First, this column has proven to be a nice source of info to a lot of people. My thanks to Marty for all the research and info gathering he’s provided, and the following people for their talking points papers: Peter Ogden, Director, Bureau of Veterans Services; Deo Lauria, American Legion Service Officer; and Paul Loveless, Veteran’s Service Officer, Mid-Coast Veterans Council (MCVC). This column is really a team effort and I thank all who play a part in its success.

My last two columns, “ What’s a Form DD- 214” and “ What to do Before You’re Gone” have produced great results in that they have prompted veterans and their survivors to ask about benefits they didn’t know they were eligible for. And people are still calling — like the five widows who recently inquired about Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and have found out that they qualify for monthly payments. All five will receive a retroactive payment, too — one, I’m told, for $28,000. A nice feeling, knowing that we’ve helped.

Here are some other VA benefits and services that you veterans may have missed: (1) Disability compensation and pension benefits. This is monetary compensation for service-related disabilities or for disabilities aggravated by military service. Severe disability could result in monthly compensation payments. (Hey, is that old war injury starting to bother you? …give Paul Loveless a call at 406-4103.) And veterans and their survivors age 65 and older who have limited to no income, check with Peter Ogden’s office at 430-6034; (2) Special housing allowances for disabled veterans, such as funding for modifications to their homes for greater accessibility and ease of movement; ( 3) Aid and Attendance benefits for veterans confined to their homes who require ongoing assistance and/ or organ loss. Housebound status and monetary help may be available if you qualify. Family members and survivors should call if they have any questions about qualifications and eligibility — call Paul or Peter (or Deo at 623-5726).

In related news, the 2015 COLA increase of 1.7 percent has been finalized and became effective on December 1st. Those receiving military retired pay, SBP annuities, social security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits will see the increase in their January checks.

Gil and I spent all day Monday in Augusta and met with many of our newly-elected legislators. A lot of young faces, including some Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. There are also many new women legislators and yes, back for more are some seasoned legislators. Support for veterans-related legislation among most of the 127th congress seems to be present.

Monday night, we spent a few hours at the monthly Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee meeting. The highlight there was the election of MCVC representative David Patch to the 2nd Vice Commander post. Congratulations to David, he will represent our midcoast veterans well. On Tuesday, Gil and I met with the state officers of the American Legion to discuss many legislative items. We both walked away excited and encouraged by this year’s agenda.

On Wednesday, we attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new House and Senate legislators. Of note, the American Legion Auxiliary presented the colors at the opening ceremony. It turned out to be another long day in Augusta, but well worth it. Rep. Mickey Devin (Damariscotta) arranged for a veteran’s caucus meeting that afternoon, which was very well attended by House representatives and by representatives of both the MCVC and American Legion legislative committees. Senator Alfond (Portland) was the only senator present. Many ideas for new legislation were discussed; including property tax relief for the elderly, eliminate sales tax on the sale of American flags, exemption of income tax on military retirement pay, check-off on state income tax to support the veterans’ emergency fund, and others.

The Brunswick Elks Lodge will host a group of veterans from Togus for a Christmas party on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at noon. Feel free to drop by and share the Season’s Greetings with them. On Saturday, Dec. 13, the MCVC will hold a Meet & Greet with our mid-coast legislators — from 10 a.m. to noon — at the Mid- Coast Veterans Resource Center at Brunswick Landing. Meanwhile, the local Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers folks are calling for volunteer help at their ongoing veterans build project at 89 Harpswell Road (at Hope Lane) in Brunswick. If you would like to join in at the site between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday or Saturday, call Michele Ober at 504-9335 for more details. The ceremonial groundbreaking celebration for that build is planned for Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

‘Till next time, keep the faith.

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Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid-Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.