The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Dr., Winslow, ME 04901 Tel: (207) 873-3229 E-mail: legionme@mainelegion.org Website: www.mainelegion.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maineamericanlegion Weekly Update July 9, 2015 SMILE In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity Albert Einstein Department Address Change Effective immediately, please address all correspondence for Department to: The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive Winslow, ME 04901-0727 Military Trivia What branch of the U.S. armed services has no official motto, but is often associated with the phrase "Non sibi sed patriae" ("Not self, but country? Congratulations Melvin Greenier, Commander, Windham Post 148 for his American Legion Extension Institute completion on 6/9/15.
HOUSING: The Department of Maine s hotel will be the Days Inn Inner Harbor, 100 Hopkins Place, Baltimore, MD 21201 www.daysinnerharbor.com. The hotel room rate is $153.62 (tax included) Doubles (1-2 persons). Additional Occupant in Room $10.00 (3-4 persons); Rollaway Rate per Day $10.00; Parking Rate per Day Self parking - $29.00/Valet parking N/A The Baltimore Convention Center is located on One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, which is directly across the street from the Days Inn Inner Harbor. CAMPGROUNDS/RV PARKS: For Baltimore area campgrounds/rv parks, please visit www.legion.org/convention/resources FLIGHTS: Everyone is responsible for their own flight reservations. SCHEDULED EVENTS: Commission and Committee Meetings: Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30. National Historian s Luncheon: Saturday, August 29, from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. in the Hilton Baltimore, Holiday Ballroom, Section 2, Second Floor. Please call Department Headquarters for more information. National Chaplain s Breakfast: Sunday, August 30 at 7:00 a.m. in the Holiday Ballroom, Section 6, Second Floor of the Hilton Baltimore. Please call Department Headquarters for more information. Convention Parade: Sunday, August 30 at 4:00 p.m. Parade route going right through the heart of the city on Pratt Street, ending at Market Street. Patriotic Memorial Service: August 30 at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. BCC, Swing/Hall F, Level 100. National Commander's Banquet: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 - BCC, Halls A & B, Level 100, 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. General Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, September 1 September 3. Hospitality/Caucus Room: Thursday, August 27 to Wednesday, Sept., 2 Location: TBA Department Caucus Information: Sunday, August 30, 1:00 p.m. Location: TBA NATIONAL CONVENTION SHIRTS: TBA National Convention WHEELCHAIR & SCOOTER INFORMATION: For our American Legion family members that may need to rent electric scooters/wheelchairs, please visit www.legion.org/convention/resources 2
AIRLINE DISCOUNTS: Delta Airlines 1-800-328-1111. Contract number is 422582 and ticket designator is NMKG2. Ticketing fees apply. United Airlines 1-800-521-4041 or via their website at united.com. Agreement code 868781 and Z Code is ZTR7. If booking online, an additional 3% discount applies without a service fee. By booking thru the 1-800 number, service fees apply. No discounts are available with Amtrak Trains or Greyhound Bus Line but the following websites are provided as a reference: www.amtrak.com and www.greyhound.com or by phone at 1-800-231-2222. TENTATIVE EVENTS FOR ENJOYMENT: Saturday, August 29, 2015: American Legion Family night with the Ravens vs. Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.legion.org/convention/resources Sunday, August 30, 2015: The American Legion Post Parade Party, hosted by Soldier s Wish from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Power Plant Live (right after the parade). Entertained by The American Legion Bombshells. For more information, please visit www.legion.org/convention/resources Monday, August 31, 2015: American Legion Family night (Baltimore Orioles vs Tampa Bay Rays) at Oriole Park Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD - 7:05 p.m. For more information, please visit http://www.orioles.com/tix/americanlegion Tour Opportunities: Please visit www.legion.org/convention/resources For more Information on the Convention, please visit www.legion.org/convention/resources From the Adjutant s Desk National Commander Helm to visit Maine To all members of the Legion family: Commander Helm will be arriving in Maine on July 30th and begin his tour on the 31 st. We are finalizing the details and will have more information shortly. For the first time in many years we are planning a good old Maine Barbeque rather than a formal gathering. This will be held at Post-86 located in Gray on the evening of August 1 st. We are going to keep this as simple as possible for those who would like to attend this event. The cost will be $8.00 per person which at this time will include hamburgers, hot dogs, assorted salads etc. (If you would like to show off your favorite salad or dessert for the Commander please feel free to donate to this great time and event.) We ask at this time that you call State HQ (873-3229) and give your name and the number of people who will be attending with you. You will be paying the Post in Gray when you arrive for the event. Remember to call so they may order the correct quantity of items needed for this event. More information will follow in next week s edition of the SMILE 3
