Stony Plain Legion #256

Copied from a veteran page

If you have a Veteran in your family and you don’t like their mood, and behavior around the holidays; please consider these things…

1.) Your veteran has served in countries where people are blessed to receive a tattered pair of shoes or have clean water to drink; he/she no longer lives the “first world illusion” and no longer cares that if you buy one play station you can get a second one for fifty percent off. In fact, they find it hard to appreciate any of the gluttonous commercialism and overindulgence that permeates our holidays. Standing watch, boring as it was, had so much more purpose than going to the mall. 

2.) Your Veteran is thankful for the most basic things; not thankful for mega-sales and million dollar parades. They are thankful to be alive; thankful to have survived both the wars far away and the wars they struggle with inside. 

3.) Your Veteran is thankful that it wasn't them that got killed, but their celebrations are forever complicated by guilt and loss over those that were. Some of the most thankful times in their life were some of the scariest. Their feelings of thanks and celebration often conjure memories that are equally painful. 

4.) Your Veteran is not like you anymore. At some point, for some period of time, their entire life boiled down to just three simple things: when will I eat today, when will I sleep today, and who will I have to kill or will try to kill me today? They are not like you anymore.

5.) Your Veteran does not need a guilt-trip or a lecture; they already feel detached in their grief while others so easily embrace the joy of the season. They need understanding and space; empathy not sympathy.

6.) Your Veteran loves his/her family and is thankful for the many blessings in their life…and they are thankful for you.

To all brothers and sisters who wore the uniform, know that we all struggle with one thing or another but as we go into this holiday season, reach out to those you love. You didn't fight alone in service, and you don't have to fight alone at home.

(copied)

If you know a Veteran who needs help Contact our Service Officer Terry Grabowski, CD

Cell 867-332-4180

Email rcrman507@gmail.com 

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 May 26 1400 hrs