July Newsletter

2025

2025 Disabled Veterans' Moose Lottery Results

We are pleased to announce the list of winners and alternates for the 2025 Disabled Veterans' Controlled Moose Hunt Lottery! Congratulations to all of our selected participants and thank you to everyone who applied.

In addition, we have submitted a list of eligible veterans to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for consideration as donated permits become available.

As always, these controlled moose hunts are dependent on funding from your generous donations.

If you're interested in making a contribution, please connect with Smoldering Lake Outfitters, Veterans Afield Foundation here: https://www.veteransafieldfoundation.org/

June Veteran of the Month Program

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is proud to honor Herman Fisher as our June 2025 Veteran of the Month!

A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of service, Herman retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and earned the Combat Action Ribbon for his courageous service in Vietnam. But his dedication to serving others didn’t end there.

For over 30 years, Herman has been the backbone of American Legion Post 136, serving as Post Adjutant and Commander—roles in which he’s worked tirelessly to keep the doors open and the spirit of service alive. His commitment to veterans and his community is unmatched.

Whether coaching youth sports, organizing Legion Hall events, or lending a helping hand to anyone in need, Herman has always led with honor, heart, and humility.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding veteran, leader, and friend. Thank you, Herman, for your lifelong service to our nation and community.

Submit your nomination today:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/jyCsSz1

Nominations carry over each month.

Episode 7 of the Maine Veterans Connection Podcast is Now Available!

This month host John Williams of Williams Broadcasting and co-host Ryan Lorrain, Director of Communications at the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, sit down with special guests Eileen Miazga and Daryl Reed from the Maine State Approving Agency.

In this episode, we dive into how veterans, their dependents, and employers can make the most of the GI Bill here in Maine — from education benefits to training opportunities and beyond.

Tune in now on your favorite platform:

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ffc5spph

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

Women Veterans Appreciation Day

On June 13th, MBVS proudly hosted Women Veterans Appreciation Day at the Maine State House, honoring the strength, service, and resilience of the women who have worn our nation’s uniform.

We were honored to welcome Governor Janet Mills and Deputy Commissioner Michelle Lenihan, whose presence underscored the state’s ongoing commitment to Maine’s women veterans.

Special thanks to our keynote speakers:

Kristina Sabasteanski – Former Olympic biathlete and Director of Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) at Pineland Farms, whose leadership in adaptive sports continues to empower veterans across Maine.

Christy Gardner – U.S. Army Veteran and Founder of Mission Working Dogs, whose trailblazing work connecting veterans with service dogs is changing lives.

We also extend our gratitude to representatives from Maine’s Congressional Delegation for their steadfast support and advocacy for Maine veterans.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our incredible community partners:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Honor Flight Maine
Military Women’s Memorial
Maine Quilts of Valor
VFW Department of Maine
The American Legion Department of Maine
Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Together, we celebrated the legacy, achievements, and continued contributions of Maine’s women veterans. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the day so meaningful.

Honoring Passamaquoddy WWI Heroes: Lola & Dana Training Area Dedicated

In partnership with the Passamaquoddy Nation and the Maine National Guard, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services was proud to take part in a historic dedication, officially naming the former “Woodville Training Area” in honor of two heroic Passamaquoddy soldiers from World War I: Private First Class Charles Lola and Private First Class Samuel J. Dana.

A permanent monument now stands at the entrance to the training area, honoring their valor and sacrifice:

“In recognition of distinguished bravery demonstrated June 16, 1918, around the village of Xivray, France in the Toul Sector of the Western Front during the First World War.

Private First Class Charles Lola and Private First Class Samuel J. Dana were Passamaquoddy Soldiers who served in Company I of the 103d Infantry Regiment. During a raid by elite German troops, they remained at their forward post during an artillery bombardment despite orders to withdraw. Manning an automatic rifle, they disrupted the German attackers long enough for the rest of Company I to recover from the barrage and counterattack, gaining a significant victory.

PFC Charles Lola was killed by machine gun fire and PFC Samuel Dana was severely wounded in the leg.

Their actions as Passamaquoddy and U.S. Army Soldiers, and Maine National Guardsmen at Xivray brought commendations from the Commander of the 26th Division, the French Corps Commander, and General Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces.

