Saturday, May 26, 2018 CLICK HERE to go to the Worcester County District 4 American Legion website CLICK HERE to send to the VETS NEWS editor

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1 VETS NEWS Saturday, May 26, 2018 CLICK HERE to go to the Worcester County District 4 American Legion website CLICK HERE to send to the VETS NEWS editor PAYING RESPECTS The Firing Squad from Athol American Legion Post 102 Honor Guard recently participated in a funeral service at the Massachusetts Veteran Cemetery in Winchendon. From left to right are squad members R. Stone, B. Graziano, M. Nawotny, A. Blake, A. Anderson, M. Bourque and Ed Humphrey. Squad leader Peter Newman is to the back of the unit. (Athol Daily News) MEMBERS OF HAVERHILL AMERICAN LEGION POST 4 AND COMMUNITY PLACING FLAGS ON VETERANS GRAVES IN HAVERHILL (Submitted to VETS NEWS by John Lenotte)

2 HAMILTON OFFICERS HONOR BROTHERS, SISTERS IN SERVICE HAMILTON -- On Sunday, May 20, Hamilton Police Department gathered at Hamilton Cemetery to honor those that have fallen in the line of duty with their annual Police Memorial service. The ceremony concluded with an honor guard made up of the American Legion AP Gardner Post 194 Rifle Squad firing a three-volley salute. Hamilton American Legion Post 194 Color Guard fire a volley during the Police Memorial event in Hamilton on Sunday, May 20, (WickedLocal Hamilton) FLAGS REPLACED Superintendent Scott Holcomb, right, replaces a faded flag with a new one, donated by members of the American Legion, from left, James Taylor, Jackie Savignano and Paul Follett (all members of North Attleboro American Legion Post 49), Veterans Agent Rebecca Jennings, and Elks members Catherine Dwyer, Phillip Mayer and, back right, Principal Peter Haviland at North Attleboro High School Tuesday. (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

3 MEMORIAL DAY TO HONOR GEORGETOWN S WWI FALLEN This year, we will be observing the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and here in Georgetown, the sad anniversaries of the deaths of five young servicemen during that war. To most of us, they are only names on a monument, so let us introduce you to the Georgetown men lost 100 years ago. Rene Joseph Gagnon was born in Salem on February 18, 1896 to Joseph and Rose (Morency) Gagnon. He moved to Georgetown in 1916 after his divorced mother married Thomas Palardy, who owned a farm on Searle Street. Rene enlisted on June 4, 1917 and was sent to France soon after as a Private in Company D, 103rd Infantry. The May 15, 1918 Newburyport Daily News reported in the Georgetown section: Mrs. Thomas Palardy of Searle Street received a telegram yesterday afternoon from the state department at Washington notifying her of the death of her son, Rene J. Gagnon, in France. The telegram stated that death was due to gas poisoning May 10. Private Gagnon was a member of Co. D, 103d Infantry, having enlisted last summer at Lynn in the old eighth regiment. He was 22 years old and a portion of the time worked on the farm here. He was a young man of good habits and was well liked by all who knew him. He is the first Georgetown boy to give up his life in France. Rene s body was later recovered and buried with full military honors on August 21, 1921 in St. Mary s Cemetery in Salem. Georgetown s Rene J. Gagnon Post 211, American Legion, was chartered on September 22, 1919, honoring the first Georgetown man to die in World War I. (WickedLocal Georgetown) Rene Joseph Gagnon of Georgetown served during Worldv Warb I in France as a Private in Company D, 103 rd Infantry. He was killed in action in 1918, the town s first WWI death. VETERANS CIRCLE AT SPRING GROVE CEMETERY LIGHTS UP THIS MEMORIAL DAY Andover now proudly shines a light on the American flag located in a town cemetery's veterans section. With assistance from American Legion Post 8, the Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery have recently installed solar lighting at the flag pole, and will now be able to fly a flag continuously from Memorial Day to Veterans Day at the Veterans Circle at Spring Grove Cemetery. The Spring Grove Cemetery Trustees have been working diligently over the past 10 years on the Veterans Circle of the cemetery. The trustees presented a flag to the American Legion Post 8 on May 13 to commemorate the final phase of the dedication of the new veterans section of the cemetery. "Developing plans for this new section began in 2008 when the current lots for veterans were reaching capacity," said Sandy Dearborn who heads up the Spring Grove Cemetery Board of Trustees. "Former Veterans Director Mike Burke and the trustees worked on the planning of the new veterans section at the top of the hill adjacent to the Veterans Circle. This involved many meetings to ensure the trustees were meeting the needs and wishes of the veterans." Dearborn said there are "beautiful monuments designed by Chris Huntress" that were dedicated on Veterans Day The American Legion Post 8 donated a new flag pole to the Veterans Circle and helped design the a site layout to the new veterans section. "And, with their help we have recently installed solar lighting at the flag pole and will now be able to fly a flag continuously at the Veterans Circle," Dearborn said. (Andover Townsman)

