by Gary Kennedy

The following is a response to the Letter to the Editor, The Town Line, September 11, 2025, page 9.

Well, in answer to where have I been for the past eight months. I would have to say four of those months I spent helping veterans in Southeast Asia and the other four I have spent here doing the same. This is an annual agenda for me. I can’t say I like the path that Trump cuts have taken as I said, “Trump speed”. By that, I meant I don’t necessarily agree with the rush when it comes to veterans’ benefits and how they are handled. I have to agree that a lot of bad people out there have taken advantage of tax payer money which directly affects everyone, especially veterans. As mentioned in my article $1.8 billion has been redirected into community based care. I think now Secretary Collins is tasked with accounting for how that will happen. I am adamant in my belief that their corruption needs to stop. I am in hope that we will see the money come back and be placed where it needs to be.

A few years ago I wrote an article for The Town Line newspaper that mentioned that once upon a time V.A. land covered 1,000 acres which was cut in half; one half became Chase’s acres and the V.A. retained the other half. I was of the belief then and I remain of the same opinion that with 500 acres of good land we could house the entire V.A. population and have a magnificent total service facility. I would like to think of this situation as growing pains. However, I agree things are messed up for many of us currently for many different reasons. I am in hopes that President Trump loves the veterans as much as he states. I am trying to communicate with Secretary Collins and explain what I am seeing currently. Unfortunately, I don’t share your faith in communication with our Senator and Congressman. As you are aware there is no love lost between them. Yes, I am aware that this affects the entire country. When you purge dishonesty you go wherever it is. I gave an example in my article. You have one up on me when you mention Vital Clinical Studies or the loss of Waste Disposal. You have information I don’t have. Anyway, my primary concern is doctors and medical support personnel. Thank you Ms. Marlett for your feedback. I would say that your knowledge of the inner workings of the V.A. would lead one to believe that you might be employed there. If so, sharing what you are knowledgeable about might be very helpful to veterans. Thanks again for your contribution.

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We are making great strides regarding claims. Our backlog is down nearly 30 percent. Two million claims have been processed as of June 2025. That is a benefit to the entire claim process. There have been problems making it easier for the surviving spouse to get benefits after serious problems during the previous administration. New systems are being installed to bring the desired result into fruition. If you were denied, apply again.

VA is phasing out Gender Dysphoria which should have been common sense years ago. (Sense of unease because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity). This is a very costly area and should never have entered the military picture. If you don’t know who or what you are, how could you possibly function in a military setting? Also, it is a precursor to an almost guaranteed VA claim, most likely PTSD. This as you might imagine would be a great added expense which should have never been allowed to exist. We old vets can remember, even in the time of war, you were refused entry into the military for just having such things as Flat Feet, which I might add only pays 10 percent in disability normally. Emotional disorders can become 100 percent very quickly.

I have to say there are several problems, a prospective soldier could have if allowed in the military. Gender identity is only one but possibly the most costly to the American taxpayer. This type of problem which most likely began at birth, should be caught and treated well before any attempt is made to join the military. We have many fish to fry with our vets and their families without following previously established military entry guidelines. There also are recruiters who are seeking entry quotas. If they don’t reach them they could lose their cushioned job. There are many things the untrained eye doesn’t see yet they complain about taxes and low wages. Analyze and you can find money that disappeared.

Have a good weekend and as always God bless you and yours. On Sunday don’t forget to pray for the soul of Charlie Kirk. He is loved by members of both sides.

by Gary Kennedy

Last week we talked about Labor Day as it is part related to VA. It caused me to think and wonder why we veterans are now being asked to take outside of the system referrals; some of which are more than a hundred miles away, I was speaking with a dentist in Concord, New Hampshire, and he told me that he had patients from the County, attending his clinic. We talked a little about the expense of such a relationship and he expressed his desire to help veterans and how he and a nearby surgical facility were working hand in hand.

You have probably seen the advertisements on TV where a tremendous amount of work can be performed in one day. Although VA pays far less than those doing only private; I guess volume can narrow the monetary gap. This doesn’t satisfy V.A.’s promise of sending you out but limiting the distance one has to travel. The quality of the work is yet to be ascertained but I will fill you in on that shortly.

Unfortunately, our new Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs has taken over what many of us believe to be a severely broken system. Secretary Collins has much pertinent experience but has never worked in the VA system. I don’t think he can move at the speed of Trump. Togus being the first VA system should be where he begins. I and many others are firm believers there is some swamp water here. I do remember when VA was a logical venue; now it has become complex, diverse and a difficult place to navigate. Some people are in fear and have become introverts; that certainly doesn’t encourage growth and well being. Those in relatively safe positions have become lax, it’s quite evident. In the past five years we have gone downhill like a skier in white powder, blind and fast, with only memory to guide us.

