What's Happening @ the 35th

After a long tax season and an extended period brought on by the extra money provided by the State of Maine the AARP Tax Assistance Program kicked in once again to help Seniors with their tax returns. Debbie Upson and a team of twelve other volunteers have been working since February up until “Tax Day” from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every Monday at Post 35. Then Gov. Mills announced an excess in taxes that would be given to every Maine taxpayer who applied. However since Social Security isn’t taxed in Maine numerous seniors did not file. That is where Debbie and her team stepped in and assisted these citizens. The Post was open from 1:00 PM till 5:00 PM for 6 weeks until the end of June at no cost to AARP or the taxpayers.

In appreciation of all the hard work the Executive Committee and the vote of membership agreed to put on a Supper to support these volunteers. Paul Thibeault cooked up a delicious Pork Loin Supper with all the trimmings including salad, rolls and pie all served up by Ken Marston, Bob Hughes and Mike Pock. This was the first “food event” that Post 35 has put on since the start of COVID – 19 and the “boys” were a little rusty, but the pulled it off and were more than glad to pay back these wonderful volunteer works from the AARP.

Michael R. Pock - Adjutant

May 30th 2022 marked another Memorial Day Parade in South Portland. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic Memorial and Veterans Day Parades have been cancelled. So this Parade was extra special with several notable features.

Our Parade had for the first time, that I can remember going back 50 years, we had a Grand Marshall lead our Parade. Our Grand Marshall is Ted Cook who is a Combat Korean Conflict Veteran and a member of the VFW. He rode at the head of the parade with George Johns ENC- USCG Retired in Georges 1983 Mercedes Benz convertible. Following on foot was our Mayor Deqa Dhalac, North East New England Sector Commander Amy Florentino Capt. - USCG, American Legion Post #35 Commander Guy Lincsott and various City Councilors. The parade was broken up into three Divisions each lead by a Color Guard and a marching Band. wo Middle Schools and the High School bands marched in the parade. Additional marching groups consisted of Scout Troops and Football team member. The end of the parade was made up of an American Legion Car and a Van from the Scarborough Veteran’s Home followed by a Trolley and Fire and Public Works trucks.

The parade was concluded at the War Veterans Memorial in Mill Creek Part with a short ceremony led by Commander Linscott with Mayor Dhalac and Captain Florentino saying a few words. The ceremony was closed with “Taps” and the National Anthem played by the South Portland High School Band. A small Lunch was provided by and served by the members of Stewart P. Morrill American Legion Post 35.

Prior to the Parade small ceremonies and wreath laying were conducted at 6 local cemeteries and numerous monuments throughout South Portland by a contingent of Post 35 Officers.

Michael R. Pock - Adjutant

In a short ceremony the standing officers of the Stewart P. Morrill American Legion Post 35 in South Portland were reinstalled. Normally a long formal ceremony is conducted with guests and refreshments. This year due to fact that there was no Department Officer available the event was officiated by District Finance Officer Michael Pock who is also the Post Adjutant. Commander Guy Linscott, 1st Vice Commander Wes Splettstoesser and 2nd Vice Commander Tony Batchelor were sworn in to return to their previous positions.

Post 35 has been an active American Legion Post in South Portland for 103 years and at their present location since 1932. Prior to being at 413 Broadway they were located at 20 “E” Street in the Knightville area of South Portland. Legion Square, now a “roundabout” was named for the Legion Post just feet away from their Post.

Michael R. Pock - Adjutant

Guy Linscott, Commander of Stewart P. Morrill American Legion Post 35, was recently flown down to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Honor Flight Maine. Commander Linscott is a Retired United States Coast Guard Boatswains Mate Chief Petty Officer. Guy enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard at the age of 16. After serving and reaching the “proper age” he enlisted in the United States Navy. After serving some time in the Navy aboard various Destroyers and reaching the rank of E-3 he was Discharged Honorably. After a period of time Guy enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where to “Struck For” the Quartermaster Rating which in the Coast Guard is a combination of Boatswains Mate and Quartermaster Ratings. Boat Handling and Navigation skills are basic to this rate. After several years BM Linscott worked his way up to Chief Petty Officer level at which time he retired from the Coast Guard Reserve with more than 20 years of service. BMC Linscott has been in uniform for his country from 1955 to 1992 with a 10 year laps in between to total 27 years service.

Guy have been a South Portland resident since all his life, so far,and is active in the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, as well as, the Stewart P. Morrill American Legion Post 35 in South Portland.

Michael R. Pock - Adjutant