Happy 241 st Birthday to the United States Navy

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1 Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Serving the Present While Remembering and Honoring the Past October 2016 GENERAL ORDERS No. 4 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Happy 241 st Birthday to the United States Navy SPECIAL NOTICES <> SPECIAL NOTICES Donations to Department of Louisiana: Recently during major floods in Louisiana, the Department of Louisiana VFW Headquarters was completely damaged as where many Veterans residences. Any Posts wishing to make a donation to help them may do so by sending their donation to State Quartermaster David Williams, make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW and earmark your check Louisiana Flood Assistance. Quartermaster Williams will then mail the donations to them. Please mail your donations ASAP so that he can have a report for our COA meeting in October. A special Thanks to York Post 6977 for their donation of $5,000. Officers Meeting Saturday 15 October 2016: A change has occurred and the meeting for the Officer of all committees which will be held at the Ellsworth Post Main St., Ellsworth. All times remains the same. Winter Uniform Effective Date: Winter uniform is effective 1 October 2016 (Consist of the Grey Slacks, White Shirt, Blue Blazer. ***************************** 1. October Council of Administration: Will be held on 15 October The Headquarters Hotel will be the Ramada Inn (Headquarters): 215 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: * Rates: $107 + tax for 2 Queen or 1 King bed. Other Hotels in the area are as follows: Eagle Lodge: 278 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: (If a VFW member, 15% discount). Rates: $89 + tax for 2 full beds or 1 Queen ** $99 + tax for 2 Queen Beds. Colonial Inn: 321 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: Rates: $109 + tax for 1 double or 1 Queen (If have 10 Rooms, reserved, rates will then be $99.) Hampton Inn: 6 Down East Hwy, Ellsworth * Tel: Rates: $169 + tax for 2 Queen or 1 King bad. The Comfort Inn: 130 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: Rates: $169 + tax for 1 King or 2 Queen Beds (If a VFW member, 10% discount). NOTE: Be advised that this is a very busy time of the year and they sell out quickly, please make your reservations as soon as possible. 2. October Council of Administration Meetings: VFW Cmtee meetings will be held on Ellsworth VFW Post 109, 429 Main St, Ellsworth. Committee meetings will 8:30 am on 15 October to also at the Ellsworth Post 109: 1

2 **Veterans Service Office Cmtee 8:30 am **Audit/Finance Cmtee 9:00 am **State Convention 2017 Cmtee - 10:00 am **Eastern States Conference Cmtee 11:00 am >VFW CoA meeting will the Ellsworth Memorial Post 109, 429 Main St, 1:00 pm sharp on Saturday, 15 October January Council of Administration: Will be held on 14 January 2017 at Location to be determined as soon as notified and will start at 1 pm sharp. The Headquarters Hotel will be the Best Western Plus Waterville, 375 Main St., Waterville, ME! Tel # Rates are: $ tax for up to 4 persons, 2 double beds. Please make sure that you state that you are with the VFW. All Council members and Chairman are requested to be in attendance and make their reports at that time. Anyone not able to attend the meeting are to forward a copy of their report to the State Adjutant at least 5 days prior to the meeting for reading at the CoA meeting. Please make sure that you notify this office that you wish to be excused for the CoA meeting. Saturday meetings will 9:00 am at the Best Western Plus Waterville as follows: **Veterans Service Office Cmtee * 9:00 am **Audit & Finance Cmtee * 9:30 am **State Convention 2017 Cmtee * 10:30 am **Eastern States Conference Cmtee * 11:00 am 4. Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen Banquet: Will be held on January 14, 2017 at the MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835, 175 Veteran Dr., Winslow, ME. Cost of banquet tickets is $30.00 per person. Please send your check and application to Shirley M. Dumas, 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME and make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW, in the memo line, please indicate VoD/PP Banquet Ticket. Deadline for ticket purchase is 9 January NOTE: There will be no tickets sold at the door, tickets will not be held without payment and there will be no refunds on the banquet tickets.) Anyone wishing a special meal is to notify Shirley M or thedumas@gwi.net. Banquet ticket order and hotel information form is attached to these General Orders. 5. State President Testimonial: Will be held on Saturday, 15 October 2016 at the Franklin Veterans Club, 4 Cards Xing, Franklin. Social Hour 6-7 pm, Banquet 7 pm. Cost of banquet is $ (See attached flyer in this GOs for more information, please note that there is a chg as to where you are to mail your check to.) 6. Post Commanders: All officers should obtain current 2017 copies of the podium edition of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual. Copies of the revised edition of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual are available through the VFW Store at National Headquarters. The 2017 revised edition reflects the amendments adopted by the 117 th National Convention, which became effective on August 26, All Commanders: Are reminded that section 709, Manual of Procedure - Control of Units, requires that any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or in behalf of a Post, County Council, District or Department shall be at all times under the direct control of such Post, County Council, District or Department and that all money, property or assets of any kind or nature, must be placed in the care and custody of the respective Quartermaster. All Commanders should ensure that all provisions of section 709 are enforced. 8. Veterans Day November 11 Observance: Posts are urged to start planning suitable programs now for the observance of Veterans Day (see section 223 of the Manual of Procedure). 2

