February Newsletter

Governor Janet Mills announced that the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN) will continue serving Maine veterans thanks to a $300,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental.

MVDN provides critical dental care to Maine veterans who lack insurance and cannot afford treatment. Since its launch in 2021, the program has served 1,471 veterans, many receiving care for the first time since leaving the military.

“Our veterans have given so much to Maine and the nation, and the least we can do in return is ensure they have the support they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I thank Northeast Delta Dental for their continued generosity and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services for administering the program. Together, this important partnership will ensure more Maine veterans have access to the dental services they deserve.” 

Northeast Delta Dental has contributed $635,000 to MVDN since its inception, with additional support from the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation. The program partners with 23 non-profit dental clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Maine dental teaching schools, providing care on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Veterans interested in applying can visit www.maine.gov/governor/mills/veteransdental, email MVDN.mainebvs@maine.gov, or call 207-287-6836. Businesses and individuals can support the program by donating directly to participating clinics.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services invites you to a special event in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Friday, March 28th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House.

This tribute is an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and appreciation of our Vietnam veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice. We encourage veterans, families, and community members to join us in showing gratitude for those who served during this pivotal time in our nation’s history.

We hope to see you there as we come together to recognize and support Maine’s Vietnam-Era veterans.

The event will include a proclamation, guest speaker, and light refreshments. 

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will be on hand to assist with connection to resources and services for veterans and their families. 

Front Row – Sheila Nelson, Program Manager Adolescent Health and Injury Prevention - Maine CDC; Jamie Bourque, Director of Division of Violence Prevention, Maryam Basmenji, LCSW Community Engagement and Partnerships Program Manager - VHA Office of Suicide Prevention; Catherine Ryder, Vice President of Special Projects – Spurwink.

Back Row – Sarah Sherman, Director of Strategic Partnerships – Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services; Teague Morris, Ph.D; Catherine Cooper, VA Maine Suicide Prevention Manager – VA Maine Healthcare System (Togus); Darrin Ripley, Veterans Services Coordinator – Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness; Jamie Wren, Ph.D, MPH, Research Associate Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center - University of Maine; Ben Barrowman, MBA, Senior Project Associate - SAMHSA’s Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Technical Assistance Center, and Kiley Wilkens-O’Brien, Maine Team Lead and Wilkens Consulting Group.

VA/SAMSHA Suicide Mortality Review Academy

As part of a Cooperative Federal Grant, nine team members represented Maine at the VA/SAMSHA Suicide Mortality Review Academy in Reno, NV. They received specialized training, connected with experts, and collaborated with peers from CA, GA, KY, WI, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This marks the first step in our year-long journey ahead to explore creating a Suicide Mortality Review Board in Maine.

Episode 4 of the Maine Veterans Connection Podcast is Now Available!

This month's episode hosted by John Williams features Deputy Director Steven Lanning and Communications Director Ryan Lorrain. They provide a wrap-up of 2024 and a look ahead to upcoming events

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ffc5spph

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

Free Skiing and Snowboarding Saturday, March 15th

As their way of thanking you for your service, Lost Valley is offering military veterans, active duty, reserve guard members, and their families (dependents) the opportunity to ski & snowboard for FREE!

All military veterans, regardless of the length of service, receive a free lift ticket that day for themselves and immediate family (dependents).

Ski and Snowboard rental equipment is available for purchase at a special discounted Military rate of $39 (reg $55) for all vets and their dependents. Highly recommended to Reserve gear in advance online at https://www.lostvalleyski.com/rentals/

Additionally, the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services and other veteran organizations and resources will be on hand from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. followed by live music in the pub from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

February 15-16 - Free Fishing Weekend. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Need help getting started? Visit https://lnks.gd/2/2zRxRjm

February 15 - Winter Softball Classic: Softball tournament to benefit homeless veterans. Legion Post 202, 79 Foreside Road, Topsham. Begins at 9:00 a.m. For more information visit www.post202me.com/winter-classic or call 207-729-9870.

February 22 - 5th Annual Operation Reboot Outdoors Welcome Home Ellis Pond Ice Fishing Derby. More than $5,000 in cash prizes. Admission is $20 per ticket. 49 W Shore Road, Roxbury. 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/36da6nx3

February 23 - Maine Veterans Project Resource Giveaway: Non-perishable food, jackets, sleeping bags, winter gear. Will take place at Jeff's Catering and Event Center located at 15 Event Center Way, Brewer from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

March 15 – Vets in the Valley: Free skiing and snowboarding at Lost Valley in Auburn for military veterans, active duty, reserve guard members, and their families (dependents). Event will feature a veteran organization resource fair. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

March 26 - Travis Mills Foundation Vietnam-Era Veterans Breakfast. Full service breakfast and ceremony. Event will take place at the Augusta Civic Center at 9:00 a.m. To get your ticket, visit: https://www.classy.org/event/2025-vietnam-era-veterans-breakfast/e610136

March 28 - National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. Will serve as an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and appreciation of our Vietnam veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice. Event will take place at the State House in the Hall of Flags (second floor) at 1:00 p.m.