BIDDEFORD — Those who have worn the uniform of the United States while serving in the military now have a place to gather and call their own in Biddeford.
A chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America has opened at 508 Elm St. in the city and is a rest-and-relaxation type of center where veterans rom all eras can come down and just get away from the daily grind of life, to socialize and meet new friends.
According to Chapter 1044 President Joseph Armstrong, the organization’s founding principle is “Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another” and it conducts regular meetings eveny month.
Armstrong said that meetings are held at 1:30 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month.
“At the center we will have available for the veterans a place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and to meet other veterans,” he said. “Or if they prefer, they can sit and watch TV, or read a book. We will have several tables set up if the veteran wished to play checkers, chess and or cribbage.”
He said that the chapter received its charter in 2010 in Sanford and started with 25 members.
“Today we have over 130 members from all over the state of Maine,” Armstrong said.
Nationally, the Vietnam Veterans of America organization has more than 75,000 members and provides a community of fellowship with fellow veterans that share commons experiences, needs and hopes for the fuure.
It offers veterans claims assistance, financial advice, job placement and advocates for its members on their behalf through legislative initiatives.
The organization also provides outreach programs to all veterans about Agent Orange, homelessness, PTSD, substance misuse, educational advancement, incarceration and more.
Along with recreational pursuits, the Biddeford chapter also will provide valuable resources pertaining to veterans issues.
“Veterans benefit information is always available,” Armstrong said. “We will have a Veterans Service officer available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday or by appointment.”
The Biddeford facility also has a selection of veterans items for sale including veterans hats, pins, T-shirts, coffee cups, window stickers and other veteran-related products.
For more information about the chapter, call Armstrong at 494-9287 or visit www.vva1044maine.org.
— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com
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