Legionnaire. Georgia Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion. John W. Hargreaves Represents the N.E. Region as NVC T he THE MAINE

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1 THE MAINE Legionnaire OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE NOVEMBER 2015 Vol. 30, Issue 4 28 Pages D ale Barnett of Douglasville, Ga., was elected national commander of the 2.2 million-member American Legion on Sept. 3, 2015, in Baltimore during the 97th National Convention of America's largest veterans organization. Barnett graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served as an Army infantry officer from , retiring as a lieutenant colonel. A member of American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville, Ga., he served The American Legion at every level, including Department Commander Georgia from 2007 to After leaving the military, Barnett taught high school social studies and coached basketball, baseball and cross country. He was the Creekside High School Teacher of the Year in and a national board certified social studies teacher in Georgia Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion Raised in central Indiana, Barnett attended Whiteland Community High School where he was student body president, captain of the track and basketball teams and president of the Whiteland United Methodist Youth Basketball Team. He credits his experience with Hoosier Boys Nation in 1969 with his decision to attend West Point. Barnett served from 1990 to 1991 as the battalion executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, DALE BARNETT NATIONAL COMMANDER 18th Infantry in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His decorations include The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (two awards), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and Pathfinder Badge. Barnett earned an International Relations/Public Affairs degree at West Point, a Masters of Business Administration from Boston University, and he graduated from Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Barnett served as The American Legion National Membership and Post Activities Committee chairman from and as the Legion s National Economic Commission chairman from Dale and his wife, Donna, live in Douglasville, Ga., and have five children: Michelle, Andrea, Desiree, Kathalyn, and Joseph. They also have four young grandchildren: Heather, Daniel, Joanne and Brandon. John W. Hargreaves Represents the N.E. Region as NVC T he American Legion, Department of Maine Past Dept. Commander/ NEC John W. Hargreaves took the oath of office as National Vice Commander representing JOHN HARGREAVES the Northeast Region COMMANDER NATIONAL VICE during the 97th Annual National Convention in Baltimore, MD on Aug. 28. NVC Hargreaves will be making his travels to 12 northeastern states including Maine. while serving his one-year term. John W. Hargreaves was born in Farmington, Maine on January 3, 1949 and grew up in the small Western Maine town of New Vineyard. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1966 before being drafted into the United States Army in May of After spending a total of sixteen weeks in training in Ft. Dix, New Jersey and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, he was shipped to Viet Nam. While serving in Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam from October of 1968 to December of 1969 he attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Achievement. He was released from active duty on Christmas Day 1969 to return home to the snow bound state of Maine. On May 2, 1970 he married the love of his life and life partner Jennifer in Augusta, Maine. Together they have raised three fine children, Jeremy, Jacey, and Jared while living in a number of small Maine towns. They currently reside in East Boothbay, Maine with their two cats and are enjoying semi-retirement. While utilizing the G.I. Bill, John earned a Bachelor s of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Orono in May 1975, majoring in accounting and psychology. He subsequently received his Certified Public Accountant s certificate in June of 1977 while working for Chester M. Kearney & More on HARGREAVES, Page 2 NVC S Elected at National Convention: NVC John W. Hargreaves representing the N.E. Region takes the stage with 4 other newly elected Vice Commanders and the newly elected National Commander of The American Legion, Dale Barnett during the 97th Annual National Convention in Baltimore, MD, Sept 3. Left to right, NVC Jimmy Lane, S.E. Region, NVC John Hargreaves, N.E. Region, National Commander Dale Barnett, NVC George Cushing, Western Region, NVC Alan Davis Sr., Midwest Region, and David Gough, Central Region. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2 2 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Hargreaves Continued from Page 1 Company in Bangor. He held various accounting positions in several Maine companies until starting his own accounting practice in 1983 which he closed in early He gave up his CPA in order to concentrate on taxation and providing affordable service to his clients. John has been active in each of the communities that he has lived in. He has served on the School Committee in Glenburn, then on the Budget Committee in Richmond as well as being President and Treasurer of both the Richmond Days Committee and the Hall-Dale Boosters Club. He spent his spare time as a Scout Leader and coaching Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. His Legion career spans more than thirty years of active service. Recruited as a member of Emerson + Lane Post 132 in Richmond in 1982, he has served on virtually all of the Post s committees and chaired most of them. He was elected as Post Commander in April 1988 then was hat is the W true meaning of Veterans Day? Seventy years ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed what many historians consider the greatest social legislation ever passed by the U.S. Congress. As popular as the GI Bill remains today, it took the horrific cost and bloodshed of World War II to remind many Americans just how great a debt is owed to our veterans. In 1932, thousands of World War I veterans camped out in Washington, D.C., to petition their government for bonuses that they felt were owed. Their campsite was forcibly overrun by the U.S. Army, and at least two veterans were killed by the police. President Franklin Roosevelt told The American Legion National Convention in 1933 that -quote "No person because he wore a uniform must thereafter be placed in a special class of beneficiaries over and above other citizens," unquote. While Roosevelt would later prove himself to be a great wartime commander-in -chief, what he and others failed to realize at the time is that veterans were not asking to be part of a "special class." They just wanted a shot at the American dream that they fought so hard to defend. Most Americans profess to truly love our veterans, especially at gatherings like this on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. And while their feelings are usually sincere, it is important to remember that elected as post Finance Officer in 1990 and continued to hold this position for eighteen years. The Post awarded John a Life Membership in First elected Department Finance Officer in 1985, he was later reelected Finance Officer in He served as Finance Officer until 2011 when he was elected Department Second Vice Commander. He was then elected to Department First Vice Commander in 2012 and Department Commander in June of 2013 and then as National Executive Committee member in June, He has served on many Department and National Committees over his years in the Legion. John has demonstrated a commitment to the American Legion at all levels with a dedication to Veterans and Children & Youth in the communities that he has lived in. He intends to continue this dedication throughout the remainder of his Legion career. He also wishes to thank all of his fellow Legionnaires and veterans for their dedication and support and end with two things, It is important work we do and Serving Veterans First. Commander s Comments RON RAINFRETTE veterans are defending us 365 days a year. The heroism that has been demonstrated time and again by veterans from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism is sometimes unnoticed by those of us who enjoy the security that their sacrifice has provided. Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha has seen war at its very worst. While serving at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan, he and his comrades awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters on October 3, According to his Medal of Honor citation, Staff Sergeant Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team, and engaged in taking out a second, when he received shrapnel wounds from a rocket propelled grenade. He continued to fight on. He killed at least three other Taliban fighters and directed air support to destroy 30 other enemy fighters. After receiving the nation's highest military medal, Staff Sergeant Romesha said he felt conflicted. "The joy," he said, "comes from recognition of us doing our jobs as soldiers on distant battlefields but is countered by the constant reminder of the loss of our battle buddies. My battle buddies. My soldiers. My friends. Staff Sergeant Romesha's attitude is not hard to find among the living Medal of Honor recipients. They will never forget the sacrifice of their friends and neither will the Gold Star families, who will have to cope without the embrace of their loved ones. The innocence of their grieving children will be challenged by the dramatic change affecting the balance of security and comfort in their family routine. The hearts of these families will feel the sharp sting of their loss, leaving them only with memories of their loving mom or dad. Life as they have known it will be much harder from More on COMMANDER, Page 12 he American Legion National Executive Committee approved a $5 dues T increase during the organization s 97th national convention in Baltimore in early September in order to help keep our programs strong. This represents the first National Headquarters per-capita dues increase in nearly a decade, during which time the U.S. cost of living has increased 13 percent. See article on Dues Increase Recommended to Keep Programs Strong published by National on August 10, 2015.This article explains reasons why National dues increased. Attention Post Leaders!!! Review your Post dues rate and consider going up to reflect an appropriate amount to cover the $5.00 increase. Be aware that if you do not increase your Post dues rate to at least $31.00, then your members will not be able to pay their dues online. Legion Posts increasing membership dues as a result of National Headquarters dues increase must fill out and return the Post Data Report form to Legion State Headquarters by Dec. 1 so your January renewal notice will reflect the correct rate. Post leaders who have questions about deadlines and procedures should contact Maine State Headquarters at National Convention Attendees From Maine: Some of Maine s Delegation in attendance at National Convention in Baltimore, MD Aug. 28 Sept. 3. Standing, back, left to right, PDC Richard Graves, Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux, Dept. Americanism Officer Kirk Thurston, Audrey L Heureux, Dept. Finance Officer Tommy Adkins, Janet Kluj, Dept. 2nd Vice Randall Kluj, Jennifer Hargreaves, Dept. NEC Ramona Naragon, Linda Woods, PNVC/PDC Lloyd Woods, Rita Olson, Dept. Service Officer Amedeo Lauria, NVC John Hargreaves, Claudette Jordan, PDC Andy Olson, Aux. Chaplain Ann Durost, and PNC Anthony Jordan. Seated, left to right, Catherine Graves, PDP Charlotte Kitty Doyle, Christine Adkins, Aux. NEC Mary Jane McLoon, and PDP Nancy Ronco. D Dues Increase Approved for January Download the Post Data Report form by visiting the following sites: under forms/ applications or pdf/pdr_2016_dues_increase_fillable.pdf o you know of a Veteran interested in joining The American Legion but not sure which Maine Post to join? Please have them contact Maine State Headquarters at or have them visit our website at for Post location, contact information, benefits, and more.

3 ctober has O about one week left in it as I write this article. The Department of Maine is a bustling beehive of activity with committee meetings, building projects, members returning from National Committee Meetings in he Legion T year is progressing rapidly and much remains to be done before we meet at next year s convention. I would like to comment on two subjects in this month s Legionnaire. Money Matters TOMMY ADKINS A First Look PETE JOHNSON First, I would like to thank all of our Legion Family members. It is through your dedicated service that we have been successful in supporting veterans, caring for and mentoring the children of our state, promoting patriotic activities and supporting a strong national defense. These pillars of the American Legion have never been more important. Second, as the membership chairman I want to give you a status report of where we are in meeting the goal of 20,000 Legion members assigned to the Department of Maine by our national Indianapolis to quickly write their articles for this upcoming issue of the Maine Legionnaire. The Holiday Season is already upon us and that means life will be accelerating for the next two months. So much to do, so many things to look after, so much to remember. However, as the Department of Maine Finance Officer the main things I keep my mind on are revenue and dues. This organization just can t live without them. Revenue issues have been at the heart of recent Finance Committee and NEC meetings. The Fundraisers and income producing relationships have slowly been declining over the years. We are aware of this and taking aggressive actions to improve the outlook. In this year, we will completely review our fundraising programs with the aim at making them more profitable. Additionally, we are actively reviewing the revenue sharing relationship with our National Office to see what can be improved between our organizations. The major source of our income is membership dues. It is the life blood of this department s wellbeing. I have noticed this year that once again the membership dues are trickling in. We have about one third of our membership still to pay their dues this year. These unpaid dues amount to approximately $176,000 in funds that we sorely need to complete the programs that we all approved for this year. Paying our dues early this year also has a personal element to it, because if not paid by December 2015 the dues will be increased by the five dollars as passed by the National Convention. I know not too many Legionnaires are happy about the dues increase. I get it! I m also a member, but we need to be mindful of all the good this organization does by fulfilling the needs of our four pillar programs. As a Vietnam veteran I am well aware how fast support for veterans can dissipate in this country when there is no immediate need for us. Just look at how long it took for us to get help with Agent Orange health problems, remember it was very recent that our comrades were dying while waiting to be scheduled for an appointment for their ailments. It was this organization that first stepped forward and demanded change. It has been that way since the early 1900 s, and The American Legion has always been the voice for those veterans who would otherwise have none. headquarters. Of the 55 departments that make up the American Legion, the Department of Maine has a higher membership goal than 24 of those departments. On the surface it would appear that we have a disproportionally high goal given the small size of Maine s population. Certainly, there are not 24 Departments with populations smaller than Maine. So why is Maine s Goal so high? I believe it is a reflection of Maine s historical performance in recruiting members. We all know Maine is a patriotic state with a high percentage of veterans and at the same time is the oldest state in the nation. The key metrics that are tracked by the Legion National headquarters can provide some of the answer. One of the most telling metrics is market penetration which is the percentage of eligible veterans that are Legion members. The national average is 13% and Maine s average for the past three years is over 22%, nearly twice the national average. Another metric is the renewal rate and here again Maine consistently beats the national average, last year Maine renewed ery shortly V Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us. It is time to be with our loved ones and families. Here at the Department of Maine American Legion we have a lot to be thankful for. We have our new Department THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER On the Agenda NOVEMBER DISTRICT MEETINGS District 5 Oxford: Nov. 17, Bethel Post 81, 7 p.m., speaker and refreshments District 8 Sagadahoc: Nov. 22, Topsham Post 202, 1 p.m. District 14 Piscataquis: Nov. 21, Monson Post 116, 12 p.m. Lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. DECEMBER DISTRICT MEETINGS District 2 Cumberland: Dec. 20, Naples Post 155, 2 p.m., Christmas party exchange of gifts, Legion District 2 & Aux. District 1. District 5 Oxford: Dec. 15, Locke Mills Post 68, 6 p.m. light supper, 7 p.m. mtg. District 9 Kennebec: Dec. 9, Augusta Post 205, 7 p.m. District 12 Hancock: Dec. 8, Northeast Harbor Post 103, Seal Harbor Fire House, 6 p.m. supper, followed by mtg. JANUARY DISTRICT MEETINGS District 3 Androscoggin: Jan. 10, Mechanic Falls Post 150, 2 p.m. District 5 Oxford: Jan. 19, South Paris Post 72, 6 p.m. light supper, 7 p.m. mtg. Oratorical contest, refreshments, District 12 Hancock: Jan. 12, Open, 6 p.m. supper, followed by mtg. District 9 Kennebec: Jan. 13, South China Post 179, 7 p.m. District 11 Waldo: Jan. 17, Belfast Post 43, 2 p.m. FEBRUARY DISTRICT MEETINGS District 3 Androscoggin: Feb. 14, Lisbon Post 158, 2 p.m. District 5 Oxford: Feb. 16, Dixfield Post 100, nominations, light supper, mtg. District 9 Kennebec: Feb. 10, Maine Veterans Home, 7 p.m. District 12 Hancock: Open, Feb 9, 6 p.m. supper, followed by mtg. District 13 Penobscot: Feb. 6, Caribou Post 15, District 14 Piscataquis: Feb. 20, Dexter Post 53, 12 p.m. Lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. District 16 S. Aroostook: Feb. 6, Caribou Post 15, 1 p.m. dinner followed by mtg., Four Chaplains District 17 N. Aroostook: Feb. 7, Van Buren Post 49, 1 p.m. dinner, followed by mtg. Four Chaplains service A Second Look RANDALL KLUJ Headquarters office building in Winslow. Very shortly we will have our Legion family all in the same location. The Auxiliary s new building is on site and work is in progress to complete their new home. The building will also include the Sons of the American Legion. The History and Professional Development building is also under remodeling. Membership continues to be vital, enabling us to continue the great works of The American Legion. Dues help with all the American Legion Programs. Additionally, the upcoming holidays are a good time to pay up your dues before the dues increase goes into effect. We at The American Legion have so much to be excited about and thankful for. Let us all pull together this coming year, continue to move forward and focused. In closing, thank you for all your hard work this legion year. We hope to see everyone at the Winter Conference. May the blessings of the Holy Season fill your heart and home and may God s blessings shower upon you where ever you go. FOR GOD AND COUNTRY 89.5% of our members and the national Membership Is KEY!!! More on A FIRST LOOK, Page 4

