The Poppy Quilt Drawing was held on Veterans Day and the winner of the quilt is Anne Burt! Congratulations Anne! The Quilt donated by Sara Fahnley raised over $1,000 that will be going to VETS, Inc, the new 501(C)3, non-profit, that builds the trailers for homeless veterans. VETS started out as a program of the Sons of the Legion, is now separately incorporated to enable the trailers to be used free from government restrictions that could prevented immediate sheltering of veterans who might be sleeping in cars, tents, or other unsafe locations. The VETS trailers will be an important tool for the State and other organizations dedicated to supporting the needs of our Maine veteran homeless, helping them transition out of homelessness. So, a big thanks for all who participated in this important raffle and to Sara who designed, created and hand-made this beautiful quilt!

The Legion Auxiliary has made the tough decision to cancel their Community Breakfast on Sunday,  Dec. 6 and postpone the Legion Dinner on Dec. 14 due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in Maine. Later in December, the Auxiliary will make a decision on the currently scheduled Jan. 10 breakfast.

On Dec. 3, from 3-4 p.m., the VA Togus Healthcare Director, Tracye Davis, is holding a Virtual Veteran Town Hall meeting. One topic that will be discussed is the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine and their planning efforts to administer the vaccine. Access to the Town Hall is http://va-eerc-ees.adobeconnect.com/rsle33crqquu/  You can also send in questions for them to answer to VAMEEngagements@va.gov. A simpler method may be to just call in at 1-800-767-1750 with access code: 11234#. The Post Hall will be streaming the Town Hall meeting at the Hall for anyone who would like to participate that way.

Recently I have been working with a Korean War Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Honor Flight alum, whose medical situation now requires home health care. He is qualified for and has been approved for VA home health care support. The problem is that all the contracted agencies to provide this support are having trouble providing qualified workers. This is a result of COVID and a result that for some, they make more money NOT working than working.

If anyone is experiencing this issue, contact me or contact Angela McKenney, the Director of Community Care program at Togus (207) 623-5906 or angela.mckenney@va.gov. This might not provide the required support, but it is important that the “system” hears each specific situation. And, if you participate in the Town Hall meeting on the 3rd, you can talk (or use the “chat” feature) directly to the Togus VHA director or to Angela herself.

The next Post meeting will be Dec. 14 and ZOOMed only. To connect, go to Meeting ID: 899 4679 9991 and Passcode: 900854. Or mobile: 1-646-876 9923, ID: 899 4679 9991#, 0#, 900854#. All, veteran or not, are welcome to join in and participate!