3 9. Pearl Harbor Day December 7 Remembrance: Posts are urged to start planning program for the observance of Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance. 10. Attention of Commanders at all levels is directed to section 703 of the National By-Laws which requires that each accountable officer be bonded with an indemnity company in the sum at least equal to the amount of the liquid assets for which he may be accountable. 11. District Meetings: All District Commanders are reminded that if a District meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather, they are to immediately notify the Department Representative, the State Adjutant office and their respective Posts. WE do not want anyone to have an accident due to inclement weather. 12. Attention of Post Commanders is directed to section 218(a)(11)(b), Manual of Procedure, Trustees, which states that Post Trustees shall prepare and submit quarterly, through their Post Commander, a Post Trustees Report of Audit (VFW Store product #4214) to the Department Quartermaster for referral to the Department Inspector. The first report is due at the close of September. Do not mail these reports to National Headquarters. 13. Attention of Post Commanders is directed to section 1001(25) of the Manual of Procedure concerning alcoholic beverages in the Post meeting room during the Post meeting: The presence, dispensation, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in VFW meeting rooms during VFW meetings is unacceptable and is prohibited. 14. A thorough program of Post inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and Department By-Laws and directives. Department and District Inspectors shall make every effort to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies as may be disclosed. 15. The VFW Legacy Life membership card (bronze, silver, or gold) shall be accepted as suitable identification when verifying a member s credentials. 16. Section 105 National By-Laws > Members in Good Standing: A member whose current dues are paid through their anniversary date is in good standing and, unless suspended or terminated, is entitled to all membership rights IAW the National By-Laws. A member whose dues are unpaid after their anniversary date ceases to be a member in good standing and loses all rights of membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 17. Section 106, National By-Laws > Former Members: A member whose dues are unpaid ceases to be a member in good standing and loses all rights of membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A former member may be restored to membership as prescribed in Section 106 of the Manual of Procedure. 18. Section 106, Manual of Procedures > Former Members: The annual dues for a former must be accepted without reapplication to membership if tendered to their Post within one year of the date on which they became unpaid. A member whose dues remain unpaid for a period of more than one year may be required to reapply for membership in their former Post as prescribed in Section 102 of the National By-Laws. A former member may apply for membership in any other Post by payment of the current year s dues and as prescribed in Section 107 of the National By-Laws. 19. Section 213, National By-Laws > Arrearages, Deficiencies and Omissions: Any Post in arrears for any financial obligations to County Council (if applicable), District, Department and National for fees, dues, poppy money, supply money, failing to have the office of the Quartermaster properly bonded IAW Section 703, failing to ensure that the Post is properly insured IAW Section 709, failing to submit properly completed quarterly Post Trustees Report of Audit, Post Election Report for the ensuing year, or other obligations, shall 3

4 be deprived of all representation in Council and District meetings; County Council, District, Department and National Conventions. Such representation shall be restored promptly upon proper adjustment of such deficiencies. 20. The attention of Post Commanders and Quartermasters is directed to section 218 of the Manual of Procedure, Duties of Quartermaster, which provides for the Dues Reserve Fund. The Post Quartermaster is required to maintain a dues reserve fund to which shall be credited not less than fifty percent of the Post s part of the current year s dues paid by each member prior to July 1, including life membership dues payouts received from the National Organization as set forth in section 717 of the Manual of Procedure. 21. Actions taken by the delegates of the 117th National Convention included the discontinuance of the Men s Auxiliary. No new charters may be formed, and effective December 31, 2016, all issued charters shall be cancelled. Upon cancellation, disposition of Men s Auxiliary property shall be handled in accordance with Section 1301(c) of the National Manual of Procedure. Men s Auxiliary members are encouraged to apply for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. 22. The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri moved in May 2011 but they are still receiving mail at their old address which delays responses to the veterans. Please ensure that all requests are addressed to their new mailing address at: National Personnel Records Center, Military Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO Please share this information to all your fellow veterans. 23. State Commander Special Visit Request: As was announced at the recent CoA meeting, any Posts wishing to have the State Commander attend Post functions (This includes any type of functions, i.e., cook outs, awards presentations, etc.) to contact the State Adjutant Office at least 4 weeks in advance to give him time to schedule it. 24. Dates to Remember: 10 Oct * Columbus Day (Observed) 13 Oct * US Navy Established 15 Oct * Council of Administration, State President Testimonial 27 Oct * Navy Day 31 Oct * Halloween Day (Please Dress up accordingly) 8 Nov * Election Day 10 Nov * US Marine Corps Established 11 Nov * Veterans Day 24 Nov * Thanksgiving Day 7 Dec * Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance (All over the State) 25 Dec * Christmas Day 25. Candidates for Department High Office : Department Commander * Richard A. Farris * Post 6131 Department Senior Vice Commander * Darald M. Mitchell * Post 9779 Department Junior Vice Commander * Christopher L. Armstrong * Post 9437 Department Quartermaster * David D. Williams * Post 1641 Department Judge Advocate * William B. Bradbury * Post 1605 Department Surgeon * Christopher L. Robison * Post 4527 Department Chaplain * David O. Sivret * Post

5 26. Candidates for National Council Member, Maine, : Thomas R. Lussier * Post 6859 David D. Williams * Post 1641 Kevin G. Woodward * Post Ronald F. Smith * Post 1761 Raymond R. Lupo * Post 4633 Andre L. Dumas * Post 9389 Steven J. SanPedro * Post 6859 Arthur J. Roy * Post District Meetings Dates: NOTE: Any changes of District meeting dates are to be notified to the State Adjutant ASAP. 23 Oct * D-1 * Caribou Post 1 pm * JVC Mitchell noon) 23 Oct * D-5 * Newport Post 1 pm * Cmdr SanPedro 23 Oct * D-9 * South Paris Post 1 pm * JA Armstrong 30 Oct * D-6 * Northport Post 1 pm * SVC Farris 30 Oct * D-7 * Waldoboro Post 2 pm *???? 30 Oct * D-8 * Winslow Post 10 am * Cmdr SanPedro 5 Nov * D-2 * Millinocket Post 1 pm * Adj Dumas (Lunch at noon) 13 Nov * D-10 * Lovell Post 1 pm * Cmdr SanPedro 13 Nov * D-3 * Harrington Post 2 pm * JVC Mitchell 20 Nov * D-11 * Kennebunk Post 2 pm *???? 18 Dec * D-4 * Bangor Post 2 pm * Cmdr SanPedro 28. Directory Changes: (Changes to the Department Directory are to be notified to the State Adjutant ASAP for inclusion in the General Orders and the Department website) Pg 27 * Dist 8 * New addy for QM Emmons: k1aok65@yahoo.com Pg 52 * Post 9609 * Chg meeting dates to: First Tuesday of each month Pg 55 * Post 9787 * Chg QM name to Richard S. Hatch OFFICIAL Andre L. Dumas Andre L. Dumas Adjutant BY ORDER OF: Steven J. SanPedro Steven J. SanPedro Commander 5

