Still no luck finding a land donor in Southern Maine. It looks like this project may die. Service to Veterans – this group of highly proficient and dedicated employees continues to set records. They bring in $25 million annually in claims money for veterans. This is up from $5.4 million a year in 1993 – 1994. Two developments in the claims arena – ?well grounded claims?, a claim where you provide all the documentation and VA does not have to provide any, is probably dead. A bill has passed the House and is being considered in the Senate that eliminates this program. The other major change is the development of the TRIP system. This system will allow our offices to make all the important determinations with an overview by VA. There are some delays implementing this system nationally, but we should be on line by winter. Maine Veteran Homes – the search for a new Director continues. Our goal is to have a new Director on by October. The Homes are also looking for a replacement for Ms Suzanne Piche, the Director of General Services, who has moved to California. This coming year, the Homes will start construction on residential bed additions for four of the homes. This addition will also include a major upgrade for Augusta. The cost to Maine will be minimal since most of the funds for these projects will come from USDVA. Currently, beds occupied have increased significantly for the existing homes. Two other major events are also going on this month. On the 18th there will be a major ceremony in Bangor to commemorate the Korean War. On the same day, an appointed legislative committee will meet to develop the design of the plague commemorating Viet Nam veterans. This bronze plaque will be place in the State Capital Building. Well, have a great ?rest of the summer.? Feel free to drop by any of our offices if you have any questions related to veterans. If we don?t have the answer, we?ll find out! TAPS CSM Adrian D. Miner CW4 Joseph L. Butera MISCELLANEOUS Retiree Council Meetings

The Council meets at 0900 in the TAG conference room, Camp Keyes, Augusta. Any retiree is welcome to attend. The Meeting dates for the year 2000, are 15 Aug, 17 Oct and 19 Dec. National Guard Association If you are not a member, either annual or life, now is the time to join the National Guard Association. For officers and warrant officers, call HQ MENG at 207-626-4311and ask for LTC Alan Tibbetts who will send you an application for retired life membership. Fill it out and return it with a check payable to NGAUS in the amount of $125.00. He will provide information on annual membership if so desired. UPCOMING EVENTS Armed Forces of the U. S. Retiree Appreciation Day Retiree Appreciation Day this year will be held on September 30th at the National Guard Armory located just off I-293 at 1059 Canal ST, Manchester, NH. Retirees of all branches of the Armed Forces and all reserve components including gray area retirees (under age 60) are invited to attend. The event is sponsored by the New Hampshire National Guard in cooperation with the Maine and Vermont National Guard, Fort Drum, Brunswick Naval Air Station and the Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont Army Retiree Councils. Flyer attached. Military Ball The Augusta Area Military Association is hosting the Military Ball scheduled for October 21, 2000, at the Augusta Armory, with a Pre-Ball Dinner at the Augusta Country Club. This year?s them is ?A Tribute to the Korean War Veterans and their Families?. See attached flyer for further details. Maine Historical Society Annual Meeting The Board of Directors has planned for an outstanding annual meeting for Saturday, November 11, 2000. The theme for the evening is The Maine Military Historical Society Honors Joshua Chamberlain. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at the Senator Inn. Western Ave., Augusta, Maine. The evening starts with a social hour from 6:00 p.m. Music will be provided by the 195th Army Band (MEARNG). During the social hour many items of Chamberlain Memorabilia will be on display for your enjoyment. Maine Historical Society Annual Meeting – (Continued) At 0730 p.m., the Maine Civil War Reinactors will pipe members and guests into the dining room where, the