members, retirees and the public for its continuing operation. For more information check the AER website at www.aerhq.org .If you have further questions or would like to donate to this worthy cause, call the AGR Manager in the Human Resources Office at 626-4338. TRANSITIONS Retirements through July 2000 LTC David P. Demers SGT Kenneth J. Pelletier SGT Randy W. Salisbury SGT Steven R. Hanrahan CW5 Christopher L. Bowers SSG Richard E. Hannon SGT Andre L. Sirois CW4 Robert C. Ahlquist SGT Nelson J. Saucier BG Eugene L. Richardson CW5 Ronald L. Roussel SSG Scott A. Norris SSG David D. Henderson SGT Steven E. Morin SFC John J. Walsh 1SG Henry J. Pelletier SFC Peter I. Patten MAJ Richard D. Bean CPT John D. Vangel SSG Kevin L. Buck

VETERANS CORNER By Frank Soares, Director, Bureau of Maine Veterans? Services Now that summer is here, I hope all of you are taking advantage of our fine weather by getting plenty of time to do those things that mean the most to you. In short order, we will be facing fall and then, of course, winter. With the advent of these seasons comes the start of the legislative calendar in January. With this season should come a well-prepared front by veterans, military retirees and concerned citizens presenting the important issues that failed to make the last session or need to be brought before the legislature this session. Please, do not wait until the legislature meets to think through your proposals for presentation! Now is the time to define your needs and develop a plan of action that can be implemented after the elections in November. I can?t tell you the number of times that I have witnessed well-meaning citizens rushing through delicate drafts or speeches because they didn?t develop their ideas until the last minute. Usually these efforts end up in defeat and often embarrassment for the authors. Well, we have had enough discussion about future politics. Here is what is happening in the Bureau this summer: Cemetery System – Mr. Joseph Nota is now out permanently awaiting a disability retirement. Action on his case is expected by early fall. 1LT David Richmond has assumed most of Mr. Nota?s duties plus continues to manage the new construction projects. The new cemetery on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Augusta is moving along well. The Administration building has been shelled in, the chapel construction has started and about 75% of the road system is in place. The pond is now being shaped and the crossing of the swamp will start next week. The Caribou Cemetery Architect and Engineering proposals are in and a selection is expected soon. Design should start by early fall. Design should be complete by January, a construction contract awarded in February and work starting in the early spring. The Northern Maine Cemetery Association has been fund raising and collected about $5000 with promises of about three times that figure! A Veterans Day opening is expected for this cemetery also. Cemetery System – (Continued)