6 State Commander Steven J. SanPedro Dear Comrades The days are getting shorter, the temperature is getting cooler and the kids are back in school, which means summer is coming to an end. Let s get reenergized and refocused on all of our annual VFW requirements. Please utilize the Chairman if you need help; that is what they are there for. On September 9-11, I attended Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy s Homecoming in Louisville, Kentucky. There was really good turnout and everyone had a great time. It was nice to see my fellow Commanders and exchange ideas. I attended the 150 th Anniversary of Togus VA Maine on 17 September. There was a big crowd for both the parade and the speeches that followed. All of Maine s Legislators were there and the keynote speaker was VA Secretary McDonald. I stopped by the booth manned but the VFW and the Auxiliary and they looked sharp. Great job by all of them! I also attended the POW/MIA ceremony at Post 6859 Portland on 17 September. It was conducted by the Post, Auxiliary and the Maine Rolling Thunder. It was a very nice ceremony and well attended. Membership continues to come in but very slowly. We need everyone to step up and help. This is a team effort and we need to do whatever we can to reach our goal. We must be creative by thinking outside of the box to find ways to get New Members into our organization. We need to reach out to those Members that have left and find out why. Maybe it is something that can be fixed or maybe they just want to know that we care about their Membership. Finally, we can t let our Continuous Members get away; they are just as important to us. All of you should know by now about A Day to Change Direction. It is designed to bring awareness to mental health issues. This is the National Commander-in-Chief and Presidents project this year so we all should be supporting it. If you haven t signed up yet it is not too late to do so. This is what you have to do. Plan an event at the Post or in your community on or about 8 October and then go to follow the instruction on this page which walks you through the whole process. This link even gives you ideas of events you can do. QM Williams has ordered the Five Signs Cards and you can request yours through the Department Adjutant. Don t forget that we have a Council of Administration meeting on 15 October in Ellsworth. I hope to see a lot of you there. If you have never been to one, come join us and see how we conduct business at the Department level. We also have President Baldwin s Testimonial that same evening. This should be a lot of fun. Once again I hope to see you there. I want to Thank all of you for the great things you are doing for our Veterans, their Families and our Community as we continue to Serving the Present while Remembering and Honoring the Past In Comradeship Steven J. SanPedro Steven J. SanPedro Commander 6

7 Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW David O. Sivret, Chaplain 26 August * 25 September 2016 May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity? <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> District * SILSBEE, Ward L. * WW II District * CURTIS, Ralph K * ROBINSON, Leon J. * Berlin Crisis 4154 * FREEMAN, Hank E. * Army of Occupation Post WW II District * La BREE, Robert A. * WW II District * TOURTELOTTE, Jon A * BILODEAU, Maurice E. * WW II LACHANCE, Joseph W. M * MANSIR, Russell A. MEGILL, Robert District * MERCHANT, Leland G. MORIN, Joseph S. District * GRANFORS, Arthur J * BOSE, John R. District * KIMBALL, Harold A. * WW II 9935 * GUILLEMETTE, Paul J. 7

8 8 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER INSPECTOR Richard A. Farris Hello comrades: This is a start of a new year so keep up the good work and move forward. Just a note to remind you that again that It is INSPECTION time! Please get YOUR reports in ASAP. All District Commanders have their inspection Reports. WHERE ARE THE DICTRICTS STANDING WITH INSPECTING THE POST, HAVE WE STARTED? Please sent your reports to: Richard A. Farris, 160 Belmont Ave., Belfast Maine ***************************** JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AMERICANISM/LOYALTY DAY Darald M. Mitchell Comrades: I hope everyone had a great summer, I know I did. All the little ones are back in school, so watch out for them when you are driving. Thank You. C/A: ANY project within the community such as food pantries, family in need, parades, fuel assistance. Let non members to use your Post for meetings, weddings and many more. Helping out in the community! Americanism: Anything dealing with the American Flag, helping fellow Veterans, military funerals, Pledge of Allegiance, helping and supporting our troops. Community Activities: Reports are coming in steady, but we still have Posts not reporting at all. I know Comrades that you are doing some good things out there, so way not report them. So take a look at the spreadsheet this month and see how your Post is doing. Till next month Semper Fi Report!! Report!! Report!! Report!! ************************* QUARTERMASTER BUDDY POPPY * CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS INSRUANCE & BONDS & MEN S AUXILIARY David D. Williams, PSC Another month in the books! Everything here in Rumford is going well. Been receiving lots of reports; Poppy Orders, Bond Requests and Trustee Reports. I would be wrong if I did not let you all know that York Post 6997 has stepped to the plate and has donated $5, to the Flood Victims in Louisiana. I will be accepting donations until November 1 st than, I will be cutting a check for whatever amounts we have collected to the Department of Louisiana VFW. So, if your Post want to donate. Make the check out to Maine VFW and mail it to my address: P.O. Box 56, Rumford, ME Please, DO NOT send State VFW business mailing to the Rumford Post, it needs to go to my P.O. Box. Mail may get lost when sending if there and who knows how long it will be before I receive it. Thanks. Trustee Reports: There are still Post who have not send me their reports for the period ending June 30, Please, do not wait until you have 2, 3 or even 4 before you mail them. That is why they are called Quarterly reports. IRS: Each Post has to file either a 990, 990EZ or a post card filing every year and when you do so, please make sure and this office a copy for your files. I had one Post looking for last year s copy because they lost theirs and they had not sent me a copy, so they had to contact the IRS for it. Myself, I would rather contact the QM instead of the IRS and you don t have to wait on the phone for up to an hour either to speak to a human.

