STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER

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1 VETS NEWS Saturday, April 21, 2018 CLICK HERE to go to the Worcester County District 4 American Legion website CLICK HERE to send to the VETS NEWS editor STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER The Orange American Legion Post 172 has donated $2,000 to the Orange Fire Department for the replacement and maintenance of the town s 50 full-sized United States flags and poles. The flags are put in place around town as soon as good weather breaks. The gauntlet of flags along the South Main Street Bridge are a popular installment for the major holidays, from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The OFD has been maintaining the flags for the last four years, under the charge of firefighter-paramedic Timothy Matthews, with assistance from the other firefighters. Left to right are: American Legion Post 172 Chaplain Ron Ferguson, Post Commander John Laughton, Post Adjutant Ed Bezio, Matthews and Orange Fire Chief James Young. (Athol Daily News) CHINATOWN MEETING ROUNDUP The Chinatown/South Cove Neighborhood Council met April 17 at the CCBA. Congress has two bills before the House of Representatives and the Senate to recognize Chinese-American World War II veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal, said Wilson Lee of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Boston Lodge. Boston Chinatown American Legion Post 328 deputy Commander Matt Seto said the Chinatown post s members include eight living World War II veterans. The CNC voted to provide a support letter. (Sampan)

2 VETERANS RECOGNITION BREAKFAST South Hadley High School honors veterans The South Hadley Public Schools honored veterans with a breakfast. All veterans, especially Viet Nam Veterans were honored this year. American Legion Post 260 Commander Pamela Connors addresses the students present. Charles Allard (a member of Holyoke American Legion Post 351) represents the Holyoke Soldiers Home. David McClean (a member of Granby American Legion Post 266) remembers Viet Nam. (Town Reminder) Richard Carrignan, (a member of South Hadley American Legion Post 260) reflect on his service

3 FOUR LHS JUNIORS SELECTED FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM LUDLOW Massachusetts Boys State and Massachusetts Girls State is a weeklong leadership program sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Ludlow High School social studies teacher Martin Fanning has been the teacher representative for Boys State for 15 years and Girls State for five years. This year s Ludlow High School participants were announced at the Ludlow Democratic Town Committee s annual breakfast on March 11. Juniors Max Morel, Arda Ibas, Kate Rooney and Amaka Agozino will be attending the program at Stonehill College from June Each program is designed to teach democratic values, improve knowledge of government, and encourage citizen involvement through an intensive weeklong program that immerses students in grassroots democracy. Participants learn how to participate in the functioning of their state s government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens. Ibas is extremely proud to be following in his older brother s footsteps. Ever since dropping him off at Boys State when I was in the sixth-grade, I ve always wanted to go myself. I have developed an interest in politics, and I am looking forward to improving my political and negotiating skills. In a school environment, you see the same people you ve seen for years and you quickly grow to learn how each individual acts, making it easier to prepare speeches or bring forth certain issues, he said. At Boys State, you only have a week to get to know everyone, making it more difficult figuring out how to persuade them that you re the best candidate for the position you run for. Rooney said she is grateful for the opportunity to attend this year s event. It sounds like an amazing experience to not only learn a lot about leadership, but it also is a great opportunity to meet people from all over the state, who, like me, are interested in gaining a better understanding for the government and what the process is to keep our government functioning. Ludlow High School juniors Max Morel, Arda Ibas, Kate Rooney and Amaka Agozino are the school s 2018 representatives for Massachusetts Boys State and Massachusetts Girls State, a weeklong leadership program sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. They are pictured with Congressman Richard E. Neal, left, and School Committeeman Jacob Oliveira. Having attended Boys State in 2003, School Committeeman Jacob Oliveira knows first-hand the positive benefits this program offers. I m happy to see that the strong tradition of Ludlow High School participating in the Girls and Boys State programs continues on, Oliveira said. I know our students will learn so much from the members of the American Legion and from their fellow high school juniors from across Massachusetts. Sponsorships to cover the $325 per student cost to attend the conference is being generously covered by the Ludlow Veterans Office, the Ludlow Fire Department Social Club, and the Ludlow Democratic Committee. This group of students has taken part in many leadership positions here at the high school, said Fanning. From sports, to student government and the National Honor Society, these four have really taken advantage of so many positive activities. They are looking to continue their education in leadership through the Massachusetts Boys and Girls State program. I am certain, in the future, they will become leaders in our community. (Ludlow Register)

