Stony Plain Legion #256

To the membership of Branch 256 Stony Plain , this past week saw the elections held at your Branch , thank you to the outgoing executive members who decided to move on , Cde Karen Price who was our Sports Officer , thank you for your hard work over the last year , organizing both in house and Legion Sports , Cde Curt Budden Sgt at Arms , thank you for your hard work over the last 2 years, organizing parades, colour parties but most important our Remembrance Day Ceremonies . 

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our outgoing President Cde Jim Stover , on behalf of all members Jim , thank you for your dedication and stewardship of the Branch over the last 2 1/2 years . 

We also owe a huge thank you to the members of the executive who let their names stand to continue on the good work of your Legion , Cdes Jim Stover ,Pat Hale , Lanny McConnell, Andrew Benkovich , Dixie Jones, Vikki Scott and we were fortunate to add 3 new members Cdes Gerry Wiseman and Steven Hall and Larry Funge. 

I am looking forward to continue our good work in support of Veterans , our Branch and the Community we have the privilege of living in. 

Our Branch cannot survive without the support of the Membership , as you know we rely heavily on Volunteers to keep our Branch successful and I look forward to your continued support and involvement in your Branch .

Thank you one and all.

Gord Morrison ,MMM,MSM,CD

President 

Branch #256 Stony Plain

Gord Morrison MMM,MSM,CD 

Branch Service Officer / 1st Vice

RCL Branch #256 

kargor58@outlook.com

Cell 5875943230

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 .

Gord Morrison MMM,MSM,CD 

Branch Service Officer / 1st Vice

RCL Branch #256 

kargor58@outlook.com

Cell 5875943230

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 Nov 26 1400 hrs