9 Poppies: Make sure you have plenty of them for your events and remember to give yourself 4 to 5 weeks lead way. Please DO NOT send me an order and request them for an event that you have coming right up as you might not get them in time for your needs. Men s Auxiliary: As of January 1, 2017; there will no longer be a Men s Auxiliary. You all may apply for membership in the Auxiliary but you will need proof of eligibility. If your Post does not have one, than you may apply to start an Auxiliary and get all the information from them as to the steps to go about! 9 ****************************** JUDGE ADVOCATE HOSPITAL/VAVS * MAINE VETERANS HOMES AUGUSTA NATIONAL VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT (NVMS) VETERANS CEMETERY, CENTRAL Christopher L. Armstrong Hello again Comrades: I hope everyone had a great summer; it was a hot one for sure! All donations for the VAVS and NVMS are coming quite fast and for the most part correctly. Remember, if the checks are made out properly, then they will get recorded much faster. Also with upcoming elections, please remember this advice from Section 803 of the By-laws, it states that No member or other person shall use or wear any seal, emblem, badge, or uniform of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States while engaged in any commercial or political activity in such a manner as likely to falsely convey that such activity is approved or endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. I hope everyone gets out to VOTE! Thank you Comrades for all you do for this great organization! ****************************** SURGEON MEMBERSHIP * SAFETY & DRUG ABUSE * BLOOD William B. Bradbury, Chairman Hello Comrades; First I want to congratulate Washington Post 9437 for being the first for not only reaching 100% but to get We have a list of recruiters that is growing, which is really great to see. However, at this time we still need 1,781 members to reach our goal for 100%. I know it s still early but I just wanted everyone to know that we still have a ways to go to reach our goal. I know with everyone s help we will obtain this goal. We have three comrades at this time who will receive the commanders membership ball cap, with a couple others who only need one or two more members (new or reinstated). By the time this is printed, the early bird drawing will be over; I hope each and every Post got as many Comrades to rejoin early so they could have a chance to be in the drawing for two free life memberships. Again, I want to say that if you have done a recruiting event and have not received credit for it, it is because you have not sent me the completed form saying that one has been done. Get it to me so your Post will get the credit it deserves. The following Posts I have received a completed recruiters event form or was reported but no recruiters form filled out which I need. District 2; Post 1605 Burlington * District 3; Post 9779 Calais * District 4; Reported but no completed recruiters form, Post 1761 Bangor and Post 4633 Hampden. * Same with District 6; Post 9437 Washington. * District 7; Post 7738 Bath. * District 8; Post 887 Augusta. * District 9; Post 1603 Auburn no completed form; Post 1641 Rumford; Post 9787 South Paris. * District 10; Post 6859 Portland; Post Windham. * District 11; Post 9935 Sanford. Quartermasters and Commanders have the form in the packet they received and I also have sent it out a few times. I hope to see everyone at the October s CoA in Ellsworth. As I always say, every member is a Recruiter. Without your help, our great organization would be a dying organization. So everyone remember RECRUIT

10 NEW MEMBERS REINSTATE MEMBERS RETAIN ALL MEMBERS. If you have any questions or need any kind of help, don t hesitate to contact mainiacvetcamper@gmail.com or call me at or any one of the Comrades in your area on the membership team. Anyone of us will be more than happy to help you at any time. Thank you for what you do for this great organization. Surgeon: Among a list of other things, October is National Physical Therapy Month. The link I have added has great information for you if you suffer from pain or just in dire need of exercise. A lot of pain can and is caused by the lack of exercise. Check the site out and get motivated. Now onto who has reported in Blood, Drug Abuse and Safety! Blood: District 1; Post 2599 Presque Isle; Post 9609 Fort Kent. * District 2; Post 1605 Burlington. * District 3; Post 9779 Calais; Post Harrington. * District 7; Post 4525 Waldoboro; Post 7738 Bath. District 8; Post 887 Augusta. * District 9; 1603 Auburn; Post 1641 Rumford. * District 10; Post 832 South Portland; Post Windham; Post Naples. If you have donated blood or if your post has done a blood drive you should be reporting it. Safety and Drug Abuse: District 1; Post 2599 Presque Isle; Post 9609 Fort Kent. * District 2; Post 1605 Burlington. * District 3; Post Harrington. * District 5; Post 6924 Fairfield. * District 7; Post 2197 Topsham; Post 4525 Waldoboro. * District 8; Post 887 Augusta; Post 1285 Waterville. * District 9; Post 1603 Auburn; Post 1641 Rumford. * District 10; Post 832 South Portland; Post Windham. District 11; Post 6977 York. I m actually surprised that every Post is not reported in Safety. Have you changed a light bulb? Have you checked your fire extinguishers? Have you replaced or checked your smoke detectors? These are only three things that you can report for safety but not all, these are just the most common ones. ****************************** CHAPLAIN David O. Sivret, Father Greetings Comrades; As I was reflecting on what to write this month, I thought I might say something about Fall. In many areas of our State, leaves have started to change to the vibrant colors of yellow, orange and the many different shades of red. What a wonderful time of year. I could go on and on but there was something drawing me away from this theme. On 16 September, Post 9779 held its annual POW/MIA ceremony at the Police/Fire Station in Calais. Members of the Post started standing guard at the flag at 11am. VFW members and other Veterans took turns standing guard. I took my turn and all I could think about was, You Are Not Forgotten. What does that mean to me? How was I feeling about that? I was relieved from my watch and went to get a cup of coffee; a reporter followed me to ask some questions. Her question that stood out was, What were you thinking while you stood there? I told her it was a very humbling experience and that the POW/MIAs will never be forgotten. That was my thought and it continued throughout the day. At 1300, we started the ceremony with the welcome address, an opening prayer and the explanation of the White Table which is very moving in and of itself. We continued with the POW/MIA speech and then we added something new. I called it, on the other side of the wall. What it was someone talking about the Vietnam Wall. After awhile, you realize that the someone was a deceased soldier looking out at his mother, wife and son! Each one of them experiencing their own feeling! This was very powerful. We continued with ceremony after a brief moment, we needed it because of the feeling of God s grace. Roses were placed on the table for all the branches of service, Wars, 9/11, and Police, Firefighters and EMTs. We then ended the ceremony with a Benediction and Taps. Many ceremonies took place that day all over the State and Country, I wonder what some of your thoughts and feelings were. 10