4 4 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 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/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. A First Look (Continued from Page 3) average was 87.6%. This is particularly significant when one considers that the national average death rate of Legionnaires is 3.1% compared to Maine s death rate of 3.4% reflecting Maine s older population. So the bottom line is Maine excels in market penetration and retaining our Legionnaires and we have the disadvantage of having an older population. The Department of Maine has been losing Legionnaires consistently over the last several years as have most departments. The question we have to address is can we turn this trend around and what actions must we take to give us the best chance of success. The National Organization and the Department of Maine have developed Strategic Plans for Sustained Growth which are designed to address issues of brand awareness; communications; training and leadership development; membership recruiting and retention; post creation and revitalization. These plans are important to provide consistency to our efforts however, in order to be successful we have address the membership goals as One Team One Fight. Our Posts are the front line, they are the face of the American Legion to the American people, they add value to their communities, and they execute Legion programs and demonstrate Legion values. Our Districts and Areas mentor Posts, cross fertilize ideas and insure effective communications. Our Department develops policy through the committee structure, interfaces with the national organization, assists Posts and Districts and resource programs such as Veterans Services, Boys State, Legion Baseball, and the Oratorical Contest. If we all do our parts, we can increase our market penetration and our recruiting and renewal rates, and meet our assigned goal of 20,000 Legionnaires in Distinguished Service Award: Legislative Committee Chairman William Chick Ciciotte, left, and Department Commander Ronald Rainfrette, right, present Peter W. Ogden with a Distinguished Service Award at the annual Fall Conference held Sept. 19 at Waterville Post 5 in recognition of exemplary dedication and loyal service to the Veterans of the State of Maine and to The American Legion. s we go to print for this newspaper I A have been in the spotlight of activity because of the dues increase. I could write a full page on this issue and still not accomplish what many have asked as to why the increase. So I thank those who have taken the time to call for answers and most of all those who have or will The Adjutant Speaks PAUL L HEUREUX in the near future, attend the District meetings and will have the opportunity to return to their Post with an understanding of why. Bottom Line: Interest rates of savings account & cost of doing business. Now keep in mind that The American Legion dues structure is one of the lowest in the country. How can that be! Well, the answer has been in front of us all of our 97 year history, MEMBERSHIP!!! We, as a National Organization, have been able for many years to maintain a 2.5 million membership goal that has carried us during bad financial times. Are we now a dying organization? No, we are not! If you take a look at The Department of Maine, we find that our membership has stabilized at around 20,000 members. That is because many of you realize that without membership, we cannot survive, not only at the post level, but at all levels of the American Legion. And how can we maintain that level? Sorry to say that you have to look in the mirror at yourselves and say Do we make a difference in this Country? That answer can be found by looking at what you are doing at the post level that makes people want to join. It he American Legion, Department of T Maine accepts various donations in support of all Veterans in the State of Maine, as well as various youth activities/ programs. Listed below are a few of these programs. Please show your support by making a contribution today! Beals House: The Beals House is located on the grounds of the Togus VA. It is a place for the spouse and family members of an in-patient Veteran at Togus to spend a night if they have no place else to go. can be found at the district level that makes people want to be involved, and it can be found at the state level on how we set goals and support all 174 posts in the State of Maine. How about all those youth programs that YOU SUPPORT, those Scholarships that YOU SUPPORT and most importantly, those current and future veterans to whom we made a pledge when we joined this organization that we would be there for them because we ALL know that this Country forgets its Veterans so soon after each conflict. How about the VA issue last year? Did you all forget that the American Legion was the first to bring up the issue? How about the GI Bill that SO MANY of you had the opportunity to use? Well, that original GI Bill was written by a Legionnaire sitting in a hotel room determined to make a difference. Whether you are supporting a Boy Scout Troop or retiring The American Flag properly or having a supper to help a needy family in your community, we make a difference in the State of Maine and all over this wonderful country. Please keep in mind all these great things as your due s notice comes in the mail. Think of all the positive things that happen because of all of us uniting to make a difference for our veterans, their families the youth of our nation and a big difference in the communities that we live. In closing, I realize that another year will be coming to an end, and snow and cold will soon be here!!! From the staff at your HQ Office, the Service Office at Togus, and all the Department Officers, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!! Donations Accepted Homeless Veterans: An annual fundraising effort to provide money for the Homeless Veterans Stand-down. Donations go to State Headquarters to be forwarded to the Stand-down Committee. Dirigo Boys State: The purpose of Boys State is to provide Maine high school juniors with the opportunity to participate in a program that supplements their high school courses in government FORWARD & FOCUSED and its functions. In this program, young men role-play as they learn to campaign for local, county and state offices and then organize and carry out the functions of the state government. The total cost for each student for the 2016 session is $300.00; however, partial sponsorship is also encouraged and can often make the difference of whether or not another student is able to attend. Donations for any of these programs may be sent to: The American Legion, Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Me Please make all checks payable to The American Legion, Dept. of Maine and earmark the check accordingly. The American Legion, Dept. of Maine thanks you in advance for your support!

5 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Historical Bulletin s your Department Historian and a A member of The American Legion National Americanism Council, it was an honor to attend the Americanism Committee Fall Conference at American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis this past October 12th and 13th. The weather in Indianapolis was CARON RON excellent, and, as always, there is so much to see and do. Visiting headquarters is something every Legionnaire should experience. Touring headquarters along with viewing its many artifacts, gives one a new perspective and a greater appreciation of the rich history of our organization. Part of the conference consisted of the discussion of and voting on 10 resolutions. Following is a brief outcome of some of those that passed. Resolution: Fourth grade flag education program- Passed that a fourth grade Flag Education Program be developed by The American Legion National Organization, and, that all departments be encouraged to participate. Resolution-Veterans in Community Schools- Passed that The American Legion encourages a renewed effort be taken up by its posts and departments to revitalize a consistent and ongoing partnership between the membership of local posts and their community school system. Resolution- Honoring the Anniversary of IN GOD WE TRUST - passed that The American Legion support the honoring of our nation s motto In God We Trust by encouraging the posting of In God We Trust as our national motto in public and private spaces, and that The American Legion honor July 30th as National Motto Day. Resolution- Amend oratorical contest rules to allow American Sign Language interpreters. More information will be forthcoming from National Headquarters regarding these resolutions. The resolutions mentioned, shows us how deeply involved The American Legion continues to be regarding our youth programs as well as for the good of the youth of our country. Speaking of our youth programs, a quick reminder that we are at that time of year where we should be promoting our Boys State program as well as the American Legion Scholarships. Also presented at the conference were the results of this year s American Legion Baseball World Series program held in Shelby, North Carolina. Some of the highlights from the presentation included that this year the World Series set an attendance record, they exceeded 117,000 tickets, with nearly 8,900 fans attending the championship game. A very impressive note was that the ESPN baseball ratings passed Little League coverage and attendance. An important point I found interesting was that since the establishment of the ballpark, the local post in the area (Post 82) was once ranked 24th out of 25. It is now ranked #1 and due to expand because of its growth in membership as a result of its continued involvement in the Legion Baseball World Series. Also, in the past the World Series committee had a hard time recruiting enough bat boys and bat girls for the games. This year they had 52 applications for 16 positions. I find these to be interesting facts that show how involvement in local programs can also help in promoting the local post and its membership. Community involvement; it s that simple. It wouldn t be right for me to not include in this article a reminder of our upcoming American Legion Centennial Celebration. We must continue to work on gathering our own artifacts and histories of our local posts. There are still many veterans and other community members out there who hold a wealth of knowledge, and possible artifacts, of their past associations they have had with the American Legion that they have experienced either on a personal level or with their family and friends. Let s work on making them all part of our celebration. As before, if there is anything I can do to help out, please feel free to contact me at any time. May you and yours have a safe and joyful holiday season. A re you interested in receiving a copy of our weekly newsletter called SMILE? Please visit us on the web at W ould you like a copy of our weekly SMILE sent to you via ? Please legionme@mainelegion.org with a note stating you would like to receive via our weekly newsletter called SMILE. ummer is now behind us and the S leaves are changing color. Those that attended the Fall Conference at Waterville Post 5 were treated to a very informative and rewarding training sessions from representatives from American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prior to the Americanism Report KIRK THURSTON Fall Conference, I had the privilege to attend the annual National Convention held this year in Baltimore, Maryland. My trip report is included in a special section of this Maine Legionnaire on page 16. A few Posts within the State are preparing for the upcoming Oratorical Contest, I applaud you. Two of our programs were very successful last year with our Oratorical winner coming in ninth place at the National level and Boys Nations elected Vice President being from Maine. With schools back in session, now is the time for Veterans in the classroom, especially the WWII and Korean Veterans. You folks are living history and your stories must be shared with our youth of today. Program reminders for the coming months, October: participate in a Halloween Safety Program, November: Veterans Day Ceremonies (November 8, 2 PM at Western Maine s Veterans Home at South Paris), December: Pearl Harbor Ceremonies, maybe a Post Christmas Party, remember those Veterans in your local Nursing Homes, January: Oratorical Contests at Post and District levels. Present flags and flag codes to schools and February is Americanism Month: plan school award ceremonies, plan for this season of American Legion Baseball, observe Abraham Lincoln and George Washington birthdays and plan for the American Legion s birthday in March. If this information sounds familiar, you are correct! It is straight out of the Officer s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies. Boys State tuition this coming year will be $ per delegate, so now is the time to prepare for this change. With the upcoming Holidays be safe and enjoy the much needed family time. American Legion Maine State Tournament 2015 held at Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland from July 20 to Aug. 2. Left to right, Jr. Legion Commissioner Rod Stevens, Director George O Connell, Advisor Dan St. Pierre, Field Director Dennis Damon, and Zone 1 Commissioner Dave Paul. Missing from photo, Zone 2 Commissioner Todd Cifelli, Zone 3 Commissioner Nick Caiazzo, Zone 4 Commissioner Robert Moody, and Zone 2 Commissioner and Augusta Mayor David Rollins. Happy Thanksgiving

