THE MAINE Legionnaire AUGUST 2019 Vol. 34, Issue 3 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE 32 Pages

Lewiston Man to Lead Maine Legion Act Signed into Law American Legion n a significant legislative victory for by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben I The American Legion, President Cline, R-Va. Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares Reistad expressed gratitude to the urrently serving as the Dept of Chair of the United States has been in a state of bipartisan members of Congress for pass- Maine Commander, the De- war since Dec. 7, 1941. ing the legislation. partment The American Legion sought the “We are grateful that President C Matthew Jabaut was born in Legisla- declaration as a way to honor approxi- Trump fully acknowledges the im- Farmington, raised in Durham, and gradu- tive, Post mately 1,600 U.S. servicemembers who portance of The American Legion by ated from Lewiston High School. 9/11, and were killed or wounded during previously signing the LEGION Act in the White Matt served in the US Army from Task undeclared periods of war. House today – just one week after it 1997- 2005 as a combat medic. During Force for The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get passed the House of Representatives,” his service, he led Evac and Treatment the Fu- Involved In Opportunities for National Reistad said. “In an era of partisan grid- squads, served as Retention, EEO, and ture com- Service Act) also opens the door for ap- lock, Republicans and Democrats in Con- UPL NCO. He was an instructor at the mittees proximately 6 million veterans to access gress overwhelmingly recognized the Joint medical training center in Fort Lew- and as a American Legion programs and benefits importance of allowing thousands of hon- is, WA, earned the Expert Field medical member for which they previously had not been orable but previously ineligible veterans badge, and completed a combat tour in of Reso- eligible. the right to join the largest and most influ- the middle east. lutions, “Recognizing the service of these ential veterans organization in the coun- After transitioning out of the military and Na- wartime veterans is the right thing do and try.” Matt, attended Point Park University un- COMMANDER tional it is long overdue,” National Commander Reistad pointed out that existing der the VA Voc Rehab program complet- MATTHEW JABAUT security Brett Reistad said. “The families of those American Legion membership applica- ing his BS in Human Resource Manage- commit- who were killed or wounded during these tions are in the process of being updated ment and continued under the GI Bill tees. wartime acts should take pride in know- but can still be used. “In the meantime, I completing a Masters in Organizational In 2015, Matt attended National ing that we recognize their sacrifice and recommend that prospective Legionnaires Leadership. American Legion College and graduated service. Moreover, we are proud to wel- and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the Shortly after returning to Maine, Matt at the top of his class. He has also worked come any of the six million living veter- eligibility date section of American Le- joined the Legion at Post 202 in with his fellow NALC alumni to begin a ans from the previously unrecognized gion membership applications if they fall Topsham. Since joining he has served as Department level Legion College that periods into our organization and call outside the previous war eras,” Reistad 2nd Vice and as Commander. Matt has kicked off in May, 2018. them ‘Legionnaires.’” said. “The larger pool of veterans now also served as Department Chaplain, De- Matt looks forward to continuing to Now that the legislation has been eligible for The American Legion will partment Judge Advocate, Department serve the Legionnaires and Veterans of signed, The American Legion’s eligibility also open their family members to eligi- 1st and 2nd Vice Commander and as his community. criteria immediately changes from seven bility in the Sons of the American Legion war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”

11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later —www.legion.org determined by the federal government. The American Legion—July 30, 2019 Jeff’s Catering & Event Center No other restrictions to American Legion —————————— membership are changed. in Brewer Hosts The law’s journey began on Feb. 14 lease visit Page 8 of this publi- when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., in- P cation for available options as Annual State Convention troduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom to how eligible Service members Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, can join The American Legion and he American Legion, Department of vention to order in proper form and Past H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House become a Maine Legionnaire! T Maine celebrated its 101st Annual Department Commander Anthony “Tony” State Convention for the first time at Jeff’s Jordan welcomed all those in attendance. Catering & Event Center in Brewer on Attendees were then greeted by Brewer June 7-8. Many of those in attendance, City Mayer Matthew Vachon who wel- including Legionnaires, Auxiliary mem- comed everyone to the Brewer area. bers, Sons of The American Legion, Le- Several guest speakers addressed this gion Riders and guests from all over the group of Legionnaires both Friday and state filled the convention hall Friday and Saturday including Rep. Michael Noyes Saturday in celebration of this year’s who spoke on behalf of Senator Susan event. Collins, Rep. Edi Smith on behalf of An- The American Legion Family re- gus King, Rep. Pam Trinward on behalf of ceived lots of positive feedback with the Congresswoman Pingree, and Congress- exception of only a few areas that still man Jared Golden who gave greetings to need to be worked out making this years those in attendance during the State Con- convention a great success. Plans are al- vention Installation of Officers. Also join- ready underway for Jeff’s Catering to host ing us this year were Secretary of State next year’s Annual State Convention June Matthew Dunlap, MVH Director of Public 12-13, 2020. Relation Devin Robinson Assistant Direc- The 101st Annual State Convention tor of Togus VA Regional Benefits Office began Friday, June 7 at 9:00 a.m. with the Chris Smith, Strategic Relation Manager Legion Act—Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunity Resolutions Committee meeting. With no Brenda Pennels from Martin’s Point for National Service: President Donald J. Trump signs S. 504, the Let resolutions submitted this year, no further Health Care, Maine Veteran Honor Flight Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service (LEGION) Act action was required. Board Chairperson Laurie Sidelinger and a Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. Official White At 12 noon, Department Commander House. Scott Paradis of Newport called the con- More on CONVENTION, Page 4 Photo by Tia Dufour

2 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 A ‘First’ Look NEC Update hank you, you to attend the Department’s Fall Con- ello fellow The Committee meets in a designated T my Fellow ference in Gray in September. Kevin H Legion- location at least twice a year, May and Legionnaires, Mook, who helped to guide the Depart- naires. October, along with two meetings at Na- for the honor to ment in March, will be with us again. As I was tional Convention, one prior to convention serve as your 1st Saturday, September, 21, will be the key thinking about and one following or post-convention. As Vice Command- day of the conference where you can learn what I would stated above, the meetings are mainly to er for the De- how to attract new members and to invite write on for the cover any resolutions submitted to it prior partment of them to join their local Posts. It is a day upcoming issue to the scheduled meetings or prior to Na- Maine for 2019- that you do not want to miss. Carpool and of the paper, tional Convention. 2020. bring as many of your Post members as someone asked Each National Committeeman or Al- It was a you can to this meeting. me just what the ternate in the absence of the National wonderful De- Additionally, the U.S. House passed National Execu- Committeeman represents the Department partment of the bipartisan Legion Act (Senate bill tive Committee members and the Departments they are Maine Conven- S.504) on July 23. The President is sched- does. After LLOYD elected by for a term of office of two thinking on it years. The term of office is as stated in tion in Brewer DEBRA uled to sign it by the end of July. It fills in WOODS this year. It is a the gaps of war eras and redefines The for a moment, I Article VII, National Executive Commit- great new loca- COUTURE American Legion’s membership eligibil- responded that tee, Section 2 of the National Constitution. tion and every- ity dates, beginning with the bombing of the NEC is somewhat like a Board of Di- Another source of information on the one worked hard putting it together and Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and rectors for a civilian organization. Committee is the Rules of the National making sure all went well. continuing until it is determined the Unit- As stated in the National Constitution, Executive Committee of The American As we move into Yhe American Le- ed States is no longer in a state of war. Article VII titled National Executive Com- Legion adopted by the NEC on 11/21- gion’s 101st year, we will continue to fo- The opportunities for new members with mittee, the Committee has the administra- 22/1940 and revised 5/9-10/2012. cus on membership. Our Department the passage of this bill is enormous. Sev- tive power vested in it, which shall be I consider being the Department of Commander Matthew Jabaut, brought eral Posts that I have visited in the past composed of the National Commander, the Maine’s and your representative on this Kevin Mook, one of our National Ameri- week have already told me they have new National Vice Commanders and one Na- very important National Committee one of can Legion Membership Coordinators to members who have completed the mem- tional Executive Committeeman and one privilege and promise to do my best in Maine in March of this year. He worked bership forms. They are just waiting for Alternate from each Department with the representing you in any actions that may for 3 days with Districts 1 and 2 and Le- the official OK to submit the paperwork. alternate to act only in the absence of the arise before it. I am available to assist any- gionnaires from around the State, to train Next week, Renee Wells, Area 7 National Executive Committeeman. All one who asks just contact me. I will do us in how to reach out and connect with Commander, and I will travel to Indianap- Past National Commanders while in good my best to comply with your request(s). new members and how to extend the invi- olis to attend the American Legion Na- standing in their respective Posts, shall be Again, thank you for all that you do tation to join their local Posts. tional Membership Workshop. We hope members for life, without vote with vote to and will do for our great organization, The All Districts have been working very to learn a lot from National membership be exercised by them with their respective American Legion, Department of Maine. PROUD TO SERVE hard to reach 100% before July 26. Six training coordinators and also get ideas Departments. districts achieved greater than 100% and a from other states that are in attendance on total of 14 districts were at 95% or greater how they attract and retain members. A by July 26. District 3 had all Posts at report will be put together after our return 100% or above. I applaud all for the great to give all a summary of what was pre- job that they have done. sented. It will be sent out to all Depart- As of July 26, Maine had moved up ment Officers and Area and District Com- to 24th place, in a total of 55 Departments manders before the Fall Conference. Oakland Post 51 Award: Na- nationwide, on The American Legion I hope you all have a wonderful sum- tional Executive Committeeman Lloyd Daily Membership Report. mer. Stay cool, if possible. Blessings to Woods, left, presents Oakland Post 51 The Department does not want to all and remember to put September 21 on Commander Gary Grant, right, with a stop there. We will continue this momen- your schedule. See you in Gray. Thank 100% Membership Certificate during tum into this new year. I encourage all of you. Oakland Post 51 Installation of Officers on June 1. Americanism Report omrades, is open to all High School students, pub- C first I lic, private, Christian, or Home schooled. thank you for Let’s get 17 in the competition this year. allowing me the This is also a good time to start pro- opportunity and moting Boy's State while you are in the privilege of schools. It is only 10 months until Boys being the De- State delegates’ names need to be into the partment Amer- Department Headquarters. icanism Officer Let us get with local schools and of- Money Matters for another fer assistants with Veterans Day Pro- s I sit here a piece of property, which has brought not year. grams, Flag Day, Memorial Day, etc., or A consider- only the American Legion but the Ameri- This year, I maybe something like meet and talk with ing what I am can Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the would like to a Veteran, read to a class wearing your going to write American Legion into one location. This have at least Legion Flight Cap. about, first I has truly made us an American Legion one Flag Detail ALFRED Let’s get active in our communities, would like to Family. Team in each MCKAY get out and about to get the good name thank Tommy As with anyone taking on a new posi- district, a team and programs of The American Legion Adkins for his tion, you always review what was done in that will teach out there. A great way to help achieve this hard work over the past and look for ways to improve the Flag Etiquette, and also attend as needed is by attending the PORTLAND SEA the past 6 years process. That is where I find myself today to funerals and memorials for our depart- DOGS MAINE LEGION DAY AT HAD- in getting us to and I will endeavor to do my best to move ed brothers and sisters. LOCK FIELD. The Seadogs will host the where we are the Department forward. It is time to get the Post Oratorical Department of Maine American Legion, in the Depart- Long term, as your Department Fi- Scholarship Committees working and into Sunday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m. Gates ment today. nance Officer, I am working to understand the schools as soon as they resume. We open at 11:30 a.m.; mention the American Financially, GREGORY the details of the last audit and to make need to get the information and applica- Legion when purchasing your tickets. Tommy, along COUTURE sure to keep us on the right track, spending tions out as soon as possible. Remember it LET'S fill the stands with Legion hats. with John Har- your funds properly, and getting the most greaves, has helped to move the Depart- bang for your buck. ment from renting a space from one of Thank you for your support as your Maine’s American Legion Posts to owning Department Finance Officer.

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 3 A ‘Second’ Look On the Agenda

t is an honor musket was brought from England in 1683 and privilege by Thomas Parris and used in the French SEPTEMBER MEETINGS I to serve as your and Indian War. It has been handed down District 5 – Oxford: Sept. 17, Oxford Post 112, 7 p.m., refreshments after mtg. 2nd Vice Com- in the Parris family each generation to the District 9 – Kennebec: Sept. 11, Oakland Post 51, 7 p.m. mander for the oldest son. When the news of the signing of District 11 – Waldo: Sept. 15, Brooks Post 183, 2 p.m. coming year. I the Declaration of Independence reached District 14 – Piscataquis: Sept. 14, Guilford Post 119, lunch noon, mtg. 1 p.m. was fortunate Pembroke, Massachusetts, where the fami- OCTOBER MEETINGS enough this ly lived, the “Old Gun” was fired in cele- year to spend a bration and has been fired on the Fourth of District 5 – Oxford: Oct. 15, Buckfield Post 58, 7 p.m., Pumpkin pie after mtg. few days at our July every year since. It has been fired on District 9 – Kennebec: Oct. 9, Winthrop Post 40, 7 p.m. Dirigo Boys two other historic occasions, Armistice District 12 – Hancock: Oct. 8. Bar Harbor Post 25, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. State Program Day, November 11, 1918 signifying the mtg. at Thomas Col- end of World War I and on D.E. Day victo- District 14 – Piscataquis: Oct. 19, Milo Post 41, lunch noon, mtg. 1 p.m. lege. The quali- ry in Europe, May 8, 1945, World War II. District 15 – Washington: Oct. 13, Pembroke Post 59, 2 p.m. ty of young KIRK Donated to the Zadoc Long Free library in District 17 – N. Aroostook: Oct. 6, Ft. Kent Post 133, dinner 1 p.m., mtg. 2 p.m. men that attend- THURSTON Buckfield, Maine, by Marion (Parris) ed this year was Smith daughter of Edward L. Parris. It has NOVEMBER MEETINGS very impressive been owned by Captain. Josiah Parris District 5 – Oxford: Nov. 19, Bethel Post 81, 7 p.m., refreshments after mtg. and I would dare say that our future is in (Revolutionary War soldier of Buckfield) District 7 – Lincoln: Nov. 18, Wiscasset Post 54, 6:30 p.m. good hands. The dedicated staff of volun- 1760-1851, Virgil Delphini Parris 1807- District 9 – Kennebec: Nov. 13, Gardiner Post 4 teers is remarkable to say the least. The 1874, Edward Lowden Parris 1873-1921 District 11 – Waldo: Nov. 17, Palermo Post 163, 2 p.m. boys and staff enjoyed seeing Legion Caps and Edward Lowden Parris Jr. 1887-1950. District 12 – Hancock: Dec. 12, Northeast Harbor Post 103, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 throughout the week, from the opening In Turner, we joined Legionnaires p.m. ceremony to the graduation. I strongly en- from Buckfield and Turner to march in District 13 – Penobscot: Nov. 3, Lincoln Post 77, 2 p.m. Refreshments served. courage you Legionnaires next year to at- their annual parade. This is the second time District 14 – Piscataquis: Nov. 16, Monson Post 116, lunch noon, mtg. 1 p.m. tend any of the daily events. Stop by the that I have participated in this parade and it District 16 – S. Aroostook: Nov. 2, Houlton Post 47, 1 p.m. Meal is at discretion Dirigo Boys State office to obtain a copy of amazes me how appreciative and proud the of the Post. the schedule. This year’s Governor elect locals are of the parade and their veterans. District 17 – N. Aroostook: Nov. 17, Frenchville Post 145, refreshments 1 p.m., for Dirigo Boys State was Lucas Wright I am currently working on our Mid- mtg. 2 p.m. from Scarborough. If his name sounds fa- Winter conference schedule. If there is a miliar, it should. He has competed in our topic that you would like to see covered Oratorical contest for the last few years. please send me an e-mail The Samsung scholarship awardee this year ([email protected]) and I’ll see The Adjutant Speaks is William Bradley of Stockton Springs. what can be done. On the Fourth of July, myself, the By the time this is published, summer hope you are enjoying the summer no ed. Please make every attempt to attend Commander and his Sergeant-At-Arms will have finished and I hope all was able I matter where you are at this time. I must this historical event that all can be very attended ceremonies at Buckfield and to enjoy some of the great weather that we start off by proud of. Turner. At Buckfield, Commander Jabaut had. Hopefully you were able to see a Le- thanking all who On another level at your HQ we have fired the founding family’s musket (the gion Baseball game or two. Hope to see attended the recently applied for a grant for Veterans Brown Betsy) quite the honor. History of you at Fall Conference in Gray. Safe trav- State Conven- Emergency Financial Assistance Program the musket is as follows: The “Kings Arm” els. tion for your (VEFAP) and it became a reality in June. patience be- Because of the grant we can now assist cause of a last- those in need that we were not able to do minute change so in the past because of limited funds. In to another facili- order to accomplish this task, we need the ty. I made note help of all 177 Posts in The American Le- of a few adjust- gion in the State of Maine. There is an ments but over- application that can be acquired on our all the com- webpage (mainelegion.org) or you can call ments were very PAUL the office for an application. What we positive espe- L’HEUREUX need from you is to reach out to that Vet- cially about the eran in your community and help guide food prepara- them with the process. We want the local tion, quality and service. A special thank Post involved so we can verify certain you to all those Legionnaires who took the information that we may need in order to time to step up and help overcome a few help the Veteran. In a short time, we have issues upon arrival. As your State Adju- had many success stories because of a Past State Commanders: American Legion, Dept. of Maine Past State tant, I must tell you that I have not seen so local Post’s involvement. We have a set of Commanders together at the 101st Annual State Convention in Brewer on June many new faces and younger members guidelines to follow and will work with 8. Left to right, Peter Johnson (2016), Richard Graves (2014), Andrew Olson with a positive attitude willing to make a the Veterans to try to meet his/her needs. (2009), Paul L’Heureux (2007), Lloyd Woods (2005), Donald Cole Jr. (1995), difference in our organization. They are We also can direct them to our Service Ronald Sailor (1989), Anthony Jordan (1979), and Randall Kluj (2017). Standing coming and they are our future. Thank you Office for filing a claim or to other pro- at the podium is State Commander Scott Paradis (2018). again. grams that we are aware of. We have even

Photo by Dept. Historian Jeffrey Stevenson There are more changes happening at teamed up with the Post and have really your HQ starting with the POW-MIA Wall made a difference in a short period of dedication on September 28th at 11:00 time. AM. There will be a few guest speakers It has been a very busy summer for Appreciation Award: including our National Commander and many of us to make these two events part Department Adjutant Paul acknowledgements to those in the commu- of our history, but as you can see, it has L’Heureux, left, presents Out- nity that donated time, equipment and ma- been an effort of Veterans helping Veter- going Department Commander terial to make this all come about. There ans. We would appreciate your support by Scott Paradis with an Apprecia- will be time after the event to meet fellow attending the event on September 28th and tion plaque at the Annual State Legionnaires, Community, and State lead- reaching out to those Veterans in need. Convention in Brewer on June 8 ers and food and beverages will be provid- FORWARD & FOCUSED for his dedicated service to The American Legion, Department of Maine as State Commander dur- ing the 2018-19 year.

Photo by Dept. Historian Jeffrey Stevenson

4 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 Looking Back; Then Marching Forward THE MAINE ellow Legionnaires, this is perhaps the er. I will share an excerpt from that speech F last time that I will address you as the which is as relevant today, as it was back Legionnaire Chair of the Department of Maine 100th at our 2nd National Convention. Anniversary committee. I give thanks to “Our responsibilities at this conven- OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE other members of the committee and fel- tion in coming months and in distant years, low Legionnaires who have worked tire- will be heavy. To succeed, we must make lessly to make our 100th Anniversary a use of two strong and inherent American Official Newspaper of The American Legion, Dept. of Maine. success. The 100th Anniversary season of characteristics – common sense and toler- Published at Sun Press, 104 Park Street, Lewiston, Maine, celebration ends with the National Con- ance. More and more must the Legion by The American Legion — Department of Maine. vention this year. become the friendly meeting place of Business Office, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901-0727 When the Department first considered Americans of diverse but sincere opinions. this tremendous opportunity, it was decid- The West, the East, the South, and the ed that the Department would embrace the North must continue to unite in our mem- Website: www.mainelegion.org following slogan; “Looking Back; then bership to exchange ideas and ideals. Of Marching Forward”. It would also encour- each man only this much must be required Tel.: 207-873-3229 Fax: 207-872-0501 age Districts and Posts to do the same. – the he has served America, has faith in Email: [email protected] The celebration has been good for America, and cherishes her free institu- Legionnaires of Maine. We had a centen- tions”. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maineamericanlegion nial parade, minted a centennial coin, pub- Comrades, we have looked back; now lished the Maine American Legion 100th is the time to be “Marching forward”. Paul L’Heureux, Editorial Director Anniversary Members Directory, and have March forward with knowledge of what Rachael Currie, Managing Editor & Layout Editor a centennial plaque now hanging in the the Legion has accomplished in the past, Maine State Hall of Flags. Also, the De- an appreciation of the opportunities we partment has the book I wrote honoring have in our future, and a tenacity to sup- Third Class Postage paid at Waterville, Maine our first 100 State Commanders. There has port our Veterans through the four pillars been a great amount of public exposure of The American Legion. Subscription for Maine Legionnaires $2 as a part of their dues. and we are ready to reap the awards of As we begin the march forward into increased interest and membership. The American Legion’s next 100 years; let Many Posts have had 100th Anniver- us be mindful to use common sense and be Other subscription Rate $10 a year. sary parties or other celebratory events tolerant with each other so that our Legion Average Circulation: 22,000. which have showcased what the Legion can be “the friendly meeting place of has done and continues to do for Veterans. Americans of diverse but sincere opinions” As the time for celebration is ebbing our first National Commander envisioned.

