September 16th of 1919 and by our first convention had 684,000 members. Perhaps part of this incredible growth was that it was the right time and place with leadership who already had some experience in forming an American Legion. Donald G. Hands Post 56 Historian Head Table Selectees: The head table for the National Commander s Banquet hosted by Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Left to right, Claudette Jordan, PNC Anthony Tony Jordan, NEC John Hargreaves, National Commander Denise Rohan, State Commander Randall Kluj, Auxiliary Vice President Joan Caron, SAL Commander Ronald Marr, District 1 Commander Gordon Kendal, and Sanford Post 19 Commander Michael Iosua. Missing in photo is State Chaplain Patricia Thurston. A Few Spoken After Special Recognition: Sanford Post 19 member Raymond Fortier says a few words to those in attendance at the National Commander s Banquet held at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30 after receiving special recognition from National Commander Rohan for being a loyal and dedicated Legion member of 72 continuous years. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Invocation: Army National Guard Chaplain Chris Stanley, left, and State Chaplain Patricia Thurston lead in prayer at the National Commander s Banquet held at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Commander Rohan Visits York Post 56: York Post 56 had the privilege of hosting a dinner in honor of National Commander Rohan s visit to the Department of Maine Sept. 29. The Post put on a fish fry dinner and arranged special presentations that yielded a great turnout. Left to right, National Executive Committeeman John Hargreaves, Dept. Commander Randall Kluj, National Commander Denise Rohan, District 1 Commander Gordon Kendal, and York Post 56 Commander Donald Hands. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Banquet Attendees: Some of those in attendance at the National Commander s Banquet at Sanford Post 19 on Sept. 30. Photo by Jeff Stevenson

21 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 1 continued York Post 56 Appreciation: National Commander Denise Rohan, left, and State Commander Randall Kluj, right, present York Post 56 Commander Donald Hands a Certificate of Appreciation for participation in The American Legion memorial service, honoring our nation s fallen comrades of past conflicts. The certificate was presented on Sept. 29 at York Post 56 during Commander Rohan s official visit to the Department of Maine. A Visit To Kennebunk Post 74: National Commander Denise Rohan presents Kennebunk Post 74 Commander Dennis Lamontagne, center, with a 100% membership plaque for Commander Rohan made Kennebunk her first stop in Maine on Fri., Sept. 29. Accompanying Commander Rohan is Department Commander Randall Kluj. Riders Chapter 79: Legion Rider Chapter 79 member Beverly Cassidy, left, presents a lobster scarf to National Commander Denise Rohan at Berwick Post 79 on Sept. 30. Berwick Unit 79: Berwick Unit 79 President Diana Lapierre, left, presents National Commander Denise Rohan with a handmade quilt on Sept. 30 at Berwick Post 79 during Commander Rohan s visit to the Department of Maine. Have You Asked a Veteran TO JOIN Today? Help us increase membership for 2018! Join online at Completing The Crossfit Challenge A Family of Warriors on a Mission hen it comes to giving their all, W whether they are supporting an American Legion function or a charity event, the McIntyre family is all in! Veterans George McIntyre, Jr. and his wife Joelle, are members of Berwick Charles S. Hatch Post 79. Their involvement in the local community is definitely a family affair. McIntyre Family: Left to right, Joelle, Faith and Thomas McIntyre Teaming up with her son Thomas. right, and daughter Faith, center, Joelle, left, and her family raised $ in donations through their participation in the Charity CrossFit challenge benefitting Massachusetts General Hospital Breast Cancer Research Center. (CrossFit is a fitness regimen that combines a wide variety of functional movements at high intensity into timed or scored workouts with the goal of building strength and cardiovascular fitness.) This particular CrossFit event was held at Great Bay CrossFit, a premier strength conditioning facility serving the greater New Hampshire seacoast. This specific event is not for weaklings, as the McIntyre team and their fellow participants conducted a host of activities ranging from running, pull ups, pushups, sit Police Escort: Police Officer s Captain Jerry Locke, left and Detective Bill Vashon, right escort National Commander Denise Rohan to Berwick Post 79 on Sept. 30 for a meet and greet session with Post members and guests. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Certificate Of Appreciation: National Commander Denise Rohan presents Hussey Seating Company, Tom Hussey with a Certification of Appreciation for recognition and outstanding patriotic service to the community, state, and nation through continuous display of the POW/ MIA flag and generous supply of POW/MIA chairs of honor in support of ROLLING THUNDER s mission. The presentation took place at Berwick Post 79 on Sept. 30. Left to right, Berwick Post 79 Commander Jeffrey Chase, National Commander Rohan, Tom Hussey, and State Commander Randall Kluj. ups and weightlifting, to a sled pull, which was particularly challenging. Working as a team, the McIntyre s split up the 95-pound sled, with Joelle carrying 45 pounds, Thomas 25 pounds with Faith pulling the remaining 25 pounds to the halfway point, where they replaced the weights and cheered Thomas on as he pulled the 95 pound sled the remaining distance! Cancer has struck close to home for the McIntyre family, with four family members lost to this disease over the years, three of whom, including Joelle s Dad, were also veterans (having served in the Navy and Army during WWII and/ or Korea and Vietnam). To support their efforts in completing this challenge, members of the Post 79 donated $ to the McIntyre team. We all look forward to the day when there will be a cure for all types of cancer, so that no one, especially veterans who survived combat, loses their life to this rampant disease. In the meantime, it s comforting to know that warriors like the McIntyre s are doing whatever they can as a family to help win the fight against cancer. Photo courtesy of the McIntyre Family

22 22 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 1 continued Berwick Legion Post Honors Memory of WWII Veteran Richard Repp embers of the Berwick Charles S. M Hatch Post 79 gathered at the Veteran s Memorial Park in Lord s Cemetery in Berwick to remember a veteran and celebrate gifts made in his honor. Emily Repp, the widow of Richard (Dick) Repp, made a donation of $1,000 to Post 79 and another $250 to the Ladies Auxiliary in memory of her husband, a World War II veteran, who died three years ago on Aug. 23. Post Commander Jeffrey Chase talked about Repp s service that included D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and being a prisoner of war. We are gathered together on this beautiful summer day to honor a member of the greatest generation, a patriot, and a true American hero, Richard (Dick) Repp, Chase said. Dick Repp enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 at the ripe old age of 18 and served in a tank-destroyer unit, the 28th Infantry, a unit of General Omar Bradley s 12th Army, landing on Normandy Beach on D-Day. Repp also fought his way through France and was posted in Wiltz, Luxembourg, where the Battle of the Bulge began. He spent his 19th birthday in a foxhole in France and spent that Christmas as a German prisoner of war, according to Chase. He was captured Dec. 20, 1944, the Battle of the Bulge started on Dec. 16 and continued into late January of 1945, and suffered from a concussion and shrapnel wound to his leg, Chase said. He was forced to march nearly 100 miles over the next month, then put on a boxcar with other prisoners for a four-day trip to their final destination, a prison camp in Maulburg, Germany. Dick was held captive for six months and finally freed from the prison camp on May 7, According to Chase, by Thanksgiving of 1945, Repp had arrived back home in St. Louis. After leaving the service, he worked at a Bank & Trust until 1957 when he was hired by Eastern Airlines, where he worked for 26 years. In January 1989, Dick displayed unusual good judgment when he married a New England gal, Emily Rouillard who he described as the light of his life, Chase said. It was our good fortune that they eventually settled down here in Berwick, Maine. Emily Rupp said it is a great pleasure to be invited to the group and to be able to honor the memory of her husband. It has been three years, the 23rd of this month, he went home to be with our Lord and in his beautiful memory, Emily said. So many of you came to visit him in his last days and it helped to make him so very happy. Berwick Post 79 Commander Jeff Chase said the money will go to fund a scholarship for a Berwick student at Noble High School. Auxiliary President Diana Lapierre, left, and Post 79 Commander Jeff Chase, right, presented Mrs. Emily Repp, center, with a red vest, Certificate of Initiation, and Blue Ribbon pin as she became a member of the Auxiliary and thanked her for the donation, which she said will go toward the work they do. We send care packages to the troops; we helped a local family that needed two mattresses, we work with the Girl Scouts, Lapierre said. We host a Christmas party for families of the troops, and a lot of blood drives. Lapierre said they also support other organizations including Maine Wounded Warrior project, Quilts of Valor and many more. Article by Judi Currie for Foster s Daily Democrat Photo by Berwick Post 79 Bob Place Kezar Fall Post % Family Ribbon: National Commander Denise Rohan and State Commander Randall Kluj present 100% American Legion Family ribbons to Kezar Post 123 Commander Albert Springer Jr., and Unit 123 President Cynthia Berube for obtaining 100% membership for Recognition took place at Kezar Falls Post 123 during the National Commander s visit to Maine. Left to right, National Commander Denise Rohan, Kezar Falls Post 123 Commander Albert Springer Jr., Unit 123 President Cynthia Berube, and State Commander Randall Kluj. Kennebunkport Post 159 Visit: National Commander Denise Rohan at Kennebunkport Memorial Post 159 commences her visit to Maine in Kennebunkport on Sept. 29. District 2 Bearing Gifts: Kezar Falls Post 123 Commander Albert Springer Jr., right, presents National Commander Denise Rohan with flowers and a plaque in honor of her visit to the Post home and in celebration of her election as the first female National Commander of The American Legion. The gifts were presented on Sept. 30 during her visit to Kezar Falls Post 123. Photo by Jeffrey Stevenson Portland Post 17; So. Portland Post 35; Gorham Post 60; Westbrook Post 62; Bridgton Post 67; Scarborough Post 76; Freeport Post 83; Gray Post 86; Yarmouth Post 91; Standish Post 128; Harrison Post 139; Peaks Island Post 142; Windham Post 148; Cape Elizabeth Post 152; Naples Post 155; Portland Post 161; Falmouth Post 164; Portland Post 168; Westbrook Post 197 Raising $ For Special Olympics: Members of Portland Harold T. Andrews Post 17 have been going to Old Orchard Beach to raise money for Special Olympics in the summer time every year for the last 10 years. People take turns wearing the Purple Dinosaur Barney suit to attract attention for the team. This year on the second weekend in August, member of the Sons of the Legion Chris suited up as Barney. Magical History Tour: The Portland Harold T. Andrews Post 17 was part of the Maine Historical Society's "Magical History Tour" this summer. Over 600 people toured the Post who normally would have not seen the interior of it. Special displays were on the second floor for the public's benefit.

