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Department of Maine

Veterans of Foreign Wars

“Helping Veterans Everyday” March 2019 GENERAL ORDERS No. 9 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

SPECIAL NOTICES <> SPECIAL NOTICES

Absence of the Commander: During the period of 2 -7 March 2019, Commander Christopher Armstrong and several Department Officers will be out of the State attending the Legislative Conference and the Voice of Democracy awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. During this period, anyone needing assistance are to contact JVC Michael “Keith” Davis @ 329-8784 or email: kdavis62@yahoo.com. Congratulations to the following Districts & Posts for achieving 100%+ in Membership for 2018-2019:

District 10 > 100.09% > Commander Amy Meuchel Forest J. Pare Post 1285, Waterville > 100.38% > Commander Daniel H. Parker

Bangor Memorial Post 1761, Bangor > 100.00% > Commander Stephen J. Meade Shirley B. Carter Post 4298, Dexter > 101.26% > Commander Ivana Clukey

Deering Memorial Post 6859, Portland > 100.00% > Commander Jared M. Sawyer Kittery-Elliot Memorial Post 9394, Kittery > 101.85% > Commander Melvyn E. Bates Gorham Memorial Post 10879, Gorham > 100.00% > Commander Donald L. Veilleux

Filing Cabinets Available at No Cost: The Department Service Office have 11 four drawer HON filing cabinets that need to find a new home for. Any Posts wishing to have a cabinet are to contact SO Cornelius Ware or ASO JoAnn Bolduc @ 207-623-5723. Department District Meeting Representatives: Please check item 18 of changes to District meetings locations and dates which has occurred recently.

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1. April Council of Administration ~ Will be on 13 April 2019 at the Fireside Inn Portland, 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME. Rates for rooms are $ 85.00 + 9 % tax. Telephone # to call for reservations is 207-774-5601. (All rooms are non-smoking.) When making reservations; please make sure that you inform them that you are with the VFW. >All Council members and Chairmen are requested to be in attendance and make their reports at that time. Anyone not able to attend the meeting are to forward a copy of their report to the State Adjutant at least five (5) days prior to the meeting for reading at the CoA meeting. NOTE: A written report will be turned in to the Chief of Staff at the CoA meeting irregardless of whether it is emailed to the State Adjutant Office. Please make sure that you notify this office that you wish to excused for the meeting and who will be in replacing you at the meeting. >Saturday Committee and Council meetings will be held at the Fireside Inn Portland. **Audit & Finance Cmtee > 8:30 am **Veterans Service Office Cmtee > 9:30 am **State Convention 2019 > 10:15 am (Or sooner if time allows)

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2. State Commander Testimonial: Will be held on 13 April 2019 at the Fireside Inn Portland, 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME. (See atch) Tickets are $ 35.00 per person. Please send your check to: “Shirley M. Dumas, 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME 04736-2125” and make your check payable to “Department of Maine, VFW.” Deadline for purchase of tickets is 5 April 2019; no tickets purchase will be accepted after that date as we must notify the Hotel of the number of people in attendance. The VFW National Representative will be Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief William J. “Doc” Schmitz from New York. Banquet ticket order form is attached to this General Orders. A gift table will be set-up for presentation of gifts. 3. State Convention: Will be held on 21-22 June 2019 at the Bangor Motor Inn & Suites, 701 Hogan Rd., Bangor. Rates for rooms are $ 78.00 + Tax (1-4 Persons). For reservations, call tel # 947-0355 and let them know that you are with the VFW. Anyone wishing to have a room on the first floor are to let them know when making reservations. Please note the following deadlines which have been changed: >Hotel Reservations > 14 June 2019 >Convention Book Ads > 15 Apr 2019 >Pre-Registration > 10 June 2019 >Booster Page Ads > 15 April 2019 >Banquet > Working on a final detail, will be out shortly > 12 June 2019 4. Council of Administration: Will be held Sunday, 23 June 2019 at the Bangor Motor Inn and Suites. Meeting will start at 8:00 am. (More information to follow.) 5. Post Commanders: Submission of Post Community Activities (C/A) monthly reports is to be established in two (2) ways: a. USPS: Posts are to complete their report and forward it to the respective Chairmen as listed in the Directory that you all received. In turn, the respective Department Chairman will forward the report to State Chairman Robison for inclusion in the General Orders C/A spreadsheet. b. Department Web-Site: Complete your report on the form as shown on the Department Web-site and it will be forwarded directly to the Web-master and the respective Chairman who in turn will forward it to State Chairman Robison for inclusion in the General Orders C/A spreadsheet. c. Note: You can file your report as deemed necessary, it does not have to be just once a month. 6. District Commanders: Pursuant to Section 403 of the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure, each District shall hold an annual District convention for the purpose of electing District officers, such convention to be held not less than ten (10) days nor more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the convening of the Department convention. NOTE: District Adjutants are asked to forward their election report to the State Adjutant for filing with National and for the Department directory. >Pursuant to Section 403 of the National Bylaws – Regular Meeting, Districts shall hold at least two (2) regular meetings each year for purposes of transacting business and conducting schools of instruction. >Pursuant to Section 417 of the National Manual of Procedure, District officers shall not assume the duties of their office until the Department Commander is installed. >District officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed in accordance with Section 416 of the Manual of Procedure.

7. Post Commanders: Attention is directed to Section 217 of the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure covering the nomination, election and installation of Post Officers. Post Election Report forms are being mailed to Post Quartermasters with instructions that they complete the form online through the Online Membership System (OMS) or they can complete the form and return directly to National Headquarters immediately following the election of Post Officers but not later than June 1. NOTE: Any Post Commanders who do not have access to the VFW website are to forward their election report to the State Adjutant who

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will file the respective election report. NOTE: Please make sure that all officer information is completed 0Tis includes both elected and appointed Officers.) NOTE: First nominations shall be conducted at the March meeting, final nominations and elections shall be conducted at the April meeting. 8. Proof of Eligibility Requirements for Officers: All Posts, Districts and Department should be reminded of the provisions of Sec. 216(c), 316, 414(c) and 515(d) of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedures that officers, elected and appointed, shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until such proof og eligibility has been submitted to the respective Adjutant for review.

9. Post Commanders: Section 222 of the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure provides that delegates and alternates for the District Convention and Meetings, Department and National Conventions shall be elected at a regular meeting in April. Posts are entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post as of March 31.

10. District Commanders: Pursuant to Section 403 of the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure, each District shall hold an annual District convention for the purpose of electing District officers, such convention to be held not less than ten (10) days nor more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the convening of the Department convention. >Pursuant to Section 403 of the National Bylaws – Regular Meeting, Districts shall hold at least two (2) regular meetings each year for purposes of transacting business and conducting schools of instruction. >Pursuant to Section 417 of the National Manual of Procedure, District officers shall not assume the duties of their office until the Department Commander is installed. >District officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed in accordance with Section 416 of the Manual of Procedure. 11. Post Commanders: Are directed to Sec. 213 of the National By-Laws concerning arrearages of Posts for National, Department or District Dues, National Convention registration, poppy money, supply money or other financial obligations, or failure to have the office of the Quartermaster properly bonded IAW Section 703 of the National By-Laws, or failure to submit properly completed quarterly Post Trustees Report of Audit or Post Election Reports. Posts that are delinquent in any of the aforementioned shall be deprived of all representation in County meetings, District and Department and National Conventions. 12. Post Commanders: Are directed to Section 218 (a)(11) of the National Manual of Procedure, Officers: Duties and Obligations. Trustees Report of Audit must be prepared in detail within thirty (30) days from the end of each quarter, one of which ends March 31.

