American Legion Post 20, Brunswick has assisted the United States Marine Corp Toy for Tots program. We have filled four boxes and will be presenting them the U.S. Marines on Monday Morning at 9 a.m. I would like to thank you for your help in putting a smile on a lot of Kids.

Love Thy neighbor

Let’s look out for our elderly, disabled and shut-ins during this holiday Season, check on them, a phone call, a knock on the door, a visit, all things that not only make them feel safe, but comfort them in their loneliness. The LIHEAP program is available to help with heat expense. Call your town office for more info.

Tricare co-pays (from Military Time)

Lawmakers created the SSIA program in 2008 to make up some of that loss. As of fiscal year 2017, eligible survivors can receive more than $3,700 a year from that — but a fraction of their offset losses. And lawmakers have had to repeatedly reauthorize the program every few years. Now it will be made permanent, reducing the anxiety for families who have grown dependent on the benefit. The move is expected to cost about $2.8 billion over the next decade.

To pay for it, negotiators included new Tricare pharmacy co-pay that had drawn criticism from outside advocates. Under the plan, co-pays for name-brand drugs will nearly double over the next eight years. Co-pays for retail generic drugs will rise from $10 to $14 over that period. Those changes are expected to create nearly $3 billion in new revenue that will cover SSIA program costs. But military advocates have in the past bristled at the notion that benefits increases for some military groups must be paid for with decrease in other programs or new fees for other troops.

The bottom line: If your modified adjusted gross income is more than $133,500 (as a single filer; $267,000 if you’re filing jointly), your monthly premiums could rise by $80.

Local Vet Hired as Legion Service Officer.

Carl Curtis a Brunswick native was recently hired as the American Legions State of Maine service Officer. Carl an Army veteran who lives in Brunswick assumed full duty in November. Carl is a member of Post 20 in Brunswick.

Congratulations to Chief Petty Officer Jim Grover, Chief Petty officer Dante DiEdwardo and Chief Petty Officer Larry LaRochelle for receiving their Naval Awards from Senator Collins office.

Chief Grover received a set of military awards from Korea, Vietnam including his navy Air Medal.

Chief DiEdwardo received a set of his military medals for WW-II, Korea and Vietnam.

Chief LaRochelle received his American Flag for his retirement from the U.S. Navy.

Coming Events

At Brunswick McDonald’s at Cooks Corner, as part of their Community Outreach Program, will donate 20 percent of their sales from 5-7:30 p.m., Jan. 15, 2018 to the Brunswick American Legion. Stop by between these times, and support McDonald’s as well as the Brunswick American Legion Programs.