Dear Editor:

Just a reminder that American Legion Boothbay Harbor Post 36 will be hosting a Veteran Information Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9 to noon. Leadership from the VA Togus Health Care and Benefits Administrations will be here to discuss their services and to answer questions. Retired military are provided their healthcare through Martin's Point and their representative will be here to explain Martin’s Point services and how those eligible for VA services can take advantage of both. The Director of the Maine Veterans Service Bureau will be here to discuss the services Maine provides veterans. In addition, she will discuss legislation happening in Augusta that affects Maine’s veterans. For some veterans, Pine Tree Legal provides free legal services and their representative will be here as well.

This seminar is not just for veterans, it is also for their families and care givers. While the healthcare side (VHA – Veterans Health Administration) of Togus is just for veterans, in most cases, the benefits side (VBA – Veterans Benefits Administration) often has services available to help the families and care givers. Many don’t realize that the VA funds non-VA practitioners in certain situations. How this works and who are eligible will be discussed. The VA also has presented a plan to Congress that will consolidate the non-VA medical services which should greatly improve the current system. Our local healthcare providers should find this part of the seminar informative.

So, please join us for what should be an informative morning and meet Maine’s leadership in Veterans services.

David Patch

Vice Commander

Charles E. Sherman Jr. Post 36