4 NATIONAL AMERICAN LEGION COMMANDER VISITS BOSTON VA WITH DEPT. OF MASS. LEADERSHIP American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan received an update on the Million Veteran Program (MVP) during her visit to the West Roxbury Campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System on April 6 with Department of Massachusetts leadership, which included Past National Commanders Jake Comer and Paul Morin, Commander Michael Davis and Adjutant Milton Lashus, as well as American Legion Executive Director Verna Jones. MVP is an initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs to collect genetic information from one million veterans who are enrolled in the VA in order to build a database of genetic, military exposure, lifestyle and health information. The purpose of MVP is for VA researchers to better understand how genes affect health and illness so doctors can design future treatments to an individual s molecular body composition. The program looks at post-traumatic stress disorder, cancers, mental health, diabetes, cardiovascular health and more. To date, more than 650,000 genetic samples have been collected. Our veterans know how important this is they view it as another way to serve their country, said Dr. Mike Gaziano, principal investigator of MVP and the scientific director of the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center at Boston VA. I have to say that there is nothing more satisfying than working in this community. Our job is to find some new cures, figure out how genes work, and it s really a way I think that we re leading the world in this kind of research. (VA) will use this information to understand how diseases really work. A goal for the program is to have more diversity. Diversity is key to what we are doing, said Jennifer Deen, who works on recruitment, engagement and public relations for MVP. Only about 50,000 of the genetic samples collected are from female veterans. And with a study currently underway on predicting breast cancer risks in women veterans, the increase of female enrollees is a goal for the program. We need to do better. And we need to do better with our minority veterans. Through their studies, Deen said that they are seeing that macular degeneration presents differently in African-Americans than it does in Caucasian men. MVP will once again be exhibiting at The American Legion s national convention in Minneapolis this August. They will have a booth in the exhibit hall where they will be enrolling Legionnaires in the program and collecting a blood sample. MVP is taking part in celebrating the Legion s centennial by having a goal of enrolling 100 veterans a day, for five days, in the program. During their visit, Rohan and department leadership also learned about Boston VA s Women s Integrated Treatment and Recovery Program (WITRP), the only one of its kind. The program provides specialized treatment for women veterans who have both PTSD and substance abuse problems. It opened in 2017, and has served over 350 women veterans from 40 states a group of eight women veterans every eight weeks live and attend treatment groups together. Dr. Sharon Baker, a psychologist with WITRP, shared that the average age of the women is 45, they have been out of service about 15 years, 80 percent have experienced military sexual trauma, 84 percent have alcohol dependence and 63 percent have drug dependence. Iraq Army veteran AJ Thomas went through the program and shared her experience. Once she left the military in 2004, she had difficulty finding her way and didn t feel like I fit in, she said. I didn t know how to socialize. I didn t know who I was. I started self-medicating (alcohol) then trying drugs. Through care at another VA, she learned about WITRP and became excited. It gave her a new way of thinking and a new life. I could picture myself being sober I learned to be mindful, to breathe. I learned to be able to express how I was feeling. Rohan s visit at the Roxbury campus also consisted of visiting with patients at the bedside and in the lobby. Several of the patients she spoke with were Legionnaires, such as 46-year Legion member Bob Winston (a member of Dedham American Legion Post 18 and Mary Corrigan Corrigan, an Army veteran, has been participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games ever since she lost both legs to health reasons 11 years ago. When she showed up to her first games in Milwaukee in 2007, to compete in swimming, firing and bowling, seeing 600 other veterans in wheelchairs was the best medicine for me, said Corrigan, a member of Nonantum American Legion Post 440 in Newton, Mass. Corrigan was leaving the VA after swimming in the therapy pool when she was greeted in the lobby by Rohan.