6 6 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 I n order to keep any meeting running smooth and efficiently, a printed agenda should be made available to the members. This will help keep everyone on the same page, moving in the same direction. Below is the basic anatomy of an agenda. I hope you find this helpful. AMERICAN LEGION POST # AGENDA DATE START AND END TIME (NO LONGER THEN TIME) ORDER OF BUSINESS (IF NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE BY- LAWS) CALL TO ORDER---The commander taps once with the gravel and says, The meeting will come to order (follow ritual; roll call). The adjutant will please T hroughout our history, we have faced threats to our safety and security, and at every turn there have been brave men and women willing to step forward in defense of our nation. We owe them an enormous debt of Judge Advocate SCOTT PARADIS Honoring Our Veterans This November SENATOR ANGUS KING read the minutes of the preceding meeting. MINUTES---After the minutes have been read by the adjutant, the commander asks, Are there any corrections? If none are made, The minutes stand approved as corrected. TREASURER OR FINANCE OF- FICER S REPORT---The commander then calls for the treasurer s report. After it has been read, the commander says If there are no questions or corrections, the report will be filed for auditing. The Auditing Committee reports at such times as the by laws provide. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RE- PORT---In some organizations much of the routine business is taken care of by the Executive Committee. This committee submits a report of its meeting at each regular meeting of the organization for adoption by the membership. The Executive Committee may transact only such business as the membership authorizes, except where the by-laws give the committee power to act. This report might include the outstanding points in communications and committee reports submitted at the Executive Committee meeting, More on JUDGE ADVOCATE, Page 9 gratitude. But actions must meet words, and that means ensuring that our veterans have the highest quality care and support services available. Unemployment, homelessness, and a lack of access to healthcare should not be among the challenges our veterans face. While I was proud to support bi-partisan legislation last year that spurred important reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), I recognize that more must be done. Recently, I ve been working with other members of the Maine delegation and the VA to fill staffing vacancies in our network of five veteran outreach centers. Located in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford, these Vet Centers provide critical counseling services to veterans in Maine. In October, VA Interim Regional Manager Steven Reeves agreed to come to Maine and tour every Vet Center across the state to discuss the services provided at each facility and the current staffing challenges. I had the opportunity to join him on his tour of the Portland Vet Center, where he shared with me his commitment to ensuring that every Vet Center is fully staffed and able to meet the needs of the veterans they serve. I will continue to work with him, the Maine VA, and the rest of the congressional delegation to identify ways we can improve the hiring process and deliver the high quality care and services Maine veterans deserve. Here in our state, more than 10 percent of our citizens have served in the armed forces one of the highest percentages in the country. This fact should instill tremendous pride and a sense of responsibility in every one of us. As we recognize our veterans this month, together we must ensure that their service continues to be honored into the future. We must fight for our veterans, as they fought for us. Senator Collins Visits Maine Service Members Serving Overseas Works to Preserve Program that Supports Access to Local Care enator Collins S recently joined five of her colleagues on a journey to two countries that are the major points of arrival and transit for the hundreds of thousands of migrants crossing into Europe. Both Italy and Greece have been overwhelmed by the large number of refugees who have landed on their shores after crossing the Mediterranean Sea, and who are hoping to move into countries like Germany and Sweden. While overseas, Senator Collins met with U.S., Italian, Greek, and Vatican officials to discuss the crisis, and also had the opportunity to meet with some of our nation s service members stationed in Italy and Greece. Italy hosts a substantial U.S. military presence SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS on five major bases. The delegation visited Vicenza, home of the 173rd Airborne Sky Soldiers and the Army Africa headquarters, as well as Naples, the home of U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR). Senator Collins was briefed by U.S. military officials from the European and African commands on the refugee crisis and military operations in the region, including joint military exercises at the Ukrainian border, in Poland, and in the Baltic states that are intended to send a message to a resurgent Russia and reassure NATO allies. These joint exercises are known as the European Reassurance Initiative. While at U.S. Army Africa, Senator Collins also discussed our nation s assistance to Nigeria in the fight against the terrorist group Boko Haram, which was responsible for kidnapping hundreds of school girls in Nigeria. Senator Collins recently authored legislation, which was unanimously approved by the Senate, to increase efforts to assist African nations in their fight against Boko Haram. Senator Collins also had the opportunity to have lunch with Maine service members, including SGT Matthew Alvez, PFC Thomas Prendergast, and SGT Angela Noble from Portland, Rumford, and Palmyra. At NAVEUR, she was able to meet another Mainer, Navy Lt. Christiane Benzing. Senator Collins was so pleased to meet such dedicated service members from Maine and brought them whoopie pies made in their home state to show her deep appreciation. A highlight of the tour included a visit aboard the USS Winston Churchill, a Navy destroyer built at Bath Iron Works that was stationed in Greece. Joining the sailors for dinner, Senator Collins was given the honor of cutting a large chocolate cake with a Naval Academy sword. Accompanying Senator Collins aboard the Bath-built destroyer was yet another Mainer, was David Pearce, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. A Portland native, Ambassador Pearce grew up in Falmouth and graduated from Cheverus High School and Bowdoin College. In addition to addressing issues facing our military overseas, Senator Collins has also been fighting for veterans back home. Recently, she urged her colleagues to support the FY 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act which is a bipartisan bill that would fund critical programs supporting our nation s service members and veterans. This bill contains a $270 million investment in the Access Received Close to Home (ARCH) program for veterans who live in rural communities. ARCH ensures that such veterans, who often have a difficult time accessing care through the regular VA health system, can receive care closer to where they live. One of the five locations for the pilot program is in Caribou, Maine and has been extraordinarily successful in reducing wait times for veterans and allowing them to access care without excessive travel. More on COLLINS, Page 12

7 he DSO continues to be a very busy T place, a special thanks to our Post Service Officers and membership who are bringing veterans and their survivors to our office for assistance. Through your efforts, approximately 8,184 contacts were made in the last fiscal year, and we are on track to repeat that level of service AMEDEO LAURIA Service Office Update again this year. We also provide service to Legion members nationwide due to the VA s national workload initiative that sends claims to locations where they can be worked faster. You can be proud that your efforts, working with the DSO, have assisted our membership and veterans in obtaining critical compensation, pension, educational and survivor s benefits. We have built and are maintaining an excellent working relationship with our fellow DSOs from other Veterans Service Organizations as well as our local Congressional Staffers. In addition, we have connected with many military service organizations, both local and national to provide valuable educational and financial resources for our veterans. DSO APPOINTMENTS. If you are thinking of filing a claim, plan ahead! Appointments are always welcome! We don t turn 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. Eileen will be glad to make an appointment for you; just ask! ( ) If you have trouble getting in by phone just her at eileen.krawczyk@va.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! 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! If you wish to donate to the programs of the American Legion or remember us 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. Here are some additional topics that may be of interest to our membership: 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 COMPENSA- TION CLAIM? The decision to file a claim is a personal one. It is your claim; not the DSOs claim. Also filing a claim is a team effort, the veteran, DSO, VA, and private health care provider. You must be an active participant in the claims process. In general terms, ask yourself these questions: Did this disability start/occur while you were on Active Duty/ADUTRA or IDUTRA? Is it documented in your medical treatment record? Line of Duty? Performance file? Is it Chronic? i.e. have you been seeing a doctor since service for the disability? Do you have a current medical diagnosis? PSO Training Attendees: Another successful Post Service Officer Training class took place on Sept. 26 at Dept. HQ. Those in attendance, Front row, left to right, PDC Richard Graves, Veterans Outreach Specialist Laura Allen from Bureau of Veterans Services, and Monmouth Post 204 SO Charles Shaw. Back row, left to right, Van Buren Post 49 SO Joseph Michaud and Wiscasset Post 54 SO Neil Page. THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 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. COMPENSATION AND PENSION 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. RECONSIDERATION 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 video-teleconference. 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 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. CHANGE OF CONTACT INFOR- MATION. 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 may affect your claim, compensation/pension exams and medication delivery. 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 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 More SERVICE OFFICE UPDATE, Page 8 VETERANS ADMINISTRATION Togus Claims Office, VA Center, Bldg. 248, Rm. 117, VAM&ROC, Togus ( or , ext. 5228) Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ryan Lilly, Director, VAMROC, Togus ( ) Veterans Affairs and Voluntary Services, Steve Hurd, Voluntary Services (402/135), 1 VA Center, Togus ( ) Beals House, 1 VA Center, Togus ( )

8 8 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Service Office Update (Continued from Page 7) 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. SEPARATION DOCUMENTS. I just 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. PSO TRAINING SEMINAR. We are again sending out a call to all Post Service Officers (PSOs) or those who want to be PSOs! If you contact the DSO, we will put you on our list to receive the Department Service Office Newsletter. We have trained over 70 Legionnaires, Congressional Staffers, and leadership of military service organizations. The response has been extremely positive. You can request a reservation for the seminar by ing the DSO at amedeo.lauria@va.gov; sooner than later as we only have 6 students per class. The classes are conducted at the Department Headquarters, 1000 hours to 1400 hours with a light breakfast and lunch included. There is no cost to attend. As you hold Post and District elections; please ask your newly elected Post Service Officers to sign up and attend the seminar and I will add them to the DSO newsletter. We have trained over 34 PSOs so there are still 140 PSOs out there who might be able to benefit from attending the seminar. Don t miss out on this valuable offering; talk to anyone who has attended and they will convince you to sign up and attend! NOTE: We are suspending training for the winter months; the next class is projected to be on February 23, Commanders! Here is a listing of current District and Post service officers who have attended the PSO seminar (If I left someone off, or you see an error, please let me know!: Gary York - District 2 Bob Washburn - Post 39 Kathleen Thompson - Post 128 Herbert Mann Jr. - District 9 Asst: Earl Beaulieu - Post 39 Wayne Caron - Post 133 Judy L. Otis - District 11 Terrance R. Knowles - Post 41 Amedeo Lauria - Post 135 Jim Palmer - Post 2 Mary Jane McLoon - Aux. Unit 42 Tommy Adkins - Post 157 Cornelius Jim Ware - Post 5 Joseph Michaud - Post 49 Tom Nickerson - Post 163 Steve Burgess - Post 12 Neil Page - Post 54 Ronald Dixon - Post 181 Dale Midgley - Post 19 David L. Snyder - Post 55 Carolyn Munster - Post 201 Richard Kowalczyk - Post 20 David Taylor - Post 94 Charles M. Shaw - Post 204 Cecil Dennison - Post 30 Deborah E. Alley - Post 102 Herbert Mann Jr. - Post 205 Jim Frye - Post 31 Paul R. Connelly - Post 105 Gordon E. Kendall - Post 214 Asst: David Patch - Post 36 Joseph Rick Nugent - Post 112 William Rollins - Post 216 Palmer Payne - Post 36 Roderick Collins - Post 118 PSO CONTACT INFORMATION. Post Service Officers, as a minimum, please send us your full name, Post, telephone number (your phone number will not be released) and address. The purpose is so that members of your post can contact you for local assistance and also so that I can contact you, by phone or , if we hear from a member in your post that needs assistance. DSO NEWSLETTER. To sign up for the newsletter, please your contact information to amedeo.lauria@va.gov and state in the body of your if you would like your name listed in the newsletter as well as permission to link to your address through the newsletter. The newsletter is ed out monthly. The newsletter was developed as a way to stay in touch with Post Service Officers and to keep them up to date on changes and sources of information that is of value to our veterans. The newsletter contains active links to a variety of resources for veterans as well as links to you, so you can better serve the members of your post. We are not doing mailings at this time. 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! DSO CONTACT INFORMATION. We are located at Togus VA Medical Center, Building 205, Room 318. You can contact us by telephone at , Fax at , or by at amedeo.lauria@va.gov, david.kern@va.gov or eileen.krawczyk@va.gov. We are here to assist you Monday through Friday, hours, closed on Federal Holidays and Patriot s Day. Just a reminder, it is always a good idea to make an appointment rather than drop in as we may be seeing other veterans and would hate to miss you. That said, you are always welcome to stop in the DSO Office, say hello, and have a cup of coffee and talk about the status of your claim or seek other assistance. REQUESTING A DSO PRESENTA- TION AT YOUR AREA/DISTRICT OR POST. 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. Touring the VA Medical Facility & DSO: National Commander Mike Helm, left, is welcomed by Dept. Service Officer Amedeo Lauria during his visit to Maine on Aug. 31. DSO Lauria gave Commander Helm a tour of the Dept. Service Office as well as the VA Medical Facility at Togus where they both discussed issues affecting Veterans and their families. Post Service Officer of the Year Runner-up: Brunswick Post 20 Service Officer Richard Kowalczyk, center, receives a Post Service Officer of the Year runner-up Certificate at Brunswick Post 20 in August. Presenting the award is Department of Dept. of Maine Service Officer Amedeo Lauria, left, and Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joseph Donahue.

9 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Your Letters Poliquin s Latest Bill will Make the ARCH Program Permanent ur Veterans, O and An Honor to Receive Baseball Scholarship Maine American Legion Baseball Committee, Thank you for selecting me for the Maine State Legion Scholarship. It is such an honor! It will be a huge help in paying my tuition. Thanks again! Andrew Hillier Scholarship Money Pays Off Thank you so much for awarding me the James V. Day Scholarship this summer. It really helped a lot with paying for this semester and my books. Sincerely, Desiree D. Dunn Judge Advocate (Continued from Page 6) pecial Olympics Maine is pleased S to announce the 28th Annual Lobster Dip on New Year s Day (January1st, 2016) at 12 noon in front Donation Helps Keep Beals Hospitality House Open to Families in Need! Dear Maine American Legion, Department of Maine, On behalf of the Beals Hospitality House Staff and Directors, I would like to personally thank you for your donation of $ on Oct. 14, 2015 for the Beals House. We are so grateful for all the organizations do for us and your contribution to the Beals House. It is with organizations like yours which keep us up and running. This donation enables us to keep the Beals Hospitality House open to those families in need. Again, thank you so much for your generosity. Warmest regards, Mary Duquette Director/Secretary and presented to the organization for the information or the action of the group. COMMUNICATIONS---These may include letters received, notice of the next meeting, and any matters of general interest to the organization, read by the adjutant. STANDING COMMITTEE RE- PORTS---Standing committees are usually provided for in the by-laws and function throughout the year. The commander should have a list of the standing committees and call each chair by name for reports according to plans previously made. If a report made which contains merely a statement of opinion or facts, the commander says, if there are no objections, the report is accepted. If it contains resolutions or recommendations for future action, a motion should be made by the reporting member to adopt the resolutions or recommendations which may be amended in exactly the same manner as any main motion. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS ---Special committees are appointed for special purposes and are automatically discharged when the special duties for which they were created are completed and their final report made to the organization. If there are any special committees to report, the commander says, We will now hear the report of the special committee appointed to ***. A motion to adopt the resolution or recommendations of the committee opens the report to discussion and amendment. UNFINISHED BUSINESS---The commander next brings before the meeting any business postponed from the previous meeting, or any matters introduced at the meeting on which the action of the organization was not completed. A list of unfinished matters should have been prepared from the minutes of the last meeting by the adjutant. Only when the unfinished business has been disposed of, may new business be brought forward. NEW BUSINESS---The commander then says, Is there any new business to come before the meeting? Communications and motions calling for action by the organization may then be presented and necessary action taken. This closes the business part of the meeting. THE PROGRAM is then presented. ADJOURNMENT---Members should remain seated and in order until the meeting is declared adjourned. The commander may, if desired, use the common consent motion to adjourn, etc., If there are no objections, the meeting stands adjourned. Formal adjournment is usually followed by a social hour. (Follow ritual.) 28 th Annual Lobster Dip Set of the Brunswick in Old Orchard Beach (39 West Grand Ave.). For more information, please visit CONGRESSMAN BRUCE POLIQUIN their families, answered the ultimate call of duty to protect our freedoms and special way of life. Honoring their service is one of the greatest responsibilities for members of Congress. When service members return to civilian life, it is imperative that they receive excellent and timely health care. They have served our great nation with honor, and we must fulfill our promise to them. Since being sworn in as Maine s Second Congressional District Representative, I have supported several bills, such as the Hire More Heroes Act. I also voted in support of the FY16 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriation bill to increase VA funding by $904 million more than the previous year, while improving the Department s ability to better serve our veterans. But there is much more Congress must do to help ensure our Veterans, and their families, receive the health care they were promised, earned and deserve. This is why I recently introduced the Helping Our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act. Of the nearly 22 million Veterans in the United States, 40 percent live in rural areas. This results in a significant population of Veterans having limited access to health care due to long travel times to VA facilities in their home states. In response to this, in 2011, Congress appropriated funds for a pilot program under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as Project ARCH (Access Received Closer to Home). This program selected five hospitals in rural areas across the United States to enter into contracts with the VA so that eligible Veterans could receive care closer to home. One of the chosen sites was Cary Medical Center in Caribou. This program has proven to be a huge success in Caribou and at the other four sites. The ARCH program received bipartisan support and has exceeded the expectations of rural Veterans and their families whose needs often require immediate attention. The pilot program has also significantly reduced the average waiting time of care from 90 days to 30 days at each of the designated sites. In Maine alone, over 10,000 Veterans have benefitted from the program s accessibility. The Helping Our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care bill would make this pilot program permanent and expand it to eligible Veterans across the country by allowing hospitals to enter into prenegotiated contracts with the VA to provide care to our Veterans. In a time when so many VA programs have come under scrutiny for mismanagement, this unique program is a successful and common sense solution to ensure our rural Veterans in Maine receive the health care they were promised. These reforms are important to our Veterans and their families living in rural areas. By creating an efficient benefits network that reduces waiting time, offers high quality care, and is easily accessible, this bill is our way of expressing gratitude for our Veterans service to this country and fulfilling the promises we have made to them. As Maine s Second District Congressman, I will continue to support bills that will help ensure our Veterans, and their families, receive the benefits and health care they were promised, earned and deserve. Attending an Old Fashion BBQ: PDC Kenneth Bouchard and PNVC/PDC Lloyd Woods attend an old fashion BBQ with their wives at Gray Post 86 on Aug. 1 in celebration of National Commander Mike Helm s arrival. Left to right, PDC Kenneth Bouchard, Juanita Bouchard, PNVC/PDC Lloyd Woods and Linda Woods.