13. District Meetings: All District Commanders are reminded that if a District meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather, they are to immediately notify the Department Representative, the State Adjutant and their respective Posts Commanders. WE do not want anyone to have an accident due to inclement weather. 14. Dates to Remember: 2-7 March > Voice of Democracy ~ Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C. 13 April > Council of Administration Meeting, State Commander Testimonial 21 April > Easter Sunday 21-23 June > State Convention ~ Council of Administration, Bangor, ME 20-24 July > National Convention, Orlando, FL 15. Candidates for Department High Office 2019-2020: Department Commander > Christopher L. Robison > Post 1761

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Department Sr. Vice Commander > Michael K. Davis > Post 1603 Department Jr. Vice Commander > Herman L. Littlefield Jr. > Post 6131 Department Quartermaster > David D. Williams > Post 1641 Department Chaplain > David O. Sivret > Post 9779 Department Judge Advocate > Jennifer L. Lane > Post 1603 Department Surgeon > John J. Bouchard > Post 9389 Department Surgeon > Roger A. Felix > Post 9389 16. Candidates for National Council Member, Maine 2021-2024: David D. Williams > Post 1641 Steven J. SanPedro > Post 6859 Kevin G. Woodward > Post 11553 Andre L. Dumas > Post 9389 17. District Meetings: D-2 > 9 Mar @ 1 pm > Island Falls Post 7529 > Adj Dumas

D-5 > 9 Mar @ 1 pm > Dexter Post 4298 > JA Littlefield

D-11 > 17 Mar @ 2 pm > Kittery Post 9394 (Kittery Community Center) > Cmdr Armstrong (Not Chg)

D-4 > 20 Apr @ 2 pm > Hampden Post 4633 > Adj Dumas

D-1 > 6 Apr @ 1 pm > Presque Isle Post 2599 (Hosted by Caribou Post 9389) > QM Williams (Note Chg)

D-3 > 7 Apr > Harrington Post 11553 > Cmdr Armstrong

D-6 > 21 Apr @ 1 pm > Northport Post 6131 > Cmdr Armstrong

D-7 > 28 Apr @ 2 pm > Topsham Post 2197 > SG Lane

D-8 > 28 Apr @ 3 pm > Augusta Post 887 > JA Littlefield

D-9 > 28 Apr @ 12 noon > Auburn Post 1603 (Loyalty Day) > QM Williams, SG Lane or JVC Davis

D-10 > 28 Apr @ 1 pm > Portland Post 6859 > Cmdr Armstrong

D-5 > 4 May @ 1 pm > Fairfield Post 6924 > Cmdr Armstrong

D-2 > 11 May @ 1 pm > Burlington Post 1605 > Cmdr Armstrong

D-4 > 18 May @ 2 pm > Bangor Post 1761 > Cmdr Armstrong

D-11 > 19 May @ 2 pm > Sanford Post 9935 @ 2 pm > JVC Davis

D-1 > 25 May @ 1 pm > Post 9389, Caribou > Adj Dumas (Note Chg)

18. Directory Changes: Pg 15, Chaplain Goodwin > Address chg: 19 Sandy Lane, Lincoln, ME 04457 Pg 32, Post 887 > Cmdr Lambert address: 576 Prescot Rd., Manchester, ME 04351; tel #: 907-5584; e-mail: carl.lambert19@gmail.com Pg 55, Post 11191 > Cmdr Derosier address: 61 Hurds Corner Rd., Palmyra, ME 04965 BY COMMAND OF:

Christopher L. Armstrong CHRISTOPHER L. ARMSTRONG Commander OFFICIAL:

Andre L. Dumas ANDRE L. DUMAS Adjutant

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State Commander Christopher L. Armstrong

Hello Comrades; Hope this finds everyone healthy and doing well. Our membership is looking great. “Thank you” to everyone for all your hard work, we are getting closer to our 100% goal; please keep up the hard work and let’s get the 100% this year. I did miss out on the Vet's In the Valley, I was looking forward to attending but ended up helping out a Veteran who was being abused, we managed to get him to Togus and I'm pleased to report he's doing much better and headed in the right direction now. On the 20th of this month, there was a few of us that attended the State House for a Bill for the State to help in supporting of the Maine Veteran's Homes. We are getting ready for the trip to Washington, D.C. for the Legislative Conference from March 2nd to March 7th, 2019; so in my absence, if anything comes up, please contact JVC Michael (Keith) Davis @ 207-329-8784 or e-mail kdavis62@yahoo.com. Congratulations to the following District and Posts who have achieved 100%+ goal in membership for this past month.

District 10 > 100.09% > Commander Amy Meuchel Forest J. Pare Post 1285, Waterville > 100.38% > Commander Daniel H. Parker

Bangor Memorial Post 1761, Bangor > 100.00% > Commander Stephen J. Meade Shirley B. Carter Post 4298, Dexter > 101.26% > Commander Ivana Clukey

Deering Memorial Post 6859, Portland > 100.00% > Commander Jared M. Sawyer Kittery-Elliot Memorial Post 9394, Kittery > 101.85% > Commander Melvyn E. Bates Gorham Memorial Post 10879, Gorham > 100.00% > Commander Daniel L. Veilleux

Thank you for all your hard work

“Helping Veterans Everyday” In Comradeship

Christopher L. Armstrong Christopher L. Armstrong Commander

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Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW

David O. Sivret, Chaplain 28 January~ 27 February 2019

“May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity?”

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District 1 District 11 6187 > ASHFIELD, Robert L. > Korea/Vietnam 5744 > HEATH, Donald B. SMALL, Thomas A. > Persian Gulf, 9389 > DAMBOISE, Edmund O. Iraq, Afghanistan District 2 Members at Large 15020 > BRYANT, Arey 1605 > RICHMOND, David L. > Korea FARMER, John L. District 4 1761 > BUTERA, Joseph L. II 3381 > COMMEAU, Richard R. > Vietnam St PETER, Arthur R. District 5 4298 > POLAND, Davis E. District 6 3108 > DEAN, Reginald N. District 7 7738 > BLAISDELL, George L. District 9 3335 > THIBEAU, Fredrick D. District 10 832 > SHEPPARD, James A. 6859 > NELSON, Henry E.

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SENIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (C/A)

NATIONAL VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT (NV&MS) Christopher L. Robison

C/A: Reporting has trailed off considerably. I know there have been some hiccups in the reporting, but it is important to keep reporting! The spreadsheet should be up to date this month and everyone should have the credit their Posts are due. Once again, if there are issues reach out to the chairmen for the individual program. We are here to help. NV&MS: Keep the donations coming! Funding the programs for Servicemen and women, their families, and Veterans are vitally important! As always, if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me. My contact information in on the Department website and in the directory mailed out to each Post.

REPORT! REPORT! REPORT!