5 CHECK FOR NATIONAL COMMANDER Theresa Podeiko-Poole of American Legion George S. Shepard Post 7, Easton, Mass., gives National American Legion Commander Denise Rohan a personal check contributing to American Legion TFA (Temporary Financial Assistance) at the National Commander's Banquet on April 7, (Submitted to VETS NEWS by Stan Borgeson)

6 AMERICAN LEGION HONORS EDUCATOR A Sheffield teacher known for organizing inspirational student-led Veterans Day assemblies at Undermountain Elementary School is being honored by the American Legion Department of Massachusetts. The statewide veterans group has named Michelle Peters recipient of the 2018 "John Mulkern Educator of the Year Award." Peters will formally receive the award at the legion's annual convention in Plymouth on June 10. The Sheffield American Legion Post 340 endorsed Peters' candidacy for the honor, citing the fifth and sixth grade teacher's ability to develop a sense of awareness and understanding among her students of how and why veterans have served their country. According to the Sheffield American Legion, local veterans are invited to the annual Veterans Day assembly. The opening ceremony conducted by the fifth- and sixth-graders might include the reading of a poem and an introduction of those veterans present and on stage. Each veteran gives a brief biography of themselves as it relates to their military service and how the experience impacted their lives. The assembly includes a question and answer period between the veterans and students regarding their job in the military. Each student is also recognized if they have a veteran in their family or a relative currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. Legion officials say Peter's grandfather having served in the military during World War I is a source of pride reflected in the assemblies. (Berkshire Eagle) LEGION TESTIFIES ON PENDING, DRAFT HEALTH-CARE LEGISLATION The American Legion's National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division Director Louis Celli (a member of Woburn, Mass. American Legion Post 101) testified at a House Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing on April 17. Celli gave The American Legion s positions on the following pending and draft House Resolution (H.R.) bills. H.R. 1506: VA Health Care Provider Education Debt Relief Act of H.R. 2322: Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights. H.R. 3832: Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act. H.R. 4334: Improving Oversight of Women Veterans Care Act of H.R. 4635: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of peer-to-peer counselors providing counseling for women veterans, and for other purposes. Draft bill: VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of Draft Bill: To make certain improvements in the family caregiver support program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. To read the American Legion s position on any or all of the above bills, please CLICK HERE.

7 CIVIL WAR REMEMBRANCE (Submitted to VETS NEWS by Paul Morceau)

8 A MESSAGE FROM DETACHMENT OF MASS. SONS OF THE LEGION COMMANDER ERNIE LABERGE

9 THREE TOWNS SIGN AGREEMENT FOR SHARED VETERANS SERVICE SOUTH HADLEY The Selectboard agreed recently to sign a memorandum of agreement that outlines the commitments, policies and agreements between the communities of Easthampton, South Hadley and Granby to fund a shared veterans service agent. This memorandum will serve the City of Easthampton and South Hadley until June 30, It will serve the Town of Granby until July 1, 2018, when Granby will separate from the group. The four hours per week the agent worked for Granby will be absorbed by South Hadley and Easthampton, without any impact to the budget, said Selectboard member Bruce Forcier, who serves as the board s liaison. Town Administrator Michael Sullivan, who drafted the agreement, said this is the first time in years there has been a formal agreement signed by all the towns. Currently, there are about 39 South Hadley families that use the veterans services. Under the agreement, the towns are responsible for providing the agent with an office, a telephone, computer and supplies. The agent is required to post an office hour schedule and contact information, and cooperate and abide by rules and policies promulgated by the municipality. The participating communities will accept joint responsibility and commit that they will work with Massachusetts Veteran Affairs and each member community to serve the needs of all veterans in each community. The communities accept the related costs of a shared VSO as follows Granby 4 hours (until July1, 2018), Easthampton 16 hours, South Hadley 16 hours. When Granby is no longer a member, the balance of their hours will be divided equally among Easthampton and South Hadley, unless otherwise agreed. (Town Reminder)

