March 29th is National Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. According to one source, Maine has the highest number of Vietnam veterans per capita or 2,971/100,000. That means in Maine we have 38,623 veterans who served in Vietnam. Nationally, of the 2,709,918 Vietnam veterans who served , 1/3 are alive today, or 850,000. Since 9/11, Vietnam veterans lead the charge to ensure all military received the recognition they deserve for serving their country because no military person should ever again receive the treatment Vietnam troops received when they came home. Today, the vast majority of citizens welcome our troops home and thank them for their service, whether they believe in the military action in which they served or not. As a token of appreciation for Vietnam Veterans ensuring all veterans are welcomed home appropriately, Travis Mills annually hosts a breakfast at the National Guard Armory in Augusta. Who is Travis Mills? On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. In September 2013, he founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist post 9/11 veterans who have been injured on active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. His facility is located in Rome, Maine. Here is a message from Travis's team:

“For the men and women who served in the Vietnam War era, coming home and life after the military was a very different experience than those post-911 veterans served by the Travis Mills Foundation. To say 'Thank you' to these heroes, and in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we are holding a Vietnam Era Veterans Breakfast on March 30, 2022, in Augusta, Maine. Please see the invitation below and RSVP to give.classy.org/travismillsbreakfast by March 1. We can't wait to see you there.” 

I have attended these breakfasts in past years and I highly encourage all my brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam join me this year. Travis is an inspiration, someone who has sacrificed more than most, and someone I am humbled to be recognized by. Register and bring a guest.

A special thanks to the talented Bob Moore. Bob has become a regular member of our breakfasts and dinners team providing incredible music that is enjoyed by all. A music teacher who attended one of our events made the comment that Bob isn't a piano player, he is a pianist.

The next dinner will be Saturday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring chowdahs! Fish and corn chowdahs along with butternut squash soup will be available. Join us for great food and once again, entertainment by Bob Moore.

The Post next meeting is Monday, March 14.