************************* JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER

DEPARTMENT SCOUTING ~ WAYS & MEANS (W&M) Michael “Keith” Davis

Hello everyone: Can you believe it? It’s March already. Time to start thinking about electing Officers for the ensuing year! We need to try and get more Officers to the District meetings. Turn out has not been good. W&M: Ways and Means monies are coming in slow. Please get out there and sell your Ways and Means tickets. We can meet our goals with your help. If you need more tickets, please let me know and I will get them out to you. Scouting: A few Posts have asked about Scout of the Year. We are still looking for candidates. If you are working with a Scout, please let me know. It would be a shame not to have a Scout of the Year from the State of Maine. When submitting activity reports, please list Troop or Pack number and the activity you are reporting on. This lets me know what areas we are reaching and what we are helping our Scouts with. I have received many reports and all that submitted reports to me should show reported in the General Orders. If you know of a Scout that has completed his Eagle project and will be awarded Eagle rank, contact me. I have certificates that can be presented to the Scout. Girl Scout Web Page http://gsusa.ebiz.uapps.net/vp/FamilyManagement/Activities.aspx?forward=1 Boy Scout Web Page http://www.pinetreebsa.org/ Scouting reports, Ways and Means tickets may be mailed to me at 135 Conant Ave., Auburn ME 04210.

****************************** QUARTERMASTER

NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER, MAINE (NCM,M) BUDDY POPPY ~ CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS

INSURANCE & BONDS David D. Williams, PSC

QM: Hello all! As I sit here and type my GO's, I can’t help but notice how fast time is going by. Do you all realize that we are nearing the end of all the now and crappy weather and it will be melting and then with that, days will start getting longer and warmer! (I cannot wait). I'm glad to say the majority of the Posts are up to date on the reporting, we still have a few lagging behind but slowly they are getting there reports in. Remember (5) poppies per member for All State awards. With

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Memorial Day right around the corner; that is a good time to go out and hold a Poppy drive. This is a great way to increase the funds in your Relief Funds. I'm still getting mail from some people sent to Post 1641; yes I am the post QM but please; I like to keep Post Business and State business separated; so please, send reports and other materials to Box 56, Rumford ME 04276. Thanks NCM,M: It is that time of the year again. I'm preparing to go to Washington, D.C. to attend the Voice of Democracy Parade of Winners. I'm sure our State winner will represent Maine well while all the State winners are there. Each Department Commanders and Presidents have the honor of escorting their respected winner to the podium for a picture with the Commander-in-Chief along with the National President from the VFW Auxiliary. It is a great night along with a great event escalating with the National winner standing at the podium reading their winning essay. All in all a great event! Then for the next couple of days, some of our State Officers will visit the Hill to meet with all of the Maine Political Representatives in Washington concluding with the National Commander's speech which includes the VFW's needs and wants (Veterans Benefits). Next month; I will include an update for all.

****************************** JUDGE ADVOCATE

COMMANDER’S SPECIAL PROJECT MEMBERSHIP RECRUITER, CENTRAL

Herman L. Littlefield Jr.

Greetings to all! Hope all are well. Enjoying our winter this year? Remember, each day we are that much closer to spring. I haven’t received much in the way of donations for the Commander’s Special Project this month. My apologies to those Posts who have contacted me about not being marked off as contributing on the monthly GOs form. This is being rectified. Thank you for your patience. Remember your Veterans. Remember also, we need the reports of your activities in order to give credit for all your hard work. Loyally.

****************************** SURGEON

BLOOD BANK ~ SAFETY ~ DRUG ABUSE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO) ~ TOGUS BEAL HOUSE

Jennifer L. Lane Merry March! I hope that this edition of our famous GO’s finds you well and more than ready for spring, as I am. Beals Hospitality House Togus: Busy as ever! Thank you for the continued donations and we can always use coffee! PRO: Remember – press releases are free; ads are not. Make sure to include the 5 “W’s” (who, what, when, where and why) when writing up your releases. Including all the information makes sure your release gets to print faster than the editor having to chase you down for the rest of the story. Adding your press release to your event planning will help you make sure the community is aware of your event before it happens. You don’t have to wait until the event takes place to get your info out. Blood Bank, Safety and Drug Abuse: I currently have a total of 14 Posts that have reported in Safety and or Blood. Report, report, report! Surgeon: I leave you with a bit of information on Lupus. Some of you are aware that I have Lupus and the last couple of years have been a bit of a struggle. From losing my hair to the hospital stays and the infusions in between but “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!”

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Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakes the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them. There are two kinds of lupus: Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DLE mainly affects skin that is exposed to sunlight and doesn’t typically affect vital internal organs. Discoid (circular) skin lesions often leave scars after healing of the lesions. SLE is more serious: It affects the skin and other vital organs, and can cause a raised, scaly, butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks that can leave scars if untreated. SLE can also affect other parts of the skin elsewhere on the body. Aside from the visible effects of systemic lupus, the disease may also inflame and/or damage the connective tissue in the joints, muscles, and skin, along with the membranes surrounding or within the lungs, heart, kidneys, and brain. SLE can also cause kidney disease. Brain involvement is rare, but for some, lupus can cause confusion, depression, seizures, and strokes.

****************************** CHAPLAIN

David O. Sivret, Father

Greeting Comrades: Winter is almost over, at least that is what the calendar tells us! On March 20th, you and I will enjoy the coming of spring to the Northern Hemisphere. What a glorious time of the year! One of the great poets said, "The trumpet of prophecy, O Wind. If Winter comes; can spring be far behind?" Spring casts its magical spell over young lovers. The farmer with his Almanac in hand is smiling again. The golfer comes out of hibernation. The birds begin their song again and even the woodpecker taps out his disharmony and the robins are dancing all around. Dr. Clarence McCartney wrote of his boyhood in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and the coming of spring each year. He said, "Whenever the ice went out of the river we knew that Spring could not be far off. At last the free river, released from its captivity of the winter, sang its way to the Ohio." For we who live in Maine, it seems that the sun has taken a leave of absence. The snow seems to be nothing more than a white sheet pulled over an earth that has died. But wait! The sun is on its way. It will reach and cross the equator on March 20th. We have a promise! That promise is found in Genesis 8:22. God says, "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Spring is coming. Mark it down. The Creator has always kept His word. The winter will pass. The crocus will blossom. Nature’s orchestra will play again. Music will fill the air again. There’s hope in the coming of spring. Yours in Comradeship; Fr David O. Sivret +; Pro Deo Et Patria NOTES: Quarterly Chaplain Reports are due NLT June. This is for District and Post Chaplains…….Please get these reports in to me. The Form is on our Department Website. Thank You! A new version of the Chaplain’s Handbook is available on the National Website. If there is someone sick in your Post, please let me know so that I can send a card. Please remember to give me their Name and mailing address Plus Zip code.

**************************** IMMEDIATE PAST STATE COMMANDER

Americanism ~ Loyalty Day Richard A. Farris, PSC

Loyalty Day: Loyalty Day 2019 will be coming around the corner and it is asked that each Post who conduct the program to send a report to send me a report either thru USPS at 160 Belmont Ave, Belfast, ME 04915 or the Department website. You can also conduct the Loyalty Day program at your respective District meetings and file a report also. You will be able to obtain the speech either on the VFW Website at National and/or contact our State Adjutant who will email it to you. Americanism: Is a daily happening by all of the Posts. Please forward your report to me when completed thru the Maine VFW website or mail me the report and I will credit you each month once received. Posts

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continue to do great work throughout the Department but on many occasions as our Community Activities Chairman have reported, it is not reported.