A few good examples would be all medical specialties. Orthopedics is missing at least three doctors since the golden days, as I like to refer to them. Rheumatology is empty; the only qualified person is playing Oncologist, I believe. Dermatology is a joke as you take off your affected areas clothing and a picture is taken with a camera and sent away. Last month X-ray department was operated by a part time X-ray tech from another hospital. So they had to close it to normal traffic. Podiatry is down one doctor perhaps even two.

Even so that is one of the best run/managed departments in the entire hospital. I will take one step back on my last statement as Neurology is a fantastically functioning department with quality staff and expertise as is Podiatry. In any case Neurology is down at least one doctor maybe two. Pain clinic is short staffed. They need to work hand in hand with physical therapy which is always short staffed. Prosthetics is another great department. Kim just retired which leaves Michelle in the driver’s seat, a seat she has always been able to handle but still short a person or two. I am not sure about the shortages in Pulmonary and Cardiac care. I guess I will have to wait for my first heart attack. Urology is short at least one doctor.

Why are so many being fired, quitting and early retirements? Employees use to stick around as Togus was considered a great place to work with fair wages. We always had a good share of military veteran employees. No one understands a vet like another vet. I have mentioned the lacking of professional position but I haven’t mentioned the medical clerical. I don’t know the count but I believe every department is missing at least one. A medical record which is a very important department in our system is very short on staff. As they supply medical documents to staffs, doctors, veterans and administration.

The pressure in that department I have been told can be tremendous at times. If they are near retirement, they will leave. Do you know who isn’t short on staff? If you haven’t guessed, it would be what remains, the administrative side of things. I mentioned in one of my articles, “The Peter principle”. This is the area where that begins. I will give you one good example and a personal loss to me and that is my friend Jeff Walawander, chief of staff in Dentistry.

He was a wonderful dentist and person. Everyone loved him, vets and staff. He was taken from his position on the medical/dental side and made chief of staff of the hospital. He knew nothing about the job but said he’d give it a try. He ended up leaving, after only a few months. He told me the VA dental position was a good fit for him and he planned on making it his home. We lost a great doctor because of the management style of our director. If you’re not happy you will leave. Other countries have some great doctors who would like to come here but they pay their money and wait for years.

We need some change and that is not only locally but districtly. Let’s hope that Secretary Collins comes on board and up to date soon. We are losing our medical side very fast. Some of you have already experienced a loss in doctors. Now we have nurses performing functions that only doctors performed in the past. Don’t take me wrong, some nurses are great but they don’t have the skills of doctors. The reasons are pay rates, time constraints between doctor and patient, peer pressure which can affect outcomes, overall stressful environment, brought on by ones superiors. Outside losses of doctors is primarily a lack of consensus regarding fees. You can’t consistently pay doctors offices at a one-third rate.

We will talk more next time. Thank you for your participation and support. God bless and have a great weekend.

by Gary Kennedy

I have been asked some tricky questions as of late. One such question is, “is common law marriage recognized in the state of Maine?” this question can be very tricky for those living in Maine. Common law marriage is a legally recognized marriage that does not require a formal marriage contract. It comes into existence when two people live together and intend someday to be married and hold themselves out to the public as a married couple.

This form of marriage is recognized in only nine states and D.C., I believe. I’m sure you can conjure up some reasons why a couple would prefer this type of relationship. Generally they are not good reasons by normal standards. Some are to protect assets or because of insecurity. Some are because of past negative experiences that promote fear of repetition. None the less Maine does not recognize common Law Marriage.

There are exceptions to every rule and you’ve heard me say that in past non-related situations. However, one that comes to mind that would be legally argumentative is, where a couple lived previously in a state that does recognize common law such as Texas or Montana. That would show intent to marry and could be accepted in Maine. I would like to emphasize, “Could be”. I wouldn’t want to be the one defending it when it comes to the rules and regulations of the Veterans Administration. I am of the firm belief that the V.A. System has legalized whatever they wish to the Nth degree. I am just trying to point out there is a possibility for those taking that route.

The pursuit of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, (D.I.C.) states the veteran’s death must meet specific criteria related to service connection or disability rating. Generally speaking D.I.C. is paid to a surviving spouse, children or parents, if the veteran died on active duty from service connected illness or injury or was totally disabled for a specified period before death. If the vet dies on active duty or even while in training for such, D.I.C. may be payable. If the veteran dies from a service connected injury D.I.C. may be payable. If the veteran dies from other than service connected injury, D.I.C. may still kick in. The veteran would need to be rated at 100 percent for at least 10 years I believe before his/her death. At least five years immediately after release from military service or for one year if the veteran was a prisoner of war. Also, the spouse had to be married for one year and cohabitated with the vet until death. The spouse will need to submit a VA form 21P-534, vets DD 214, veteran’s death certificate, evidence related to the claim and marriage and birth certificates. I find it’s best to take your case directly to V.A. or V.B.A. on the second floor of bldg. 248, Togus V.A. Medical Center. That is always a good way to avoid mistakes and get the answers you seek.

