Stony Plain Legion #256
4902-44 Ave, Stony Plain, T7Z-IV5
email spl256@telus.net
Executive
Welcome!
Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization with a national reach across Canada, and branches in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. And with nearly 300,000 members of the Legion, our strength is in our numbers. Join us here in Stony Plain!
We exist so Canada never forgets
The Legion understands the importance of acknowledging the courage of those who served and still serve today. Through Remembrance initiatives, we help Canadians honour those who have make the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
What can you do? Join or Volunteer today!
Help out by running the Meat Draw or 50/50 draw. Each of these are a two hour commitment on Saturdays 3:00 -5:00 pm. See Buck Coutts to have your name added to the list for 2021.
Legion updates
LEGION UPDATES
Presidents Update
To Our Members.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have been supporting us in these trying times.
We will be having a General Meeting Jan 25 at 7:00 pm .
Also on Jan 28 we will Have our monthly Jam night with Chili and a bun.
Jim Stover
President
Membership
For Your Info
The Membership Committee is excited to announce the launch of the Veteran Family Welcome Program to welcome family of Veterans to the Legion! The Dominion Executive Council approved the new 1-year free membership program for eligible family members in recognition of the commitment and support immediate family members provide to our Veterans on a daily basis.
This free first year of membership is available to spouses and children (18+ years of age) of serving, retired or passed CAF or RCMP Veterans who have not yet joined the Legion.
The membership includes a subscription to Legion Magazine and full access to our Member Benefit PNew! Veteran Family Welcome Program
The free first year of Legion membership program has expanded eligibility to include family of Veteransartners and MemberPerks® program, offering savings at thousands of restaurants and retailers across Canada.
Eligibility for Veteran Family Welcome Program
Applicant must be new to the Legion
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older, and a spouse or child of a serving, retired or passed CAF or RCMP Veteran
Membership Administration
All new Veteran Family Welcome Program members will initially be registered in Dominion Branch 16-016 to process the free 1-year membership
Once registered, a member can transfer at any time to a local Branch (local Branch to initiate the transfer)
New members will receive a welcome email when their application is processed through Member Services.
The membership card will be sent from Dominion Command to the member’s address on file. Should the member transfer to a local Branch, the local Branch will receive their membership card.
How to apply to the Veteran Family Welcome Program and the Veteran Welcome Program
Eligible applicants can fill out an application form online:
https://www.legion.ca/welcome
https://legion.ca/fr/bienvenue
Printed Application Forms are available at the Branch.
Donation
Donation
Ed Berney from the Kinsmen Club of Stony Plain receives a donation cheque from President Cde Jim Stover for the 2021 Kinsmen Christmas Hamper campaign
There is a Basket in our Lounge You can Drop off your Dontion
Service officer
Legion
contact Branch- Edward Siteman
Support for Veterans and Family's
The Legion provides a range of service and supports for Veterans, their families and dependents.T In addition to directly assisting Veterans and their Families wirh
the disability process through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). the Legion Offers a variety of programs, resources and Referrals to Support Veteran Health, transition to civilian life, financial assistance and well-being.
Gathering Of Veterans
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
At The Local Legion Branch,a Veteran or Family can;
- 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
If you have a claim, or planning on submitting a claim to “Veteran Affairs”, please read this:
- Veterans should ensure that their “Advocate” at VA, are doing their job in representing the Veteran (the same as a civilian lawyer would);
- 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);
- 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;
- 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);
- Take note that most first claims are denied (this a discouragement tactic);
- 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);
- 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);
- 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);
- As has been seen in the past, most VA Advocates, do not give copies of anything to you, until after the fact (demand it);
- 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;
- 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
Edward Siteman CD2
Service Officer, RCL Branch 256