23 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 2 continued Three Decades of Service: Westbrook Post 62 recently honored Robert Barton, right, for his three decades of service to the local organization. The ceremony led by Commander Richard Galipeau and Vice Commander Roger Barr, left, recognized Robert Barton by presenting him with a special plaque honoring his past service. This was followed by the creation of a yearly program in his name that recognizes an outstanding Legionnaire for his or her service in the previous year. The first recipient of this award was Phil Leclerc of Windham. Portland Post 17 BBQ: Harold T. Andrews Portland Post 17 had a busy summer. On Aug. 26, the Post held a sold out barbeque to raise money for the Auxiliary and Post 17 2 nd Vice Commander Rick Cobb (seen here) assisted them by doing the cooking. A fun time was had by all on this warm sunny day. Special Recognition Award: Robert Barton, right, presents the award named after him to the 1st recipient, Phil Leclerc of Windham in recognition of outstanding service. Windham Post 148 member and Windham Troop 805 Scoutmaster Chuck Libby receives the American Legion s Adult Leader Square Knot Award from National Commander Denise H. Rohan at the National Commander s Banquet, Sat., Sept. 30, at Sanford Post 19. This is the first Adult Scout Leader Award to be presented in the State of Maine. To receive this award, Chuck had to be a Legion member and demonstrate attributes of service in scouting through a wide range of: personal scout related training; Boy Scout training at the Troop and District level; held a variety of Scout adult leadership positions; conducted a variety of adult leadership training as well as service to the organization and community. Chuck was accompanied at the event by his wife, Michelle, and son, Joshua, who is an Eagle Scout. They are a Legion Family. Michelle is the ALA Vice President as well as Troop 805 Committee chair. The American Legion & Scouting enise Rohan, the National Commander, presented Scoutmaster of D Troop 805 and member of Windham Field-Allen Post 148 Charlie (Chuck) Libby with The American Legion & Scouting Square Knot Award on Sept 30. The award, available to any American Legion member, is meant to recognize the dedication, the education, and the work involved in the Scouting Program in The American Legion. The recipient receives a certificate and a gold and purple square knot that is displayed on the Scout uniform to denote that the wearer has received the award. Why?? The youth members of the Boy Scouts of America have an advancement program culminating in the Eagle Scout Award. Lesser known is an award program for adults known as Square Knots. Unlike the youth program, which is an A to Z program, the adult or Scouter program, for the most part, is a job specific training award. Some Square Knots are for non-specific recognition awards. Trained Scouters are an absolute necessity for a successful Scout program. Completion of The American Legion & Scouting Square Knot Award will ensure the success of an American Legion Scouting program. Requirements The requirements of the Award include service or membership in both organizations. Training requires to have had participated in job specific training sessions. Tenure requires serving a total of three consecutive years in a Scouting leadership position. Performance equals participation and requires performance of a number of leadership tasks during tenure. After submitting the application for this award, the Approval will be made by the Americanism Commission at the National Office of The American Legion. And after all is said and done, the Department will arrange for presentation of The American Legion Square Knot, Certificate, and Congratulatory Letter at an appropriate place and time. More information can be found in the brochure, The American Legion & Scouting Square Knot Award, which can be downloaded from the national web site in a PDF format or by contacting your Boy Scouts Committee. South Portland Veterans to Honor Long-Lost Medal of Honor Recipient n June 6, 1876, the eve of the United O States' centennial, Navy Seaman Emile Lejeune, serving aboard the USS Plymouth, was taking shore leave with a few other crew members. As they approached Port Royal, South Carolina, in their steam-powered launch, a civilian fell off the wharf and into the water. Lejeune, his captain attested, rescued the person. He received a peacetime Medal of Honor for his efforts. For the next 100 plus years, Lejeune's name was on the rolls of Medal of Honor winners, but the location of the Frenchman's remains was a mystery. He was born in Paris and lived in New York, and his place of death was unknown. On Sun., Oct. 16, at 2:00 p.m., veterans from the American Legion Stewart P. Morrill Post No. 35 in South Portland will lay a wreath at Lejeune's once-unmarked grave in Forest City Cemetery in South Portland, where the marker with his name and service information was laid on his gravesite this summer. An organization run by retirees and armchair investigators dedicated to finding the remains of Medal of Honor winners found Lejeune, despite a few bumps in the road. A Pauper's Grave Lejeune was buried under the wrong name, for a start. "Emily Lejeane" was buried in a pauper's grave with eight other bodies. Researchers say they figured out the body in the plot was Lejeune's by determining that the typed paperwork at the cemetery likely got a few letters wrong. "They've been looking for this gentleman for a while," said Elaine Spring, administrative associate at Forest City Cemetery, who helped researchers find the grave. "Problem was, on the card they spelled both the first and last name incorrectly." After a bit of "detective work," Spring said, they concluded that "Emily" was "Emile." Researchers from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society cross-checked pension records that showed Emile Lejeune living on Boyd Street in Portland, then a death certificate for, "Emily" who died of tuberculosis, and War Department records showing Lejeune as dead and the department seeking a return of $7 from his last pension. It's still a mystery how Lejeune came to be buried in the South Portland cemetery plot of his doctor, who was also a funeral director who used it as a pauper's gravesite. Researchers determined it all added up to a case of a mistyped death certificate and burial data. "The problem we have with all of these is that most of their lives are lost to More on MEDAL OF HONOR, Page 24

24 24 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 Windham Post 148 member, Navy Veteran, and POW Norm Spears, left, places the American flag on the grave of Medal of Honor recipient Emile Lejeune during a ceremony at Forrest City Cemetery in South Portland on Sun., Oct 15. Escorts were U.S. Naval Cadet Petty Officer Dolan, center, and South Portland Post 35 Commander Wes Splettstoesser, right. No flag had flown over the grave for 101 years. District 2 continued Congratulations!!! District 2 For providing the most number of pictures & articles for publication in The Maine Legionnaire. Medal of Honor (Continued from Page 23) history," said Dave Tanguay, a retired Navy veteran and local history buff who worked with the researchers from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. "It's just amazing that we're able to pull a string and it's hopefully attached to another one." Lejeune, he said, last served on the USS South Dakota and retired sometime around He died at age 52, after apparently marrying twice and having a son who moved to Canada. Medals More Common Tanguay, who has helped find and honor three other Medal of Honor recipients in Maine, said the criteria for getting the Medal of Honor have changed over the years. When Lejeune got his, it was more common to get it for rescuing someone, Tanguay said, noting that eight other Medals of Honor were awarded to crew members on the USS Plymouth during the same period. On the day Lejeune rescued the civilian who fell off the wharf, the headlines of the day were probably filled with news of the first transcontinental train arriving in San Francisco, on June 4. Or perhaps people were still marveling at the news that three months earlier, Alexander Graham Bell had made the first telephone call, with the words, "Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you." Tanguay said there is more work to do in Maine, finding Medal of Honor recipients lost to time. "They think they have at least six more in the state of Maine," he said. "We've put four of them to rest." Rifle Salute for Civil War Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Daniel Milliken. Salute render by the 3rd Maine Infantry Reenactors. Recognition Ceremony: Daniel S. Milliken Medal of Honor Recognition Ceremony held in Raymond on July 4 by Master of Cenemony Windham Post 148 Adjutant David Tanguay. Portland Press Herald, 10/14/17 By Noel K. Gallagher Stone Provided By Windham Post 148: GM Dan- Medal Of Honor Recipient: US Navy Seaman Emile LeJeune a Congressional Medal of Honor "recipient was buried in a paupers grave unmarked for 100 years. On Sun., Oct. 16, this tragic oversite was rectified. Seaman LeJeune was given full military Honors and received the recognition due to him. Among those attending to bestow the honor upon him, left to right, Naples Post 155 Vice Commander Donald Mulcahy, District 2 Commander Curtis Merrill, Department Commander Randall Kluj, and Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall. Rendering Honors during the placement of a wreath and Medal of Honor Flag on the grave of Emile Lejeune. Left to right, U.S. Naval Cadet Seaman Dolan, South Portland Post 35 Commander Wes Splettstoesser, U.S. Naval Cadet Color Guard and MC for the event Windham Post 148 Adjutant Dave Tanguay. iel Milliken stone provided by the Windham Field-Allen Post 148 with funds raised in the local community. Windham Post 148 Render Military Honors: Windham Field-Allen Post 148 Honor Guard/Rifle Squad render military honors in a torrential rain during internment ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery in Windham for Vietnam Veteran Edward Ahearn. Edward was a Silver Star, Bronze Star (4) and Purple Heart recipient. The squad included John Hall, David Horne, Dick Graves, Ken Murch, Harley Clark and OIC Larry DeHof. Since organizing the Honor Guard this spring, the Post has provided service for seven events. In Memory Of : Two In Memory Of foot stones placed in the Augusta Veterans Cemetery to recognize these men who were Medal of Honor Recipients from Maine. N ote: Although these foot stones have been placed in the Augusta Veterans Cemetery, we still need to honor them at the graveside with a ceremony that they long deserve. If your Post or Honor Guard are interested in providing this service, please contact Windham Post 148 Adjutant David Tanguay at

