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Department of Maine

Veterans of Foreign Wars

“Honoring The Cost of Freedom”

August 2019 GENERAL ORDERS No. 2 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Happy Birthday to the United States Coast Guard

SPECIAL NOTICES <> SPECIAL NOTICES

Absence of the Commander: During the period of 15-20 August, State Commander Robison will be out of State. During this period, anyone needing assistance are to contact SVC Michael K. Davis @ 329-8784, email kdavis62@yahoo.com or State Adj Dumas at 551-8586, email thedumas@gwi.net. Maine Officers Leadership Development (MOLD): Will be held on 24 August 2019 at Windham Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Dr., Windham, ME and 25 August 2019 at Whitcomb-Baker Post 4633, 41 Canoe Club Rd., Hampden, ME 04444. Deadline for registration to Chairman Kevin Woodward is 18 August 2019. Time for each class will be from 8 am to 4 pm. It is hoped that as many officers and members are in attendance. (See Atch in these GOs.)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><> 1. October Council of Administration (CoA): Will be held on 12 October 2019 at the Bangor Motor Inn & Suites, Bangor ME. The Headquarters hotel will be the Bangor Motor Inn & Suites, 701 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME. Rates are $ 95.00 + tax. Telephone # is 947-0355. When calling, please let them know that you are with the VFW and that you want 1st floor rooms. *Saturday Committee meetings will be held in the Convention Center at the Bangor Motor Inn & Suites. **Veterans Service Office Cmtee > 8:30 am **Audit/Finance Cmtee > 9:00 am **Council of Administration Meeting > 1 pm 2. Mailing of Annual Information to all Posts & Districts Commanders, Department Chairperson, Department Officers and PSCs: Information will be mailed out in the next few days. It is asked because of much information is provided in these packages that the Commander and Quartermaster make sure that the information is disseminated to their respective Officers and Chairmen. 3. Department Directories: Will be mailed to all along respectively with the annual mailing of information. Please note that the information derived for the directory was obtained from the election reports as filed by all of the Posts and Districts in the Department. Upon receipt of the directories, please make sure that the information, any errors, please email the correct information to the State Adjutant office. 4. For purposes of clarification, we do not operate as a men’s organization or a ladies organization, but as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its VFW Auxiliary.

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5. Every Post chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will be expected to participate in the following programs during the 2019-20 year: Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teachers’ Awards, “Buddy”® Poppy and Veterans and Military Support Programs. Additionally, it is necessary that all Post and Department Commanders comply with all provisions of the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure and Ritual. 6. Post Commanders and District Commanders are directed to forward all resolutions or communications relative to federal legislation or to the policy or procedure of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any other governmental agency, to their respective Department Headquarters for consideration and referral to the Adjutant General. Department Commanders will not take direct action on any such resolutions or communications without first obtaining full knowledge of existing National Headquarters policies governing such legislation or agencies. Posts, County Councils, Districts and officers and members thereof shall not publicly communicate or promulgate any such resolutions until reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief. 7. Department Dues Reserve: Due to the passage of Bylaw Amendment B-38 at the 119th National Convention, it is no longer necessary for Departments to maintain a dues reserve fund effective August 24, 2018. 8. Attention of commanders at all levels is directed to Section 703 of the National Bylaws: Which requires that each accountable officer be bonded with an indemnity company in the sum at least equal to the amount of the liquid assets for which he may be accountable. 9. Attention of Post Commanders: Is directed to Section 218(a)(11)(b), Manual of Procedure, Trustees, which states that Post Trustees shall prepare and submit quarterly, through their Post Commander, a Post Trustees’ Report of Audit (VFW Store product #4214) to the Department Quartermaster for referral to the Department Inspector. The first report is due at the close of September. Do not mail these reports to National Headquarters. 10. Attention of Department and Post Commanders: Is directed to the requirement of timely filing of Internal Revenue Form 990 and 990/T, where applicable. Forms may be secured from your local Post Office or branch office of the Internal Revenue Service. 11. Posts are urged to start planning suitable programs now for the observance of Veterans Day (see Section 223 of the Manual of Procedure). 12. The passage of Manual of Procedure Amendment M-30 has modified Section 1001(25) to read, “The dispensation and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or the use of smoking/vaping products in VFW meeting rooms during VFW meetings are prohibited.” 13. A thorough program of Post inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and Department Bylaws and directives. Department and District Inspectors shall make every effort to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies as may be disclosed. 14. U.S. Army ARDEC has issued guidance on the operation and maintenance of the M1 Garand. The manual can be found in the VFW Training & Support section at www.vfw.org or you can visit the M1 Garand Associated Website: www.m1garandtraining.com. 15. The distribution of VFW “Buddy”® Poppies will be conducted according to the provisions set forth in Sections 711 of the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure. Department, District, County Council and Post Commanders should arrange now for the distribution of “Buddy”® Poppies in their respective areas. All profits accruing from the distribution of “Buddy”® Poppies shall be used in accordance with Section 704 of

