The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901-0727 Tel: (207) 873-3229 Fax: (207) 872-0501 E-mail: legionme@mainelegion.org Website: www.mainelegion.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/maineamericanlegion December 10, 2015 SMILE Beyond the mountain is another mountain. Congratulations to the following Posts for reaching 100% Bridgton Post 67, Brewer Post 98, Standish Post 128 Holiday Routine The American Legion Department of Maine and the Department Service Office will be closed from 12 noon, 24 Dec 0730, 28 Dec for Christmas 12 noon, 31 Dec 0730, 4 Jan for New Year The American Legion National organization has issued a letter to all American 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 873-3229. The American Legion, Department of Maine thanks you for your continued support. Paul L Heureux, State Adjutant National HQ Fundraising Solicitation
Color Guard Uniforms Hancock Memorial Post 207 now has Color Guard Uniforms available for sale. There are light blue short sleeve shirts and dark blue long sleeve shirts, dark blue pants with gold seam stripes. Boots of various sizes used). Cold weather jackets, wet weather coats, enough for at least 15 people, asking $500 for the lot. For information call Richard Butters, Adjutant Post 207 at 207-479-5645. Survivor Assistance Guide Gardiner Post 4 Adjutant has copies of the Survivor Assistance Guide and Family Preparation Workseet for Veterans and their families put out by the DAV. There are places to put all the information needed when a veteran dies so that you don t need to go searching. Contact the Adjutant at Post 4 or post4@twcbc.com to get a copy. Employer of Veterans Award History: In 1969, the National Economic Commission expanded its Employer Awards Program by including employers of veterans. In 1992, the number of awards for employers of veterans was increased. Today, Departments may submit one nomination each for small companies with 50 or fewer employees, medium sized companies with work forces of 51 to 200, and large companies with 201 or more employees. These three awards, one in each of the three employer of veterans size categories, are presented at the National Convention. In order to be eligible for the Employer of the Year Awards, nominees must meet the following criteria: 1) At least 10 percent of the employer s work force must be veterans. 2) The employer must have been in business for at least five years. 3) The employer cannot restrict employment to veterans only. 4) The nominee must be a private sector employer. In other words, the nominee cannot be a city, state or federal employer. Deadline: Submission of nominations in the Employer of the Year Award category should be submitted to Department Headquarters by December 30. Procedure: Nominations must be sent to Department Headquarters. The Department then selects one nominee (in each category) as its winner. It then forwards the nomination form for the winning employer to the National Economic Commission. That nomination form must be signed by the Department Adjutant. Only those nominations that include adequate documentation on the nominee s employment practices concerning veterans will be considered for the awards. It is recommended that you provide a copy of the company s written policy on employment of veterans, if available, a description of how the employer supports veterans activities in the community, and any other reasons why the nominee should be selected to be the winner. Nomination Form: A copy of the official nomination form may be found at the end of this newsletter. Posts may reproduce this form for wider distribution. Additional copies may also be obtained by writing or calling Department Headquarters. This form may also be found on the Legion website at www.mainelegion.org.
Military Trivia Which famous Civil War General died from friendly fire? District Meetings District 5 Oxford: Dec. 15, Locke Mills Post 68, 6 p.m. light supper, 7 p.m. mtg. District 2 Cumberland: Dec. 20, Naples Post 155, 2 p.m., Christmas party exchange of gifts, Legion Dist 2 and Auxiliary Dist 1. Where In The State Are The Department Officers? This will be an on-going column as we follow the Department Officers around the State. Please feel free to attend these functions and support our Veterans by obtaining the most current information from these meetings. National Vice Commander John Hargreaves Jan. 26 28, 2016, Connecticut, to attend and participate in a district revitalization Jan. 29 31, 2016, Connecticut, to attend their annual Mid-Winter Conference Togus Flu Vaccine Clinics Togus Building 200 Lobby 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday December 14 VA Canteen/Cafeteria 11am to 1pm Wednesday, January 12 Togus Primary Care Flu Clinics are Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. for the month of October. No appointment required. Plus, you may get vaccinated at your regularly scheduled Primary Care visits and at Specialty Care clinics with immunization staff. Directory Changes Pg. 71, Walter Lovely Post 27 Commander: Donald A Pelkey, 43 Riverside Ave., Ft. Fairfield 04742 (476-0936) e-mail: Pg. 43, Stone-Smart Post 82 Adjutant: Sharon Hale, 211 Ashton Rd, Norway 04268 (744-2315) ( c 890-6811) Pg. 54, Monmouth Post 204, Meeting Nights: 2nd Tuesday, March - Oct., 7 p.m., (Cumston Library at Cumston Hall on Main St.)