25 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 2 continued Media Award Presentation: District 2 Service Officer Kelley Mulcahy, left, and Naples Post 155 Adjutant Bill O'Neil, right, presents Dick Gleason The American Legion Media Award. Mr. Gleason was unable to attend the State Convention in June to receive this award, so both Kelley & Bill who live nearby presented Mr. Gleason with this well-deserved award shortly after convention. Naples Chapter 155 Setup Display: Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders display table promoting their Veterans Outreach Program at the Fryeburg Fair in October. Fish Fry At Naples Every Other Friday: District 2 Commander Curtis Merrill, right, moon lights as Maître D at Naples Post 155 Fish Fry supper. Left to right, putting in their order, Roger Clement, Karen Morton and Buzzy Morton. Fish Fry is held every other Friday which recently started on Sept. 8 (starting at 5:00 p.m.). Juggling Technics: Cynthia Doherty displays her juggling technics during Fish Fry at Naples Post 155 while current Post 155 Auxiliary President Mariam Merrill looks on. Supporting Our Veterans: The Lake Region ATV Club of Casco present American Legion Riders Chapter 155 a check for $1000 to aid their "Veterans Out Reach Programs". Left to right, ALR Treasurer Bill O'Neil, Assistant Director Don Mulcahy, ATV President Lonney Girard, Trail Master Bill Chute, and Secretary Amie Girard. Chapter 155 humbly thanks Lake Region ATV Club for their generous donation as they are truly an asset to our Community. The Lake Region ATV Club has gone above and beyond in their support of what the Legion does in the community for our Veterans. Naples Chapter 155 Legion Riders on the road again promoting their "Veterans Outreach Program." at the Fryeburg Fair held Oct Thanks to their efforts, hundreds of veterans have learned how to access their benefits they earned and how the American Legion fights for them. The trailer was made possible through the efforts of Scott Burnham of Chapter 155. District 3 Livermore Falls Post 10; Lewiston Post 22; Auburn Post 31; Lisbon Falls Post 66; Turner Post 111; Sabattus Post 135; Mechanic Falls Post 150; Auburn Post 153; Lisbon Post 158; Lewiston Post 210 Cpl. Moses C. Hanscom Medal of Honor Gravestone Corrected & Rededicated ompany F of the 19th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Cpl. Moses C C. Hanscom from Danville (Auburn), captured the colors of the 26th North Carolina regiment of the Union lines during the Battle of Bristoe Station in Virginia on Oct. 14, 1863 during the Civil War. His dedication and efforts earned him the Medal of Honor and was presented to him Wreath Placing: Sharon Gray of Turner, her cousin Jean Millett (standing) of Norway and Carol May of California place a wreath at the newly rededicated stone of CPL Moses C. Hanscom. by Abraham Lincoln, Jan. 1, Hanscom s Gravestone located at Oak Hill Cemetery in Auburn read he was a Medal of Honor recipient but his name was misspelled as Hansom. The City of Auburn rededicated a new Gravestone with the correct spelling. Dozens of people attended the Ceremony with Hanscom s descendants. Rededicated Stone of CPL Moses C. Hanscom Rededication Attendees: Members of Auburn Post 153 and Auburn Police and Fire personnel attend the dedication of the new headstone for CPL Moses C. Hanscom at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Auburn on Oct. 14. Left to right, Carol St. Pierre, Post 153 Dan St. Pierre, Chaplain Claire Poirier, Adjutant Hugh Brown Jr., Sargent of 3 rd Maine Infantry Reenactment Group Steve Peterson, who played Taps, center, Historian Donald Peck, 1 st Vice Commander David Jacobs-Pratt, Department Paul L Heureux, Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall of Gray Post 86.

26 26 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 3 continued A Mother & Her Sons Lisbon Post 158 Celebration of Life for Geraldine LaChance hen I got there the parking lot was W full, there were cars parked on the lawn, all over the place. I had never seen the American Legion Post that full, at least 100 people. Geraldine had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary forever, you see she was almost a centurion. Geraldine was truly loved by the American Legion members, and why not, I thought to myself. So entering the packed hall, I searched out Jack and Red for advice on where to start. Jack had a simple answer, he said start at the beginning. That was easier said than done, but I did it. Geraldine had been born to George and Mary Bickford in Pittsfield on Jan. 6, She went to Business College in Springfield, MA, and when she returned home, she went to work with her husband, Paul LaChance, at the gas station and garage they owned. She then went to work at several of the local mills and shoe factories. I got to meet Geraldine when Jack LaChance wanted me to write a history of the Legion for submission to the Maine Discover Magazine. The subject of the interview was to be the history of the Lisbon Coombs-Mountfort Post 158. Now, I really didn t expect much from a 95-year old elderly lady but was I surprised. Come to find out Geraldine Lachance (Jack spells it LaChance) was actually 98-1/2 years old (just 18 months from being a Centurion at the time of the interview) and as sharp as a tack. When I outlined what Spirit Of Goodwill Award: Auburn Unit 153 President Audrey L Heureux receives the Spirit of Good Will Award from Auxiliary Secretary Michelle McRae at the Annual State Convention held in Bangor on June 16. information I needed for the story, she started right in. It seems her memory was defeating all the odds and was exceptionally clear and I had found a real treasure. She started high school about 1931 and mentioned how Robert Mountfort (the oldest) had a convertible car and would take them all to school functions and dances. She said that he was the nicest boy always looking after them. She actually remembered them (the Coombs and Mountfort boys) clearly. Geraldine gave me this insight on the Posts Namesake. The Lisbon Coombs-Mountfort Post 158 was dedicated to those courageous men in Shortly after that, Geraldine joined the American Legion Auxiliary and has stayed an active member until she passed away peacefully on Tue., Aug. 15. Almost a Centurion (99-1/2) she was the oldest active member of the American Legion Post. She is survived by four children Larry LaChance and his wife Sandy; Legion member Alan Red LaChance; a Legion trustee Jack LaChance and his wife Anne; and Cynthia Waldron and her significant other Robert Lally. The Auxiliary did a wonderful job preparing the hall and the refreshments. The LaChance family, as well as the Legion members present, really appreciated the ladies efforts. Thank you ladies of the Lisbon Coombs-Mountfort Post 158 Auxiliary for a job well done. By Post 158 Historian Brian Govang Lisbon Post 158 Celebration Of Life: Jack LaChance, left, Robert Lally, center, and Alan Red LaChance at Lisbon Post 158 Celebration of Life for Gerald LaChance on Aug. 25. Food Preparation: Auxiliary members prepared food for the guests, and others brought their favorite dishes from home at Lisbon Post 158 Celebration of Life for Gerald LaChance on Aug. 25. Here Gail Marcouillier, Terry Hall (background), Gracie Farnham (background), and Paulette King set out platters of food. Gail s unseen helpers were Janice Jordan and Cindy Pomelow. Continuous Membership Certificates: Rumford Post 24 recently held a supper to honor our members with Continuous Membership Certificates. Post 24 Commander William Petrie, right, and Post 24 Adjutant Randal Canwell, left, presented the certificates. They are seen here presenting Richard Austin a certificate for 65 Continuous Years. Buckport Post 58: Members of the Bucksport John D. Long Post 58 lead off the Labor Day Parade in Buckfield. This has been a big event for many years with the Post providing the Colors of our Country. Invocation Prayer: Auxiliary Chaplain Janice Jordan reads the invocation prayer to start the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Geraldine LaChance on Aug. 25 at Lisbon Post 158 while the current Auxiliary President Cindy Pomelow, looks on. Behind them is Geraldine s life in photos. She was a real beauty in her younger years, a truly gracious lady in her later life. District 4 Farmington Post 28; Kingfield Post 61; Phillips Post 64; Strong Post 78; Wilton Post 117; Rangley Post 120; District 5 Rumford Post 24; Buckfield Post 58; Lockemills Post 68; So. Paris Post 72; Bethel Post 81; Norway Post 82; Dixfield Post 100; Oxford Post 112; Fryeburg Post 137; West Paris Post 151; Peru Post 199 Rumford Post 24 Adjutant Randal Canwell, left, and Cmdr. William Petrie, right, present daughter Linda Dupill, granddaughters Emily Dupill and Natalie Dupill, a 70 Year Continuous Membership Certificate in honor of Alfred Shorey who recently passed away in March. A Post Everlasting Certificate was presented to the family as well.

