The new Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter (VETS) continues to gain support from the organizations in the state that are working on the homeless issue. It is important for all to know that this trailer is just a prototype although very functional now. As we bring the trailer to various meetings around the state and get feedback from the experts, Ed Harmon and his team are developing the next VETS design. Since the VETS is designed to fill a gap that exists because of the “rules” of the organizations who are funded to reduce veteran homelessness, it is necessary for VETS to be incorporated as independent non-profit. We are hoping this will happen within the next few months. Ending veteran homelessness is a national American Legion priority as well as a priority of the Maine American Legion. To end veteran homelessness is a team effort and Maine is one of the leaders in the country in making this happen. The new VETS non-profit is part of this team to ensure a veteran doesn’t have to live out of his car or under a bridge. Ending veteran homelessness is a project within American Legion Post 36. We are committed to supporting VETS to ensure they are successful. Anyone interested in supporting this effort can make a tax-deductible donation to American Legion Post 36, P.O. Box 874, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, write “homeless project” in the memo line.

Last Saturday, Ed Harmon, Arthur Richardson, and I attended the American Legion Winter Conference. Our Auxiliary was represented by Mary Ellison and Suzanne Harmon. Ed brought the VETS to the conference, which was the focus of much attention. As the American Legion National Security Chairman, I presented the status of proposed federal legislation of importance to veterans. Legislation addressing homelessness, suicide, healthcare, medicinal marijuana, women’s health, caregivers, veteran treatment courts, Agent Orange and burn pits, and quality of life for disabled veterans are the priorities for the American Legion. Representatives Pingree and Golden are co-sponsoring legislation that deal with most of these. Senators King and Collins are less visible in co-sponsoring legislation dealing with homelessness, suicide, caregivers, and vet treatment courts. Contacting our Senators and Representative Pingree to gain their support for issues of importance to veterans can make a difference. 140,000 veterans with their family’s accounts for roughly 25% of the voting population in Maine. We can make a difference.

Don’t forget to spread the word about the 4 Chaplain Ceremony at the Hall, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.

Our next Legion meeting is Feb. 10 with dinner at 5:30, meeting at 6. All are welcome.