First, as a heads up, the Sunday, May 5 breakfast will be held on Saturday, May 4 instead.  More about why will be forthcoming. But, we are hoping that we will “fill the Hall” for this breakfast! 

Also, a reminder of the 11 a.m. April 27 talk by Mark Holmquist, the current Chief of the Scarborough Police, on his experience as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown. Mark had a 25-year military career serving in the Army, Army Reserves, and the Maine National Guard.  In addition, he had a 24-year career in the Maine State Police.  I had the opportunity to hear Mark talk about his Sentinel experience and how it affected his entire life and influenced his career choices.  The Auxiliary will provide a buffet of strictly finger appetizers, coffee, and beverages.   

As you will all remember, the Hall facility and the property are owned by the Post 36 Corporation, a separate entity from the American Legion Post 36. As such, it has its own Board of Directors. The Board is looking for new members to help ensure the long-term viability of the facility.  We are looking for members who have the time and can help with Hall rentals, maintenance and financial issues. The only requirement is that the members of the Board must be members of the Legion in good standing.  If you are interested in joining the Board, please let me know. 

Honor Flight Maine completed is first flight of the season last weekend with the next flight leaving April 26 and returning April 28. If you haven’t been to a “homecoming” when they return on Sunday, it is worth the trip to the Portland Jetport! 

If you are a disabled veteran in need of home or vehicle modifications, the Adaptive Warrior program of the Stronger Warrior Foundation (https://www.strongerwarriorfoundation.org) provides up to $6K grants to those who qualify. "Our goal is to help make a Veteran’s living situation easier; Whether their injury was service related or not,” said Zachary Osaer, Director of Adaptive Warrior. “The program is unique because it aims to help those who may not be getting sufficient monetary assistance for these needed modifications from the VA.” To be eligible you must reside in the US, and be a veteran with a disability.  It is not necessary to have a VA rating to apply.  It doesn’t have to be combat related and the injury could have been caused by a post service accident.  There is an online application on the website provided above. 

The VA has requested we spread the word about an event for those recently separated from the service. They are having a free virtual outreach event from May 7-9, noon to 5 p.m. EST. To book a one-on-one session, go to  https://book.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/#/. You will have a one-on-one session to get answers to your questions.   

The next MVCC meeting is May 6 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. The next Post meeting is May 13 at 6 p.m.