CONVENTION by Department Adjutant Paul L’Heureux. away; I am reminded of the words of our By Donald G. Hands Commander Paradis thanked everyone for first National Commander Franklin D’Oli- Department 100th Anniversary Chairman (Continued from Page 1) their support and for a great year while er when he retired as National Command- Commander of The American Legion, special presentation from Masonry Ser- Department of Maine. Following his re- vices, Richard Ware regarding the POW/ sponse, the Chairman of Credentials Com- MIA Memorial from Concept to Construc- mittee, Brian Knowlton read off the voting Farewell Address: Donald G. tion. results for the 2019-20 Department offic- Hands speaks at the State Convention Various committee reports also took ers: Department Commander Matthew with his farewell address as the Chair place during this two day event by com- Jabaut, Topsham Post 202; Department of Department 100th Anniversary mittee chairmen as well as special awards First Vice Commander Debra Couture, Committee. to some impressive individuals for Litchfield Post 181; Department Second Photo by Dept. Historian Jeffrey Stevenson achievement in their particular field. This Vice Commander Kirk Thurston, Rumford year’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Post 24; Department Adjutant Paul L’Heu- Year was awarded to Officer Curt Andrick reux, Auburn Post 153; Department Fi- of Warren and EMT/Paramedic of the nance Officer Gregory Couture, Litchfield Year went to Kevin Curry of Union. Two Post 181; Department Historian Jeffrey Firefighter of the Year awards were pre- Stevenson, Bath Post 21; Department Adjutant Of The sented this year to: Brunswick Fire/Ems Americanism Officer Alfred McKay, Crew 3, including Captain Matthew Damariscotta Post 42; and Department Year: State Commander Barnes, Firefighters Alan Boucher, Mi- Sgt.-At-Arms Patricia Thurston, Rumford Scott Paradis, right, presents chael Dube, Justin Hagar, Steven Lunn, Post 24. Camden Post 30 Adjutant Dale Real, Deane Stanton, and Peter Wild, The 101st Annual State Convention Jeff Sukeforth, left, with Ad- and Rumford Fire Department including concluded late Saturday afternoon, June 8, jutant of the Year Award at Firefighters Christopher Arsenault and with our Sweepstakes drawing. The lucky the 101st Annual State Con- Ray Crockett. Humanitarian Citizen of the winner for the top prize of $1500 was vention in Brewer on June 8. Year award was presented to Brycen awarded to Frederic Sanborn, Fairfield Congratulating Jeff for his Waugh of Mexico, Post Service Officer Post 14; $500 to Lloyd Reynolds, Fal- achievement is District 2 Ad- Award to Joy Bordeau of Rumford Post mouth Post 164; $300 to Richard Maguire, jutant and Committee Chair- 24, Department Commander’s Award to Cape Elizabeth Post 152; and $200 to man David Tanguay, center. Allan Benner of Waldoboro, Outstanding Robert Gilman, Westbrook Post 62. The Post Commander (Tony’s Tiger) to Curtis convention adjourned at 2:30 p.m. after Merrill, Naples Post 155, Outstanding the Memorial Service-Post Everlasting and A Final Goodbye Speech: De- District Commander (Roger’s Rangers) to Retirement of Colors. The Legion Family partment Finance Officer Tommy Ad- District 6 Commander Raymond Lewis then gathered for installation of Legion, kins gives his final goodbye speech along and our own special surprise announce- Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Le- with his last and final update on Depart- ment for Legionnaire of the Year to De- gion 2019-20 officers. ment Finances to those attending the partment of Maine Chaplain and recently Sunday morning saw the DEC meet at Annual State Convention in Brewer on elected Department Sergeant-at-Arms 8:00 a.m. where the committee reviewed June 8. Tommy volunteered his services Patricia Thurston. the various items on the agenda and other from 2013-2019 serving as Department A complete listing of all special topics of business of the Department of Finance Officer for The American Le- awards and scholarships presented during Maine. gion, Department of Maine. the 101st Annual State Convention can be Thanks goes out to everyone who Thank You Tommy Adkins! seen on page 12 of this edition of The made this year’s Annual State Convention Maine Legionnaire. a huge success. You Will Be Forever The ceremony honoring the outgoing Article by Rachael Currie, Office Manager Department Commander Scott Paradis American Legion, Dept. of Maine Missed!!! took place Saturday afternoon, conducted Photo by Department Historian Jeffrey Stevenson

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 5 President’s Message — Your Letters — warm to new ideas. To embrace the bold and A hello to risky and be willing to do what might not Scholarship Reward other people’s lives with the work that I our Legion have worked the first time or that we have am able to do in the future. family, never done that way. Thank you Once again, I thank you for giving First, I After the last two Presidents incredi- me an opportunity to excel academically, bring greet- ble projects and the success they were, the American Legion, which certainly will influence the trajec- ings, congrat- P.O.W. Memorial at Department Head- I would like to take the time and say tory of my life. ulations and quarters, and the Stryker Chairs acquired thank you for rewarding me with this Sincerely, best wishes for Togus V.A. I must admit I was a bit scholarship. I am very excited to start my Rachel Morse with every- concerned about my ability to come up next adventure at Thomas College. Once one’s new with a project that would be worthy and again, thank you so much for rewarding Scholarship Helps Pursue Offices and that would commemorate the Centennial me with this scholarship. Dreams of Higher Education Sincerely, roles within year. the Depart- Time spent with our Veterans, their Aubrey Schaeffer PRESIDENT Dear Sir/Madam, ment of VIRGINIA CHAPUT families, and Communities has dwindled I would like to take this time to thank Maine. 2018- over the years. It may be a case of not Beals House Staff your board members for helping me 2019 was a enough reporting, but with the very busy pursue my dreams of higher education. I wonderful year for fostering and leading lives we all juggle while including our Grateful for Donation am very grateful for your scholarship, I by the idea of “The Legion Family.” The Legion Family commitments, sometimes cannot even begin to describe how much environment and attitudes displayed exud- it has become easier to write a check. Dear American Legion Department of Maine, it means to me. I promise that I will ed teamwork as we accomplished so The joy an hour brings to a Veteran, a remain on the path that you so graciously many great things, together, or supporting senior in our community, or a school aged On behalf of the Beals Hospitality Staff and Directors, I would like to thank helped set me on. This scholarship will the other in their projects. child is priceless, and if you are like me, I help me achieve the many dreams and It is my honor to serve as your 2019- get more from that time then I could pos- you for your donation of $350 on June 19, 2019 to the Beals House. goals that I have given myself. I cannot 2020 President and I am even more excit- sibly give to any of them. It feeds the soul thank you enough for giving me this ed about being the American Legion Aux- and your heart with warmth. I apologize We are so very grateful for all the organizations do for us and your contribu- amazing opportunity. I assure that it will iliaries’ Centennial President for the De- for preaching to the choir, so I’ll get to the be used to the best of my abilities. Once partment of Maine. I hope that all our point. This year, I hope that we will all tion to the Beals House. It is with organi- zations like yours which keep us up and again, I thank you for helping me to Units will celebrate the event in some give a little more time to the ones we sup- continue my education. way. It is also my hopes that Post Fami- port. running. This donation enables us to keep Warmly, lies will embrace the Birthday as well and While the money we donate is much the Beals Hospitality House open to those Lauren Headley that everyone helps document all that the needed, time costs so much less and is families in need. Again, thank you so American Legion Family does. When needed and appreciated even more. Let’s much for your generosity. Amazing Experience at planning your event or celebration ask invest time in our Veterans, their Families Warmest regards, Mary Duquette, Director/Secretary, Dirigo Boys State yourself, what is the legacy that you want and Communities while we invest our Beals Hospitality House to leave for the next birthday, the 200th fundraising and donations in our pro- birthday, 100 years from now? grams. Dear American Legion, I look forward to a great year with Please consider contributing to either Special Thanks for Thank you for granting me the amaz- The American Legion Commander Mat- the Auxiliary Emergency Fund or The Putting out Flags ing opportunity to attend the “Dirigo Boys thew Jabaut, the Sons of the American Legion Foundation or both. By contrib- State” program at Thomas College. A Legion Detachment Commander Ron uting to those programs, we are helping Special Thanks to all who helped highlight of the program for me was Marr and Legion Rider Director Mike our own, and that help is what we stand from Post 30 American Legion, Camden working with other students while we Llamend. I’m sure that we will all be do- for, we are the Veterans, their Families for putting out flags on Veterans graves in learned through experience how govern- ing some “Shaking Things Up” and trying and Community. Youngtown and the Upper and Lower ment processes work. new ideas through-out the year. The old Keep Inspiring and Mentoring for the Cemetery’s on Heal Rd. yesterday in prep As a Maine resident with a strong saying goes, “If nothing changes, then next 100 years. for upcoming Memorial Day. interest in our state’s political future, your nothing changes.” The growth of todays Respectfully, Virginia (Ginny) Cha- If you know of a Veteran buried in program very much peaked my interest. “American Legion Family” depends put, President American Legion Auxilia- one of these sites who didn’t receive a Supplementing my studies with this kind strongly on our ability to be open minded ry, Department. of Maine 2019-2020 flag let me know! of experience is a valuable way to start It’s nice to get this done early! developing a career. Flags will remain out until after Nov. Again, thank you so much for allow- Newly Installed 11th in honor of Veterans Day. At some ing me these opportunities. They really point after that we will be looking for give me vision and excitement as I look Department Auxiliary volunteers to help take them down! forward to making plans for my life after President: Past Dept. Auxil- Rosey Gerry high school. iary President Joan Caron American Legion Post 30 Sincerely, William Colvin watches as Dept. Auxiliary Par- liamentarian Charlotte Hagan Scholarship Helps Support pins newly installed American Future Endeavors Children & Youth Scholarship Legion Dept. Auxiliary Presi- Provides more Opportunities dent Virginia (Ginny) Chaput To The American Legion: during Installation Ceremony I would like to express my sincerest To The American Legion Department June 8 at Jeff’s Catering & gratitude for the very gracious scholarship of Maine Children and Youth Scholarship Event Center, Brewer. granted to me by your organization. This Committee, scholarship will go a long way in support- I would like to thank you for the Member Appreciation ing my future academic endeavors. scholarship award you provided me for the 2019-2020 academic year. This allows Banquet Attendees: Auxiliary As you may already know, I plan to attend the University of Southern Maine me to have many more opportunities in officers and staff in attendance during my secondary education in which I great- Member Appreciation Banquet held in the fall to pursue a business degree. My ly appreciate it. I hope to use this scholar- at Jeff’s Catering & Event Center in hope is to use this degree especially for Brewer on June 7. Left to right, Aux- nonprofit work, though I also have an ship in the best possible way and give iliary Office Assistant Lillian Frace, interest in entrepreneurship and market- back to the community in which they Auxiliary Dept. of Maine Sgt.-At- ing. Simply put, I hope that this scholar- gave to me. Thank you very much. Sincerely Arms Veronica Gurney, and Vice ship will not only help me, but change Emily Vraux President/ newly installed Department of Maine Auxiliary President Virginia (Ginny) Chaput.

Photos by Dept. Historian Jeff Stevenson

6 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 Service Office Update o many things to talk about, that I do all the scheduling of hearings. It is out of state in the body of your email if you would without the need for a paper signature. S not know where to start. We are enter- the hands of the regional office. If you re- like your name listed in the newsletter as By adding this telephone application ing the hottest ceive a letter from the BVA about a hear- well as permission to link to your email option to VA’s regulations with this part of the sum- ing, you must contact our office if we rep- address through the newsletter. The news- amendment, VA will now offer three ways mer, which resent you. We catch most of them, but if letter is emailed out monthly. The newslet- to enroll. This option provides Veterans a means that foot- we do not contact you, you MUST contact ter was developed as a way to stay in touch convenient third enrollment option. ball season is us. We need the time to schedule a meeting with Post Service Officers and to keep them Paper - VA Form 10-10 EZ. right around the and tighten up the case. up to date on changes and sources of infor- Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri corner. It also PLEASE READ AND RESPOND mation that is of value to our veterans. The between 8 am and 8 pm, EST. means that our TO YOUR MAIL FROM THE VA! newsletter contains active links to a variety On-Line at www.vets.gov! older Veteran APPEALS OF CLAIMS. The ap- of resources for Veterans as well as links to TOGUS VA WOMEN’S CLINIC. comrades maybe peals process is no longer the strict struc- you, so you can better serve the members of If you haven’t already heard, there is a struggling. ture it was. If your decision was after Feb. your post. We are not doing mailings at Women Veterans Clinic here at Togus. It Please con- 19, you fall under the AMA. There are now this time. specializes in women’s health issues. tinue to conduct five lanes you can choose from. The first INTENT TO FILE. Some Veterans Please keep in mind that there are medical buddy checks in two are at the regional level. They are are not ready to file a claim or are looking conditions that may be claimable for the your area. It truly called supplemental review and higher- for additional information. In that case, you children of women Veterans who served in can save a life. In SERVICE OFFICER level review. Then there are three ways to can execute an Intent to File with our of- certain areas and/or on certain ships that are July, I had the CARL CURTIS appeal directly to the Board of Veterans fice. That is NOT a claim for benefits. presumptive for Agent Orange. If you are a honor to conduct Appeals. They are direct, evidence only, You have 1 year to file your claim; one woman Veteran it is a good idea to give us Service Officer and hearing. The time year period! Failure to a call or look for more information on training to 14 high motivated Legion family limit is now one year file in one year starts www.va.gov. members in Caribou. That was a great time, from each decision. the clock on your claim PLEASE USE THE DSO TO and I look forward to continuing to conduct Contacting the from the day you file. TRANSMIT YOUR CLAIMS/ classes up there again. Although next time DSO for Assistance by DO NOT FORGET EVIDENCE TO THE VA; THIS EN- Joe needs to provide pizza for lunch. I am Telephone. Please just TO FOLLOW UP SURES A PAPER TRAIL AND EVI- also in the process of getting pins made up leave your name, phone AND FILE YOUR DENCE IT WAS SUBMITTED! You for all graduates for the course. Hopefully number, and who you CLAIM! can either mail it or drop it off in the office! that can be done very soon. If you have are working with. NEW AND MATERI- DSO CONTACT INFORMATION. gone through the Service Officer class that Financial Assis- AL EVIDENCE. VA We are located at Togus VA Medical Cen- I instructed, I owe you one. tance. Keep in mind claims that are denied ter, Building 205, Room 318. You can Latest and greatest from the VA on that requests for finan- and have not been ap- contact us by telephone at 207-623-5726, Blue Water Navy. The Secretary of the VA cial needs should be pealed within the appro- Fax at 207-621-4821, or by email at has issued a stay on claims until 1 January directed to your town/ priate time frame re- [email protected], of 2020. The only claims that will be pro- city for general assis- quire “New and Materi- [email protected], or ju- cessed before that time are Board of Veter- tance (GA), and either a al Evidence” to be reo- [email protected]. We are here to assist you ans Appeals (BVA) decisions dated before local Legion Post for a pened. It is sometimes Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 3:00 July 1, 2019. While the waiting game con- possible fundraiser or futile and frustrating to pm, on Friday the hours are from 9:00 am tinues, there are a couple of things that we The American Legion the Veteran to keep to 12:00 pm. We are closed on Federal Hol- can do. First, if you have a presumptive Department Headquar- resubmitting the same idays and Patriot’s Day. Just a reminder, it condition due to exposure to Agent Orange ters. In addition, we can claim as it will most is always a good idea to make an appoint- and have never filed a claim, please contact make referrals to other likely be denied. ment rather than drop in, as we may be our office to submit a letter of intent at service organizations, NEW WAYS TO AP- seeing other Veterans and would hate to least. If you have previously filed and were but we do not have the PLY FOR VA miss you. That said, you are always wel- denied, you should not have to do anything. funds to pay rent, mortgage, credit card HEALTHCARE come to stop in the DSO Office. It looks like unless the situation changes, bills or other ongoing bills. If you have Sign up for VA Healthcare. Sign-up REQUESTING A DSO PRESEN- they will go back to the previous denial. As children, mention TFA to the Depart- for VA Healthcare can now be done three TATION AT YOUR AREA/DISTRICT I get more information, I will put it out. ment Adjutant when you call to see if ways! The Department of Veterans Affairs OR SPECIAL EVENT. If you are inter- In the last article, I talked about the you are eligible to apply. (VA) announced today it has eliminated ested in having us speak at your area or Appeals Modernization Act. Considering it PSO Training Seminar. The first paper signature requirements for Veterans district meeting or event, just contact us to is a major change in the way the VA does Service Officer seminar was amazing. wishing to enroll in VA health care. Effec- set up a time and date! Requests are han- appeals, it seems that at the VA level it is There were 24 students full of questions tive immediately, VA has amended its en- dled on a first come first serve status; sub- running smoothly. We are still seeing a few and eager to help Veterans. If you have that rollment regulations to allow Veterans to ject to the availability of travel funds. cases where Veterans are filing for condi- same drive and want to be able to help with complete enrollment applications for en- Please set aside at least 30 minutes of your tions on the wrong form. Remember that if confidence, sign up for the next Service rollment in VA health care by telephone agenda for the presentation. a Veteran has ever been denied for a condi- Officer training. The next one will be on tion, that condition must be filed as a Sup- June 25. If you have any questions, please plemental Claim Review. No matter when send me an e-mail at [email protected]. the condition was originally denied. This You do not have to be a Post Service makes it a little harder for us to file a claim Officer to attend training. You just have to without having visibility of the claim file. care and want to make a difference. As for the changes to the BVA, it is too PSO Contact Information. Post Ser- early to tell. I can tell you that they now do vice Officers, as a minimum, please send us your full name, Post, Service Officer telephone number (your phone number will not be Of The Year: released) and email ad- Assistant Department dress. The purpose is so Service Officer Maureen that members of your Malley, right, presents Post can contact you for this year’s Service Officer local assistance and also of the Year Award to so that I can contact you, Rumford Post 24 Service by phone or email, if we Officer Joy Bordeau, left, hear from a member in Largest Service Officers Class held at The American Legion Department of Maine on Apr. 30, 2019. 1st row, left to right, Gary Kennedy, Tom at the Annual State your Post that needs as- nd Convention held at Jeff’s sistance. Connors, Renee Wells, Raymond, Longlin, and Phil Rodgers. 2 row, left to right, Peggy Brewer, Scott Brewer, Henry Dumont, Randy Canwell, Maura Catering & Event Center, DSO Newsletter. To rd Brewer on June 8. sign up for the newsletter, Quirk, James Gehring, Charles Green, Norm Carver, and Frank Carr. 3 row,

please email your contact left to right, Steve Simard, Ron Edson, Jeff Wright, Bill O’Neil, Richard Quirk, Photo by Dept. Historian information to Michael Brewer, Don Mulcahy, Rod Collins, Carl Olson, and George Labbe- Jeffrey Stevenson [email protected] and Babin.

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 7 2019 Dirigo Boys State Awards and Happenings

Boys State Delegate Photo Op With Governor Mills during General Assembly held in Ayotte Theatre at Thomas College in Waterville June 19.

Young Men Learn What it Takes to Work in Government at 72nd Dirigo Boys State Governors From Maine: ATERVILLE, Maine (WABI) - 200 of of Dirigo by his peers. Matthew LeClair, Asst. Director of Diri- Maine State Governor Janet Mills, W Maine's brightest young men are at- Wright says, "I have the ability to sign in go Boys State says, "The main goal of this is right, was the Keynote Speaker for tending American Legion Boys State in laws. I have the ability to veto laws and es- to go back and have them be an educated vot- the Dirigo Boys State General Waterville this week. sentially I am, the buck stops here. I am the er and understand the process around voting. Assembly held June 19 at Thomas They're learning the governmental pro- last person a bill sees and I oversee all the And, if they have issues, know the process to College. She is seen here with cess. other branches as well. It is a lot of responsi- go create the L.D. or who to go to in their Dirigo Boys State Governor Lucas Some are a bit surprised by how difficult bility." town to raise awareness and raise issues so Wright of Scarborough, Dirigo a job in government really is. The young men have exactly one week to that way they can make change in the world." Town of Hunton who was voted in Nick Cohen and Zachary Weeks are act- form a governmental body, present legislation Many graduates of Boys State go on to as Governor of Dirigo by his peers. ing as Senate President and Speaker of this and vote on it, a shortened version of a typical pursue political careers of their own. House this week at Dirigo Boys State. legislative session. Wright says, "Why would you want to be Weeks says, "We're working on parlia- But none the less challenging. a Governor, why would you want to be a rep- mentary procedure right now to get the kinks Wright says, "I didn't expect it to be this resentative. Honestly it's a very tough job. out and everything." much work. I always thought politicians You have to realize the motivations for doing In its 72nd session, the program teaches should be a part time job but now I realize it's it. It's not for yourself, it's to serve and give rising seniors the process of municipal and not a part time job. It's challenged me in a back to the people." state government. way I've never been challenged before and it —By Emily Tadlock Lucas Wright was voted in as Governor grows me as a person." WABI 5 News, June 19, 2019

Presentation of Colors: The Maine Warden Service Color Leroy Keller Citizenship Guard posts the colors Award: Wyatt Sykes of for the Graduation Waldoboro, Dirigo Town of Ceremony prior to Williamson receives the Leroy introductions presented Keller Citizenship Award. by Dirigo Boys State Standing back, left to right is Dir. Shawn Babine, left. Dirigo Boys State Director Shawn Babine and Assistant Director for Student Engagement Bill Jack. Boys State 2019 Award Winners Attendees: Department 1st Vice Commander Debra Couture, right, Delegate's Dirigo Maine Legionnaire and Past Department Commander, Award Name Town Town and Greenville Post 94 Commander Boys Nation Delegate #1 Lucas Wright Hunton Scarborough & Counselor: Peter Johnson, left, in attendance at Boys Nation Delegate #2 Zachary Weeks Lincoln Houlton “Doc” Clayton the 2019 Dirigo Boys State Graduation Boys Nation Alternate #1 Jacob Huesers King Winslow enjoys his 4th year Ceremony June 20. Boys Nation Alternate #2 Derrick Spaulding Cutler Knox on staff as a James Boyle Winner Nathan Mars Hall Scarborough Counselor for James Boyle Alternate Owen Flibbert Ames Windham Dirigo Boys State. Alexander LaFleur Winner Syd Sanders Ames Belfast Doc is a current Alexander LaFleur Alternate Hunter Glidden Cutler Winthrop member of Eliot Stockton Post 188. Samsung Scholarship William Bradley Ames Springs Governor Lucas Wright Hunton Scarborough Senate President Nick Cohen Lincoln Gray Speaker of the House Zachary Weeks Hall Greenville Chief Justice Nathan Mars Hall Scarborough Municipal Best Citizens Ames Daniel Jackson Ames Topsham Cutler Cameron Coyle Cutler Bangor Hall Tom Watt Hall Greenville Dirigo Boys State Office Hunton Damon Underwood Hunton Presque Isle Staff: The American Legion, King Levi Sturtevant King Litchfield Department of Maine Office Manager Lincoln Nicholas Cohen Lincoln Gray Rachael Currie, left, and American Parris Rodney Barnett Jr Parris Alton Legion Auxiliary Secretary Michelle Williamson Wyatt Sykes Williamson Waldoboro McRae, right, work in the office Leroy Keller Award Wyatt Sykes Williamson Waldoboro during Boys State performing Best Exam Lucas Wright Hunton Scarborough administrative duties for the program. Runners-up highest exam scores William Colvin Hall Readfield This is Rachael’s 11th year on staff Quinn Straus Lincoln Newcastle and Michelle’s 32nd year. Alexander Tully Williamson Surry

8 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 Membership Renewals Frequently Asked embership in The American Legion member renews, they are removed from Eligibility Questions M is based on a calendar-year from future renewal notices for that year. There January 1st to December 31st. When a are times when a member pays their dues, ligibility Questions except regular active or paid up for life. member pays their dues, they are paid up but they still receive a renewal notice. If E Are you eligible? Here are a few I served my entire military career in for that membership year. They will also dues are paid to the local post, it takes a frequently asked questions regarding the National Guard/Reserves, and only receive twelve monthly subscriptions to little longer for national to be notified American Legion eligibility. For any other have a DD214 from my Active Duty for The American Legion Magazine. about the renewal and the member may eligibility questions, feel free to contact us Training that I was in during one of the The renewal process begins in July receive another renewal notice. If this at [email protected] or 317-630- qualifying dates. Am I eligible? Yes, you are a veteran. In the mid-60's all basic for the upcoming membership year. Re- occurs, please check with your local post 1321. You may also contact The American Legion, Department of Maine at 207-873- training and occupational training schools newal notices are sent out in July, Octo- to ensure they have received your dues. —www.legion.org 3229 or via email at [email protected]. were considered federal active duty ser- ber, January, March and May. When a I'm currently on Active Duty. Am I vice. eligible? Yes, you are a veteran. The I served active duty as a SPAR, current eligibility period from is from De- WAC, WASP, or WAVES during the RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP cember 1941 – Present, and includes the one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligi- current war campaigns. All current active ble? Yes, you are a veteran. Even though ONLINE TODAY! duty military are eligible for membership. women served separately than men, their I didn't retire from the military, service is equal. VISIT WWW.MAINELEGION.ORG OR but was on active duty during one of the I served with allied military forces qualifying time periods. Am I eligible? during one of the qualifying periods. Am VISIT WWW.LEGION.ORG/RENEW Yes, you are a veteran. As long as you I eligible? Yes, you are a veteran, only if have served at least one day of federal ac- you were a U.S. citizen at the time of entry. tive duty during any qualifying period, you I served with the Civil Air Patrol/ How to Become a Maine Legionnaire! are eligible for membership. Civilian Technical Corps/USPHS as a I served during one of the qualifying civilian during two qualifying periods. periods, but was never in a combat zone. Am I eligible? No. Eligible members It’s Easy–Join Today! Am I eligible? Yes, you are a veteran. must have federal military service during a Location of active duty service is not a qualifying period and received an honora- eterans who qualify can join The Post, please wait until you receive a 9- consideration for membership. ble discharge or discharge under honorable V American Legion in Maine by using digit membership ID #, then contact the I'm currently in the National conditions. one of following options: Post you wish to transfer to. Guard/Reserve. My unit was activated I enlisted and went to basic train- Option 1: Join the traditional Option 3: Join online—visit under Title 10 orders during a qualify- ing, but received an uncharacterized discharge due to a medical condition. way—fill out the form provided below www.mainelegion.org and click on the ing time period. Am I eligible? Yes, you Am I eligible? Yes, you are a veter- and give to a recruiter or Legionnaire who Join Button. Fill out The American Le- are a veteran. Title 10 orders are issued by the Secretary of Defense and therefore are an. Uncharacterized discharges for medi- will then sign it and take it to a local Post. gion, Department of Maine application federal orders. cal discharges are assumed to be under If a candidate is signed up at a Post, he or and proceed with the payment options My National Guard unit was acti- honorable conditions unless specifically she can receive their membership card on provided. By joining The American Le- vated for crowd control under Title 32 stated otherwise. There are other categories the spot or will be sent a new card shortly gion, Department of Maine, you automat- orders during one of the qualifying peri- of uncharacterized discharges and before thereafter. ically are placed in Headquarters Post ods. Am I eligible? No. Title 32 orders they are determined eligible for member- Option 2: Join via snail mail—fill 178. If you wish to transfer to a local are issued under a governor's authority, ship the discharge should be sent to Na- out the form provided below. Mail the Post, please wait until you receive a 9- whereas Title 10 orders are issued from the tional for determination and a record will form along with a check in the amount of digit membership ID #, then contact the Secretary of Defense. be maintained at National on final determi- $40 to The American Legion, Department Post you wish to transfer to. I'm currently a cadet at one of the nation. of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine Need Help! Call The American Le- U.S. Military Academies. Am I eligible? I'm eligible for The American Le- 04901-0727. By joining The American gion, Department of Maine at 207-873- Yes, you are a veteran. The American Le- gion, but do not have a copy of my Legion, Department of Maine, you auto- 3229 and someone will be available to gion has considered service in the military DD214 to show as proof of eligibility. matically are placed in Headquarters Post assist you. academies as eligible for membership since How can I get one? You can go 178. If you wish to transfer to a local WWI. to archives.gov/veterans to request another Can I be an honorary or social copy of your discharge papers. A copy of member of The American Legion? No. orders putting you on federal active duty Per National Constitution and By-laws, no can be used as proof of eligibility as well. form or class of membership is authorized