11 As I left that place, God s grace and mercy was very present. To our comrades Missing in Action and Prisoners of War, YOU ARE NOT FOGOTTEN! God s Blessing on all; Fr David O. Sivret; Pro Deo Et Patria 11 **************************** CHIEF OF STAFF WEBSITE COORDINATOR Thomas R. Lussier, PSC/CoS The Department Website is good working order. The Directory continues to be updated. Please, any changes must be submitted to the Department Adjutant. Would always like to see more guestbook entrees. Comrades, the Department website contains an incredible amount of information designed to make everyone s job much easier. Many years have been devoted to creating this site so please utilize it! If anyone has any problems please don t hesitate to contact me. Thank You! ****************************** NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER, MAINE (NCMM) VETERANS ADVISORY TO VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Raymond R. Lupo, PSC/Advisor NCM-M: The VFW Foundation will provide up to $1,000 grant to a Post/Auxiliary performing an important needed Outreach in their community or renovate or repair their Post building. They should visit the VFW Foundation's website to complete the application on line. Post should also familiarize themselves with the "Campaign to change direction along with their training on "Know the Five Steps"; this also can be done on their website just go to http's:www Know the Five Sign,org/tools/oc/bo/Know the five signs. Sequestration is still with us and your VFW urges all members to contact their Representative to end this policy that is putting our Military in a position of not being able to do their commitments. This is also true that they can't seem to perform their responsibilities with passing a budget. All they seem to do is pass a continued resolution? Tell them to take less vacation if they can't for fill their responsibilities! MiniMac: The current Doctor at Lincoln is supposed to retire in November and there is a replacement for him. Any Veterans who requires an Audiology or Optometry appointment need not go thru their Primary doctor, all they have to is call their CBOC and ask for right section. It is flu season and it is time to check with the clinic and see when they will be given the flu shot. For those who miss the 150 th year old celebration at Togus VA Medical Center, you missed a great program. There will be another celebration on November 10th, this one will be inside. ***************************** COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT (CSP) Christopher L. Robison, Chairman CSP: Comrades, I have received donations from eleven Posts this year, some of them twice or more! Commander SanPedro will be inviting Paul House, one of the founders of House in the Woods to the Department Convention next summer to present a check on behalf of all the VFW Posts in Maine. All Posts should make every effort to contribute, so please keep the donations coming! Once again, I encourage everyone to check out House in the Woods website, and like their Facebook page. Please send donations to me: Christopher Robison, 15 East Bucksport Rd., Orrington, ME Checks should be made out to: Department of Maine, VFW and put in the memo line: House in the Woods. Thank you for supporting Commander SanPedro and House in the Woods!

12 12 ***************************** HISTORIAN Robert H. Bernard, PSC It seems the 2017 year is slipping by quickly and the Commander s Book is coming along nicely, but that doesn t mean we need to stop adding more items. I know the Commander travels around the state, which means, if he is in your area or at your post, please record it and send me the information. I understand our Public Relations Chairman has newspaper articles which he will be giving to me at the next Council meeting. I look forward to adding them to the Commander s History Book. As always, I will be looking for information, photos and other items for his book. I would like to Thank all that have sent me so far. Thank You Send information to the following: Robert Bernard; 78 Robie St., Gorham, ME or rbernard@maine.rr.com ***************************** HOMELESS VETERANS VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH * LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT (AUGUSTA) James E. N. Bachelder, PSC/Chairman Homeless Veterans: The Debbie Myers and Friends Homeless Veterans Benefit Concert were well attended. I didn t see many VFW members but who knows what they look like? There were a lot of Veterans at the show. We are waiting for the final funds raised. We may need some of it to make up for the $7,000 grant that may not be funded on time. The Department of Labor grant needs the continuing resolution to be voted on and sign into law. Even if it passes, we may not have time for the approval to be issued. The Stand-Down is the week after the CoA meeting on October 22 nd. It s an all-day event at Togus. All the supplies are ordered. The purchasing agent is looking at all sourced of funding. With key VA employees away on vacation, we will not have that answered for some time. Keep your eyes open. Look for signs of homeless encampments. Look for trail signs into wooded areas around the town. The planning for the Point in Time Survey is well underway. Contact the MMCN in your area or look into for contact information. If you would like more information about Homeless, look at the Maine housing Authority at under the Homeless selection is the survey s historic data. The Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope: If you can help, contact or look for them on Facebook. If you make a donation, remember to complete the Community Service form. All donations are mailed to James Bachelder, 2973 Milton Mills Rd, Acton, ME Make the check out to the Department of Maine, VFW with Stand-Down in the memo line. This will insure the funds will be spent as needed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or between 9 am to 9 pm! Veterans Cemetery South: The people of Acton raised over $5700. A visitor heard about the fundraising and made a donation of $1,300 to round it to $7,000. Four children raised $2,075 by selling lemonade. The request to the town was reduced from $1,000 to $100. This was for the POW/MIA Memorial. The Lemonade funds were raised for the Memorial Walkway. The fundraiser plans to continue finding funds or in-kind services with our future projects. As of September 9 th we have $34, That breaks down as POW/MIA Monument $18,208.00; Memorial Walkway $2,750.00; Perpetual Care $2,074.11; Not Dedicated $11, We met with the new Cemetery System Superintendent Scott Brown. They were marking the Memorial Headstone Areas. These areas are left and right of the flags poles will be used for Memorial Headstones that are requested from qualified families. There will be room for 20 headstones in each section. We meet on the second Thursday at 9:30 am at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery beginning in September.