27 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 Partaking In The Lobster Festival Parade: Legionnaires and District 5 continued 100% Membership Retention Award: District 5 and Locke Mills Jackson-Silver Post 68 Adjutant Harry G. Orcutt, center, presents a National 100% Membership Retention Award to JacksonSilver Post 68 Commander Delwin Wilson, right, at the Post s Annual Baseball Team Appreciation Supper held on Thurs., Aug. 17. Locke Mills Jackson-Silver Post 68 Americanism Officer Kelly Bickford, left, was presented with an Americanism Recognition Award. During District 5 meetings, District 5 Commander Randal Canwell presented 100% Retention Awards to representatives of South Paris Post 72 and Bethel Post 81 and an Americanism Award to Norway Post 82. Maine Marine Capt. Ben Cross Laid to Rest with Full Military Honors L t. Benjamin Cross, V-22 Osprey Pilot, U.S.M.C., came home to Bethel on Thurs., Sept. 14. A motorcade of Massachusetts State Police met the plane conveying his remains at Logan Airport, Boston and accompanied the hearse to the New Hampshire border where the New Hampshire State Police in turn surrounded the vehicle until it reached the Maine frontier devolving their sad duty to the Maine State Police. At Gray, the procession grew substantially as Oxford County Police and Fire Departments as well as civilian trucks and vehicles formed a long procession of Honor that brought his body to the funeral home in Bethel. A 2009 Honor Student of Bethel Telstar High School, Lt. Cross, was killed when his aircraft crashed off the coast of Australia. Another crew member and a Marine soldier passenger were also killed. As the Honor procession proceeded through Oxford County on Route 26, Legionnaires from multiple posts, as well as citizens of every age stood in respect in one s or two s, small clusters, or groups along the motorcade course. All of Oxford County grieved for one of its outstanding sons. Members of Post 81 Bethel, stood at attention, with Post 68 member Al Lake (carrying the National colors), at the Bethel Veterans Monument, as a reformed Honor procession passed carrying Lt. Cross s remains to the standing-room only at Telstar High School Auditorium for his funeral on the following Saturday. It was announced following the ceremonies that Lt. Cross had been posthumously promoted to Captain. 27 Auxiliary members participate in the 70th Annual Lobster Festival parade in Rockland on Aug. 5. Those enjoying the ride on the float are District 6 Chaplain Dave Franclemont, District 6 Commander Ray Lewis, WWII Iwo Jima survivor Leroy Peasley, Department of Maine NECA Ronald Rainfrette, 60-year Rockland Post 1 member Joe Wallace, District 6 Adjutant Jeff Sukeforth and Auxiliary NECA Debbie Marr. Lobster Festival Parade: District 6 Chaplain Dave Franclemont, Camden Post 30 Service Officer Cecil Dennison, District 6 Commander Ray Lewis, Post 1 2nd Vice Commander Dane Winslow Sr., 60-year Post 1 member Joe Wallace, Camden Post 30 Historian Norman Carver, Auxiliary NECA Debbie Marr, and Sandy Lyle. Commemorative Coins: A group of Vietnam Veterans receive recognition for their patriotic service to their country by The American Legion, Veterans Services & local government on June 24 at the Masonic Lodge in Rockport. A light lunch buffet was served before services and Commemorative Vietnam Veterans coins were issued to recipients. 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam Veteran Service flag. District 6 Rockland Post 1; Vinalhaven Post 18; Camden Post 30; North Haven Post 33; St. George Post 34; Thomaston Post 37; Union Post 110 Vietnam Veterans Receive Recognition: Group photo of Vietnam Veterans recognized for their exceptional service and sacrifice to their country at the Masonic Lodge in Rockport on June 24. Rogers Rangers Award: Dept. NECA Rockland Post 1 Lobster Festival: 2017 Lobster Festival visit of the USS Mahan (DDG-72) to Rockland on Aug. 5. Lots of fun, games and FREE lobster dinner for the crew. Ronald Rainfrette, right, presents District 6 Commander Ray Lewis, left, the District Commander s Award, aka, Rogers Rangers Award announced at State Convention on June 17. The award was presented on June 24 at The Mason Lodge in Rockport. This Award is presented to the District Commander for outstanding service and support all Posts within the District. Photos by Jeff Stevenson

28 28 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 6 continued Joint Flag Retirement Ceremony: Tenants Harbor Post 34, St. George Girl Scout Troop 1831, and Boy Scout Troop 246 (both sponsored by Post 34) held a joint Flag Retirement Ceremony on Sept. 14. Members of both Girls Troop 1831 and Boy Scout Troop 246 are pictured here with Post 34 Sergeant-At-Arms Ray Emerson, left, and Post 34 Adjutant/Finance Officer Jan Gaudio, right. District 7 Boothbay Harbor Post 36; Damariscotta Post 42; Wiscasset Post 54; Waldoboro Post 149 Wiscasset Post 54 Installation Ceremony: National Executive Committeeman John Hargreaves performs the Installation Ceremony for Wiscasset Post 54 officers with Dept. Americanism Officer Debra Couture, far right, on July 17 at the Post home. Standing at left, Wiscasset Post 54 Membership Chairman/ 1 st Vice Commander James Seigars, Sergeant-At-Arms James Savage, Service Officer Neil Page, Americanism Officer Clifford Hendricks, Judge Advocate/Chaplain Dale Skillin, Finance Officer/Adjutant Dennis Hill, and Retiring & Incoming Commander William Cossette, Jr. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Another Year & Recognition: During the Installation Ceremony of Post officers at Wiscasset Post 54 on July 17, Wiscasset Post 54 Commander William Cossette, Jr., not only took another year as Post Commander, but he also received a warrant from National Commander Charles Schmidt for his 50 years of service to The American Legion. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Department & Wiscasset Post 54 Officers: Department Officers and Wiscasset Post 54 gather for a photo-op after the installation of Wiscasset Post 54 officers on July 17. Front row, left to right, National Executive Committeeman John Hargreaves, Department Historian Jeff Stevenson, Wiscasset Post 54 Service Officer Neil Page, Wiscasset Post 54 Judge Advocate/Chaplain Dale Skillin, Wiscasset Post 54 Americanism Officer Clifford Hendricks, Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture, Wiscasset tpost 54 Finance Officer/Adjutant Dennis Hill, and National Executive Committeeman Alternate Ronald Rainfrette. Back row, left to right, Department Sergeant-At-Arms Alfred McKay, Wiscasset Post 54 Commander William Cossette, Jr., Wiscasset Post 54 Membership Chairman/1st Vice Commander James Seigars, and Wiscasset Post 54 Sergeant-At-Arms James Savage. Photo by Charlotte Hagan uth Applin always made the world a R better place, Wiscasset Selectman Ben Rines Jr. said Tuesday. Applin, 100, died at home in Wiscasset Aug. 25. First Congregational Church member Linda Winterberg of Wiscasset said Applin had been a role model for her all these years since the two met 30 years ago. As one of the most faithful members of our church, she worked tirelessly to support our women's group, the Organ Society, with her sewing, crocheting, and baking, and produced more quilts, pot holders, afghans, etc. than anyone could believe, Winterberg recalled in an Monday evening. She was humble, cheerful, and full of humor and love for others. Like her contemporaries, Ruth Kierstead, Marge Morris, Joanna Bardo, etc, she was of a generation of strong women who never complained, but served God and their community with quiet grace and dignity. She will be missed by many, and long remembered. We ll miss her, said Rines, whose father Ben Rines Sr. grew up next door to Applin. At a 1ooth birthday celebration for Applin at the Wiscasset Community Center last April, Rines Jr. presented her with the town s replica Boston Post Cane for being the oldest resident. In 2014, at 97, Applin became a second-time grand marshal of Wiscasset s Fourth of July parade and afterward Rines presented her with the town s award of Remembering Ruth Wiscasset Post 54 Chaplain Dale Skillin meets with Ruth Applin of Wiscasset at a Memorial Day 2014 service at the town s memorial wall. Applin s late husband Robert Applin was a World War II Veteran. Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper File photo appreciation for her many years of volunteerism and service. On Memorial Day 2015, American Legion Post 54 of Wiscasset awarded Applin a certificate of appreciation citing her outstanding service helping with its programs. Post 54 Chaplain Dale Skillin went to school with Applin s children and later knew her through her work on Legion beano games and other Legion activities and in the kitchen. We really depended on her then, he said Tuesday. Skillin recalled Applin as one of the most patriotic people in town. She lifted the spirits of the townspeople, and was always helping and very involved with the town, he said. Those type of people are hard to come by now. Daughter Betty Applin, who lived with her on Churchill Street, said her mother lived a fruitful life, and was a very giving person. She was selfless. Applin added, although her mother moved to Wiscasset as a child to live with her aunt and uncle, and as a wife and mother briefly lived in Alna before moving back to Wiscasset, I think she always considered Wiscasset her home. In a May 15, 2015 Wiscasset Newspaper interview as she prepared to celebrate her 80th year as a Wiscasset Academy alumna, Ruth Applin, then 98, attributed her longevity to good genes. Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper August 31 by Susan Johns Service Award Presented: Wiscasset s Ruth Applin accepts a service award from Selectman Ben Rines Jr. at a flag-raising ceremony Wiscasset Post 54 held on the waterfront July 4, Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper File photo Wiscasset s Hometown Heroes get Sun for Open House anice Fogg made the cole slaw; Sandra J Winters, the egg salad. And I vacuumed, said Winters, of Wiscasset, smiling. The sergeant at arms for American Legion Post 54 of Wiscasset s auxiliary has been a member nearly half a century. She, Fogg, Wiscasset-raised and now of Freeport, and other auxiliary members joined the Legion s veterans in putting on an open house and cookout Saturday at the post s hall on Bath Road. They got a beautiful day for it. I can t even see a cloud, Post 54 Commander William Cossette Jr. said, looking up. It s fabulous, Winters said. The event had two goals, Cossette said inside the hall later. One was to continue to try to attract new members; the other involved all the improvements the post has made to the hall, including a new metal roof he said Brunswick Steel provided at a big discount. The event showed More on HOMETOWN HEROES, Page 29