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 9 Four Decades of Caring for D-Day Visit Inspired Awe & Our Veterans Gratitude n June, I had attention: Vet Centers, which provide com- Time will not dim the glory of their After meeting I the privilege munity-based counseling for qualified vet- “ deeds.” Those words by General of the his future wife to travel with a erans. Through five Maine locations – in Armies John Pershing about the troops on V-E Day bipartisan group Portland, Sanford, Bangor, Lewiston, and who stormed the beaches at Normandy on (May 8, 1945), of Senators, in- Caribou – the VA offers readjustment coun- D-Day, June 6, 1944, certainly rang true as Breton returned cluding Senator seling to combat veterans, counseling for I spoke with American veterans who land- home to Maine, Susan Collins, to those who have experienced Military Sexu- ed at Omaha and Utah beaches. It was so becoming a Normandy, al Trauma, and bereavement counseling powerful to meet these courageous men small business where we services. Often staffed by counselors who where, 75 years before, they carried out the owner and serv- marked the 75th are veterans themselves, these facilities are largest and most difficult and dangerous ing as president anniversary of vital services for many Maine people, help- amphibious assault in history and began of La Club Cal- the D-Day inva- ing veterans readjust to civilian life and their liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe in umet, Augusta’s sion. It was an assisting their loved ones who are trying to World War II. Franco- unforgettable SENATOR understand and support the transition. Along with Senator Angus King and SENATOR American club. experience, and In Normandy, I heard from veterans ANGUS KING 16 other senators, I was part of the official SUSAN COLLINS It was an honor Maine was well who could recall an event from 75 years Senate delegation participating in the 75th to express my represented: two ago as if it happened yesterday, the details anniversary of D-Day in June. As we gratitude to him Maine veterans who served during World forever burned into their mind. These recol- looked at the high cliffs above Omaha that for his service. War II were present and honored at the lections were a reminder that America’s were heavily fortified by the Germans, we At the Normandy American Cemetery event. Charles Shay, a Penobscot Tribal veterans carry their days of service with were in awe of the courage of the Ameri- and Memorial, rows and rows of white Elder who served as an Army medic on D- them – both good and bad – in mind and cans who landed in chest-deep, cold water crosses interspersed with white Stars of Day, and Henry Breton, an Augusta man body every day, which is yet another pow- and immediately faced a barrage of ma- David mark the graves of more than 9,380 who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and erful reason we must work diligently to care chine-gun fire from the German soldiers Americans, including 83 Mainers, who lost was one of four brothers to serve during for them. from the high bluffs above them. Still the their lives in the D-Day landings and the WWII. It should come as no surprise that Vet Centers have been rising to meet allied soldiers pressed on. battles that followed. How proud I am that Maine had such a strong presence at this this need for years – in fact, exactly 40 One of those brave soldiers was the superintendent of the Cemetery and event, because our state has one of the high- years. June marked four decades since the Charles Shay, an elder of the Penobscot Memorial is another Mainer, Scott est percentages of veterans in the country. Vet Centers program was established, and tribe and a graduate of Old Town High Desjardins, a 1977 graduate of Madawaska They’re our friends, our family members, to celebrate this milestone, Maine’s five School. Just 19 years old on D-Day, he was High School. our neighbors, and our heroes. locations held Open Houses which were a medic who repeatedly risked his own life Desjardins regards his care of the cem- As I stared out over Omaha Beach, I open to veterans, loved ones, and communi- by rescuing wounded and drowning sol- etery and memorial as a sacred duty. As he found myself reflecting upon the im- ty members alike. In honor of this anniver- diers. Over and over, he returned to the said to me, the families of those who lost portance of meeting our duty to care for sary, I want to take this opportunity to com- cold water, dragging drowning men to the their lives expect us to take exceptional those who served. We are fortunate in mend Vet Centers for all of the important beach, staunching their bleeding from hor- care of their graves, and he wakes up every Maine to have people who know the im- work they’ve done. I’m grateful for their rendous wounds, and comforting those day thinking about that responsibility. portance of meeting this responsibility, and valuable efforts to support those who have who were dying. For his heroism that har- By the end of June 6, 1944, the Allies work every day to fulfill it. From the VA made immense sacrifices in service to our rowing day, Shay was awarded a Silver had succeeded in establishing a foothold in Center at Togus to Community-Based Out- nation. Star. Two years ago, he was also honored Nazi-occupied Europe. As a result of the patient Clinics to private organizations de- If you believe that you or someone you at a ceremony dedicating the Charles Shay extraordinary bravery of soldiers like Shay signed to support veterans, there are a num- know would benefit from working with a Indian Memorial in Saint Laurent-sur-Mer and Breton, the tide of the war turned, mil- ber of valuable resources available to our Vet Center, please visit www.maine.va.gov/ Park which overlooks Omaha Beach. lions were liberated and the Nazis were state’s veteran community. visitors/VetCenters.asp to find the contact As he showed me his medals, I called defeated. But one key part of our state’s infra- information for the nearest location. Shay a hero. He replied, “No, I am not a President Donald Trump and French structure to support veterans often gets less hero; I was just doing my job. The real President Emmanuel Macron both spoke at heroes are those who are in that cemetery.” the D-Day ceremony about the sacrifices Installation Night: I also met with World War II Veteran made by our armed forces. In a very mov- Newly elected American Henry Breton of Augusta, who enlisted at ing gesture, Macron turned toward our Legion Department of age 18 along with three of his brothers. veterans and expressed his heartfelt grati- Maine State Commander Breton not only was part of the second tude to them for liberating France. What an and Commander’s Aide/ wave of landings on D-Day, but also honor it was to commemorate this historic Topsham Post 202 member fought in the Battle of the Bulge. My own battle and to thank some of the extraordi- Caroline Yarmala pause father was wounded twice in that fierce nary men who secured freedom for so battle. many. Let us always remember those who after a busy schedule of sacrificed so much. convention activities and installation at Jeff’s Cater- ing & Event Center in Humanitarian Brewer on June 8. Citizen Award: Depart- ment Chaplain SAL Plaque Patricia Presentation: Maine Thurston, left, American Legion Department presents Brycen Commander Scott Paradis, left, Waugh of Mexico presents Sons of The American with the Humani- Legion Commander Scott Mor- tarian Citizen ton, right, with a plaque for his Award in recog- services as Detachment Com- nition of numer- mander of the Department of ous, selfless acts Maine Sons of The American of empathy during the 2018-19 year. The Veterans’ Issues: which aid all presentation took place at Jeff’s mankind by giv- Rep. Michael Knowles ing of yourself. Catering & Event Center, speaks on behalf of Sena- Brewer on June 7 during the In December, tor Collins regarding 2018, Brycen donated over $600 to the Command- 101st Annual State Convention . Veterans Issues in Maine Looking on is SAL National er’s Stryker Chair Project. at Jeff’s Catering & Executive Committeeman Rich- Event Center, Brewer on ard (Dickie) Huntley). Photo by Dept. Historian Jeffrey Stevenson June 8.

10 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 — Bits ′N Pieces — Down Memory Lane

ed with an American Legion all-weather American Legion Baseball South Portland Post 35 jacket by the membership. Tim has served as post commander several times Ace Hardware Corporation donated in the past. 500 flags to the Annual Flag Placing Norway Post 82 member Doug By DAN WARREN Sad story. Event. Mawhinney and his wife placed over 200 But let’s focus on the positive now, Richard Howard and Robert flags on different outlying cemeteries. Special to The Maine Legionnaire shall we? Schwartz were awarded 50 year Member- They take care of the several outlying Let’s remember what goals and prin- ship Certificates and various pins and cemeteries each year. like many things about my clients at ciples drove Legion baseball, and made it memorabilia. The colors of our nation adorn Main Libby-Mitchell American Legion Post a valuable part of America, Maine, and I Street each year on holidays and special 76 in Scar- many communities in our state for dec- Madison Post 39 remembrances. This is accomplished by borough—their ades and decades. Let’s celebrate a good post member Randy. He also takes care patriotism, their thing that kids in the USA had in much Madison Post 39 donated a $15 Bin- of the memorial area raising and lowering love of commu- larger doses than now for 75 years. go package to benefit the Luck of the as required. nity, their con- First, some history. Draw fundraiser for the Maine Leather- stant quest to In 1999, Legion baseball in Scar- neck Detachment Marine Corps League. Mars Hill Post 118 help their com- borough was in trouble. The Sea Cadet Unit along with the munity—but Kids had misbehaved on the multi- Anson Boy Scouts and volunteers placed Many thanks to Dwayne Hatfield, most of all I like town team we had. 2019 marker flags on Veteran’s Mars Hill Post 118, for providing the their sense of Zone Commissioner in our greater gravesites in the local cemeteries. Military Trivia questions and answers for humor. And Portland geographic area would tell me Unit 39 donated a $15 Bingo pack- the weekly SMILE at Department Head- some of it is soon that there were not enough players to age to benefit the Luck of the Draw fund- quarters. “dark humor,” keep a joint Scarborough-Gorham team raiser for the Maine Leatherneck Detach- which came out going. He asked me if I wanted a chance ment Marine Corps League and a four a lot in my 26 DAN to keep it all alive. I said yes. foot table to Maplecrest Living Center Phippsburg Post 216 years running WARREN I wanted to do two things: 1) check and Rehabilitation. the Post’s Le- with Libby-Mitchell Post 76 in Scar- Madison ALR Chapter 39 donated Phippsburg Post 216 for their dona- gion baseball program. borough about taking over sponsorship; $100 for the POW/MIA Freedom Car, tions of $50 to Homeless Veteran’s Stand Legion baseball has been a big part of and 2) I wanted to see if Scarborough $100 to Caring Tree, $150 to Angel -down, $50 to Honor Flight of Maine, baseball in this country since the end of High School alumnus and local sports Flight, $100 to YMC’s for military chil- $50 to Girls State, $50 to Maine Fallen World War II, and before. legend Rick Libby would sign on as Head dren and $250 for Somerset Special Heroes Foundation, $25 to Troop Greet- Despite many international and do- Coach. Olympics. ers Museum, $50 to Camp Sunshine, $50 mestic problems, over more than 75 years, My first task was to visit the Post and to Town of Phippsburg for the Bike Ro- Legion baseball has survived. Now, how- see Ken Dolloff. Norway Post 82 deo, $50 to Phippsburg Girl Scouts, $50 ever, in 2019, Libby-Mitchell Legion Post Dolloff, D-Day veteran and tribal to “Take a Kid Fishing program”, $50 to 76 baseball is dead—as are many Legion elder of Libby-Mitchell Post, was all ears. YMCA-Military Kids Sponsor program Norway Post 82 Commander Timo- teams in southern Maine. “We want to save the team, but we want and $50 to Berwick Volunteer Firefight- Black humor? you to do two things: 1. Put the Post name thy Pike has held the office of Command- ers Assoc. in memory of Captain Joel er for the past two years and was present- The almighty dollar has gobbled up on the hats and uniforms from now on, no Barnes. Legion ball, mostly, in southern Maine--- commercial sponsors; and 2. The kids AAU ball, private teams, and others. shall be required to do community service There have been some adult male leaders in order to be on your ball club.” I took of the anti-Legion ball movement in notes. Said it all sounded good to me. Let southern Maine the past ten years—no me check with coaches, parents and play- POW/MIA Memorial need to name them here. But, let’s call one ers in Scarborough. Presentation: Masonry of them John Doe. “You can tell them all one thing— Services, Richard Ware gives Here is a T shirt Libby-Mitchell base- remember this” Dolloff said to me, walk- a presentation to those in at- ball guys came up last year to note the ing me out the door. “Better human beings tendance at the Annual State passing of our team--- make better ballplayers.” Convention June 8 on the ADOLPH HITLER COULDN’T When I returned to my home town of POW/MIA Memorial from KILL LEGION BASEBALL Scarborough in l983 to practice law, I Concept to Construction. THE KOREAN WAR COULDN’T asked my father, a World War II Navy

Photo by Dept. Historian KILL LEGION BASEBALL pilot, if he had anything he wanted me to Jeffrey Stevenson LACROSSE COULDN’T KILL LE- do in town. “Well…maybe you could help GION BASEBALL out the boys down at the Legion Hall,” he BUT JOHN DOE DID said. This was why. He told me later: “I Money 1 Baseball and Values 0 like the way Ken does business.” Selfless, Oh, well. Great T shirt. More on “BASEBALL”, Page 11 1999 Libby-Mitchell Hat Greetings: Newly elected State Commander Photo: This photo was the first Matthew Jabaut, left, one we used in 1999. It was very im- looks on as U.S. Congress- portant to the Post to get the Post man, the honorary Jared names back on the shirt, and the ini- Golden gives greeting to tials on the caps. Top middle is the those in attendance during 2001 cap with the black border, and Maine American Legion at the top right is the 2003 hat with Family Installation Cere- the thicker black border so some of mony at the 101st Annual the Post members with poor eyesight State Convention in Brew- could see it better! At the bottom left er June 8. of photo is 2006 - first hat with new

Photo by Dept. Historian team nickname- 76ers. Middle bot- Jeffrey Stevenson tom is 2011 (my favorite) - first hat using red, white and blue thread. Far right bottom is final hat with bleak, black letters LM. That was when $$ triumphed over Post values - Post involvement in name only, no community service re- quired, no season- ending BBQ at Post...

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 11

“Baseball” rade on TV!). 2020 High School Oratorical Contest (Continued from Page 10) Alas, baseball in southern Maine became a financial business for private State Finals set for Feb. 8 at Thomas coaches. College community minded, leave things better Indoor baseball facilities “drove the he American Legion, Department of test in Maine, please contact Oratorical than you found them, he said. bus. “ They needed kids to play on their Maine High School Oratorical Schol- Chairman Dale Midgley at 207-590-3532 My next stop was to find a coach. out-of-state “travel teams.” They would T arship Contest will once again be held at | e-mail: [email protected]. More I went to see Rick Libby. promise kids road trips and tournaments Thomas College in Waterville on Febru- information can be obtained by visiting I told him of my talk with state Le- in Fitchburg, Mass., Laconia, N.H. and ary 8, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Snow Date: Feb- www.mainelegion.org, your local Ameri- gion baseball, and Zone Commissioner elsewhere. Parents were assured their kids ruary 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. can Legion Post, or The American Le- Bob Philbrick. I said he needed players. I would be seen by pro scouts. College The main purpose of The American gion, Department of Maine Headquarters told him of my visit to the Post. I said scholarships surely awaited. Perhaps pro Legion Oratorical Contest “A Constitu- at 207-873-3229. Please check out the Ken Dolloff wanted the Post name on the contracts. tional Speech Contest” is to develop a State and Local Oratorical Contests by uniforms, and wanted a community ser- These private enterprises needed the deeper knowledge and appreciation for visiting National’s website at vice project by players, and participation players. They needed the hundreds and the U.S. Constitution among high school www.legion.org/oratorical . in the town’s annual Memorial Day Pa- hundreds of dollars they would charge the students. Other objectives of the contest rade. families to play. include the development of leadership We talked for an hour. Rick was en- Legion ball, with its corny mission etter from the Oratorical Chair- qualities, the ability to think and speak ergized. He talked about teaching the kids statements, $200 sign up fees, local man Dale Midgley—If you have clearly and intelligently, and the prepara- L skills, basics—proper mechanics for schedule of games in-state in southern never attended the High School Oratorical tion for acceptance of the throwing, hitting, running. Respect for the Maine, and its requirement of helping the Finals, you are missing the duties, responsibilities, the game, for umpires, for opposing players elderly, or little kids, or waving the flag, opportunity, to see some of rights and privileges of and coaches. went by the wayside…. the very Brightest and Talent- American citizenship. I told Rick: “I told Bob Philbrick if I Legion ball continues to do well in ed High School Students in Young orators will have could find a coach, we would rescue the many parts of the state, according to my the State of Maine! the opportunity to earn some team. And I have one.” friend Dennis Damon, the Did you know that: The Orig- of the most generous schol- Rick said: “Great!! longtime on-field Director inal proposed Bill of Rights arships. At the Post and Dis- Who is it?” of Legion ball in Maine. contained 12 Rights not 10? trict level, scholarships of- “You!” I said. Maybe some day, the pur- Did you know that: James fered range from $50 - The rest is history. poses of Legion ball will Madison, author of the Bill of $1000, and at the State level We both jumped in. appeal again in southern Rights, used the Magna Carta $50 - $1500. At the National Rick as Head Coach, me as Maine to coaches, players (1215), level, each department General Manager and As- and parents. Maybe at English Bill of Rights (1689) (state) winner who is certi- sistant Coach. some point we can get and the Virginia Declaration fied and participates in the Rick did it for five more than the current hand- of Rights (1776) in writing National Oratorical Con- years. It was a challenge, ful of teams to form and the proposed amendments to test’s 1st round receives and an adventure. play in greater Portland. the Constitution. $1500 and those who ad- Libby-Mitchell Post 76 Maybe soon there will be a Did you know that: The Con- vance through the 1st round baseball lasted till 2017. realization that only the top stitution was finally ratified get an additional $1500. The The team makeup var- percentage of ballplayers by all 14 States in January overall national contest win- ied from time to time. One should go the private travel 1791, the last being Vermont. ner gets an $18,000 scholar- year it might be Gorham and Scarborough -team route. The rest should play in a Did you know that: A pro- ship. Second place takes boys. Another summer we might add good, solid, dependable, well organized posed Bill of Rights Amend- home $16,000, and third gets Windham players, or players from the American Legion league. ment submitted in 1789 was $14,000. enrollment of Bonny Eagle High School Let’s leave it this way—“to be con- not officially ratified until 1992 and be- The members of the Oratorical Com- th of Standish. tinued…” came the 26 Amendment? mittee will be working with both Area We had some terrific coaches. Some In the meantime, let’s spend some I didn’t know any of these things, and District Commanders to prepare Posts great success. Some occasional struggles. time in this column remembering the plus a whole lot more, until I attended our and Districts for their local contests. We We did beach cleanups. Visits to the great players, events, games, and people Post Oratorical Contest, the District Ora- hope to have all Post contests completed Maine Veterans Home. (Luckily, Matt that gave us such a rich and colorful his- torical Contest and the State Oratorical by Mid-December 2019 and all District Curran could not only sing Take Me Out tory. Contest. contests completed by the end of January to the Ballgame, but he could play the Let’s take a regular trip Down The students who research and pre- 2020. piano a bit!). Memory Lane. sent their Prepared Speech and Assigned The 2020 National Finals is April 17- We had two “floats” annually in the And, as Ernie Banks would say: “It’s Topics will amaze you by how much time 19 in Indianapolis, at the Wyndham Indi- Scarborough Memorial Day Parade a great day; let’s play two!” and effort they have spent rehearsing and anapolis West Hotel, 2544 Executive (thank you to Shawn Moody of Moody’s polishing their presentations. (Dan Warren directed the baseball pro- Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241. Quarterfi- Collision Center for loaning us two beau- I hope to see you at the Oratorical gram for Libby-Mitchell American Legion nal and semifinal contests are scheduled tiful flat bed tow trucks each year! Add Finals, for I am sure, I will learn even Post 76 in Scarborough from 1999 thru 2017 for Saturday, April 18, with the finals some red, white and blue crepe paper as General Manager. He has also served as more about the U.S. Constitution and the scheduled for Sunday, April 19. Certifica- from Oak Hill Hardware each May, and legal counsel for the Post for 36 years. He can Bill of Rights again this year at the Post, tion of Department winners is due to you would have thought you were look- be reached at: [email protected] or District and State Finals. 883-4167). National by March 16, 2020. ing at the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Pa- For the Oratorical Committee, For additional questions and/or infor- Dale Midgley, Chair mation pertaining to the Oratorical Con- DAVID DOLLOFF LETTER TO DANIEL WARREN—DEC. 7, 1998

ear Dan: Your time and efforts in D trying to get American Legion back into the town of Scarborough is a big undertaking. This will be good for the Oratorical Update: Oratorical town of Scarborough, for Libby-Mitchell Chairman Donald Chase gives an update to American Legion Post 76, and for the those attending the Annual State Conven- ballplayers. tion June 8 on The American Legion Dept. I want you to know that you have our of Maine Oratorical Scholarship Program, full support in this package you are put- recognizing Marina Long of Waterboro as ting together. If you need anything, this year state winner. Unfortunately, Ms. Long was unable to attend. please give me a call. I will do every- thing within my power to help you suc- Photo by Dept. Historian Jeffrey Stevenson KENNETH DOLLOFF ceed in this endeavor. Sincerely, David Dolloff Commander, Libby Mitchell Post 76