There are many other scenarios that we could explore if you find the need, this example just happened to be a product of a relatively recent case. There is also many law cases in this area as you might guess.

The state of Maine Capital building has a great law library which is open to the public and staffed with some sharp librarians if you care to do some personal research. This was just on common law marriage. There is much more pertaining to D.I.C. and what is expected of you and yours if you find the need. I will gladly share what I am aware of as well as any research that your problem may require.

God bless you and yours and have a safe weekend.

by Gary Kennedy

I keep trying to retire but someone always calls me and says, “Gary this is your friend Joe. I know you are retiring but could you do me a favor?” Of course, it’s another veteran with a problem being referred. How do you say “NO”, to a friend? After my family, I love veterans next. When a job is well done for them most are grateful. Their gratitude is worth all that goes into it. A supportive VA is the greatest reward they can receive for their service to our country. Most V.S.O.’s concur with the elation shared by the relationship when they make it all come together.

Unfortunately, every Veterans Administration office has an employee with poor training who gives poor advice or likes to pound on his or her chest and show how great and important they are. In the past, I told you the story of the veteran who came to Togus in search of help and was turned away as it was believed he made too much money. True he was a hard worker. He dug clams and did some carpentry work. He was honest and reported all his income. Later in life he had a family and one of his son’s lost a leg because of military service and the father, the subject of this story, brought him to V.A. Emergency and waited for him in the waiting room. While there, my wife was doing some volunteer work and I was placing copies of this very newspaper in the upstairs waiting rooms. The now elderly gentleman struck up conversation with my wife about his son losing a leg and his having to help his son with transportation. They lived a considerable distance away. My wife asked if he had ever been in the service and he said, “Yes”. She asked if he used any of the VA services and he replied, “No”. He explained he wasn’t eligible as he was told he made too much money. He explained his problems which were all service connected. She had him speak with me and we filed a case and won 100 percent. Of course, he needed to get an ID card and be hooked up with the system. This was a case of 60 years lost. That was because of poor training on the part of VA and/or service officers.

I have had a couple of veterans come to me and complain about an employee’s treatment regarding their visit. I myself usually take my issue to V.B.A. (B.V.A.) on the second floor of bldg. #248. I recommend them. You can also use V.F.W., American Legion, Maine Vets or D.A.V., but personalities sometimes get in the way. I find veterans and their families to be very special and find a way to engage individuals, as they are all different. Sometimes it’s difficult but it can be done. Remember the broken or damaged soldier you see today is not the same as the one of his youth. However, V.A. employees should never holler or be disrespectful to veterans or their spouses.

I have witnessed this type of behavior myself and couldn’t believe their boss would not be aware of these individuals behavior and reprimand this sort of behavior. You don’t argue with a veteran de-escalation of a tense situation should be done tactfully, thus allowing the steam to evaporate. Personalities are complicated things; you can have great knowledge regarding the veterans need but it’s how you deliver it. We are not competing with veterans, we are trying to satisfy their need and that must be done in a professional, non demeaning manner. You need to prevent aggressive or harmful actions. Safety is paramount. Some veterans walk a thin wire. Some people are placed into positions of direct conflict, such as problem solving. Though they know what to do, they just don’t have people skills and shouldn’t be in that position. I blame that on the placement team.

Here at Togus the problem goes a little bit further with the attrition rate. VA Togus has lost some very good doctors for various reasons. Some medical professionals are retiring and happy to have the longevity to be able to do so. Some, even with the benefit of not bearing civilian responsibility like being held liable for mistakes, no need for insurance, still find the environment too high pressure. A few issues ago I mentioned the Peter Principle. Some have succumbed to that trap and just decided to leave. Some of these great men and women professionals would still be here if management had left them in the positions they were hired for.

When forced to work outside ones comfort zone of knowledge one tends to be uncomfortable and in some cases hide. What a loss! Currently there is a hiring freeze and I feel that is because of President Trump’s revamping the government. I must say, I don’t disagree with that but it does carry some unseen negatives with it. Some of us communicate with the powers that be, perhaps they will get the picture and fix it. There are many brilliant medical professionals who would like to immigrate here but that’s not possible currently. Also, I think the allocation of VA money by the Fed, needs to be reviewed when it comes to VA.

For the first time in five years there is work being done to the infrastructure here. However, I believe the wrong places at the wrong time. We are paying outside crews to “patch” our damaged roads but our internal needs are falling in decay. Veterans are passing away without having their medical needs and others satisfied. There are barricades everywhere. It is my honest opinion that at this rate and direction a drastic change will occur in the vet system itself. Putting a bandaid on it won’t suffice what is ailing our system.

