If you use Togus, be aware that COVID-19 has taken its toll on the availability of beds and staff. Togus put out the following: Like many hospitals in the state, VA Maine is currently experiencing a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations and an increased demand for inpatient beds. We are doing everything we can to keep the impact to our veterans to a minimum. Please plan for all upcoming appointments as normal unless you are contacted by your Care Team. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to expand our capacity to care for veterans in the safest way possible.

Congress achieved a significant milestone, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed with the vast majority of the Representatives and the Senators voting for it. In fact, 194 of 213 representatives and 47 of 50 senators voted for it. The For Country Caucus (the veteran caucus - Representative Golden a co-chair) was successful in having the Global War on Terror memorial on the National Mall included in the legislation. Also included is a commission to examine all aspects of the Afghanistan War. The Biden Administration had requested the number of new Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, (build by both BIW and Ingalls shipyard in Mississippi) be reduced from 2 to 1. But, the NDAA increased the number to 3. Good news for BIW. Also included in the bill is a pay increase of 2.7% for the military which also includes retired military. What was initially in the NDAA was a requirement for all women to register with the Selective Service System. This seemed appropriate as women are now eligible for combat roles. The amendment to include women in the draft had robust bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, but was stripped out in the final days of closed-door negotiations. The President is expected to sign this legislation at any time; however, it still needs to be funded by the Appropriations Committee. Some may know the process, but briefly Congress authorizes things and it becomes law … which is true; but, it is the Congressional Appropriates Committee that approves the budget to pay for it, and that hasn't happened yet. Without the money, it doesn't happen.

The new year is fast approaching so it is time to start adding things to your calendar. First is New Year’s Day Brunch from 8 to 10 a.m. Then on Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m., all are invited to a reception at the Hall to meet with the director of the VBA Regional Office at Togus and to meet all the volunteers who support the Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center. Did you know we have an office in Brunswick where any veteran/family can go to get assistance with any veteran issue? Come and find out all about it and enjoy hors d'oeuvres beer and wine. Then on Jan. 29, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., another Legion dinner.

Next meeting is Jan. 10; Dinner at 5:30, meeting at 6.