10 10 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 A s we start to prepare our motorcycles for storage for the winter months, we take the time to reflect on our rides and accomplishments for Our annual Summer Rally which was held in Millinocket at The American Legion Post-80 was attended by over 100 Riders from around the State. Friday evening the members of Post -80 had the hospitality mat out to all arriving Riders. Saturday morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast with more Riders arriving as we enjoyed the camaraderie as some of us happen to have some homemade doughnuts that came in when nobody was looking!!! We Legion Riders of Maine then prepared for our Saturday ride that was organized by the Riders of Post-80. After a picturesque country side ride which many of us enjoy but wondered, had all the roads been paved for us? This does not happen too often. We then rode back to the post home only to have the rain start as we ended our ride. Great planning on someone s part. We then held our Riders meeting with special presentations and awards. The highlight of the day comes from all that attended. Every year since we started, it always amazes me how this group seems to come together for this special day. The donations started with the following: Legacy Fund: Madison Chapter $500 Corinna Chapter $500 Auburn Chapter $500 Winthrop Chapter $500 Sanford Chapter $500 Rockland Chapter $500 Waterville Chapter $200 Dixfield Chapter $50 Madawaska Chapter $50 Homeless Veterans: Dover-Foxcroft Chapter $500 Berwick Chapter $300 Madison Chapter $500 Corinna Chapter $750 Dixfield Chapter $100 Madawaska Chapter $50 Old Town Chapter $500 Auburn Chapter $500 Bath Chapter $4000 Caribou Chapter $500 Waterville Chapter $400 Winthrop Chapter $4500 Sanford Chapter $1500 Topsham Chapter $400 Rockland Chapter $1000 Augusta Chapter $200 Riders Summer Rally What do you say about a group that comes from all these post and support the Legions programs? Do they make a difference at the post? They want to, and that is why they proudly have the Chapter/Post number and names if possible on their patches. Remember that they are part of the family that may not want to play bingo or attend a supper but they support our causes. They make trips to a funeral of a comrade. They have events at local Veterans Homes or visits at the VA Center. And look what they did this year for the Homeless Veterans of Maine ($17,700) In closing, I want to thank all of you that continue to support the Riders both financially and at the post level. And the Riders of Maine want to say thank you and to wish you all the best during the Holiday Season!!! Loud & Proud Paul L Heureux, Executive Director Riders Gather in Millinocket: Legion Riders from all points in Maine gather in Millinocket at Post 80 from July 31 to Aug. 2 for the annual Summer Rally. Riders of Maine at the Summer Rally in Millinocket Post 80. Executive Director of the Maine Legion Riders Paul L Heureux, right, presents a plaque from National HQ to Legion Rider Director Charles Green of Dixfield Post 100 for the continued support of The Legacy Scholarship Fund. Standing at the podium, left, is the State Director of the Legion Riders of Maine Kaye Bouchard. Trip to MVMC: ALR Chapter 147 took a trip to the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Caribou on Sept. 18. Photographed in front of MIA Remembrance Park Monument are the Color Guard Team from Loring Job Corp, American Legion Riders of Madawaska Charter 147 providing a 21 Gun Salute led by Director Jenn Daigle, and Legion Riders and Supporters from Caribou and Madawaska Chapter. Photo by Dan Bruno, ALR chapter 147 Legacy Scholarship Check Received: State Assistant Director Larry Haines, left, receives another check from Legion Rider Director Dave Bolstridge of Corinna Post 73 in support of The Legacy Scholarship Fund. Riders Resting Point: Riders from all over the state of Maine gather in Millinocket for the annual Summer Rally. Pictured above, the Riders take a rest during the scenic ride that was provided by the riders of Millinocket Post 80. Continuous Support: Executive Director of the Legion Riders, Paul L Heureux, right, presents another award from National HQ to Rider Director of the Auburn Post 153, Alan Aliberti for the continuous support of The Legacy Scholarship. Riders Attend Graveside Services for Leavitt: Legion Riders from Maine attend the grave side services of Darryl Budg Leavitt on Sept. 26 in Thomaston. Darryl was serving his third year as Commander of Rockland Post 1. He was also the Director of The Legion Riders Chapter 1 in Rockland.

11 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Libby-Mitchell Post 76 Head Coach Joe Cronin By DAN WARREN Special to The Maine Legionnaire ibby-mitchell Post 76 Head Coach L Joe Cronin s interview on Legion Ball, Boston College Senior Year, and his hopes for getting taken in the M.L.B Draft (Editor s Note Joe Cronin of Scarborough is a senior at Boston College. He was recently named a co-captain of the 2016 Eagle baseball team. In May 2015, he learned he would DAN WARREN be undergoing surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, and would not be able to play again in the Cape Cod League. He contacted Libby- Mitchell GM Dan Warren to ask about coaching opportunities with Libby- Mitchell in his home town of Scarborough. Cronin started the season as assistant coach, and then moved to head coach when the head coach took a job with the UMO women s softball team). Question: Joe, you recently were named a co-captain for the Boston College baseball team for the Congratulations. The town of Scarborough is proud of you! Cronin: Thanks. It is a great honor. It is a job I take seriously, helping guys perform their best for the team. Question: This is your senior year coming up at BC. You have had an eventful three years. You have played every infield position, and DHd. What does senior year hold for you? Cronin: I am hopeful. We have some talented players. The ACC is a tough conference. We will battle every day. Question: Bo McFarland, who preceded you at SHS by many years and played three years of minor league ball for Kansas City, says he thinks you have a shot at getting taken in the Major League draft in June. Cronin: That would be great. My roommate last year got taken no. 41 overall in the 2015 draft by the San Francisco Giants. Question: Maybe you will go late rounds? Cronin: Amy round is fine. I would just welcome the chance to play in the minors and try to prove myself, and keep playing. Question: What do you see yourself doing after you are done playing whenever that is? Cronin: I want to coach. Question: Where? Cronin: College. Division One. Question: Why coach for Libby- Mitchell this summer? That part of the plan? Why high school kids? Cronin: I wanted the chance to be a head coach. I know some college coaches will ot hire assistants unless those assistants have been a head coach somewhere, at some level. Now, I have. Question: How did the Legion season go in 2015? Cronin: Tough summer. Not many wins. We lost a couple pitchers, and had another couple injured. Pitching is important. We struggled there. Question: How was the rest of the team? Cronin: We had some good kids, some good attitudes, had some flashes of good hitting, had our share of good played in the field. Just hard to put it all together. Question: What do you think was the best thing you offered to them? Cronin: I hope I showed them a guy who shows up every day, prepared, wants to be there, wants to learn, wants to compete, and wants to be better in baseball. That is how I have approached my playing career at BC. That is how I tried to approach my coaching position with Libby- Mitchell. Question: What was the hardest thing for you? Cronin: No doubt that some kids did not always burn with a passion for the game. I do, so that is always hard to see. Some kids gave us their best efforts. Some did the best they could Question: The kids were not always able to keep at it? Cronin: Baseball involves a lot of failure. A.300 hitter makes outs 7 out of 10 times, for example. Learning how to deal with failure is hard. Question: Did you come into the season with explanations? Did you have any plans? Cronin: Interesting you should ask! I decided to approach the coaching season as a graduate school project. I decided to put down on paper what I understood we had for players, and talent, and also what I thought we had to work on to be a good team. Question: Were you able to put all this down on paper? Cronin: Yes. I did about a 50-page booklet on the season, and how it went. Question: What else was in the booklet? Cronin: I recorded what happened, what we succeeded at, what we failed at, what I would do differently next time. Question: Will we see this publication on the New York Tmes Best Seller List soon? Cronin: No. It is a booklet I will hang on to. When I apply some day for grad school, and apply for coaching positions with the head coaches at those schools, I will attach this booklet to the applications. It will show I am serious, I hope. Question: What else will it show? Cronin: That I know a few things about the game and, more important, that I have actually thought a lot about the game. I think that is important. Question: What is the future of Legion baseball in Maine? Cronin: I think it remains a good opportunity for many kids. Good schedule. Good fields. Equipment, umpires, structure. All good. Question: What are the challenges? Cronin: One is quality. The other is losing some of the better players. Question: What is the quality issue? Cronin: Some teams just do not have much talent. They need to combine with a total of either two or three schools or Nominate Your Top Scout he American Legion's support for Boy T 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 service-learned 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. At the state level, the Department of Maine honors the Eagle Scout of the Year at the annual state convention where the winner receives a $500 scholarship. The winner s information at the state level is then Joe Cronin, right, and Sam Warren at the Libby-Mitchell Post 76 Annual Team BBQ held July 31 at the Post home in Scarborough. forwarded to national where the winner of that competition is honored at national convention. The winner 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 towns. That way, they only need 5 or 6 kids from each school not l8, or even 9. Question: Is that happening? Cronin: Yes. The Commissioner in Zone 4 this past summer, Nick Caiazzo, was able to persuade a lot of teams to combine. It helped. Question: What is the future for Libby-Mitchell? Cronin: I think there is strong sentiment in the league, and at the Post, that Libby-Mitchell, which is now made up of kids from Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth, ought to add South Portland, and do a merger. Question: What is the issue about losing some of the better players in the league? Cronin: Some of the best kids want to play at a high level in college. They want to be seen. They feel the need to play out of state in the summer. Legion in Maine does not offer that chance. The kids have to play AAU or some other league. Question: Your father coached Libby- Mitchell. Now, you have. How would you compare yourself to him? Cronin: My father taught me about being prepared before you come to the park for a game. His background is business. Now he is in teaching. Lots of preparation in both fields. Question: Anything you think you brought to the job that he was not able to, because of your background. Cronin: I guess I have learned some things in college ball. Being selective at the plate as a hitter, trying to increase your OBP and get on base, how to approach pitching mentally. Question: Anything else? Cronin: I think I can say I have more hair on my head than he does. Question: Joe, thanks for your time. Thanks for coaching Libby-Mitchell. Good luck in your senior year as cocaptain at BC. Good luck in the draft! Cronin: Thanks very much. Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN The 2016 Eagle Scout Nomination Form is available by visiting under Forms/ Applications or by calling State Headquarters at