13 13 Assistant Legislative Chairman (Augusta): No updates at this time. Get out and Vote. ****************************** LEGISLATIVE AUDIT & FINANCE (A&F) Peter F. Miesburger, PSC/Chairman My Fellow Comrades: I recently attended the National VFW Legislative Fall Conference which was September 2016 in Washington D.C. During the conference, I met with the entire State of Maine Congressional delegation. During the meeting with the entire Delegation, I presented them with the following National VFW Talking Papers: "Veterans Health Care Reform"; "A Continuing Resolution Fails Veterans"; "Less Compensation=More Financial Hardship". I also discuss with the Delegation various other Veterans Health Care Issues. At the upcoming Council meeting in Ellsworth, I will brief more on the Legislative conference. The next issue that I want to discuss is the coming 2016 General Election which is not that far away. With the upcoming election here in the state of Maine, we will be "VOTING" for the President of the United States, both Members of Congress, the entire State of Maine Legislature, both local and County various offices. The following is a checklist that I use, when I go to "VOTE": First step, am I still registered to "VOTE"; do I know the candidate that I am "VOTING" for; Do I fully understand the issues that I will be "VOTING'' on. The next item that I want to discuss is that when you go to "VOTE", wear your VFW cap and/or Ball cap, or some kind of clothing that display the "VFW" logo, which in turn lets the public know that "VETERANS " do "VOTE". Take a family member with you. Don't forget our Housebound and Nursing Home Comrades; visit with them to see if they need a ride to the local "VOTING" facility or need your help in completing an absentee ballot. To my fellow Vietnam Veterans, I am asking all of you; have you signed off in regards to the "Agent Orange" medical exam. This also applies to all our Afghan and Iraq Veterans, have you signed off in regards to "Buried Pits" program, it don't take that much time, do it today. ****************************** MAINE OFFICERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (MOLD) WREATH ACROSS AMERICA (WAA) Kevin G. Woodward, Chairman WAA: National Wreaths Across America Day December 17, 2016 The mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as over 1,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. States, at sea, and abroad. Please become a part of this mission to honor our fallen Comrades and help the Department with your sponsorships. As we draw closer to the end of the summer, I am in hopes that everyone will take some time and obtain some sponsorship for this important program. Thank you to those who have participated thus far. Remember that each $15.00 sponsorship that you obtain provide a return of $5.00 to the Department to assist in the continuing support of our various programs. Please send sponsorships to: Kevin G. Woodward, 9 Johnson Lane, Machiasport ME ME0016P is the Department ID number and should be placed in the memo field of your check. You Are Invited to the 2nd Annual... Hero Hay Ride October 15th at 1:30 pm Tractor Trolley ride on Balsam Tip Land... We will be placing 100 s of dog tags to honor Veterans! Refreshments after at Camp Freedom Where: Meet at Balsam Valley Amphitheater

14 14 RSVP- or call Seating is limited, so please RSVP by Tuesday October To have a tag created to honor a veteran visit wreathsacrossamerica.org and submit your form. ***************************** NATIONAL HOME Charles A. Warden, Chairman Comrades; let s tell you how the National Home helps. Families are welcomed to their small town community where they may live up to 4 years. They work to identify what they need and want to accomplish during which time they are provided. 1) Housing, A single family home in the community for up to 4 years with no cost; 2) Education. Tutoring, classes, secondary financial assistance and more to help accomplish goals; 3) Daycare. Licensed childcare while at work, or school; 4) Basic Needs. Food, healthcare and clothing if needed. Comrades these are just a few of the many services the National Home does for military families and their children. What say we help with these services by donating or becoming a life member??? Thank you and God Bless. ****************************** POW/MIA John J. Bouchard, Chairman It is assumed that our Posts in the Department conducted POW/MIA program this past 16 September. At this time, I am asking that you complete a report and forward it to our State Community Activities Chairman Darald mitchelldarald@yahoo.com The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has announced the identification and remains that have been missing since WWII, Korea and Vietnam. >Army Cpl Wayne Minard of Sedwick, KS >Army Cpl David T. Nordin Jr. of Los Angeles, CA >Army 1 st Class Louis M. Baxter >Army Cpl Joseph Trepasso, 20 of Fulton, NY >Army PFC Kenneth Miller >Marine Pvt Emmett L. Kines, 24 of Grafton, WV >Marine Pvt Frank F. Penna, 24 of Canastata, NY >Marine PFC Nicholas J. Cancilla of Blair, PA >Marine PFC James S. Smith of Amite, MA >Marine PFC John W. MacDonald >Marine Sgt James J. Hubert of Duluth, MN >Marine PFC Ben H. Gore, 20 of Hopkinville, KY >Army Cpl Vernon D. Presswood, 20 of Perry, IL >Army Cpl Larry M. Dunn, 18 of Cullman, AL >Air Force Major Dean A. Klenda, 25 of Marion, KS What is the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency s Mission: Our mission is to provide the fullest accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation. What is Personnel Accounting?: When American personnel remain captive, or otherwise unaccounted-for at the conclusion of hostilities, the DoD Accounting community becomes the responsible agent for determining the fate of the missing and where possible, recovering them alive or recovering and identifying the remains of the dead. For those killed-in-action; the accounting community is charged with locating,

