Rep. Chenette honors Vietnam Veterans in conjunction with Vietnam Veterans Day

President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1044 Joe Armstrong, Rep. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, and Vietnam veterans Ray Hallczuk and Richard Litwin at the Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair and Documentary Viewing at the Old Orchard Beach American Legion Post.

SACO – Rep. Justin Chenette recognized veterans of the Vietnam War at an American Legion event in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day held on March 29.
 
“Together we must honor, respect and thank our brave heroes who put their lives on the line,” said Chenette, D-Saco. “As a state legislator, it has been my goal to be not just a resource for our veterans, but to see what they need. That is why I formed ‘Support Our Heroes,’ a community-based committee that works with area veterans and veterans-support organizations.”
 
Most recently the committee organized a Welcome Home Rally and a Veterans Resource Fair for Vietnam veterans in the community.

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Rep. Chenette at the Welcome Home Rally for Vietnam Veterans in Saco.

On the state level, a bill to ensure that Vietnam veterans can receive an existing veterans’ property tax exemption was passed by the Maine Legislature this past year. Under Maine law, veterans of recognized war periods who are either disabled or 62 years and over are eligible for the modest property tax exemption. 
 
Previously, veterans of the Vietnam War were required to have served 180 days on active duty during a specified period to qualify for the property tax exemption. The new law removes the requirement, which does not apply to veterans of any other war. The change takes effect starting April 1.
 
“This tax break is a step in the right direction in making sure all of our service members are treated with the highest level of support,” said Chenette.

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