12 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 History of Madawaska Post 147 ow!! 2019 people in Madawaska have rent, heat, lights and water). in seven cemeteries. This practice was W celebrated two birthdays in connection  Madawaska residents that were members discontinued and replaced with a single with The American Legion. Nationally, The of Post 49 transferred into Post 147 were: wreath at the cross in each cemeteries. American Legion (Nationally) is celebrating Fred. T. Bouchard; James, J. Cyr; Leroy  Post 147 would mail out reminder cards its birthday of 100 years. Another milestone T. Dionne; Minnie (Richards) Cyr and for the monthly meeting, but this was is Thomas O. Cyr Post 147 in Madawaska Mack L. Violette. discontinued due to the fact of the cost of turned 80 in 2019. There are many facts that  Minnie Cyr was the only World War I a postage stamp was raised to 2 cents. have been documented over the years nation- woman Legionnaire. Mrs. Cyr served as a  In 1951, membership was at 525, this was ally for The American Legion. Here are telephone operator supervisor at General 10% of Madawaska’s population; 85% of some interesting facts about American Le- John J. Pershing’s headquarters in France members were PUFL. gion Thomas O. Cyr Post in Madawaska. during the war.  There are many more interesting facts  The Madawaska Post was sponsored by nd  The Post was named after Thomas O. Cyr, Launching 2 Victory Ship about American Legion Thomas O Cyr American Legion Levasseur-Farrell Post son of Mr. and Mrs. Onesime Cyr of St. Post 147 in Madawaska, these are just a 49 in Van Buren, Maine. - Fairfield, MD – September 16, 1944, David. Thomas was the only Madawaska S.S. “Madawaska Victory”. few.  The American Legion Thomas O. Cyr soldier to lose his life on the battlefield  Look back in the history of your Post and Post 147 in Madawaska Maine was orga- during World War I. received his brothers rosary and prayer- see what interesting facts that you can nized in 1937 by a group of World War I  Thomas was inducted into the United uncover. Veterans. book. States Army, May 27, 1918; he had been  Vetal was a charter member of Post 147  American Legion Post 147 celebrated  Post 147 was granted its permanent Char- in France exactly three months to the day both birthdays with a cookout, history ter on March 1, 1939. when he was killed by a high explosive  In 1939, The Cyr-Plourde Post 145 in- cluding Frencvhville, St. Agatha, and display, and dance.  September 16, 1944, Madawaska quali- shell in the Bois de Sepsarges, North of By Bridget Daigle fied to have a Victory Ship named in its Verdun on October 7, 1918. One week Sinclair joined the Thomas O Cyr Post honor for going over its quota for selling and remained until 1951. war bonds.  There are two World  Thomas O. Cyr’s mother Delphine Cyr S.S. Madawaska War I soldiers buried in traveled to Fairfield, Maryland to christen Victory Ship St. David Cemetery; one the second Victory Ship S.S. Madawaska. is Thomas O. Cyr and Christening: Mrs. the other is Victorie  The first Post 147 home was purchased Onesime Cyr christening Gendreau who died in from Levite R. Daigle for the price of the ship S.S. Madawaska France in 1918 from $12,000. Victory just before it slid Influenza. They both  First steward/caretaker of Post 147 was down the ways. share a head stone with Leo R. Cyr’s family; he was paid $12.00 the inscription “OUR per month, (which was the total cost of HEROES”. before his death, his brother  Boy State Program was started in 1947. Madawaska Vetal unexpectedly met Tom  June 1951, after 12 years members from while on a morning walk. Madawaska Post 147 Post Post 147 First Frenchville, St. Agatha, and Sinclair left The Brothers found out that Post 147 to reorganize Cyr-Plourde Post Home Now: Legionnaires of the Post Home: The their dugouts were about 200 in Frenchville. feet apart. They visited back Thomas O. Cyr Post 147 are very former Levite R. Dai-  Membership went from 467 in 1951 to proud of their Post Home. It was gle House was the Post and forth until the fatal 329 in 1952. morning. built in 1950 at a cost of $75,000, now Home from April 1945  Memorial Day in 1951, there was a total valued at $500,000, with land and  Thomas’s brother, Vetal, to February 1950. of 72 wreaths placed on Veterans graves furniture. It is mortgage free. Annual State Convention Awards Brewer, Me. June 7-9, 2019

hildren & Youth Scholarship - $500 Outstanding District Commander, Second Place Post Newsletter to Post 55, Limerick; Webber-Lefebvre Post C scholarships: Rachel Morse of Fal- to Raymond Lewis, District 6, Knox Coun- War Memorial Post 30, Camden 74, Kennebunk; Lebanon Memorial Post mouth, Travis May of South Paris, Aubrey ty Third Place Post Newsletter to 214, Lebanon. Second District—Randall Schaeffer of Rockport, Taylor Mackenzie Outstanding Post Commander, Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt Post 1, Rock- and Mac Vane Post 142, Peaks Island; Davis of Augusta, Emily Vraux of Green- Curtis Merrill, Naples Post 155 land Field-Allen Post 148, Windham. Sixth ville, Madison Greenlaw of Eastport, and Post Americanism Award to Unity Honorable Mention for Post News- District—War Memorial Post 30, Cam- Lauren Headley of Van Buren and Field-Allen Post 148, Windham letter to Corey Edwin Garver Post 202, den; Baird, Calderwood, Morrison, Parsons Daniel E. Lambert Scholarship - Post Americanism Certificates to Topsham; Coombs-Mountfort Post 158, Post 33, North Haven; Brian L. Buker Post $1000 scholarship to Taylor Davis, Augus- Wells Hussey Post 42, Damariscotta; Bra- Lisbon; Lopeman-Potts Post 67, Bridgton; 218, Warren. Ninth District—Boynton- ta and Nathan Curtis, Richmond ford-Sortwell-Wright Post 54, Wiscasset Henry B. Pratt Jr. Post 15, Caribou; Frank Webber Post 179, South China. Twelfth James V. Day Scholarship - $500 First Place Post History Book to B. Holden Post 52, Oakfield, Stone-Smart District—Frank E. Whitmore Post 63, scholarship to Kaila Roy, Hamlin Robert K. Place, Charles S. Hatch Post 79, Post 82, Norway; Smith-Wiley Post 4, Ellsworth. Thirteenth District—West Pe- Humanitarian Citizen Award to Berwick Gardiner, Ray Goding Post 88, Presque nobscot Post 107, Etna-Carmel; Hampden Brycen Waugh, Mexico Second Place Post History Book to Isle; Stewart P. Morrill Post 35, S. Portland Memorial Post 213, Hampden. Fourteenth Law Enforcement Officer of the David Tanguay, Charles L. Lilly Post 148, Fourth Estate Media Award District—Towne-Holmbom Post 116, Year to Officer Curt Andrick, Warren Windham (Newspaper) to Staff Writer Gillian Monson, and Fort Pepperell Post CN09, St Firefighter of the Year Award to Honorable Mention for Post History Graham, Portland Press Herald Johns Christopher Arsenault and Ray Crockett, Book to Brian Gavang, Coombs- Fourth Estate Media Award Goal to Grow Awards to War Me- Rumford Fire Department Mountfort Post 158, Lisbon (Magazine) to Jim Marston, Uncle morial Post 30, Camden; Cobscook Post Fire Fighter of the Year Award to Norman Carver Jr, War Memorial Post Andy’s Digest/LA Metro Magazine Pub- 59, Pembroke; Lopeman-Potts Post 67, Matthew Barnes, Alan Boucher, Michael 30, Camden lisher/CEO Bridgton; Randall & MacVane Post 142, Dube, Justin Hagar, Steven Lunn, Dale First Place Post History Scrapbook First Place Multimedia Award to Peaks Island; Field-Allen Post 148, Wind- Real, Deane Stanton and Peter Wild, to Donald Hands, Ramsdell-Rogers Post Gray Post 86, Gray ham; Jandreau-Connors Post 180, St. Fran- Brunswick Fire Department/Ems Crew 3 56, York Post Service Officer of the Year to cis; Lewiston Memorial Post 210, Lewis- EMT/Paramedic of the Year Award Second Place Post History Scrap- Joy Bordeau, Rumford Post 24 ton to Kevin Curry, Union book to John Kennedy, Bradford- Commander’s Award to Allen Ben- Team 100 American Legion Family Legionnaire of the Year Award to Sortwell-Wright Post 54, Wiscasset ner, Waldoboro & Damariscotta Post 42 Ribbons to Rumford Post 24, Madison Patricia Thurston, Rumford First Place District Newsletter to Women’s Advisory/WVAC Award Post 39, Oakland Post 51, Kingfield Post Post Adjutant of the Year Award to 2nd District, Cumberland County to Nancy Laffin-Gillespie, Topsham 61, Lubec Post 65, Locke Mills Post 68, Jeff W. Sukeforth, Camden Post 30, Cam- First Place Post Newsletter to Field- 100% Post Membership by Dec. 31, Greenville Post 94, and West Paris Post den Allen Post 148, Windham 2018 to: First District—White-Tibbetts 151.

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 13

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... York Post 56 Incoming District 1 Commander Receives Gavel: Sanford Post 19; Biddeford Post 26; Limerick Post 55; York Post 56; Old Orchard Post 57; Left to right, Incoming Commander Paul Kennebunk Post 74; Berwick Post 79; North Berwick Post 87; Saco Post 96; Kezar Falls Post 123; Klebaur accepts gavel from Outgoing Bar Mills Post 130; Alfred Post 134; Wells Post 143; Kennebunkport Post 159; Commander Donald G. Hands as De- Dayton Post 177; Eliot Post 188; Lebanon Post 214 partment Judge Advocate Jason Hall officiated the installation on May 6. York Scouts & Post 56 Decorate Veterans Graves For Memorial York Post 56 Day: York Scouts Installation Of Troop 301 assisted Officers: Department Ramsdell-Rogers Post Judge Advocate Jason Hall 56 in flag placement at administers pledge to In- the First Parish Ceme- coming Officers of Post 56. tery on May 19 in York Left to right, Commander where over 1,200 flags were placed. The Post is very grateful for the assistance of Paul Klebaur, 1st Vice Com- the Boy Scouts of America and feel that appreciating our Veterans is an im- mander & Historian Donald portant lesson for our youth to learn. With permission of Scout Leader Katie G. Hands, Judge Advocate Spaulding, the scouts in photo are front row, left to right, Everett Burke, Ned Robert Marlowe, Adjutant Spaulding, Connor Pendergast, and Fabian Crespo. Back row, left to right, An- & Chaplain Michael Mor- drew Hames, Darryk Kelly, Gabriel Caraballo, Hans Bakke, James Burke, Jas- gillo, Membership Coordi- per Trafton, Post 56 Commander Donald G. Hands, William Bakke, David nator Robin Greene, and 2nd Vice Commander Charles Pratt on May 6. Meader, Andrew Meader, and Christopher Dimino. Thanks to Post Members Pete Doe, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Jerry Allen, and Phil Roy for their continued par- ticipation. Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56 Builds Committee Liaisons in Support of Veterans York Post 56 Holds Installation n June 3, Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56, committee has been tasked by the town to O York, was visited by Barry Waddell liaison with the sub and other community amsdell-Rogers Post 56 of York held outgoing Commander Donald G. Hands who serves as the Chairman of the newly organizations to welcome the crew and R their yearly installation on May 6. and said; (in part), “Although the mantle formed York Veterans Committee. provide other opportunities for Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall of leadership is now being passed to Chairman Waddell carried the good community engagement. was an honored guest and served as another, a great responsibility remains wishes of the committee to post members. In addition, the York Veterans Installing Officer. with you. You possess a great wealth of Chairman Waddell also shared the Committee is working with the Local With a rap of the gavel, outgoing knowledge gained through out your mission of the committee which is as American Legion, VFW, and the Post Commander Donald G. Hands called leadership experience. Place this wisdom follows: The mission of the committee is Daughters of the American Revolution, the meeting to order. Acting Post at the disposal of your successors in order to serve as a point of contact for matters and other town organizations to organize Chaplain M. Morgillo offered an opening that your comrades my benefit there from. relating to Veterans and to the military, Memorial Day and other Veterans prayer. All officers to be installed were Through your station maintain the and to develop and maintain a broad ceremonies. then brought forward and took the principle of freedom within this Post.” perspective on the Town’s approach to Currently, two legionnaires from following oath; repeated after Legionnaire The installing officer addressed the and participation in all such matters, to Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56 serve on the Jason Hall: newly installed Commander; (in part), help ensure the Town honors Veterans committee. Legionnaire James Carabello “I do solemnly pledge myself to “To you, comrade, is entrusted a very and the military, and to advise the Board is a Board member and Legionnaire perform faithfully and impartially the important duty of teaching and protecting of Selectman accordingly. Donald G. Hands serves as Vice duties of the office in The American the cardinal principles of The American York is the sponsor community of Chairman. Legion I am about to assume, and I Legion throughout your entire Post. the submarine U.S.S. California. The By York Post 56 1st Vice Commander further pledge I am not a member of, and Loyalty to your Post, to its membership, Donald G. Hands do not subscribe to the principles of, any to the state and to the national groups opposed to our form of organization are obligations which you government.” now assume. By your sincere acceptance After citing their pledge, the officers and earnest performance of these duties, were seated. The Officers installed were may the great trust which your comrades Welcome: York Post 56 Commander Paul Post Adjutant & Chaplain Michael have reposed in you be justified. To you I Klebaur, left, welcomes York Veterans Committee Morgillo, Post Service Officer James extend the congratulations of the Chairman Barry Waddell during a visit to Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56. Carabello, Post Judge Advocate Robert (American Legion Department of Maine) Marlowe, Post Membership Coordinator and I wish you well as you assume the Photo by Legionnaire Robin Greene Robin Greene, Post 2nd Vice Commander responsibilities of your office”. Charles Pratt, Post 1st Vice Commander Legionnaire Hall then supervised the & Historian Donald Hands, and Post transfer of the gavel, the symbol of Commander Paul Klebaur. Legionnaire leadership of The American Legion, from Chuck Andrews who will continue to outgoing Post Commander Donald G. serve as Post Americanism Officer and Hands to the new Post Commander Paul Legionnaire Jerry Allen who will Klebaur. continue to service as Post Finance A word of thanks and appreciation Officer were excused and will be installed was extended from the Post to Both: Haven’t we met at our next meeting. Legionnaire Jerry Department Judge Advocate Jason Hall Allen will also serve as Post Sergeant-At- for performing as Installing Officer. A before? Arms. pledge of allegiance followed, then a Post officers were then called prayer, and the meeting was closed with a Originally published in The American Legion Weekly Mag- forward individually to receive their rap of the gavel. azine Dec. 19, 1919 edition charges. The installing officer addressed Submitted by Legionnaire Donald G. Hands

14 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Berwick Post Builds Vietnam District 1 continued Memorial Wall Parade Float

hen past Post Commander Frank wall, touching the panel in silent Hussey Seating Donates Chair of W Milinski has an idea, you’d better reflection. Behind the semi-transparent follow his lead or get out of the way! Late wall, is a diorama with an incredibly Honor to House of Hope last year Frank, a 22-year lifetime realistic jungle scene painted on the back member with Berwick’s Charles S. Hatch along with jungle foliage. Several young he House of Hope Mission is an of the world’s biggest venues and in Post 79, saw a video that struck a chord soldiers in jungle fatigues stand at the T organization that has been serving community buildings, like the House of and launched a post initiative that locals ready, and one of them reaches forward, seacoast families in Maine and New Hope, across the United States. Mr. are still talking about. as if to reach out from beyond the wall to Hampshire since July of 2012, when they Saucier went on to say that Hussey’s The video showcased a parade float the civilian on the other side. A recording first opened their doors to provide a “free purpose in supporting this program is so honoring the Vietnam Memorial Wall, of “Taps” plays in the background. community restaurant for struggling those who never make it home always created by members of the Solid Rock Regardless of your age, experience and individuals and families”. In addition to have a seat waiting for them. Baptist Church of Berlin, New Jersey. knowledge of history, you cannot help running a fully functional soup kitchen Following an introduction by For the past ten years, members of the but be moved by this float as it passes by. that now serves dinner three days a week, Chapter 79 Director Gary Branyen, a Solid Rock church have constructed Their Vietnam War Memorial Float they also manage an emergency relief solemn dedication was conducted by Paul patriotic parade floats honoring the generated so much interest that the Solid food pantry. Leblanc from Rolling Thunder Maine greatest moments in American history. Rock Baptist Church created a website This incredible organization provides Chapter 1 in front of the Missing Man Their hope is that others would be (www.patrioticfloats.com) with detailed a safe place for those with a need to Table. Mr. LeBlanc reverently recited inspired to make a similar impact in their information on how they built their receive nourishment for the body, heart, from memory the name, rank, service, community. (This specific float is based float. While this information provided and soul and is situated between two date lost, and home town of each of the on the painting “Reflections” by artist an important framework upon which to underserved communities of Berwick, thirteen Maine Veterans who never Lee Teter, who wrote out a license to build, it was the Vietnam Memorial ME and Somersworth, NH. The many returned home as a brass bell was reproduce and distribute prints of this wall panels provided by the Portsmouth services offered by this outreach ministry sounded after each name. work to members of Vietnam Veterans of Sign Company of Newington, New is available to people of all faiths and has This initiative was truly a team America Chapter 172 of Cumberland, Hampshire, that worked miracles for no paid staff but is instead run by some effort, with American Legion members Maryland www.vietnamreflections.com). Post 79 and gave the float it’s “soul”. 250 volunteers from across the seacoast donating a table (Lynne Rendell) and Frank, a Vietnam Veteran, knew The parade float virtually came to life community. Legion Rider Dennis Ouellette, who immediately that this was a project Post when young Matthew Dos Santos, Mat Through a collaboration with Hussey painstakingly refinished the table and 79 should take on and organized a small Dupuis and Thomas McIntyre donned Seating Company, Berwick American sourced the era-specific table cloth and committee that took this initiative from Vietnam era uniforms and helmets and Legion Post 79, Chapter 79 Legion table settings, and Ron Vigue for the proverbial drawing board and brought stepped into the “jungle”. The Riders (members of the American Legion arranging the donation of the Chair of it to life. From January through March, accompanying photo “speaks for who are motorcycle enthusiasts) and the Honor built and donated by Hussey with the assistance and support of Mr. itself”! House of Hope staff, a Missing Man Seating Company, with the space Steve Guptil, and Post member Cliff It should have come as no surprise Table was put on permanent display in provided and prepared by House of Hope Schweiger, Frank’s committee met to that float committee members the House of Hope, complete with a Executive Director Mike Hennessy and share ideas, research costs and source unanimously voted to have Frank Chair of Honor. A Missing Man Table, his staff and other members of the materials and by early Spring, they had Milinski front and center on the float as it also known as a Fallen Comrade Table, is Chapter 79 Legion Riders. The display all they needed to start construction. was towed through both North Berwick a ceremony and memorial in honor of now serves as a permanent reminder to all Utilizing a trailer donated by Post and Berwick’s Memorial Day parades by fallen, missing or imprisoned service who enter the House of Hope of the member Robert Allen and using Post 31-year Post 79 lifetime member Bob members (Prisoners of War or POWs/ thousands of U.S Veterans who did not Member Dan Flint’s workshop, the float Allen. In between parades, Mr. Dana Hall Missing in Action (MIA). The table is set return from our war so that we all may started to take shape. Past Post is graciously providing storage as in the for one with an empty chair, a Chair of always remain mindful that “Hope commander Lou Sanfacon was meantime, other towns and venues have Honor that was made and donated by changes everything”. instrumental in making much of the expressed interest in this patriotic float. It Hussey Seating Company of North To learn more about Rolling Thunder woodwork. Long time Legionnaires and goes without saying that while this Berwick. and their Chair of Honor Program, check Vietnam Veterans Phil Jenks, Lynn initiative grew out of love of country and At the dedication ceremony, Mr. Jeff out: www.rollingthunderme1.org. To Rendell, Bob Irvine and Forrest Davis pride in our military service, the Saucier, Territory Sales Manager, learn more about the House of Hope, or also pitched in along with Kimberly and intangible benefit gained on this most indicated that Hussey Seating began to volunteer, look up: Donna Flint. special project was getting to work participating in the POW/MIA Chair of www.houseofhopemission.org. The finished float features two black together, yielding hammers, nails, and

Honor program in 2013 and has since Submitted by Rosanne Martin, PR Officer, plexiglass wall panels listing the names paint and swapping war stories, to placed over 500 of these chairs in some Charles S. Hatch Post 79 of the Maine Veterans who were lost in underscore that we, as Legionnaires, are Vietnam, to include two Veterans from very much, and always will be, comrades Berwick who were killed in action (John in arms.

Knight and Edward Dufault). A man in Submitted by Rosanne Martin, PR Officer, civilian clothing stands in front of the Charles S. Hatch Post 79

Chair Of Honor: Jeff Sauci- er of Hussey Seating, left, and Charles S. Hatch Post 79, Ronald Vigue of Charles S. Hatch Berwick, Vietnam Memorial Post 79, right, with the Chair of Honor. Wall Parade Float passes by with Past

Photo by Post 79 Public Relations Officer Commander Frank Milinski (in civilian Rosanne Martin clothes) in the foreground and Thomas McIntyre in the background (behind the wall panel).

Photo by Post 79 member Joelle McIntyre

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 15

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... School band played a collection of Armed As the sound of the rifles faded; taps and Forces anthems. echo taps were played by members of the Another tradition followed as Past Marshwood High School band. District 1 continued Post Adjutant Kimberly Richards read a Legionnaire Dana Norton thanked all poem. This year’s choice was Henry W. who participated. He was so pleased with Longfellow’s poem, “Decoration Day”. the cooperation he received organizing Hannaford Appreciation Award The guest speaker, Legionnaire Don- the event. Eliot’s Fire Department and he North Berwick Parks & Recreation Also present during the presentation ald G. Hands spoke of several of Eliot’s Police force honor guard were present and T Department and the North Berwick were some of the members of The Ameri- residents who had made the ultimate sac- posted colors. He greatly appreciated the American Legion Post 87, along with the can Legion Post and Ladies Auxiliary, rifice. Then a boy and girl member of the Boy Scouts of America who “stepped up” Ladies Auxiliary, present the North Ber- and Assistant Store Managers. Boy Scouts placed the wreath at the tall to assist in the ceremonies. He noted the memorial. A moment of silence was held. importance of teaching our young an ap- wick Hannaford Store on May 22 a Post Commander Beaupre stated the nd Plaque in Appreciation for their generosi- North Berwick Hannaford Store is a big The 2 Regiment of York County preciation for the sacrifices made and “a fired a cannon shot. This was followed by sense of patriotism”. ty in supporting the Mill Field Festival for supporter of the community especially the past few years. during the Mill Field Festival. Command- rifle shots from Post 188’s firing squad. By Donald G. Hands Presenting the plaque is North Ber- er Beaupre explained that presenting this wick Post 87 Commander Don Beaupre plaque at this time would be less disrup- and Parks & Recreation Director Kristie tive to the store operation instead of the Michaud. Accepting the plaque is Hanna- busy time in the August time frame. ford Store Manager Gary Michaud. By Robert K. Place

Leading The Ceremony: Past Post 188 Plaque of Appreciation Commander Dana Norton leads the Memorial presented by North Berwick Post Day ceremonies. 87 Commander Don Beaupre and Parks & Recreation Director Kristie Michaud. Accepting the plaque is Hannaford Store Man- ager Gary Michaud on May 22.

Photo by Robert K. Place WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... North Berwick Post 87 Receives District 2 100% Membership Award: A 100% Portland Post 17; So. Portland Post 35; Gorham Post 60; Westbrook Post 62; Bridgton Post 67; membership award was presented to North Ber- Scarborough Post 76; Freeport Post 83; Gray Post 86; Yarmouth Post 91; Standish Post 128; wick Post 87 during a District 1 meeting held at Harrison Post 139; Peaks Island Post 142; Windham Post 148; Cape Elizabeth Post 152; Naples Post 155; Portland Post 161; Falmouth Post 164; Portland Post 168; Westbrook Post 197 Biddeford Post 26 on May 19. Accepting the award is North Berwick Post 87 Commander Larry Straffin, center, by Department 1st Vice Boys State Delegates: Lake Re- Commander Matt Jabaut, left, and District 1 gion High School seniors Thomas Ko- Commander Gordon Kendal, right. loksy and Walker Elesaesser were select- ed to participate in The American Le- gion Boys State Program at Thomas Col- lege in Waterville. During their week stay at Thomas College, students estab- West-Day Post 123 Kezar Falls 3rd lish their own state legislature and gov- ernor. They then learn the process of rd Annual Golf Tournament: The 3 proposing bills, writing bills, passing Annual West-Day Post 123 Golf Tournament bills and enacting. It is one very busy was held on June 8 at Province Lake Golf and intense work. The American Legion Course. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123 District 2 is very proud of the candidates from SAD 61. Left to right, LRHS sen- members were on hand to provide assistance ior Thomas Kolofsky, Bridgton Post 67 Commander Donald Mulcahy, Depart- with registration, and logistical support. Left to ment Commander Matthew Jabaut, and LRHS senior Walker Elesaesser. right, Renee Lemieux, Diane Wentworth, Paula Jordan, and Unit President Cynthia Berube. 1500 Flags Placed On Veterans’ Graves: Members of Harold T. An- Post 134 Festival Parade Tribute drews Post 17 of Portland and Alfred- their guests went to the Forest To Korean War Members: City Cemetery in South Port- Waterboro Post 134 paid tribute to three of land on May 22 & 23 to put their Korean War members in the Alfred out 1,500 flags on Veterans Festival Parade on July 19. Left to right, graves. Those present on May Alden Gile and Bob Liberty. Missing from 22, front row kneeling, left to photo is Cleve Stairs. right: John Grant, Incoming Post Commander Paul Avery, Outgoing Post Com- Photo by Thomas Collins mander Curtis Ballantine. Back row, standing, left to right: Susan Lamb, Rob- ert Ayers, Greg Mrowka, Jack Kuntz, Maggy Russo, Adjutant Joe Rich, and Paula Hollenkamp. Eliot Post 188 Leads Eliot, Me. Photo by Post 17 member/photographer Thomas P. O’Connor Memorial Day Ceremonies eople and organizations from Eliot upon Post 188 Chaplain Reverend Mike P and the surrounding areas filled the Stevens for the invocation. Next, a smart- Memorial Day Parade In Portland: parade route leading to the Mount Pleas- ly uniformed Boy Scout read “General Harold T. Andrews Post 17 put on a Memorial ant Cemetery. Logan’s Order”. All joined in the pledge Day Parade down Congress Street from Longfel- There, Eliot Memorial Post Past of allegiance. low Square to Monument Square.