15 recovering and identifying their remains. More than 83,000 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. What is Personnel Recovery? Personnel recovery is the sum of military, diplomatic, and civil efforts to affect the recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel. Isolated personnel are those U.S. military, Department of Defense (DoD) Civilians and DoD Contractor personnel (and others designated by the President or Secretary of Defense) who are separated from their unit while participating in a US-sponsored military activity or mission and who are, or may be, in a situation where they must survive, evade, resist, or escape. 15 ****************************** PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT (AUGUSTA) Adrian S. Cole, Chairman Greetings Comrades: We had another successful month with our social media campaign. It is great to see Posts getting the ball rolling. There is still plenty of work to be done by many out there. Once you get connected, you will find a world of opportunity and fellow Veterans to interact with. I would remind everyone of what the theme from National has been regarding public relations. We need to do a better job of getting our message out to the people in our communities. This is not grandstanding or tooting our own horns. This is explaining what we do. We must own the message of what we are as an organization or fall victim to the stereotypes that damage recruiting and retention. I encourage everyone to get out in the community on October 8 th and conduct a service project as part of the CiC s Day to Change Direction. Pledging your Post to a few hours of service is easy via the online portal and materials to educate the public on the 5 Signs are free. Take pictures of your event and post them to social media. To sign up and obtain materials, visit There have been some questions regarding credit for press releases and media coverage. Yes, I am still giving credit or tracking the releases. I will not be providing any award for this at the end of the year though, as the local media outlets have different rules for what they will print based on their audience in the state. In lieu of that award, I will be developing a program to recognize the best social media campaign in the Department as judged by a panel or analytics. This is a fair system of recognition where everyone has access to the same media platform. I will discuss this more at the next CoA. I will continue to monitor the conventional media articles, so please forward those along. I am currently tracking submissions from Sanford 9935, Winslow 8835, Bath 7738, Topsham 2197, Washington 9437, Windham 10643, and Auburn Don t forget to take pictures of your events and post them to social media. Send them to your local newspapers and forward me any clippings. We are responsible for changing the buzz around the VFW, we own the message. In Comradeship! **************************** VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE TOGUS BEAL HOUSE Louis A. Peterson, PSC/Chairman Togus Service Office: Our Veterans Service for the VFW Service office personnel along with our State Commander Steve Sanpedro had the great opportunity to meet with the U.S. Secretary of the VA at the 150 th Anniversary gathering at Togus this past Saturday. They got to chat with him briefly between all the politicians banter! All is well with our office as usual. The Beal House: We are getting more and more letters of Thanks and praise from guests who stay at the House about our House Mother Cici. She is performing above and beyond the call of duty! THANK YOU Cici for the wonderful job you are doing. Also, I want to Thank all of you for the donations that are sent to us. I can t tell all of you how very much that means and help in keeping The House solvent.

16 16 ************************* VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Cornelius J. Ware, SO Presumptive Disability Compensation for Camp Lejeune Veterans: VA has issued a proposed final rule to establish presumptive disability compensation eligibility for Veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the period beginning August 1, 1953 and ending on December 31, To be eligible, a Veteran must have served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 cumulative days during the specified dates and have a diagnosis of kidney cancer, non-hodgkin's lymphoma, adult leukemia, liver cancer, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, or aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes. This proposed rule would apply to claims received by VA on or after the date of publication, pending review of the comments received and publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. The rule would not apply retroactively. A veteran whose claim was denied before the final rule is published must file a new claim to obtain a new determination of entitlement under the final regulation. Direct Scheduling for Audiology and Optometry Appointments: VA announced it would eliminate a primary care referral requirement for Veterans seeking appointments with Audiologists or optometrists. The Audiology and Optometry Direct Scheduling Initiative is being piloted throughout the country and is expected to be fully operational within all VA Medical Centers by the end of DOD, VA Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign: September is National Suicide Prevention Month and DOD and VA have teamed together to launch a campaign. The two agencies began the #BeThere campaign to raise awareness for the importance of being there for yourself and others. Throughout the month, both agencies will be hosting events, webinars and ceremonies highlighting the importance of continuing suicide prevention throughout the entire year. To learn more about the DOD campaign visit: For more on the VA campaign visit: VA Secretary McDonald s Visit: During Secretary McDonalds visit to Togus on 16 September, he held a Town hall meeting with VA personnel. Afterwards, he held a brief question and answer session with the VSO s and Maine Legislative staff. VA 150 th Birthday Celebration: On 17 September, VA Togus held the first of two scheduled celebrations highlighted by a visit from VA Secretary McDonald, Maine Legislative Representatives and National and State VSO Officers. It was a wonderful day with plenty of activities. A good crowd of Veterans and family members attended and The Elks fed close to 800 people. The VSO s had a chance to set up information tables to provide information about our organizations. I would like to Thank Mary Keller, Brenda Blair and Pamela Jerome for their support of the Service officer running the VFW s information table. Cmdr. San Pedro paid our team a visit and Thanked us for our efforts representing the VFW so successfully. We could not have done it without the support of Post 6859, 8835, 887 and the Auxiliary. ****************************** VOICE OF DEMOCRACY * PATRIOT S PEN * TEACHER OF THE YEAR CONVENTION 2017 * CONVENTION SITE SLECTION 2018 Ronald F. Smith, PSC Greeting Comrades! If you haven t already, it s time to get into the schools, church groups, civic groups and everywhere else to get the application and information out to the students. This is our biggest and best program for our next generation of leaders. A chance for them to showcase their talents and possibly win a scholarship! Let s not let them down. Again, let me stress the point! Comrades; We need to get out into the community and increase our participation by including Church and Civic groups, Home schooling and anyone else you can get interested in these programs.