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the National Bylaws and the Manual of Procedure. 16. 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. 17. New Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Themes: The 2019–20 themes have been chosen by Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief William J. “Doc” Schmitz. The Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen theme will be “What Makes America Great.” The new 2019-20 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen entry forms are now available on the VFW website. Additionally, anyone (including students, parents, teachers, and chairmen) can download and print the student entry forms for Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen by visiting the below links: Voice of Democracy: http://www.vfw.org/VOD/ Patriot’s Pen: http://www.vfw.org/PatriotsPen/ 18. All Members: Members are reminded that their annual membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars is now subscription based and expires on their anniversary date. All officers are encouraged to make every effort to renew the membership of each and every continuous member prior to their expiration. Reports showing members 30, 60, and 90 days from expiration can be obtained by the Post Quartermaster through the Online Membership System (OMS). 19. Commanders: On all levels are reminded that according to Section 105 of the National By-Laws, a member whose dues are unpaid after their anniversary date ceases to be a member in good standing and loses all rights of membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They shall not attend meetings or conventions and shall not participate in Post, County Council, District, Department or National functions. 20. Dates to Remember: 4 July > Independence Day 20-24 July > National Convention, Orlando, FL 4 August > U.S. Coast Guard Birthday 24 & 25 August > MOLD Training at locations as listed in Atch in these GOs 12 October > Council of Administration, Bangor, ME 21. Candidates for Department High Office 2020-2021: Department Commander > Michael K. Davis > Post 1603 Department Sr. Vice Commander > Herman L. Littlefield Jr. > Post 6131 Department Jr. Vice Commander > Jennifer L. Lane > Post 1603 Department Quartermaster > David D. Williams > Post 1641 Department Chaplain > Pastor Daniel L. Jones > Post 109 Department Chaplain > Kevin G. Woodward > Post 11553 Department Judge Advocate > John J. Bouchard > Post 9389 Department Surgeon > Willie L. Goodman > Post 10643 Department Surgeon > Randolph S. Michaud > Post 2599 Department Surgeon > Carl S. Lambert > Post 887 Department Surgeon > James A. Ewing > Post 1605

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22. 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 BY COMMAND OF:

Christopher L. Robison Christopher L. Robison Commander OFFICIAL:

Andre L. Dumas Andre L. Dumas Adjutant

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State Commander Christopher L. Robison

Comrades: The Maine Delegation has just returned from the 120th National Convention in Orlando, Fl. Thank you to the Comrades who served on the several Committees at the National Convention. Your service helps move our organization forward. Thank you to Lynn Dunton for coordinating the Maine theme for the Patriotic Rally. Her efforts made for a very memorable experience for everyone in attendance. To see Maine in action, videos of the National Convention proceedings are available on the vfw.org website. A special Thanks to everyone who helped in the Hospitality Room, especially Anthony Kimble. Anthony went above and beyond with his willingness to help out in every aspect, making many supplies run throughout the two nights our room was open. I was very proud to be there to witness Past State Commander Christopher Armstrong and Department Surgeon John Bouchard receive their All-American Commander awards for Department and District respectively. It was an exciting night with over 500 Comrades receiving All-American awards at the Department, District and Post levels. It is my expectation that every Post be represented at District Meetings and also that every District be represented at the Council of Administration meetings. There are four CoA meetings per year and three or four District meetings per year. This is the commitment you make when you take the job as Post or District Commander. If you cannot attend these meetings, it is your responsibility as Commander to ensure that you have a representative to attend in your place. Your surrogate must also have your written report to submit. It is important that every Post and District is present at these meetings to voice their questions and concerns. This is also how important information is disseminated. I appreciate your compliance in this matter. The National Auxiliary President, Peggy Haake will be visiting Maine from 15 – 17 August. Please email either me or Department President Brenda Blair for more information. Both Brenda and I would like to see a great turnout from both the VFW and its Auxiliary. If you would like me to attend an event at your Post or District, please reach out to me so I can get it into my schedule. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve the Department of Maine as your Commander. Yours in Comradeship

Christopher L. Robison Christopher L. Robison Commander

“Honoring The Cost of Freedom”

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Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW

David O. Sivret, Chaplain 28 June~ 27 July 2019

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

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District 3 11553 > McLAUGHLIN, Kenneth P. > WW II District 4 3381 > DERINGER, Clifton H. Jr. > Korea/Vietnam MOORS, Stanley L. > Korea District 5 10881 > BRADLEY, Theodore H. District 6 3108 > AMES, Alrah M. MALO, Henry G. 6131 > BUTLER, Stanley M. District 7 7738 > BRAWN, Charles W. KEITH, Donald J. ORMSBY, Gilbert D. District 9 1641 > HOFFMAN, Raymond E. 3335 > MARTIN, Bertrand District 10 6859 > TOWLE, Walter D. 10529 > NICHOLS, John > WW II Members-at-Large 15020 > FOSS, Malcolm S. > Korea GEBOW, David G. WEISSKIRCHEN, E.R. Sr.