Please submit your Post Officers forms and District Officers forms in order to arrive at Department prior to but not later than 15 July. Mail to: THE AMERICAN LEGION, 5 VERTI DR., WINSLOW, ME 04901-0727 or e-mail to: legonme@manelegion.org., Form is available on WWW.mainelegion.org Please submit your Consolidated Post Reports as soon as possible to as they are being forwarded to arrive at National by 1 July. Beano and Gaming Work Shop/ Representative from Liquor Enforcement Where: When: Purpose: South Portland Bingo Hall, 200 John Roberts Road, South Portland, Maine Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 6:00 PM Educational presentation on laws and rules related to Beano and Games of Chance and best practices for filling out disposition of funds reports. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A where inspectors will answer any gaming related questions. We look forward to your representative (s) attendance. If you re unable to attend, please call the office for the next scheduled time and location. VA Togus Post Commanders: Please encourage your Post Service Officer to sign up and attend the Department Post Service Officer training at our Headquarters in Winslow, Maine. Watch the Smile, and our Department Facebook page for future dates. They will also be place on the DSO email list for the DSO Newsletter and information of interest to veterans. We try to schedule the last Tuesdays of the month with one Saturday class per quarter. Contact the Department Service Officer at amedeo.lauria@va.gov for more information! The Elk Summer Musical Festival: July 31, 6 pm, Aug 1, 10 am noon. Admission $15 for the weekend or $10 per day. Vendor tables, raffles, food and live music, FMI or to volunteer contact Lina Michaud slaale@hotmailcom or 485-4710. 4
District Meetings District 10 Somerset: July 18, Skowhegan Post 16, 12 pm, cook out followed by mtg. Recurring Events Pool League Tournament: Mondays, Winthrop Post 40, 7-10 pm. Live Music: Fridays, Sanford Post 19. Friday Night Karaoke: Fridays, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 pm. Saturday Night Dance: Saturdays, Augusta Post 2, 7 pm, $7, live bands. Texas Hold-Em Poker: Sundays, Winthrop Post 40, 2 pm, $55 Buy-in. Lakeside Dining Lunch Wagon: Sunny days, Winthrop Post 40, 12-4 pm, in front of Post. Current Events Texas Hold-Em Poker: July 10, Winthrop Post 40, $35 buy in. Charlie Daniels Band: July 11, Balsam Valley Amphitheater, Gates open at 4:15 pm, Veterans free, Wreaths Across America and Quirk Auto Group presents Charlie Daniels Band at the Balsam Valley Amphitheater, US Highway 1, Columbia Falls. Wreaths Across American Museum will be open Saturday and Sunday, tours of the tip land and opportunity to participate in the Remembrance Tree Program Bar-B-Que: July 11, Dixfield Post 100, $ 10 adults, Children 10 and under ½ price. (on- going 2 nd Sat of the Month) Public Supper: July 11, SAL West Paris Post 151, 5-6:30 pm, $8 adults, $5 children 10 and under, Ham/Turkey, baked beans, potato salad, rolls, drinks and deserts. Rudy s Challenge Golf Tournament: July 14, Fox Ridge Golf Club, Auburn, 7-8 am registration, 9 am start, followed by luncheon and awards. $500 per team, $125 per individual. Fox Ridge Golf Club Events: July 14, Maine Vintage Hall of Fame Mobile Museum, Southern Maine Radio Controlled Helicopters Association Air Show and Display, 8 am to 2 pm, smrcha.net, Historical Maine Racecars along with some modern day cars. 5
Texas Hold em: July 17, Richmond Post 132, 6:30 pm, $35 entry. Ride for the Cause: July 18 (July 19 rain date), Robinson s/irving s West Main St, Dover-Foxcroft, 9-10 am, kickstands up 11 am, $10 per bike, spaghetti supper following ride at Dover-Foxcroft Post 29, donations accepted. Annual Yard Sale: July 18, Buckfield Post 58, 10 am, Auxiliary will be serving lunch, FMI call Jim Lowell 890-4350. Breakfast: July 18, Mars Hill Post 118, 7 10 am, donations accepted. Goulsboro Outing: July 19, District 12, 9 am, Lobster, Mussels, corn on the cob cooked in sea water. $8 per lobster. Event will start at 9 and the meal at noon. Bring table, chairs, and other food items you may wish. Prepay by July 16 to Richard Bowden, 239 Central Street, Bucksport, ME 04416. Directions: follow Route 1 E. from Ellsworth to Gouldsboro Point Rd. Turn right and follow the signs to 12 th District outing. Blood Drive: July 24, Topsham Post 202, 12 5 pm. Fair Booth: July 24 31, Nothern Main Fair, District 16. Texas Hold em: July 25, Richmond Post 132, 12 pm, $100 entry. Pig Roast: July 26, Topsham Post 202, all side dishes pot luck $10 adults, $3 children 12 and under. Donations Richmond Post 132 $39.75 Child Welfare Fund On behalf of the Beals Hospitality House Staff and Directors, I would like to personally thank your donation of $500 for the Beals House. We are so very grateful for all the organizations do for us and your contribution to the Beals House. Our guests for the year were 441 with 74 guests in the month of May. 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, Thank You Pauline Bell Director/Secretary Beals Hospitality House 6