***************************** CHIEF OF STAFF

MEMBERSHIP ~ LEGISLATION MAINE VETERANS’ HOMES (MVH)

Steven J. SanPedro, PSC Comrades: Congratulation to the following Posts and District for reaching their goal of 100%. Post 4298 Dexter, Post 9394 Kittery, District 10, Post 6859 Portland, Post 10879 Gorham, Post 1761 Bangor, Post 1285 Waterville and Post 11191Newport. Great Job by all! That makes 30 Posts and 5 Districts so far this year. Will your Post or District be the next to join them in the Commanders 100% Club! Legislation: The Maine VFW Delegation will be heading to D.C. in early March to speak with our Maine Legislators. I have established meetings with all of the Legislators and look forward to discussing our issues. We will have a large team this year to help drive our points and to give real time issues. If there is anything you would like me to address, please send it to me before the end of the month. In the State, we have many Veterans Bills that will support our Veterans. Please take the time to look at them and send emails to your Senators and Representatives. Membership: We continue to do well in Membership! However; please; don’t let this number let you forget that we lost hundreds of Members last year. So I ask that you please continue to work hard so we can grow our Posts, Districts and the Department. We won’t exist if we don’t have Membership. The Department is currently sitting at 98.25% with 7772 Members which is an increase of 1.47% and 113 Members. We need 138 Members to reach 100%. We have decreased our New Members by 12 and increased our Reinstated Members by 50 from this time last year. All of us must work hard to Retain, Reinstate and Recruit Members. We have 10 Posts that have completed a Recruiter Event and submitted the proper paperwork to me. Make sure you read and understand the 2018-2019 Membership Program! If you have any questions on Membership please contact me at 207-894-5260 or email me at sanpedro105@roadrunner.com Maine Veterans Homes: As always all of the Homes are doing well. The residents get top quality care and have a great quality of life there. They have the opportunity to do many things inside and outside of the home. This is because of the tremendous support of many volunteers. Recently, Commander Armstrong and I supported LD606 during the testimony before the Committee. This will ensure that our Homes get Cost Base Reimbursement from the State and a Federal match. We feel that since the State hasn’t paid anything towards the funding of our homes since the beginning, it is now time. We also saved the State Millions over the years by providing for our Veterans and their Families. The ground break for the Augusta home is on Thursday 18 April. This is very exciting as we begin to bring our Homes into the future. Does your Post want to get more involved at your local Home? All the Homes are always looking for volunteers to join the team and help the nurses and staff live up to their motto of “caring for those who served!”

Remember that we should be “HELPING VETERANS EVERYDAY”

****************************** CREDENTIALS

Samuel C. Flint, Chairman Credentials: Ok, here it is March already and time for nominations. District Commanders and Post Commanders; please make sure all your affairs are in order so you will have a vote at our State Convention. If the affairs are not in order, you will not be able to vote and I would hate to see you disqualified on this. Please send me either by snail mail or email to Samuel Flint @ SFlint@maine.rr.com your credentials as soon as you have them. If you have any questions, again, please call me @ 807-5254. This is very important; no one should not have a report in to me! My address is 15 George St., So Portland, ME 04106. Finally; IAW Section 222 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedures, delegates to the State Convention shall be elected at the April Post meeting which consist of 1 delegate and 1 alternate per 30

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members. Delegate strength will be based on members in good standing as of March 31st. The delegates listing shall be signed by the Commander and Adjutant. “Thank you” in advance, and look forward to receiving your reports as you have your elections. District Commanders; please stay on top of this as well.

******************************* INSPECTOR ~ POW-MIA

John J. Bouchard Inspector: We have only four (4) months left to turn in your inspection reports. You know who YOU are! Twelve (12) Posts have not turned in their reports, let’s get it done. Thank You. POW/MIA: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of Missing in Action (MIA) since World War II, Korea and Vietnam and is returning home with full military honors. Returning home for full honors is: >US Army Air Forces 1st Lt Howard T. Lurcott >Navy Seaman 1st Class Frank A. Hryniewicz >Navy Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Eugene L. Eberhardt >Army Air Forces 2nd Lt Lynn W. Hadfield >Army Pfc Clifford M. Mills >Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Ted Hall >Marine Corps Pvt. Waldean Black >Army Pvt. Winfred L. Reynolds >Amy Cpl Carlos E. Ferguson >Army Master Sgt Charlie J. Mares >Army Sgt George R. Schipani >Army Cpl James C. Rix >Navy Seaman 1st Class Kirby R. Stapleton >Seaman 1st Class John A. Karli >Navy Seaman 1st Class Kenneth H. Sampson >Marine Corps Pvt Waldean Black Please send your monthly reports to me either thru the Maine VFW website and/or USPS. Many Posts have hosted their POW/MIA program, having a “Table for One” within their respective Posts and/or flying the POW/MIA flags at either their Post or town Memorial Park. We must never forget our POW/MIAs and especially their families. Keep reporting monthly.

****************************** HOMELESS VETERANS

VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH ~ ASSISTANT LEGISLATIVE (Augusta) MEMBERSHIP RECRUITER (South) James E.N. Bachelder, Chairman

Homeless Veterans: In April 2018, the VA disbanded the Homeless Veterans Network Group (HVNG) and told the members they were invited to the Homeless Veterans Action Committee (HVAC). The meeting was tele-video and didn’t have the same goals as the old group. The action committee is the political and policy making arm of the Homeless Veterans solution. The HVNG is the providing arm of the Homeless Veterans solution. With the urging from Jarad Greeley and David Hassen, Veteran Committee Chairman from the Maine State Elks to reconvene the HVNG, we planned the first meeting to be on February the 21st but the snowstorm scared us off. We are polling the former participants as to what fits their schedule. There is a lot of enthusiasm by the email recipients. The meetings will be in Augusta at the Augusta Elks Lodge for now. We are looking to move back into the old conference room we used in the past but are receiving pushback from the VA. We only had to remove people from our old list because they are not with that agency/non-profit corporation anymore. The Co-Chairman of the HVAC sees how the HVNG can be a sub-committee to the HVAC. We will keep your informed. Our next event is the VA2K Walk and Roll. It has been discussed already. This is in mid-May. It has been the 3rd Wednesday for years. Stay tuned. The Stand-Down will be on October the 19th. This will not clash with our Fall CoA meeting. Whatever is donated that is not money will remain in your area! Instead of money, gift cards are logged in and kept in the

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local CBOC for the area it covers. Gas cards for the Homeless Veteran to get to medical appointments and shopping and grocery cards for the Homeless Veteran to buy food. If you know of a Homeless Veteran, contact Easter Seals of Maine at www.easterseals.com/maine or 207-828-0754. They will connect the Veteran with the best services available. If you have any questions, you can contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net and/or 207-432-7127 from 9 am until 9 pm. Veterans Cemetery South: We are moving along. Our secretary has a Checkbook and Savings Account Protocol which he claims is necessary for the bond. He has put in changes that no one questions so he now is also bonded and can deposit funds. He had more changes to the by-laws and the protocol that would prevent the treasurer from being able to make deposits and another member of the association will be appointed and the treasurer will submit a report to this member 5 days before the monthly meeting. These changes were tabled and a committee to review the by-laws and protocol has been appointed and will report on progress at the next meeting. We are still receiving funds from municipalities and financial institutions like the Kennebunk Savings Bank. We are looking to bring in around $ 9,000 when their fundraiser finishes. The POW/MIA Memorial has been relocated. The funds the State is authorized to use will be used to develop the area as you look at the flags to the right of the Committal Shelter. The former placement of the memorial is in the way of the road to access the expanding area. The place is now on the peninsula between the parking area and the roadway to the maintenance building. The walkway and the memorial will be facing the flags. This area was not prepared for use during the original construction. It will need blasting to remove ledge so the memorial with the apron and walkway will rise up as you walk in from the roadway. The tables to the individual Wars/Conflicts will be placed up the side and around the apron with room for more in the future. There will be white crosses in straight rows behind the memorial that are to Service Members that will not be returned in the future. More info to come as the construction begins in the cemetery expansion and the memorial project. When drawings are available, you will receive an email with a copy. If you have any questions, you can contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net and/or 207-432-7127 from 9 am until 9 pm. Assistant Legislative Chairman (Augusta): A lot is happening. We have bills that have already been heard. We have bills about to be heard. We need a list of current bills that affect Veterans and their dependents. This used to be supplied by the MBVS. The Department should put in a request to the bureau to request it be reestablished. Charles McGillicuddy as well as the Commander and Legislative Chairman have been able to attend and testify on behalf of the Department and the Veterans effected. If you’re interested in sitting in on bills, we need to support. Send me an email and we will keep you informed. We have a lot of available members with the time to gather and show support for our community. You will get about 5 days’ notice on hearings so you need to have an open calendar. Your support is welcome even if it is only for one bill. As you know from twice above, my contact information is james.bachelder@metrocast.net and/or 207-432-7127 from 9 am until 9 pm.