12 12 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Collins (Continued from Page 6) From the Senate floor, Senator Collins stated, The ARCH program has made such a difference to our veterans. I remember one of our veterans telling me about breaking his hip last winter in the height of a terrible winter storm. Instead of enduring a painful and bumpy ride for more than four hours to get to the VA hospital in Augusta, he was able through the ARCH program to receive the care at his local hospital, Cary Memorial in Caribou, Maine. He also had the benefit of being able to receive care closer to where his family and friends are. In addition to ARCH, the measure also works to benefit veterans and service members in Maine and across our country, by extending advance appropriations for certain veterans benefit programs, funding critical mental health care services and women Veterans healthcare, and providing monies to construct and maintain military housing. During her speech on the Senate floor, Senator Collins also stated, We owe it to our nation s veterans, 127,000 of whom reside in the great state of Maine. There are more than 21 million nationwide. We owe it to them to move forward with this important bill. These veterans answered the call to duty. They shouldered the hardships and sacrifices of military service. They have done their jobs. It is time that the Senate does its job. We must fulfill our obligations and affirm a larger commitment made long ago to take care of those who have so proudly served our nation, the patriots who have worn our nation s uniform. In May of this year, with Senator Collins support, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed this legislation with a strong, bipartisan vote of 21 to 9. Following her floor speech, Senator Collins also sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald that was signed by fellow Maine Senator, Angus King and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KY) urging the VA to continue to provide support for the ARCH program. Maine Delegation March: Some of the Dept. of Maine s delegation march in celebration of the 97th Annual National Convention Parade held in Baltimore, MD on Aug. 30. Left to right, Dept. Americanism Officer Kirk Thurston, 2nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj, PDP Charlotte Kitty Doyle, PDP Nancy Ronco, and Auxiliary Historian Ann Durost. N ational Convention and the Fall meetings in Indianapolis certainly were eye opening experiences. They move fast, have a mission, and get it done. It is amazing the subjects that RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE TODAY: PLEASE VISIT NEC UPDATE RAMONA NARAGON were discussed and acted on. Most importantly, I feel that on a national level our leaders are sincerely watching out for the past, present, and current issues concerning our veterans. The major point I want to push at this writing is our ability to recruit Guard and Reservists who completed basic training during one of the eligibility periods. The time frame that could benefit our membership is the time since 1990, especially the Post 9/11 veterans. Over the years there has been the thought out there that if a person had been strictly in the Guards or Reserves that they don t qualify. Whoa! They do! Let s make every effort to reach out to our local Guard and Reserve units to educate and recruit in this new/old pool. For more information other than the Officers Guide, look at the Post Adjutant s Manual. On page 27 there are a few examples to help clarify eligibility. Remember, a DD Form 214, which is a federal form, or activation orders from the Guard with any mention of Title 10 service, should suffice for documentation. Yes, there are a couple specific titles but if you get confused, contact Department and they can do some research for you. The National Judge Advocate has stated that he would review any questionable documents but our own Department Adjutant might be the first to contact for information. In closing, please be mindful and help the new recruits grow and become part of our proud and purposeful organization. They are our future. Commander (Continued from Page 2) now on. Our debt to these heroes can never be re -paid but our gratitude and respect must last forever. For many veterans, our nation was important enough to endure long separations from their families, miss the births of their children, freeze in sub-zero temperatures, bake in wild jungles, lose limbs, and, far too often, lose their lives. Military spouses have had to endure career interruptions, frequent changes of address, and a disproportionate share of parental responsibilities. The children often had to deal with changes in schools, separation from friends and, hardest of all, the uncertainty of whether or not Mom or Dad will live through their next combat tour. Warriors need advocates and that is why The American Legion exists. We are here to serve veterans, their families and our communities. Veterans need each other, but, more importantly, our country needs our veterans. You cannot fight a war without veterans and while the utopian idea of a society without war is appealing, let us not forget that wars have liberated slaves, stopped genocide and toppled terrorists. Stephen Ambrose once wrote, America s wars have been like rungs on a ladder by which it rose to greatness. No other country has triumphed so long, so consistently or on such a vast scale through force of arms. It has been often said that without our veterans, Americans would be speaking Russian, German or, perhaps, Japanese. Regardless of which view of alternative history you take, we do know that without our veterans America would not be America. And as we look at the Middle East today, we know that there is a large, dangerous and committed group of fanatics that wants us dead. And while ISIS, al Qaeda and other terrorists may lack the conventional weapons of Nazi Germany or Imperial Japan, they are every bit as evil in their intentions. Those who defend us from our enemies must be supported. Whether their service was in Baghdad or Beirut, we need to serve veterans as well as they serve us - even when the guns have temporarily stopped firing. The American Legion shows its support for America's heroes through its Family Support Network, Legacy Scholarship Fund, Operation Comfort Warriors, Temporary Financial Assistance and the National Emergency Fund, just to name a few of our programs. Veterans don't ask for much. They do not want to be in a "special class," but benefits are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the financial and human cost of war. And while not all veterans see war, all who served in the military have expressed a willingness to fight if called to. You can show your support for these great men and women by hiring a veteran in your workplace, visiting a VA hospital or donating to a veterans program. Companies should understand that it's smart business to hire veterans, and when members of the Guard and Reserves deploy, it is America's business to ensure that their civilian careers do not suffer. Homelessness is another issue that affects veterans disproportionately. Too often today's tattered citizen of the street was yesterday's toast-of-the-town in a crisp uniform with rows of shining medals. This is hardly the "thanks of a grateful nation." We can do better. We must do better. Historians have said that Dwight Eisenhower was prouder of being a soldier than he was of being the president. And while relatively few veterans ever reach the rank of general, pride in ones' military service is a bond shared by nearly all who have served. This pride is on display on every obituary page in the country, where military service - regardless of how many decades have passed and subsequent achievements reached - is mentioned with the death notice of nearly every deceased veteran. Can any CEO or distinguished Ivy League graduate truly claim to have more responsibility than the 21-year-old squad leader walking point on patrol in Afghanistan? Fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the title "veteran." Far less than 1 percent of our population is currently defending us in the Global War on Terrorism. And yet many seem intent on trying to balance the federal budget by diminishing the quality of life programs designed for the families who have already disproportionately made these sacrifices. Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth. It is impossible to put a price on that. We must remember them. We must appreciate them. God bless you all for being here, God bless our veterans and God bless America. The American Legion, National HQ Media & Communications Commission

13 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Bits N Pieces Berwick Post 79 Berwick Post 79 for their blood drive resulting in 36 donors and 40 units of blood. Guilford Post 119 Guilford Post 119 for their donation of $100 to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association in memory of the late Post Commander Ronald Deane. LIT Check Presented: Department Auxiliary President Debra Marr, left, receives a check from the Legionnaire Insurance Trust in the amount of $2098. Presenting the check is NEC Ramona Naragon who is the Chairperson for Maine. Military Pension Income Deduction F or tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, benefits received under a military retirement plan, including survivor benefits, are fully exempt from Maine income tax. 36 M.R.S (2)(M-2); LD 1019, PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. DD, 10. LIT Update From the Director ow! We have had a great response to registering our mem- W bers for the free Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance from LIT. Special recognition needs to go to the 17th District. They have sent many, many registrations in. We have submitted about 400 members for the AD&D through and are still going strong. Thank you everyone. Please remember that members of the SAL and Auxiliary are eligible for this valuable insurance. If their information is sent into department, we are more than happy to process them with Legionnaires. LIT has changed the registration process so that you sign up once and forget it. So if you think you registered before January of this year, go ahead and send your information in and we ll get you signed up again and you won t have to register again, ever. Mona Naragon, LIT Director The American Legion, Dept. of Me. he LIT AD&D has changed its policy T on expiration dates. If you signed up after 1 Jan 2015, the expiration date is indefinite. Can t remember when you signed up? Go ahead and sign up again. Then you won t have to worry about it forever. Do be sure to put something in your private papers so someone will know you have coverage. Remember it is worth $1000 in the event of an accidental death. It is worth $5000 if you were involved The Legionnaire Insurance Trust Sign up for Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance with some type of Legion activity, i.e. returning from a meeting, picnic, convention, etc. We would like to sign up more members for this free insurance. It is not a difficult process. One way is to include the LIT sign up card with membership as it is processed to the member. Another way is for the Post Adjutant to find out the members dates of birth and go on-line to thelit.com and enter the info right on the spot. For those of you who lack internet access, as LIT Director for the Department of Maine, I would process these entries. I have had Posts send me a list of their members with the members names, membership numbers, date of birth, mailing address, and address (please see attached form). This information can be mailed to the attention of Mona Naragon, The American Legion, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME You can also it to mainelitdirector@gmail.com. By signing up for the AD&D, the Department of Maine receives much needed funding to run our programs. Don t forget that the Auxiliary and SAL can also sign up. Thanks for your efforts on this valuable program for the Maine American Legion Family.

14 14 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Keeping Busy is Never an Issue in the Legion Many Happenings and Events take Place From August to October NATIONAL COMMANDER HELM VISITS MAINE National Commander Visits Maine State HQ: National Commander Mike Helm is welcomed by Maine State Officers of the American Legion at the new State Headquarters in Winslow during his visit to Maine on Aug. 31. The Officers gave Commander Helm a tour of the State HQ facility before proceeding to the Dept. Service Office in Augusta. Left to right, NVC John Hargreaves, Department First Vice Commander Peter Johnson, Past Auxiliary Department President Charlotte Kitty Doyle, Past Department Commander Richard Graves and NEC and Past Department Commander Ramona Naragon. Maine State HQ Training Facility Plans: Helm Visits Winthrop Post 40: National Commander Helm, left, visits Winthrop Post 40 on July 31. Commander Helm was given a tour of the Post by Winthrop Post 40 Adjutant and District 9 Commander Donald Chase Jr. It s All About Team Effort at Auburn Post 31: Roland and Pauline St. Pierre spent time with National Commander Helm during his visit Aug. 1 for a light breakfast and a meet and greet at Auburn Post 31. The St. Pierre s were part of a team that revitalized Auburn Post 31 and proved that with a team effort anything was possible. Dept. First Vice Commander Peter Johnson, right, and NVC John Hargreaves, center, give Commander Helm a brief run down of what the Department s upcoming plans are for the new State HQ Training Facility. Commander Helm Visits Post 158: Lisbon Post 158 Post Officers and members welcome Commander Helm for a meet and greet session. Commander Helm, right, speaks to those in attendance about various Legion happenings. Explaining the Work of the Service Office: Department Service Officer Amedeo Lauria explains the working of the Legion staff at the Service Office in Togus during the National Commanders visit Fri., July 31. Left to right, National Vice Commander John Hargreaves, Service Officer Amedeo Lauria, National Commander Michael Helm, and Director of Volunteer Services Lorna Hatch. Commander Helm Receives the Togus VA Tour: Togus VA Medical Center Director Ryan Lilly gives a tour of the Togus VA Facility to National Commander Helm and guests Fri. July 31. Left to right, National Commander Michael Helm, Togus Medical Center Director Ryan Lilly, Past Auxiliary President and current Leadership Chairman Charlotte Kitty Doyle, and Past Department Commander Richard Graves. Brunswick Post 20 Dedication Ceremony: A large gathering of Veterans and their families joined with the National Commander in the dedication of the new Post 20 home in Brunswick on Aug 1. Old Fashion BBQ at Gray Post 86: Gray Post 86 Commander Jason White gives a tour to many guests in attendance for the special day to welcome the National Commander of The American Legion Michael Helm on Aug 1. The Post put on an Old Fashion BBQ to welcome Commander Helm s arrival. Left to right, NEC Ramona Naragon, Past State Commander Richard Graves, First Vice Commander Pete Johnson, and Commander of Gray Post 86 Jason White.

15 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 More Happenings & Events At The American Legion AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL Legion Baseball Flag: Dept. of Maine Legion Baseball Director George B. O Connell, left, and Advisor Dan St. Pierre adjust the American Legion Baseball Flag at the Maine State American Legion Tournament in South Portland Aug ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE Much to Learn at Fall Conf.: Many of those in attendance during the LEAD Training session taught by National instructors Rolanda Herron, Tom Winters, and Scott McFarland during the Dept. of Maine s Annual Fall Conference held at Bourque-Lanigan Post 5 in Waterville on Sept. 19. The main focus of the LEAD training class was Post Operations/Membership, MyLegion.org, and Finance. New ideas, understanding and lots of good information was brought forth from our National organization. Special Presentation: A spe- First Pitch: Maine American Legion Baseball Advisor Dan St. Pierre throws the first pitch at the Jr. Legion All Star game held at the Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland Aug. 2. cial presentation took place at the Annual Fall Conference by Dept. Commander Ronald Rainfrette and Legislative Committee Chairman William Chick Ciciotte to recognize and present Legislature of the Year Awards to Representatives Lori Fowle, James Davitt and Byron Short. Left to right, Rep. Lori Fowle, Chairman William Chick Ciciotte, Rep. James Davitt, Rep. Byron Short, Commander Ronald Rainfrette, and 1st Vice Commander Peter Johnson. NATIONAL CONVENTION CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAIR VETERAN S APPRECIATION DAY Veterans Appreciation Day: BALTIMORE, MARYLAND The American Legion 97th Annual National Convention Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Some of Maine s Delegation at the 97th Annual National Convention in Baltimore, MD. Left to right, NEC Ramona Naragon, PNC Anthony Tony Jordan, Dept. Finance Officer Tommy Adkins, Americanism Officer Kirk Thurston, and Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux. American Legion Legislative Committee Chairman William Chick Ciciotte, right, and State Representatives Cathy Nadeau and Jonathan Kinney in attendance at the Veterans Appreciation Day Event held at the Cumberland County Fair on Sept. 27. Donations For The Beals House: Area 3 Commander Steve Jarrett Sr. stands at the donation table for The Beals House at the Cumberland County Fair Veterans Appreciation Day event. A total of $2512,87 was collected and presented to the Beals House on Oct. 14.

16 16 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Sweepstakes Winners Announced F all Conference concluded on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 19, 2015 at Waterville Post 5 with our sweepstakes drawing, which saw eight of our Legionnaires, win the following amounts: The lucky winner of the top prize of $3,500 was Wade Rainey, West Paris Post 151. Other winners were $1,000 Richard Campbell, S. Portland Post 35; $500 Raymond Spencer, Berwick Post 79; $200 Alan Carlsen, Augusta Post 2, Albert Dulac, Sabattus Post 135, Arthur Baker, Waterville Post 178, Michael Laverdiere, Harpswell Post 171 and Stephen Farrar, Houlton Post 47. DEC Meeting Held at State HQ: The Department Executive Committee held their DEC meeting in the soon to be Training Facility at the Dept. of Maine State HQ during the Annual Fall Conference Sept. 20. The training/ historical facility should be completed by Mid December, Make Plans Now for the Annual Mid-Winter Conference in Bangor January 16-17, 2016 he annual Mid-Winter Conference T will be held Jan , 2016 at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Rd, Bangor, ME (207) The conference will be hosted by Commander Ronald Rainfrette and 2nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj. Hotel Reservations can be made at the following: Holiday Inn: 404 Odlin Rd. Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: Room Rate: $99.00 Ramada Inn: 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: Room Rate: $99.00 Fairfield Inn: 300 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: Room Rate: $79.00 Days Inn: 250 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine Phone: Website: Room Rate: $76.00 EconoLodge: 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 available. Please watch future editions for further information regarding, meals, lodging and speakers. Have You Asked a Veteran TO JOIN Today? Help us increase membership for 2016! he Americanism T Commission held its meeting on Sat., Aug. 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Roll call was conducted with one hun- National Convention Americanism Report Update dred twentytwo members KIRK of the Americanism Commission, THURSTON Americanism Council, Committee on Children & Youth and Committee on Youth Education in attendance. An update on the activities of the Americanism Commission and its committees was presented. We welcomed the 2015 Youth Champion Delegation and heard remarks from each of the young champions. In attendance were: Ethan Copple, 2015 Eagle Scout of the Year of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Matthew Walsh, 2014 American Legion Baseball Academic Team Captain of East Weymouth, Massachusetts; Aravind Byju, 2015 American Legion Boys Nation President of Sarasota, Florida; Rhiann Travis, 2015 Junior Air Rifle Precision Champion of Poolville, Texas; Adam McClintock, 2015 Junior Air Rifle Sporter Champion of Tucson, Arizona. Geeta Minocha, 2015 Oratorical Champion of Ocala, Florida was unable to attend that day, but was present at Convention on Wednesday, September 2. Holocaust survivor, Nesse Godin was recognized as the recipient of the 2015 American Legion National Education Award for her life-long dedication in continuing to pass on the vital, first hand lessons of the Holocaust, its impact on history, and its continued relevance to our nation today. She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for her speaking and advocacy of human rights and for ensuring that younger generations do not forget the transgressions of the past and that mistakes are not repeated in the future. Jaycee Dugard, president and founder of the JAYC Foundation is a very special person. At the age of 11 she was kidnapped on her way to the bus stop by a sex offender and his wife. Jaycee was held captive for 18 years before escaping. Her story is truly amazing. She along with their Advisory Committee member Dr. Rebecca Bailey briefed the commission on the purpose and aims of the JAYC Foundation and to thank the American Legion for the $50, grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. The Children & Youth Committee met on Sunday, August 30, 2015 in the Hilton Holiday Ballroom in Baltimore, Maryland with forty-two members present. We were briefed on the important work of the Committee on Children & Youth and American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. The following funds were raised during the year: Operation Comfort Warrior, $7,255,173.75; American Legion Rider Legacy Run, $1,249, (new record); Child Welfare, $48, Over $85,000 in grants was provided from C&Y/TFA assisting over 3500 children. The Sons of American Legion s (SAL) membership is 359,000 and raised $1,695, for Children and Youth utilizing 16,050 volunteer hours. Respectfully submitted by: Kirk D. Thurston, Department Americanism Officer Monson Members Making Memories Monson Post 116 members participate in the (D.A.R.) Daughters of the American Revolution ceremony. The D.A.R. was founded on October 8, 1894 and Post 116 members continue to support this organization.