PFC Charles Lola was posthumously awarded the French Croix de Guerre on February 24, 1919.”

This dedication is a meaningful reminder of the courage, resilience, and patriotism of Maine’s tribal nations and their service to our country. We are honored to help preserve their legacy for future generations.

PGA REACH Golf Program

Maine’s own Sarosh Sher, an Air Force Veteran, recently participated in the PGA REACH New England golf tournament at Plymouth Country Club in Plymouth, MA — part of the New England Veterans Series.

Veterans from all branches, skill levels, and ages came together for a day of camaraderie, competition, and connection.

The event also featured:

A Veterans Services Officer on site
Golf equipment company reps
Free lunch for all participants

PGA REACH New England is dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans and their families through golf, offering a range of programs across the region.

Want to get involved or learn more?

More Veterans programs: https://nepga.com/foundation/military/

Veterans and Community Connection Expo

(NewsCenterMaine) SKOWHEGAN, Maine — Maine is home to more than 100,000 veterans, and dozens of organizations are dedicated to helping them after their service. One event is making it easier for veterans to get the help they’ve earned.

The Community Connections Expo, hosted quarterly by the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and Veterans Benefits Administration, brings together groups focused on veterans’ care, benefits, and well-being.

Link: https://tinyurl.com/5n89pfnw

Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike

Saturday, July 12, Irreverent Warriors Maine is hosting their FIRST-EVER Silkies Hike in Augusta!

7 Legion Drive, Augusta, ME 04330

Saturday, July 12

Step-off: 0900

This hike is more than just a walk — it’s a mission to build camaraderie, combat isolation, and connect veterans through shared experience and laughter. Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, or in the Guard or Reserves — grab your silkies, lace up your boots, and come be part of this powerful event.

Vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and in-kind donations (like snacks, water, and Gatorade) are welcome and appreciated!

For more information, visit: https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/event/547

Questions? Contact Jessica Brennan at maine@irreverentwarriors.com

Call for Veterans' Art

Maine veterans from all branches of the military are invited to submit up to two pieces of 2D artwork for the Fall 2025 Maine Veterans Art Exhibition—a powerful tribute to service, creativity, and community.

Submissions Open: July 7 – September 12, 2025

Exhibit Location: State Capitol Complex, Augusta

Veterans Celebration: November 13, 2025 at the Togus VA Theater.

Learn more and register at: https://tinyurl.com/25rup2bd

This statewide exhibition is presented in proud partnership with the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, VA Maine Healthcare System at Togus, and the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

July 12 - Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike, 9:00 a.m. step-off. 7 Legion Drive, Augusta. For more information contact Jessica Brennan at maine@irreverentwarriors.com

July 12 - Live Music on the Green, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at House in the Woods, 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee. Bringing community and military families together in support, honor, and harmony. Food and fun.

July 16, 23, 30 - VAST Weekly Activities, 9:00 a.m. to noon, July 2 through September. 59 Pineland Drive, New Gloucester. All equipment and instruction is provided for free to veterans. Questions: Contact Kristina Sabasteanski at 207-310-8694 or kristina@pinelandfarms.org

July 27 - NH Fisher Cats Veterans Game, 1:35 p.m. start time. Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester, NH. Free admission for veterans, service members, and their families. Sign up before Monday, July 21 with awheeler@goodwinch.org.

July 30 - Veteran Employment and Resource Fair, 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Portland Career Center. Resources available for veterans and their families and is open to all job-seekers. For more information contact michael.morkve@maine.gov

August 9 - 6th Annual Operation Reboot BBQ Raffle, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 840 Bakerstown Road, Poland. $20 per person which includes BBQ plus door prize ticket. Pig roast, music, and drawings (starting at 11:00 a.m.) For more information visit www.operationrebootoutdoors.org

August 14 - Hire-A-Vet 2025 Kick-off, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. Open to all job seekers, the Hire-A-Vet campaign is an opportunity to meet with employers and available resources.

August 15-17 - Operation Reboot Outdoors Veteran Women's Retreat. Hiking, gold panning, wildlife cruise, campfire cuisine. For more information visit www.operationrebootoutdoors.org

***If you have an event you would like featured in our newsletter and website calendar, please email our Communications Director, ryan.e.lorrain@maine.gov