Why would any veteran refuse to join our American Legion? Nobody can give me an honest answer. What a shame when you receive a call from a veteran’s widow and her first words are “my husband didn’t belong, but could someone in the American Legion help, I am not sure what to do.”

How any times has your post helped a needy family only to find out someone in the family was eligible but didn’t belong? The American Legion would not refuse any help to a veteran or their spouse, but if they were a member it would be a lot easier and faster by months to get what they deserve. We who do belong and who take pride in our membership know “what’s in for me.”

The American Legion membership represents your Honorable Service to your Country in time of need. It represents a solid feeling of comradeship. You’re never without a friend in the American Legion. I guess it’s because of the position I hold, but it seems as through all I talk about is our American Legion. I ask everyone I come in contact with to join only because I am convinced that eligible veterans should be asked to share in the great work we do with service to Veteran, Widow and orphan Children and the responsibility we accept for the care of our sick and disabled. But more than anything else the pride we have while continuing to help America work. For more information on membership, contact Post Commander Joe Donahue (207) 607-9735.

Veterans Alert

Who can come to a Maine Veterans Home? Honorably discharged veterans who served at least one) on active duty, other than training (both war time and peacetime). Spouses, Widows, Widowers, Gold Star parents of qualified Veteran.

Is MVH part of the Maine Healthcare system (Togus)? No. We are a separate organization from the US Department of the Veterans Affairs (VA). Maine Veterans Homes is an independent nonprofit organization created by the people of Maine through the State Legislature.

Who pays for my care at Maine Veterans’ Homes? We accept the same payment sources as other nursing homes. Veterans may be eligible to receive a special financial benefit available ONLY at MVH. Eligible nursing home veterans earn $105.79 and residential care veterans receive $45.66 per day to help with their cost of care or for personal expenses. This benefit applies only to the Veteran.

At Maine veterans’ Homes, qualified veterans may be eligible for a stipend from the VA. The nursing facility care stipend is more than $105 a day. Residential care is more than $45 day. For qualified private pay Veterans the Stipend is credited towards the daily room rate. For qualified veterans whose care is covered under Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan, the stipend is credited toward the resident’s account based on terms of the plan. A qualified Veteran who receives a stipend under Medicare or private pay for nursing care at MVH will save over 22 percent per month (more than $1,850) compared to Maine’s average cost. Plus receive free amenities and enjoy the camaraderie of other veterans. The average cost per day for a Nursing Home bed in Maine is $275, MVH; S daily cost is approximately $212 when you deduct the stipend for qualified Veterans.

The following services are offered: Individual and group counseling, couples/marital/family counseling, Sexual trauma/harassment counseling, Bereavement and assistance, Substance abuse counseling, VA information and assistance, Outreach and education about Veterans issues and services for more information contact one of the following Maine Veterans Centers: Bangor — (207) 947-3391; Caribou — (207) 496-3900; Lewiston — (207) 783-0068; Portland — (207) 780-3584; Sanford: (207) 490-1513.

Upcoming events

District 8 Meeting Next meeting: Phippsburg Post 171, 18 September 2017, 1730 hrs. Please note the meeting has been moved up a half-hour to avoid a conflict with Phippsburg Sportsmen.

George T. Files Post 20, next General Meet is Sept.27 at 6 p.m. All veterans are welcome and see what the American Legion is all about.

Wednesday Coffee and donuts at the Post from 0800- 1100 open to all veterans.

Junior Sports Shooting Thursday Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.

This & That

Post 20 Chairman Dan Lindsley and Commander Joe Donahue along with the American Red Cross held it first blood drive, which turned out to be a great success, collecting 32 Pints.

To those who contribute to our column “DAO” from the service office at Togus, Marty Diller, Read Rich, Paul Loveless, Dave Watson, and many more folks Thank Them.

For answers to your questions contact the following “DAO” at the American Legion Service Office (Togus) (207) 623-5726; Camp Keys Vet Center, Brunswick Veterans Resource Center, Brunswick Landing (207) 604-4103 ;Paul Loveless or Read Rich or call The Brunswick American Legion, George T. Files Post 20 (207) 721-1172.

Remember the American Legion will always be there to help.