**************************** HOSPITAL/VAVS

Michael W. Blair, Director

The total donations for the month of February were $ 575.00. The total was to be used for Hospital VAVS as needed. I would like to “Thank” Posts 9526, Winthrop, Post11553, Harrington, Post 3108, Belfast and Post 6924, Fairfield for their generous donations. Post donations may be earmarked for any Hospital or CBOC area that your Post would like. Some Posts are still sending their donations to State Commander Armstrong or directly to Hospital / VAVS. This only makes more work for both parties. Please send your donations to: Michael W. Blair; 748 Hinckley Rd., Clinton, ME 04927

13

***************************** HISTORIAN

STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA (SVA) Amy H. Meuchel, Chairperson

Historian: “Thank you” everyone who have shared everything going on with the Department of Maine, VFW. The Commanders book is coming along very nice. Please keep them coming. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. I look forward to the Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the Year banquet. As always, pictures will be posted on Face book for all to see. SVA: With the fall semester over, “Winter Break” will be filled with SVA events. The largest one will be the National Convention for Student Veterans in Orlando, FL. Seminars like Destigmatizing Veterans on Campus: Creating a more inclusive and empowering campus and Bridging the Gap between Women Veterans and the Workforce. This will be a three day event full of panels, platforms and politics. I look forward to sharing everything I learn.

******************************

VETERANS ADVISORY TO VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Raymond R. Lupo, PSC

Department of Veterans Affairs will release new capabilities this summer providing Veterans who receive care at the VA with the ability to access their personnel medical data using the Health Records data on I phone features from Apple. This new capability the Health Application Ramping Interface allowing Veterans to access their health records within innovative applications on their mobile device or in their web browner. My next meeting is not until the 28th of February.

****************************** MAINE OFFICERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (MOLD)

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE (VSO) WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA (WAA)

Kevin G. Woodward, Chairman

MOLD: Still looking for possible locations to hold next year’s sessions. Please think about hosting and let me know. VSO: I am requesting that all Post and District Commanders make this an agenda item to discuss at your upcoming meetings. “If you have a Post that is willing to host a PSO training session or a Veterans Outreach please, contact the Veteran Service Officer Ware or Assistant Veteran Service Officer Bolduc @ 207 263-5723.” WAA: WHO DO WE REMEMBER? From the Revolutionary war to present day conflicts, our Veterans are devoted Sons, Daughters, Mothers, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters who have come from all walks of life and place their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Wreaths Across America held a wonderful service “Remembering The Four Chaplains” at the Balsam Valley Chapel in Jonesboro with our State Chaplain David O. Sivret officiating. The service was well received and although the weather wasn’t the best. This year’s National Wreaths Across America Day is December 14, 2019.

****************************** W

14

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Cornelius J. Ware, SO

VA Appeals Modernization is a reality: The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA). The new law took effect February 19, 2019, and will modernize the current claims and appeals process. Under the new rules, Veterans will be given the following options or their appeals. These options are Higher-Level review, Supplemental Claim and Appeal to the Board. All three are designed to streamline the complicated existing process for cases, which can languish for years as new evidence and arguments are introduced throughout the timeline. Veterans rejected for disability benefits can now use these new appeals options. As forms and procedures have changed, if you plan on filing an Appeal please contact the VFW Service office @207-623-5723 so we can answer questions and provide guidance. Upcoming Post Service Officer Training: The next Post Service Officer training will be held on Saturday 27 April 2019 at Whitcomb-Baker Post 4633 in Hampden from 9 am to 1 pm. If you plan to attend PSO training, please contact the Service Office @207-623-5723 NLT Monday 22 April so you can be added to the roster. Upcoming NVS Training: NVS training for DSO Ware and ADSO Bolduc is scheduled for 6-10 May 2019 in King of Prussia, PA. The office will be closed during that timeframe. Filing Cabinets: We still have 11 four drawer HON filing cabinet that we need to find a new home for. If there are any VFW Posts that need filing cabinets, please contact the VFW Service office @ 207-623-5723. VA 50th Welcome Home: Togus is hosting its 50th anniversary Welcome Home Vietnam program for Vietnam Veterans and their family members. The program will be held in the Togus Theatre March 28th at 10 am, for further information please contact our office @ 207-623-5723.

“VETERANS SERVING VETERANS”

****************************** VOICE OF DEMOCRACY * PATRIOT’S PEN * TEACHER OF THE YEAR

CONVENTION 2019 * CONVENTION SITE SLECTION 2020 Ronald F. Smith, PSC

Greeting’s Comrades: Another successful year for the Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the Year. Be sure to watch the awards ceremony from Washington on the 4th of March on the VFW.ORG web site. Let’s cheer on our Department Winner. There were still problems with “Incomplete” packages for Teacher of the Year. Supporting documentation is required for submission to National. Check the on-line chairman’s manual for full details. When Districts send in their respective entries to Department, a photo of the District winners must be included both for VOD and PP. This year’s award banquet was a huge success. As we honor the students, we show how much we care about the efforts they have put forward and recognize their work. Again, I want to “Thank” Everyone that helped make this program so special within our Department. Enjoy your time with family and friends and as winter settles in, Be Safe as we look forward to “spring”, aka “Mud Season”

Help a fellow veteran or family that needs our help. It is a reward in itself. God Bless!

***************************** WEBSITE COORDINATOR Thomas R. Lussier, PSC

The Department Website is in good working order and up-to-date. Please remember National has a new website and is still offering Departments and Post free grants to build a new website.

