A reminder that The 4 Chaplain Ceremony is at 10 a.m. on Feb. 4. It would be a real tribute to all those who lost their lives on the Troop Ship Dorchester during World War II, specifically to the four chaplains who were true heroes, giving up their lives to save many onboard. If you attend, you gain a whole new appreciation for our Chaplain Corps. They didn’t just preach the word, they lived the word, a rabbi, priest, and two protestants!

Post 202 in Topsham is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair in their Hall on Feb.18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The VA will be attending as well as many other organizations involved with veterans. At the same location on the 18th,, Post 202 is also hosting the annual Winter Softball Classic! Yup, softball in the snow! Their motto is “we play in the cold to help stop veterans from living in the cold.” This is a two-day tournament with teams paying $200 to register. The proceeds from this event is the primary source of funding for the Maine Veterans In Need (MVN) that provides resources, usually financial, to any veteran in need. While many government organizations provide support, none are available 24/7. MVN is. MVN ensures that the veteran is “stable” until other resources become available. So, come out, watch the fun, and support MVN.

On a personal note, I want to share a recent experience I had with Togus. Dealing with some COVID-19 issues, my VA PCP told me to go to the Togus ER to have some quick tests done. From the moment I arrived, the care received, and the concern shown, was exemplary! This was clearly not life threatening but they treated me with the urgency that one would have thought it was ... it was not. They ran lab tests, did X-rays and CAT scans. My wife, Mary, and now care giver, asked lots of questions and they answered every one clearly and compassionately. I left feeling much better (in my head) because there was nothing else more serious wrong! As we were leaving and I was thanking everyone, their parting words were “ ... and Mary, you have COVID-19, too.” Went home, did the home test, and sure enough, she did! It is no secret that I love the care I get at Togus, but this continued to reinforced my opinion! Yes, I am retired military, don’t need to go to Togus to get free healthcare, but I do because it is the best!

While I am on the VA, I am really excited that a dear friend of mine, Rob McCann, has just been hired by the Director VA Healthcare, Trayce Davis, to be her Community Outreach Specialist. Rob is a young Marine veteran who up until now has been on Congressional staffs working veteran issues. A more dedicated person to solve veteran issues you won’t find!

The next Post meeting is Feb. 13 with dinner at 5:30 and meeting at 6.