Commander Dana Norton stood at the Rosemary Staples and Crystal Colson Photo by Post 17 member/photographer Thomas P. O’Connor podium in front of a tall memorial that sang the National Anthem which has be- was placed by the Post to honor Veterans come a welcome tradition over the years years ago. He welcomed all and called in Eliot. Then, the Marshwood High

16 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 MEET THE OFFICERS 2019

MATTHEW JABAUT DEBRA COUTURE KIRK THURSTON PAUL L’HEUREUX GREGORY COUTURE ALFRED MCKAY JEFFREY STEVENSON Commander 1st Vice Commander 2nd Vice Commander Adjutant Finance Americanism Historian Topsham Post 202 Litchfield Post 181 Rumford Post 24 Auburn Post 153 Litchfield Post 181 Damariscotta Post 42 Bath Post 21

LLOYD WOODS PATRICIA THURSTON RANDALL KLUJ JASON HALL ETHAN MCKENNEY CARL CURTIS MAUREEN MALLEY Sergeant-At-Arms NEC NECA JUDGE ADVOCATE CHAPLAIN Service Officer Asst. Service Officer Rumford Post 24 Madawaska Post 147 Milo Post 41 Gray Post 86 Harrison Post 139 Brunswick Post 20 Hallowell Post 6 101st Annual State Convention Award Presentations PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS

Tony’s Tigers: This year’s winner for Outstanding Post Commander, aka Tony’s EMT/Paramedic Of The Firefighters Of The Year: Tiger Award went to Naples Post 155 Com- Rumford Fire Department, front mander Curtis Merrill. Presenting the Year: Law & Order Chairman Kirk award is Anthony “Tony” Jordan, left, to Thurston, right, presents Kevin Curry row, left to right, Firefighters Ray Roger’s Rangers: Past Crockett, Christopher Arsenault, Naples Post 155 members Cathy Merrill, National Commander Anthony of Union with the EMT/Paramedic of Kim-Lea Crawford and Robert Shaw who the Year Award. and Fire Chief Chris Reed accept “Tony” Jordan, left, presents the award for Firefighters of the accepted the award on Mr. Merrill’s behalf District 6 Commander Raymond Year. Standing back is the interim at the 101st Annual State Convention in Lewis the Roger’s Rangers town manager of Rumford Scott Brewer on June 8. Award for Outstanding District Cole. Commander at the Annual State Convention in Brewer on June 8.

Commander’s Award: This year’s Department Commander’s Award went to Allan Benner, left, of Waldoboro, Maine for outstanding sup- port of Veterans and remarkable dedi- cation and commitment of 65 consecu- tive years to The American Legion, Firefighters Of The Year: Dept. of Maine Annual State Conven- Brunswick Fire Department/EMS Crew Law Officer Of The Year: tion. Presenting the award to Mr. Ben- 3, left to right, Firefighter’s Michael Officer Curt Andrick of Warren ner is State Commander Scott Paradis. Dube, Alan Boucher, Steven Lunn, Dale surrounded by his family receives Real, Lieutenant Justin Hager, and Cap- Law Officer of the Year Award. Pre- “This is my last convention” tain Matthew Barnes. Not pictured, Fire- senting the award is Law & Order fighters Deane Stanton, and Peter Wild. All photos by Dept. Historian Jeffrey Stevenson Chairman Kirk Thurston, left.

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 17 Help Support Maine American Legion Today!

Help Keep our Maine American Legion Programs Alive! Support our Veterans and Donate Today! our donation will help support Veter- You may also mail your check paya- Y ans in the state of Maine as well as ble to The American Legion, Department Children & Youth Programs and other of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, various programs of The American Le- Maine 04901-0727. Please indicate on gion. A few of our programs are listed the check The American Legion program below. For a complete listing, please visit you are contributing to. www.mainelegion.org. Thank you in advance for your dona- Maine American Legion Programs: tion. It is generous donors like you that General Fund, Vet Aid, Homeless Vets, help provide the assistance needed to keep Legion Baseball, Dirigo Boys State, Ora- our programs alive so we can continue to Support Maine Veterans and Buy torical, Jr. Shooting Program, Beals provide support to our fellow Veterans, House, and Maine Special Olympics. service members and their families. your Centennial Coin Today To pay by credit card, please visit To make a donation to The American www.mainelegion.org and select the Legion, Department of Maine Foundation, While Supplies Last! a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organi- button. zation , please see below. he Department of Maine recently EY ORDER, please send payment in T released a Centennial Coin in cele- the amount of $10/coin, plus $5 ship- bration of 100 years of service to Veter- ping and handling up to 5 coins to: The ans, families and local communities. American Legion, Department of All proceeds will go towards helping Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine Veterans in the State of Maine, their 04901-0727. Please make sure to in- families and various programs in The clude a return address for shipping pur- American Legion that require much poses. Please include an additional $5 needed assistance. Coins can be pur- for every 5 coins purchased. chased online by visiting Coins are also available for free www.mainelegion.org, calling Depart- pick up at $10 each. You may pick up he American Legion, Department of erans in the State of Maine and donate ment directly at 207-873-3229 or by your order at The American Legion, T Maine Foundation is a non-profit 501 today to make a difference! check or money order. The coins are Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, (c)(3) non-profit organization exclusively Online donations can be made by vis- $10 each plus $5 shipping/handing. 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Foundation and mailed to: American Le- can now accept contributions from Ama- through the Amazon Smile portal each The Foundation's mission is to pro- gion Department of Maine Foundation, 5 zon through the “Amazon Smile” pro- time you shop for our Foundation to vide financial assistance, promote Ameri- Verti Drive, Winslow, Maine 04901- gram as an IRS 501 (c)(3) Charitable receive the donation. Do not go in canism, Youth Programs, National Securi- 0727. Organization. through the regular Amazon portal ty, and Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Please make sure to provide your It does not cost anything to sign up when you shop.) that will enhance the lives of our Veterans, name and address so that we may send or donate! When you make purchases on The funds come directly to their families, children and communities you a tax receipt. “Amazon Smile”, Amazon donates 0.5% “American Legion Department of Maine in the State of Maine today and for future Thank you in advance for you gener- of the price of your eligible Amazon Foundation to help Maine Veterans in generations. ous contribution! Smile purchases to the charitable organi- need and support Legion programs in Please show your support to our Vet- zation of your choice. Maine!” Here is how to sign up! Please help us get the word out and If you already have an Amazon Ac- email to your friends and family! Car Donation Fundraising Program count, there is no need to create another one. for converting that extra car, truck, or You just log in at this link: http:// RV into a tax deductible donation.. smile.amazon.com; When you are asked Our affiliate program makes sure your vehicle is properly handled so The American Legion you get your tax deduction and Veter- State HQ Office Staff ans in Maine get the benefit of your At The 101st Annual donation. State Convention: A lot You can currently donate online of hard work and prepara- by visiting www.v-dac.com, or call tion took place throughout the wners of unused vehicles can 877-999-8322 to make your donation. year setting up for the Annual O donate them for possible tax For more information, contact State Convention in Brewer credit and benefit Veterans in the The American Legion, Department of thanks to The American Le- gion State HQ office staff, left state of Maine. Maine at 207-873-3229 or via email to right, Alyssa Currie, This is a free, convenient service at [email protected]. Rachael Currie, Sue Risinger, Kierra Washington and Sher- ry Carey (not pictured).

18 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... enjoy the quality of life we have. The have what they need; and the children freedoms that we have and take for grant- have access to a good education through ed and enjoy every day. It was an honor our Legacy Fund, a fund sponsored by District 2 continued to replace their flags, their medallions, The American Legion Riders. Last year, and to spend days with them as we did $750,000 in scholarships were awarded to In Memory Of Post 17 this. Please remember their families; they students whose parents were 50% or Member Finn sacrificed their life with their loved ones greater disabled or deceased in the fight for our freedoms. They live the heart ache on terrorism Post 911. Yes ladies and Wilhelson: After the parade, of the loss for the rest of their lives. gentlemen, we do take care of our own a group of people gathered at the Our mission at Post 67 is dedicated to and we would love if you would please front steps of Portland Post 17 not only the Veteran but to the Veteran’s join us. For God and Country!

for a memorial ceremony for families to make sure they are taken care Written by Post 67 Commander Finn Wilhelsen who died on of; to ensure the family left behind will Donald Mulcahy March 12. Finn was the man who started the tradition that continues today of cooking a haddock fish chowder after the parades for those who took part in the parades, their guests, Post members, and the homeless. Finn continued this from 1974 until 2014. Since then, the tradition has lived on through Finn's son, Dana Herwood, right up to the present. After Bridgton Post 67 Rifle the memorial service there was chowder for everyone. Squad and Flag Detail.

Photo by Post 17 member/photographer Thomas P. O’Connor Post 62 Memorial Day Cemetery Flag Collection: Following Memorial Day, as directed by policy, the following volunteers Bridgton Post 67 from Westbrook Post 62 collected over hundreds of American Flags Installation Of from graves of our Fallen Heroes. Officers: Bridgton Left to right, Post member David Post 67 held their Instal- Berry and wife, Auxiliary members lation of Officers Cere- Donna, Laurie Berry, Dan Atton- mony during the District weiler, member Jan Fish, Commander Gary York, member Mark Camp from 2 meeting at the Post Rowe Ford (Proud Sponsors of Honor Flight Maine), Auxiliary member Beverly home on Sat., June 1. Barton and member Bob Barton. So honored to have great volunteers! District 2 Commander Curtis Merrill and Act- Westbrook Post 62 Awards Two ing Sergeant-At-Arms Scholarships: American Legion Post 62 Bill Stuart conducted the awarded two scholarships for Americanism to Installation Ceremony. The Installation of Officers followed the Pancake Break- Westbrook High School graduating students on fast at the Bridgton Community Center. The revitalization of Post 67 continues. June 6. Left to right, Post Commander Gary This slate of Officers have their work cut out for them over the next year. Front York, Recipient Tyler Brackett of WHS Class row, left to right, Post Adjutant Bill O’Neil, Vice Commander DJ Brady, and of 2019, Post Americanism Officer/Board Commander Donald Mulcahy. Back row, left to right, Sergeant-At-Arms Mi- Chairman Phil Spiller, and 2nd Vice Com- chael Brady, Finance Officer Ron Edson, Service Officer/Chaplin Kelly Ela, and mander Dennis Marrotte. Absent from photo is Historian Skip Brown. recipient Mackenzie Bickford also of WHS

Class of 2019. Bridgton Post 67 Flag History Photo by Michael Russell and Post 62 2nd Vice Commander Dennis Marrotte & Folding Instructions: Bridgton Post 67 Commander Donald Mulcahy, left, and Post Adjutant William O’Neil, right, Concerts In The Park: Every Wed. evening paid a visit to Stevens Brook Elementary during the Summer Park Concerts in Westbrook School on Fri., May 3 to instruct the 5th held behind the Post 62 building at Riverbank Park, grade class on Flag history, etiquette, proto- Post 62 Auxiliary Women and Post Members work col, as well as the proper way to fold and hard to earn proceeds for needy projects in the local unfold the flag. The students were extremely community by providing barbecue food services dur- enthusiastic with their questions and volun- ing these concerts. Over $4,000 is usually raised dur- teering to demonstrate the folding of the flag. ing each summer concert series. Pictured are Auxil- Demonstrating how to properly fold the flag are student volunteers Bob Sellick, iary Vice President Mary Leclerc in charge of condi- left, and Ana Priola, right. ments, Post Commander Gary York popping pop- corn, Sergeant-At-Arms Greg Beane warning rolls, Post 67 Veterans Outreach and Doris Rodriques at the grill.

Photo by Dennis Marrotte Program: Bridgton Post 67 Adju- tant Bill O’Neil, left, and Commander Donald Mulcahy, right, with two volun- teers from Habitat for Humanity (not Memorial Day in Bridgton pictured Finance Officer Ron Edson) ready to distribute donations from their s Commander of The American Le- Memorial Day is both a somber and “Veterans Outreach Program”. They A gion Post 67 in Bridgton, I would joyous. We at Post 67 spent several days donated cabinetry, flooring, and light like to say thank you to all of the great visiting the graves of the Hero’s who fixtures to Habitat for Humanity in folks from Bridgton and the Bridgton area lived and walked among us, Revolution- Portland. Habitat for Humanity has aided in various Homeless Veterans Projects who turned out to pay tribute to the fallen ary war, Civil War, Spanish American throughout the State. They felt it only fitting and proper to donate unused build- soldiers and sailors on Memorial Day on War, World War l, World War II, Korea, ing materials unnecessary for their building renovation on Depot Street. We as- May 27. Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, they are sure you these materials will be utilized for deserving families. Sometimes a cabi- The turnout was so great it was very all there. These are the sons, the daugh- net or a case of flooring does not fit our particular project but it may provide humbling. The kind words from everyone ters, the mothers, the fathers, the aunts, exactly what someone may need. God Bless the people who have made generous after the ceremony were heartwarming. A and the uncles. These are the people who donations of building materials to us. A special thanks to those who have helped special thank you to Pastor Mike Zullo. built the community we live in. They us and enabled us to help others. The renovations and revitalization of Bridgton My friend, your prayers were on target. fought for this country so that we could Post 67 is in full swing.

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 19

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... 148 Adjutant Dave Tanguay revealed that made up with Norm’s Awards. Norm all U.S.S. Pueblo AGER-2 crewmembers Spear is interned at the VA Mount received the following: The Purple Heart, Vernon Cemetery in Augusta. The Stone District 2 continued The Navy Commendation Medal with dedicated in the Memorial Garden will “V”, the POW Medal, Armed Forces Ex- allow those family and friends not able to peditionary Medal and the Combat Ac- make the trip to Augusta to visit with him Bridgton Post 67 Family tion Ribbon. The Post had a shadow box in the Memorial Garden. Cooking For Ball Tournament: Left to right, Craig Stevenson, Vinny Yedy- nak, Bill O’Neil, Post Commander Donald Mulcahy, and Barry Bisco. Military Awards Presented: Windham Post 148, with the help of U.S. Navy Commander (retired) Mike Wisecup, right, surprises the family of Norman Spear with a shadow box containing Norm’s military awards. Receiving the awards is Norm’s son, William Spear.

4th Of July Windham Post 148 Rifle Cookout: Bridgton Post Squad Render Honors: Post 67 chef Barry Rifle Squad, under the supervision of Bisco ready for OIC, Craig Pride, render honors with the 4th of July a 21- gun salute at the end of the cere- crowd. Legion Riders Chapter 67 mony on May 13. Squad members, left Ready for 4th of July to right, Roger Timmons, Jeff Cook, Wally Clark, David Rendall, Larry Parade including our future Rid- DeHof, Post 1st Vice Commander Eric er Sons of The American Legion Bickford, and Robert Almstrom. member Nathaniel Elesaesser. Kenison-Hooper Post Internment of U.S. Navy 128 Blue Star EN3, Norman Spear - POW on the U.S.S. Pueblo AGER- Post Command- Banners: 2, at Services at Mount Vernon Ceme- er Bryan McManus and Adju- tery, Augusta. A ceremony held on tant Lou Stack from Standish May 13 for Legion Member and Post 128 present Blue Star U.S.S. Pueblo POW, Norman Spear, Banners to four families on who passed away last December. In Armed Forces Day May 18. the chapel, Windham Post 148 Honor Guard members Bob Christie and Post Henry “Chuck” Whynot stand by the coffin during service and assist in the flag Order of Saint Maurice folding. Presentation: William I. Pem- broke Post 139 1st Vice Commander Field-Allen Post 148 and Troop 805 1SG (ret) Jeremy Wentworth and Past Commander Stephen Wentworth pre- Flag Day Ceremony sent the Order of Saint Maurice Me- dallion to COL (ret) Errol Briggs over romptly at 7:00 p.m. June 14, Flag Day, may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze or a Memorial Day 2019. The Order of P The American Legion Field-Allen Post beautiful banner of the finest silk. Its intrin- Saint Maurice is awarded to Infantry- 148 and Boy Scout Troop 805 and Pack sic value may be trifling or great, but its real men who have served above and be- members conducted a solemn Flag Retire- value is beyond price, for it is a precious yond the call of duty. ment Ceremony at the Windham Veterans symbol of all that we and our comrades Center. Prior to the ceremony, the Troop have worked for, lived for and died for - a and Pack members were instructed in the free nation of free men and women, true to Windham Field-Allen origin of these flags that were about to be the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals Post 148 Render Final retired. and practices of justice, freedom and de- The flags were collected over Memorial mocracy.” He then Commanded, “Let these Honors to Seaman McCul- Day weekend from the graves of our local faded flags of our country be retired and lock at the dedication ceremony veterans and replaced with bright new flags destroyed with respect and honorable rites held at the Memorial Everlast- for the coming year. and their place be taken by bright, new flags ing Gratitude Garden, Maine After receiving instructions on the of the same size and kind and let no grave of Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery proper procedure for retiring the flags by our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airman in Augusta on May 13. Rifle burning, the Scouts participated in the re- dead, be un-honored and unmarked”. Squad, left to right, Bob Almstrom, Eric Bickford, Larry DeHof, David Rendall, tirement ceremony and in turn placed their Following a brief prayer by Post Chap- Harley Clark, Jeff Cook, Roger Timmons and OIC Craig Pride. bundle of flags on the fire. Each bundle of lain Richard Drapeau, Sergeant-At-Arms flags had been previously inspected and Richard Graves directed the scouts to in turn deem unserviceable and ready for disposal place their bundle of flags on the fire. He Recognition of Windham Post 148 Member by the Post 1st Vice Commander Eric Bick- then retired the troop.

ford and Post Americanism Officer David Submitted by District 2 Adjutant & U.S.S. Pueblo POW Norman Spear Horne. During the ceremony, it was noted David Tanguay by Commander Mel Greenier that, “A flag ceremony was held in the WVC Norm’s military awards. Receiving the A Memorial Garden to dedicate a black awards is Norm’s Son, William Spear. granite stone in memory of Windham Post Norm was a POW in North Korea from Retiring Flags: Post Sergeant-At- 148 member and U.S.S. Pueblo POW, Jan. to Dec. 1968. During that period, his Arms instructs the Boys Scout Troop and Norman Spear. A large contingent of term of enlistment had expired. His enlist- Pack members in the proper procedure for retiring flags. Left to right, American- Norm’s family was present for the dedica- ment was extended until his return to U.S. st tion. They received a surprise when the soil and Norm departed the service soon ism Office David Horne and Post 1 Vice Commander Eric Bickford. The Solemn Post, with the help of U.S. Navy Com- after without receiving his awards. His mander (retired) Mike Wisecup, presented DD-214 listed only the National Defense Ceremony was held on Flag Day, June 14 at the Windham Veterans Center. the family with a shadow box containing Medal as his award. Research by the Post

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... District 2 continued District 3 Honoring The Town’s Korean Livermore Falls Post 10; Lewiston Post 22; Auburn Post 31; Lisbon Falls Post 66; Turner Post 111; War Veterans: Each year during the Sabattus Post 135; Mechanic Falls Post 150; Auburn Post 153; Lisbon Post 158; Lewiston Post 210 Town of Windham’s Memorial Day parade, a group of Veterans are recognized. This RSU 73 2019 Dirigo Boys State Delegates year, the Town’s Korean War Veterans were selected for a special recognition in the ivermore Falls Post 10, through sup- ●Hillside Sports Club parade and at the Memorial Day Ceremony. L port of many sponsors, 11 boys from ●Franklin/Nemi Publishing, Inc. Windham Post 148 Korean War Veterans RSU 73 Spruce Mountain High were able ●Androscoggin Bank enjoy an interesting ride in a 1950’s Korean to attend 2019 Dirigo Boys State Program ●Livermore Falls Fire Dept., c/o Veronica War M-37 Dodge Military Vehicle in the Parade. Veterans included: Don Swan- held in June at Thomas College. These Duguay der, left, in Cab w/driver and Cadet 1SG Dan Wirtz. In the rear are Jerry Black, businesses donate any amount of money ●Franklin Savings Bank Walter Braley, Milton Rogers, Alden Whittemore and Lyndon Varney. The 1952 toward the program. Post 10 makes up the ●Commander Lane-Dube AmVets Post 33 M-37 Dodge Military Vehicle is maintained by the Joint Military Cadets of rest. They are as follows: ●PalletOne of Maine, d/b/a Isaacson Lum- America located at Windham High School. ●Lyn Jellison, JLF Lions Club ber Company ●Thomas Welch Grand Knight, Knights of ●A. Maurais & Son, Inc. Legion Memorial Day Columbus Council 320 ●Jay Fireman’s Association Weekend Annual Food ●Steve Maki, Spruce Mountain Pharmacy ●Livermore Falls American Legion Post ●Sarah Hayes, Otis Federal Credit Union 10 Drive: Field-Allen Post 148, in col- laboration with the Joint Military Ca- det of America (A co.1st BN 3rd ACTB) RSU 73 Dirigo Boy Windham High School, held its 10th State Delegates, Annual Food Drive at North Windham front row, left to right, Walmart in support of the Town of Brandon Frey, Brandon Windham Food Pantry Summer Youth Coates, and Scott Jackson. Program. The Cadets and Post mem- Back row, left to right, bers filled an M-37 Dodge Military Vehicle with food products and received Jakob Nichols, Thomas st $1,500 in cash donations for the cause. Left to right, 1 SG Dan Wirtz, C/PVT Hebert, Bryson Bailey, Cataldi, C/PVT Currier, Post Adjutant David Tanguay, Collette Gagne Jack Bryant, Colby Ham- (receiving $1,500 check), C/CPL Carpenter, C/PV2 Hemond, and C/PV2 Allen. blin, Logan Moffett, Con- The Cadets were a significant help to this year’s Food Drive. nor Beaulieu, and Evan Dow. World War II Remains Returned After 75 Years: As the re- mains of World War II Army Air-Corps Pilot, 1st Lt Burleigh E. Curtis are carried from the Advent Church, Windham Post 148 Honor Guard render a final salute. Honor Guard mem- bers, Dick Drapeau, Bob Almstrom, Dick Graves, David Rendall, Eric Bickford, David Horne, Chuck Whynot, and OIC Craig Pride. Lt Curtis was shot down over France June 14, 1944 and his remains were buried by a local French farmer. DPAA had recently recovered the remains, and after 75 years, Burleigh Curtis was interned with his family at Chase Cemetery in Windham. Military support was provided by New Hampshire and Maine Air and Army National Guard. Turner Post 111 Flag Presentation: Philip Veterans Serving Veterans - S. Bryant Memorial Post 111 of Turner, BSA Scout Troop 187 and Cub Scout Pack 187 were honored by a Ramp Detail: Larry DeHof put out a request from the Music for Mavis and the Honor call for help to have a wheelchair ramp in- Flight organizations to display a presentation on May stalled at Carol and Bob Christie’s home in The Soldier’s 28 of our American Flag, Organization Flags, POW/ Sebago. Bob is a Post member and Korean MIA Flag and our Service Flags. The Legion members War Veteran and, along with his wife, both Cross: Colton Van- were assisted by the BSA Scouts in the Flag presenta- needed support. Larry was storing a previ- diver of Scout Pack tion; the Cub Scouts assembled the Soldiers Cross; and ously used ramp salvaged earlier in the year 187 places the dog the Webelos folded the American Flag. In attendance by Post members. With the call out on Mon- tags on the Soldier’s were members of The American Legion, BSA Scouts day, Tuesday the working party of three Post members, left to right, Craig Pride, Cross. and Cub Scouts. David Horne, and David Rendall, along with Larry (not in photo), started work at 10:00 a.m. at the Christie home and had the project completed a little after noon.

