As many of you know, hopefully everyone by now, the Legion has a raffle on going for the beautiful Poppy Quilt shown with this column. The raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 and are available by contacting any of the Legion officers or at the Sunday breakfasts. Or call the Hall and we will be sure to get the tickets to you. The money raised will be going to the Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter (VETS), a shelter for homeless veterans.

There are 4 trailers currently being converted to shelters. This past week, Ed Harmon, Arthur Richardson, and John Hargreaves were putting in the inside paneling and the ceiling. The goal remains to have all four ready by the first snow, but at the rate they are working, they will be ready long before that.

Work continues in the upgrade of the Hall. This past week, Sam Michaels and Darrell Gudroe completed the installation of the audio and visual systems. We now have 4 large 65” TV screens installed so are now ready to watch 4 football games at the same time, how can you beat that!

The VA Caregiver Program has been expanded now to include veterans who are 70% disabled or more and who serviced since 1975. This disability does not have to be a result from combat but a result of other injury, illness, or disease while in the service. The initial law was put into place to provide caregiver services for our veterans since 9/11. The law was expanded last year to include all veterans but was to implemented in stages. But, according to a MilCom article dated 31 Jul 2020; After a yearlong delay, veterans from World War II through Vietnam who need around-the-clock care from a loved one can apply for the Department of Veterans Affairs' family caregiver program, starting Oct. 1. For more information (but without the new eligibility time periods) go to: www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers . If you think you may be eligible, discuss this with your VA Primary Care doctor or your American Legion representative at Togus (call 623-5726).

This Sunday, Aug. 9, is our next breakfast, please join us and bring a friend…bring the neighborhood! The weather is supposed to be sunny and in the 80s. So, join us and take advantage of the outside picnic tables. These breakfasts are critically important to the Post as it is now our major source of income to support the operations of the Hall. The Legion is about supporting our veterans, their families, and the community in general. We can’t fulfill this mission without your support and your generous donations.