17 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER Take Action with Membership nly six American Legion departments are ahead in membership O compared to where they were last year at this time. That s not the direction I want to go with membership. That s not the direction we need to go. I know DALE BARNETT recruiting is NATIONAL difficult; I COMMANDER know it s hard. But I know that you want to be on a winning team, and we ve got to turn membership around. And with the holiday season upon us, we can t put membership aside if we want to be ahead of where we were last year. Edgar Johnson, the 2013 and 2015 National Recruiter of the Year and an eight-time Gold Brigader, has recruited 1,900 new members into the Legion in four years. When approaching a prospective new member, Johnson talks about the camaraderie the Legion provides. "If you were to get out of the Army right now and go back home, who would you be able to talk to when you ve been away for three years," said Johnson, a member of Post 333 in Columbus, Ga. "It s hard to talk to a civilian. When you ve been in the military, you can talk to one another. I don t care where you go, your nationality, your race, whatever. You re able to talk with fellow veterans about anything you ve done in the military. A lot of guys hear that, start to shake their head, and then they start to fill the (membership) application out. "I tell them, By being a (member), you re helping other veterans who have served before you and veterans who have served (after) you. A lot of times, it s easy to sign them up after that." You can also increase membership by giving it as a gift this holiday season. Thank a deployed servicemember in your community by purchasing an American Legion membership for him or her. It s an easy way to show young veterans that they are part of the Legion Family. We need to shoot for the stars with membership, and I need your help. We need to do it for the organization; we need to do it as we approach our 100th anniversary. We ve got to stop talking, and we ve got to start acting. - See more at: dispatch/230341/take-action-membership Digital Dispatch November 3, 2015 SAA is The American Legion's U preferred provider of financial services. Offering a range of top-rated financial and insurance products and services. USAA welcomes honorably discharged U.S. military veterans, active-duty troops and qualified family members and descendants of those who have served. USAA contributes funds to American Legion programs when members join through a dedicated channel: For more information, please visit: auto_insurance_main?affid=010&adid=aff_tal_pnc_auto_dept_0815. Have a Question? A USAA representative is ready to talk to you Our Citizen Soldiers Appreciation Day program entering their 4th consecutive year in which Madawaska and Caribou American Legion Riders take over KP duties for the 185th Engineer Company. This year their Certificate of Appreciation went to VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 9389 of Caribou for their contribution and support to the program. Presenting the award to recipient is Patricia Edgecomb, President of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post of Caribou and Elizabeth Bruno, left, and Cecile Roy, right, both from Van Buren and members of ALR Madawaska Chapter 147. National Commander s Pin Incentive Program uring the membership D year, National Commander Dale Barnett will award his National Commander pin to any American Legion Family member who obtains three new members into The American Legion. A new member is defined as any eligible person joining for the 2016 membership year who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2015 membership year. 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. National Commander s Honor Ribbon uring the membership D year, National Commander Dale Barnett will award his 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 or Sons squadron. Each branch must To maintain the integrity of the National Commander's pin incentive program, only one pin will be awarded per individual. The certification form for this program may be submitted at any time after Aug. 30. Upon receipt, national membership staff will confirm the names and mail the pin directly to the person who earned it. Commander Barnett's pin incentive program will end June 30, 2016, or when supplies are exhausted. To learn more about National Commander s Barnett s Pin Incentive Program or to print a copy of the form, please visit: achieve 100 percent to qualify for the award. Commander Barnett's Honor Ribbon incentive program will end May 30, 2016, or when supplies are exhausted. To print a copy of the National Commander s Honor Ribbon Form, please visit: commander/ribbon. Calling all Snowbirds... he American Legion, Department of T Maine continues to offer its Snowbird address change service. If you are a Snowbird, for example, you live in Maine from April-October and Florida from November-March, please fill out the SNOWBIRD FORM available by visiting under Forms/Application. Please mail form as soon as possible to The American Legion, Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine or via to legionme@mainelegion.org. If you are a member who moves between the same two addresses at the same time each year, please remember to check the box provided. By checking this box, you will not have to notify us again unless you have a change in either address or time. For further assistance, please contact The American Legion, Department of Maine at Governor LePage Presents Distinguished Service Award: Governor Paul LePage presents Rep. Mike Timmons, left, with a Distinguished Service Award in recognition of outstanding contribution for the Veterans on the State of Maine during Veterans Appreciation Day at the Cumberland County Fair Sept. 27.

18 18 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Korea Reborn Books Presented: District 1 Commander Steve White presents Korea Reborn books to Korean War Era Veterans at the District 1 meeting held at Old Orchard Beach Post 57 on Sept. 27. Left to right, Korean War Era Veterans and Legionnaires Ray Hallczuk and Bill Schlatterer, and District 1 Commander Steve White. District 1 100% Membership Awarded: District 1 Commander Steve White, right, presents 100% membership plaque/ribbon to Biddeford Post 26 Legionnaire Ray Hallczuk during the District 1 meeting held at Old Orchard Beach Post 57 on Sunday, Sept. 27. A Sign of the Times s you travel the roads this month, A you ll see signs that fall has arrived and if you are extremely observant, you ll notice that with timed the arrival of fall, is a new sign! Lord s Cemetery in Berwick, Maine is sporting a brand new sign designating a section of the cemetery, which was established in 1765 as a family cemetery, as a Veteran s Memorial Park. This new sign is the brainchild of Andy Buckman, a US Navy veteran and active member of Charles S. Hatch Post #79, The American Legion, who conceived the idea earlier this spring. With strong support and approval from the members of Post #79 and the town of Berwick, Andy turned his design over to Steve McDuffy, owner of Duff s Signs and Custom Painting in nearby Farmington, New Hampshire. Steve built and painted the sign, which was installed Labor Day weekend with the assistance of Berwick Highway Department personnel who dug the postholes. While this project was the initiative of one man, it was truly a team effort from start to finish, starting with Andy Buckman and Steve McDuffy, to Jimmy Guy, who donated loam for the project and Paul Lapierre, who helped Andy to spread the loam and seed the area, with the watering handled by the Berwick Fire Department. Hats off and many thanks to all involved! A formal dedication was held on site at Lord s Cemetery on Veteran s Day, Wed., Nov. 11, 2015, at 11:00 A.M. Travelers Take Notice: Thanks to Steve McDuffy, this new sign he made now marks the Veteran s Memorial Park in Berwick, Maine. Photo by Mark Pilgrim T The World War II 70 th Anniversary Global Tribute District 2 he World War II 70th Anniversary Global Tribute was held on Sunday August 16th at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine. World War II veterans from the York county area were invited to be honored in a Special Ceremony which started at 10:00 a.m. A number of American Legion Post #19 WWII veterans spoke at the ceremony including Raymond Fortier, Leon Tanguay and Don Littlefield about their experiences during WWII. It was a very moving ceremony from the opening prayer by Rev. Henry Bock, WWII veteran, Amazing Grace played by a bagpiper, special congressional record recognition from Senators Collins and King, plus a Sentiment from the State of Maine. Each attendee received a flag and all were asked to shake the hand of the WWII veterans in attendance. A Special 18 gun salute was given at 11:00 a.m. With a special Benediction by Don Littlefield All the WWII veterans, their family members and all attendees were provided refreshments at the administrative building compliments of American Legion Post #19 and VFW Post Eagle Canes Presented In Honor of Their Service Naples Post 155 Commander Ron Edson presents an eagle cane to 94 year old US Navy WWII & Korean War Veteran, David E. Santos EN CSS who served on 12 different submarines from USS Gabilan 252 and ended on USS Fulton (AS -11). He served from Nov. 26 at age 42, to July 16 at age 63. Left to right, District 2 Commander and Post 155 Adjutant Curtis Merrill, Post 155 Finance Officer Dick Bell, Post 155 Commander Ron Edson, WWII & Korean Veteran David E. Santos EN CSS, Post 155 Historian Robert Shaw, and VFW Commander Jim Proctor. Eagle Cane Presented to Last Surviving Charter Member of Post 155: Naples Post 155 Commander Ron Edson presents an eagle cane to 92 year old WWII Veteran Harry Delan. Delan served in the US Army in the European Campaign Theater, and is also the last surviving charter Member of the American Legion Post 155. Delan helped build and form the Post in He was also presented a life membership. The presentation was at his residence in Raymond on Sept. 9. Left to right, District 2 Commander and Post 155 Adjutant Curtis Merrill, VFW Commander Jim Proctor, WWII Veteran Harry Delan, Post 155 Commander Ron Edson, and Post 155 Finance Officer Dick Bell. Photo by Robert C. Shaw, Post 155 Historian

19 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 2 continued District 5 continued Thank You Gray Post 86 for an Outstanding Job!!!: Members of Gray Post 86 prepare for an Old Fashion BBQ and visit of National Commander Mike Helm Aug. 1. A big right hand salute for all members of the Post for an outstanding job. District 3 District 4 District 5 Mundt-Allen Post 81 in Bethel provided ice cream to the children at Bog Brook Training Ground in Gilead two Mondays in a row. Many of the children made sure to thank the Veterans for their service and the ice cream. The Post also donated $100 from the Bethal Area Dart League in Jeri Greenwell s name. The Post found out that the camp has lost some funding and so they decided to fund two children at $50 each. They would like to get other Post to also fund 1 or 2 children for next year, as it is a great program and the children love it. Left to right, Post 81 Commander Randy Autry, State and Family Program Director MSG Barbara Claudel, Americanism Officer Norm Clanton, Chaplin Sylvia Clanton, 1st Vice Bob McCartney, Auxiliary Jeri Greenwell, and Lead Child and Youth Coordinator Elizabeth Marcotte. Oxford Post 112 presented Korean War Veterans their Korea Reborn books. Back row, left to right, Legionnaires Phil Perkins, Bob Tripp and Ed Lyons. Sitting is Eleanor Heidrich accepting the book for her husband former Senator Ted Heidrich who passed away in Continuous Years: Oxford Post 112 Legionnaire and Marine Veteran H. Joseph Bernard, left, is presented his 25 year continuous service certificate from Post Commander Ed Lyons. Americanism in Action embers of Anderson Staples Post M 112 and the Ladies Auxiliary together with the Oxford Recreation Department, participated in an End of summer Ice Cream Social for area families held at the Recreation Department Station House Community Center over the Labor Day weekend. Legion and Auxiliary members discussed the history of our flag and spoke about flag etiquette. Pictured is Linda Jack Auxiliary President assisting 10 year old Lucas Hutchinson in demonstrating the proper technique in folding the American Flag. This was an outstanding opportunity to educate our kids about our flag and its traditions and get some hands on experience said Vice Commander Randy Jack. The kids and parents really enjoyed the discussion. Post Commander Meets National Commander: Norway Post 82 Commander Sharon Hale meets National Commander Mike Helm during the welcoming celebration of National Commander Helm s visit at Gray Post 86. Flag Etiquette at Post 112: Auxiliary President Linda Jack, left, along with Lucas and Vice Commander Randy Jack holding the flag Lucas folded. The kids received a patriotic coloring book, a small American Flag provided by the Ladies Auxiliary, and each family received a small booklet on flag etiquette. Flag Folding A Great Lesson in Americanism: Linda Jack assisting 10-year old Lucas Hutchinson in demonstrating the proper way to fold the American Flag. Legion members presented a brief presentation about the history of the American Flag and Flag etiquette. This was a great lesson in Americanism.