Another example of Veterans Supporting Veterans. Photo by Larry DeHof The Hero’s Who Lived and Walked Among Us ridgton Post 67 pays their respects, both Donna Greenlaw officiated the service. B with honor and privilege, to long-time A Bible was given by Naples Post 155 friend and comrade at Russell Littlefield’s Chaplain Cathy Merrill to his widow Sis Internment on Sat., May 11. His ashes were Littlefield of Bridgton. Providing the Guards buried along with his beloved dog “Bear”. of Honor Volley Shots was by Post 155 Ad- Flags Placed At Jewish Cemetery: On May 24, flags were placed at Mr. Littlefield passed away on Feb. 6. jutant Dick Bell, Past Commander Bill Stew- the Jewish Cemetery in Auburn by Auburn Post 153 members for Memorial He was a retired Marine Gunnery Sar- art and Past Commander/District 2 Com- Day. (Left Photo): Left to right, Roland Jordan, Past Commander Dan St. gent having served 20 plus years and was mander Curtis Merrill. Taps was played by Pierre, Commander Steve Simard, Stella Chase, Donald Peck, Ray Longtin, very active in the American Legion serving Lake Region High School Senior Matt Tracy Rioux, Mike Spaulding and Claire Poirier. (Right Photo): Auburn Post as a Commander 4 times and as a District Mayo. 153 Past Commander Dan St. Pierre, left, and Commander Steve Simard plac- Commander. ing flags at the Jewish Cemetery.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... District 4 District 5 Rumford Post 24; Buckfield Post 58; Lockemills Post 68; So. Paris Post 72; Bethel Post 81; Norway Farmington Post 28; Kingfield Post 61; Phillips Post 64; Strong Post 78; Post 82; Dixfield Post 100; Oxford Post 112; Fryeburg Post 137; West Paris Post 151; Peru Post 199 Wilton Post 117; Rangley Post 120; The Shot Heard All Farmington Honors Veterans Around Buckfield: Following a longstanding tradition, a Revolu- armington - Farmington veterans were ject fear and doubt, to stand up for what tionary War musket was taken down F honored on Monday with the 151st they believe in and to learn the importance from its sacred place in the Buckfield Memorial Day celebration held at the Ro- of responsibility and self sufficiency- the Town Library on Independence Day, derick-Crosby American Legion Post #28 values of our civilization, she said. loaded by Post Commander James on High Street. The ceremony, led by "It's up to all of us to show our sons Lowell, District 5 1st Vice Command- selectman and Color Guard member and daughters how to come home again er Ralph Hart, and, this year, fired Stephan Bunker, paid tribute to the area's and live with sometimes the scars and by Department Commander Matt veterans with song, memories and re- lessons of battle. They will need you, as Jabaut. The event was observed by what passes for a multitudinous crowd in the marks made by Governor Janet Mills and we always have, so stand up and be count- town. Given that Buckfield was incorporated as a Town in the propitious year of others. ed," she said. 1776, the Township’s claim of possessing a Revolutionary War heirloom is prob- "What did they all fight for? What did Veterans were then invited to walk or ably justified. Left to right, Post 58 1st Vice Commander Ralph Hart, Merton they die for? For the right to disagree? For ride in the parade that looped down from Jones, Shirley Jones, Department Commander Matt Jabaut, Department Ser- the right to express an opinion, whether High Street into town and up Main Street. geant At-Arms Tricia Thurston, Department 2nd Vice Commander Kirk anyone is listening or not?" Mills said. The veterans were followed by the West- Thurston, Post 58 Commander James Lowell holding Venerable Town Brown "So many rights all too fragile and often ern Maine Foothills Band, members of the Bess Musket, Dave Stroud, and Conrad Conant. taken for granted." local Girl Scouts troops and 4-H, and oth- Mills went on to ask the crowd to er groups. share their experiences with the younger Posted by Amber Kapiloff generations, so that they can learn to re- Farmington Daily Bulldog Nation’s 250th Anniversary Is upon Us May 27, 2019 Scouts Told Before Flagging n year three of Cub, Boy, and Girl same year. I Scouts, along with siblings, participa- Of particular note to citizens of Maine tion in Jackson-Silver Post 68 flagging of will be the commemoration of the Boston Governor Janet Mills stands with 92- more than 100 Veterans’ graves in five of Tea Party, which took place on December year old World War II Veteran Francis thirteen Greenwood cemeteries, the 16, 1773; 17 Patriots of Maine travelled Paling of Jay. Scouts were informed by the Post Com- to Boston in time to actively participate mander before they set out, that they were in brewing a pot of tea in Boston Harbor. indeed fortunate. They would likely wit- The Post Commander, being a member of ness the Nation’s 250th Anniversary as a the National Society Sons of the Ameri- Republic from the first commemorative can Revolution, very much looks forward event in 2020 to the celebration of the to participating in that commemoration. inauguration as President of the United The Scouts and their siblings set out States of the Immortal Washington in and flagged the graves of Greenwood 2039. The Commander informed the Veterans who served in every war from Bethel Area Scouts that the 250th Anni- the Revolution through the War on Ter- versary would begin about ten months ror. After flagging Locke Mills Mt. from Memorial Day 2019, in nearby Abram Cemetery, the largest in Green- Massachusetts on March 5, 2020, with wood, all adjourned to the nearby Locke the living history reenactment on March Mills Union Church Hall for a Pizza Par- 7 of the Boston Massacre. Then, year by ty, hosted by the Commander and his Girl Scouts march in the parade. The Dusty Boots 4-H club year, other dates leading up to the Glori- wife, Unit 68 Auxiliary Secretary Susan marches with their decorated horses. ous Revolution, which began on April 19, Vacca. 1775 at Concord and Lexington, will be It is hoped that the Scout Flagging remembered, and thence through the Project in Greenwood, and elsewhere in eight years of War before the Nation was Maine, will continue for another 250 Kingfield Post 61 Receives 100% truly established through the Ratification years in the freest nation on this planet.

Membership Certificate: Department of the U.S. Constitution on June 21, Submitted by District 5 Adjutant & Post 68 Americanism Officer Alfred McKay, left, presents 1788, taking effect on March 4, 1789, Commander Harry G. Orcutt 100% Membership Certificate to Kingfield Post 61 and America’s first National election the Commander Johnny Maynard, II on May 19 at Dis- trict 4 meeting in Kingfield.

Phillips Post 64 Installa- tion Ceremony took place at the Post home on May 6. Installing Officers were Department Ser- geant-At-Arms/Chaplain Patricia Thurston and Area 2 Command- er Kirk Thurston. Left to right, Post Chaplain/Finance Officer Chris Bethune, Adjutant/Service Officer Hector ‘Bud’ Tremblay, Commander Irene Tremblay, Scouts, left to right, Ruth Snogren, Visiting An Unknown 2nd Vice Commander/Outgoing Emilia Wright, Noah Phelps, Cameron Soldier’s Grave: Emilia Wright Commander Larry Pinkham, Sergeant-At-Arms/1st Vice Commander Robert Wright, David Chase, Harper Phelps, sits by an unknown Revolutionary and Clara Chase. War soldier’s grave. Howard, and Installing Officer & Area 2 Commander Kirk Thurston.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Smithsonian Eagle Soars Above Legion Post District 5 continued AMDEN - A new cupola and weather accounts. The building was designed by C vane were installed atop the War Me- George Dodge of Owls Head for no charge. morial Post 30 American Legion building The original members of Post 30 were Poppy Girls Flower under blue skies and sunshine May 18. World War II veterans who met in the old Maynard Tolman, a Korean War Vet- firehouse on Washington Street. Salute: On Memorial Day, Ameri- eran, donated the Smithsonian copper eagle The first Commander at the Pearl can Legion Locke Mills Auxiliary Unit weather vane and cupola to the American Street location was Donald Carr. Second in 68 members Hazel Cole and Susan Legion Post, in memory of Tolman's son command was Richard Benner. Others in Vacca escort Poppy Girls Hailey Lake Ben, who died seven years ago. Ben was a charge were Bob Barrow and Fred Mer- and Annabelle Withey to honor this Seabee in the Naval Reserve Brunswick chant. Today Frank Carr is Post 30 com- nation’s fallen military members in the Attachment. Tolman senior was the original mander (no relation to Donald Carr). Le- Locke’s Mills tradition by casting flow- builder of the Legion Post at 91 Pearl St. gion members have made many upgrades ers on the water for sailors and at the around 1966. He served in the Army from recently and expect this building to be a Jackson-Silver American Legion Post’s 1953 to 1956, in the military police as a landmark. The building should be thought Veterans monument for our military criminal investigator and in the Maine Na- of as honoring men and women of the ser- on land and air. tional Guard. vice who have passed. Members come from The old weather-beaten cupola had Camden, Rockport, Hope, Appleton, Lin- been taken down. On May 18, a crane from colnville and surrounding towns. Arthur D. Henry Crane Service raised the Members of Post 30 usually meet the new cupola to the roof. Carpenter Heath first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., Norway Post 82 Flag Disposal Barrett took care of the complex cupola and with occasional potluck suppers. There are weather vane installation and calibration. two monthly Monday morning 9 a.m. cof- Ceremony: Norway Post 82 in Dis- Copper and Azek PVC synthetic wood trim fee hours open to folks who are interested. trict 5 hold Flag Disposal Ceremony on were added, so the assembly should not Members march in parades, but also do June 12. Left to right, Silas Parlin, Timo- require painting. Barrett, who is a graduate much more. Lately they have held twice thy Pike, James Neary, Post Commander of Southern Maine Technical College, monthly Sunday pancake breakfasts. Bryant Polvinen, Arnold Pendexter Jr., loves his work. He mentioned that there are A speaker from the state recently and Unit member Ruth Gurney. many craft jobs waiting to be filled. talked about how he was looking for a vol- Tolman's sons, Eric Tolman, who unteer to serve as Knox County’s draft owns Rockport Machine, and Nelson Tol- board chairman. Should a person not regis- man, who owns Camden Glass, assisted in ter for the draft as required, they might lose the installation their eligibility for a government job forev- WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Norman Carver of Lincolnville helped er. At another meeting, Camden resident choose the Smithsonian eagle weather vane Hank Lunn gave a talk about having Ger- from a Maine supplier. It was also chosen man prisoners of war work on his family's by a group of members and officers of Post farm after the end of World War II. War District 6 30, including Maynard Tolman. Carver and Memorial Post 30 is a non-political organi- Rockland Post 1; Vinalhaven Post 18; Camden Post 30; North Haven Post 33; St. George Post 34; his wife, Judy, made the trip to Hermon to zation. Camaraderie is offered in a positive Thomaston Post 37; Union Post 110; Warren Post 218 pick up the weather vane and bring it to way for those who were ready to risk their Tolman to be installed on the cupola. lives for their country. In Memory Of Post Carver is the member whom the Post calls, For more information, call Jeff Suke- because he knows how to fix anything fast forth at 691-2270 or go to the War Memori- Commander Frank R. Carr: and do it at a reasonable price, Post mem- al Post 30 Facebook page.

War Memorial Post 30 of Camden cele- bers said. Members help as they can to Published in Village Soup, Knox brated the memory of their recently de- reduce expenses. Tuesday, May 21, 2019 parted Commander Frank R. Carr, The land on Pearl Street was pur- Article & Photos by Paul Satkowski who is historian USMC, MSGT, who passed away on June chased from Richard A. Wentworth next for the War Memorial Post 30 American Legion in Camden. Susan Mustaphi, assistant editor, Camden 15. Post 30 held a remembrance gathering door “at a reasonable price," according to Herald, contributed to this story. of friends and fellow Veterans joined to- gether to remember Frank. Speakers in- cluded State District 94 Representative Guiding Eagle Vicki Doudera, Randy Stearns of the Camden Historical Society, Reverend Jerry The Weather Stone of the Camden Lions Club, David Paul of the Mid-Coast Detachment Ma- Cupola: rine Corps League, and Post 30 Adjutant Jeff Sukeforth. Left to right, Ben Ha- Vane “A Carpenter zen and Rosey Gerry provide sideboard for Frank’s memorial table. Heath Barrett Striking guides the Sight To new cupola as See!: The Camden Post 30 Donate Legion & it is lowered Smithsonian by the crane copper eagle Auxiliary Plate Settings to be displayed at onto the roof weather vane Department Headquarters in Winslow. Left to of Camden is a striking sight as it is lifted right, Post 30 Commander Frank Carr (sadly Post 30 Amer- into the air by crane at Ameri- missed), Department Adjutant Paul L’Heureux, and ican Legion building on May 18. can Legion Camden Post 30. Post 30 Historian Norman Carver. Weather Vane Camden & Cupola American Legion Post 30 Installation: Brian L. Buker Post 218 Builder: Carpenter Heath Maynard Barrett, left, and Fire Pit Raffle Tolman, a Skip Pierce, right,

Korean with the newly in- Drawing Date: November 15th stalled Smithsonian War Veter- Get your Fire Pit Raffle Ticket an, built Eagle weather vane and cupola. Today! $1 each or 6 for $5 The Ameri- can Legion Camden Contact Department HQ for tickets Post 30 building at 91 Pearl All photos by Camden Post 30 Historian at 207-873-3229 Street in the mid 1960’s. Paul Satkows

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Africa-Middle East Service Medal as well 2019, Mrs. Richards will be presented with as the World War II Victory Medal. In ad- these two awards. dition, Ranger Richards was awarded the Ranger Richards said that he was near- District 6 continued Combat Infantry Badge on Oct. 1, 1944 ly killed 3 times during the war, all three by during an announcement at Camp Butner, mortar rounds. One time was when he saw Tenants Harbor Post North Carolina, when several Rangers were a mortar round coming right at him. Proba- discharged from service. He earned this bly not really thinking about it, Ranger 34 Honors Veterans award while with the 4th Battalion, Darby’s Richards tried to catch the round. With his During Flag Raising Rangers. Ranger Richards was also award- arms outstretched he felt someone grab him ed the Combat Medic Badge, on July 7, from behind. The thing was, he was alone. Ceremony: Each year, 1945, in Oslo, Norway. He participated in The round hit right in front of Ranger Rich- Kinney-Melquist Post 34 hon- four beach assaults during the war, Sicily, ards but did not go off, a dud. Another time ors a Veteran with a flag rais- Salerno, Anzio and Southern France. earned him the Purple Heart while with the ing at the Memorial Ball Park Five days before his funeral, it was 4th Battalion on a mountain in Italy. This in Tenants Harbor. (Right discovered that Ranger Richards had been was probably during the winter battles for photo) Commander Thornton awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf San Pietro, Venafro and Cassino. Ranger Batty, Jr., presents a flag box Cluster as the result of being awarded his Richards only referred the mountain he was on April 13 to Donna Cline, two combat badges. A study in 1947, had wounded on as “that mountain.” left, daughter of Ralph Cline, Jr. (deceased). Ralph was the 2018 Honoree. (Left led to the policy of bestowing the Bronze During the early morning of May 23, photo) Commander Thornton Batty, Jr. , right, presents a flag box on April 13 to Star for being awarded the Combat Infantry Ranger Richards lost his last great battle Edgar Post, left, who is 98 years old, a World War II Veteran of the U.S.C.G., the and Combat Medic Badges. Richards did with cancer. In the end, his body was too 2019 Honoree, and a resident of South Thomaston. not know that he was awarded the Bronze weak for his heart to keep alive.

Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for his service Story by Post 37 Historian G. Lewis Robinson th with the 4 Battalion, Darby’s Rangers and Additional information and facts provided by Julie WWII Veteran Laid to Rest the 474th Infantry Regiment. On Aug. 17, Belanger, Descendants of WW2 Rangers n June 5, 2019, former Darby’s Rang- Ranger Richards. Everyone met on the O er, Lloyd D. Richards, was laid to rest same day beginning a series of interviews at the Sea View Cemetery in Rockport, and visits by Robinson. Maine. Ranger Richards had passed away From the meetings, a commemoration during the early hours of May 23, peaceful- was developed to honor Ranger Richards on ly at his home in Thomaston, after a last the 6th of June, as part of a celebration for Presentation of National Col- battle with cancer. His battle for life had the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. In addition ors to Mrs. Shirley Richards. begun at the age of two when he broke his to Darby’s Rangers, Ranger Richards also Photo by Julie Belanger back falling across a shaft between a tractor served with the First Special Service Force, and wagon. Told he would never walk the forerunner of today’s Special Forces, again, he beat it and walked while still a and the 474th Infantry Regiment (Separate) young boy. Because of his back, Ranger during his military service. The veteran Richards was told he would never be able to organizations for each unit were contacted enter military service multiple times. He and all contributed to what would have been beat that and, after finally a great commemoration. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... passing a physical, Ranger On the morning of May 23, Richards was drafted into the Robinson was called by Pas- Army on Dec. 9, 1942. tor Scheff and was told Rang- District 7 At the end of March, er Richards had passed away 2019, the Maine Department earlier that morning. Arrange- Boothbay Harbor Post 36; Damariscotta Post 42; Wiscasset Post 54; Waldoboro Post 149 of the American Legion was ments were made to hold a contacted by Pastor Peter Celebration of Life and recep- Scheff of the Abundant tion at the Abundant Grace Grace Fellowship Church in Fellowship Church in ‘A Vacation from All the Stares’ Searsmont. Pastor Scheff had Searsmont by Pastor Scheff. erviceman who lost leg thanks WMHS At the camp, everyone is used to seeing made arrangements for Legionnaire George Robin- S for Travis Mills Foundation fundrais- military wounds, and has their own story, Ranger Richards to partici- son, Jr. asked to speak, told of er. he said. pate in the 2019 Honor Ranger Richards’ military When Michael Liscomb and his fami- "Thank you, guys. What you did, the Flight to Washington, D. C. service. Prior to the beginning ly went to camp in 2017, no one was ask- money you donated, it's definitely going to that makes it possible for of the Celebration of Life, ing his wife or his children what happened help," he told the audience. When he fin- World War II and Korean Robinson, with the help of the to him. ished, students and staff applauded and War Veterans to be honored Funeral Home Director, The other spouses and children were rose to their feet. for their service to the United placed a World War issue in military families, so they didn't stare at "It meant a lot to see that," the States. Ranger Richards’ Ranger diamond above the device that replaced the left leg he lost Skowhegan man said in the lobby after- cancer had progressed to the Ranger Richards’ heart and a T-3 Lloyd D. Richards in 2017. The leg got slammed between a ward. “And it definitely shows that mili- point where he was unable to Canadian two dollar coin at Fort Dix, New Jer- Humvee and a pickup truck in 2008, dur- tary stuff means a lot to the teachers here participate in the flight. sey, Oct.-Nov. 1945 commemorating the First This was when Pastor Special Service Force in his ing Liscomb's tour of duty in Iraq. in Wiscasset and the students.” Scheff made contact with hand. Several operations followed, then the The fundraising and the show of sup- The American Legion, Department of With the assistance of the Post 37 infection that claimed his leg. port also impressed Post Commander Wil- Maine, and asked for their help in trying to Commander William Demmons and 2nd Those other families at the Travis liam Cossette Jr. “It was great to see the honor Ranger Richards in some way. On Vice-Commander Dawn Wright, as well as Mills Foundation camp understood, Lis- young people doing this. The kids have the weekend of March 30/31, the Maine Department of Maine Adjutant Paul L’Heu- comb said. "It's a vacation from all the worked so hard. So many young people Department was holding their first session reux and Department of Maine American- stares," he told Wiscasset Middle High don’t have any idea what’s going on with of the Legion College for 2019. Two mem- ism Officer Al McKay, a military funeral School students and staff in Stover Audi- veterans.” bers, Jeff Wright and Post Historian George was held at the Sea View Cemetery. Full torium Friday. Student Council President Matt Chap- Robinson, Jr., of the Williams-Brazier Post honors were given to Ranger Richards con- The school and American Legion Post man emceed the assembly. He and fellow 37, of Thomaston were attending the col- sisting of a Gun Salute by the local Marine 54 of Wiscasset donated a combined $400 student council members Chris Loyola and lege. Department of Maine Adjutant Paul Corps Honor Guard and the playing of Taps to the foundation. Staff and students raised Caleb Gabriele stood feet from Liscomb L’Heureux spoke with Wright about Ranger by Army personnel from Bangor. In addi- $277 in a recent McDonald's night. The for his speech. Then they all observed Richards. Wright then spoke with Robinson tion, the two soldiers folded the National student council added $23 to make an Cossette’s explaining to the audience a and they both decided to do what they could Colors and then presented it to the widow, even $300, and the Legion post gave $100, display honoring prisoners of war or those for Ranger Richards. Mrs. Shirley Richards. speakers at the afternoon assembly ex- missing in action: A candle for hope, the Wright had Ranger Richards’ infor- Ranger Richards was a brave and deco- plained. table's small size reflecting one person mation and called him to make arrange- rated soldier. He fought in five campaigns; Liscomb, an ambassador for the foun- against their oppressors, a rose for blood ments for the two Legionnaires to meet Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Southern France, dation, said he did not have words to de- the POW/MIA may have shed, a lemon Ranger Richards. In the meantime, Pastor Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was scribe what it meant to him when his fami- slice representing bitter pain, an inverted Scheff had made arrangements with Maine awarded the Purple Heart on Dec. 28, 1943, ly got to see him kayaking without any- television station, WABI, to run a story on Good Conduct Medal and the European- one's help, thanks to adaptive equipment. More on “ALL THE STARES”, Page 24

24 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Wiscasset Post 54 Parade Float: Ameri- continued can Legion Wiscasset Post District 7 54 parade float in this years Wiscasset 4th of July pa- on the student council’s behalf, praised rade. Grand Marshal Wil- “All the Stares” first-year WMHS Principal Charles Lo- (Continued from Page 23) liam Cossette Jr., command- monte for his work with the student coun- er of American Legion Post cil. The senior said he has never seen a 54 Wiscasset, and color glass for their absence, and a red ribbon for principal as involved with it. “He’s heard guard led off the parade. the determination to account for them. our voices a lot.” "It almost brought a tear to my eye, What did the recognition mean to Lo- for how much veterans have done for our monte? “Everything,” because it came country," Chapman said after the assembly from the students, he commented later. Students Share WWII D-Day about Cossette's and Liscomb's remarks. Student Council Advisor Deb Pooler “Every time I meet a veteran, I always said later, the kindness and responsibility Lesson with Post 54 Vets thank them for their service. They deserve Chapman showed that day was an example it for putting their life on the line, in guar- of why she loves her job: “The students.” iscasset Middle High School stu- an essay based on what they’d read at- anteeing our freedom.” By Susan Johns, Wiscasset Newspaper W dents shared their knowledge of D- tempting to put themselves in the shoes of Near the assembly’s close, Chapman, May 20, 2019 Day Friday afternoon with six veterans, all the D-Day participants. Several students members of the Bradford-Sortwell-Wright also built dioramas depicting the battle. Post 54 of the American Legion. Fraser reached out to Assistant Princi- D-Day, the most famous battle of pal Warren Cossette about inviting mem- World War II, was when the combined bers of the American Legion in Wiscasset Travis Mills Foundation Allied armies of the United States, United to attend. William Cossette, Warren’s fa- Ambassador Michael Liscomb speaks as Kingdom and Canada stormed the Nor- ther, serves as Post Commander of Post 54. Student Council members, from left, Matt mandy beaches of German-occupied Commander Cossette said the past Chapman, Caleb Gabriele and Chris Loyola France. The battle’s 75th anniversary is year has been particularly hard for Post 54. look on. June 6. “We lost what I’m quite certain were our

English teacher Michelle Fraser said last two Wiscasset World War II veterans, Photo by Susan Johns/Wiscasset Newspaper the program was part of her ninth grade’s George Jones and Roy Farmer,” he said. reading curriculum. She required her stu- Farmer was a 74-year member of Post 54. dents to read six texts on the battle. Cossette was grateful the high school “They really responded to the subject invited Post 54 to attend the program and matter so much that it evolved into a hands hear the students. He said it was important -on project,” she told the Wiscasset News- for young people to remember the many Members of Wiscasset Post paper. Among the facts the students sacrifices men and women made during 54 At Assembly: Left to right, learned was many of the soldiers on both WWII. American Legion Post 54 Service Of- sides of the battle weren’t much older than Other Post 54 Legionnaires attending ficer Neil Page, Historian Wally Pitcher, themselves. were John Kennedy, Cliff Hendricks, Wal- and Commander William Cossette Jr. “That made an impression on them ly Pitcher and Neil Page. along with the bravery demonstrated dur- D-Day facts: Photo by Susan Johns/Wiscasset Newspaper ing the fighting,” she said. -The battle centered around five One student noted the platoon leaders beaches that were code-named "Utah," were among the first soldiers to lose their "Omaha," "Gold," "Juno," and "Sword." lives when the Allies stormed the beaches; -D-Day was among the largest am- others had to step up and assume com- phibious assaults in military history. Wiscasset’s Fourth of July mand. -Over 425,000 Allied and German Among the quotes students shared troops were killed, wounded or went miss- Brings Fun, Smiles, Town Spirit from the battle was this one from an Amer- ing during the D-Day, also known as the ican private, the only survivor in his Battle of Normandy.