15

Please insure any directory changes are sent to the Department Adjutant. Also if you have any photos of Department events please forward them to me. The website includes a Department Photo Gallery that I would like to keep updated and I always would like to see more guestbook entries. Comrades, the Department website contains an incredible amount of information designed to make everyone’s job more helpful. Many years have been devoted to creating this site so please utilize it! If anyone has any problems, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

***************************** YOUTH ACTIVITIES

James A. Proctor, Chairman Mac Science: Rocket Power and Small-Tiny Rockets shooting up, up and away powered by edible gas trapped in a drink. Harness the power of compressed gas when you race a balloon powered car you designed and built. Tall and small overnights are a great chance for daisies to experience an overnight with a parent to help with travel progression. Date: 26-27 April. Reg. By: 10 April. Town: Bangor. Start time: 6:00 pm. End Time: 8:00 am. Levels: D/B/J. Girl fee: $ 41.00. Adult fee: $ 26.00. Winter Gardening? What? We can grow vegetables in the winter even in Maine. Check out Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Year-Round (Unheated) greenhouses where they grow food for the community, including area food pantries. Learn about what plants need to grow and how they survive the winter and see the special techniques used to keep them thriving even when it’s freezing outside. Start some micro-greens or sprouts to take home. Date: 27 April. Reg. by: 10 April. Town: Freeport. Start Time: 1:00 pm. End Time: 3:00 pm. Levels: D/B. Girl fee: $ 16.00. Adult fee: $ 8.00. Norlands Sample-Get a Taste of Home, Farm and School Life in Rural Maine in the 19th Century: In the Norlands sampler program, explore all that Washburn-Norlands living history center has to offer. Date: 27 April. Reg. by: 10 April. Town: Livermore. Start Time: 10:00 am. End Time: 2:00 pm. Levels: D/J/C. Girl fee: $ 11.00. Adult fee: $ 6.00. Exciting Engineering: Dream, Design, Create, Explore the World of Engineering with our very own GS volunteer and engineer Rhonda. While working on your crane design challenge mechanical engineering badge. You’ll get a chance to explore engineering in a fun, hands-on and mind-on way that will help you explore the design process. Date: 27 April. Reg. by: 10 April. Town: Westbrook. Start Time: 1:00 pm. End Time: 3:00 pm. Levels: J. Girl fee: $ 5.00. Adult fee: $ 0.00. Almost Sleepover: Invention lad-what can you create. Learn about electricity and circuits and design your own scribble bot. Date: 4 May. Reg. by: 17 April. Town: Bangor. Start Time: 5:30 pm. End Time: 8:30 pm. Levels: B/J. Girl fee: $ 19.00. Adult fee: $ 1.00. Stars and Space Overnight: 3-2-1 blast off. Find magic in the stars in the children’s museum and theatre of Maine’s Mini Planetarium as we identify constellations, hear a star story and create your own constellations in the night sky. Explore the phases of the moon and create your own moon phase art to take home. During this program, complete part of your space science badge; includes a complimentary breakfast. Date: 4-5 May. Reg. by: 17 April. Town: Portland. Start Time: 5:30 pm. Girl fee: $ 28.00. Adult fee: $ 16.00. Our Changing Ocean: The Ocean is constantly changing. Learn what is causing this shifts and product trend, discover why the Gulf of Maine is one of the most productive eco-systems in the world and how it is constantly changing due to temperature salinity and human impacts. Date: 4 May. Reg by: 17 April. Town: Rye, N.H. Start Time: 1:00 pm. End time: 3:00 pm. Levels: C/S/A. Girl fee: $ 9.00. Adult fee: $ 5.00.

16

DEPT @ 98.30% - Need 134 For 100% (4+) Department Statistics

___________________________________ Maine as of Monday, February 25, 2019

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

2599 1 104 1 20 16 141 127 111.02% 14 PRESQUE ISLE 0

6187 1 62 0 0 21 83 87 95.40% -4 FORT FAIRFIELD 0

9389 1 392 1 0 84 477 463 103.02% 14 CARIBOU 0

9699 1 76 0 0 7 83 82 101.21% 1 ASHLAND 0

District Total

1 634 2 20 128 784 759 103.29% 25

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

1605 2 130 0 1 7 138 134 102.98% 4 BURLINGTON 0

2299 2 22 0 0 6 28 32 87.50% -4

SHERMAN STATION

0

7529 2 45 1 0 8 54 50 108.00% 4 ISLAND FALLS 0

District Total

2 197 1 1 21 220 216 101.85% 4

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

9779 3 121 0 0 26 147 145 101.37% 2 CALAIS 0

11553 3 109 0 0 31 140 137 102.18% 3 HARRINGTON 0

District Total

3 230 0 0 57 287 282 101.77% 5

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

109 4 130 7 0 35 172 164 104.87% 8 ELLSWORTH 4

1761 4 203 2 0 54 259 259 100.00% 0 BANGOR 1

3381 4 182 1 1 25 209 253 82.60% -44 OLD TOWN 0

4633 4 92 3 3 17 115 107 107.47% 8 HAMPDEN 0

District Total

4 607 13 4 131 755 783 96.42% -28

5

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

4298 5 59 1 0 20 80 79 101.26% 1 DEXTER 1

5723 5 6 0 0 9 15 14 107.14% 1 JACKMAN 0

6924 5 112 0 1 23 136 132 103.03% 4 FAIRFIELD 0

7865 5 108 0 0 19 127 136 93.38% -9 MADISON-ANSON 0

7866 5 8 0 0 3 11 12 91.66% -1 NORRIDGEWOCK 0

10881 5 21 0 0 2 23 22 104.54% 1 FARMINGTON 0

11191 5 31 1 1 10 43 43 100.00% 0 NEWPORT 0

District Total

5 345 2 2 86 435 438 99.31% -3

1

17

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

3095 6 22 0 0 6 28 28 100.00% 0 FRIENDSHIP 0

3108 6 135 6 2 32 175 170 102.94% 5 BELFAST 1

4169 6 10 0 0 4 14 14 100.00% 0 VINALHAVEN 0

6131 6 52 1 0 22 75 74 101.35% 1 NORTHPORT 0

9437 6 40 3 0 9 52 50 104.00% 2 WASHINGTON 2

District Total

6 259 10 2 73 344 336 102.38% 8

3

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

2197 7 54 3 0 17 74 76 97.36% -2 TOPSHAM 0

4525 7 67 0 0 20 87 88 98.86% -1 WALDOBORO 0

7738 7 66 1 1 3 71 75 94.66% -4 BATH 0

District Total

7 187 4 1 40 232 239 97.07% -7

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

9 8 47 0 0 16 63 66 95.45% -3 GARDINER 0

887 8 198 2 1 39 240 257 93.38% -17 AUGUSTA 1

1285 8 247 2 0 12 261 260 100.38% 1 WATERVILLE 0

8835 8 255 0 0 24 279 287 97.21% -8 WINSLOW 2

9526 8 37 0 0 6 43 48 89.58% -5 WINTHROP 0

District Total

8 784 4 1 97 886 918 96.51% -32

3

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

1603 9 320 3 1 50 374 393 95.16% -19

LEWISTON-AUBURN

0

1641 9 81 0 14 60 155 149 104.02% 6 RUMFORD 0

3335 9 237 4 1 41 283 319 88.71% -36 JAY 0

9150 9 71 0 0 14 85 88 96.59% -3 LEWISTON 0

9787 9 114 3 1 25 143 153 93.46% -10 SOUTH PARIS 0

District Total

9 823 10 17 190 1040 1102 94.37% -62

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

832 10 347 0 0 35 382 375 101.86% 7 S PORTLAND 0

6783 10 40 1 1 8 50 48 104.16% 2 LOVELL 0

6859 10 310 8 0 93 411 403 101.98% 8 PORTLAND 8

9328 10 38 0 0 8 46 48 95.83% -2 HARRISON 0

10529 10 82 0 0 2 84 88 95.45% -4 YARMOUTH 0

10643 10 50 2 0 23 75 77 97.40% -2 WINDHAM 0

10879 10 11 0 0 13 24 24 100.00% 0 GORHAM 0

11362 10 30 0 1 5 36 35 102.85% 1 NAPLES 0

District 10 908 11 2 187 1108 1098 100.91% 10

8

18

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

5744 11 110 3 0 34 147 165 89.09% -18

SOUTH BERWICK

3

6977 11 179 3 0 25 207 218 94.95% -11 YORK BEACH 0

7997 11 188 3 0 30 221 207 106.76% 14

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

1

9394 11 43 5 0 8 56 54 103.70% 2 KITTERY 3

9935 11 183 5 0 60 248 263 94.29% -15 SANFORD 0

District Total

11 703 19 0 157 879 907 96.91% -28

7

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent

City N/R LM

1641 99 669 20 24 93 806 832 96.87% -26 RUMFORD 8

District Total

99 669 20 24 93 806 832 96.87% -26

QM'S HOUSE 8

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

State Total

6346 96 74 1260 7776 7910 98.30% -134

35

EVERYONE’S HELP IS NEEDED TO BRING THE DEPARTMENT TO 100%

THIS 2018 – 2019 YEAR - WILL YOU HELP?

