Our new generation of veterans (Iraq/Afghanistan) need our help. I’ve said it over and over — Congress is asleep, the VA is a broken system. Where and to whom do these new era veterans turn? They are Maine citizens, constituents. You’ve heard it many times, “they went to war for us, now it’s time for us to go to war for them.” Let’s make it happen — LD 1280 — a resort casino in southern Maine calls for a cascade of $14 million dollars annually to Maine veterans. That’s the best news I’ve heard in the 45 years I’ve been going to the Legislature in Augusta.

Some of our legislators have said, “We can find funds to help you people somewhere else.” How many times have I heard that? After everyone takes their fill at the financial table, it may leave a few scraps for our veterans. It may be another free fishing license or it may be a free hunting license. How about another free pass to our state parks? Thanks, but now our legislators have a chance to put some meat into our problem. Some are saying, “against my religion,” “I’m opposed to gambling,” “I’ve never voted for a casino.” Personal view, you bet! What do the people of Maine think about this? Do we elect people to go to Augusta to represent us, or do we send them there to vote on issues that effect us by using their personal views? Let them know how you feel. Call the State House. Senate Republicans (207) 287-1400, Senate Democrats ( 207) 287- 1515, House Republicans (207) 287-1400, House Democrats (207) 287-1400, Governors Office (207) 287- 3531.

LD 1280 passed the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee with an 8 to 4 vote. It will go before the House next, and then on to the Senate. Folks, please help our veterans and call the above numbers to leave your messages. Our veterans are counting on you. Remember, “they fought for you, now it’s our turn to fight for them.” How many times have you heard our Gov. Paul LePage make that statement? The governor and his first lady, Ann, have been consistent champions for veterans and their families. Please, ask him to help our newest generation of veterans.

On Fri. Feb. 19, Portland Press Herald dispatches — Augusta, “U.S.to provide $4.6 million dollars to conserve mountains.” Sen. King and Sen Collins say the project will increase financial and technical assistance for private forest owners. They say it will also provide incentives for managing forests for habitat diversity. What about our veterans? Remember, “all gave some — some gave all.” Without their sacrifices, we wouldn’t be worrying about how to protect private forest owners. Wow! $ 4.6 million dollars. How many centers could we create in Maine to take care of Maine veterans who are suffering from the ravages of war, the wounds, disease, want, PTSD, TBI, and other mental related disabilities? Why should our veterans in Maine have to go out of State to receive treatment?

Folks, let our Senators (King and Collins) know that if they can get funds to support private landowners, why can’t they get funds to help Maine veterans — who, by the way, put their lives on the line so we can enjoy our freedoms. How about providing some incentives to help our veterans get their lives back together? Help them to once again feel like they belong to society.

Friends, I deal with these veterans and their families almost on a daily basis. I just don’t know why our federal government is dragging their feet to help these veterans. We the people, you and I, along with our Maine congressional delegation, the Governor, state legislators and our veterans can do something about it. Let’s unite — let’s bombard those in authority with phone calls, letters, visits to their campaign rallies, etc.

You know we in the veterans community and those in the military have always had an unwritten code — “we never leave one of our own behind.” This is why I’m so upset with the legislators in Augusta (veterans) who don’t support LD 1280 — with a cascade of $14 million dollars for veterans. I hope our legislators consider our veterans as part of their constituency.

Let’s all strive to give these young veterans a ray of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s lay aside our personal convictions on gambling, casino, or our religious beliefs, and think about those who have “borne the battle” for us and our families. Let’s help them to survive this crisis. For those legislators in Augusta who have told us “it’s against my religion,” think about the sufferings or the ravages of war, wounds, disease, want, PTSB and TBI. A quote from the Bible “do to no one what you yourself dislike.”

Friends, I apologize for rambling on about the needs of our veterans and how important it is for passage of LD 1280 and the $14 million dollars for veterans. Please remember “all gave some — some gave all” Please help. Make those phone calls and talk to your State Legislators. Working together we can get the help our veterans (Iraq/Afghanistan) need. They’ve earned it and deserve it.

These are my opinions, I only hope that most of you will agree. Finally, once again, thank you Sen. Baker (Topsham) and Sen Gerzofsky (Brunswick) for working so hard on this legislation.

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.