PARIS — Since 1919, Nov. 11 has been set as a day of remembrance to thank American military servicemen.
This year, Foster Carroll American Legion Post 72 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9787, both of Paris, are doing a 180-degree turn on the concept of recognizing veterans for their service. The two organizations are hosting an outreach exhibit promoting the services available to all veterans.
It will be collocated with the traditional ceremony held for Oxford Hills’ veterans Nov. 10 at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.
The fair continues American Legion Post 72’s and VFW Post 9787’s mission to get all veterans the services they deserve, regardless of age. Last May, a similar event was held at the Legion’s headquarters on Church Street in South Paris.
“Each year, the community comes out to celebrate the sacrifices made by our country’s veterans of all eras, all branches of service,” Post Commander Sara Glynn says. “Many…most of our attendees are veterans themselves. As a group they are predominantly an aging population.”
Members of Oxford Hills veterans’ groups are dedicated to getting the word out that recognizing servicemen – past and present – is more than observance on holidays.
Teresa Drag, commander for VFW Post 9787 in South Paris, is also a volunteer with Quilts of Valor, a group that provides handsewn quilts to military servicemen and veterans. Maine Quilts of Valor will participate in an informational fair at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on Veterans Day during the region’s annual remembrance ceremony. Supplied photo
One example of that support is when aging veterans and their spouses experience challenges maintaining, and safely remaining, in their homes. The American Legion, VFW and others answer the call by pooling materials, resources and volunteers to support them.
Glynn, who works with veterans one-on-one to navigate lengthy and complicated VA applications, says she often must convince clients to seek and accept help.
“I always hear from veterans, ‘I’m sure there are others who need services more than me,” she explained. “They don’t want to take the help they need if it can go to someone else. But it is there for every veteran, and everyone who serves our country deserves it.”
The Oxford Hills veterans’ info. fair will also provide volunteer opportunities for veterans’ loved ones and friends, and people in the broader community.
The volunteer group Quilts of Valor will be represented by Beth Smith. Her first quilt was a private and personal project, long before she knew there was a national organization dedicated to it.
Smith is mother, sibling, niece and granddaughter to four generations of service men and women. For her, sewing has always been a form of therapy. Then she found that it also provides her with purpose and a way to bond with her veteran relatives.
“I made a quilt for my son for his 21st birthday while he was home on leave from Japan,” she told the Advertiser Democrat in an email statement. “It was not done before he arrived. He sat down and talked about his life. He was doing something beyond himself. Being part of a team, looking out for others.
“I told him that I hoped his quilt would be done before he left if he was allowed to take it. He helped with the pinning and picking out the backing. He went with me to the fabric store. We talked some more. It was something that brought us both comfort.”
The Veteran’s Day ceremony will be held in the OHCHS auditorium, starting at 10 a.m.
Informational kiosks for programs and services will line the corridor leading from OHCHS’ main entrance to the auditorium, with representatives from each group present to talk to attendees before and after observance presentations.
“When the idea of joining Quilts of Valor came I did not hesitate to join,” Smith continued. “This was my purpose. It means so much: the moments of connection with people, the meaning. I can bring comfort, and say thank you, for all their sacrifices for our nation.”
Complimentary donuts and refreshments will be served as well, courtesy of the Oxford Hills Rotary Club.
Below is a list of organizations that have confirmed they will participate at the OHCHS ceremony next Friday. Other officials and groups are expected to attend.
Rep. Golden
District Veterans Liaison from U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s office. Kim Rohn will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. When veterans call the congressman’s office for help, Rohn is the person who works with them on their individual applications and challenges. She will attend the ceremony to read a letter from Rep. Golden and manage an informational table.
VBA
Veterans Benefits Associations. VBA is the prime agency that processes claims for disability, pension benefits, and surviving spouse benefits, not to mention VA home loans and educational/vocational benefits.
Veterans Affairs
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Christopher Smith of the Togus Regional Benefits Office will speak during the ceremony and man a kiosk table to hand out veterans benefits materials, answer questions and take referrals for assistance.
Martin’s Point
Martin’s Point Health Care is the local main provider of health care/medical services for military retirees. Michael Tillery will attend to talk with attendees about U.S. Family Health Plan for active-duty families and retirees, as well as the TRICARE Prime Plan for adult dependents to 26. Both are available in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania.
Maine Vets Home
Maine Veterans’ Home South Paris. Administrator Brad Peck will attend to share information about long-term care, rehab and therapy services, short-term care and assisted living.
Quilts of Valor
A national organization committed to providing veterans with hand-sewn quilts that help with healing. Maine Quilts of Valor organizer Beth Smith will talk about securing a quilt of valor for a veteran, or volunteering to produce them.
Mission dogs
Mission Working Dogs. Founded by Oxford resident and disabled veteran Christy Gardner, the organization matches people with disabilities to service dogs, trained specifically to assist with their everyday needs.
Auxiliaries
The VFW Auxiliary and Legion Auxiliary. The auxiliaries of both groups each have a table with information about their respective organizations. The VFW and American Legion provide not just community service for veterans, but a way for veterans to continue supporting their comrades now in civilian life.
Honor Flight
Honor Flight Maine. With a mission to make sure every veteran is able to visit the nation’s war memorials in Washington, DC, Board Chairman Matthew Mank will represent Honor Flight Maine to talk with veterans about how to make their trip happen and hear about the experiences of those who have already made the journey.
Glynn says face-to-face meetings with representatives from veterans’ organizations is critical for many veterans to get support for healthcare, financial stability, emotional resilience and managing everyday affairs.
“These days, everything is done online. Getting information, filling out applications,” she said. “That does not work for older veterans who do not use the internet. Take the Pact Act, the services get expanded, but many people still don’t know they qualify for hearing aids, health screenings and treatments.
“We need to make sure our veterans feel taken care of. Their benefits are not fixed [or quantified],” she said. “They have earned them. It’s not just a ‘thank you for your service.’”
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