April Newsletter

Applications Open for Maine’s Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt and Donated Permit Lottery

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) is pleased to announce that applications for the Maine Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt and the Donated Moose Permit Lottery for Disabled Veterans is currently available on the MBVS website, maine.gov/veterans

New this year, applicants can choose to apply for the Maine Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt, a donated permit for a disabled veteran, or both.

Unlike the general Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) moose lottery, these opportunities are exclusively for veterans who are eligible for a Maine Disabled Veterans' Hunting License. (Application and eligibility found here.)

Maine Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt:

MBVS, in partnership with MDIFW and Smoldering Lake Outfitters, provides participants with moose hunting permits, registered Maine Guides, lodging, meals, and all necessary equipment for veterans at no cost. Since 2010, this five-week controlled hunt has helped Central Aroostook County farmers manage moose-related crop damage while offering disabled veterans an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Permit availability depends on funding and sponsorship, with Maine-raised funds supporting resident hunters and out-of-state organizations covering non-residents. Donations can be made to the Veterans Afield Foundation (501c3) at veteransafieldfoundation.org. Please note that those who have previously participated are ineligible for this lottery.

Donated Moose Permit Lottery for Disabled Veterans:

When a permit holder cannot use their Maine moose permit, MDIFW allows them to donate it to a qualifying disabled veteran. The permit holder may designate a specific veteran or request that MDIFW, in collaboration with MBVS, identify an eligible recipient.

“This is a terrific opportunity for our disabled veterans to enjoy a unique outing and we’re proud to partner with MDIFW and Smoldering Lake Outfitters to make it possible. With the addition of the donated permit lottery, veterans will have the opportunity for a more traditional hunting experience.”– David Richmond, Director, Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services

For more information about the Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt, please contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services at 207-287-7020 or email mainebvs@maine.gov .

On Friday, March 28th the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services hosted our Annual National Vietnam War Day Ceremony at the Maine State House.

This was an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and appreciation of our Vietnam veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice.

Thank you to all who attended our National Vietnam War Veterans Day event, either in person or virtually, as we honored and recognized the sacrifice and dedication of those who served during the Vietnam War.

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, David Patch, for delivering inspiring words about his experience in the United States Navy while serving during the Vietnam War.

We also extend our gratitude to former Passamaquoddy Chief and U.S. Navy veteran, Richard Stevens for participating in our wreath-laying ceremony.

Episode 5 of the Maine Veterans Connection Podcast is Now Available!

This month's episode hosted by John Williams features Communications Director Ryan Lorrain with special guests:

Sarah Sherman, the Bureau's Director of Strategic Partnerships, Founder of the Maine Veterans' Dental Network, Team Lead for Maine's Governor's Challenge Team.

Kiley Wilkens-OBrien is actively involved in several aspects of our veteran suicide prevention effort including the Governor's Challenge and the establishment of the potential Suicide Mortality Review Committee in Maine. 

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ffc5spph

iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/4xecjee4

MBVS Welcomes New Cemetery Superintendent

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is proud to welcome Jeffrey Pooler as our new Superintendent of Buildings for our Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System!

Mr. Pooler is a retired Air National Guard veteran with multiple combat tours and an extensive background in civil engineering and aircraft maintenance. His leadership and dedication to service will be instrumental in overseeing the operations of Maine’s four Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries—ensuring that those who have served our nation are honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Maine’s Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery System, with locations in Augusta, Caribou, and Springvale, serves as a final resting place for those who have sacrificed for our country. Our cemeteries uphold the highest standards of care and remembrance, providing a place of reflection and gratitude for families and the community.

Welcome Home Celebration

Honor Flight Maine and the Maine Army National Guard are excited to announce a joint event that will combine the Welcome Home Celebration for Maine's veterans and an Open House for the Maine Army National Guard. The event will take place in the Maine Army National Guard hangar at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Entrance to the event is located at 530 Maine Avenue, Bangor, ME. (Doors will open at 12:00 Noon).

This special occasion will honor the veterans returning from their life-changing journey to Washington, D.C., while also giving the public an inside look at the Maine Army National Guard's facilities and work. The Honor Flight Maine program enables veterans to visit the memorials dedicated to their service, while the Open House offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local military community.

Adding to the festivities, the Volunteers Jazz Band will provide live music, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere for attendees.

Please note: Valid government-issued identification is required for entry to the military base, and all persons and vehicles are subject to being searched.

Community members, families, and supporters are warmly invited to attend. Join us as we express our heartfelt gratitude to Maine’s veterans and explore the remarkable contributions of the Maine Army National Guard.

April 24-26 - Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 50th Annual Convention. Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River. 97 Summit Road, Newry.

April 27 - Honor Flight Maine / Welcome Home Celebration. Maine Army National Guard hangar at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:00 noon). 530 Maine Avenue, Bangor.

May 25 - 14th Annual Miles for Mills Memorial Day Weekend Race. 5K walk/run or 10k. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Starts at 200 Neptune Drive, Brunswick. Please visit www.milesformills.org for more information.

Memorial Day:

Central Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Augusta)

• May 24 – Flag placement at 9:00 a.m.
• May 26 – Ceremony 10:00 a.m. at Civic Center Drive

Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (Springvale)

• May 23 – Flag placement
• May 26 – Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.

 Northern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (Caribou)

• May 17 - Flag placement on Avenue of Flags at 11:00 a.m.
• May 24 – Flag placement on graves – 11:00 a.m.
• May 26 – Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.

Winthrop American Legion Parade & Ceremony

• May 26 - Parade begins at 10:00 a.m., Ceremony to follow.

June 13 - Women Veteran Appreciation Day. 1:00 p.m. at the State House, Hall of Flags.

June 18 - Maine Military Community Network 13th Annual Conference. Connect with Maine based resources, full-day, in-person program with keynote speakers and breakout sessions. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. Registration to open the week of April 21.