On Sept. 19, Magen Burge and Lilly Nein, both aged 9, were honored at the VA Togus Hospital for their efforts to raise money for homeless veterans at the American Legion Post 36 Yard Sale this past July 22. Dan Ducker, the associate director of the VA Maine Health Care Systems, presented the girls with a Certificate of Appreciation that read “In appreciation for your extraordinary entrepreneurial efforts in raising money to help our homeless Veterans. Your Generosity in providing your time to help improve the lives of Veterans in need shows our commitment to caring for our men and women who have sacrificed so much by serving in the United States Military.” In addition to the certificates, each girl was given the VA Health Care “Challenge Coin,” a military tradition that goes back to World War I.

What made this event even more special was that Bill Marinelli was there to personally thank the girls for their efforts. Bill is a Vietnam-era Marine veteran who became homeless a number of years ago and until recently had spent four years living out of his car. Through the efforts of Maine’s Homeless Veterans network, spearheaded by the VA Homeless Veterans Office, Volunteers of American, The Patriot Riders of Maine Chapter One, management of the Huot House and The Paul Hazelton House, Bill is in the process of transitioning into an independent housing complex. Magen and Lilly became part of this community effort because their efforts raised the $240 necessary to buy Bill a bed … the first bed Bill has slept in in four years. Bill’s comments and his expression of thanks to the girls was heartwarming, emotional, and from the heart.

The American Legion, and all of the other veterans’ service organizations, have as one of their top priorities eliminating Veteran homelessness. This effort is accomplished by working with one homeless veteran at a time. Megan and Lilly made a huge impact on one of these veterans. And, perhaps more important, they have set an example of community spirit in addressing a national crisis, homelessness, and providing part of the solution.

Congratulations Magen Burge and Lilly Nein!