George T. Files Post 20, Brunswick American Legion Has been very busy these past few days. 9/11 Remembrance Day was a huge success, many thanks to all who participated. Brigadier Gen. Gerard Bolduc, Commander and Chief of Staff, Maine National Guard, along with Matt Jabaut, Vice-Commander American Legion Department of Maine, honored seven Marines and their families with Blue Star Banners. Town Manager John Eldridge presented certificates of appreciation from the State of Maine to 7 Local Veterans. He also read a Proclamation from the Brunswick Town Council, recognizing this Day, and letters thanking family members from First Lady of Maine Ann LePage. Sincere thanks to Master Sergeant, Guest Speaker Robichaud for his personal recollection of events on that day, and also to the Freeport Flag Ladies and Roland Weedman from Post 171 Harpswell for playing TAPS. Thanks to Jim Oikle Post 20 for a great job as Master of Ceremonies

Success Widow of deceased (Retired) veteran received $10,000 for Husband G.I. Insurance

Vietnam Veteran, increases in service connected compensation. Wives are now eligible for dependents, indemnity compensation. Iraq veteran awarded 100 percent service connected compensation (PTSD) these are just a few success stories as a result of our column. Thanks “DAO” legion service officer at Togus.

Veterans Alert

MVH is an independent nonprofit organization charted by the state, and we provide a full spectrum of care to Maine’s veterans and qualified family members.  Unlike at the VA and other facilities, at MVH qualified veterans may be entitled to a stipend from the federal government to offset the cost of their care.  Stipend rates are subject to change, but current stipend rates are $105.79 a day for nursing home care, and $45.66 a day for residential care.

Six Homes located throughout Maine provide state-of-the-art Skilled Nursing and Therapy Services, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, Long Term Care, and Residential Care.  All six of homes have been awarded the prestigious American Healthcare Association/National Center for Assisted Living Silver Quality Awards for Outstanding Quality Care.  This places us in the top 5 percent of long term care facilities in the nation.  Additionally, the Scarborough home became the first facility in Maine and one of only 31 facilities nationwide to ever receive the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award.  For more information about Maine Veterans’ Homes, including volunteer or employment opportunities, or to make a secure online donation, visit www.MaineVets.org

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who serviced in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their services and all are provided at no cost to the veterans or family.

The Department of veteran’s affairs, Vet center programs operates a system of 207 community based counseling centers. The Vet Centers are staffed by small multi-disciplinary teams of dedicated providers, many of which are combat veterans themselves.

The Family members of service members who die of any cause while on active duty, to include federally activated Reserves and National Guard personnel are eligible for Vet Center services for bereavement counseling , this includes surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings. Below is a list of VA Vet centers.

Veterans centers are in Bangor, 207-947-3391; Caribou, 207-496-3900; Lewiston, 207-783-0068; Portland, 207- 780-3545; Springvale, 207-490- 1513.

Tri-Care Update

Two legislative priorities are at odds: maintaining both affordable Tri-Care fees and readiness. Once again, beneficiaries are asked to fund readiness accounts with money out of their pockets.

The fee increases proposed by the Senate are nothing short on an assault on beneficiary’s hard earned benefits. For information call Veterans Resource Center Brunswick landing at 207- 406-4103, Sen. Susan Collins at 207-622-8414 or Sen. Angus King at 207-622-8292.

Never stop learning

Never Stop learning, “Because life never stop teaching” the annual American Legion fall Conference, held at Mechanic Falls, went well, a training session for Dept. officers and Blue Hat legionnaires, talked about membership, programs of the legion and new programs. E.G. Amateur Radio, Dan Lindsley is working on getting Post 20 legion involved. Youth law Enforcement Explorer Academy Dave Watson, legion member, Town councilor and retired Brunswick Police Officer will study program and make appropriate suggestions.

Coffee for Vets

Wednesday morning 8-11 a.m. at the George T. Files Post 20 coffee and donuts, good, crowd, great stories greet and meet fellow veterans.

Coming Events

George T. Files Post 20 Brunswick American legion’s general membership meeting Sept. 27th 6pm all veterans are welcome to attend and see what the American Legion is all about.

Plans are under way for another WWII Luncheon as well as a Korean War Luncheon, Veterans Day ceremony, oratorical High School Program on the Constitution, junior shooting, and School Medal Award program for Junior high School students “Why I like America”

Many thanks to Nancy Hory, Ruth Thibodeau, Crystal Smith for their help in many American legion functions and Programs.