First, I would like to congratulate West Point for their victory over Navy in the annual Army-Navy game, their third straight victory over Navy. While highly competitive on the field, they are now joined as one team, brothers and sisters of our military, in the defense of our country. Well done to both USMA and USNA and thank you for your commitment to our great nation! A special thanks to Ed Harmon who made delicious chili and corn bread, and Mary Ellison for the hors d’oeuvres and cupcakes for those who attended the Legion tailgate and watched the game in the hall!

The VA at Togus will be going through major renovations over the next couple of years. There will be two floors added to the main hospital (bldg. 200) enabling more space for Specialty Care Units. Bldg 248 that houses the Veterans Benefits Administration including the staff who process veterans’ claims will be renovated requiring the staff to be temporarily moved off campus. The second floor of Bldg 205 where all the primary care doctors are located will be renovated, and they two will be relocated, likely off campus. With the new hotel being built opposite the main hospital where all veterans family can stay for free in 5-star accommodations (privately funded, not by taxpayers) when their veteran is an in-patient at Togus, the VA in Maine continues to focus on providing the best possible care of Maine veterans and support for their families.

There are upgrades being made to our five Maine Veterans Homes as well, with a new Maine Veterans home in Augusta breaking ground in February. The home in Scarborough will be next. All veterans who qualify for nursing homes are eligible, with cost being private pay or through Medicaid. But, for a veteran who is 70 percent disabled, the cost is covered by the VA. Spouses and widows of veterans are also eligible. For more information, go to www.mainevet.org

A reminder, there will be a Christmas Dinner at the American Legion Hall on Christmas Day from noon to 2 p.m. The dinner is free but reservations are required! Call 633-7195 and leave your name, telephone number and number of people in your party. Deadline for reserving space is Monday, Dec. 18.

Our next American Legion meeting is Jan. 14, dinner at 5:30 p.m., meeting starts at 6. Are you a veteran and not a member? Come to the meeting and learn more about the Legion and how we serve our community.