29 HE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 7 continued Hometown Heroes (Continued from Page 28) the public the building and thanked all the members who spent years working on it. Cossette said they broke out an interior wall, put in new sills, windows and doors, partitioned off the kitchen, replaced a spiral staircase with a regular one, put on vinyl siding and received a Home Depot grant for a new, hardwoodlooking laminate floor, including installation. That was a huge help for us because we were out of money, he added. I think after 10 years of work, everyone is happy with it, he said about the hall. Next is the storage building, including all the sorting of its contents. Cossette s son Warren Cossette of Wiscasset is not a member but turned out in support. I think everyone should support the Legion. They ve done everything for us, serving their country, and now it s our turn to honor them. All these people are hometown heroes. Post Chaplain Dale Skillin, tongs in hand grilling hot dogs, said the Legion needs new members statewide for their fresh ideas. And we need to reach out to our newer veterans, who just got out... so they can understand their VA benefits, and how the Legion can actually help. Dresden s Diane Munsey, secretarytreasurer of the post s auxiliary, said its dues are $22 a year. The Legion s are $40, Cmdr. Cossette said. Members said later, they picked up a new member at the open house and a prospective auxiliary member. Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Sept. 28 by Susan Johns Brunswick Post 20 POW/MIA Commemorative Ceremony Empty Chair Ceremony: Brunswick George T. Files Post 20 held a POW/MIA Commemorative Ceremony on Sept. 15 at the Brunswick Downtown Mall which included The Empty Chair Ceremony. Photo by Nancy Hory A Cookout Delight: Wiscasset Post 54 Commander William Cossette Jr., Auxiliary Sergeant-At-Arms Sandra Winters, and Cossette s son Warren Cossette enjoy the cookout at Saturday s open house. Photo by Susan Johns Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Burgers & Hotdogs: Krystle Smith, Historian for Wiscasset Post 54 s Auxiliary, grills burgers at the open house. Further down, the Post s Chaplain Dale Skillin grills hot dogs. Photo by Susan Johns Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Special Guest: Brunswick Post 20 special guest for the POW/MIA Ceremony was Outreach Director for Senator Angus King, Teague Morris, who delivered a message from the Senator. Commemorative Coins Presented Photo by Nancy Hory District 8 Brunswick Post 20; Bath Post 21; Harpswell Post 171; Thompson Post 202; Phippsburg Post 216 Brunswick Post 20 Remembrance Ceremony: Brunswick George T. Files Post 20 held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Brunswick Downtown Mall. Recognition Certificates and coins were presented by, left to right, Maine Air National Guard Brigadier General Gerald Bolduc, Department 2nd Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut, Brunswick Town Manager John Eldridge, and Recipient USN Retired MCPO Michael Hory. Photo by Nancy Hory Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joe Donahue, left, presents a Commemorative Coin to Jim Grover for his service in Vietnam & Korea. Brunswick Post 20 Vice Commander David Watson, right, presents a Commemorative Coin to John Williams for his Vietnam War Service. Commemorative Coins & Certificate: Brunswick Post 20 Vice Commander David Watson, left, presents Certificates of Appreciation & Commemorative Coins to Ray Murphy for Vietnam Service, his daughter Gretchen Murphy for Gulf War Service, and son-in-law Mark Cucchi for Vietnam & Gulf War service. At Post 20, (one) was held in the month of Sept. and (one) in Oct. More are planned for the future.

30 30 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 8 continued Bath Post 21 Squadron fundraiser for the Travis Mills Foundation with Gary Gamage, left, presenting a $100 check from Rockland Squadron #1 to Don Allisot, center, with Detachment Commander Ron Marr, right. Antique Car Show at Topsham Post 202 with cars and onlookers on July 15. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Travis Mills Fundraiser: Bath Post 21 Squadron fundraiser for the Travis Mills Foundation. Bath Post 21 Flag Pole looking good after necessary repairs were made on July 16. Photo by Jeff Stevenson left, and Joe Provencher at Topsham Antique Car Show on July 15. Photo by Jeff Stevenson Bath Post 21 Flag Pole Repairs: Bath Post 21 Flag Pole: Topsham Post 202 Adjutant Luke Hecker, Bath Post 21 Sergeant-AtArms Glen Goodell, left, and Department Historian/Post Service Officer Jeff Stevenson make repairs to the Post Home Flag Pole on July 16 that was previously crooked. The flags were getting caught and torn on the hardware and lines. Photo by District 3 DDVP Lilly Stevenson Harpswell Post 171 First Annual Golf Tournament July 24 at Brunswick Golf Club. A very successful fund-raising event according to Roger Dumont. Harpswell Post 171 Color Guard, left to right, Post Commander Mike Doyle, Bill O Connell, Bill Allen, Bob Webber, and Steve Collins. Photo by Bonnie Dumont (for more photos go to Post 171 Facebook) District 8 Annual Emergency Responder Appreciation Breakfast Emergency Medical Technician Appreciation: District 8 Commander Nick Hamlin, right, presents Sandy Hart, left, with a plaque in appreciation of her many years of service as a Phippsburg Emergency Medical Technician at the District s Annual Emergency Responder Appreciation Breakfast hosted by Topsham Post 202. Phippsburg Fire Chief Andy Hart, center, was also present. Photo by Adjutant Mike Young Phippsburg Fire Dept. Years Of Service Appreciation: District 8 Commander Nick Hamlin, right, presents Jimma Totman, left, with a plaque in appreciation of his many years of service with the Phippsburg Fire Department at the District s Annual Emergency Responder Appreciation Breakfast hosted by Topsham Post 202. Phippsburg Fire Chief Andy Hart, center, was also present. Photo by Adjutant Mike Young Phippsburg Post 216 members and the Phippsburg Girl Scouts participate in the Post s annual Flag Disposal Ceremony in June. Photo by Chilloa Young Recruitment Table: Harpswell Post 171 First Annual Golf Tournament July 24 at Brunswick Golf Club. Bill Allen mans Post 171 Recruitment table. Bill signed up one new member, Peter Uhde, son of Post Everlasting member Harry Uhde. Photo by Bonnie Dumont (for more photos go to Post 171 Facebook) Leading the Scouts: Comrade Bob Morse leads the Phippsburg Girl Scouts during the Phippsburg Post 216 annual Flag Disposal Ceremony in June. Photo by Chilloa Young

