Stony Plain Legion #256
4902-44 Ave, Stony Plain, T7Z-IV5
email spl256@telus.net
Executive
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!
Sign up sheets for Vollunteering are in the Lounge. Check them out to see how you can support ypur Legion
Legion updates
LEGION UPDATES
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
Update
1. Have you experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment
in the Canadian Armed Forces? All current or former CAF
members who experienced racial discrimination and/or racial
harassment in connection with their military service may be able to
receive a payment under the Settlement. (Enrolled as CAF Members
at any
time from April 17, 1985, and for any duration up to and including the
Approval Date of January 10, 2025). In order to make a claim for a
monetary award, and/or to request a personalized letter of apology
from the Chief of the Defence Staff, and/or to participate in restorative
engagement processes, you will need to submit an Individual Claim
Form to the Claims Administrator. The claims period will open after
April 10, 2025, but may be delayed for certain reasons. Further
details and updates will be available from the Claims Administrator at:
https://cafrdclaims.com The potential range of individual payments for
Class Members is between $5,000.00 and $35,000.00.
Call: 1-844-720-0499 or Email: cafrd@deloitte.ca
Membership
For Your Info
You don't have to be a Veteran to support a Veteran
Legion membership is open to any Canadian citizen or citizen of an Allied nation who is 18 years of age or older.
Stony Plain Legion Branch is open Wednesday to Friday @ 1500 hrs. Saturday opening is at 1400 hrs. Our dues are $55/year and General Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month (excepting July, August & December).
· Join online - Join your local Legion Branch from the comfort of your home: www.legion.ca
· Join by phone - Get help registering from our Member Help Desk. Call toll-free 8:30 – 4:30 EST. 855-330-3344
· Join at your local Branch – Branch #256 Stony Plain, 4402 – 44 Ave. Stony Plain 780-963-9232, spl256@telus.net
Types of Membership
· Ordinary membership - Includes still serving and retired military, reservists, RCMP, police officers, Canadian Coast Guard, and others listed in the General By-Laws.
· Associate membership - Includes parents, spouses, widows, widowers, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews of a person who is or was eligible for Ordinary membership.
· Affiliate Voting membership - Includes Canadian citizens or Commonwealth subjects from an Allied nation who are not eligible for Ordinary or Associate membership.
· Affiliate non-voting membership - Includes non-Canadian citizens or non-Commonwealth subjects from an Allied nation who support The Royal Canadian Legion’s aims and objectives.
hall Rentals
Contact Info
Eki at 780-996-073maik Vikki at hallrentalspl256@gmail.com . Or phone
Vikki 780-996-0734
Check out our new Audio Visual System
Service officer
Legion
Contact
Comrade Terry Grabowski, CD
Branch Service Officier
RCL Branch # 256
Cell 867-332-4180
Email rcrman507@gmail.com
Support for Veterans and Family's
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
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
Veterans Coffee
Veterans Coffee March 30 1400 hrs