Last Saturday’s Softball Tournament Winter Classic at the American Legion Post 202, Topsham, was a huge success! This is the major fundraiser for the Maine Veterans In Need (MVN). Fourteen teams from all over the state competed. There were teams with mostly high school kids and teams with, dare I say, old, almost retired types … even some retired folks too. There was a team from the VA and a team from the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS). As matter of interest, the director of the MBVS reports to the State Commissioner of DOD, Veterans and Emergency Management who is also the Maine National Guard Adjutant General, Brigadier General Diane Dunn. In fact, General Dunn played shortstop on the team! And, as you can see from the picture, the Winter Classic gives a whole new meaning to the “dugout!”

The Classic was a huge financial success as well! While the totals weren’t available at the time of this writing, we know we exceed $30,000! The primary goal of MVN is to help veterans who have emergency needs and be available seven days. We accomplish this by having unrestricted donations allowing us to provide immediate relief where other government funded programs have a process taking time and usually available five days a week. As an example, MVN received a call from a homeless veteran in Bangor the night before the Tournament. He didn’t know what MVN could do but was asking for at least a sleeping bag to stay warm on the street. A few hours later, MVN had him in a local hotel where he will stay until the “system” is able to find him an appropriate shelter. So, thanks to all of the individuals, organizations, and companies that contributed to this great event and thus enable MVN to support our veterans in need.

The last two articles talked about the American Legion and VFW legislative priorities for the 119th Congress. The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is putting together their priorities but include improving unaccompanied housing for the military, reducing the waiting time for the VA to acknowledge and concede the medical condition cause by the exposure to toxic chemicals, improving the ability of military spouses to gain employment made difficult by frequent moves, expanding VA care giver support, expanding health and long term care services, ensuring the scheduled pay increases happen and ensuring that TRICARE benefits are not reduced and kept up with the industry standards. One particular priority is to ensure the Major Richard Star Act is passed. Currently a military person who is forced to leave the service prior to their 20 years due to combat injuries and ultimately receives a VA 100% disability will not get retirement pay, even if they served 18 years. This act had the support of 326 representatives and 73 senators in the last congress, but still didn’t pass.

That’s it for this week!