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SENIOR VICE COMMANDER AMERICANISM/LOYALTY DAY

SCOUTING Michael K. Davis

Hello everyone: My wife and I had a great time at the National convention. The Department was well represented. There is no rest for the weary, I attended an outstanding District 7 meeting today. The weather is Hot, everyone stays safe and hydrated! Americanism: All Posts should be reported in Americanism. If you fly the American flag at your post or at your post meeting, march in parades, place flags on graves, participate in the buddy poppy program plus many more that I did not mention you can report in this program. Loyalty Day: All Posts should be reported in Loyalty day. All Districts have held their District conventions and all post have held meetings. The loyalty day speech was sent out via email to all Posts and Districts. If you did not receive the speech; contact me and I will get a copy to you. Scouting: I am happy to announce that the 2019 VFW Scout of the year is Ryan Bisson from District 11, Post 5744 South Berwick, ME. Kudos on Post 5744 for working with Ryan on completing his Eagle project and submitting him for Scout of the Year. I was very impressed with Ryan's accomplishment and his leadership. Scouts who are registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew or a Sea Scout Ship who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award are eligible. 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 Pine Tree Council | Boy Scouts of America Scouting reports, Americanism and Loyalty Day Community Activity reports may be mailed to me at 135 Conant Ave., Auburn ME 04210. If you submit your Community Activities reports online at the Post website, I will receive them. If you do not see credit in the GO's, please contact me. If you submitted the report in May for the 2019-2020 year, you may not see them in the GO'S until the August GO's.

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

COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT (CSP) MEMBERSHIP RECRUITER (CENTRAL)

Herman L. Littlefield Jr.

Greetings to all!! We recently returned from attending the 120th VFW National Convention in Orlando, Fl. A great time was had by all who attended to represent our great State. I met a lot of new Comrades from all across the country including Hawaii and Alaska. But; I am very glad to be back in the great State of Maine once again. It’s time to continue work on membership recruitment and Commander Robison’s Special Project “Operation: Brotherhood”. Thus far I have received 5 donations to the Commander’s Special Project. Operation: Brotherhood is a nonprofit organization established with the goal of eliminating Veteran and First Responder suicide. This program was created to bring together Veterans and First Responders so they would realize that they are not alone. This is an organization of Veterans and First Responders dedicated to helping other Veterans and First Responders. It sends out the message that no one is ever alone; there is ALWAYS a brother or sister willing to listen. For more information, please visit their website at www.Operationbrotherhood.org, their Facebook page Operation: Brotherhood or by telephone at 207-293-8033. Please send your donations along to me. Be sure to make your check out to the “Department of Maine, VFW” and on the memo line in the lower left corner “State Commander’s Special Project” or ”Operation Brotherhood”. My mailing address is 1360 Atlantic Highway, Northport, ME, 04849; e-mail address herman.littlefield@yahoo.com; tel # 338-5052 home or 322-1548 cell.

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Membership needs a boost. Please look around, talk with people and find those who are eligible to join our organization. It’s very easy to start a conversation which might lead to a new membership. For help with a recruitment activity, please give me a call. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you do for our Veterans. Loyally

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

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

INSURANCE & BONDS David D. Williams, PSC

NCM,M: Hello all. The new VFW year is underway and with that, we have a new National and State Commander. As you all or most of you are aware, Christopher Robison from the Bangor Post is our new State Commander. Let’s all get chip in and help make his year a success. We did it last year we can do it again. On the National level, the new Commander in Chief is William J. “Doc” Schmitz, he is from the Eastern Conference and the State of New York. He took office at the National Convention which ended on July 25th. He is determined to keep the growth of the VFW moving forward. Last year's Chief is moving along to the Washington office where he will oversee operations on the Hill. I like to wish them all good luck in the year to come. I will be traveling to K.C. for the Nation Council of Administration meeting on the weekend of Aug 23-25. I will have much information next month. Until then, enjoy the summer and it’s never too early to go out and get our members to re-up their membership. QM: Hello Comrades. Most of our Department Officers have just returned from the National Convention in Orlando, FL. It was a Hot One at that literally I mean weather wise. We had 3 all Americans, 2 District Commanders and our Commander from last year. Congratulations to all 3 of them as well as the rest of you for all the hard work you put in last year to make it such a successful year. It truly is a team effort and could not be done without everyone's dedication to our great Organization. As long as we keep growing, our voices will be heard loud and clear in the Halls of Washington, D.C. Poppies: This year, the prices will remain the same as last couple of years. $64.00 for 500 and $128.00 for 1000. There are specialty Poppy's which can be ordered though the Emblem and Supply catalog. Bonds: Reminder that your Post and District Bonds expire on Aug 31 if you got them through the Department of Maine. So, it’s time to start thinking about renewing them. If your Post purchases them through an outside company, it is a reminder that you must send the State QM a copy of it. With that said, Thanks. All Bonds purchased take effect on the month of purchase. One more thing remember that the amount of your Bond must be equal to or greater than your June 30 Quarterly report. Quarterly Reports: The Quarter ending June 30 should be completed and turned in by now. If you have done so, Thanks; if you have not then please do so. I know some of you have more than 1 responsibility at the Post, District and State levels but that doesn't mean you can do them whenever you feel like it. This is a requirement that you agreed to when you took the OATH. Thanks for your reports in advanced. I look forward to working with all Quartermasters at the Posts and District levels; if anyone has any question or need any help, I'm A phone call away 207-357-6664, you may call me day or night up until 8 pm; if you are an early bird as I am, you may call me at 369-0302 after 7 am until 10 am or so, that is Post 1641 number were I'm the Post QM. All QM,s has or will be receiving a package of QM material (from the State Adjutant) that will make things easier for you to include the Poppy order form the Bonds order form (Remember, there are 2 pages you must fill out when ordering your Bonds), if you do not submit both pages, you will get it back as the 2nd page requires additional information requested and required by the Bonding Company and other forms that need your attention and response. One last thing please send all mail to P.O Box 56 Rumford Maine 04276.