31 HE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 8 continued Teaching Bike Safety: Comrade Bob Morse, right, teaches a young rider participating in the Bike Rodeo course during Phippsburg s Community Safety Day in May. Phippsburg Post 216 members set up and operate the course which consists of five different skill events to teach bike safety to young children. Photo by Adjutant Mike Young Phippsburg Post 216 Flag Disposal Ceremony: Phippsburg Post 216 members dispose of unserviceable flags during their annual Flag Disposal Ceremony in June. Phippsburg Post 216 Veterans Appreciation Ceremony Appreciation Certifications: Phippsburg Post 216 Adjutant Mike Young presents Appreciation for Service certificates to Veterans, left to right, Ed Morton, Siggy Cesh, and Tom Butler at Phippsburg Post 216 Annual Veteran s Appreciation Ceremony and BBQ held in June. Photo by Chilloa Young New Position: Comrade Fred Elwell, right, is sworn into his new position of Phippsburg Post 216 as 2 nd Vice Commander by Post 216 Commander Gary Flemmings, left, at the monthly meeting in June. Photo by Chilloa Young Phippsburg Post 216 Sergeant-At- Arms Dave Barnes escorts Veteran Larry Swizdor to his seat at the Phippsburg Post 216 Annual Veteran s Appreciation Ceremony and BBQ. Photo by Chilloa Young Photo by Adjutant Mike Young Pledge of Allegiance: Phippsburg Post 216 Comrades Harald Zinke, left, and Myron Wyman uncover to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Phippsburg Post 216 Annual Veteran s Appreciation Ceremony and BBQ. Photo by Chilloa Young RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE TODAY: PLEASE VISIT Fundraising Efforts: Phippsburg Post 216 members do yard work at a local business, The Tax Bracket II, on May 13 to raise funds for programs in support of Veterans. Post members do a Spring and Fall work day each year to raise funds. Left to right, Adjutant Mike Young, Comrade Bob Morse, Commander Gary Flemmings, Comrade Bruce MacMillan, Finance officer Jim Meese, Chaplain Richard Spear, Comrade Bill Rollins and Sergeant-At-Arms Dave Barnes. District 9 Photo by Chilloa Young Augusta Post 2; Gardiner Post 4; Waterville Post 5; Hallowell Post 6; Winthrop Post 40; Oakland Post 51; Togus Post 90; No. Vassalboro Post 126; Richmond Post 132; So. China Post 179; Litchfield Post 181; Clinton Post 186; China Post 195; Monmouth Post 204; Augusta Post 205 Augusta Post 2 Commander Howard Betts receives 2 awards for 100% membership, one for the Post and one for the Auxiliary. Awards were presented by Department Americanism Officer Debra Couture, left, and National Executive Committeeman John Hargreaves, right, during the District 9 meeting held at Oakland Post 51 on Sept. 13. Honors for Kennebec Honor Guard and Augusta Post 2 for 100% participation were made at District 9 meeting at Oakland Post 51 on Sept. 13. From left to right, Commander Kennebec Honor Guard George Bean, Augusta Post 2 Adjutant Jim Palmer, Department American Officer Debra Couture, and National Executive Committeeman John Hargreaves. (In background is District 9 1 st Vice Commander and Augusta Post 2 Commander Howard Betts.) Augusta Post 2 Initiation Ceremony n Initiation Ceremony was held on A Aug. 20 for eighteen ladies who joined the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 2 in Augusta during Each new member received a Certificate of Initiation, an Auxiliary pin, a new member Photo by Heinz Rosenbecker The new members present at the ceremony were Nancy Bell, Cameron, Theresa Clifford, Belinda Damren, Robin booklet, a copy of The American Legion Auxiliary Preamble to the Constitution, a poppy, a copy of the unit by-laws, and a small American flag. The four great principles, Justice; Freedom; Democracy; and Loyalty, were explained, as well as each part of the American Legion emblem. The new members were sworn in by Past Department President Joyce Thurlow after they pledged to obligate themselves to the principles of the American Legion Auxiliary. Following the ceremony, a luncheon was hosted by the Augusta Fitzgerald-Cummings Post 2 Legionnaires. Patricia Donnell, Sharon Drown, Barbara Hiscock, Joyce Jean, Gwyn Lysaght, Kimberly MacIntyre, Donna Rioux, Betty Robbins, Tanya Schwanda, Nancy Troop, Debra Webb, Margo Speck, Cheryl Bailey, and Margaret Woodbury.

32 32 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 9 continued Legionnaire Support: Legionnaires support Augusta Unit 2 Initiation Ceremony held Aug. 20 at Augusta Fitzgerald-Cummings Post 2 by hosting a luncheon for the eighteen ladies who joined the Unit. Photo by Heinz Rosenbecker Strawberry Shortcake Luncheon in Celebration of Old Hallowell Day oodrich-caldwell Hallowell Post 6 G held their Strawberry Shortcake Luncheon as part of celebrating Old Hallowell Day on Sat., July 15. For a mid- July day, it began with a cool 60 degrees and overcast sky. There had been a light rain just before we all arrived at the Post home at 8:00 a.m. Numerous members and spouses had worked in the building during the week preparing the building for today s event. Windows were washed, floors swept, tables and chairs arranged so that the most amount of patrons could be comfortably seated and all types of cleaning and sprucing up went on. At 8:00 a.m. Saturday the building s interior simply shined. As the members arrived, their donated food items were carefully refrigerated and prepped for the 11:00 a.m. opening time. It remained overcast as a certain number of Legionnaires departed the building at 9:15 a.m. and moved down to the parade s staging area start line. A welcoming cool breeze blew in from the down-town area toward the assembled Legionnaires at the start line. Six men would make up the Post 6 Color Guard. They would be led by Post 6 Commander Maureen Malley. Preceding the Commander was our American Legion Banner carried by Boy Scouts Jacob Glidden and Corbin Eldridge of Troop 647, a Troop chartered by Post 6. At 10:02 a.m. the Color Guard stepped off with the parade following behind them. The Color Guard was made up of Legionnaires Carrol Whitman, Steve Mairs, Mike Madden, Tim McGuire, Larry Auger and Donnie Garrison. With their beautiful flags unfurled and floating in Hallowell Post 6 members attend the Strawberry Luncheon and Old Hallowell Day Parade celebrating Old Hallowell Day, a favorite annual tradition on July 15. In front of group is Dana Parker. Back row, left to right, Steve Mairs, Tim McGuire, Mike Madden, Larry Auger, Bob McKenna and Jim Owen. the cool breeze, the Color Guard and Post Commander smartly marched through down-town Hallowell while receiving much applause from the huge turnout of citizens packing both sides of the street. At the appropriate drop-off point, the Commander and Color Guard departed the parade route and headed back to the Post Home. Mother Nature had been kind; the cool breeze, low temperature and lack of humidity made the march very tolerable. It might be mentioned that Comrade Ernie DeRaps, a Second World War Veteran, turned down an offer to ride in the parade and marched instead with members of the second squad. The third squad was made up of two sharp and shiny automobiles, giving rides to veterans. Further back was Post 6 Legionnaire Burt Truman riding in an open car as Old Hallowell Day Citizen of The Year. Whether marching or riding, a good number of Post 6 Legionnaires participated in the annual parade. Once back at the Post Home, flags and parade regalia were put away and numerous tables and chairs were set up on the front lawn as to fill the need as spill-over space for the crowd sure to come. At 10:35 the first customer arrived and many more followed shortly afterwards. Within the crowd of faces were folks who were long time attendees of our luncheon, others were attending for the first time. Young and old, people showed up for the well-advertised luncheon. For the price of $6.00, the lunch included a sandwich, drink, chips (all of your own choice) and of course the ever popular heaping strawberry shortcake. This year a new twist was offered in the way of purchasing just the strawberry shortcake for $3.50. Selling tickets outside on our entryway was Dana Parker (who knows everyone in this city over the age of 30), Tim McGuire and Bob McKenna. Inside the doorway was another ticket table manned by the dapper Hugh Stephens. Hugh was wearing his full size war-time service Merchant Marine medals. Those particular awards are rarely displayed in these times and any history buff coming through the door took a moment to notice Hugh s notable service awards. Sitting next to Hugh at another table was the unflappable Ernie DeRaps selling raffle tickets. Having these two Second World War veterans sitting side by side made an impressive duo as they greeted and welcomed the customers. We are at the point where annotating the names of the LA- DIES on the serving line is most important. They are as follows: Diane Stuart, Sue Mack, Coral Garrison, Peggy Whitman, Barbara Gipson, Gail Parker, Judy Madden, Carol Auger and Marion Hawkins. These LADIES are married to, related to or associated with Veterans. Serving Veterans is something that is in their blood. They are not looking for titles, uniforms or a spot on the national stage; however what they do for Post 6 and Veterans in general is truly remarkable. Thank You LADIES. The Legionnaires of Post 6 rotated duties during the busy event. These duties included directing the crowd, bussing tables inside and out, cleaning up spills, answering questions, removing full garbage bags, crowd security, keeping the entire room clean, safe and orderly. One would be surprised at the odd things that occur during the hectic hours of these luncheons. It is well we had 15 Legionnaires on hand. Those busy Legionnaires were: Commander Maureen Malley, Cruising In The Old Hallowell Day Parade: Legionnaire Burt Truman, Hallowell Citizen of the Year, sits in rear seat of open car at the Old Hallowell Day Parade in celebration of Old Hallowell Day July 15. Celebrating Old Hallowell Day: Hallowell Post 6 Color Guard, and Boy Scouts Jacob Glidden and Corbin Eldridge of Troop 647 attend the Strawberry Shortcake Luncheon to celebrate Old Hallowell Day on July 15. Front row, left to right, Boy Scouts Jacob Glidden and Corbin Eldridge. Back row, left to right, Carol Whitman, Steve Mairs, Mike Madden, Tim MGuire, Larry Auger, and Don Garrison. Lewis Gipson, Bob McKenna, Mike Madden, Ernie DeRaps, Don Garrison, Dana Parker, Larry Auger, Gerry Stuart, Dick Hawkins, Steve Mairs, Carrol Whitman, Bruce Johnson, Hugh Stephens and Tim McGuire. During this time we received 3 applications for membership by visiting veterans. At 1:00 p.m. the last customer was fed and the luncheon came to a close. Now the entire area, inside and out had to be picked up, cleaned up and put away. It was most fortunate that we had the 15 Legionnaires and 9 ladies available to make these chores come to an end in a fairly short order. By now the sun had come out in full force along with the humidity level rising. The men and women finally locked the doors and departed around 1:45 p.m. All were a bit worn out yet truly satisfied that Post 6 had once again served their community and especially veterans in a fine yet enjoyable fashion. A tip-of-the-hat and a Thank You to all who donated the strawberries, sandwiches and/or cash. By Comrade Steven P. Mairs Hallowell Post 6 Manning The Booth For Wreaths Across America: Hallowell Post 6 Past Commanders Mike Madden, left, and Gerry Stuart work the Wreaths Across America booth at the Windsor Fair Veteran Appreciation Day on Aug. 31