Membership DISTRICT AWARDS American Legion Ball Cap: Awarded to District Commanders who reach 95% by December 31, 2016. An American Legion Jacket: Awarded to District Commanders who reach 100% by March 10, 2016 and will be entered into a drawing for two American Legion Polo shirts. ALL DISTRICT INCENTIVE AWARDS MUST BE VERIFIED BY THE DISTRICT ADJUTANT AND THE RESPECTIVE AREA REPRESENTATIVE. For More Membership Awards See the Department of Maine Website From the Adjutant Sprinkler Issue The Department of Maine has met with the State Fire Marshal to clarify on-going issues with Legion Posts having to install a complete sprinkler system. At this time, you do not have to install a sprinkler system if you follow the guide lines in the following letter: If you have any Questions PLEASE call this office at 873-3229 x 2 before you take any actions. NOTE: PLEASE save the following letter for your files and future inspection!
The American Legion, Department of Maine 2016 Mid-Winter Conference Spectacular Event Center, Bangor January 16, 2016 The annual Mid-Winter Conference of The American Legion, Department of Maine will be held at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Rd, Bangor, ME 04401 on January 16, 2016. The conference will be hosted by Commander Ronald Rainfrette and 2 nd Vice Commander Randall Kluj. Nearby Hotel Information: Holiday Inn: 404 Odlin Rd. Bangor, Maine 04401. Phone: 207-947-0101 Website: www.holidayinn.com/bangorme - Room Rate: $99.00 Ramada Inn: 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine 04401. Phone: 207-947-6961 Website: www.ramada.com/bangor - Room Rate: $99.00 Fairfield Inn Marriott: 300 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine 04401. Phone: 207-990-0001 Website: www.marriott.com/bgrfi - Room Rate: $79.00 Days Inn: 250 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine 04401. Phone: 207-942-8272 Website: www.daysinn@midmaine.com Room Rate: $76.00 EconoLodge: 327 Odlin Rd., Bangor, Maine 04401. Phone: 207-945-0111 Website: www.choicehotels.com - Room Rate: $59.00 1 Queen; $69.00 2 Doubles Please state Legion when calling for reservations. Hotel Reservations are to be made by each individual, as the Department HQ will not be coordinating reservations for this conference. Mid-Winter Conference Registration Fee Only: $10.00/person (Please choose this option if you will be attending the conference only and not the banquet). This is for American Legion, Auxiliary, Sons and Guests that are attending. Muffins and coffee will be served all day. Mid-Winter Conference Banquet Cost Only: $30.00/person (Please choose this option if you will be attending the banquet only). Mid-Winter Conference Registration Fee & Banquet Cost: $40.00/person APPETIZERS Crackers & House Specialty Cheese Spread Veggies & Dip DINNER BANQUET BUFFET Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls Caesar Salad and Tossed Salad Mixed Vegetables Roasted Red Potatoes Meat Lasagna Parmesan & Encrusted Chicken Baked Panko Encrusted Haddock w/ Lemon Dill Sauce Assorted Cheesecakes Please note that boxed lunches will be available to purchase at the Spectacular Event Center during lunch break.
Name Mid-Winter Conference Reservations January 16, 2016 Spectacular Event Center, Bangor Registration Fee/Banquet Cost: $40.00/person Banquet Cost Only: $30.00/person Registration Fee Only: $10.00/person Registration & Banquet Phone No. $40.00/person ( ) Banquet Only $30.00/person ( ) Registration Only $10.00/person ( ) - - - - - TOTAL # REGISTRATION & BANQUET TICKETS: TOTAL # BANQUET TICKETS ONLY: TOTAL # REGISTRATION TICKETS ONLY: $ AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $. Please make check payable to The American Legion, Department of Maine & mail check & reservation form to: The American Legion, Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive Winslow, Maine 04901-0727 Deadline for reservation is January 8, 2016 Those that are on a Gluten Free Diet, please call Dept. HQ @ 207-873-3229 Ext. 2 Banquet attire will be very festive and patriotic. Two special guests are invited to speak with entertainment to follow.