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

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO) TOGUS BEALT HOUSE ~ WAYS & MEANS

Jennifer L. Lane

Greeting to all! I had the opportunity to attend the National Convention in Orlando this past month; what a great

display of what teamwork is about! The Dept of Maine "rocked" in everything we did and congratulations to our

"All-American" Commanders!

Judge Advocate: Please use your By-Laws and Manual of Procedure when doing what needs to be done. These

items are available in the Podium book and online. The biggest obstacle we face can be easily avoided if we use our

chain of command and resources.

Beals Hospitality House Togus: Is busy, busy, busy! If you are on the Togus campus, please stop in and say

hello to Cici, our house manager, and take a tour of the house. See what we are about and why we do what we do.

The only item that has been in continuous need is bottled water. Please make any checks for donations out to "Beals

Hospitality House" but please mail them to me for donation tracking.

PRO: I have already seen some great photos and articles. The best way to start out the year is to hit the ground

running. Please send me your articles, FB page and website information so I may credit your efforts accordingly.

Always remember 'Press releases are free; advertisements are not.'

Ways and Means: Tickets will be available shortly and I Thank you in advance for selling the tickets, asking for

more tickets and selling those also. I think our goal is attainable and something that we can easily accomplish.

VA Homeless Stand Down/Operation Brotherhood: Just a reminder for those that are donating hygiene or non-

perishable food items this year; please contact me for arrangements for pick-up/delivery or if you are bringing items

to the CoA in October. I appreciate your continued support of this annual project.

My phone number is 207-514-4190 and my CORRECT mailing address is 290 Old Greene Road, Lewiston, ME

04240. Have a great month and see you all soon! Go get 'em!

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

INSPECTOR ~ POW/MIA ~ BLOOD~SAFETY~DRUG ABUSE John J. Bouchard

Inspections: OK, the national convention is over and now is the time to get all your Posts inspected, let’s all work together and get the job done. Again, the deadline is December 31st , 2019. Let’s get it done before the snow falls. Blood Bank: DONATE, DONATE, DONATE. Let’s out there and save lives and donate blood, it is summer and there is a lot going on accidents, operations and whatever hospitals, Red Cross. Get your families and your friends to donate blood. Thank You. Safety: If you are working on electricity, make sure that your electrical box is locked so no one can turn the power on, it will save you a shock or death. POW/MIA: Don’t forget to send in your reports for credit on the POW/MIA/ Anything that has to do with POW/MIA. Returning home with full honors are: >Army Pfc David C. Wilkes >Marine Corps Reserve Pfc Kenneth W. Likens >Army Cpl. Donald E. Angle >Marine Corps Reserve Pfc Grady J. Crawford >Army Pvt Penn Franks >Army Pvt James I. Trick >Army Air Forces Staff Sgt Paul Cybowski >Army Pvt Laurel W. Ebert >Navy Radioman 3rd Class Starring B. Winfield >Navy Radioman 2nd Class Floyd A. Wells >Marine Corps Reserve Pvt William E. Rambo >Army Pvt Connie Cagle >Army Sgt Robert W. McCarville >Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Adolph J. Loebach >Navy Mess Attendant 1st Class Johnnie C. Laurie >Air Force Maj Neal C. Ward >Army Cpl. Herman R. Phy >Army Cpl. Harold Pearce

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>Army Pfc Daniel W. Gerrity >Army Maj Harvey H. Storms >Army Pfc. Eugene E. Lochowicz >Army Air Forces 1st Lt Herschel H. Mattes >Marine Corps Pfc Joseph R. Livermore >Army Air Forces Cpl. Walter J. Kellett >Army Pvt Charlie M. Waid >Navy Reserve Seaman 2nd Class Mays A. Martinez >Army Pvt Jacob W. Given

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

MAINE OFFICERSLEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (MOLD) WREATH ACROSS AMERICA (WAA)

Kevin G. Woodward, PSC/Chairman Chaplain: Quarterly Chaplain reports are due NLT September. This is for District and Post Chaplains. Please get these reports in to me. The form is on our Department website. Thank You! 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. Please fill out as much information on the Graves Registration Form and submit them in a timely manner. MOLD: As of this writing, it is sad to note that I have received no registration documentation for the upcoming MOLD being held on 24 August at the Windham Veterans Center and August 25 at Post 4633 in Hampden. (Registration form is attached) Commanders, Quartermasters, Adjutants, Trustees, Chaplains as well as any members would benefit and are encouraged to attend one of the sessions. As I stated last month, we have several new individuals that have been elected or appointed to positions at both Post and District levels. This training is designed to assist those individuals. The Department Officers are here to assist you in any way. Please take advantage of having them as a captive audience and pick their brains in order to help the Department of Maine thrive. WAA: National Wreaths Across America Day December 15, 2019 The mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as over 1,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Please become a part of this mission to honor our fallen Comrades and help the Department with your sponsorships. E ach $15.00 sponsorship that you obtain provides a return of $5.00 to the Department to assist in the continuing support of our various programs. Please send sponsorships to Kevin G. Woodward, 9 Johnson Lane, Machiasport ME. 04655. ME0016P is the Department ID number and should be placed in the memo field of your check. August 16 Concert Featuring Little Texas. Your local Stillwater Band and Sarah Bishop will be opening the show. As always Active Duty and Veterans are FREE! Balsam Valley Amphitheater, US Rt. 1, Columbia Falls, ME. Admission is Free to Veterans and Active Duty Military. For tickets go to: http://www.balsamvalley.com or call 207 812-3877.