10 DEPARTMENT COMMANDER S SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE) Mike Davis, Dept. of Mass. American Legion Commander SATURDAY APRIL 21ST: DISTRICT 8 OFFICERS APPRECIA- TION DAY SUNDAY APRIL22ND DECW SANDRA KEE APPRECIATION DAY SATURDAY APRIL 28TH DISTRICT 7 MEETING SATURDAY APRIL 28TH DVC TONY DIAS APPRECIATION DAY SUNDAY APRIL 29TH: DISTRICT 4 JOINT TESTIMONIAL YOURS IN COMRADESHIP Mike Davis, Department Commander Mike Davis Department Commander USS CONSTITUTION TO OPEN LOTTERY FOR JUNE AND JULY HARBOR CRUISES USS CONSTITUTION MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2018 From USS Constitution Public Affairs BOSTON USS Constitution officially opens the lottery for June 8 and July 4, 2018 turnaround cruises Sunday, April 1, The lotteries will select 120 winners from the general public to ride aboard Constitution in Boston Harbor. Passengers will engage with active-duty Sailors, learn of Constitution s vaunted past and enjoy one of America s finest cities from the sea. Each winner is allowed up to one guest. All guests must be at least eight years of age and be physically able to travel up and down steep ladder wells and stand for prolonged periods of time exposed to the environment, rain or shine. Attendees must possess a state or federally issued ID. To be considered, complete the entry form posted on Constitution s official Facebook page and return it completed via to constitutioncruise@gmail.com. June 8 lottery entries must be received by noon on April 30 and July 4 entries by noon, May 31. Drawings are scheduled for May 15 and June 15, respectively. Lottery entries are limited to one per household, winners will be notified by . Winning this lottery will grant you access to the ship during the turnaround cruise. All winners are asked to provide their own transportation and lodging accommodations. To download the official 2018 lottery entry form, visit USS Constitution, America s Ship of State, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797 to The World s Oldest Commissioned Warship Afloat, Constitution embodies 220 years of maritime heritage and unwavering service to her country. Now a featured destination on Boston s Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of active-duty U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval sea power to more than 500,000 visitors each year. Constitution is berthed at Pier One in Charlestown Navy Yard. For more news and information on USS Constitution, visit: (Submitted to VETS NEWS by Sally Nay) SEE LOTTERY FORM ON NEXT PAGE

11 YOUTH CADET LAW ENFORCEMENT STUDENT TROOPER PROGRAM UPDATED 2018 APPLICATION Use the updated version only. Discard any previously received applications. NEXT THREE PAGES

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15 A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why, God tells me." "Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"

16 AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS 2018 DEPT. CONVENTION HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

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

19 AND OTHER VETERANS ACTIVITIES (Dalton American Legion Riders Facebook page) A NIGHT OF BLUES WOBURN: A Night of Blues: 7-11:30 p.m. April 21, American Legion Post 101, 194 Lexington St., Woburn. $10. For tickets, information: Mike Dever, ; The Blues for Veterans Association is putting together this benefit, featuring the Nick Black Band and opening act Brian Maes taking the stage at 7 p.m. Pre-paid tables of 8-10 can be reserved. (WickedLocal)

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24 GIANT MEAT RAFFLE SATURDAY, APRIL 28 at 6 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 5 P.M. 6 tables to be raffled off totaling over $2000 in high quality meats Seafood and BBQ table 50/50, burgers & dogs for sale SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SQUADRON Main St., Spencer, Mass. (Webster Times) WELCOME HOME ON BEHALF OF VIETNAM THE 50TH MASSACHUSETTS This is an open invitation to all Milford residents to a ceremony to be held April 29 at 2 PM at the Italian veterans Hall in Milford. The ceremony is to honor immediate family members of fallen soldiers from our town listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. The award they receive is a Citation authorized by the Congress of the United States, signed by Secretary of Defense, and the pin to honor the sacrifice made by those family members. This is all part of an act by Congress and signed by the president in 2012 honoring the sacrifices and dedication of all who served during the Vietnam War on the 50th anniversary of the War. This ceremony will also be open to any Vietnam era Veteran who has not received the honor of being properly thanked and welcomed home. This honor consists of a bronze pin and a copy of the proclamation issued by the president. Like the above awards these were authorized by Congress and issued by the Department or Defense on behalf of a grateful nation. Please try to attend this ceremony honoring your friends and neighbors. Thank you. (Submitted to VETS NEWS by Joe Lutfy) A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?" "Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago" "Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago." Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he?"

25 PIG ROAST American Legion, Charles A. Rice Post 33 is holding a pig roast at 3 p.m. May 5 at 59 Douglas St., Uxbridge. Meal includes pork, ribs, roasted potatoes, baked beans and salad. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the post on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (508) (Worcester Sunday Telegram)

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31 5TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR NICK S HOUSE 5th ANNUAL RIDE FOR NICK S HOUSE with the Spencer American Legion Riders of Post 138. Saturday, May 19, Registration 9-10:15 a.m. 175 Main St., Spencer, MA Raising money for local veterans $20 per bike; $10 general public for more info. (Blackstone Vallety Tribune)

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