20 20 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 District 5 continued Navy Seal s Welcomed at Post 112: Oxford Post 112 welcomed the Navy SEAL s (in yellow shirts) during their reverse triathlon to benefit Camp Sunshine. The Post was used as a brief rest and rehydration point. The SEAL s took time to thank Veterans in the crowd for their service and support. Post Commander Ed Lyons, center, and Post Vice Commander Randy Jack, far left, presented each SEAL with an American Legion Military Service Thank You for Your Service coin, along with a $ donation towards their goal to raise $100,000 to sponsor a session at Camp Sunshine for military and special operations families that have a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. District 6 Camden Post 30 Sports New Sign: War Memorial Post 30 sports a new sign for their Post at 91 Pearl Street in Camden. Members got together on September 4 and erected the sign once again letting the community know that the Post is alive and well. Left to right, Norman Carver, Cecil Dennison, and John Hyssong. New 1st Vice Commander Installed: District 6 held a meeting at the Camden Legion Post 30 on Aug. 29. The meeting was chaired by District 6 Commander and Post 30 Member Ray Lewis, who had the pleasure of installing a new First Vice Commander for the District, Clair Fields. Claire is also a member of Post 30. Left to right, Commander Ron Rainfrette, Claire Fields, and Ray Lewis. Looking on is Sgt. At Arms and Rockland Post 1 Adjutant Douglas King. Rockland Post 1 Commander Installed: At a recent District 6 meeting held Aug. 29 at Camden Post 30, District 6 Commander Ray Lewis had the pleasure of installing the new Rockland Post 1 Commander Gary Leach. Left to right, State Commander Ronald Rainfrette, Rockland Post 1 Commander Gary Leach, and District 6 Commander Ray Lewis. Looking on is District 6 Sgt. At Arms and Rockland Post 1 Adjutant Douglas King, and District 6 1st Vice Commander and Post 30 Chaplain Clair Fields. District 7 District 8 Governor & First Lady Attend Post Dedication Ceremony: During the National Commanders visit Aug. 1, Governor Paul LePage and First Lady Ann attended the new Post 20 Home Dedication Ceremony in Brunswick. They also had the opportunity to chat with State Commander Ron Rainfrette and many Veterans in attendance. Photo by Chilloa Young Phippsburg Post 216 members receive their six year service certificates. Left to right, Judge Advocate Dan Coffin, Sgt-At-Arms Dave Barnes, Comrade John Libby, Chaplain Richard Spear, and 2nd Vice Commander Gary Flemmings.

21 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 8 continued Recruiting & Informational Booth: On July 26 Phippsburg Post 216 members manned a recruiting and informational booth at the Annual Phippsburg Firemans Field Day. Left to right, Post 216 Commander Ken Kellogg, and Second Vice Commander Terry Nordmann. Photo by Mike Young District 9 Congratulations!!! Goes out to District 9 for providing the most number of pictures & articles for publication in The Maine Legionnaire. 5 Year Service Certificate: Phippsburg Post 216 Bugler Roger Howard, left, receives his five year service certificate from Post Commander Ken Kellogg. Photo by Chilloa Young Fashionable Army Vest: Sgt- At-Arms Dave Barnes shows off his Army vest made and donated by the Epiphany Quilters in California. Members of the Quilters made the vests for individual Phippsburg Post 216 Officers and the material chosen was reflective of each Officers service. The sister of Finance Officer Debra Reddinger is a member of the quilting organization. Photo by Debra Redinger Post 216 Welcomes New Member: Army Veteran Jim Hamel is welcomed as a new member of the American Legion. Left to right, Phippsburg Post 216 Sgt-At-Arms Dave Barnes, Comrade Jim Hamel, Post Commander Ken Kellogg, Post First Vice Commander Gary Flemmings, and Adjutant Mike Young Photo by Chilloa Young Certificate of Valor: Augusta Post 2 Commander Pat Eisenhart, seated, left, and other members of the Kennebec County Honor Guard present a Certificate of Valor to Korean Combat Veteran Rene Castonguay at the Beacon Hospice Center in Hallowell. Comrade Castonguay served as a member of a tank crew. Those surrounding Comrade Castonguay, left to right, Post 189 Member Carlton Tripp, Post 189 Member Norm Bernier, Augusta Post 2 Member Jim Palmer, Post 189 Member Bill Christopholous, and Augusta Post 205 member Herb Mann Jr. Singing the National Anthem: Augusta Post 2 member Larry Guimond, left, sings the National Anthem to open the 2015 Veterans Day show at the Windsor Fair put together by Department Public Relations Committee Chair Pat Eisenhart, right. Legionnaires from Post 2, Hallowell Post 6, Winthrop Post 40, Litchfield Post 181, and Augusta Post 205 participated in uniform at the two hour show along with Bagpiper Jim Thibodeau from Monmouth, magician Curious Carroll, nationally renowned country singer Debbie Meyers, and the Hyysong Gospel singers were the mainliners who performed before a crowd of approximately 200.

22 22 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 District 9 continued Augusta Post 2 Gets A Facelift: The Over the Hill Deck Detail gave Augusta Post 2 a facelift by building a new back deck, painting the outside of the building, making roof repairs, weatherizing all doors, stripping all floors, stopping basement leaks, and contracting out plumbing and heating repairs while having some fun in the process. Left to right, Post 2 Adjutant Howard Betts, Post 2 Member Al Donnell, Second Vice Jim Palmer, Post 2 Commander Pat Eisenhart, Executive Member Roget Badershall, and member Ernie Pelton. Photo by Volunteer Heinz Rosenbecker Working the Crowd: Hallowell Post 6 members working the crowd at the Windsor Fair on behalf of Wreaths Across America during the first week of Sept. Left to right, Past Post Commander Mike Madden and Post Commander Jerry Stewart. Hallowell Post 6 Supports Local Food Bank: Goodrich- Caldwell Post 6 Commander Gerald Stuart presents a check to Jeanne Langsdorf of the Hallowell Food Bank Sept. 28. Two Youth Service Clubs Raise Money to Match Grant itzgerald-cummings American Legion Post 2 Commander Patrick Ei- F senhart accepted a matching grant totaling $2160 raised by two youth service clubs of the Modern Woodman Financial Fraternal organization founded in Presenting the check to Commander Eisenhart are the children of the club who raised money and their adult advisors Nicky Allen on the left, Regional Coordinator Patrick Linahan, and on the fair right Leah Bowden. Eisenhart said, I was very much moved by the generosity and community spirit of these young children and their leaders in that their mission was very similar to that of our own. Secondly, he said, Until we were approached to become a beneficiary of their matching grant program, I had no idea of the wonderful work these kids do for the community. We are profoundly grateful. Modern Woodmen is a tax-exempt fraternal benefit society that sells life insurance, annuity and investment products, not to benefit stockholders but to improve quality of life for its members, their families, and their communities. This is accomplished through social, charitable, and volunteer activities. Similar to scout troops, youth clubs hold monthly activities and plan volunteer projects that benefit the community. In a safe and positive environment led by adult Modern Woodmen members, participating kids undertake countless educational, service, and beautification projects for the betterment of their local communities. Also having a lot of fun along the way. Volunteerism, education, patriotism and fun are the foundations for the Modern Woodmen youth service clubs. For more than 60 years, these clubs have improved the self-esteem of participating children through helping others. Club members plan fundraisers to support worthy causes, and Modern Woodmen matches the funds raised. The children enjoy education experiences such as visiting scenic points of interest, tour factories, and browse museums. Young members develop a sense of patriotism by placing American flags on veterans graves, sending cards, or visiting local VA facilities. As well as providing financial support. They visit residents of nursing homes and retirement centers to reminisce, play games, make crafts, and enjoy refreshments. With people across the country, the children join hands and bridge the generation gap to improve their communities on this national day of volunteering. Additional programs include Adopt A Grandparent, Annual Service Hours T- Shirt, Flags For Your Community, Help A Child, Make A Difference Day, Outstanding Volunteer Award, Parades, Plant A Tree, Salute, Soup Labels and Community Beautification are also offered by youth service clubs. Displaying His Eagle Cane: Winthrop Post 40 member Gil Turcotte shows the eagle cane he received from Winthrop Post 40 to those in attendance at the Post meeting held Oct. 8. Women s Issues: Hallowell Post 6 held a meeting with NEC Woman/Guest speaker Mona Naragon, left. Mona spoke on the topic of woman s issues and plans for future workshops. Standing to the right is District 9 Commander Donald Chase. Winthrop Post 40 held their Post meeting at the Post home on Oct. 8. Member Gil Turcotte, center, was presented with an eagle cane hand carved by Glen Brown with Maine Woodcarvers, right. Joe Young, left, had requested the cane. Certificate of Appreciation: Winthrop Post 40 Commander Colin Hewett, left, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Dave Armstrong for outstanding service with regards to flag placements during the Post meeting held on Oct. 8.

23 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 9 continued State Commander Pitches Fundraising Project: Department Commander Ronald Rainfrette visits District 9 meeting at Winthrop Post 40 on Oct. 14 to pitch his fundraising project to the Beals House. Left to right, Post 40 Americanism Officer Charlie Mann, District 9 Commander Don Chase, Augusta Post 2 Commander Pat Eisenhart, Department Commander Ron Rainfrette, and Hallowell Post 6 Commander Gerry Stuart. NVC Addresses Post 51 Members: Newly elected National Vice Commander John Hargreaves addresses the people attending the District 9 meeting held at Oakland Post 51 on Sept. 9. District 10 Boys and Girls State Supper: Skowhegan Post 16 held a Boys and Girls State supper on Oct. 5. The experiences the girls shared was awesome and the excitement they had, made you want to go and check it out. Left to right, Regan Billings Pearce, Kylie Welch, Cassandra McChord, Kristen Sally, and Unit 16 Auxiliary President Ronda Spaulding. District 10 continued Photo by Service Officer Gerald Boulette First Annual BBQ: 9 Members of Athens Post 192 attended their first annual barbeque August 22. The barbecue was held at Charlene Sage s Brownville camp on Schoodic Lake and was hosted by Service Officer Gerald Boulette. The members enjoyed a variety of food, party boat rides, and games. Also included were door prizes for all. Left to right, Hostess Charlene Sage, Auxiliary member Sherri Thompson, Special Guest Mr. and Mrs. Lin White, Auxiliary President Linda Doiron, members Mr. and Mrs. Gig Howell, and Sgt.-At-Arms Robert Doiron. District 11 District 12 District 13 Korea Reborn Books Presented: During the District 10 meeting on Sept. 21, District 10 Commander Leo Hines gave out two Korea Reborn A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for 60 Years of Growth books to two Korean Veterans, thanking them for their service. Left to right, PFC William Gilbert Army , and Seaman 1st class Richard E. Cyr Navy , and District 10 Commander Leo Hines. Photo by Don Demers Districts Working Together: At a recent testimonial supper at Lee-Graham Post 97 in Howland to honor the students who attended Dirigo Boys State and Girl State, Commander Lu Lamoreau, right, from Veterans Memorial Post 205 of Augusta, presents a certificate of Good Citizenship to Zachary Sides who the Post sponsored.

24 24 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 District 13 continued District 14 Post Excellence Awards Presented At District 14 Meeting Dover-Foxcroft Post 29 Commander Ronald Williams receives a Post Excellence Award from Past Department Commander Richard Graves, right, and Department 2nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj, left at the District 14 meeting held Oct. 17 at Milo Post 41. WWII Recognition Supper: Lincoln Post 77 and the Lincoln Historical Society hosted a lovely World War II recognition supper in October. Pictured is the group of Lincoln area WWII Veterans who attended. Service Quilt Donated: Mr. and Mrs. Chandler Ireland of Lincoln Post 77 kindly donated a quilt to be raffled off. It was handmade by Mrs. Chandler and graced upon it are the five branches of service. The lucky winner was Gail DeBeck. Left to right, Post 77 Commander Darrell Savage, Winner Gail DeBeck, and First Vice Steve DeSmidt. Lincoln Post 77 Adjutant Patrick Ferris, left, and Commander Darrell Savage, center, present WWII Veteran Winifred Clemens with a letter of recognition from the Governor of Maine Paul LePage, as did all the other Veterans present that evening. Milo Post 41 Commander Dan Nutter Sr., center, receives a Post Excellence Award from Past Department Commander Richard Graves Sr., right, and Department 2nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj. Post Excellence/100% Membership Awarded to Post 92: District 14 Commander Dan Nutter Sr., left, and Department 1st Vice Commander Peter Johnson, right, present Brownville, Jct. Post 92 Service Officer Felix Blinn a Post Excellence & 100% Membership Award. Greenville Post 94 Commander John Guerin, center, receives a Post Excellence Award from Department 2nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj, left, and Past Department Commander Richard Graves Sr. Lincoln Post 77 Honor Guard Takes Part in Summit Project Walk: Honor Guard members of Lincoln Post 77 take part in the Summit Project walk through Lincoln. It was to honor fallen soldiers and a large part of the town was involved. Left to right, Patrick Ferris, Darrell Savage, Sheldon Hanington, Dale Marston, Luther Tripp, John Richards, Don Polk, Paul Shedd, Gary Bies, Robert Rhodes and David Baker. Monson Post 116 Receives Post Excellence: District 14 Commander Dan Nutter Sr., left, and Department 1st Vice Commander Peter Johnson, right, present a 2015 Post Excellence Award to Monson Post 116 Post Commander William Ranta during the District 14 meeting in Milo on Oct. 17.

25 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER District 14 continued District 15 continued 100% Early Bird Membership: Past Department Commander Richard Graves Sr., right, presents Sangerville Post 165 Commander Bradford Ellis with a 100% Early Bird Membership Award during the District 14 meeting held at Guilford Masonic Lodge Sept. 12. District 15 Guilford Post 119 Commander Brian Knowlton, center, receives a Post Excellence Award from Department 2nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj, left, and Past Department Commander Richard Graves Sr. Calais Post 3 Commander Mike McLean had the privilege to participate with the "Veterans Honor Guard" from the Eastport area on Nov. 2. These Veterans have provided Volunteer Service for Funerals for over 20 years! They have been a great asset throughout Washington County! Veterans Honor Guard! (L-R) Richard Mealey, Tom Ries, Victor Voisine, Jim Moffitt, Mike Mclean & Andy Pottle! Color Guard Provided for October Fest Parade: The Color Guard for the Baileyville October Fest Parade held Sat., Oct. 10 was provided by Calais Post 3 Adjutant Troy Ramsdell, Calais Post 3 member Darrin McClellan and Calais Post 3 Commander Mike McClellan. It was a great turnout. TAPS were played for Jim Cloney, member of the Sherman Brothers Post 3 for 47 years. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. Left to right, Commander Mike Mclean, Adjutant Troy Ramsdell and member of Darrin McClellan. Lubec Post 65 Commander Mike Sawtelle and Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux present Horrace Moore with a Korea Reborn book for his dedicated service to our country during a ceremony held at Post 65 on Aug. 12. Left to right, Post 65 Commander Mike Sawtelle, Horrace Moore, and Dept. Adjutant Paul L Heureux. District 16 District 17 Canadian Friendship Award: The Canadian Friendship Award was presented to Omer J. Brunet from New Brunswick Canada at Lubec Post 65 meeting on Aug. 12. Left to right, Sandra Brunet, Omer J. Brunet, Department Adjutant Paul L Heureux, and Lubec Post 65 Commander Mike Sawtelle. Generous Donation Makes up for Criminal Act: In early summer a plywood silhouette was shredded to pieces. A criminal act still being investigated by the sheriff s department and state police. Frenchville Post 145 Commander Robert Sinclair approached Pierre Chamberland to replace it. Pierre owner of Chamberlands welding said he d be glad to and donate it in memory of his father Roger Chamberland Past Member of Post 145 and a Korean War Veteran. Robert Sinclair, left, is pictured here accepting the metal silhouette from Pierre Chamberland.