Sad to say but outside doctors are becoming fewer and fewer. When you allocate only one-third of what the medical professionals are asking for they are replying, “We can’t even cover our expenses with that amount”. VA knows what I am talking about. It is a secret, although most veterans don’t see or know this. I personally have traveled as much as five hours to be treated. Those in the county travel as much as eight hours, to some destinations. Why?. Because that specialty won’t work for VA rates in Maine. We all need to realize it isn’t because they don’t love veterans, some are veterans themselves. They just can’t afford to take the continual loss.

I have lost a couple of great doctors myself. I think we need to get our new VA Secretary Douglas Collins on board to what’s happening in the system. He’s new perhaps he isn’t really aware. People tend to take the new guy for granted until he wises up to the job around him. I’d like to see transparency regarding the money allocated to VA to the benefit of veterans. After all it’s our money and there to benefit all veterans and their families. VA needs to realize they work for us and have work because of us. We should have some input in how our money is spent.

The hiring freeze is what is killing us currently. All of you can now spread what I have said to those of us in remote areas. We all should be aware of the problem and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Drop a line to: Honorable Douglas A. Collins, Secretary US Department of Veterans Affairs. 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420.

Have a pleasant and safe weekend. God bless you and your family. See you next time.

by Gary Kennedy

It seems to this writer that the sharing of veteran information is a never ending circle. I have always loved being part of the Veteran Community. However, there are those who don’t see me as an asset to the hundreds, if not more veterans I have helped here and abroad. I have had a great success in over 40-plus years without being on anyone’s payroll. Because of that I have been able to give more than 15 minutes to those brave men and women who served their country with love and dignity. You can always see the pride and respect they wear on their sleeves. Although I don’t receive Christmas cards from most of them, I am proud of my input in their lives and the happiness the positive results is given to them and their families. I have gone all over this country in aiding some veterans as well as aiding other vets living in the islands of the South Pacific.

I am getting close to the finish line myself and am tired of debating my role in my brother and sister vets lives. It is what was created and in my opinion has serviced many with great success. I have been blessed with many friendships of happy families. I hope others will come along with enough knowledge and grit to be part of a life line to veterans who don’t know or have lost their way. When a soldier/sailor is released on other than a dishonorable discharge he or she should be mandated to carry their medical records along with DD214 to the nearest V.A. facility and should be signed into that facility and given an I.D. Card. It shouldn’t matter the condition and their health at that time. The time will most likely come when they will call on their country to serve them as they did for their country. Our armed forces live and die for us. Our precious resources should never be compromised at our borders while our most cherished succumb to their last days on street corners or under the bridge. The dark places in our cities should not be where they call home. Some have tried V.A. and failed and some don’t even realize what V.A. is all about.

So, you end up with a few veterans like me; not to many, but some. Did you know there are veteran advocates who have even slept under the bridge with veterans who have seemed to be on the edge of using the top of the bridge? Yet there are those who choose to play mind games and turn their heads to truth and reality. Forty plus years has shown me a lot. I’ve seen it all and have never accepted money for what I do. The others like me feel the same way. Once material things get in the picture what you do or want to do become compromised. I have never seen or known an advocate who had lots of material things but they have some wonderful stories, sad and happy.

As I stated earlier, much of this could be eliminated if the military would place in their discharge rule book a mandatory visit to their home state Veterans Administration to have their medical records scanned into the system for a current or future need. It should be mandatory discharge procedure. By the time Veterans are seen at the Bureau of Veterans Affairs (B.V.A.) they are for the most part appearing worn and haggard. Even so, the picture was a lot different prior to service. That is the person we should be seeing. Life caused the result and should be respected as such. Judging a veteran is wrong. Know the story, the truth lies in there somewhere. More hurt is shameful and should not be tolerated. Keep the U.S.A. the way the founders intended; the Constitution can explain it all. There are those in this country that want to do away with law and order; no need for our police and military. We can’t allow what our fore fathers built to be destroyed by outside entities. Be fair but be correct. Let’s fix all that has been broken; that begins with U.S.A. Veterans. Send the radicals back where they come from. At the same time let’s keep all that is good for our country.

I have been asked questions that I have addressed before but I tend to be led by my pen. I promise next time I will address the basics again. Many of you have stopped me and asked where my articles were. I promise I will be more faithful. We have had several successful cases as of late and I am very happy about them.

Help every veteran that you find in need. There is always an answer to their problems and places they can go such as V.B.A. at Togus. There are many good team members at Bldg. 248, second floor. There is new management and several new crewmen and women with lots of knowledge. Until next Thursday, God bless and keep you and yours safe from all harm, both foreign and domestic.