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

MEMBERSHIP ~ LEGISLATION MAINE VETERANS’ HOMES (MVH)

Steven J. SanPedro, PSC Comrades, I just returned from the National Convention in Orlando, FL. There was a lot of information put out that I am sure Adjutant Dumas will be disseminating. It was a great convention with a lot of learning and having some fun also. Commander Robison and President Blair along with the whole Maine delegation represented our Department well. We showed everyone why Maine is a great Department and that we “ROCK”! Legislation: It has been kind of slow here lately. The VA MISSION Act is up and running as you read this. I haven’t had many calls or heard of many issues so far. I hope it stays that way. If this is done right, it will

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benefit many Veterans and their Families. Even through the VA is not currently processing any Blue Water Navy Act claims, please get your paperwork submitted for when they are due. This will prevent you waiting even longer. I am just now starting to setup my appointment for my September D.C. visit. I hope to visit with all of Maine’s Legislators while I am there. If you have questions that you would like me to discuss about Veterans and their Families, please send them to me. Membership: MemStats on OMS is back up and running. Right now, you can only see the New, Reinstated and Continuous Members on there. The Life Members will fall in sometime in September. At that time, we will know where we stand. That doesn’t mean you need to sit around waiting to see your numbers. We need to get out there and recruit New Members and sign the ones we already have back up. Please don’t forget to fill out the Recruiters Event Form and submit it to me when you conduct one. Make sure you read and understand the 2019-2020 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: There continues to be steady progress on the new Augusta Home. It will take a long time to build this but it will all be worth it in the long run. It will be a quality home that will make everyone feel like they’re at home. There will be other project going on in the other Homes throughout the year. Would you like 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 “HONORING THE COST OF FREEDOM”

****************************** AUDIT & FINANCE

DEPARTMENT GRANTS Alfred E. Michaud Sr., Chairman

The Audit and Finance Committee met at 10 am on 13 July 2019 at the Bangor Post and held the final audit for the 2018-2019 year. The Audit Committee found the books of the Quartermaster in good working order. Grants: We have applied for the Homeless Veterans Grant through the Department of Labor, awaiting final approval. Our State of Maine VSO Grant funds are coming in on time and are forwarded to the State Quartermaster once received. Our VA Transportation Grant is moving along nicely, we are experiencing more Veterans taking advantage of this benefit. Our State Homeless Veterans Grant will only be for $4,163.00, this is due to the slowing down of card players at the casino.

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

Samuel C. Flint, Chairman Hello my fellow Comrades. The summer is moving along very fast with the best weather that we could ask for. For the next few months, there will be very little to report but time moves very fast and soon it will be time for Posts to start thinking of their elections and delegates to the State Convention. Until next time, cherish your loved ones and your Comrades. Thank you. Sam

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

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

Homeless Veterans: The Maine Veterans in Need (MVN) group is looking into incorporation and non-profit status so they can raise their own funds to temporarily house Homeless Veterans. Until then, they need the

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VSO units (Post, Chapter, Auxiliary etc.) to raise funds for this purpose. Here in Sanford, we have the Iron Tails biker bar in Acton that is doing just that. The money will be donated to the Maine VFW to increase the $2,000 the Department set aside for the MBVS MVN plan to eliminate and end Homelessness amount Maine Veterans. This event (Bike Ride) is on August 10th from 9 am and the starting ceremony is at 12:30. The Sanford Post will have a Buddy Poppy Drive and Membership Drive. You can find more information at Iron Tails Saloon Events in Google. The Stand-Down planning is underway. Not seeing a government shutdown this fall, we should be golden with the finances. If you find a Homeless Veteran, contact the VA Hotline at 1-877-4AID-VET. Let them put the Veteran in the system and get any balls rolling. If you find a Veteran who may become homeless, contact the Maine Bureau of Services (MBVS) Jarad Greely and his staff as soon as possible. He can be contacted thru Easter Seals of Maine at www.easterseals.com/maine or 207-828-0754. The MBVS is working with financial institutions to contact any customer who missed a mortgage payment and is a Veteran to contact Jarad Greeley and his staff as soon as possible. As we said last month, we need to keep our eyes open and know our neighbor. If they are Veterans, see if they are all right. See if you can assist them in any way. 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 still working on our By-Laws and making progress. Our new Treasurer is finding more interest in our accounts by reclassifying them. It helps to talk to the bank employees that know the intricacies of the bank’s benefits. The state received the bids for the expansion with the POW/MIA Memorial preparation work as an extra. The state work came in ok but the extra came in high by about $25,000. The extra is being looked as to become an add-on in the future in hopes to save some of that $25,000. We don’t have the latest thoughts on this matter but will keep everyone informed as possible. 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 ~Augusta: The legislature is out at this time. We are still working on some bills that are being carried over to the second session on Thursday, September 19th. 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

Total donations for the month of July were $75.00. All donations are to be used by Hospital VAVS as needed. I would like to Thank Posts # 5744, South Berwick and Post # 11362, Naples. This upcoming year, it would be great if every Post could make at least one donation no matter what the size. Every Veteran needs to help another Veteran.

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

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

SVA: After speaking with the representative for SVA at the National Convention, he gave me some suggestions to collaborate SVA’s with the local Post. He highly recommends collaborating on a project. Whether it is to help another Veteran out to paint their house or a beach cleanup. The local chapters are looking for community projects.

13

Historian: If you have Facebook, make sure you like the VFW Department of Maine page. I was able to upload tons of pictures and video from the National Convention. Again, if your Post has a Facebook page and would like to have a Post event advertised, send us a message or share it. Huge congratulations to the Past Department Commander Christopher Armstrong and District 1 Commander John J. Bouchard on making All-American. I know there were others who were unable to make it to the National Convention to accept their All-American covers, so I would like to congratulate them as well.

****************************** NATIONAL HOME

Melvyn E. Bates, Chairman

Good morning Comrades. We have a lot going on which I will inform about in the upcoming months but we are planning to involve the Auxiliary with the a program which will involve both organizations in a united effort for the National Home program. This will ensure that The National Home will have funding to continue its missions. The National Home provides housing (up to 4yrs)..education secondary (financial assistance)..Daycare (license) Basic Needs (food health care clothing if needed)..Recreation opportunities to help a family become whole again..Case Manager who are dedicated to providing the support and guidance a family needs to succeed. For families child care..gym..library..playground. Fishing pond..hiking trails..4H Barns..computer an science labs. Donations 800-313-4200 or email. The needs are basic for a family coping with the need a veteran encounters when they return from military displacement..this not funded state or the federal governments...but BY US ! VFW!!

****************************** VETERANS ADVISORY TO VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Jo Ann Bolduc, Chairperson

Happy summer Comrades. I can’t stress enough to HYDRATE! With that said, I’m dedicating this whole input on the new criteria for care in the community under the MISSION Act. The following comes directly from the VA Healthcare section on the VA.gov website under MISSION ACT. “Under the new Veterans Community Care Program, Veterans can work with their VA Healthcare Provider or other VA staff to see if they are eligible to receive community care based on new criteria. Eligibility for community care does not require a Veteran to receive that care in the community; Veterans can still choose to have VA provide their care. Veterans may elect to receive care in the community if they meet any of the following six eligibility criteria: 1. A Veteran needs a service not available at any VA medical facility. 2. A Veteran that lives in a U.S. State or territory without a full-service VA medical facility. Specifically, this would apply to Veterans living in Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire and the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 3. A Veteran qualifies under the “grandfather” provision related to distance eligibility under the Veterans Choice Program. 4. VA cannot furnish care within certain designated access standards. The specific access standards are described below: *Drive time to a specific VA medical facility •Thirty-minute average drive time for primary care, mental health and noninstitutional extended care services. •Sixty-minute average drive time for specialty care. Note: Drive times are calculated using geomapping software. *Appointment wait time at a specific VA medical facility •Twenty days from the date of request for primary care, mental health care and noninstitutional extended care services, unless the Veteran agrees to a later date in consultation with his or her VA health care provider.

14

•Twenty-eight days for specialty care from the date of request, unless the Veteran agrees to a later date in consultation with his or her VA Healthcare Provider. 5. The Veteran and the referring clinician agree it is in the best medical interest of the Veteran to receive community care based on defined factors. 6. VA has determined that a VA medical service line is not providing care in a manner that complies with VA’s standards for quality based on specific conditions. “ If you feel you meet these criteria contact your VA healthcare provider to see if this is right for you.

****************************** VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE

Cornelius J. Ware, SO Upcoming Veteran Engagement Sessions: VA will be holding Veteran engagement sessions on August 19th at 2 pm at the Lincoln A.L. Post and 5 pm at the Bangor CBOC. Post Service Officer Training: Just a friendly reminder the next Post Service Officer training will be held in conjunction with MOLD training on Saturday 24 August at Windham Post 10643 and Sunday 25 August at Whitcomb-Baker Post4633 in Hampden. Please contact the DSO at 207-623-5723 no later than 19 August if you plan to attend so you can be added to the roster. Veterans Community Care Video Overview: The VHA Office of Community Care (OCC) has released a video overview of the urgent care benefit for Veterans as provided under the VA MISSION Act. The video is available on YouTube, it is entitled Veteran Community Care: Urgent Care, and is available using the following link: https://youtu.be/Jk-eg4N29w0 Vet to Vet Maine Volunteer Training: Vet to Vet Maine is seeking Veterans who are interested in visiting fellow Veterans who need a friend. Volunteers visit at least twice a month, providing their assigned Veterans with companionship and links to other services and benefits. Training session will be held at the Sanford Veterans Center @ 628 Main St., Springvale, ME on Sept 16th, 17th and 23rd from 5 to 8 pm. Attendance at all three sessions is required. FMI or to sign up for training, please contact Vet to Vet Maine, at director@vet2vetmaine.org, or call 207-571-5512.

“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: The Convention is past, now is the time to start getting the word out for this year’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen competition. This year, the theme is the same for both: “What makes America Great?” It will be interesting to see how the different age groups answer this question. Let’s get the themes out so the students can start working on their responses. Teacher of the Year. Remember that “Supporting documentation” is required for submission to National. Check the on-line Chairman’s manual for full details. Also, remember that when District’s send in their respective entries to Department, a photo of the District winners must be included, both for VOD and PP. Enjoy your summertime with family and friends! Be Safe, enjoy the nice weather. Help a fellow veteran or family that needs our help. It is a reward in itself! God Bless! In Comradeship.

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

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YOUTH ACTIVITIES James A. Proctor, Chairman

Climb Camden: Spend the day climbing the hills of Camden with your sister girl scouts with the expertise of the Acadia mountain guides, learn how to belay, learn climbing techniques to help you blaze the cliffs and explore the local geology in the process. The adult fee only applies if you are climbing. Date: 231 Sept. Reg. by: 28 Aug. Town: Camden. Start Time: 10 am. End Time: 5 pm. Levels: C/S/A. Girl Fee: $ 66.00. Adult fee: $ 66.00.

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Department of Maine

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

MAINE OFFICERS LE ADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (MOLD)

TO BE HELD AT

Windham Veterans Center Whitcomb-Baker, Post 4633 35 Veterans Memorial Dr. Windham, ME 41 Canoe Club Rd., Hampden, ME

“24 August 2016 * 0800 – 4:00 pm” “25 August 2018 * 0800 - 4:00 pm”

Attendees – Districts 6 - 11 Attendees – Districts 1 - 5

“Districts in central Maine may attend whichever Training location they wish which is more convenient.”

Please indicate on application which one class you will attend”

This year’s MOLD is primarily for District/Post Commanders, Quartermasters, Adjutant, Inspectors

Chaplains and Trustees. Any one is welcome and are encouraged to attend. Valuable information is

available to anyone wishing to attend.

Forward the completed form, along with a check and/or money order in the amount as listed below for the

MOLD School. Cost for the MOLD school will be $15.00 per person.

NOTE: The fee includes training materials, a lunch at noon time and donuts in the morning upon your arrival.

Checks and/or Money Orders are to be made payable to: “Department of Maine, VFW.” Send both the

form and check and/or money order NLT 18 August 2019:

Kevin G. Woodward, MOLD Chairman

9 Johnson Ln, Machiasport ME. 04655

****************************************CUT************************************

Department of Maine

Maine Officers Leadership Development (MOLD)

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

VFW Post #: __________ Title: _______________________________________________________

Home Address: _____________________________________________________________________

Home Telephone #:______________________ E-mail Address: _____________________________

I/We will attend MOLD at <>Hampden <> or <> Windham <>

(Circle the Post above where you will attend) NOTE: See General Orders for more information. (Make Copies as needed for Other Comrades Who Wish to Attend the

MOLD Training)

17

Graves Registration Report Department of Maine, VFW

Mail to: Kevin G. Woodward, Chaplain

Department of Maine, VFW

9 Johnson Lane

Machiasport, ME 04655-3048

Subject: Report of Deceased Comrade

Post # __________ District # __________ regrets to report the death of:

(Last Name) (Middle Initial) (First Name)

Whose Address was: ________________________________________________________________________

Who Served with: ______________________ During: _____________________________________________

(Branch of Service) (War Era: WW I, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc.)

Date of Death: ______________________ Place of Death: _________________________________________

Place of Burial/Cemetery: ____________________________________________________________________

____

Name & Address if Next of Kin: _______________________________________________________________

(Street Address) (Town or City) (State) (Zip Code)

Relationship: __________________________ Obituary Enclosed: _____________________

Signed: ___________________ Name _______________________ Office: _______________ Date:_________

(Print Name)

***

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

Date Received & Recorded: _________________________

Date Receipt Returned to Post: _______________________

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

This receipt acknowledges that Post # _______________ has reported the death of Comrade:

__________________________________________ on _____________________________________________

to the Department Chaplain. ______________________________________________

(Signature, Department Chaplain)

(All previous forms are obsolete. Updated 7-10-19)

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DEPT @ 2.28% - Need 7926 For 100% (25+) Department Statistics