26 26 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 VETERAN OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER LELAND G. MERCHANT So. Paris Veterans Home ELAND G. MERCHANT- L SEAMAN FIRST CLASS Leland was born in Weld, Maine on December 6, 1927 and graduated from Mt. Valley High School in Rumford, Maine. In July, 1945 Leland enlisted to go into the Navy and served in Korea during World War II where he achieved the rank Seaman First Class and received the World War II Victory medal. He was honorably discharged on August 17, Leland married June Hodge and they have two children, one son Dennis and a daughter Cheryl. They also have four grandchildren: Christopher, Jason, Carrie & Jonathan and three great grandchildren: Landon, Whitney & Jamie. Leland worked at Stowe McGregor s mill in Dixfield, Maine as a spool machinist for many years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, snowshoeing, country music, gardening, spending time outside, playing golf and traveling. Leland and his wife traveled to Hawaii and Indianapolis with his Legion and also attended many events throughout the state. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, a former commander of 40/8, and a former commander of the American Legion in Rumford & VFW member. Leland also taught Sunday School for 17 years. Leland came to the Maine Veterans' Home in 2012 and resides on the C-Unit. Thank You Leland for your service. Winning Ticket Yields a $500 Meat Package: George Brown draws the winning ticket for a $500 meat package supplied by Tilton s Market in Buckfield. The winner of the raffle was Roland Blood. WMVAC works throughout the year to raise funds for the activities department at the Maine Veteran s Home in South Paris. Left to right, Co-chairman of WMVAC Gene Bickford, Co-chairman of WMVAC Joe Cooney, and WMVAC member George Brown. To All Maine Legionnaires Re: National HQ Fundraising Solicitation he American Legion National organization has issued a letter to all Amer- T ican Legion Veterans Nationwide to fill out a 2015 American Values Survey with enclosed address labels as a gift to you as well as a request for you to make a donation to help all Veterans Nationwide. They are also soliciting for calendars, holiday ornaments, and a sweepstake program. The American Legion, Department of Maine does not want you to confuse these fundraising programs with our Legion Programs within the State of Maine. Although these are very good causes to all Veterans Nationwide, The American Legion, Department of Maine wants to advise you that these donations do not stay in the State of Maine or support any of our programs locally or at the state level; therefore, please use caution when making these donations. Should you have any questions, please call our Department of Maine State HQ at The American Legion, Department of Maine thanks you for your continued support. Paul L Heureux, State Adjutant VETERAN OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER JOSEPH W. BARTH So. Paris Veterans Home OSEPH W. BARTH J CHIEF BOATSWAIN MATE Joseph was born on May 9, 1917 in Murphysboro, Illinois and grew up with one brother and one sister. He enlisted in the Navy and served from January 15, 1935 and was honorably discharged on August 24, Joseph was stationed on various ships throughout the East & West Coast and served during World War II. During World War II he served aboard the USS Augusta (CA-31), the USS YMS 14, and the USS Spectacle (AM305). He was assigned to recruiting duty in Miami, Florida after the war until 1949 then he was transferred to the USS E Disto (AGB-2 an icebreaker) out of Boston, Massachusetts. One of Joe s experiences that he had was on May 22, 1945 when the USS Spectacle (AM305) was hit by Kamikaze during operations prior to the invasion of Okinawa. After joining the Navy, Joseph was assigned to the USS Raleigh (CL7) and participated in a US civilian evacuation during the Spanish Civil War. The USS Augusta (CA31) was the flagship of the Atlantic fleet and while Joseph was on board he hosted President Roosevelt in 1941 for a meeting with Prime Minister Churchill in Argentina, New Foundland, and Canada. In 1942 the USS Augusta transported General Patton to North Africa prior to Operation Torch. Joseph earned the title Chief Boatswain Mate and received the National Defense Medal. Joseph married Doris Tabor in 1943 while serving aboard the YMS -14. They have two children, a daughter Barbara born in June 1944 and a son Joseph born in October They also have four grandchildren, two girls and two boys and nine great grandchildren. After retiring from active duty he worked as a sales representative for Harris Co., Ship Chandlers, Kyanize Paints, and Krook & Krook Marine Hardware. Joseph came to the Maine Veterans' Home in July 2014 and resides on the Residential Care Unit. Thank You Joseph for your service. Tree of Caring in the Works estern Maine Veterans Advisory W Committee prepares for holiday season with the Tree of Caring. Once again, it is time to start preparing for the Holiday season, and members of the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee (WMVAC) are selling Christmas bulbs to light the tree located at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris. The bulbs are for sale for $5.00 each, and may be purchased in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone close to the heart. The tree has grown immensely over the past several years, and each year we have more lights on it, states Joe Cooney, co-chairman of WMVAC. This fundraiser has become a local tradition and our residents look forward to the tree lighting ceremony held when the tree becomes fully lit. The community is always invited as well as staff, residents and families to see this lighting. Left to right, Co-chairmen Gene Bickford and Joe Cooney, WMVAC, and Activities Supervisor Pat Paar. This year s lighting ceremony will take place at the Maine Veterans Home located at 477 High Street in South Paris on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. There will be music, refreshments and plenty of good cheer. Bulbs are available for purchase for $5.00 each. Payment can be made by sending a check to Maine Veterans Home, c/o Richard Young, 477 High St., South Paris, ME , or by stopping at the facility. Please include the name of the person to be on the bulb and remember to signify whether it is honor of or in memory of that person. WMVAC works throughout the year by doing many varied fund raising events to raise money for the Activities Fund at the South Paris facility. For more information about the Tree of Caring or about the Maine Veterans Home, call (207) , or visit us at our website at

27 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER POST NAME CONFLICT Post 1 Rockland Darryl S. Leavitt Vietnam Post 1 Rockland Neil A. Novicka Vietnam Post 2 Augusta Warren R. Gay WWII Post 2 Augusta Charles W. Randall Sr. WWII Post 5 Waterville Joseph A. Poirier Korea Post 5 Waterville David F. Wright Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Leo J. Breard Korea Post 5 Waterville Clement J. Warren WWII Post 5 Waterville Clifford L. Quinney WWII Post 5 Waterville Fred W. Clark WWII Post 5 Waterville Bernard L. McCaslin Korea Post 5 Waterville William P. Neihoff WWII Post 5 Waterville Conrad W. Babb Korea Post 5 Waterville William A. Conway Korea Post 5 Waterville Gerard J. Roberge WWII Post 5 Waterville Robert M. Canavan Vietnam Post 5 Waterville Gordon L. Corson Vietnam Post 6 Hallowell Alden L. Niles WWII Post 8 Cherryfield Ernest Corliss Korea Post 8 Cherryfield Smith WWII Post 12 Bangor Richard Lowney Vietnam Post 23 Baileyville loyd D. Johnson WWII Post 29 Dover-Foxcroft Joseph E. Goodrow WWII Post 34 St. George Donald S. Campbell WWII Post 34 St. George Bradley F. Damon Vietnam Post 43 Belfast Adrian L. Turner Post 50 Unity Charlie M. Swortzel Korea Post 50 Unity G. Leroy Hunter WWII Post 52 Oakfield Donald J. Swallow WWII Post 52 Oakfield Gilbert P. Sirois Korea Post 57 Old Orchard Beach Alfred B. Hills WWII Post 58 Buckfield Hugh L. Howes Vietnam Post 58 Buckfield Walter Warren WWII Post 58 Buckfield Bradley F. Damon Vietnam Post 58 Buckfield Bernard E. Cowett Korea Post 62 Westbrook Stanley R. Reynolds WWII Prepare for 2016 Oratorical he Department of Maine High School T Oratorical Scholarship Program contest will once again be held at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine on February 13, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Snow Date: February 20, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. The main purpose of The 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 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 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 75 years. National Finals: The 2016 National Finals is April in Indianapolis, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests are scheduled for Saturday, April 16, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, April 17. Certification of Department winners is due to National by March 18, Getting Ready: The members of the Oratorical Committee will be working with both Area and District Commanders to prepare your posts and districts for their local contests. We hope to have all post contests completed by Mid-December 2015 and have all District contests completed by the end of January For more information about the Oratorical Contest in Maine, please contact The American Legion Department Headquarters at , or Oratorical Chairman Donald Chase at ddchasejr@roadrunner.com. Also, please check out the State and Local Oratorical Contests of National s website at or the Department of Maine s website at Remember Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 POST NAME CONFLICT Post 73 Corinna Lester E. Slate WWII Post 77 Lincoln William G. Eddy Vietnam Post 79 Berwick Armond Provencher WWII Post 79 Berwick Donald E. Brooks WWII Post 83 Freeport Kenneth Ryder Korea Post 84 Orono Phillip E. Hashey Korea Post 88 Presque Isle Lionel Paradis Korea Post 88 Presque Isle Eugene E. Everett WWII Post 91 Yarmouth Donald Hildreth Korea Post 93 Bucksport Philip E. Whitney Korea Post 94 Greenville John W. Tornquist WWII Post 100 Dixfield Augustine J. Capponi Jr. Vietnam Post 107 Etna-Carmel Leon St. Louis WWII Post 118 Mars Hill Henry Cousins Korea Post 118 Mars Hill Robert E. Dixon Korea Post 132 Richmond Donald L. Hinkley Sr. Vietnam Post 132 Richmond Jacqueline E. Austin Vietnam Post 149 Waldoboro Ashley Genthner Jr. WWII Post 155 Naples George F. Hanlon Korea Post 155 Naples Reginald P. Mains WWII Post 157 Stockton Springs Murray A. Chatto WWII Post 159 Kennebunkport Charles E. Reid Sr. WWII Post 171 Harpswell Sumner K. Wiley Jr. Korea Post 197 Westbrook Rowland H. Freeman Vietnam Post 197 Westbrook George Reichert Korea Post 197 Westbrook Lee Hutchins Korea Post 186 Clinton Hollis J. Booker WWII Post 186 Clinton Roger M. McAllister Sr. Vietnam Post 204 Monmouth Clarence Prescott Korea Post 205 Augusta oseph F. Gagnon WWII Post 205 Augusta William Ryan Vietnam Post 207 Trenton Roger S. Labrie Vietnam Post 207 Trenton A. Kenneth Potter WWII Post 207 Trenton Roland S. Desautels Korea Post 207 Trenton Edmund E. Brissette WWII Post 216 Phippsburg Harvey J. Gagnon Jr. Vietnam The American Legion, Department of Maine Historical Contest By: Ronald H. Caron, Department Historian POST NEWS LETTER These newsletters will be judged in three categories: Posts with a membership of less than 100, Posts with a membership of , and Posts with a membership greater than 250. The newsletters will be judged on informative layout and should be mailed to the Department of Maine ATTN: Department Adjutant. Contest ends April 30 th and entry must be in NLT May 1 st, The first place winner in each category will receive a plaque at the Department Convention. Awards and Rules DISTRICT NEWS LETTER The district newsletter will be judged on informative layout and should be mailed to the Department of Maine ATTN: Department Adjutant. Contest ends April 30 th and entry must be in NLT May 1 st, The first place winner will receive a plaque at the Department Convention. POST HISTORY BOOK These will be judged according to the 2015 Officers Guide score sheets. The books must be received at the Department of Maine ATTN: Department Adjutant no later than May 1 st, First place winners in each category will receive a plaque at the Department Convention and qualify for the National Contest in October, Scholarships Available pplications are now available for the A Department of Maine Children and Youth Scholarships, the Daniel E. Lambert Memorial Scholarship and the James V. Day 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)

28 28 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, NOVEMBER 2015 Department of Maine American Legion 5 Verti Drive Winslow, ME Change Service Requested NON PROFIT ORANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WATERVILLE MAINE PERMIT NO. 6 State Commander Attends Special Event: State Commander Ronald Rainfrette speaks at the Veterans Appreciation Day Event held at the Cumberland County Fair on Sept 27. Also attending the event is Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joe Donahue. Cumberland County Fair Veterans Appreciation Day : Attention: Next Deadline is Jan. 22 T he deadline for material, stories and/ or pictures to be submitted for consideration for use in the February 2016 issue of The Maine Legionnaire will be January 22, 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. Post Excellence Award: National Commander Mike Helm presents Brunswick Post 20 with a Post Excellence Award during the new Post Home Dedication Ceremony held Aug. 1. Left to right, Governor Paul LePage and First Lady Ann LePage, National Commander Mike Helm, Brunswick Post 20 Past Post Commander Marty Diller, Brunswick Post 20 Commander Joe Donahue, and Past National Commander Anthony Tony Jordan. State Chaplain Matthew Jabaut, left, and Brigadier General Gerard F. Bolduc of the Maine National Guard discuss current Veterans Issues while attending the Cumberland County Fair Veterans Appreciation Day Event on Sept. 27. Supporting Our Veterans: Area 3 Commander Steve Jarrett Sr., right, and Legislative Committee Chairman William Chick Cicotte, 2nd from left, stand with the Freeport Flag Ladies at the Cumberland County Fair Veterans Appreciation Day Event. Brunswick Post 20 Dedication: Current Brunswick Post 20 Adjutant and PNVC/PDC William Chick Ciciotte, left, and WWII Veteran and member of Brunswick Post 20 Conrad Lebourdais, right, stand outside of the new Post home in Brunswick on Aug. 1. National Commander Helm was touring the State of Maine during this dedication; a special day for all the Veterans in the Brunswick area. Happy & Safe Holidays to You and Yours From All of Us at The American Legion State Headquarters