4 RECEIVE TEXT ALERTS WHEN U.S. FLAG IS TO BE AT HALF-STAFF The American Legion is offering members, veterans and patriots the opportunity to receive text alerts when the president declares flags to be lowered to half-staff. SCOUTS ENSURE NORTHBOROUGH S VETERANS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN To receive these text alerts, simply text the word flag to You will receive a confirmation within a few minutes. The service is free but message and data rates may apply. Additionally, the Legion distributes an e-newsletter when a flag proclamation is issued by the president. To sign up for the free e-newsletter, go to: AMERICAN LEGION: LET OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM UNIFY American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan issued the following statement regarding the new policy announced today by the National Football League which will require players to stand for the national anthem if on the field: The American Legion commends the NFL for establishing official policy on team etiquette during the playing of our national anthem, Rohan said. While the issues that led to the controversy remain and deserve continued national dialogue, we hope that all Americans would stand united as one under our national symbol. Our flag and anthem belong to all Americans. While our country is not perfect, it remains the world s greatest beacon of freedom. We all have to work together to resolve our differences. NFL team owners voted unanimously for the new policy, and we believe it is a fair compromise for all involved. IN FLANDERS FIELDS" Recited by Past National American Legion Commander John P. Jake Comer Video length: 57 seconds. CLICK HERE to view. Army veteran Gerard W. Bourque, service officer for the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234, speaks to the Boy Scout Troop 101 about the importance of placing the flags to remember and honor our veterans. NORTHBOROUGH -- Gerard W. Bourque, service officer for the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234, and members of Boy Scout Troop 101, worked together May 19, placing 803 flags on the graves of veterans at the Howard Street Cemetery. On the cool, overcast Saturday morning, the scouts were quiet and respectful as they ensured every veteran, from 1812 to the present day, including Army Specialist Brian K. Arsenault, who was killed in action in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Sept. 4, was respectfully honored. (Community Advocate)

