Veteran's Corner [05/12/2003]

By Frank McCarthy

Disability Compensation:For those of you, and I know many, who refuse to apply for veteran's disability compensation because it's too much of a hassle, too bothersome, or some other such lame excuse, here is what you are depriving your family of. A veteran rated with a service-connected disability of 10 percent would receive $104 per month. A married veteran with two children rated at 50 percent would receive approximately $750 per month. A married veteran with two children rated at 100 percent would receive approximately $2,446 per month. If you were injured while in service, or are now sick as a result of agent orange or asbestos exposure, or any one of a thousand other causes, you darn well earned compensationgo for it, you earned ityou deserve it. Presidential Memorial Certificate Program:This program provides engraved certificates signed by the president of the United States. The certificates commemorate honorably discharged, deceased veterans. They are sent to the veteran's next of kin and/or loved ones. For more information on how to request a certificate, contact the New Hampshire VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000. Property Tax relief For Veterans:The Town of Conway will give most veterans $100 in property tax relief. Veterans who are rated totally and permanently disabled by the VA receive $1,500 in relief. They also receive a free vehicle registration and free hunting and fishing licenses. If you haven't already applied for property tax relief, check in with the town clerk. It is really a simple matter, easily accomplished. Make sure, however, that you have the required documentation. Although much appreciated by totally disabled veterans, the $1,500 in relief is rather miniscule when compared to many states. Some give total relief, others give $5,000 and more in relief. I shall endeavor to ascertain when New Hampshire last reviewed the policy and adjusted the amount of property tax relief allowed. American Legion Yard Sale:We are looking for donations of clothing, tools, sporting equipment, furniture, electronics, televisions and anything else you deem appropriate for a yard sale. The proceeds will help the American Legion carry out its community-based projects and children and youth programs, such as Little League baseball. If you need help in transporting your donated articles to the Legion home call 356-9160 to request assistance. The sale will be conducted over the Memorial Day weekend May 24, 25 and 26 at Post 95 Legion Hall on Kearsarge Street in North Conway. We also have tables available for non-legion participants at $10 per day. Interested parties can call 356-9160 to make arrangements for a table. So, get to work, clean out the garage, attic, tool shed and closets and donate what you no longer need for a good cause. Memorial Day Services:John Eastman (Conway Recreation Director) will soon complete the installation of the town's new flagpole in Schouler Park. At this year's Memorial Day ceremonies we will officially dedicate the new flag pole in memory of local veterans, past and present. The new national colors will, with proper pomp and ceremony, be raised for the first time on the new pole. Units participating will include American Legion Posts 95 and 46, Disabled American Veterans, two local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Squadron 46 of the Sons of the American Legion and Unit 46 of the American Legion Auxiliary. Our guest speaker will be former state senator and Conway selectman Mark Hounsell. Hopefully, our town manager and selectmen will join us. We will also be pulling strings for a little help from the Kennett High School band. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26. Please put an hour of your time aside to spend with us and make this a truly memorable day. A Final Note:As mentioned in the last Veteran's Corner, the installation of newly-elected American Legion officers took place on Sunday, May 4. We would like to thank the commander of Post 46, Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 46 and the ladies of Auxiliary Unit 46 for their dedication and tireless effort. The ceremony was great and the food layout after the ceremony was something special. Thank you all. A special "thank you" to Tom Murphy, commander, Squadron 46, Sons of the American Legion. Semper FiFrank McCarthy of North Conway is a Vietnam War veteran and commander of American Legion Post 95.