he Fourth of July is a memorable day where I am the commander of American launch boat: “(The) ramp went down and Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper T for many, and Wiscasset’s celebration Legion for Wiscasset and District 7. It is our captain was the first man off, and they News Contributor Phil Di Vece both honored veterans and had no shortage also the 110th anniversary for the Legion. just riddled him.” May 12, 2019 of fun. It’s great that there is a float in the parade The exercise included students writing Town events kicked off in the morn- and that I am able to lead it. It is very ing with a delicious pancake breakfast at worthwhile and it’s a great day!” Members of Morris Farm. Participants were invited to While waiting for the parade, recent attend the first-ever, free July 4 Communi- Wiscasset Middle High School graduate Bradford-Sortwell- ty Breakfast. When asked what formulated Zack Mank said he was most excited to see Wright Post 54 attend- the idea, Elizabeth Palmer, the operator of all of the cool floats. "I like the fireworks ing Friday afternoon’s pro- the Morris Farm store, said, “I’ve had so and the police cars. My favorite part of the gram at WMHS were, from much fun meeting people in this town, this Fourth of July is just hanging out with left, John Kennedy, Cliff Hen- is going to be my first Fourth of July pa- friends and family.” Mank was waiting dricks, Wally Pitcher, Com- rade as a Mainer, and the community with family to view the parade. mander William Cossette and breakfast is something that used to happen The route followed Hooper Street to Neil Page. here, and recently I started having a com- Federal Street, to Route 1, to Water Street, munity breakfast at the farm every Satur- then to the Recreation Pier. Families gath- day and, at one of those, ideas came up that ered along the route to enjoy the floats that we could have the Fourth of July one went by, along with the occasional throw- here.” ing of candy. Helping She also noted she was delighted be- After the parade, a continued tradition Construct cause she feels a lot of these events happen of the day included strawberry shortcake downtown and this is the farm in Wis- Wiscasset Yacht Club sold through 2 p.m. the casset’s backyard. “So I love the idea that Many people enjoyed this favored dessert Diorama: we could be a part of (the day).” over great conversations with friends and Tristan Pepe Line up for the parade was on Church- community members, and a beautiful view helped construct ill Street. This year, the Grand Marshal of the waterfront. this diorama de- William Cossette Jr., commander of Amer- picting the WWII ican Legion Post 54 Wiscasset, and color Published in Boothbay Register/ WMHS English D-Day battle. Wiscasset Newspaper guard led off the parade. When asked how Vanessa Dunn News Contributor teacher Michelle Fraser he felt about the honor, Cossette said, “I July 11, 2019 and Cliff Hendricks am very happy to be selected ... especially from Wiscasset Post 54. Photos by Phil Di Vece/Wiscasset Newspaper

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 25

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Command and Staff College in 1999, and opportunities her military service provided. Air War College in 2003. She was recently elected commander While serving in the Air Force, Wal- of the American Legion post in Waldoboro. District 7 continued lace had some interesting assignments. She She is proud and honored to be the first was chief of professional staff management female commander of her hometown post, at the Office of the Surgeon General, Bol- which she joined with her father in the mid- First Female Commander of Waldoboro ling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. 1970s. She served as flight commander of the In her role as commander, she plans to Legion a 34-Year Veteran 319th Recruiting Squadron at Portsmouth, promote programs that benefit all veterans N.H. for all New England states, and was and their families. She is also an active he first female commander of the Amer- how much she enjoyed the water. commended for leading her team to success member of the American Legion Auxiliary T ican Legion post in Waldoboro is a na- On June 9, 1972, her 18th birthday, she in all programs. in Waldoboro. tive of Waldoboro and 1972 graduate of enlisted in the Navy and began a long and In 2003, she was assigned to Randolph Wallace is a mother of four sons: Ian Medomak Valley High School who served accomplished military career. Air Force Base in Texas as deputy chief, Montgomery, the late Elliot Montgomery, in the military for nearly 34 years. U.S. Navy, 1972-1976 Physician Utilization Branch, Air Force Aren Montgomery, and Chade Montgom- Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donna After enlisting in the Navy, Wallace Personnel Center. Her duties included re- ery. Wallace was in the military from 1972-2006. was sent to Orlando, Fla. for boot camp, sponsibility for assignments and career She enjoys spending time with her She was in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy Re- followed by training as a dental technician in management for over 3,600 physicians. granddaughter, Izabella Montgomery, who serve, and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve before San Diego, Calif. She served as a dental Wallace retired from the Air Force on was the Waldoboro auxiliary unit’s 2019 serving her final 20 years on active duty as technician throughout most of her time with Jan. 1, 2006. She was honored for her ser- Poppy Girl, and she is looking forward to an officer in the Air Force. She is now com- the Navy. vice at Randolph Air Force Base on Dec. soon having a new grandson. mander of Charles C. Lilly Post No. 149. She was stationed at the Naval Post- 28, 2005. Wallace has traveled to all 50 states Wallace is the daughter of the late graduate School in Monterey, Calif. before She has been awarded the Air Force and more than a dozen countries. She has Douglas and Marjorie Wallace. She, along being separated from active duty in August Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Re- hiked 200 miles from Porto, Portugal to with her sister, Leona, and two brothers, 1976 with the rank of petty officer second serve Medal, Coast Guard Reserve Good Santiago de Compestelo, Spain; seen the Douglas and Dana, was raised on a large class. Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Arctic and Antarctic; and sailed from farm in Waldoboro with about 1,000 laying Navy Reserve, 1976-1978 Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal Friendship, Maine to Bermuda. But there is hens. Her father also worked as a commer- From 1976-1978, she served in the Na- with three Oak Leaf Clusters, National De- no other place she would want to live, she cial fisherman to support the family. vy Reserve in Maine and California. Back in fense Service Medal, and Navy Good Con- said, than in her hometown of Waldoboro.

Wallace and her father, a veteran of Waldoboro, she decided to go back to school duct Medal. By Charlotte Boynton World War II, were close. When she was in and further her education. Ongoing Service The Lincoln County News the reserves, she hauled lobster traps with While pursuing an associate degree in Wallace said she is grateful for the July 2, 2019 him while going to college. dental hygiene, she went lobstering with her “My dad was my best friend all through father. Her father built her a 17-foot wooden life, right up to the day he died at the age of lapstrake skiff to haul her own lobster traps 90,” Wallace said. with. He had built his own 29-foot lobster Her father enlisted in the U.S. Army at boat, the MASSU, that was his pride and the age of 18. After basic training, he was joy, according to his daughter. A 19 Year Old U.S. Navy Seaman Apprentice Don- assigned to the U.S. Army Air Forces 5th Coast Guard Reserve, 1978-1986 na Wallace in 1973. Wallace would go on to serve nearly Division. In 1978, Wallace transferred into the 34 years in the military before retiring and returning to U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. She served in On Christmas Day 1943, he was on a her native Waldoboro. transport ship in an 80-ship convoy on its Maine and California until 1986. way to the Philippines when the convoy was She earned an associate degree in dental Photo courtesy Donna Wallace attacked by Japanese kamikazes. hygiene from the University of Maine at Her father told her two kamikazes flew Orono in 1979, a bachelor’s degree in dental over his ship, each crashing into a ship on health technology from the University of either side of his. The impact from the ex- Washington in Seattle in 1980, and a Master plosions on those two ships caused signifi- of Business Administration from New cant damage to his ship, with the crew hang- Hampshire College in 1986. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... ing on while the Japanese continued to at- After receiving her master’s degree, tack. Wallace applied for a commission in the Air Donna Wallace remembers asking her Force “and was blessed to be accepted,” she District 8 father if he was afraid. After a brief pause, said. he said, “No. We thought we were going to She achieved the rank of petty officer Brunswick Post 20; Bath Post 21; Harpswell Post 171; Thompson Post 202; Phippsburg Post 216 die. We had accepted the fact we were not first class in the Coast Guard Reserve. going home to our families and I was just U.S. Air Force, 1986-2006 waiting for death to come.” Wallace was commissioned a second But her father survived and was in Ja- lieutenant in the Air Force in April 1986. Brunswick Post 20 & Unit 20 pan when the Japanese surrendered in Au- She was assigned as chief, Administrative gust 1945. He received the Purple Heart for Division, School of Health Care Sciences, at Celebrate 100th Anniversary: injuries received during that attack, as well Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. George T. Files American Legion Post 20 as the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, She was promoted to first lieutenant in Brunswick and American Legion Auxiliary Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation November of the same year. She reached the Unit 20 Brunswick celebrated their 100th Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. rank of captain in 1988, major in 1996, and Anniversary in July. Pictured are Unit 20 After graduating from high school, lieutenant colonel in 2000. Auxiliary President Melissa Farris and Donna Wallace wanted to continue to learn, She still had a desire to learn. In 2000, Post 20 Commander David Watson. but knew her family did not have the money she completed a residency with PacifiCare to send her to college. She talked to her fa- of Texas and received a master’s degree in ther about going into the military to serve health care administration from Baylor Uni- her country and further her education. Her versity in Texas. She also took advantage of father suggested the Navy, because he knew education offered by the Air Force, attend- ing Squadron Officer School in 1993, Air

First Female Commander Of Waldoboro Post 149: Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donna Wallace is the first female The Original Charter For Post 20 commander of the Charles C. Lilly American Legion Post No. 149 in her hometown of From 1919 which was given as a surprise Waldoboro. gift to the Post from member Albert Farris & his wife Auxiliary President Melissa Farris. Photo by Charlotte Boynton/Lincoln County News

26 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Fundraising Event: Phipps- burg Post 216 members work with District 8 continued the community in providing lawn care services to the Tax Brackett II on June 15. This event is a fund- raiser for American Legion pro- grams and events. Brunswick Flag Day Disposal Ceremony: George T. Files Post 20 of Photo by Chilloa Young Brunswick conducted a Flag Disposal Cere- mony at the Joshua Chamberlain Statue on Sat., June 15. Officiating was Post 20 Com- WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... mander David Watson, Post Chaplain Read Rich & Post Member Mike Hory. District 9 Augusta Post 2; Gardiner Post 4; Waterville Post 5; Hallowell Post 6; Winthrop Post 40; Oakland Post 51; Togus Post 90; No. Vassalboro Post 126; Richmond Post 132; So. China Post 179; Litchfield Post 181; Clinton Post 186; China Post 195; Monmouth Post 204; Augusta Post 205 Scouts Present Flags For Disposal: Bruns- Gardiner Post 4 Recognizes Two wick Post 20 conduct- ed a Flag Disposal Exceptional Students: Smith-Wiley Post Ceremony at the Josh- 4 Americanism Officer Roger Paradis, center, ua Chamberlain Stat- went to the Gardiner Middle School on June 10 ue on June 15. (Left to present a Certificate and a Brass Medallion to Photo) The first folded 2 exceptional students, Dakota Lovely, left, and flag was presented for Avery Markos, right. For 3 years, they have ex- disposal by Girl Scout celled at school in the following qualities of Cour- Troop 2441 member Emma Farris, left, with the assistance of Post 20 Sergeant- age, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship At-Arms Carl Curtis. (Right Photo) Subsequent flags were presented for disposal and Service. by members of Cub Scout Pack 648 Den 1.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Hory Americanism Awards Presented By Hallowell Post 6: Goodrich-Caldwell Post 6 presents Americanism Awards for the graduating Hall-Dale 8th Grade class on Wed., June 19. Americanism Awards for the Hall-Dale Senior class were also presented along with acknowledg- ment of the nine graduating band members who supported The American Legion over the past four years at parades in Hallowell. Left to right, Hugh Stevens, Mike Madden, and Post Commander Maureen Malley. Harpswell Post 171 Flag Day 2019 Celebration: Left to right, Harpswell Post 171 Flag Bill O’Connell, Steve Collins, Bill Allen, Disposal: Steve Collins and Bill MVH June Birthday Commander Mike Doyle, Bob Webber, O’Connell prepare for unservicea- Celebrations: Goodrich-Caldwell Al Golden. Not shown are John Ott and ble flag disposal. Post 6, Hallowell, prepares cake and ice

Paul Standridge. Photo by John Ott cream for 31 residents of Maine Veterans Photo by John Ott Home in Augusta on June 21. Birthday gifts were presented to 11 members who were celebrating their birthday in June. Left to right, Post Commander Maureen Harpswell Post 171 Malley, Dave Ranslow, Judy Madden, Memorial Day March: Larry Auger, Hugh Stevens, and Dana Harpswell Post 171 members Parker. Steve Mairs was the coordinator marching in the 2019 Memorial for the 100th Anniversary Committee Day Parade. and is seen here in the far back.

Photo by Donna Frisoli Hallowell Post 6 100th Anniversary Event: Hallowell Post 6 held a 100th Anniversary event honoring its current Past Commanders at a Harpswell Post 171 banquet in conjunction with the Memorial Day 2019: Left to installation of the new officers right, Chris Collins, Chuck Collins, for 2019-2020 on Monday, May Bob Webber, Jim Swol, Howard Yan- 13. Guest speakers were De- ik, Matt Maurer, John Ott, Steve Col- partment Adjutant Paul L'Heu- lins, Bill O’Connell (hidden), Mike reux, Past National Command- Doyle, and Paul Standridge (who er Anthony "Tony" Jordan. Installing Officer was Past Department Command- played Taps). er Brenda Dearborn. Past Commanders, left to right, Steve Mairs, Dana Parker,

Photo by James Chan Gerald Stuart, Ernest DeRaps, Robert Stubbs, Maureen Malley, Mike Madden, Peter DeRaps, and Roger Theberge. Guests included Department 2nd Vice Commander Debra Couture and Area 4 Commander Greg Couture.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... tribute to America’s fallen heroes and Family Tax Relief Act, bipartisan legisla- honor the sacrifices of America’s Veter- tion that would provide financial relief ans and their families. Earlier in May, for the families of U.S. service members District 9 continued Senator King joined a group of his Senate who have died while on active duty. colleagues to introduce the Gold Star th www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases Hallowell Post 6 100 June 14, 2019 Birthday Celebration: Goodrich-Caldwell Post 6, Hal- lowell, celebrate their 100th birthday on June 28 with many Senator King friends and guests including members of the City Council, Meets With Senator Shenna Bellows, Depart- Local Veterans ment Commander Matthew Jab- at Carrie Ricker aut and Department Adjutant School in Litchfield on Paul L'Heureux; Hosted by Post Flag Day, June 14. 6 Commander Maureen Malley.

Color Guard Joins Hall-Dale Little League Program: Goodrich-Caldwell Post 6 Hallowell Color Guard joined the Hall-Dale Little League Program for their opening day ceremony Student Salutes Flag On Grave: on May 4. Left to right, Comrades, Ser- Abby Lovering of Oak Hill Middle School of geant-At-Arms Tim McGuire, Past Com- Wales salutes the flag on the grave she has mander Steven Mairs, Past Chaplain Lar- decorated at Plains Cemetery in Litchfield. ry Auger, Building Committeeman Car- st The Oak Hill Middle School decorated roll Whitman, Adjutant Jerry Stuart, 1 the cemetery with flags in honor of our de- Vice Commander Lew Gibson. In attend- ceased Veterans for Memorial Day. American ance Commander Maureen Malley, Scout Legion Post 181, Litchfield, works with the Master Glen Glidden and Scout Troop 674 members with many family and students each year and teaches them about friends. flag etiquette. King Celebrates Flag Day at Carrie Ricker School in Litchfield WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... itchfield, Maine – Today, U.S. Sena- fices made by our men and women in District 10 L tor Angus King (I-Maine) attended defense of those national ideals. Our free- the ninth annual RSU4 Flag Day Ceremo- doms are not guaranteed – they must be Fairfield Post 14; Skowhegan Post 16; Pittsburg Post 32; Madison Post 39; Bingham Post 99; ny at Carrie Ricker School in Litchfield. nurtured and protected by each successive Jackman Post 122; Hartland Post 141; New Portland Post 173; Athens Post 192 The Senator joined K-5 students and fac- generation. Today, I had the wonderful ulty, area Veterans, and Litchfield and opportunity to celebrate this flag, and all it Sabattus community members in honoring stands for, with the next generation who Skowhegan Post 16 the flag, remembering fallen service mem- will carry forward our ideals so that the Installation Ceremony: bers, and celebrating the perseverance, star spangled banner may continue to fly Skowhegan Post 16 held their bravery, and determination of all who from sea to shining sea.” Installation of Officers at the work to keep the nation safe. Earlier this month, Senator King took part Post home on May 5 with De- “Years ago – after hearing our nation- in the bipartisan Senate delegation to Nor- partment Adjutant Paul L’Heu- al anthem sung thousands of times at civic mandy, France, to commemorate the 75th reux as their Installation Of- events or ballgames – I had a realization: anniversary of the D-Day invasion by ficer. Front row, left to right, the first stanza of the Star Spangled Ban- Allied forces during World War II. The Finance Officer Gary Orcutt, ner ends with a question,” said Senator 75th anniversary ceremony honored the 2nd Vice Commander Roger King. “The final line goes: ‘Oh, say does sacrifice and heroism of those who Brown, Commander Steve st that star spangled banner yet wave, O'er fought, including the more than 2,500 Spaulding, 1 Vice Commander the land of the free and the home of the Americans who died that day and the Greg Dore, and Service Officer brave?’ That question mark is significant thousands more who were wounded. Ira Stoddard. Back row, left to right, Chaplain & Historian Tina Richard, Ser- – and I think the answer lies in the line There are 83 soldiers from Maine buried geant-At-Arms Daphne Pratt, Americanism Officer Bob Mercer and Depart- itself. This flag will continue to fly over at the cemetery, six of whom died on D- ment Adjutant Paul L' Heureux. the land of the free, as long as we are the Day. During his visit to Normandy, Sena- home of the brave. On Flag Day, we have tor King met with World War II Veterans Madison an opportunity to reflect on both the val- who made the trip for the occasion. Maine ues that our flag represents, and the sacri- veterans in attendance included Charles Post 39 Norman Shay, a Penobscot Honor Tribal Elder and Veteran who Guard: served as a combat medic dur- Madison Post ing the D-Day invasion and is 39 has a 12- the namesake for the Charles man Funeral Senator King Shay Indian Memorial in Nor- calls on a student Detail that mandy that honors the service provides ser- during the ninth of Native Americans during annual RSU4 Flag vices upon World War II; and Henry Bre- request from Day Ceremony at ton, an Augusta Veteran who Carrie Ricker the local funeral homes for any deceased Veteran. They currently work with was one of four brothers to Guiberson’s in Madison and Smart & Edward’s in Skowhegan. This service is School in Litch- serve during World War II. field. coordinated with the Military Flag Folding detail, the surviving families’ wishes, On Memorial Day, Senator and the attending clergy. Post 39 also provide the Legion Hall for “Celebrations King joined community mem- of Life” and will provide a Legion Funeral Ceremony for these upon request. bers at Maine Veterans’ Memo- Left to right, Aaron Rollins, Pete Petersen, Dale Bickford, Vincent Santoni, and rial Cemetery in Augusta to pay John Ziacoma.

28 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Hermon Post 200 Flag Retirement: A total of 15 Legion members were present District 12 for Hermon Post 200 Flag Re- Bar Harbor Post 25; Ellsworth Post 63; Southwest Harbor Post 69; Blue Hill Post 85; Bucksport Post 93; tirement Ceremony held in Stonington Post 102; Northeast Harbor Post 103; Trenton Post 207 June. Members present were from Bangor Post 12, Etna- Carmel Post 104, and Hermon Post 25 Post 200. This year, the grade Recognition school was having an assembly for all students but were unable to attend. Hold- Ceremony For ing the large flag, left to right, Henry Rideout, John King, and Lynwood Quimby. This Veterans: Photo by Post Adjutant/Finance Officer Tom Carle group of Veteran-era military Veterans WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... were honored Satur- day, June 22 at a recognition ceremony hosted by the American Legion George Edwin Kirk Post 25 in Bar Harbor. Each District 14 Veteran received a pin and personal thanks from Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmie Dover-Foxcroft Post 29; Milo Post 41; Dexter Post 53; Brownville-Jct. Post 92; Greenville Post 94; W. Spencer, U.S. Army, Ret. Monson Post 116; Guilford Post 119; Sangerville Post 165

Islander Photo by Liz Graves June 27, 2019 Greenville Post 94 Find Grave Markers at WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Rockwood Cemetery hese Grave Markers were found next to the corner of the Legion Hall for 6 months, District 13 T the Cross in the rear section of the one of the members took the Markers to his Rockwood Cemetery in year 2002 by a home to clean, preserve and build a wall Bangor Post 12; East Millinocket Post 13; Corinna Post 73; Old Town Post 85; Lincoln Post 77; Millinocket Post 80; Orono Post 84; Howland Post 97; Brewer Post 98; Newport Post 105; member of The American Legion Auxiliary rack for display. When completed, it was Etna-Carmel Post 107; East Corinth Post 115; Lee Post 160; Hermon Post 200; Greenville Unit 94 while cleaning the ceme- voted to mount the Markers on the wall of Dixmont Post 201; Glenburn Post 211; Hampden Post 213 tery. They were taken to the nearby church the Post home for display. and placed in the basement in hopes of find- Members are still searching for any ing information on who and why they were information on why they were left next to Etna-Carmel Post 107 Placement left there in a pile next to the Cross. the Cross at the Rockwood Cemetery and Of Veterans Memorial Flags: Four As time went by, they were forgotten where they came from. If anyone has any American Legion members, Ryan Simpson, his about, and while cleaning the basement of information on the Markers, we ask that you wife, and his daughter from Carmel placed the church in 2018, they were located again please contact The American Legion Green- flags on Veterans’ graves in four cemeteries on and brought to The American Legion ville Post 94.

May 18. The members were District 13 Com- Greenville Post 94 to see what should be By Greenville Post 94 Adjutant Butch Billing mander Don Candage, Post Commander Bob done with these Markers. After setting in Sibley, Post 2nd Vice Commander Ansel Cetter- man, and District 13 Historian Tom Carle. Left Markers On Display: Top center, 1607-1775 Coloni- to right, Don Candage, Mrs. Simpson, Ryan al War; second row, left to right, 1917-1918 World War I, Simpson with his daughter in front. Army-Navy; 1846-1847 Mexican War, U.S. Veteran; 1622- 1624 Indian War Veteran; 1898-1902 Spanish-American War; 1917-1918 World War I, Army-Navy; bottom row, left Etna-Carmel Post 107 to right, 1941-1945 World War II; 1775 ASR, Sons of the American Revolution; 1861-1865 U.S. Civil War; 1812 War Installation Of Officers: Past of 1812; 1941-1945 World War II. District 13 Commander Bill Benson performed the installation ceremony May 16 at the Etna-Carmel Post home. Greenville High School Students Learn Left to right, Past District 13 Com- mander Bill Benson, Service Officer About Dirigo Boys & Girls State Program Matt Stenieros, Sergeant-At-Arms George Edwards, Adjutant/Finance reenville High School Students attend- son, right, and Greenville High School Eng- Officer Don Candage, 2nd Vice Com- G ing the 2019 Dirigo Boys and Girls lish teacher & Boys State Contact Alan. st State Program met with the 2018 Graduates The Dirigo Boys and Girls State Pro- mander Ansel Cutterman, and Commander Bob Sibley. Absent from photo, 1 and American Legion and American Legion grams are sponsored by The American Le- Vice Commander J Pike, Chaplain Dave Roberts, Historian John Smart, and Auxiliary Representatives to learn about the gion and American Legion Auxiliary which Americanism Officer Enrlyn Bowers. program. Pictured from left to right are: is designed to educate high school juniors in Photo by District 13 Historian Tom Carle Seniors Delanie Boone and Nick Caiazzo the importance of our state, county and 2018 Graduates; Juniors Chris Caiazzo and local forms of democratic government. Stu- Thomas Watt scheduled to attend Dirigo dents attend a 5-day course at Thomas Col- Hermon Post 200 Boys State and Halle Pelletier, Allison Sav- lege (Boys) and Husson University (Girls) Installation Ceremony: Her- ery, and Bianca Breton scheduled to attend and learn the functions of Maine’s govern- mon Post 200 held their Installation of Dirigo Girls in June. (Absent from photo ment structure through role playing activi- Officers Ceremony at their regular are Noah Bilodeau and Aubrey Kronholmn ties. meeting on May 30. Front row, left to who will also attend Dirigo Boys State). Photo by Greenville Auxiliary Unit 94 right, Adjutant/Finance Officer Tom Greenville Post 94 Commander Pete John- President Nancy Billing Carle and Commander Ron Judkins. Middle row, left to right, Historian/ Americanism Officer Norman Michaud, District 13 Commander Tom Healey, and 2nd Vice Commander Lyn- wood Quimby. Back row, left to right, Membership Committeeman John Clark, District 13 Sergeant-At-Arms/Chaplain Bob Sibley, Chaplain Jack Camp- bell, Sergeant-At-Arms Myron Frith, and Service Officer Peter Mead. Installing Officers were District 13 Commander Tom Healey and District 13 Sergeant-At-

