Last Saturday was the annual 4 Chaplain ceremony! Many thanks to those who were part of the ceremony and to those who attended. Each of the 4 chaplains who gave up their lives to save the troops on the Troop Transport Dorchester were represented by members of our community; Methodist Chaplain Fox was represented by Al Roberts, Jewish Chaplain Goode by Al Cohen, Catholic Chaplain Washington by Deacon Bob Curtis, and Dutch Reformed Chaplain Poling by Gerry Gamage. This was a day to remember all chaplains who serve our military. Remember the famous words of a chaplain on a ship in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, “Praise the lord and pass the ammunition.”

Next week is “National Salute to Veteran Patients Week.” This is a time to reach out to those who can't be with us this Valentine's week because they are in hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities, often unable to have visitors due to COVID. Can you imagine how lonely it must be to be so isolated? So, connect with those you might know, in whatever way you can; a phone call, letter, card or note, or even perhaps Face Time with the family. It will most certainly brighten that veteran's day.

The Legion is now hosting the American Red Cross blood drive on the first Thursday of the month for the rest of the year. You can make an appointment. on line at www.redcrossblood.org/account-login.html. Setting up an account and logging in is easy.

The American Legion Department of Maine will be meeting with our four members of Congress this month, via Zoom. As a member of the Maine Legion Legislation committee, I am on the team that will be discussing our priorities. We will be focusing on the following issues: (1) real action items that deal with veteran suicide, not just more studies, (2) transportation to ensure all veterans in Maine can get to their medical appointments either at a VA facility or a VA funded community provider, (3) currently 100% disabled retired veteran spouses are not eligible for CHAMPVA that provided full healthcare benefits at no cost because they are eligible for TRICARE that has some healthcare limitations and has a cost (which continues to rise). Veterans shouldn't be penalized when they are 100% disabled, (4) addressing the need for better coordination between federal and state funded organizations providing services for homeless veterans and the need to prevent landlords from increasing the rent of appropriate housing beyond the limits set by HUD-VASH (housing grants for veterans), and (5) the need for more veterans’ courts in Maine. Maine currently has two, Kennebec and Cumberland Counties. These two veteran courts have proven effective in treating the veterans that significantly reduces their recidivism. Anyone with specific issues that you would like to have brought to the attention of our delegation, let me know.

The Post’s next meeting is Monday, Feb. 14.