33 HE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 9 continued Hallowell Post 6 Annual Picnic Celebration: Hallowell Post 6 had a family picnic at the Goodrich-Caldwell Hall on Aug. 27. This is an annual event with family and friends. Hamburgers and hotdogs, a wide variety of salads, baked beans, and a host of tasty desserts were served. Over sixty people attended the picnic with a special honor to Arthur and Florence Moore. Arthur was in the Merchant Marines during WWII and was a boat captain on the Kennebec River after the war. Arthur is one of Post 6 most senior members. After the picnic, Post members presented "thank-you" roses to their spouses for their tireless support and members of our Boy Scout Troop presented roses to the spouses of our deceased members. A good time was had by all! Welcome Home Gala: Winthrop Alfred W. Maxwell Post 40 Adjutant Don Chase with angel Susan Hornbeck, Pelham, NH. Ms. Hornbeck was the first (civilian) responder on the scene of a horrific single car crash in northern Maine on May 1 that involved our Post Adjutant and District 9 Commander Donald Chase. Ms. Hornbeck s actions substantially contributed to saving the life of our friend and Comrade. She was provided with a Heroism Medal at a welcome home gala for Don, who had spent the past 5 months at EMMC and rehab, which was held at the Post on Sept 30. Our sincerest thanks and appreciation go out to this wonderful woman for the care and compassion she was able to provide to our comrade by being at the necessary place at the necessary time. District 10 Fairfield Post 14; Skowhegan Post 16; Pittsburg Post 32; Madison Post 39; Bingham Post 99; Jackman Post 122; Hartland Post 141; New Portland Post 173; Athens Post 192 Skowhegan Post 16 held a Boys and Girls State Luncheon on Oct. 8 where the kids shared their experience and what they learned. Front row, left to right, Felicia Ramous, Carey Lee, Mawiah Landcaster and Julia Steeves. Back row, left to right, Haley Carter, Samantha Coombs, Lucas Lenfest and Sylvia Small. Project Complete: Fairfield Post 14 took on a project of purchasing a swing for the Togus VA Hospital. The swing was installed at Togus facility on Aug. 14. Meeting The National Commander: Tina Richard, right, from Skowhegan Post 16 and District 10 met the first female National Commander Denise Rohan at the American Legion Department of Maine Headquarters on Sept. 29 in Winslow. Her thoughts about Denise were that she is a down to earth lady and has a heart for the Veterans. Legion Family Recognizes Dirigo Boys State: Madison Tardiff-Belanger Post 39, Unit 39 Auxiliary, Squadron 39 Sons of the American Legion and Chapter 39 Legion Riders recently recognized nine Dirigo Boys and Girls State Delegates from Carrabec and Madison Area Memorial High School. These Delegates attended Boys and Girls State session in June for a week learning the ins and outs of our local and state government procedures. The Delegates spoke to the members of American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39 of their experiences while attending the session. The American Legion Family members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation s veterans, military and their families, both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly with a value of nearly $2 billion. To learn more about the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary s missions or to volunteer, donate or join, visit or hank you to the two American Legion Posts 116 of Monson and 157 of T Stockton Springs. On a hot, muggy afternoon on July 30, at the Belfast Grove Cemetery, members of these two posts gave of their free time to honor WWI Veteran Ralph Perkins who had not received a funeral. There were about 30 people in attendance, including a small group representing Camden Post 30. As I stood there looking around at the group of people, I felt how lucky I was to be amongst such caring people, both of the American Legion and our Community. This WWI Veteran, a native of Belfast, never received a proper burial. According to a discovery made by a student researching Hermits of Maine, District 11 Belfast Post 43; Unity Post 50; Winterport Post 138; Stockton Springs Post 157; Palermo Post 163; Brooks Post 183; Veteran Honors Devoted Time To Honor WWI Veteran: Tootie Bennett, Stockton Springs Post 157 Commander Judy Otis, and relative of Ralph Perkins, Syrena Gatewood devote their time to honor WWI Veteran Ralph Perkins on July 30 for a proper burial he had never received. Ralph Perkins, our WWI Veteran, moved to Monson and became known as Hank the Hermit. There was an article in The Republican Journal about Ms. Bennett (of the Monson Historical Society) and her story of Ralph Perkins, which chronicled the events that transpired in his life. She made it her mission to see that Hank had a proper service. Ms. Bennett discovered a long-lost relative, Syrena Gatewood, and thanks to modern technology ( s), they were able to put together a service for this gentleman who had served his country so long ago. Stockton Springs Post 157 was honored to be included. By Judy L. Otis, Commander Stockton Springs Post 157

34 34 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2017 District 11 continued District 12 Hard Work Pays Off: The Department Finance Officer Tommy Adkins with his wife, Christine, work hard at Stockton Springs Post 157 annual yard sale on Aug. 5-6 netting over $7,000. Bar Harbor Post 25; Ellsworth Post 63; Southwest Harbor Post 69; Blue Hill Post 85; Bucksport Post 93; Stonington Post 102; Northeast Harbor Post 103; Trenton Post 207 District 13 Bangor Post 12; East Millinocket Post 13; Corinna Post 73; Old Town Post 85; Lincoln Post 77; Millinocket Post 80; Orono Post 84; Howland Post 97; Brewer Post 98; Newport Post 105; Etna-Carmel Post 107; East Corinth Post 115; Lee Post 160; Hermon Post 200; Dixmont Post 201; Glenburn Post 211; Hampden Post 213 District 13 Meeting: Penobscot County District 13 Commander Donald Candage, right, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Dean Williams, left, from Healing Waters for his presentation at District 13 meeting at Etna-Carmel Post 107 on Sept 3. Lincoln Post 77: Lincoln Post 77 Veterans were honored at the House in the Woods on Sept. 11. Children from an area school crafted hand-made cards and presented each Veteran with a sincere thank you. Pictured are from left Darrell Savage, Steve DeSmidt, Tom Brown, James Ewing, Jerry Moors, Sheldon Hanington, Jim Thomas, Luther Tripp, and the late David Baker. Handmade Walking Stick: District 13 Historian Sheldon Hanington, right, presents Korean War Veteran George Noonan, center, a personalized handmade walking stick. George is pictured here with his wife and grandson, left, and was very happy with the gift and visit. Howland Lee-Graham Post 97 held their Annual Boys/Girls State Dinner on Oct. 29. Front row seated, left to right, Paige Thibodeau and Abigail Carson. Back row, left to right, Post Commander Henry Carey, Austin Dube, Penobscot. A Special Visit: WWII Army Veteran Henry Hunter who was combat wounded New Year s Eve in 1944 turned 99 this month. He was visited by Congressman Bruce Poliquin, Lincoln Post 77 Commander Darrell Savage, and State Representative Sheldon Hanington. Mr. Poliquin brought a very special gift of medals of honor Henry so rightly deserved but was never able to obtain. It was a touching moment to officially perform a pinning ceremony and thank him for his service. Then they enjoyed some birthday cake. District 14 Dover-Foxcroft Post 29; Milo Post 41; Dexter Post 53; Brownville-Jct. Post 92; Greenville Post 94; Monson Post 116; Guilford Post 119; Sangerville Post 165 Dover-Foxcroft Post 29 gave away cones to children up to age 16 at Butterfield's Ice Cream on Aug. 13. Many a smile on children and parents alike! Pictured here front row, left to right, Davis Leighton, Treasurer Bart Merrill; back row, left to right, Commander Sanford Robinson, Auxiliary member Diane Leighton, and 1st Vice Commander Roger Kaufman. We believe we need to reach out to the young to instill loyalty and pride. Greenville Post 94 welcomes the 2017 Boys State and Girls State graduates the Post sponsored. The students shared their experiences at Boys and Girls State at a dinner hosted at the Post in their honor and described their plans for College following graduation. Left to right, Nick Foley, Noah Pratt, Connor DiAngelo, Sierra Bussell, Anthony Mason and John Watt. District 15 Calais Post 3; Cherryfield Post 8; Machias Post 9; Eastport Post 11; Baileyville Post 23; Danforth Post 45; Pembroke Post 59; Lubec Post 65; Jonesport Post 108; Vanceboro Post 172; Topsfield Post 191 Veterans Meet & Greet: At a recent gathering of Calais Post 3 members and guests, Commander Mike McLean, left, extends a special thank you to management and staff at "Just South of the Border" Restaurant for their great hospitality for the "Veterans Meet & Greet". The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 27. Also at the meeting, Commander Mike McClean, left, was presented a portrait by Artist Paul Redding, right. Mr. Redding has brought many memories around Calais with his masterpieces. Calais Post 3 Commander Mike McLean, right, thanks and presents Sergeant McIver, left, for his dedicated service in the military for the state and nation.

