The last trip for Honor Flight Maine (HFM) was, once again a big success and a very memorable one for all those on the trip and those of us at home who supported it. Each of the 49 veterans came home with memories that I am sure they won’t forget. When you see Jim Singer and Phil Chapman, just ask them how the trip went for them. Remember, this trip is for all veterans, no matter where or when you served. Also remember that this trip is free for all veterans. HFM will not accept any money from the veterans. It costs about $1,000 to send a veteran on this trip. We do ask the guardians to pay $500 which is much less than the actual cost. We will have two trips with 25 veterans each and three trips with 50 veterans each in 2024. To make this happen costs in rough terms about $250K. So, HFM is constantly in a fund-raising mode. We fortunately get support from many organizations which help to make it possible.

Most of our funding comes from the generosity of the citizens of Maine. This is mostly accomplished through our annual News Center Maine telethon, this year happening on Nov. 16. So, if you want to honor our veterans in Maine, join the telethon and pledge your donation. Don Carrigan from News Center Maine were schedule to go on this trip to cover the event to support the telethon. Sadly, he was unable to make the trip due the tragedy on going in Maine. But the HFM volunteer photographer was connected to Don so many pictures and videos were made available. Don was also at the homecoming and interviewed many of the returning veterans and their family members. So, tuning in on Nov. 16 you will see lots of pictures from the trip and who knows, you might be able to see Jim Singer and Phil Chapman visiting the memorials or at dinner on Friday night being entertained by the Army band at Fort Mead, Maryland.

Last Saturday night, Post 36 and Auxiliary Unit 36 held its annual Recognition Dinner. We honor those in the community who significantly support the mission of the American Legion. Those honored from the community were Eric and Justin Wood, Brian Barter, Kevin and Bruce Bowler, and Boothbay Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter (VETS). Members of the Post and the Auxiliary honored where Jim Singer, Barry Sherman, Mary Ellison and Jennifer Hargreaves. The Post also honored Auxiliary member Nancy Van Dyke for her founding of the Bridge the Gap program that supports housebound veterans. The special Commanders Award this year went to Arthur Richardson for his 69 years of service to the community.

The last American Legion breakfast for the season is Nov. 5. Please join us and provide your thoughts on how we can make these breakfasts better in 2024 via our annual survey.

The next Post meeting is Nov. 13.