The annual Post 36 dinner is fast coming up. Going forward we will have to change the name as the dinner is now for our expanded Boothbay Region Legion family. The Auxiliary, the Son’s, and the Post are now hosting this event with the goal of ensuring that all members and their families have an opportunity to participate in all that we do ... officially. Spouses, sons, daughters, grandkids of veterans, past and present, can now be members of our organization and are all welcome to come to the dinner and see what we are all about. So, for an evening, those who aren’t yet members of the family can be “honorary” members. Can’t promise we won’t have applications waiting for you though. The dinner will, among other things, be a celebration of the accomplishments of 2019. We will recognize our Boys State and Girl State participants and hear from them about their experience. We will also recognize our oratorical representative who represented our region so well in the state competition. Members of our community who have gone above and beyond in support of our Legion and our mission will be honored as well as members of our own Legion family. The final details of the dinner have not been completed as of this writing but I hope all that read this article every week, or at least once in a while, will consider coming to the dinner. The dinner will be Saturday, Oct. 12 with a social period starting at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6. We are requesting an RSVP so please call the Hall at 633-4487 or 751-5672 or email me at dapatch@roadrunner.com

I mentioned in my last article the issue of outsourcing the exams that follow filing a claim for some medical issue that can be attributed to the veteran’s time in the service. These exams are not actually medical exams but exams to verify the medical issue and then determining if that (or those) issue(s) are service related. Most all exams are now being contracted out, which can be confusing when the veteran receives a call or a letter from a non-VA entity scheduling the appointment, sometimes even out of state. One such company is LHI and the letter head says they are from Wisconsin. If in doubt, however, contact me or your Service Officer (DAV, American Legion, VFW, or MBVS) at Togus. If for whatever reason you do not want an evaluation by the contracted company/practitioner, you can request the exam be done by the VA. That request should be made at the time you file your claim but if you decide you want an exam at the VA after you receive the letter, notify your service officer immediately. Do not miss an exam!

The next breakfast will be Sunday, Oct. 6, 7-9 a.m. Spread the word, bring the family, bring your neighbors, make it a community event. Don’t forget the dinner on the 12th! RSVP please!