35 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER POST NAME CONFLICT Post 5 Waterville Kenneth R. Judkins WWII Post 5 Waterville James W. Evers Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Burns C. Hillman Jr. WWII Post 5 Waterville Edward J. Cilley Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Paul E. Duplessie Korea Post 5 Waterville Deane M. Nason Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Walter W. Scott Korea Post 12 Bangor Norman R. Rossignol WWII/Korea Post 12 Bangor George E. Searway Korea Post 12 Bangor Edward J. Januszka Vietnam Post 15 Caribou Leo Kieffer Korea Post 15 Caribou Philip McNeal Korea Post 20 Brunswick Joseph C. Alexander Vietnam Post 20 Brunswick Romain B. Savior Korea Post 23 Baileyville Barry D. McAlpine Korea Post 34 St. George Marion P. Gray WWII Post 36 Boothbay Harbor Clarence W. Davis Korea Post 50 Unity Max Gillette WWII Post 54 Wiscasset Clayton Foye Vietnam Post 54 Wiscasset Donald Munsey Korea Post 55 Limerick Stephen P. Campp Korea Post 58 Buckfield Edgar Lane Korea Post 65 Lubec Douglas R. Small Jr. Korea Post 72 South Paris Douglas A. Robinson Vietnam Post 74 Kennebunk Harry G. Ambrose Vietnam Post 74 Kennebunk Frank J. Budreau Korea Post 74 Kennebunk Bertrand Morrill WWII Post 77 Lincoln George S. Jipson WWII Post 77 Lincoln Raleigh W. Hanscom Korea District 15 continued POST NAME CONFLICT Post 77 Lincoln Gene E. Tash Vietnam Post 77 Lincoln David A. Baker Sr. Vietnam Post 77 Lincoln Wallace M. Smith WWII Post 77 Lincoln Robert J. Gero Korea Post 78 Strong John E. Pedano Vietnam Post 82 Norway David L. Tilley Korea Post 82 Norway Ronald K. Parsons Sr. Vietnam Post 82 Norway Robert E. Moxcey Vietnam Post 82 Norway Ernest J. Fielder Vietnam Post 84 Orono Richard S. Dekoschak Korea Post 84 Orono Rex P. Sibley WWII Post 84 Orono Ronald C. Noyes WWII Post 88 Presque Isle Benjamin A. Curtis WWII Post 88 Presque Isle Eugene E. Sawyer WWII Post 94 Greenville Ronald L. Nicholas Vietnam Post 94 Greenville Alan E. McBrierty Vietnam Post 97 Howland Reginald E. Theriault Korea Post 102 Stonington Alan Webb Korea Post 112 Oxford William J. McCoy Jr. Vietnam Post 118 Mars Hill Richard T. Holmes Vietnam Post 145 Frenchville Leo J. Martin Korea Post 147 Madawaska Daniel P. Ahearne Korea Post 147 Madawaska Armand Corriveau Post 149 Waldoboro Glenn P. Paye Korea Post 149 Waldoboro Norman L. Peabody Korea Post 155 Naples Donald F. Noyes Korea Post 171 Harpswell Dewey L. Gilliam WWII Post 207 Trenton Richard A. Jones Korea District 16 Caribou Post 15; Fort Fairfield Post 27; Houlton Post 47; Washburn Post 48; Oakfield Post 52; Presque Isle Post 88; Mars Hill Post 118; Limestone Post 127; Easton Post 187; Masardis Post 208 District 17 Van Buren Post 49; Fort Kent Post 133; Stockholm Post 136; Frenchville Post 145; Madawaska Post 147; Eagle Lake Post 176; St. Francis Post 180 Van Buren Levasseur- Farrell Post 49 Post Commander Alphy Durette, Post Adjutant Doucette, and MSAD #24 School Representative Karen O Neil, left to right, were judges for the Voice of Democracy Program Competition where seven Van Buren MSAD#24 students competed on Oct. 12. Winners, left to right, are 1st Place Julia Berube, 2nd Place Lauren Headly, 3rd Place Sophie Rioux, and Event Organizer Sue Lajoie. Fellow Veterans Wanted!: Fellow Soldiers used to come visit us here at the Post home! Where are our comrades? Woodland Post 23: Bernard McDowell is presented a 70 year certificate as a member of The American Legion Woodland Post 23. Bernard is a native of Princeton and served in World War II. He now lives at Pinewood Terrace in Farmington. Presenting the award is Post Commander Maurice Boisvert, Service Officer Bob Stadig, Past Commander Rolfe Flood, and Adjutant Norman Richard. Aroostook County District 7 Auxiliary made lap blankets, socks, hats, mittens, hand towels, and pillow cases for the Farm of Hope. The donation was made in memory of Mary Wells. Mary always put Veterans first and dedicated most of her life pursuing this organization. Even though she is not with us anymore, her drive and dedication to our Veterans will always continue in her name. On Sept. 1, we met with United Veterans of Maine (Farm of Hope) Executive Director John DeVeau. Madawaska Chapter 147 ALR wanted to know what was needed for the Veterans who go to Farm of Hope. Left to right, District 7 DDVP ALT Diane Daigle, State of Maine Chaplin of the American Legion Riders Edward Ellis, District 7 Auxiliary Secretary Bridget Daigle, and United Veterans of Maine Director John DeVeau.

36 36 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 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 Jan. 26 he deadline for material, stories and/ T or pictures to be submitted for consideration for use in the February 2018 Issue of The Maine Legionnaire will be January 26, 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 National Commander s Campaign: State Commander Randall Kluj, right, and Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan, left, presents National Commander Denise Rohan a check in the amount of $2350 from the Department of Maine State Officers during National Convention in Reno, NV. Back, left to right, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, Dept. Service Officer Amedeo Deo Lauria, Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut, NEC John Hargreaves, Dept. Judge Advocate Jason Hall, District 2 Commander Curtis Merrill, Past National Vice Commander Lloyd Woods, and Greg Couture. Introducing Staff: Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux introduces American Legion, Dept. of Maine Office Manager Rachael Currie and Office Assistant Sue Risinger to National Commander Denise Rohan during her visit to Maine State HQ in Winslow on Sept. 29. Left to right, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, Office Assistant Sue Risinger, National Commander Denise Rohan, and Office Manager Rachael Currie. POW/MIA Groundbreaking Ceremony: The American Legion Family, Dept. of Maine break ground for its POW/ MIA Memorial Project Sept. 15 at its Maine State Headquarters in Winslow. Left to right, Riders State Dir. Kaye Bouchard, Dept. Auxiliary President Ann Durost, National Auxiliary President Diane Duscheck, Dept. Commander Randall Kluj, and SAL Detachment Finance Officer David Raymond. The Maine Legionnaire Wins National Award: The Maine Legionnaire which is The American Legion, Dept. of Maine s official newspaper, placed first nationally in the 2017 NALPA Media Contest, winning the George W. Hooten Publication Award for Departments under 40,000 members. Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux is the Editor and Office Manager Rachael Currie is the Assistant Editor and Layout Editor for the award winning publication. Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux, left, is seen here receiving the award from NALPA President Mark Sutton during the NALPA luncheon at National Convention in Reno, Nevada on August 21.