17 I encourage every Post to be active in these programs, especially the Teacher of the Year. There are plenty of highly qualified individuals out there that could be recognized by your Post/District/Department and maybe by National as well. Don t forget the time lines! Remember, we are going back to our regular time line for the Teacher of the Year for the Department. We want to recognize the Teachers along with the Students at our awards banquet. Thank You for all you do for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen/Teacher of the Year program. In Comradeship: PSC Ronald F Smith ***************************** DEPARTMENT SCOUTING Michael K. Davis, Chairman There are still many activities going on. Please go to the Girl Scout and Boy Scout web pages listed. Girl Scout Web Page Boy Scout Web Page VFW 1603 is sponsoring Boys Scout Eagle Project for Alex Cote. Alex is supporting Homeless Veterans by getting donations of Hygiene products and non-perishables items for 150 care packages; i.e. Razors and Shaving Cream, hand Soap/Bar Soap/Body Wash, Shampoo/conditioner, tooth Brush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Chap stick, Power, Under Arm Deodorant, band Aids, Tissues, Q-Tip, Non Perishables such as Protein Bars, Cheese and crackers, canned items etc.. Donations may be dropped off at VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave., Auburn, ME. Contact the Post prior to delivering any items to ensure the Post is Alex will be at Post 1603 Friday, 7 Oct helping with Spaghetti supper. Posts that make donations, should submit activity report to me for credit in scouting. You may mail your scouting activity reports to me at 135 Conant Ave., Auburn ME ***************************** YOUTH ACTIVITIES Michael A. McInnis, Chairman I have not received any reports for Youth Activities. Please, Get your Posts active in supporting these young people and report your Youth Activities to me. Mike McInnis, 15 Vines Road, Saco, ME or qmvfw7997@yahoo.com 17

18 DATE: Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Buddy Poppy Order Form POST NUMBER: POST NAME: SHIP TO: (Name): ADDRESS: (No P.O. Boxes. Must have a Street Address) DATE OF SALE: REMEMBER: It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive your Poppies. Plan Ahead. ************************************************************************************** AMOUNT TOTAL Poppies (Minimum 500). $ Per 1000 Poppies (Minimum 500). $ Per ***NOTE: All Orders must be purchased during the period of 1 July 2016 to 1 June 2017*** PLEASE SEND THE ORDER & CHECK TO: David D. Williams, Quartermaster Department of Maine V.F.W PO Box 56 Rumford, ME Make your check payable to: Department of Maine, VFW ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Date Received & Recorded: Date Receipt Returned to Post: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This receipt acknowledges that Post # has requested & ordered Buddy Poppies: on. (Signature, Department Quartermaster)

19 19 Testimonial State President Kim Baldwin Let s all get together to honor our Department of Maine President on this special occasion Location Franklin Veterans Club, 4 Cards Xing, Franklin, ME Date & Time October 15, 2016 Social Hour 5:00 to 6:00 pm * Banquet 6:00 pm Cost: $25.00 Dinner Menu Assorted Hors d Oeuvres ~ Chicken Cordon Blue ~ Beef Stuffed Peppers ~ Rice Pilaf ~ Artisan Mashed Potatoes ~ Vegetable Medley ~ Green Beans Almondine ~ Mixed Green Salad ~ Dinner Rolls ~ Assorted Desserts ~ Coffee * Hot Tea * Sweet Tea Dress Code: Business Casual Hotel Information: Ramada Inn (Hqds): 215 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: * Rates: $107 + tax for 2 Queen or 1 King bed. Eagle Lodge: 278 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: (If a VFW member, 15% discount). Rates: $89 + tax for 2 full beds or 1 Queen ** $99 + tax for 2 Queen beds. Colonial Inn: 321 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: Rates: $109 + tax for 1 double or 1 Queen (If have 10 rooms reserved, rates would be $99) Hampton Inn: 6 Down East Hwy, Ellsworth * Tel: Rates: $169 + tax for 2 Queen or 1 King bed. The Comfort Inn: 130 High St., Ellsworth * Tel: Rates: $169 + tax for 1 King or 2 Queen beds (If a VFW member, 10% discount). xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Please Reserve the following Meals: Total Tickets: x $ = Name Name Make Your Check payable to: VFW Auxiliary 109 Name Name Forward to: VFW Post 109 PO Box 281 Attn: Barbara Gardner, Treasurer VFW Aux 109 Ellsworth, ME Tel #: Ticket Deadline: 1 October 2016 (No tickets will sold after the deadline Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will no refunds on banquet tickets) (Special needs for Banquet, please notify Barbara Gardner with your purchase of tickets request)

20 Voice of Democracy Patriot s Pen AWARDS BANQUET Saturday, January 14, 2017 Winslow VFW Post 8835 SOCIAL HOUR: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm BANQUET: 6:00 pm ******************************************************* Headquarters Best Western Plus Waterville 375 Main St, Waterville, ME ( or ) VFW Rate: $ tax, up to 4 persons, 2 double beds Please make your own reservations with the Best Western Plus Waterville Tell them that you are with the VFW Banquet Tickets are $ per person Department pays for All District Winners Banquet Tickets ******************************************************* Banquet is Buffet Style Baked Ham w/pineapple Sauce, Carved Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Eric s Croutons, Mixed Pickles, Olives, Coleslaw, Dinner Rolls, Chef s Choice Desert, Coffee & Tea ******************************Cut****************************** Meals Totals x $ = Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name *NO ASSIGNED SEATING* ******************************************************* Deadline for Banquet Ticket is: January 10, 2017 Make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW (No tickets will be sold after the deadline Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will be no refunds on the banquet tickets) 20 Send to: Shirley M. Dumas 64 Washburn St., B-1 Caribou, ME Phone: * Cell: