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Department of Maine

Veterans of Foreign Wars

“Honoring the Cost of Freedom”

February 2020 GENERAL ORDERS No. 8 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

SPECIAL NOTICES <> SPECIAL NOTICES

Congratulations to the following Posts/Districts for attaining 100%+ in Membership for 2019-2020:

Forest J. Pare Post 1285, Waterville > 100.00% > Commander Michael A. Switzer William B. Doughty Post 5723, Jackman > 100.00% > Commander Edward J. McCall

Paul-Lockhart Post 6187, Fort Fairfield > 100.00% . Commander Blair E. Adams Lister-Knowlton Post 9389, Caribou > 100.20% > Commander Roger A. Felix

LeBlanc-Junkins Post 9699, Ashland > 100.00% > Commander Richard E. Stevens

Congratulations to the following State of Maine Winners: Voice of Democracy

“What Makes America Great” Neily K. Raymond > 1st Place > District 4 > Bangor Post 1761

Keara Galbraith > 2nd Place > District 11 > Sanford Post 9935 Brianna Johnson > 3rd Place > District 10 > Windham Post 10643

Patriot’s Pen

“What makes America Great” Anna M. Webber > 1st Place > District 7 > Waldoboro Post 4525

Sarah Bracciodieta > 2nd Place > District 4 > Hampden Post 4633 Luciana De Paz Solis > 3rd Place > District 1 > Caribou Post 9389

Teacher of the Year

Claudette Pierce > Grade K-5 > District 9 > South Paris Post 9787 Emily Stokes > Grade 6-8 > District 10 > Windham Post 10643

Lori Ellis > Grade 9-12 > District 3 > Calais Post 9779

State Convention Book Advertising: Consult Tele-Communications from Londonberry, NH is soliciting advertising for our State Convention book throughout the State of Maine. Any business calling your Post inquiring about the advertisement solicitation, please inform them that they are the sole source company to sell advertising for the State of Maine VFW.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><> 1. April Council of Administration: Will be held on 18 April at the Bangor Motor Inn and Suites, Bangor, ME. The Headquarters hotel will be the Bangor Motor Inn and Suites, 701 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME. Telephone # is 947-0355. When calling, please let them know that you are with the VFW and that you want 1st floor rooms. Rates are $ 72.00 plus tax per person for up to 2 people.

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*Saturday Committee Meetings for the VFW will be held in the Convention Center at the Bangor Motor Inn and Suites. >Audit/Finance Cmtee > 8:30 am >Veterans Service Office Cmtee > 9:30 am >Convention Cmtee > 10:15 am >CoA Meeting > 1 pm 3. State Commander-President Testimonial (See Atch flyer): Will be held on 18 April at the Bangor Motor Inn and Suites. Banquet ticket cost is $ 35.00 per person, make your payable to “Department of Maine, VFW” and forward to Shirley M. Dumas, 64 Washburn St., Caribou, ME 04736-2125. Email: thedumas@gwi.net. Tel # (Hone) 496-0071, Cell 1-207-551-7586. Deadline for purchase of banquet is 9 April 2020 as we must inform the Bangor Motor Inn as to the final number of tickets old, there will be no tickets after that deadline date of 9 April 2020. 3. State Convention (See Atch flyer for all convention flyers): Will be held on 12-13 June 2020 at the Ramada Inn (headquarters hotel), 490 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME. Rates for the rooms is $ 109.00 + tax for Single & Doubles. When calling, please inform them that you are with the Department of Maine, VFWVFW. (All rooms are non-smoking rooms). There are 3 other hotels available being the Fireside Inn, Motel 6 and Super 8. 4. State Convention Deadlines: Please note the following deadline for the State Convention 12-13 June 2020. Please note that respective flyers will be included in upcoming General Orders. >Banquet Reservations > 5 June 2020 >VFW Booster Page > 10 April 2020 >Hotel Room Reservations > 30 May 2020 >Pre-Convention Registration > 5 June 2020 >Convention Book Ad > 10 April 2020 5. All District/Post Commanders: Annual Filing with State of Maine Corporation Division. All District and Post Commanders are reminded that they must file their annual filing report with the State of Maine Corporation Division. Deadline is 30 April 2020. Note: Clerk/Registered Agent is either the Commander, Quartermaster or Adjutant. A listing will be forwarded to all District Commanders informing them of their respective District Status on/or about 15 February. 6. Attention of all members is directed to Section 901 of the National Bylaws, “Discipline of Members.” Members

who have committed offenses recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States may be subject to

disciplinary action. Members are reminded that acts of Sexual Harassment, Racial or Sexual Discrimination, and all

other conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline or conduct determined to be unbecoming of a member will not

be condoned. In general, harassment and discrimination consists of any form of verbal, non-verbal, or physical

conduct that is sufficiently severe and/or pervasive enough to have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating,

hostile, or offensive environment or otherwise interfering with another’s ability to participate in VFW events. All

members should be treated with dignity and respect.

7. Post Nomination/Election of Officers: IAW Section 217 of the Manual of Procedures, nominations of Post Officers shall open in March and election of Officers shall be conducted in April. 8. Commanders on all levels should begin organizing their 2020 Memorial Day “Buddy”® Poppy Campaign. Every

Post is urged to order and distribute VFW “Buddy” Poppies.

9. Attention is directed to Section 213 of the National Bylaws concerning any Post in arrears for any financial

obligations to County Council (if applicable), District, Department and National for fees, dues, poppy money, supply

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money, failing to have the office of Quartermaster properly bonded in accordance with Section 703, failing to ensure

that the Post is properly insured in accordance with Section 709, failing to submit properly completed quarterly Post

Trustees Report of Audit, Post Election Report for the ensuing year, or other obligations, shall be deprived of all

representation in County Council and District meetings; County Council, District, Department and National

Conventions. Such representation shall be restored promptly upon proper adjustment of such deficiencies.

10. Trustees shall not be eligible to serve as an elected officer, Adjutant or on a committee whose books, records

and accounts are audited by the Trustees. Among the duties of the three (3) elected Post Trustees, they shall:

a. At least monthly, review the Monthly Report of Receipts and Expenditures of the Post Quartermaster.

b. Within thirty (30) days from the end of each quarter, properly audit the books and records of the Post

Quartermaster, Post Adjutant and any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated

by, for or on behalf of the Post and submit a Post Trustee’s Report of Audit to the Department Quartermaster for

referral to the Department Inspector.

c. The Report shall be in accordance with and upon such form as may be prescribed by the Adjutant General. The

audit shall be signed by the Post Commander and Trustees, who shall, by their signatures, certify to the accuracy of

the information contained therein.

d. Perform such other duties as may be incident to the office or may from time to time be required by the laws and

usages of the organization or lawful orders from proper authority.

11. Proof of Eligibility Requirements for Officers: All Posts, Districts and Departments should be reminded of the

provisions of Sections 216, 416, and 516 of the Manual of Procedure that officers, elected and appointed, shall not

be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted to the respective Adjutant

and properly reviewed.

12. Membership: Our Commander-in-Chief is offering a new Life membership incentive program. All members who either join the VFW as a new Life member, reinstate as a Life member, or upgrade their existing annual membership to Life beginning Sept. 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, will earn a $50 store credit. This credit must be used prior to Aug. 31, 2020. Upgrade; pay off or reinstate your Life membership today oms.vfw.org/QuickRenew.aspx?srcid=275. 13. Post Commanders: Are reminded that Section 203 – Regular Meetings – All Posts shall hold at least one regular meeting each month. Failure to comply can result in immediate revocation of the Post Charter notwithstanding the provisions of Section 211 of the Manual of Procedures. 14. All Districts/Posts: All Districts/Post Commanders wishing to have the State Commander attend a function are requested to forward their request to both the State Commander and Adjutant for review of calendar of events. Once this has been accomplished, a reply will be forwarded to the respective District-Post on the status of their request. 15. Dates to Remember: 29 Feb – 4 Mar > Voice of Democracy, Washington, D.C. 1 – 5 Mar > Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C. 17 Feb > President’s Day 12 Apr > Easter 18 Apr > Council of Administration, State Commander/President Testimonial, Bangor, ME (See Atch flyer) 12 – 14 Jun > State Convention > Lewiston, ME (See Atch flyers) 18-23 Jul > National Convention, Reno, NV 16. 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

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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 160524 17. Candidates for National Council Member, Maine 2021-2024: Steven J. SanPedro > Post 6859 Andre L. Dumas > Post 9389 Kevin G. Woodward > Post 11553 18. District Meetings Dates: D-6 > 2 Feb @ 2 pm > Post 3108, Belfast > JVC Littlefield D-10 > 9 Feb @ 2 pm > Post 3108, Belfast > JVC Littlefield D-1 > 15 Feb @ 12 noon > Post 2599, Presque Isle @ Caribou Post 9389 > No luncheon > QM Williams D-3 > 16 Feb @ 2 pm > Post 9779, Calais > SG Bouchard D-5 > 8 Mar @ 1 pm > Post 4298, Dexter > QM Williams D-2 > 14 Mar @ 1 pm > Post 7529, Island Falls > SG Bouchard D-11 > 5 Mar @ 2 pm > Post 6977, York > JA Lane D-7 > 26 Apr @ 2 pm > Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center, Brunswick > Cmdr Robison D-8 > 26 Apr @ 1 pm > Post 887, Augusta > JVC Littlefield D-9 > 26 Apr @ 1 pm > Post 1603, Auburn > Loyalty day > SVC Davis D-10 > 26 Apr @ 1 pm > Post 6859, Portland > JA Lane 19. Directory Changes: Pg. 18 > PSC Lupo > Chg. address to: 42 Winkumpaugh Rd., Ellsworth, ME 04605-3033 Pg. 32 > Post 1285 > Cmdr Switzer Chg. address: 6 Burrill St., Fairfield, ME 04937-1517 Pg. 48 > Post 9394 > Chg. Adj DeBroldt tel # to: 860-884-2717 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: Thank you for all your hard work on increasing our new membership and maintaining the memberships of our current Comrades. Our membership helps us maintain our importance with our lawmakers. It helps us stay a powerful advocate for Veterans Issues. Congratulations to Bill Day, Marty Risley and Jim Bachelder for being selected to attend the National Legislative Conference at the beginning of March. They are winners of the Early Bird contest from National. The addition of these three Comrades helps strengthen our presence when we meet with our Congressional delegation during the conference. Also, during the Conference, the National Voice of Democracy ceremony is held. Department President Brenda Blair, VOD Winner Neily Raymond and I will be representing Maine during the ceremonies. I look forward to seeing where our Department winner places at National! Post Commanders, you need to ensure that your Post is represented at District Meetings and that you are reported in Programs. This is part of your duties as a Post Commander. Failure to fulfill your responsibilities will have consequences. Again, Thank You to everyone for their hard work making our organization great. Keep up the good work. Keep helping the Department reach 100% membership. I look forward to seeing my VFW Family as I continue to travel around our State. If you have questions, concerns or need help, please reach out to the Department leadership. We are here to help. Stay safe during these winter months. Check on your shut-in neighbors and Comrades.

Forest J. Pare Post 1285, Waterville > 100.00% > Commander Michael A. Switzer William B, Doughty Post 5723, Jackman > 100.00% > Commander Edward J. McCall

Paul-Lockhart Post 6187, Fort Fairfield > 100.00% > Commander Blair E. Adams Lister-Knowlton Post 9389, Caribou > 100.20% > Commander Roger A. Felix

LeBlanc-Junkins Post 9699, Ashland > 100.00% > Commander Richard E. Stevens 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

Kevin G. Woodward, Chaplain 28 December 2019 ~ 27 January 2020

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

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

District 2 District 11 (Cont.) 1605 > STRATTON, Ralph E. 6977 > BELLIVAU, Andrew J. WELCH, John F. District 4

Members-at-Large 109 > ROTH, Kenneth E. 15020 > CONKHITE, Adrian B. Sr. 3381 > NASON, Charles W. PHILLIPS, Neil V. 4633 > PREBLE, Kenneth W. District 6 3108 > ALLEN, Eugene L. 6131 > ELLIS, Randall C. District 9 1603 > GARLAND, Jon B. 9150 > HUTCHINSON, David M. 9787 > HANSEN, Earle J. District 10 6783 > MILLER, Robert N. 6859 > CONLEY, John P. PHILLIPS, Edward C 10643 > DEHETRE, Donald A. District 11 5744 > COVE, Charles E.

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SENIOR VICE COMMANDER AMERICANISM/LOYALTY DAY

SCOUTING Michael K. Davis

Hello. The holidays are behind us and it’s time to start thinking about Post Officers for the ensuing year. It is evident by the Community Activity reports and from the Department Officers that are attending District meetings that some Posts are not completing Activity reports and some Posts are not attending District meetings. Take this time to access the condition of your Posts and elect Officers that can and will fulfill the duties of their office in accordance with VFW bylaws. Participation in District meetings is required by State and National By-Laws. If you are not reported in Americanism, Loyalty Day and Scouting and believe you should be, please send an updated community activity report. 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 Americanism. Scouting: Dates for scouting are listing below. Remember Scout submissions are due to me by April 1st. Scouts who are registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew or a Sea Scout who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award are eligible for the Scout of the year. Scout of the Year dates: Deadline for entry to VFW post is March 1st Deadline to Department April 1st (Posts should notify District of submissions) Deadline to National Headquarters May 1st My desire and goal are for all Posts and Districts to seek out applicants to work with and submit them to me for consideration. I should receive applicants from each District. If you know of a scout that has completed his Eagle project and will be awarded Eagle rank contact me. I have certificates that the Department can award to those Scouts. Boy Scout Web Page: Pinetree Council https://www.pinetreebsa.org Katahdin Council https://www.katahdinareabsa.org Girl Scouts of Maine http://www.girlscoutsofmaine.org

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JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT (CSP) MEMBERSHIP RECRUITER (CENTRAL)

Herman L. Littlefield Jr.

Greetings Comrades: First, let me congratulate all the Posts and Districts that have attained 100% in membership at this time. Congratulations to you all for achieving this high honor. It is members like you that keep this great organization going and growing. Remember the reason YOU joined and keep having those conversations that encourage the recruitment of new members. If you are missing a member at your Post, look him/her up and encourage their participation in meetings and times of fellowship. CSP: We are still working towards 100% for the Commander’s Special Project. I have received another 6 donations in the past couple of months. There are only a few more months to get those donations in. For those of you who have not donated as of yet, PLEASE let’s make 2020 a good year for Commander Robison and Operation: Brotherhood. I can be reached by e-mail at herman.littlefield@yahoo.com; snail mail at 1360 Atlantic Highway, Northport ME 04849; telephone (home) 338-5052 or (cell) 322-1548. I am always available to answer any questions you might have. Loyally.

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

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

INSURANCE & BONDS David D. Williams, PSC, QM

Hello everyone: I hope that things are going good with all the QM's out there and I’d personality like to Thank all the ones who submit to me all their Reports and in a timely fashion. The VFW year is now over half-way through. Quarterly Reports: Most Posts are up to date, some lagging a little behind and its sad to say there are still a few Posts out there who have submitted nothing for the year to date. Not sure what is going on but I'm usually available on my cell phone if you need assistance. I know of 1 Post that has called and asked for help and we will be meeting up very soon to get them caught up and going in the right direction . Again, in case #207-357-6664 if no answer I'm on a job, leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. (Please note I will be out of the Office 1-7 February.) Also, again in March as that is when we all go to Washington D.C. for the VOD awards and Legislative Conference. Poppies: Poppy orders have slowed down to a crawl we have 45,000 to date State-wide, I feel and think we can do a lot better. So, if you have ordered and you are planning on it, please try and get your orders in soon. Also, if you find any area that you have not gotten credit for, please let me know and I’ll take care of it. I do not make the list that is published in the G O 's, I only provide my reports on Quarterly's and Poppies. Thanks NCM,M: Uniting to Combat Hunger (UTCH) 2020: A Call to Arms. The VFW and Humana need your help in our important fight against food insecurity, which is defined as the state of being without reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. This is a problem that effects 1 in 8 Americans and 1 in 4 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. The goal of our 2020 UTCH campaign is to provide 500,000 meals! In the spirit of the VFW’s proud tradition of serving local U.S. communities, we encourage your participation. This is a grassroots effort as its success relies entirely on concerned and caring Americans like you. Joining our ranks to feed the hungry is simple!

1) Discuss and organize an UTCH campaign with your Post/Auxiliary. 2) Visit www.vfw.org/utch for materials and resources. 3) Reach out to your local Humana office to partner with their employees. 4) Find the nearest Feeding America affiliate food bank at https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-

your-local-foodbank 5) Coordinate a food drive campaign with the local Feeding America food bank affiliate and Humana. 6) Promote the food drive on social media and encourage community members to participate. 7) Collect non-perishable food and donate financially. 8) Contact the VFW Foundation Staff at 816-968-1124 if you have any questions.

Yes, it’s a big challenge but together, we can make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Many Thanks as your involvement directly strikes a knock-out blow against hunger!

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

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO) BEALS HOSPITALITY HOUSE ~ WAYS & MEANS

Jennifer L. Lane

> VSO: The VSO is doing a great job continuing to assist our Veterans and families with benefit questions, claims and appeals. I would like to welcome John Poulin to our staff as a temporary, part time administrative

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assistant. John is currently the Post 8835 Commander and is a great addition to our Department. I will defer the rest of the report to our Department VSO James Ware. >PRO: I have received a few print articles and have seen our use of social media. >We can increase our use of print media to promote our activities, social events and notification to the community and our membership Remember to add press releases and photos to your planning states of events and programs. >Recommend National Program information!!! >Ways and Means: I have received $ 616 of new tickets sales for this year’s fund. I appreciate the response from those who have sold. >I haven’t received anything since November before today. I also see that one individual, Post or District is filling out the ticket stubs with payment. This isn’t a check off point for credit. Please remember that this sale and funds raised to go to the opportunity for the Department of Maine VFW to host a room at the national convention. These tickets should be made available to all members and the reason behind the sale should be explained, if needed. There is great potential for networking, socialization and comparing of events, activities and program from other Departments at the National Convention to bring back to the Department of Maine VFW and implement for our Veterans. >Sell, promote and distribute tickets to your membership. >Beals Hospitality House Togus: Beals Hospitality House continues to serve the Togus community with over 88 guests this past quarter. On the behalf of the Board of Directors and Trustees, we Thank you for your continued monetary and ration in kind donations that we have received from the VFW Posts in the Department of Maine. Our lease is current with the VA Maine Healthcare System until December 2020 which at that time, I will continue to pursue its renewal as we serve an additional demographic than the Fischer House-Togus. I met the new Fischer House manager and we are setting up a meet and greet with discussion on how we can work together to continue to serve to the Togus population with the understanding that the Fischer House is not replacing the Beals Hospitality House and the Fischer House cannot accommodate the population that the Beals Hospitality House can with temporary room and board. <Our Veteran and Veteran family population in the State of Maine is not aware that the Beals Hospitality House exists or that we have been around for over 20 years. There is a misconception that we will close due to the new Fischer House Togus facility. >Stop in the Beals Hospitality House while on Togus campus and take a tour of the facility. Promote the house via pamphlets at your Post and via word of mouth at meetings and when speaking to a Veteran or family that has upcoming treatment or transfer to the Hospice unit that the accommodations are available. Keep the Beals Hospitality House in your thoughts when deciding on monetary or ration in kind donations.

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

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

Inspections: Here we are in a new year and we are almost 100% inspected. We need 6 more Posts and a couple of Districts to be inspected, otherwise you all did a very good job this year. Thank you all. Let’s all get the other Posts done. Blood: DONATE ~~ DONATE ~~ DONATE. This is the time of year that the hospitals and Red Cross need blood due to accidents and operations. If there is a blood drive, go and donate, it can save your life to. It feels good if you can give or plate it. Thank you all. Safety: If you are going on a long trip, every once in a while; take a short break so you don’t fall asleep. Take a little walk to get a drink of water, make sure you lock your doors when you leave because somebody could get in your car or pick-up and steal your stuff. Drive safe and be alert. When you are home, make sure you check your smoke detectors at least once or twice a year. Finally, recently we have had snowmobiles accidents with deaths involved and/or serious injuries, if you own and drive a snowmobile, please be careful driving and please, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. It could be your life and/or someone else life that you will save. Safety first at all times!

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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 Cpl. Arthur C. Ramirez >Army Pvt. Horace H. Middleton >Army Sgt John V. Phillips >Army Pvt. Roy Brown Jr. >Army Pvt. Charlie M. Waid >Army Cpl. William L. Brown >Army Cpl. William J. McCollum >Army Pfc. Junior C. Evans >Army Air Forces 2nd Lt Lowell S. Twedt >Marine Corps Pfc. Louis Wiesehan Jr. >Army Air Force Maj Neal C. Ward >Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt Arthur B. Summers >Navy Seaman 2nd Class Lloyd R. Timm >Army Air Forces 2nd Lt William J. McGowan >Marine Corps Reserve 1st Lt. Justin G. Mills >Army Pfc. John A. Shelemba >army Pfc. John A. Styslinger >Army Sgt Maximiano T., Lacsamana

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

MAINE OFFICERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPOMENT (MOLD) WREATHA CROSS AMERICA (WAA)

Kevin G. Woodward, PSC It’s often said, “The family that prays together stays together.” Families are the most basic building block of society; in fact, they are the only natural unit of society. Prayer is the foundation of a partnership of faith, hope, tolerance and mutual love, sustaining and keeping the family strong. We should remind parents that nothing spiritually enriches the life of the family like the habit of regular family prayer. WAA: The theme for this year is “BE AN AMERICAN WORTH FIGHTING FOR”. The date is 12/19/2020.

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

MEMBERSHIP ~ LEGISLATION ~ MAINE VETERANS’ HOMES (MVH) Steven J. SanPedro, PSC

Comrades: Congratulation to Post 6187 Fort Fairfield, Post 9389 Caribou, Post 9699 Ashland, Post 5723 Jackman and Post 1285 Waterville for all reaching or exceeding 100% in Membership! Also, Congratulation to District 11 Commander William Day; Post 9935 Commander James Bachelder and Post 9935 Quartermaster Maurice Risley for winning the VFW Legislative Early Bird Drawing. They will be attending the conference in Washington, D.C. Legislation: The Department is getting ready for the VFW National Legislation Conference in Washington, D.C. This year, we will have a large group with us. I have finalized the meeting with our Legislators. We will discuss the VFW National Legislative Priorities and additional issues. We will Thank all of them for helping get the “Widow’s Tax” repealed. If there is anything pertaining to Veterans Issue that you would like me to discuss, please get it to me as soon as possible. We have very little time with them so we must make it count. Membership: The Department is currently sitting at 93.96% with 7073 Members which is an increase of 2.00% and 149 Members. We need 454 Members to reach 100%. We have increased our New Members by 10 and our Reinstated Members by 45 from this time last year. Commanders and Quartermaster, you really need to be aggressive with your Continuous Members at the beginning of the month since they all now expire at the end of the month. Please don’t wait until the end and let their dues run out. There is no penalty for paying dues early. We have 16 Posts that has completed a Recruiter Event and submitted the proper paperwork to me. 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: All of our Homes are doing well. Thank is because of great staff and many volunteers. They get them up and moving daily. They have many things for them to do both in the Homes and outside the Homes. Once again, the 2020 MVH Calendar is out. The stories of the residents are amazing. You

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really don’t know how much history is sitting in those Homes. I just attended my Board meeting and the Augusta Home keeps showing progress. They are about three weeks behind schedule but we are getting close to the end product. Would you or your Post 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”

****************************** NATIONAL VETERANS & MILTIARY SUPPORT (NV&MS)

Christopher L. Armstrong, PSC

Hello Comrades: Hope this finds everyone doing well. Looks like winter is here to stay for a while anyways. Things are coming in very slow, only received one check this month and we only have 1 more Post for the $100.00 club. It was nice seeing everyone at the CoA meeting and a lot of good information was put out. I'm still receiving checks for Hospital/VAVS which I haven't been the chairman for a couple of years now. Please make the change at your Post with your Chairman so it goes to MICHEAL BLAIR, 748 HINCKLEY RD., CLINTON, ME 04927 This will make sure that your Post gets credit on time. Thank You Comrades for ALL you do for our Veterans.

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

DEPARTMENT GRANTS Alfred E. Michaud Sr., PSC

The Audit and Finance Committee will meet at the next COA. Grants: Homeless Veterans Grant through the Department of Labor; funds have been drawn down, grant closed. 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 the $40,000.00 is up and running. Our State Homeless Veterans Grant has been drawn down and is now closed. Audit and Finance Committee met and found the books and records of the Quartermaster in good working order.

****************************** COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (C/A)

Stephen Patrick Dow, Chairman

I hope this email finds you well and warm as we continue into our winter months. Please be checking on your

Comrades during these times to make sure they are safe and well. Please continue your good work in your

community and make sure to report it as well. Also, please continue to check the Community Activities Matrix and

if there are any errors, please report them to the appropriate Chairman and myself for updating. Keep up the good

work, and always remember REPORT ~ REPORT ~ REPORT. Talk to you next month.

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

Samuel C. Flint, Chairman As we have started these year, it is now time for all of you Post Commanders to review all of your requirements and that you have met them as it will affect as to whether you will be not able to have a vote at the State Convention in June in Lewiston if you have not them. Also, all Post Commanders are asked to prepare at their March or April meetings a list of their Delegates/Alternates which is 1 member per 30

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members from your current membership status. Note that by emailing them to me and/or snail mail, it will make it easier for all of us to prepare for when you get to the convention and register your Post at the State Convention. We will accept Delegates/Alternates listings when you register but please email them to me @ sflint@maine.rr.com or snail them to me at 15 George St., So. Portland, ME 04106. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

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

VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH ~ ASSISTANT LEGISLATIVE (Augusta) MEMBERSHIP RECRUITER (South)

James E.N. Bachelder, PSC Homeless Veterans: Happy New Year and we hit the ground running while hoping everyone had a great holiday celebration. Although the year has changed, the VFW year is still in full swing. This year, we have been averaging 23 newly found Homeless Veterans monthly. That is 276 Veterans found over the year 2019 and it isn’t stopping. That number has gone up over the years. This is the evidence that more Homeless Veterans exist. The annual Point-in-Time Survey is on the fourth Wednesday of January, give and take a day on each side if there is evidence that the individual will be or was homeless on January 22nd. If there isn’t a Point-in-Time Count in your area, contact the closest office of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services to assist in creating the survey program locally. The number are used to divide the federal dollars for homeless among the states. The more accurate the count the more funds we have to help our Homeless Veterans. We need to count them and help them in whatever way they will accept. When we find a Veteran in Need throughout the year services are available. The following link is the application form and request for more documents to verify the Veteran and the statue of their claim: https://www.easterseals.com/maine/shared-components/document-library/vefap-application.pdf. This gives a Veteran in Need up to $2,000 once every year. If the Veterans has not recovered from their financial situation then they can apply again the next year. The Maine American Legion also manages this program but I could not locate a link on their website for their application. Counting all the Homeless is not our only issue, the lack of affordable housing is a big problem. While we find, on average, 23 new Homeless Veterans every month we only permanently house 17 Veterans per month on average. This is a shortfall of 6 Veterans without permanently house per month. This is a good reason for all our Posts and Districts should support all affordable housing project around the state. When we speak of a Veteran, it could be a single Veteran or a Veteran and their family. Services are designed for both situations. We had a highly decorated combat Veteran who had a dishonorable discharge for 10 years and became homeless because of it. This Veteran was also married but could not be with his wife for years. The Maine Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS) looked at his discharge and believed it was a very unfair judgement. His discharge was overturned and he received a 100% P/T service-connected disability. He can now be with his wife. He plans to move back to Maine to support Homeless Veterans. The MBVS is involved with more than 20 of the 23 Veterans found each month. The MVN is hoping to have Articles of Incorporation to discuss and vote to accept at its next meeting. We have moved to the Bangor Savings Bank for several meetings due to construction at Camp Keys but on January 17th at 2:00 pm we will meet at Camp Keys. The MBVS moved to the completed side of the building with a conference room big enough for us. We are also looking at a preview of the Short-term Emergency Homeless Shelter made by converting a storage trailer to a comfortable sleeping quarters with minimal facilities. The parking area at Camp Keys allows for this display. Where we will meet in the future will depend on continuing work at camp Keys. The bank facility is reserved for 6 months if necessary. We received checks this month Topsham Post 2197 for $ 200.00; Ellsworth Post 109 for $ 50.00. 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.

13

If you have any questions, you can contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or 207-432-7127 from 9 am until 9 pm. Veterans Cemetery South: What a great Wreaths Across America program run by Rolling Thunder of Maine, Chapter One. The transportation, police coverage, ceremony and distribution of the wreaths was so well operated with accolades coming from most whom participated. The members of the association are requesting the contractor for the POW/MIA Memorial to attend our January meeting to explain how they envision making the total memorial being built in 2 projects. What would be included in the different projects? When would the first project be completed? When will the seconded project begin? When would the total memorial be completed? Is there any cost saving by building in 2 phases? The construction began on the Green Burial area and is dependent on the weather. It is wrapped up for the winter. If you have any questions, you can contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or 207-432-7127 from 9 am until 9 pm. Legislative (Augusta): An email from Andy came out in December with several bills before our legislative committees. Some of them were highlighted. I hope all Posts received a copy of the email. If you didn’t receive a copy, contact Andy for one. For the month of January, the Veterans and Legal Affairs is having public hearings on Wednesday, January 8th at 1:30 PM with nothing strictly Veteran. (1) Lobbyist reporting, (2) Improve reporting of Grassroots Lobbying, (3) Clarify financial reporting of PACs and Ballot Question Committees and (4) Modify financial disclosure for a Governor-elect. This never means that more sessions will be planned and announce with very short lead time. Nothing is listed in Taxation or Transportation Committees for the month of January at this time. As you know from twice above, my contact information is james.bachelder@metrocast.net or 207-432-7127 from 9 am until 9 pm.

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

Michael W. Blair, Director

Donations for the month of January. 2020 were a total of $ 1,050.00. $ 850.00 is to be used by VAVS as needed for Veteran needs. The remainder of $ 200.00 is to be used for Bingo and Coupon Books. I would like to thank Post #6924, Fairfield, #10879, Gorham, #6859, Portland and #9389, Caribou.

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

Melvyn E. Bates, Chairman

Welcome to the month of Valentines. WE have had our January CoA. It’s behind us and the results are still coming in for OUR National Home. At the Council meeting, it was once again brought up that all donations to National Chairman be sent to the National Home Chairman 342 Houde Rd., Eliot ME 03903. Also, Our State Quartermaster wants everyone to know he is now forwarding any and all that were sent to him to me. It’s very important that we are all on the same page. National is working very closely with me on our efforts for their program. We had a Gold Star presentation made during CoA to District 9 Commander for the very generous donation made to OUR National Home by the South. Paris Post. As you may remember in previous GOs, I went over the award levels are available National to those who have reached various level of donations! The award levels from the National Home are Bronze...Silver...Gold.... $4,000 dollars Platinum...$5,000dollars. This one of the reasons that as Chairman for State I must be kept informed of ALL donations. The other reason is to help State Quartermaster with one less area to deal with and at the same time, it allows me to make sure that your

14

hard-earned donations are accounted for, so you are aware your donations have been received. Also, I will track for you that you and make sure recognized for them. Recently, received multiple donations sent State Quartermaster and I have forwarded them to National. We also collected about $170.00 dollars at the Waterville CoA during the meeting. The prayer we all say for our National Home at each Post monthly meeting is very important for the future growth of the National Home in Michigan. Respectfully submitted.

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

Jo Ann Bolduc, Chairperson

Comrades: Spring is just around the corner, but our Maine home is still in the grip of winter so don’t forget to bundle up when needed. Continue to hydrate and beware of those icy patches. Expansion of Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is set to roll out this summer. The expansion will occur in two phases, beginning in the summer of 2020 or once the Secretary has certified that the new IT system is fully implemented. In the first phase, PCAFC will be expanded to eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975. The final phase of the expansion will begin two years later. It will expand PCAFC to eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty after May 7, 1975 through September 10, 2001. 2020 Maine Veterans Creative Arts Competition is February 26, 2020 from 10am-4pm at the Theater on Togus campus. This competition is open to Veterans who are eligible to receive care through the Department of Veterans Affairs AND are enrolled at a VA Medical Center, Outpatient Clinic, or Vets Center BEFORE entering the local competition. An eligible Veteran can enter the local competition at only one VA facility per year. He/she can submit an entry in creative writing, dance, drama or music categories with a Veteran or group from another VA facility, but still represents and must work through his/her originating facility to enter the competition. This facility should be the site where he/she receives their primary treatment. If you wish to participate, deadline is February 1. You would contact recreation coordinator Courtney Oliver or Elizabeth Marrone 207-623-8411 x4589 or x5371 National Salute to Veteran Patients Week will be February 10-15. It’s an opportunity to visit with the patients and VA will be conducting tours. Be good to yourselves and be good to each other.

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

Cornelius J. Ware, SO

Service Officer Post Outreach: Sanford-Springvale Memorial Post 9935 will be hosting a Service Officer outreach event on Monday March 23rd from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. If you live in Southern Maine, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet with your VFW representative. FMI: contact James Bachelder at (207)432-7127 or the VFW Service Office at (207)623-5723. DAV Volunteer Drivers: DAV is looking for volunteer drivers to support their volunteer transportation network program. These drivers help veterans across Maine get to their appointments at Togus. FMI: contact Linda Neptune at (207) 623-5790. Upcoming NSO Training: Proficiency Training is scheduled for May 4-7 in Valley Forge, PA for DSO Ware and ADSO Bolduc. Looking to Beat the Winter Blues: If you are looking for something to do this winter? Starting February 3rd and lasting until March 30th from 2-3 pm, there will be a Veterans group meeting. The group will meet at the Lewiston Veterans Center located at 35 Westminster St. The groups designed to help develop skills to reduce stress and combat the winter blues. For more information please contact Erin Kelly or Jessica Uges at (207) 783-0068.

15

Do you have questions about your Service-Connected Benefits? The Lewiston Veterans Center will be hosting an informational fair to cover questions you may have. This fair will be held on February 19th from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Lewiston CBOC located at 15 Challenger Drive. Save The Date: “Veteran Homelessness in Maine” there are 4 breakout sessions scheduled with community and VA partners. The event is March 11th at USM L/A Campus FMI: and to pre-register: call 207-576-0376 or email: JDEWITT@TCMHS.ORG Holiday Office Closure: We will be closed on Monday February 17th for President’s day.

“VETERANS SERVING VETERANS”

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

Ronald F. Smith, PSC

Greeting’s Comrades: The Awards Banquet was a very successful event with over 170 people signing up. The two top winners gave excellent speeches which were well received by the audience. A great job by all!! As we prepare for next year’s programs, let’s be aware of the deadline dates set by the State Chairman. December is a very busy time and getting a judging panel together is no easy task. The earlier in the month, the easier it is. National’s guideline is just that, A guideline. The State Chairman must adjust the timeline to the judging dates he can arrange. NOTICE!! To the District Adjutants and VOD Chairman! It will be very important that you go to the National website and get the instructions for “Dashboard”. It will be your responsibility to go online and report your Districts participation and forward to the Department Adjutant by the prescribed date. Don’t wait until the last minute to learn this program. It is the only way you will receive credit for participation. Donations to get credit must be sent to National, not the District or Department. Enjoy time with your family and friends. Be Safe and enjoy the New Year and watch out for “Cupid”. Happy Valentines’ Day! In Comradeship.

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. Please remember National still has a new website and is offering Departments and Post-free grants to build a new website. Please ensure any directory changes are sent to the Department Adjutant. Also, if you have any photos of Department events please forward 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 entrees. 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

Growing Worms’ Growing Garden: Discover how living things around us grow. Meeting live red wiggler worms at every stage of life from egg to adult and learn how they help the plants around them grow. Date: 14 Mar. Reg. By: 26 Feb., Town: Portland. Start Time: 5:30 pm. End Time: 7:30 pm. Levels: D/B. Girl Fee: $ 15.00. Adult Fee: $ 9.00. Matter Mania: Explore the states of matter in this fun workshop that combined science and art. Participate in some kitchen chemistry, get messy in our own Newtonian fluid slime bar and make a gorgeous shrink paper

16

Chihuly look-alike sculpture. Date: 21 Mar. Reg. By: 4 Mar. Town: Dover NH. Start Time: 2:00 pm. End Time: 4:30 pm. Levels: J/C. Girl Fee: $ 16.00. Adult Fee: $ 8.00. Rockin’ Overnight: Join the staff of Evo Rock & Fitness for an after-hours session of climbing and rappelling. All girls must attend with a troop leader or parent, but only adults planning on climbing need to pay. All adults will have a lesson on belaying prior to the girls climbing that evening. Date: 21-22 Mar. Reg By: 4 Mar. Town: Portland. Start Time: 7:00 pm. End Time: 8:00 am. Levels: C/S/A. Girl Fee: $ 26.00. Adult fee: $ 26.00. Wonders of Water: Come celebrate the United Nations Word Water Day. Learn all about water – how to protect it and enjoy it while experimenting with he water cycle, water pollution and water monitoring, through testing PH, oxygen, temperature and turbidity, see how clean your water is and take part in global movement to observe water quality movement to observe water quality around the world. Global connection. Date: 28 Mar. Reg. By: 11 Mar. Town: Westbrook. Start Time: 1:00 pm. End Time: 3:00 pm. Levels: B. Girl Fee: $ 6.00. Adult Fee: $ 0.00. Earth and Space Explorations: Explore the solar system at the L.C. Bates Museum. Look through telescopes, try fun space activities and try your hand (or foot) at Stomp Rockets. Date: 4 Apr. Reg. By: 18 Mar. Town: Hinckley. Start Time: 1:00 pm. End Time: 4:00 pm. Levels: D/B/J. Girl Fee: $ 7.00. Adult Fee: $ 0.00. Marine Mammals: Learn about the fascinating marine mammals that live in the Gulf of Maine including whales, dolphins and seals. Get an up-close look at marine mammal’s skeletons and compare them to the bones in your body. Learn how the Seacoast Science Center Marine mammals rescue team responds to seals on the beach. Date: 4 Apr. Reg By: 18 Mar. Town: Rye, NH. Start Time: 1:00 pm. End Time: 3:00 pm. Levels: J/C. Girl Fee: $ 10.00. Adult Fee: $ 0.00. Ocean Exploration Overnight Tall and Small: Meet and touch live tide pool creatures from Casco Bay, create an ocean creature craft and learn about the life of the humpback whale. Spend the rest of the night playing, exploring and sleeping in the museum’s exhibits. Tall and small events are great for first year Daisies (and anyone else who would benefit) to attend the overnight with a parent or guardian. Date: 4-5 Apr. Reg. By: 18 Mar. Town: Portland. Start Time: 5:30 pm. End Time: 9:00 am. Levels: D/B/J. Girl Fee: $ 29.00. Adult Fee: $ 17.00. Apollo 13 Challenge: On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo mission, come to the Challenger Learning Center to simulate being engineers and astronauts tasked to work together to save the Apollo 13 mission. Date: 11 Apr. Reg. By: 25 Mar. Town: Bangor. Start Time: 3:00 pm. End Time: 4:30 pm. Levels: B/J/C. Girl Fee: $ 16.00. Adult Fee: $ 0.00.

17

DEPT @ 93.96% - Need 454 For 100% (6+) Department Statistics

___________________________________ Maine as of Monday January 27, 2020

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

2599 1 97 1 1 12 111 144 77.08% -33 PRESQUE ISLE 0

6187 1 54 0 2 25 81 81 100.00% 0 FORT FAIRFIELD 0

9389 1 363 3 17 97 480 479 100.20% 1 CARIBOU 0

9699 1 63 0 8 8 79 79 100.00% 0 ASHLAND 0

District Total

1 577 4 28 142 751 783 95.91% -32

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

1605 2 120 1 2 9 132 132 100.00% 0 BURLINGTON 0

7529 2 43 0 0 12 55 55 100.00% 0 ISLAND FALLS 0

District Total

2 183 1 2 28 214 214 100.00% 0

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

9779 3 105 0 0 20 125 135 92.59% -10 CALAIS 0

11553 3 102 3 0 18 123 139 88.48% -16 HARRINGTON 1

District Total

3 207 3 0 38 248 274 90.51% -26

1

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

109 4 120 7 0 36 163 168 97.02% -5 ELLSWORTH 1

1761 4 177 4 0 61 242 242 100.00% 0 BANGOR 0

3381 4 163 4 3 19 189 209 90.43% -20 OLD TOWN 0

4633 4 93 0 0 8 101 121 83.47% -20 HAMPDEN 0

District Total

4 553 15 3 124 695 740 93.91% -45

1

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

4298 5 51 1 0 14 66 74 89.18% -8 DEXTER 0

5723 5 5 0 1 9 15 15 100.00% 0 JACKMAN 0

6924 5 97 0 0 14 111 119 93.27% -8 FAIRFIELD 0

7865 5 101 0 0 17 118 131 90.07% -13 MADISON-ANSON 0

7866 5 8 0 1 1 10 13 76.92% -3 NORRIDGEWOCK 0

10881 5 20 1 0 3 24 22 109.09% 2 FARMINGTON 1

11191 5 21 1 0 10 32 34 94.11% -2 NEWPORT 0

District Total

5 303 3 2 68 376 408 92.15% -32

1

18

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

3095 6 12 0 0 5 17 19 89.47% -2 FRIENDSHIP 0

3108 6 112 1 2 18 133 167 79.64% -34 BELFAST 0

4169 6 9 0 0 5 14 12 116.66% 2 VINALHAVEN 0

6131 6 49 0 1 17 67 75 89.33% -8 NORTHPORT 0

9437 6 38 1 0 3 42 49 85.71% -7 WASHINGTON 0

District Total

6 220 2 3 48 273 322 84.78% -49

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

2197 7 54 0 0 16 70 75 93.33% -5 TOPSHAM 0

4525 7 52 0 0 23 75 75 100.00% 0 WALDOBORO 0

7738 7 58 0 0 4 62 70 88.57% -8 BATH 0

District Total

7 164 0 0 43 207 220 94.09% -13

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

9 8 40 0 0 16 56 60 93.33% -4 GARDINER 0

887 8 192 9 2 37 240 261 91.95% -21 AUGUSTA 1

1285 8 224 2 4 17 247 247 100.00% 0 WATERVILLE 0

8835 8 233 1 2 21 257 269 95.53% -12 WINSLOW 2

9526 8 32 1 0 7 40 43 93.02% -3 WINTHROP 0

District Total

8 721 13 8 98 840 880 95.45% -40

3

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

1603 9 284 4 1 43 332 354 93.78% -22

LEWISTON-AUBURN

0

1641 9 63 1 13 65 142 142 100.00% 0 RUMFORD 0

3335 9 214 0 1 31 246 268 91.79% -22 JAY 0

9150 9 65 0 0 9 74 80 92.50% -6 LEWISTON 0

9787 9 105 0 0 29 134 146 91.78% -12 SOUTH PARIS 0

District Total

9 731 5 15 177 928 990 93.73% -62

0

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

832 10 269 0 0 26 295 314 93.94% -19 S PORTLAND 0

6783 10 36 1 0 6 43 45 95.55% -2 LOVELL 0

6859 10 298 2 4 63 367 422 86.96% -55 PORTLAND 1

9328 10 36 0 0 3 39 46 84.78% -7 HARRISON 0

10529 10 75 1 0 1 77 82 93.90% -5 YARMOUTH 0

10643 10 48 1 2 22 73 77 94.80% -4 WINDHAM 0

10879 10 10 1 0 10 21 23 91.30% -2 GORHAM 0

11362 10 30 0 0 5 35 35 100.00% 0 NAPLES 0

District 10 802 6 6 136 950 1044 90.99% -94 1

19

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

5744 11 114 0 0 38 152 154 98.70% -2

SOUTH BERWICK

1

6977 11 169 2 0 23 194 206 94.17% -12 YORK BEACH 0

7997 11 162 6 14 28 210 203 103.44% 7

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

0

9394 11 47 2 0 7 56 58 96.55% -2 KITTERY 1

9935 11 160 9 18 95 282 256 110.15% 26 SANFORD 0

District Total

11 652 19 32 191 894 877 101.93% 17

2

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent

City N/R LM

1641 99 583 21 15 78 697 775 89.93% -78 RUMFORD 6

District Total

99 583 21 15 78 697 775 89.93% -78

QM’S HOUSE 6

Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year

Percent +/-

City N/R LM

State Total

5696 92 114 1171 7073 7527 93.96% -454

15

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”

20

"HONORING THE COST OF FREEDOM” CHRISTOPHER L. ROBISON, STATE COMMANDER

D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S <<>> JANUARY 27, 2020

>> 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. 4169 VINALHAVEN 116.66% 1. 9935 SANFORD 110.15%

2. 10881 FARMINGTON 109.09% 2. 7997 OLD ORCHARD BEACH 103.44%

3. 11362 NAPLES 100.00% 3. 1761 BANGOR 100.00%

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

1. 7529 ISLAND FALLS 100.00% 1. 832 SOUTH PORTLAND 93.94%

2. 4525 WALDOBORO 100.00% 2. 1603 AUBURN 93.78%

3. 6187 FORT FAIRFIELD 100.00% 3.

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

1. 1605 BURLINGTON 100.00% 1. 9389 CARIBOU 100.20%

2. 1641 RUMFORD 100.00% 2. 6859 PORTLAND 86.96%

3. 5744 SOUTH BERWICK 98.70% 3.

TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % I TEN LARGEST POSTS

1. 4169 VINALHAVEN 116.66% 1. 9389 CARIBOU 480

2. 9935 SANFORD 110.15% 2. 6859 PORTLAND 367

3. 10881 FARMINGTON 109.09% 3 1603 AUBURN 332

4. 7997 OLD ORCHARD BEACH 103.44% 4. 832 SOUTH PORTLAND 295

5. 9389 CARIBOU 100.20% 5. 9935 SANFORD 282

6. 7529 ISLAND FALLS 100.00% 6. 8835 WINSLOW 257

7. 4525 WALDOBORO 100.00% 7. 1285 WATERVILLE 247

8. 1761 BANGOR 100.00% 8. 3335 JAY 246

9. 1605 BURLINGTON 100.00% 9. 1761 BANGOR 242

10. 1641 RUMFORD 100.00% 10. 887 AUGUSTA 240

DISTRICT STANDINGS I MAGIC NUMBERS FOR 2019-20

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

1. District 11 DAY 101.93% WE HAVE = 7073 – WE NEED 454

2. District 2 EWING 100.00% ALL POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD BE AT 100%

3. District 1 SAUCIER 95.91%

4. District 8 LAMBERT 95.45% 5 N/R MEMBERS & EARN A GREEN BALL CAP

5. District 7 STEVENS 94.09% 10 N/R MEMBERS & EARN A WHITE VFW SHIRT

DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, VFW 93.96% ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT

6. District 4 SULLIVAN 93.91% LET’S ALL WORK AS A TEAM AND

7. District 9 DRAG 93.73% RETAIN – RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS?

8. District 5 TWEEDIE 92.15% NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS

9. District 10 PROCTOR 90.99% ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM OK?

10. District 3 SIVRET 90.51%

11. District 6 CUMMINGS 84.78%

STEVEN SANPEDRO - STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN

21

Testimonial

State Commander * State President

Christopher L. Robison * Brenda Blair

Let’s all get together to honor our Department of Maine Commander Christopher L. Robison

and President Brenda Blair on this special occasion

Location Bangor Motor Inn and Suites

701 Hogan rd., Bangor, ME

Date & Time 18 April 2020

Social Hour – 6:00 to 7:00 pm ~~ Banquet – 7:00 pm

Banquet Ticket Cost $ 35.00

Dinner Menu Tossed Garden Salad with House Dressing

Ham ~ Cinnamon-Walnut Crusted Chicken with Ruby Port

Cranberry Sauce

Deeply Seasoned and Slow Roasted Top Round of Beef

Garlic Mashed Potatoes ~ Honey Glazed Carrots

Assorted Desserts ~ Rolls with Butter ~ Coffee and Tea

Dress Code Casual Attire or Business Suite as one wish to wear, no jeans

Hotel Information Bangor Motor Inn and Suites

701 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME

Phone: 1-207-947-0355

Rates Standard Room $ 72.00 + tax

(Inform them that you are with the VFW)

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

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 04736-2125

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

Ticket Deadline: 9 April 2020

(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 M. Dumas with your purchase of tickets request)

22

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

Each line limited to 27 characters or spaces (Maximum)

Deadline: < 10 April 2020 >

******* 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”

2019 - 2020 100th STATE CONVENTION

Lewiston, Maine

Arthur J. Roy, Chairman Joan Hebert– Chairperson

The 100th Annual Department of Maine VFW and 89th Auxiliary Convention will be held this year at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, ME with Capt Frank W. Hulett Post 1603 as the Host Post. Date is: June 12 – 13 June 2020 and the Department Headquarters will be the Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant St., Lewiston ME. As in the past, all meetings, Memorial Service; Picnic, Banquet and Council of Administration will be held at the Ramada Inn.

“Motels & Rates” Ramada Inn

(Headquarters Hotel) 490 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME ~ Tel: 784-2331

Rates: $ 109.00 + Tax (Single & Doubles) (All Non-Smoking Rooms)

* Cutoff date for Reservations – 30 May 2020 * ** 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. Fireside Inn > 1777 Washington St., S., Auburn, ME > Tel: 207-777-1777 > Rates: $ 89.00 + tax

Motel 6 > 516 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME > Tel: 207-782-6558 > Rates: $ 65.72 + tax incl. Super 8 > 1440 Lisbon St., Lisbon, ME > Tel: 207-784-8882 > Rates: $ 72.00 + tax

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

~~100th STATE CONVENTION ~~ Lewiston, 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 10, 2020”

24

100th State Convention

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

12 – 13 June 2020

Ramada Inn

490 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME

Pre-Registration Rates - $ 5.00

Registration at Door - $ 8.00

Come Celebrate the

100th 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: 5 June 2020 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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

25

~~~~ Banquet Reservations ~~~~ 100th Department of Maine

State Convention Saturday, 13 June 2020

Ramada Inn 490 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME

Social Hour * 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Dinner * 7:00 pm

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

Banquet Tickets Cost * $ 35.00 per person

Banquet Menu

Tossed Garden Salad with House Dressing Honey Mustard Chicken

Bakes Haddock Filet Braised Beef Tips

Baked Potato Baked Carrots

Strawberry Shortcake Rolls with Butter * Coffee & Tea

Dress Attire: Business Casual (Jacket & Tie) NOTE: No Jeans, Shorts, T-Shirts, Tank Tops

******************************Cut******************************

Meals Totals _________________ x $ 35.00 = ____________________

Name _________________________ Name _________________________

Name _________________________ Name _________________________

Name _________________________ Name _________________________

Name _________________________ Name _________________________

*NO ASSIGNED SEATING*

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

Deadline for Banquet Ticket is: 5 June 2020

Make your check payable to “Department of Maine, VFW” (No tickets will be sold after the deadline – Tickets will not be held without a payment)

(There will be no refunds on the banquet tickets)

(Special Needs Meals must be notified 1 week prior to the banquet, no Choice * Hotel Policy)

Send to: Joan Hebert

41 Damy Dr., Apt 91, Auburn, ME 04210 Phone: 207-782-2573 * E-mail: jocah66@yahoo.com

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

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1 4 2599 Presque Isle X X 500 X X X X X X X X X X X X

1 2 6187 Fort Fairfield X X X X X

1 6 9389 Caribou X X X X X X OWN X X X X X

1 3 9699 Ashland X X X

1 District 1 X X X

2 2 1605 Burlington X X X X X X

2 2 7529 Island Falls 500 X X X X X X X

2 District 2 X X X X

3 3 9779 Calais X X X X X X X X X X X

3 3 11553 Harrington X X X OWN X X X

3 District 3

4 3 109 Ellsworth X X yes X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

4 5 1761 Bangor X X 1500 X X X X X X X X X X X X

4 5 3381 Old Town X X 500 X X X X X X X X X

4 3 4633 Hampden 3000 X X X X X X X X

4 District 4 X X X X

5 2 4298 Dexter X 1000 X X X X

5 1 5723 Jackman Stat yes X X X X X X

5 3 6924 Fairfield X X X

5 3 7865 Madison X X X X X X

5 1 7866 Norridgewock X

5 1 10881 Farmington X X X X X X

5 1 11191 Newport X X X X

5 District 5 X X

6 1 3095 Friendship X yes X X X X X

6 4 3108 Belfast X X 3000 X X X X X X X X X X X

6 1 4169 Vinalhaven

6 2 6131 Northport X X 1000 X X X X X X

6 1 9437 Washington X X X X X

6 District 6 X X X

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

7 2 2197 Topsham X X 1000 X X X X X X X X X X X X

7 2 4525 Waldoboro X X X X X X X

7 2 7738 Bath X X X X X OWN X X

7 District 7

8 2 9 Gardiner X X X X X X X X X

8 5 887 Augusta X X 1500 X X X X X OWN X X

8 6 1285 Waterville X X 1000 X X X X X X X X X X X

8 5 8835 Winslow X X X X X X X

8 2 9526 Winthrop X X X X X X X X X X

8 District 8 X X X

9 4 1603 Auburn X X 2000 X X X X X X X X X X X

9 4 1641 Rumford X X 1000 X X X X X X X X X X X X X

9 5 3335 Jay X X X X $$

9 3 9150 Lewiston X X X X

9 3 9787 South Paris X X 3000 X X X X X X X X X X X X X

9 District 9 X X X

10 6 832 So Porland X X X X X $$ $$ X

10 2 6783 Lovell X X X $$ $$ X

10 6 6859 Portland X X yes X X X X X X X X X $$ X X X

10 2 9328 Harrison 1000 X X X

10 3 10529 Yarmouth X X 2000 X X X X X X X X $$ $$ X

10 2 10643 Windham X X 2000 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

10 1 10879 Gorham X 500 X X X X X X X X X

10 1 11362 Naples X 1000 X X X X X $$ X

10 District 10 X

11 3 5744 SoBerwick X X 5000 X X X X X X X X X X X X

11 4 6977 York Beach X X yes X X X X X X X X OWN $$ $$ X X

11 4 7997 O.O.B. X X 2000 X X X X X X X X X $$ $$ X X

11 2 9394 Kittery X X 2000 X X X X X X X X X X X

11 4 9935 Sanford X X 1500 X X X X X X X X X X

11 District 11 X X

99 5 15020 QM HOUSE

ME 55 STATE