Veterans Day here on the peninsula was great day and the display of appreciation for our veterans, of which I am one, is very much appreciated. It was a day to remind many veterans that they took the oath to serve our country, protect this Constitution of the United States from all enemies, and to obey the orders of those appointed over them. They signed up willing to go where ever told and to fight for our countries freedoms, even if they have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Fortunately, many didn’t have to go into harm’s way but it was only their good fortune that their services were needed elsewhere in support of the national strategy and those on the front lines. Even in those few years when this country was not engaged ina declared war or conflict, our veterans were constantly training, deploying, and missing important family events. And, it isn’t only the veterans who “served.” The spouses back home had to maintain a normalcy for the children, had the constant worry about their loved ones safety, and had the full responsibility to manage the household affairs.

Now a veteran and their families have returned home, some injured, some not, some transitioning to civilian life easily, some not, some have lived a successful life and now enjoying retirement, some not, but all have been affected one way or another by their service in the military. So the question is, what is the government doing to support those who have served and their family?

The Veterans Administration (VA) has been in the news lately about how they have not been meeting their responsibility of caring for our wounded warriors and our veterans who have not been as successful financially as others. How has our local VA been doing supporting our state’s veterans? Are our veterans getting all the “benefits” they deserve? I know these questions are on the minds of many.

American Legion Post 36 is hosting a veteran information seminar on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Post Hall located in the Boothbay Industrial Park. The leadership of the VA will be there to brief the community on just what the VA in Maine is doing and to answer questions. The director of the hospital or his representative will discuss the healthcare side of the VA. There is a new Women’s Healthcare program at Togus and the director of that program will be there to explain those services exclusively for women veterans. The director of the VA’s Benefit Administration, or his representative, will discuss the benefits available to veterans, who is eligible, and how to get them. Maine’s Veterans Service Bureau supports our veterans in many ways, including managing our veterans' homes and cemeteries. The Director of the MVSB will be there to discuss their services. Are you retired military and are using Martin's Point, the VA, and receiving Medicare, and Social Security and don’t quite understand how it all works together or aren’t sure you are taking advantage of all the services available? The Martin’s Point military liaison person will be at the seminar to explain how that all works. Are you in need of legal services but just can’t afford them? Pine Street Legal, a non-profit, representative will be there to discuss the free services they provide to eligible veterans. And finally, how can the local American Legion representative help you navigate the VA system efficiently and effectively? The American Legion representatives will be there to answer those questions.

As a retired 72-year-old military person and one who is personally new to the VA system (I didn’t know I was eligible as a healthy 26-year military retiree), these are all topics of interest to me. As one helping veterans and their families in the area, I know these are issues important to everyone.

So, thank you all for your support of veterans! And, all are invited to learn more about the VA, whether you are a veteran, a member of a veteran family, or not. There is a great deal of misinformation out there, come and get the straight answers from the experts. So, please join us on January 9 from 9 a.m. to noon; it will be well worth your time!