Pool League Tournament: Mondays, Winthrop Post 40, 7-10 p.m. Free Pool: Saturdays, Winthrop Post 40, anyone can sign up. Public Supper: Second Saturday of the month, Dixfield Post 100, $7 adults, Children ½ price, meals vary, FMI call 562-8030. Live Music: Fridays, Sanford Post 19. Friday Night Karaoke: Fridays, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 p.m. 3 Card Challenge: Fridays, Gardiner Post 4 Club Room, 6 p.m. Saturday Night Dance: Saturdays, Augusta Post 2, 7 p.m, $7, live bands. Texas Hold-Em Poker: Sundays, Winthrop Post 40, 2 p.m, $55 Buy-in. Lakeside Dining Lunch Wagon: Sunny days, Winthrop Post 40, 12-4 p.m, in front of Post. Livermore Falls Post 10 Public Supper: Always the third Sat., 17 Reynolds Avenue, 4:30-6 p.m. The best beans and casseroles around, $7 Adults, $4 students under 12. For local delivery call 897-5676 Line dancing: Thursdays, Sabattus Post 135, 6:30 p.m. Texas Hold-Em Tournament: First and third Tues. of the month, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 p.m. Dart Tournament: Every other Monday, Sabattus Post 135. Cribbage Tournament: Tuesday, Sabattus Post 135. Recurring Events Texas Hold-Em Poker: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30 pm. Windham Veterans Association & Post 148 at Dena s Restaurant, next to Windham Post Office - Jct. Rtes 115 & 302. $60 buy in. Current Events Christmas Party: Dec. 11, VHA Director s Office Space. Bean Supper: Dec. 12, Biddeford Post 26, 508 Elm St. 4:30 to 6 p.m. $8 for adults and children under 12, $5. Texas Hold-em Tournament: Dec. 12, Locke Mills Post 68, 595 Gore Road, Greenwood, 12 noon. $50 buyin, high hand option, pull-tabs, 50/50, 2 door prizes. Meal and refreshments, always free coffee. BYOB. Gardiner Dance: Dec 12, Gardiner Post 4, 8-12 p.m., $5, members and guests welcome. MVH 20 Year Celebration: Dec. 16, Maine Veterans Home South Paris, 2 p.m., Senaror Angus King, guest speaker, music by OHCHS String Quartet, tours of the facility will be available, refreshments served. FMI contact www.mainevets.org or call 207-743-6300.
New Year s Celebration: Dec 31, Sabattus Post 135, 7-8 p.m. cocktail hour, 8 p.m. dinner. Dancing until the champagne toast at midnight, $40 a person includes dinner, dancing and complimentary beer, wine, champagne. Pay by cash, check or credit card, mail checks to 31 Old County Rd, Sabattus, ME 04280, ticket sales deadline is Dec 26. Dress code is cocktail attire (no jeans, wear a tie). FMI contact Post. New Year s Eve Party: Dec 31, Gardiner Post 4, 8 p.m. 1 a.m., $10 per person, DJ Lena Bragg. Veteran Information Seminar: Jan. 9, Boothbay Harbor Post 36, 9 a.m. 12. Contact David Patch, 751-5672 or dpatch@roadrunner.com. Learn about: VA Healthcare: who is eligible and the latest in services available, VA New Women's Clinic at Togus, VA Benefits and How to Get them, Services of the Maine Veteran Service Bureau: Helping with the VA Benefits process, Maine Veteran Homes, Services for veterans in Maine, and more. Free legal services for Maine veterans. Speakers will be: Jim Doherty, Administrator, VHA Togus, LaRhonda Harris Women Veteran Program Manager, EJ McQuade/Phil Black, Director/Community Relations VBA Togus, Adria Horn/Laura Allen, Director/Outreach, Maine Veteran Service Bureau, DSO Deo Lauria and Rob Liscord, Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Donations Skowhegan Post 16 Pittsfield Post 32 Berwick Post 79 Sangerville Post 165 Westbrook Post 62 Kennebunk Post 74 Kennebunk Post 74 Westbrook Post 62 Tommy and Christine Adkins Pittsfield Post 32 $50 Maine Blind Camp $50 Maine Blind Camp $50 Maine Blind Camp $100 Maine Blind Camp $50 Maine Blind Camp $100 Maine Blind Camp $100 VAVS Togus Canteen $50 Special Olympics $100 Building Fund $16 Vet Aid Answer to military trivia question: Lieutenant General Thomas Stonewall Jackson was wounded by friendly fire while making a reconnaissance with a member of his staff on May 2, 1863. He died eight days later on May 10 from pneumonia, a complication of having his left arm amputated from the incident. Best Wishes to The Legion family, Paul L Heureux
THE EMPLOYER OF VETERANS AWARD Nomination form Department of: Date: Legion Post s number and name: Employer s Size: Small (50 or less employees) Medium (51-200) Large (201 or more) PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE INFORMATION 1. Exact name of company: 2. Business address: 3. Name and title of the company s contact person: 4. Contact person s telephone number: 5a. Is the employer a branch or subsidiary? 5b. If yes, what is the name and address of the parent company? 6. Date the company, or branch, was established? 7. Average number of employees over the past five years? 8a. Is the company s business seasonal? 8b. If yes, how many employees are full-time? 8c. How many are part-time employees? 9a. Total employees: Number of veterans: Percentage of veterans: 10. Total hires last year: Number of veterans: Percentage of veterans: Only those nominations that include adequate documentation on the nominee s employment practices concerning veterans will be considered for the National Employer of Veterans Awards. It is recommended that the nominator provide a copy of the company s written policy on employment of veterans, if available, a description of how the employer supports veterans activities in the community, and any other reasons why the nominee should be selected to be the Employer of Veterans Award winner. Nominations by Posts and individuals need to be sent to The American Legion, Department of Maine, P.O. Box 900, Waterville, Maine 04903-0900 by December 30. Name, title, address, and daytime telephone number of the person making the nomination: Approved: Date: Department Adjutant