___________________________________ Maine as of Monday August 5, 2019

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/- City

N/R LM

2599 1 0 0 0 2 2 149 1.347% -147 PRESQUE ISLE 0

6187 1 0 0 0 5 5 87 5.74% -82 FORT FAIRFIELD 0

9389 1 0 0 0 14 14 493 2.83% -479 CARIBOU 0

9699 1 0 0 0 0 0 84 0.00% -84 ASHLAND 0

District Total

1 0 0 0 21 21 813 2.58% -792

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

1605 2 0 0 1 0 1 139 0.71% -138 BURLINGTON 0

2299 2 0 0 0 0 0 29 0.00% -29

SHERMAN STATION

0

7529 2 0 0 0 0 0 58 0.00% -58 ISLAND FALLS 0

District Total

2 0 0 1 0 1 226 0.44% -225

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

9779 3 0 0 0 2 2 149 1.34% -147 CALAIS 0

11553 3 0 0 0 4 4 143 2.79% -139 HARRINGTON 0

District Total

3 0 0 0 6 6 292 2.05% -286

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

109 4 0 1 0 5 6 180 3.33% -174 ELLSWORTH 0

1761 4 0 0 0 6 6 267 2.24% -261 BANGOR 0

3381 4 0 1 2 0 3 215 1.39% -212 OLD TOWN 0

4633 4 0 0 0 1 1 126 0.79% -125 HAMPDEN 0

District Total

4 0 2 2 12 16 788 2.03% -772

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

4298 5 0 0 0 4 4 81 4.93% -79 DEXTER 0

5723 5 0 0 0 2 2 15 13.33% -13 JACKMAN 0

6924 5 0 0 0 0 0 138 0.00% -138 FAIRFIELD 0

7865 5 0 0 0 5 5 138 3.62% -133 MADISON-ANSON 0

7866 5 0 0 0 0 0 13 0.00% -13 NORRIDGEWOCK 0

10881 5 0 0 0 0 0 23 0.00% -23 FARMINGTON 0

11191 5 0 0 0 2 2 44 4.54% -42 NEWPORT 0

District Total

5 0 0 0 13 13 452 2.87% -439

0

19

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

3095 6 0 0 0 0 0 28 0.00% -28 FRIENDSHIP 0

3108 6 0 0 0 6 6 186 3.22% -180 BELFAST 0

4169 6 0 0 0 5 5 14 35.71% -9 VINALHAVEN 0

6131 6 0 0 0 2 2 79 2.53% -77 NORTHPORT 0

9437 6 0 0 0 0 0 52 0.00% -52 WASHINGTON 0

District Total

6 0 0 0 13 13 359 3.62% -346

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

2197 7 0 0 0 0 0 77 0.00% -77 TOPSHAM 0

4525 7 0 0 0 3 3 90 3.33% -87 WALDOBORO 0

7738 7 0 0 0 1 1 74 1.35% -73 BATH 0

District Total

7 0 0 0 4 4 241 1.65% -237

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

9 8 0 0 0 6 6 66 9.09% -60 GARDINER 0

887 8 0 0 1 8 9 271 3.32% -262 AUGUSTA 0

1285 8 0 0 0 2 2 265 0.75% -263 WATERVILLE 0

8835 8 0 0 0 1 1 291 0.34% -290 WINSLOW 0

9526 8 0 1 0 1 2 48 4.16% -46 WINTHROP 0

District Total

8 0 1 1 18 20 941 2.12% -921

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

1603 9 0 1 0 2 3 381 0.78% -378

LEWISTON-AUBURN

0

1641 9 0 0 0 8 8 157 5.09% -149 RUMFORD 0

3335 9 0 0 0 4 4 286 1.39% -282 JAY 0

9150 9 0 0 0 2 2 88 2.27% -86 LEWISTON 0

9787 9 0 0 0 1 1 154 0.64% -153 SOUTH PARIS 0

District Total

9 0 1 0 17 18 1066 1.68% -1048

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

832 10 0 0 0 11 11 388 2.83% -377 S PORTLAND 0

6783 10 0 0 0 1 1 50 2.00% -49 LOVELL 0

6859 10 0 0 1 4 5 425 1.17% -420 PORTLAND 0

9328 10 0 0 0 0 0 47 0.00% -47 HARRISON 0

10529 10 0 0 0 0 0 85 0.00% -85 YARMOUTH 0

10643 10 0 0 1 4 5 80 6.25% -75 WINDHAM 0

10879 10 0 0 0 0 0 24 0.00% -24 GORHAM 0

11362 10 0 0 0 2 2 37 5.40% -35 NAPLES 0

District 10 0 0 2 22 24 1136 2.11% -1112 0

20

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

5744 11 0 0 0 6 6 155 3.87% -149

SOUTH BERWICK

0

6977 11 0 1 0 1 2 213 0.93% -211 YORK BEACH 0

7997 11 0 0 0 4 4 228 1.75% -224

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

0

9394 11 0 0 0 1 1 60 1.66% -59 KITTERY 3

9935 11 0 3 0 22 25 276 9.05% -251 SANFORD 0

District Total

11 0 4 0 34 38 932 4.07% -894

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent

City N/R LM

1641 99 0 1 0 11 11 865 1.27% -854 RUMFORD 0

District Total

99 0 1 0 11 11 865 1.27% -854

QM’S HOUSE 0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

State Total

0 9 5 171 185 8111 2.28% -7926

0

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

THIS 2019 – 2020 YEAR - WILL YOU HELP?

“HONORING THE COST OF FREEDOM ”

“RETAIN-REINSTATE-RECRUIT”

21

RECRUITING EVENTS

Post or District# ____________

Location of Event ____________ Date ____________ Time _________

VFW Member & Title Present at Event ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Description of Event: ________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Approximate # of People Talked With: __________________________

# of People Signed Up: New____________ Reinstated______________ Comments of Event:_________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Notify Membership Chairman Steven SanPedro of Event prior to Date of Event. Submit a signed copy of this Report to the Membership Chairman Steven SanPedro, 251 Gray Rd., Windham, Maine 04062 or sanpedro105@roadrunner.com Please include photos or news articles to be used in the Commanders Membership Book

Date:________ _________________________________________ Signature of Post Commander or Department Officer