“HELPING VETERANS EVERYDAY”

“RETAIN-REINSTATE-RECRUIT”

19

"HELPING VETERANS EVERYDAY” CHRISTOPHER L. ARMSTRONG, STATE COMMANDER

D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S <<>> FEBRUARY 25, 2 0 1 9

>> LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR DEPARTMENT GROW <<

DIV. I (10-50) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. IV (201-300) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV.

1. 7529 ISLAND FALLS 108.00% 1. 7997 OLD ORCHARD 106.76%

2. 5723 JACKMAN 107.14% 2. 1285 WATERVILLE 100.38%

3. 10881 FARMINGTON 104.54% 3. 1761 BANGOR 100.00%

DIV. II (51-100) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. V (301-400) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV.

1. 9394 KITTERY 103.70% 1. 832 SOUTH PORTLAND 101.60%

2. 9437 NORTHPORT 101.35% 2. 1603 AUBURN 94.65%

3. 4298 DEXTER 101.26% 3. 3335 JAY 88.71%

DIV. III (101-200) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. VI (401- HIGHER) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV.

1. 2599 PRESQUE ISLE 111.02% 1. 9389 CARIBOU 103.02%

2. 4633 HAMPDEN 107.47% 2. 6859 PORTLAND 101.98%

3. 1641 RUMFORD 104.02% 3.

TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % I TEN LARGEST POSTS

1. 2599 PRESQUE ISLE 111.02% 1. 9389 CARIBOU 477

2. 7529 ISLAND FALLS 108.00% 2. 6859 PORTLAND 411

3. 4633 HAMPDEN 107.47% 3 832 SOUTH PORTLAND 381

4. 5723 JACKMAN 107.14% 4. 1603 AUBURN 374

5. 7997 OLD ORCHARD 106.76% 5. 3335 JAY 283

6. 109 ELLSWORTH 104.87\% 6. 8835 WINSLOW 279

7. 10881 FARMINGTON 104.54% 7. 1285 WATERVILLE 261

8. 6783 LOVELL 104.16% 8. 1761 BANGOR 259

9. 1641 RUMFORD 104.02% 9. 9935 SANFORD 248

10. 9437 WASHINGTON 104.00% 10. 887 AUGUSTA 240

DISTRICT STANDINGS I MAGIC NUMBERS FOR 2018-19

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. District 1 BOUCHARD 103.29% WE HAVE = 7776- WE NEED 134

2. District 6 CUMMINGS 102.38% ALL POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD BE AT 100%

3. District 3 WOODWARD 101.77%

4. District 2 EWING 101.85% 5 N/R MEMBERS & EARN A GREEN BALL CAP

5. District 10 MEUCHEL 100.91% 10 N/R MEMBERS & EARN A WHITE VFW SHIRT

6. District 5 TWEEDIE 99.31% ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT

DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, VFW 98.30% LET’S ALL WORK AS A TEAM AND

7. District 7 STEVENS 97.07% RETAIN – RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS?

8. District 11 BATES 96.91% NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS

9. District 8 EMMONS 96.51% ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM OK?

10. District 4 LUPO 96.42%

11. District 9 ROACH 94.37%

STEVEN SANPEDRO - STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN

20

Testimonial

State Commander Christopher L. Armstrong

Let’s us all get together to honor Department Commander Christopher L. Armstrong

Location Fireside Inn Portland

Date & Time 13 April 2019 Social Hour – 6:00 to 7:00 pm Banquet – 7:00 pm

Banquet Ticket Cost $ 35.00

Dinner Menu Tossed Salad Honey Crumb Haddock Slow Roasted Slicked Steak Chicken in Herb Sauce Roasted Red Potatoes Chef Choice Vegetables Coffee and Tea, Dessert

Dress Code Business Casual “No Jeans, Shorts, T-shirts, Tank Tops”

Hotel Information Fireside Inn Portland (Headquarters) 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME

$ 85.00 + 9% tax * Tel: 1-207-774-5601 (All rooms are non smoking * Deadline for reservations is 5 April 2019)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><> (Cut) <><><><><><><><><><><><>

Please Reserve the following

Meals: Total Tickets: __________ x $ 35.00 = __________

Name _______________________________ Name ______________________________

Name _______________________________ Name ______________________________

Make Your Check payable to: Department of Maine, VFW

Forward to: Shirley M. Dumas 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME 04736

Tel #: 496-0071 * E-mail: thedumas@gwi.net

Ticket Deadline: 5 April 2019

(No tickets will be sold after the deadline – Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will be no refunds on banquet tickets)

(Special needs for Banquet, please notify Shirley Dumas)

21

2018 - 2019

99th

State Convention

Bangor, Maine

Ronald F. Smith, Chairman Brenda Blair– Chairperson

The 99th

Annual Department of Maine VFW and 89th

Auxiliary Convention will be held this year at

the Bangor Motor Inn & Suites with Bangor Memorial Post 1761 as the Host Post. Dates are: June

21-23 June 2019 and the Department Headquarters will be the Bangor Motor Inn and Suites, 701

Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME @ 947-0355. As in the past, all meetings, Memorial Service; Banquet and

Council of Administration will be held at the Bangor Motor Inn & Suites.

“Motels & Rates”

Bangor Motor Inn and Suites (Headquarters Hotel)

701 Hogan Rd., Bangor ME * Tel: 947-0355

Rates: $ 78.00 + Tax (1-4 Persons)

(All Non-Smoking Rooms)

* Cutoff date for Reservations – 14 June 2019 *

** Please mention that you are with the “Department of Maine, VFW” **

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“Other Motels for the State Convention”

NOTE: As they are only overflow hotels and not the Headquarters Hotel,

these are the rates that they will be charging. Country Inn > 936 Stillwater Ave., Bangor, ME > Tel # 207-941-0200 > Rates $103.00 + tax

Quality Inn > 750 Hogan rd, Bangor, ME > Tel #: 207-942-7899 > Rates: $93.00 + tax

Comfort Inn > 10 Bangor Mall Boulevard, Bangor, ME > 207-990-0888 > Rates: 107.00 + Tax

********************************************************************************************************

~~ 99th

STATE CONVENTION ~~

Bangor, Maine Convention Book Advertising Rates

Rates are for VFW and VFWA members advertising in the Convention Book

Back Cover - $ 265.00 Inside Cover - $ 210.00

Full Page - $ 170.00 Half Page - $ 115.00

¼ Page - $ 65.00 1/8 Page - $ 45.00

Please send your advertisement copy in a finalized format

Make check made payable to “Department of Maine, VFW”

Mail to: Andre L. Dumas, Adjutant

64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME 04736-2125

All Advertising and monies must be received as soon as possible

“CUT OFF DATE IS APRIL 30, 2019”

22

VFW BOOSTER ADS Each Booster Ad may have two (2) lines of copy

Each line limited to 27 characters or spaces (Maximum)

Deadline: < 30 April 2019 >

******* Print Name Clearly *******

1. 9.