5 DANVERS VIETNAM VETERAN AWARDED COLLEGE DIPLOMA HE EARNED IN 1968 DANVERS Vietnam War veteran Mark McDermott (a member of Danvers American Legion Post 180) of Danvers recently got his diploma from North Shore Community College 50 years after he should have received it. After coming up short in the number of credits he needed in 1967, he managed to take a summer class in 1968, giving him enough to graduate. But after serving in the Navy during and after the Vietnam War and starting a family and career in sales, he forgot he never obtained his sheepskin. A recent conversation with Kristine Babcock, the college s veterans services coordinator, changed that. McDermott, 70, was awarded his diploma at a special ceremony April 26 at the college s Veterans Center at the college s Danvers campus. State Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco Urena (a member of Boston American Legion Post 297) was on hand to celebrate. Well, it s a surprise, McDermott said of finally receiving his diploma. I guess I m going to say I m quite honored to that I got it... Hey, I worked hard to get it. Mark McDermott, Vietnam veteran an Danvers resident, finally received his diploma from the North Shore Community College class of McDermott, who attended Danvers public schools and graduated Danvers High in 1965, was part of the first class of the North Shore Community College. At the time, the community college was located in the old Briscoe Junior High building on Essex Street in downtown Beverly (the building now houses Landmark at Oceanview Senior Living). McDermott, who studied liberal arts, thought he was all set to graduate in 1967 but it turned out he did not have enough credits. Aware that he was going to be drafted for the Vietnam War, he enlisted Navy Reserve in He came back to school in 1968 to take one class and then transferred to active duty. He served in Vietnam for one year in what was known as the Brown Water Navy, piloting a river patrol boat. He then served for five years on a destroyer, the USS Gearing, as a 2nd Class gunfire control tech. When he returned home, he forgot about his life as a college student. He married his sweetheart, Diane, and had a son, Patrick. Today, McDermott has one grandson, Hansen, 4, and McDermott and his wife are coming up on 50 years of marriage. The lifelong resident was a 37-year member of Town Meeting. He is still active in the Danvers Veterans Council and recently finished an eight-year term as commander of the American Legion. He is also a member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus, and is a volunteer with the Danvers-based Operation Troop Support. He worked for 40 years for Eastern Propane, where he was a sales manager, retiring five years ago. Even after suffering a stroke he managed to go back to work, he said. McDermott does not intend to go to Thursday s graduation at the O Keefe Complex at Salem State University. Partially paralyzed from the stroke, he uses a cane to get around. I m 70 years old, McDermott said. They are lucky they put the cap and gown on me for his ceremony last month. (Salem News) McDermott credits Babcock for getting him his diploma. As part of the weekly Veterans Coffee gathering at the center, McDermott told Babcock he was in the community college s first class. He even offered to show her his yearbook. She said, Well, let me see how your marks were. And, I said, Well, I didn t graduate, I didn t have enough credits. So, she brought it up on the computer, and I had enough credits to graduate. Babcock organized the special ceremony during the Veterans Coffee to present him with his long-overdue diploma. There are two people who are smiling about the fact he finally got his diploma, McDermott said: his parents, who were not happy when he did not graduate. After the graduation up here, I went to the cemetery, because they are buried in St. Mary s (cemetery), and I told them: I got my degree.

6 AMERICAN LEGION POSTS TO HOLD SCHOLARSHIP RUNS FRANKLIN The Medway and Franklin American Legion posts 367 and 75 will hold their annual Scholarship 5-Mile/5K Run at 8 a.m. June 23. Proceeds will benefit three local high school seniors. The runs will take place at the Remington Middle School, 628 Washington St., Franklin. Cost: $30; $20 for participants younger than 18. All entrants are automatically entered into a raffle which offers goods and services from local businesses. T- shirts are given to the first 100 entrants, medals will be awarded to the 5-mile winners and prizes awarded to the 5K winners. Refreshments will be served at the end of the race. The race will be officially timed by Spitler Race Systems. To register: Doug Wahl, Posts 367 and 75 are accepting donations and sponsorships. (WickedLocal franklin) PENTA COMMUNICATIONS ANNUAL FLAG RAISING CEREMONY KICKS OFF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND The Honor Guard of the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 of Northborough prepares to present the colors at Penta Communications annaul flag-raising ceremony in Westborough on Thursday, May 24, (WickedLocal Westborough)

