Stony Plain Legion #256

A huge Thanks to Parkland Funeral Services for sponsoring our Meat Draw Saturday. Because of your generosity more funds go back to supporting our Community.

A Quilt of Valour is a hug from a grateful nation and a tribute to an

Canadian Armed Forces member, past or present. I’ve heard of a

few veterans declining a Quilt of Valour. Some feel they don’t

deserve one, or it should go to other veterans in need. Some

veterans decline quilts because they feel they didn’t do anything

valorous while in The CAF.

We’d like to clarify things up. You are eligible for a quilt of valour if

you meet the QOVC eligibility, Canadian Armed Forces members

(veterans and serving members), regular or reserve force, must

meet one of the following conditions:

1) Have served in a combat or peacekeeping mission including

theatres of war. OR

2) Have become ill or injured as a result of their service to

Canada, at home or abroad. Only veterans who have been

Honourably Discharged are eligible to receive a Quilt of Valour.

Although most of us will never know the soldier who will receive

our quilt, imagine what it would be like for you if you did know the

soldier. What if that soldier was your spouse, your brother/sister,

your friend or your child?

A Quilt of Valour serves a special purpose and quality

construction is important. Quilt standards must reflect the level of

gratitude that we want to demonstrate to the recipient. Quilts of

Valour can be made by individuals, social groups or quilting bees.

If you want to nominate someone or yourself you can do it online

https://www.quiltsofvalour.ca/request-a-quilt To learn more (or to

volunteer) please contact:

QOVC Ms. Diana Cole – Alberta regional coordinator (780) 984-

0016

Save the date

-Pub Night  April 11, 2025

-October Fest  October 3, 2025

-Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction November 28. 2025 

All proceeds to Quilts of Valour Canada Society

Contact

Comrade Terry Grabowski, CD

 Branch Service Officier

RCL Branch # 256

Cell 867-332-4180

Email rcrman507@gmail.com 

Shout out to all Ordinary members, just a quick post to introduce myself as the new Branch Service Officer, for those that don’t know me my name is Gord Morrison , I proudly served our great country for 38 years. And now look forward to serving you and all veterans in our area. 

The Legion does lots of good things but the thing it does best is assist Veterans who need a hand up or assistance in navigating the bureaucracy of Veterans Affairs . One of the biggest hurdles we all face is accepting the fact that we need assistance ( trust me , I am the biggest procrastinator ) , we all suffered injuries while serving and most likely ignored them or Soldiered On because that is what we did. So I plead with you to reach out, filling out a few forms is pretty painless, let the Legion do what it does best.

Your Branch hosts Veterans coffee once a month on the last Sunday from 1400 to 1600 hrs

This time of year is especially trying for lots of us and I would plead with you if you are aware of someone who is struggling, reach out to them and let them know they are not alone .

Comrade Gord Morrison MMM,MSM,CD                    Comrade  Terry Grabowski CD

Branch Service Officer / President                              Assistant Branch Service Officer

RCL Branch # 256                                                             RCL Branch # 256

Email kargor58@outlook.com                                       Email rcrman507@gmail.com     

       Cell 587-594-3230                                                                    Cell 867-332-4180

The Last Sunday of the Month Starting @ 1400 hours has been set aside for a gathering of Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces & RCMP and all those serving on active duty to come together in Fellowship and to be introduced to the Legion. Coffee and Donuts will be Served. All Veterans Welcome

-  meet with a volunteer Legion Service Officer to help identify unmet health or support needs and review possible benefits through (VAC) as well as other supports available 

-  get assistance with completing the Legion Claims Form and receive a referral to Legion Command Service Officers for individual assistance

-  request benevolent financial through the Poppy Fund

- request visits to Veterans in Retirement and Long-Term Care Facilities

-  access Veteran support and care programs as offered through the Branch

If you have a claim, or planning on submitting a claim to “Veteran Affairs”, please read this:

1. Veterans      should ensure that their “Advocate” at VA, are doing their job in      representing the Veteran (the same as a civilian lawyer would);
2. Make sure you see and read any Statement of      Case or Statements presented on your behalf in writing (in most cases,      there is nothing in writing);
3. Make sure you have been briefed and given a      copy of all information that is passed on to the Pension System, prior to      the hearing date;
4. Always ask for a copy of your audio      transcript, so you can go over what your Advocate has said in your behalf      (they will most likely tell you to go through the Privacy Act);
5. Take note that most first claims are denied      (this a discouragement tactic);
6. It is very important, that you do not      relinquish or give all of your evidence over, after your first hearing      (you can’t use your evidence twice);
7. When you seek an appeal after your first      denial, you must show new evidence for the appeal (by refusing your first      claim, VA will most certainly suppress your original evidence);
8. Ask to see what research has been done by your      Advocate on your behalf (don’t be surprised if there is none, they do not      conduct themselves like a Lawyer would);
9. As has been seen in the past, most VA      Advocates, do not give copies of anything to you, until after the fact      (demand it);
10. If you don’t feel like you were represented in      a Professional Manner, go back to your Advocate and demand, any and all      paperwork, presented on your behalf;
11. If you seriously feel that you were not fairly      and professionally treated, it is recommended that you contact the      Minister of Veteran Affairs, or the current Veteran Ombudsman, and ask why

Veterans Coffee March 30 1400 hrs