Answer to military trivia question: "The Navy" Best Wishes to The Legion family, Paul L Heureux Department Adjutant 7
2015 Wilderness Walk For Warriors / Heroes Hike /Escort Support Motorcycle Ride On July 11 th 2015, Wilderness Walk for Warriors will begin their 2 nd annual trek through the 100 Mile Wilderness from the Town of Monson to Abol Bridge and all the way to Baxter Peak on Mt. Katahdin, a total of 118 miles. During the summer of 2014, Wilderness Walk for Warriors consisted of a seven man team. Each team member raised funds through individual pledges based on miles hiked or a flat basis thousands of dollars were raised in 2014 from these pledges in combination of other fund raisers. Each team member also carried a Summit Project Stone representing a Maine deceased soldier. All funds collected were then in turn used to assist Maine veterans and service members. Assistance to veterans included; Thanksgiving baskets at the American Legion in Mars Hill, Christmas baskets at the American Legion in Milo and thank you baskets at the American Legion in Millinocket. Wilderness Walk for Warriors giving back to veterans and service members also included a purchase of wheelchair for a Goldstar mom and cash helping hands up for veterans and service members that were in dire need of financial assistance. 190 Maine Veterans benefited monetarily from W.W.W. in 2014 Wilderness Walk for Warriors motto is Assisting the Living and Honoring the Deceased. In 2015, we will continue what we started in 2014. The 2015 team has grown to twelve members. The theme of this year s hike is aptly named 2015 Heroes Hike. Along with honoring Maine deceased service members we have expanded our honorees to include members of the law enforcement and firefighter community. On the morning of July 11 th we are extending an open invitation to all Patriotic Motorcycle groups and individuals to join an escort from Florida Ave outside the Maine Army National Guard base in Bangor riding 60 miles to the Community center in Monson. Kickstands will be up at 8:00 A.M. Once in Monson we will have a pre-hike celebration and ceremony honoring the heroes of Wilderness Walk for Warriors. The collaborative event is sponsored by the town of Monson, the American Legion District 14, the Wilderness Walk for Warriors and many others. The Festivities in Monson will start with the Presenting of the Colors, The National Anthem, introductions, and Guest speakers to include State Rep Jared Golden, Piscataquis County American Legion and Town Leadership. Patriotic Bag pipes will be played to honor the fallen, live local entertainment, Patriotic quilt raffle, Give away items Tee-shirts. Door prize Flight for five donated by Penobscot Island Tours scenic flight from multiple locations throughout the state. Additional raffles and a barbeque.additional sponsors are Herring Bros meats of Guilford and A. E. Robinson convenience store in Monson center. There is a $5 fee for the escort ride and a $5 fee for the barbeque. Individuals wishing to participate in the motorcycle escort, sponsor the event or assist with the event itself should contact Pete Johnson (280-0888), Randy Kluj (279-0077) or Tim Robinson (356-1998). 100% of all monies collected will go to assist veterans and service members. 8
2016 National Convention Reservation/Registration/Banquet Form Baltimore, Maryland August 28 September 3, 2016 http://www.daysinerharbor.com The American Legion, Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901-0727 I will arrive on and depart on I will require a room for people Double (1-2 persons) @ $153.62 (tax included); Additional Occupant in Room $10.00 (3-4 persons); Rollaway Rate per Day $10.00; Parking Rate per Day Self parking - $29.00/Valet parking N/A. Names: Phone: Enclosed please find a check in the amount of $, made payable to the Days Inn Inner Harbor for one night s room deposit (OR) Credit card Number: Type: Exp. date: Enclosed please find the following registration fee(s) payable to The American Legion: American Legion Delegates, Alternates or guests ($25 each): $ I would like to reserve tickets to the National Commander s Dinner at $45 each, Check enclosed in the amount of $, made payable to The American Legion, Department of Maine. ALL INFORMATION and PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE BY THE JULY 17 DEADLINE. Name Address