7 SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION HONORS HIGH SCHOOL ENLISTEES Seven enlistees from Newton High School were honored by The Sons of the American Legion. NEWTON -- The Sons of the American Legion hosted their Year End Awards Ceremony on May 17, where seven students from Newton High Schools were honored with Plaques of Honor for volunteering to serve their country. Also honored were five Newton residents for their contribution to the good and welfare of the Newton community. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller thanked the high school enlistees for their patriotism and thanked the Community Award recipients for their contributions to the city and veterans. Members of the Post, the Sons and the Woman s Auxiliary spoke to the past years achievements and their vision for the future. Honored were students Christopher Alvarez, Spencer Adam Harris, Nathaniel Beatrice, Daniel J. McAuliffe and Christopher Strollo Norton, all who joined the Marines. Max Manguane enlisted in the Army and Zikai Zhuang in the Navy. Community Service Award recipients were. Councilor Jay Ciccone, Tom Mountain, Andrew Magni, Anthony Fat Pellegrini and Joseph Prestejohn. Both the police and fire honor guards presented the color prior to the awards. The Sons new membership drive begins in June with the membership year starting in July. (WickedLocal Newton)

8 AMERICAN LEGION POST SUPPORTS ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS Pictured (l to r) Acting Commander James Arrell, Auxiliary President Barbara Cahill, Chaplain Peter Gauthier, Commander John Spain, Alternatives Program Coordinator Allison Uccello, Assistant Director of Mental Health Services for Alternatives Jennifer MacNeil, Financial Officer for Post 414 Bob Smith, and Alternatives Clinician Matt Jarmann. SUTTON -- With the donation of $2000 and a widescreen TV, the Dudley-Gendron American Legion Post 414 in Sutton is showing their support for the young adults living at Alternatives Millbury House, a residential program for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. The donation was made possible through the efforts of Peter Gauthier, a recently retired clinician for the Veterans Administration in Providence who is also a member of American Legion Post 414. Following his retirement, Mr. Gauthier joined Alternatives as a volunteer, running recovery groups for individuals struggling with substance use issues. According to Jennifer MacNeil, Alternative s Assistant Director of Mental Health Services, Peter s success with the groups is due in large part to his kind, warm, gentle nature. I feel like I am connecting, helping the young people at Millbury House with their personal recovery. said Mr. Gauthier. When I leave at the end of the day I feel the best I ve ever felt leaving my work. These young people have so much promise. (YankeeXpress) DEPARTMENT COMMANDER S SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE) Mike Davis, Dept. of Mass. American Legion Commander Saturday May 26th: District 7 County Council Meeting Sunday May 27th: Bourne National Cemetery Ceremony Monday May 28th: Guest Speaker for Ashland Post 77 Memorial Day June 6-10: Massachusetts Department 100th Convention YOURS IN COMRADESHIP Mike Davis, Department Commander Mike Davis Department Commander To get Flag Half-Staff Alerts on your mobile phone, text FLAG to

9 HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL S DAY OF SERVICE ON JUNE 9! Doctors and their teams from nearly 450 Aspen Dentalbranded practices across 37 states are opening their doors exclusively to veterans as part of their annual Day of Service on Saturday, June 9. Thousands of veterans will receive free dental care as Aspen s way of thanking them for their service. An estimated 336,250 veterans live in Massachusetts, and most don t receive dental benefits through the Veterans Administration. Appointments for Day of Service are still available, so please help us get the word out to veterans in your community. Here s how: Share the Day of Service phone line! Interested veterans should call AspenHMM ( ) to find a local participating practice and schedule an appointment. Space is limited and appointments are filling up fast! Share the news on social media! And don t forget to use #HealthyMouthMovement and tag Aspen Dental in your posts. Here is a sample post: Are you a veteran? practices are giving FREE dental care to veterans on June 9 and appointments are still available! Call AspenHMM to schedule yours now! #HealthyMouthMovement Participating Practices in Massachusetts Attleboro, MA Auburn, MA Brockton, MA Chelmsford, MA Dedham, MA Fall River, MA Hanover, MA Medford, MA Methuen, MA Natick, MA North Dartmouth, MA Peabody, MA Pittsfield, MA Plymouth, MA Quincy, MA Raynham, MA Saugus, MA Seekonk, MA Springfield, MA Waltham, MA Woburn, MA *These practices currently have openings, but space is limited and appointments are filling up fast! Looking for more information? Please reach out to annie@curleycompany.com. We re happy to share additional resources to help you spread the word in your community. Thanks! ++ More About Aspen Dental s Healthy Mouth Movement The Healthy Mouth Movement (HMM) was launched in 2014 and since that time has provided free dental care to veterans in need in communities across the U.S. In fact, more than 17,000 patients in 37 states have received over $10 million in free dental care through the program thanks to the generosity of dentists and team members from Aspen Dental practices. (Submitted to VETS NEWS by Milton Lashus) (Milford Town Crier)

