Stony Plain Legion #256

As many are aware, Cde. Morrison has resigned effective immediately as elected President of Stony Plain Branch No. 256 for personal reasons. Per By-Laws, as 1st Vice-President I have assumed the role as President until elections upcoming this November. 

The current executive committee is aware of vacancies to be, as many terms are up. Please see forthcoming the roles, duties and responsibilities for executive positions. Any member in good-standing (paid up 2025 dues) can put their name forward or be called from the floor on election night to become a Director. 

Without “YOU” stepping up to join the executive, we will not have an executive committee. Without an EC - executive committee, the Branch cannot possibly function. If the Branch, cannot function we will be in potential receivership by AB/NWT Provincial Command. Command will assume the operations and take over of the Branch.

This is not a false claim, but could very well be the sad reality without our five hundred and ninety-seven (597) paid members across all categories joining the six (6) vacant executive committee slots. 

Something to think about now as this is your Branch. The best in the Prairies. The EC needs Branch members help, to keep our Branch running with an effective Executive Committee. IF you have intentions of joining the EC or have any questions, please email: spl256@telus.net Thank you in advance of November. 

Yours in comradeship,

President. Vikki Scott

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 August 27 1400 hrs