First, I apologize for not submitting last weeks article in time to make the print edition. The focus of that article was that the Hall is going through a security upgrade which includes having motion detectors inside that you have to deactivate upon entering. All those who will have a key or the combination to the back door box will have to have a personal code to enter in order to deactivate and activate the system. Joel Morley is the coordinator. You can email Joel at JMORLEY@bathsavings.bank

I also mentioned that the VA Healthcare at Togus is focusing on improving the Patient Advocate position. They are in the process of hiring two patient advocates and placing them under the leadership of the new Patient Experience Officer, Kylie Higgins. Kyle isn’t new to Togus, having served most recently as the Director of Volunteer Services. The Patient Experience Officer is a new position at Togus, one that will have the responsibility to ensure that VHA Maine veterans are getting the care they need and are satisfied with that care. Kyle is one of the VA leaders that is present at our monthly Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee ZOOM meeting which is open to all. Just in the past week, we brought 2 issues to her. One is that the travel mileage claim process isn’t working as it should and the other is that community care referrals process has shown a disconnect between the VA referral office, the community care practitioner, and the veteran. Also under Kylie’s leadership is the management of MyHealthyVet. Mike Labby (207.623. 8411 ext 5924) is the VA point of contact for MyHealthyVet. Mike, who lives in Brunswick, is always available to help veterans/spouses navigate the MyHealthyVet system, even coming to the veteran to help with the process. MyHealthyVet is a great way to communicate with your VA doctor without traveling to Togus. My experiences is that I can responses within 24 hours. You can reorder your prescriptions, double check your appointments, review your immunizations, and check your doctors’ notes, all on MyHealthyVet.

A quick update on Honor Flight Maine. The next flight is April 28-30. That flight is now full with several World War II veterans, several veterans that are terminally ill, and most the rest of the veterans who served prior to 1957. The May 26-28 flight is almost finalized. Those on the April flight have been notified and as well as most of those on the May flight. Not flying for two years due to the pandemic caused a significant backlog. We hope to get those who submitted applications two or more years ago and served prior to 1960 on the trips in 2023. HFM has also reorganized which includes a new computer system. In the near future, each person who sends in an application will have a return call. When called, you will have the process explained and get some understanding when you might go. We at HFM appreciate the patience of those who have submitted applications.