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13 DEPT. OF MASS. AMERICAN LEGION 2018 CONVENTION INFORMATION

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16 MASSACHUSETTS LEGION UNIFORM PATCHES Send order form to the Department of Mass. American Legion office in Boston (address below). When we get the order we will call and let you know how much for shipping. Please put a phone number on the form. We do not mail patches out until we get the check Judith Hall The American Legion Membership Coordinator Rm State House Boston MA

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18 AND OTHER VETERANS ACTIVITIES Hatfield American Legion Post 344 is hosting it's Annual Chicken Barbecue! It will be held on Sunday, May 27th at the Hatfield Lions Club Pavilion at approximately 1:00pm (immediately following Hatfield's Memorial Day Ceremony) Our menu will include chicken/baked potato/pasta salad/beans/rolls/desserts. Refreshments will be served as well. Tickets are $15.00 in advance. This year we are offering a 12 and under children's menu for $5. This includes a hot dog and all the other fixings mentioned above! We will also be holding a 50/50 raffle! All proceeds go to American Legion Post 344 and our veterans. Please call Wendy or Tom at or call Wendy at if interested in purchasing tickets. See you there! This is a rain or shine event.

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20 A QUARTER AUCTION A QUARTER AUCTION at American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 185, 486 Springfield St., Feeding Hills to assist service veterans and veteran families, Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m. Many different items will be auctioned including handmade crafts, baskets of cheer, gift cards and a variety of vendor products. The public is welcome. (Southwick News) THE CHIEF MARSHAL S BANQUET The James W Conway Bunker Hill Post #26 of The American Legion invite all to attend the Chief Marshal s Banquet honoring John Tkachuk, the Chief Marshal of the 2018 Battle of Bunker Hill Day Parade. The Banquet will be held at the Knights of Columbus on Friday, June 8, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets $30 per person table for 10 for $300. To get your tickets call Dan Doc Sheehan , Bill Boyle , or Arthur Hurley (Charlestown Patriot- Bridge)

21 FLAG RETIREMENT FLAG RETIREMENT: On Flag Day, June 14th at 6 p.m. on the Charlton Common, American Legion Post #391 and Boy Scout Troop 165 will be performing a Flag Retirement Ceremony. Flags no longer in service can be dropped off to the Grange and placed in the bin closest to the side entrance to be included in the retirement ceremony. All are welcome to watch the Ceremony. (Charlton Villager) SANDWICH LEGION HOSTS FATHER'S DAY CLAMBAKE Tickets are now available for Sandwich American Legion Post 188 s annual Father s Day Clambake. This is an old-fashioned bake, cooked over hot rocks with a layer of Cape Cod Canal rockweed, which gives the food a particular flavor. The bar will open at noon on Sunday, June 17; the meal will be served under the pavilion at 2 PM. The menu will include steamed clams, lobster, corn on the cob, white and sweet potato, onion, sausage hot dogs, and watermelon. A food trailer will also serve hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries. Tickets can be purchased daily after noon in the post lounge at 20 Main Street, Sandwich. Cost is $40 per ticket. (Sandwich Enterprise)

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23 PLYMOUTH AMERICAN LEGION POST 40 COMEDY SHOW PLYMOUTH American Legion Post 40, 199 Federal Furnace Road, will host a comedy show at 7 p.m. June 29. Attendees can enjoy the comedy stylings of Tom Hayes. Tickets are available at the Legion for just $15 each. Snacks will be served and this event is open to the public. For tickets or information, contact klatosek@gmail.com. (WickedLocal)

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