As we approach November, we are also approaching the last Legion breakfast of the year. Nov. 3 winds up the 2024 breakfast season and we look forward to feedback so we can make the 2025 season even better. So, if you have thoughts you would like to share, you can call the Hall or contact the Legion Commander, Robin Ford via email to commander@post36maine.org.

As has been reported frequently, the Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee (MVCC) comprised of most all of the veteran service organization, but open to all, meets with the leadership of the VA and the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services the first Monday of the month at 3 p.m. via Zoom. At the September meeting, Tracye Davis (VA Healthcare Director) brought everyone up to date on several ongoing construction projects. The new nursing homes (formally called CLC - Community Living Centers) being built on the Togus campus will be completed the end of next summer (2025). The new Substance Abuse Residential Rehab facility being constructed between building 205 and 206 will be open the fall of 2025 as well. There have been two administrative issues that have frustrated veterans, one is filing for travel to and from appointments and the other the length of time to get registered into VA Healthcare. Ms Davis address both of these. The issue with travel claims is that the staff who handle those have to be licensed and there was a shortage of those. More licenses are in the process be obtained. VA staff are currently volunteering to address this back log. But, the kiosks that are available will provide expedited processing. VA has aggressively gone after reducing the time to register for VA healthcare and they have caught up. You should be able to go to Togus, meet with the intake person in Building 200, and get registered. You need to bring your DD 214, be prepared with your income for 2023 and your estimated out of pocket medical expenses for 2023. This is all spelled out on VA form 10-10EZ. If you use the internet, you can easily download that. If you are experiencing problems (any delays) in getting registered, or need help, let me (Dave Patch) know.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans Services discussed the Homeless Veterans Standdowns that happen around the state in October. The purpose of the “Standdowns” is to bring homeless veterans to a single location where the organizations that provide help for them are located. This includes the VA, of course, but also organizations like our own Boothbay V.E.T.S. and the Maine Veterans in Need organizations. When the homeless veteran leaves the Standdown” they have a new duffle back full of clothes and other items that will help them get through the winter. The next, and last, will be at Mill Park in Augusta from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by and see us at work!

Remember, you can get these updates yourself by "Zooming" into the meetings.