2. 10.

3. 11.

4. 12.

5. 13.

6. 14.

7. 15.

8. 16.

Send all Booster Ads to:

Andre L. Dumas, State Adjutant

Department of Maine, VFW

64 Washburn Street, B-1, Caribou, Maine 04736-2125

Make check in the amount of: $3.00 per name

Make your check payable to: “Department of Maine, VFW” and earmark “Booster Page”

23

99th

State Convention

*** Pre-Convention Registration *** Department of Maine VFW State Convention

21 – 23 June 2019

Bangor Motor Inn & Suites

701 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME

Pre-Registration Rates - $ 5.00

Registration at Door - $ 8.00

Come Celebrate the

99th

Department of Maine VFW State Convention

&

89th

Department of Maine Auxiliary State Convention

**********************************************************************

** Pre-Registration Form ** Please register the following members of Post/Auxiliary #: ________

Name VFW Aux Title/Position

1. ________________________________ ____ ____ _____________________________

2. ________________________________ ____ ____ _____________________________

3. ________________________________ ____ ____ _____________________________

4. ________________________________ ____ ____ _____________________________

5. ________________________________ ____ ____ _____________________________

6. ________________________________ ____ ____ _____________________________

Total Amount Due $ 5.00 x _______ = $ ________

Please Print clearly the name you will be using and Post @ Auxiliary Number

Deadline: 10 June 2019 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

MAKE YOUR CHECK TO:

“Department of Maine, VFW” and earmark on the check “Pre-Registration”

MAIL YOUR CHECK TO: Margaret “Peggy” Whirley

80 Mill St., Apt 302, Auburn, ME 04210

Any Question –Call: Margaret “Peggy” Whirley @ 782-2856 or e-mail @ mawwhirl1905@yahoo.com

ACTIVITIES PROGRAM STATUS REPORT(This is put together "ONLY AS A GUIDE" to assist you) As of _________________

Dist Div Post # Name

Am

ericanism/Loyalty D

ay

Blood /Safety/D

rugAbuse

Ordered B

uddy Poppies

National C

onvention R

egistraton

Com

manders Special Project

Cabin in the W

oods

Com

munity A

ctivities

National M

ilitary Service

Youth

POW

- MIA

Hospital /VA

VS

Audit R

eport - Jun

Audit R

eport - Sept

Audit R

eport - Dec

Audit R

eport - Mar

Bonding

Voice of Dem

ocracy

Patriot Pen

Teacher to Departm

ent

Delegates to N

ational

Post Inspected

Recruiter's Event B

ooth

Scouts

1 4 2599 Presque Isle x x 1,000 x x x x x x 8/28 yes x x x x x1 2 6187 Fort Fairfield x x 7/27 yes yes x x x1 6 9389 Caribou x 500 x x x 7/16 yes own x x x x x1 3 9609 Fort Kent x x x 7/16 x x x x1 3 9699 Ashland x x yes yes yes x x1 District 1 yes yes2 2 1605 Burlington x 1000 x x yes yes yes x x x2 1 2299 ShermanSt2 2 7529 Island Falls 500 x x x 7/16 10/12 1/15 x2 District 2 yes yes yes x x3 3 9779 Calais 2,000 x x x 9/10 yes yes x x x x3 3 11553 Harrington x x x x x yes yes yes x x x x3 District 3 x yes x4 3 109 Ellsworth x x 1,000 x x x x x x yes yes yes x x x x4 5 1761 Bangor x x 5,000 x x x x x x 7/16 10/12 yes x x x x x4 5 3381 Old Town x x x x 9/4 yes yes x x x x4 3 4633 Hampden x x 2,000 x x x x x x 7/11 10/3 1/15 x x x x x4 District 4 x yes yes x x5 2 4298 Dexter x x x5 1 5723 Jackman Stat x yes yes x x x x5 3 6924 Fairfield x 8/1 yes x5 3 7865 Madison 7/27 10/20 x x x5 1 7866 Norridgewock x x x x yes yes yes x5 1 10881 Farmington 8/15 yes yes x x5 1 11191 Newport 7/16 10/12 x x5 District 5 yes yes x x6 1 3095 Friendship x x x yes yes yes6 4 3108 Belfast x x 3,500 x x x x x yes yes yes x x x x x x x6 1 4169 Vinalhaven6 2 6131 Northport x x 1,500 x x x 8/15 10/12 yes x x x x6 1 9437 Washington x x x x x 7/15 10/15 1/316 District 6 9/1 yes

ACTIVITIES PROGRAM STATUS REPORT(This is put together "ONLY AS A GUIDE" to assist you) As of _________________

Dist Div Post # Name

Am

ericanism/Loyalty D

ay

Blood /Safety/D

rugAbuse

Ordered B

uddy Poppies

Short Buddy Poppies

Com

manders Special

Project Cabin in the W

oods

Com

munity A

ctivities

National M

ilitary Service

Youth

POW

- MIA

Hospital /VA

VS

Audit R

eport - Jun

Audit R

eport - Sept

Audit R

eport - Dec

Audit R

eport - Mar

Bonding

Voice of Dem

ocracy

Patriot Pen

Teacher to Departm

ent

Delegates to N

ational

Post Inspected

Recruiter's Event B

ooth

Scouts

7 2 2197 Topsham x x 500 x x x x x x 7/27 yes yes x x x x x7 2 4525 Waldoboro x yes yes yes x x x7 2 7738 Bath 500 x yes yes yes x7 District 7 yes yes x8 2 9 Gardiner yes x x x 8/1 10/1 x x x8 5 887 Augusta x x 1,500 x x x 8/14 yes yes x x x x x8 6 1285 Waterville x x x x x x x x8 5 8835 Winslow x x x x x x x x8 2 9526 Winthrop x x 500 x x x x 7/27 yes yes x x8 District 8 x yes yes9 4 1603 Auburn x x 2,000 x x x x x yes yes x x x x9 4 1641 Rumford x 1,000 x x x x 7/30 10/2 yes x x x x x9 5 3335 Jay x x x x yes yes yes x x x x x x9 3 9150 Lewiston x x x x x yes yes x x x x x9 3 9787 South Paris x x 3,000 x x x x 7/30 9/30 x x x x9 1 11032 Greene 8/89 District 9 yes yes yes x10 6 832 So Porland x x x x x x10 2 6783 Lovell 7/27 yes yes x x x x10 6 6859 Portland x x 2,500 x x x x x x 7/27 10/12 yes x x x x x10 2 9328 Harrison x10 3 10529 Yarmouth x 1,000 x x x x x 7/16 10/12 1/14 x x x x10 2 10643 Windham x x 2,000 x x x x x x yes yes yes x x x x x10 1 10879 Gorham x 500 x x x x 8/22 yes 1/31 x x10 1 11362 Naples x x 1,000 x x x x x 8/1 10/2 12/31 x x x x10 District 10 7/16 10/12 1/20 x x11 3 5744 SoBerwick x 4,000 x x x x x yes yes yes x x x x x11 1 6548 Kennebunk 1000 8/28 x11 4 6977 York Beach x x 3,000 x x x x x yes yes yes own x x x x11 4 7997 O.O.B. 2,000 x x x x 7/16 yes yes x x x x11 2 9394 Kittery x x 1000 x x x x x x 7/27 yes yes x x x x x x x11 4 9935 Sanford x x x x x yes yes x x x x11 District 11 7/16 9/30 1/31 x x

99 5 15020 QM HOUSE

ME 55 STATE