Arms/Chaplain Bob Sibley. Photo by Post 200 Member Ron Judkins

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 29

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... end the War in Europe defeating Nazi Ger- sidewalk there in Cherryfield, his story many and destroying Adolf Hitler’s plan to came rushing out. He was a combat Ranger dominate Europe from the British Isles to and had gone ashore on Omaha Beach in continued the Ural Mountains. Most adults are famil- the dark prior to the actual invasion with District 14 iar with “D” Day from the movies. “The his Ranger Team to clear avenues of ap- Squad Of Girl Scouts Assist At Longest day” in black and white and Tom proach up the beach through barb wire en- th Hank’s in “Saving Private Ryan” burned tanglements. The defending Germans on July 4 Parade: Greenville Post 94 Le- the image of those landing craft on the Nor- the cliffs above did not fire on them wait- gionnaire Jim McKeon, a 53 year member of mandy beaches of Utah, Omaha, Sword and ing for the main invasion force so that their The American Legion and a Legion College Gold into people’s brains with the horror defensing firing would be as deadly as pos- Graduate, is shown with his Squad of Girl th and death coloring the sand and water red sible. Joe’s Ranger group made it to the Scout assistants at the Greenville July 4 Pa- with the blood of thousands of American, base of the cliffs and waited for the assault. rade. Assisting Jim and Legionnaire Brenda British and Canadian soldiers as they As dawn broke, they sat there, relatively Nicholas (not shown). Left to right, Girl stormed, crawled and washed up on the safe against the cliff and watched the Scouts Addi Menz, Katie Hanson, Allie Kane French shore. The surviving participants slaughter on the beach as thousands of their and Nola Mason. The young Scouts whom we have known never talked about fellow American soldiers died in front of passed out over 1,400 flags to young people it. I remembered taking a young friend to their unbelieving eyes. Tears rolled down and spectators at this year’s parade until they ran out of flags. They are planning the “Saving Private Ryan” showing at the Joe’s face and he shook as the pain welled to more than double that number next year. Milbridge Theater and there were a number up out of him. I was so shaken by this event of old “guys” in the audience. During those as I had no idea and it caught me by such WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Normandy scenes, sobbing and crying surprise – we hugged impulsively, each could be heard in the dark. I explained to needing the support to stay on our feet. I my young friend that those had to be WWII got Joe into his truck so he could sit down District 15 Veterans reliving the horror of their memo- as I excused myself to get home and sit ries shut away for all those years. Some- myself. The next time I saw Joe, we never Calais Post 3; Cherryfield Post 8; Machias Post 9; Eastport Post 11; Baileyville Post 23; time later, I ran into Joe Cummings coming mentioned that event and it never came up Danforth Post 45; Pembroke Post 59; Lubec Post 65; Jonesport Post 108; out of the bank and casually asked if he had again in the few years left before his death. Vanceboro Post 172; Topsfield Post 191 seen the movie. I knew that he was a Veter- Yes! An eyewitness to “D” Day that made an of the Battle of the Bulge in December it so real for me all these years later, it still Calais Post 3 Meet & Greet: Calais 1944 but had no idea how or when he had shakes me today and made more poignant Post 3 held their “Veterans Meet & Greet" on landed in France. A look came over his by that lonely cross in a shady corner of the April 30 with a great turnout of U.S. Army Vet- face and he said: “Oh my God, you just Normandy Cemetery. erans and U.S. Marine Veterans. The next one don’t know, Peter!” As we stood on the PS: We returned to Normandy this was Memorial Day May 27. Starting "Project year for Memorial Day and the D Branch of Service Flags" Phase I this week. Still Day remembrance. Even with the accepting donations. Any correspondence, con- thousands in attendance, that tact Commander Calais Sherman Brothers Post The Lonely remote end of the cemetery and 3, P O Box 311, Calais, ME 04619; email: that lonely cross were just as I [email protected]; Facebook: Calais American Cross – left them last year. A group of Legion. Tel: 207-214-4410. Please leave message. French middle school children “Known but came by and since I had my uni- to God” : Re- form on, the teacher asked me to membering the 75th speak with the children. It was a Anniversary of D- wonderful opportunity to educate Flags Placed On Fallen Day is 1LT Peter them about what their freedom Veterans Graves: Calais Post 3 Duston, USA-ret, cost with the blood of our young soldiers buried there. Commander Mike McLean and Maine Army Bugler. Senator Marianne Moore place flags on Written by 1LT Peter Duston, USA-ret, Army Bugler Fallen Veterans Graves at the Calais June 6, 2019 Cemetery.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT...

th District 16 A Lonely Cross – Remembering the 75 Caribou Post 15; Fort Fairfield Post 27; Houlton Post 47; Washburn Post 48; Oakfield Post 52; Presque Anniversary of D-Day Isle Post 88; Mars Hill Post 118; Limestone Post 127; Easton Post 187; Masardis Post 208

t was a lonely cross engraved: “Known breathed a solemn prayer and stood at bu- American Legion Post No. 47 I but to God.” gler attention to play the very best Taps I Last June, my wife and I visited the could muster. This unknown’s grave was Celebrates Flag Day U.S. military cemetery on the bluff over- the farthest grave from the main Memorial, looking Utah Beach on the Normandy coast so I figured he never got to hear Taps where OULTON - There are many myths what they are doing.” where the D-Day invasion took place 75 he lay during the various memorial pro- H and misconceptions when it comes to “The flag code originated from Con- years ago. We were in France with the grams over the years. As I meditated in that the proper etiquette for displaying the gress in June of 1923,” Riley explained. Washington County Children’s Chorus who shaded glen, I experienced a feeling of awe American Flag. “Over the years, there have been many were on a singing tour. I had brought my and was reminded that freedom is not free. So on Flag Day, Fri., June 14, Ameri- revisions to that code. In 1976, Congress beat-up Boy Scout bugle with the goal of The beginning of the end of the “Big can Legion Post No. 47 in Houlton felt it revised the code to state that the flag was a playing Taps in that sacred place. There One” as many Veterans called WWII was was fitting for their group to recognize living symbol of a living country. That is were tour buses, a huge car park and easily Liberation Summer – 1944. Five years ago, those businesses and individuals who why we honor and respect the flag.” several hundred visitors and no quiet or a huge celebration of remembrance took properly display the flag during a special There are a number of myths sur- personal place for me to play Taps. Wanting place in France remembering the 70th Anni- breakfast and ceremony. rounding the proper display of an Ameri- to get away from the crowds, I followed the versary. Many WWII Veterans attended. Post Adjutant Gerry Riley said the can Flag. One myth states that only the walkway along the bluff overlooking the This year, their ranks will be significantly Legion felt it was important to recognize current version of the American Flag, with English Channel to the farthest end of the thinned. A million people assembled on the those businesses and individuals who go all 50 stars, may be flown. Actually, ac- cemetery passing row upon rows of white Western French coast to commemorate the above and beyond with their displays of the cording to the code, a U.S. flag never be- crosses and a few Stars of David each bear- opening event of Liberation Summer, the American Flag. comes obsolete, therefore, any prior ver- ing witness to the soldier buried in that sa- Normandy invasion. “D” Day, June 6, 1944, “Often when we get together here at sions of the U.S. flag are acceptable to dis- cred ground. The crosses were arranged so saw the greatest amphibious landing of the Legion, members have stated ‘Wow, play. that they ended on that single lonely cross at troops and equipment ever in the history of this person has a nice flag display,” or Another myth states one must destroy an apex of that remote section. I was alone warfare. The opening of the Western Front “That business really did a nice job with a flag when it touches the ground, while with that unknown soldier and no other would reinforce the Eastern Front of the their flag,’” Riley said. “We decided it was visitors in sight. I took a deep breath, advancing Soviet Army and within a year time for us to tell people we appreciate More on “POST 47 FLAG DAY”, Page 30

30 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Flag Raising at Caribou Veterans District 16 continued Memorial Cemetery lag raising took place at the Caribou a Veterans Organization are as follows: another false statement is that the flag code photograph the displays, which resulted in a F Veterans Cemetery on May 14 at 11:00 All deceased Veterans: 1. Donald Col- prohibits washing or dry cleaning of a flag. group of more than 20 potential honorees. a.m. THIS IS THE ONLY VETERANS lins, 2. Larry Kingsbury, U.S. Army Vi- In actuality, there are no such codes prohib- That group was narrowed down to six busi- CEMETERY IN THE UNITED STATES etnam Veteran, 3. Michael Picard, U.S. iting washing a flag. nesses and six individuals who were recog- TO DO THIS EVERY YEAR. The 30 Army Airborne Veteran, 4. Colonel Lee A. One of the most common myths, how- nized during the ceremony. flags are sponsored by family members, a Wilber J. Doody, 5. Clayton Harrington, ever, is that the code no longer requires a Honored during the meeting were resi- friend of a deceased Veteran, or a Veterans U.S. Army World War II Veteran, 6. Boyd flag flown at night to be illuminated. dents Carl Lord, Larry and Judy Suitter, Organization. Each U.S. Flag sponsored Nelson, Veteran, According to the American Legion flag Galen and Barbara Hogan, Barbara Foster, have a representative of that person or or- 7. Frederick Hafford, U.S. Army etiquette booklet, “It is the universal custom Matt and Cheryl Quint and Dana and Mary ganization raise the U.S. Flag at the same World War I Veteran, 8. Nizar Hafford, to display the flag only from sunrise to sun- Williamson, and businesses F.A. Peabody time. The Flags are raised on this day and World War I Army Veteran, 9. Alton Dun- set on buildings and on stationary flag staffs Company, Smith and Wesson, McDonald’s, will stay until after Veterans Day in No- ham, Korean War Veteran, 10. Lester Jun- in the open. However, when a patriotic ef- Houlton Water Company, Dunn Funeral vember. They will Fly 24/7. In November, kins, World War II Veteran, 11. CPL Don- fect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 Home and J. McLaughlin Construction. if the sponsor would like to have the flag ald P. Rafford, Korean War Veteran, 12. hours a day if properly illuminated during Chaplin Dean Mitchell opened and back at that time, it will be saved for them. Christian O. Guerrette, U.S. Army Veteran, the hours of darkness.” closed the ceremony in prayer and also sang Sometimes these flag are battered and torn, 13. Alonzo Keaton Jr, U.S. Army Korean Marking the first year that the Legion the National Anthem during the breakfast so if the sponsor would like to have it be- War, 14. Richard Bragdon, U.S. Army Ko- has lauded businesses and individuals for Published in The County, Bangor Publishing fore, they can replace the one that is flying rean War Veteran, 15. Robert Estes, U.S. their flag displays, Riley said he hopes it Company and have their flag earlier then November. Army Korean War Veteran, 16. Maynard K will be something that continues each year. June 14, 2019 Flag Raising itinerary/event for this year McIntyre, U.S. Army Veteran, 17. Norstate A committee was formed to review and By Joseph Cyr was hosted by the Northern Maine Veterans Federal Credit Union for all deceased Vet- Cemetery Corporation. erans, 18. Raymond Doucette, U.S. Army Opening Ceremonies by Larry Theri- World War II Veteran and Scott Sylvester Flag Day Recognition ault U.S. Marine Corp, 19. Aurele Doucette, Ceremony: Gerry Riley, right, Adju- Posting of Colors by Loring Job Corps Rodney Ayotte, Donald Dumond, Randy tant for The American Legion Post No. 47 Students Anderson, Philip Dufour, and Daniel Mar- in Houlton, welcomes those in attendance Invocation by Father David Cote, Re- tin, 20. Hurbain Cote, U.S. Maine Corp for the Post’s first “Flag Day Recognition tired U.S. Air Force Colonel Vietnam, 21. O’Neal Labbe, U.S. Army Ceremony” on Fri., June 14. The Post hon- National Anthem by Vicki King, Cari- Vietnam, 22. Nathan Randolph, Vietnam ored six individuals and six businesses for bou High School Chorus Veteran, 23. Claude Guerrette, World War their displays of the American Flag. Reading of the Veterans and their II Veteran, 24. Claude Guerette, 25. Wade sponsors by flag number. Smith Korean War Veteran, 26. Neal Poem Reading by Ted Clark, grandson O’Rourke and William Michaud, 27. Hur- of Larry Theriault bain Cote, Herbert Weaver, Louis Display of Proper Flag Performance by the Caribou High Lavasseur, Norman Beaupre, and Peter School Chorus Miesburger, 28. Robert Ellinwood, Ernest Etiquette: Carl Lord, left, was one of 21 Gun Salute by the American Legion Berube, Wilbert J. Bouchard, Edmond O. the six private individuals lauded Fri., Riders Chapter 147 of Madawaska Damboise, and Larry West, 29. Leo A. June 14, by The American Legion Post Taps played by Meagan Dube, grand- Gregoire, Richard A. Hammond, Richard O No. 47 for his display of proper flag eti- daughter of a deceased Veteran Alonzo Learnard, John C. McAtee, and John M. quette. Presenting him with a certificate is Keaton Jr. Michaud, 30. William J. Ossenfort, Daniel Post Finance Officer Dan Blake. Invocation given by Father David Core L. Peter, George G. Rowan, Roy Bilman, Closing Remarks Larry Theriault and Erben Wardwell.

List of Veterans Honored by Family or By Bridget Daigle

F.A. Peabody’s Flag Etiquette: Steve Fitzpatrick, left, of F.A. Peabody Company, accepts a certif- icate from Dan Blake, Finance Officer of The American Legion Post No. 47 in Houlton, for the Company’s flag eti- quette.

Photos by Joseph Cyr Madawaska Chapter 147 Members of WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... the Firing Squad during Flag Raising Day at Flag Raising day at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on May 14. Maine Veterans Memorial Left to right, Sergeant-At-Arms Fern Lavoie, Ed Ellis, Claude Roy, and Jenn Collin firing. District 17 Cemetery on May 14. Photo by Diane Daigle Photo by Diane Daigle Van Buren Post 49; Fort Kent Post 133; Stockholm Post 136; Frenchville Post 145; Madawaska Post 147; Eagle Lake Post 176; St. Francis Post 180 Madawaska Chapter Frenchville Post 147 Shows Support For 145 Honors The Bottle Drop Inn: Chapter 147 shows their support Veterans Lost At for a new business in Grand Isle, Sea: American Legion The Bottle Drop Inn. The owner Post 145 Frenchville, St. is Jessica Daigle. The Riders Agathe honor our de- brought in a bag of bottles but parture Veterans on everyone had a can as they Memorial Day. Here, walked through the door (ha, honoring your Veterans ha). Left to right, Ed Ellis, Brid- Lost at sea are the colors get Daigle, Dave Russell, Owner & rifle squad under the Jessica Daigle, Denise Russell, leadership of Post Commander Sinclair and Sergeant-At-Arms Roger Bosse at Chapter 147 Director Jenn Collin, Diane Daigle, and Robert Thibodeau. The the Sinclair Bridge. support was greatly appreciated by Jessica.

THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019 31

POST NAME CONFLICT POST NAME CONFLICT Post 12 – Bangor Joseph C. Mizda Korea Post 79 – Berwick Nelson H. Clement Vietnam Post 12 – Bangor Kenneth O. Rowell Korea Post 79 – Berwick M. Scanlon Vietnam Post 19 – Sanford George Travis Korea Post 79 – Berwick Louis R. Freedman Vietnam Post 20 – Brunswick Edwin A. Springer Sr. WWII Post 82 – Norway Gerald Geisler Vietnam Post 20 – Brunswick Henry W. Welzel WWII/Korea Post 84 – Orono Raymond White Korea Post 20 – Brunswick Robert Frizzle Vietnam Post 88 – Presque Isle Robert Flewelling Korea Post 24 – Rumford Roger W. Miller WWII Post 88 – Presque Isle Ervin Murchison Vietnam Post 24 – Rumford Richard A. Comeau WWII Post 90 – Togus James L. Arsenault Korea Post 24 – Rumford Ralph E. Partridge Vietnam Post 99 – Bingham Gail W. Cuddy Vietnam Post 24 – Rumford William Mock Vietnam Post 99 – Bingham Fayette Atwood Post 24 – Rumford William Theriault Vietnam Post 102 – Stonington Raymond A. Buckminster Korea Post 24 – Rumford Allan Gallant Korea Post 103 – Northeast Harbor Robert Taylor Korea Post 24 – Rumford Michael Orfe Vietnam Post 118 – Mars Hill Carl Charette Vietnam Post 26 – Biddeford Roy O. Wermenchuk Korea Post 126 – North Vassalboro James W. Gray WWII Post 30 – Camden Frank R. Carr Vietnam Post 145 – Frenchville Paul E. Bosse Vietnam Post 30 – Camden Charles D. Gibson WWII Post 149 – Waldoboro Russell H. Creamer Korea Post 30 – Camden Clifford Stinson Korea Post 157 – Stockton Springs Michael K. McKnight Vietnam Post 40 – Winthrop Gary R. King Korea Post 157 – Stockton Springs Basil M. Staples Vietnam Post 40 – Winthrop Ernest H. Gates Korea Post 157 – Stockton Springs Gertrude P. Fraser WWII Post 40 – Winthrop Eleanor R. Harington Korea Post 173 – N. New Portland Thomas Kannally Korea Post 42 – Damariscotta Gordon A. Benner Korea Post 197 – Westbrook Charles A. Leighton Vietnam Post 42 – Damariscotta Lucy Levitt WWII Post 197 – Westbrook Robert G. Danis Vietnam Post 42 – Damariscotta Chester Wright Post 197 – Westbrook Antonio DeSalle Korea Post 42 – Damariscotta Frederick York Vietnam Post 197 – Westbrook Richard A. Jenen Post 47 – Houlton Hank L. Watson Vietnam Post 197 – Westbrook Ray Littlefield Vietnam Post 50 – Unity David P. Stewart Vietnam Post 202 – Topsham John Avery Korea Post 54 – Wiscasset Charles A. Fluharty Korea Post 202 – Topsham Richard Chattick Korea Post 54 – Wiscasset Richard Verney WWII Post 202 – Topsham Francis Lovine Korea Post 54 – Wiscasset George E. Knight Vietnam Post 202 – Topsham Paul Leavitt Vietnam Post 67 – Bridgton Donald L. Miles Korea Post 202 – Topsham Robert Lupfer Vietnam Post 72 – South Paris David S. Ramsay WWII Post 202 – Topsham Brian Patterson Vietnam WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR DISTRICT... Eagle Lake Post 176 Honors WWII Veterans agle Lake Post 176 honored two be an interpreter (french). Mr. Labbe left District 17 continued E World War II Veterans on June 8 NewYork on a ship and went to Ft. Shay during a luncheon held at the Post home. (overseas somewhere around Scotland) A Service The first Veteran honored was World waiting to go to Normandy. From there, For WWII War II Veteran PVT Rosaire Thibodeau. he got on a train and went to London to Veteran And Mr. Thibodeau was inducted May 1944 at get his wings (101st Airborne Div. Ft. Deans, MA. He did his basic training Screaming Eagles). Then, onto Holland Post 147 in Ft. Blanding, Florida. Next on his trav- for a month and then to France at Ba- Member: A els with the military was back to Ft. Mead stogne in the winter time where they service for World and then onward to North Carolina for nearly froze. He was a radio operator for War II Veteran more training. December 1944, Mr. his squad. They were getting slaughtered Joseph Cyr was Thibodeau was shipped out to Naples, when General Patton's Armored Division held May 31. Jo- Italy waiting to get shipped into combat. came to help them. PFC Labbe was also seph was a member of Thomas O. Cyr Post 147 of Madawaska. Joseph had no From Italy, he went to Japan till the war in the Battle of the Bulge. After his dis- family but he always had the Legion Family. At his service, he was not alone nor ended. Mr. Thibodeau was then trans- charge, he returned home and furthered should any Veteran! Front row, left to right, Ed Ellis, Rick Vaillancourt, Jean ferred back to Ft. Devans to guard Ger- his education by getting his Masters and Daigle, Roland Marquee, District 17 Commander Joseph Michaud, Richard man POW's till his discharge in 1946. teaching school. PFC Norman Labbe, as Pelletier, and Claude Roy. Second row, left to right, Willard Cyr, Bob Thibodeau, The second World War II Veteran well as others, can be found in the book Post 1st Vice Commander Mike Pelletier, National Executive Committee Lloyd who was honored was PFC Norman written by his platoon leader Robert Woods, John Chassee, Gate Bourgoin, Post Chaplain Roger Corbin, Director of Labbe. Unfortunately, Norman was una- Bomen (Fighting with the 101st Scream- Chapter 147 Riders Jenn Collin. ble to attend the luncheon. PFC Norman ing Eagles). Mr. Norman Labbe resides at Labbe was drafted in 1943 at 19 years Mercy Nursing Home in his home town old. Mr. Labbe did his basic training in of Eagle Lake. Ft. McLlan, AL then onto New York to By Bridget Daigle Madawaska Post 147 Firing Squad John Chasse, Rick Vaillancourt, Gate Bourgoin, and Sergeant-At-Arms Fern Lavoie.

Chapter 147 Member Given His Last Ride: Madawaska Chapter 147 Director Jenn Collin had the honor and privilege of taking one of our own members of The American Legion Eagle Lake Post 176 Honors WWII Veterans: First row. left to Riders Chapter 147 for his last ride. Pink Panther right, Dale, Alice, Margaret, and Mr. Rosaire Thibdeau, Roger, Pauline, Betty, held on tight to his friend and fellow Veteran Patricia. Second row all Veterans who attended this Luncheon to honor these Jolyn "Boy" Michaud. The 57 mile came to an end two World War II Veterans. Left to right, Roger Soucie, David Levesque, Ro- at the Caribou Veterans Cemetery where now you land Albert, Falen Devoe, Ed Ellis, Dalton Tibbets, Fred Michaud, Dana Laferri- can rest easy! Francine Michaud, thank you for ere, Warren Harvey, and Post 176 Commander Raynold Blair. allowing Jenn to give your husband his last ride! Pink Panther is holding him. Photo by Denise Russell

32 THE MAINE LEGIONNAIRE, AUGUST 2019

Department of Maine NON PROFIT American Legion ORANIZATION Attention: Next Deadline is Oct. 25 5 Verti Drive U.S. POSTAGE Winslow, ME 04901-0727 PAID he deadline for material, stories and/ from all posts, auxiliary units, S.A.L. PORTLAND or pictures to be submitted for con- squadrons, individuals, etc. To make this MAINE T PERMIT NO. 493 sideration for use in the November, 2019 paper informative to you, it is imperative issue of The Maine Legionnaire will be that we receive submissions from the October 25, 2019. membership. Please be reminded that only those Photos should be clearly marked as articles and/or pictures which are sent in to who’s who in the picture as well as proper form will be considered for publi- who took the picture. cation. Anyone interested in submitting a Ineligible stories or pictures that guest editorial should contact The Maine cannot be reproduced will be returned to Legionnaire business office at: you. A reminder that stories must be in (207) 873-3229 story format, we are unable to compose or via email at: your information for you. [email protected] or As always, the editorial staff may [email protected] edit all submissions at its discretion. We are once again asking for input

lease join us Sept. 28, 2019 from 11:00 am—12:00 Legionnaire Of The Year: Patricia Thurston of Rumford Post 24 re- P pm in celebration of The American Legion Fami- ceives the 2018-19 Legionnaire of the Year award from Past Department Com- mander and NECA Randall Kluj, left, and Commander Scott Paradis, right dur- ly Department of Maine POW/MIA Memorial Dedi- ing the 101st Annual State Convention held in Brewer on June 7. This is the cation, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow. highest award granted by the Maine American Legion, with only one member chosen for this prestigious award annual. Ribbon Cutting will be at noon followed by a light lunch and refreshments. Dress Code: Business/ Stryker Chair Donation: Thanks to the American Legion Casual Auxiliary and the American Legion

Please RSVP by September 20th to [email protected] | Tele: (207) 873- Family for the donation of EIGHT 3229 | Mail: The American Legion, Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Wins- high-end patient transport chairs low, Maine 04901. valued at $24,000!!!!! In early 2018, American Legion Auxiliary Past President Joan Caron, Sabattus Post 135, set out to raise the money to purchase two of these chairs for the Red Coat Ambassador volun- teers who transport Veterans around the Togus VA Medical Cen- ter. A year later, she far surpassed her goal by pulling together the efforts of the th American Legion family to purchase eight! These chairs will literally lighten the 100 Anniversary Rifle load for our volunteers as they push Veterans around the facility and their multi Winner: Department Adjutant Paul -functionality will allow Veterans with varying physical abilities to easily transi- L’Heureux, left, hands over the 100th An- tion on and off the chair. Thank you for everything you do for our Veterans and niversary Rifle to Winner Jeff Chapman our volunteers! For more information on our Red Coat Ambassador volunteer of Lisbon Falls Post 66 at Department program or to find out how you can get involved at VA Maine, please contact Headquarters on June 27. Drawing was Voluntary Service at [email protected] or 207-621-4886. held at Jeff’s Catering & Event Center in Brewer on June 8 during The American Legion, Department of Maine State Con- DISCLAIMER vention. either The Maine Legionnaire editorial director, nor managing editor is responsible N for misinformation, discrepancies, or embellishments, intentional or unintentional that may be contained in communications in any form that appear in The Maine Legion- naire. Due to time constraints and staff limitations to fact check all material sent in, we depend on the honesty and integrity of those who submit material for publication and on the expertise of our members and readers to correct misstatements or misinformation whether intentional or not.