Are you a veteran who has an issue with the healthcare you are receiving at Togus? Or think you are treated unfairly with regard to the benefits you think you have earned? Do you think that the “system” is too large for anyone to hear your concerns? Well, we are fortunate in the state of Maine because there is a way you can communicate your issues directly with the VA leadership. In fact, if you think the laws relative to veterans aren’t fair, you can talk directly to our Congressional delegation representatives at the same time. For over three decades there has been, and continues to be, a committee of veterans that meets monthly with the VA leadership, and others in our government that are responsible for the wellbeing of our veterans. The Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee meets the first Monday of each Month (except during the summer months) at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta from 6 to 8 p.m. The director of Togus, the regional director of the Veterans Benefits Administration (also located at Togus), the director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, representatives of our Congressional delegation, and others meet with the representatives of our veteran service organizations to discuss issues important to veterans. This is an open meeting and anyone can attend. As a vice commander of that organization, if you can’t attend the meeting, send me an email about your issue so I can bring that to the appropriate person. Maine is unique in having this direct access to our state and federal leadership.

Remember a few years ago the problem the VA had relative to long waiting periods before a veteran could see a doctor? Recent studies now indicate the VA has come a long way in addressing that issue. The waiting periods at Togus vary depending on the care you require; for example, an appointment with primary care takes on average 21 days; mental health, 21 days; with ophthalmology having the longest wait at 35 days. Quoted from an article from the Society of General Internal Medicine 2018 “The VA system performed similarly or better than the non-VA system on most of the nationally recognized measures of inpatient and outpatient care quality…..”

Special thanks go out to a couple members of our American Legion family for their help over the past week. Paul Perry saved the day by enabling us to run new halyard lines on our flagpole using his “bucket truck.” Thanks Paul! And another member of our family, John Hargreaves, spent long hours setting up the Hall for the Auxiliary Craft Fair last Saturday, Thanks John!

A reminder for all veterans, on June 10, the annual Veteran Lobster Boat Rides!

Spring cleaning? Once again, the American Legion will be having our annual Yard Sale on Boothbay Common on July 21. Same deal as always, a 10-foot X 20-foot space for $20. This year, the American Legion Auxiliary will be having their Craft Fair on the Common at the same time. Stay tuned for more information on those events as well.

Hope to see many of you at our next breakfast this Sunday, May 20!