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
Membership
For Your Info
An update from your Membership Chair:
- We currently have 463 members paid up for 2021.
- There are 133 Ordinary, 237 Associate and 74 Affiliate Members.
- The Branch has 16 Life Members, those 16 members add up to 682 years of service to the Royal Canadian Legion!! Not bad, eh?
I have done up the "2021 Years of Service" for the Branch and will post along with the "2020 Years of Service" as you may have missed them last year, a few were given out at our Jan. and Feb. General Meetings that we were allowed to have early in the year.
Although not at a 5 year increment I would like to say Congrats!! to 68 years for Dave Waddell, 59 years for Peter Gosselin and 58 years for Hervy Watson.
For the most part I think everyone has been contacted regarding dues, some members want to wait until we open and we are all hoping for that asap. If you would like to pay before hand you can contact me, call or text 780-908-5672, email phale19832003@yahoo.ca
Yours in Comradeship,
Pat Hale
Membership Chair
Our Early Bird Winners for Sept where Jack Drolet, Jennifer Jones and Carolyn Wagner
Volunteers
Help Needed
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