October Newsletter

On September 11th the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services Join NAMI Maine hosted the Supporting Veterans' Resilience Symposium at the University of Southern Maine.

The event featured Iraq War Combat Veteran and Mental Health and Holistic Healing Advocate, Tom Voss, as the Keynote Speaker which featured Mr. Voss' lecture on PTSD, Moral Injury, and Recovery, his book, and documentary film - Almost Sunrise.

Seminars featured the topics of Lethal Means and Risk Reduction; What happens when you request a law enforcement welfare check; How to talk to kids about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; SSG Fox Veteran Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Health Care Providers; Veterans, Service Members, and Family Expos, Peer Support Programs, and Alternative PTSD Therapies, and a panel discussion with veterans and their family members regarding reintegration into civilian life.

This event was made possible through funding from the VA's Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant and the Bingham Foundation Grant.

Governor Janet Mills Announces $2.6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Maine Veterans' Cemeteries

Governor Janet Mills today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded Maine a significant federal grant to help meet the growing demand for dignified burial options for Maine's veterans and their families.

The grant -- awarded to the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services -- will fund the construction of columbarium niches and cremation plots at the Northern Maine Veterans' Cemetery in Caribou and the Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery in Springvale. The expansion will ensure that the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System can continue to provide high-quality burial options for years to come.

"Our veterans deserve the utmost respect and gratitude for their service, and that includes providing them and their families with a final resting place that honors their service," said Governor Mills. "I thank the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for this grant, which will help us ensure that Maine's veterans have access to more burial options closer to home."

"This grant allows us to meet the growing needs of Maine's veteran community. The Northern and Southern Maine Veterans' Cemeteries are sacred spaces that provide veterans and their families a place to honor their loved ones," said David Richmond, Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. "The expansion will ensure that these cemeteries can continue to serve future generations of veterans with the care, respect, and dignity they deserve."

The funds, awarded as part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans' Cemetery Grants Program, will provide $1,641,330 for the Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery and $1,020,765 for the Northern Maine Veterans' Cemetery, increasing capacity at both locations. The Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System is managed by the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, and also includes cemeteries located on Civic Center Drive and Mount Vernon Road in Augusta.

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Mills has made it a priority to ensure that her administration stands by those who have served in uniform, including by prioritizing efforts to address veterans' employment and housing challenges. She also reestablished Maine's Aides-de-camp positions, strengthened dental care for Maine veterans, and created the Governor's Challenge to coordinate behavioral health services and prevent veteran suicide.

In partnership with the Legislature, the Governor has provided property tax relief to Maine veterans and worked to keep the Maine Veterans' Homes in Caribou and Machias open for veterans and their spouses.



More information on the Maine Veterans' Cemetery System and eligibility requirements can be found on the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services website at www.maine.gov/veterans.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services has launched the "Maine Veterans Connection Podcast" another avenue to raise awareness of the resources and services available to veterans and their families in Maine.

This month's episode features Deputy Director Steven Lanning and Veteran Services Officer Matthew Kennedy as we discuss the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, what we do, and our upcoming Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Downs taking place this month.

Listen here and subscribe:

Apple Podcast (Click here)

Spotify (Click here)

Homeless Veterans Mobile Stand Down Dates Announced

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services and community partners will be hosting Mobile Stand Downs beginning on October 2nd in Portland. These events are focused on assisting homeless and at-risk veterans with housing resources, benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, personal care items, winter clothing, haircuts, food, and more.

• October 9: Veterans Memorial Park (2-20 Main Street, Lewiston)

• October 23: Tri-County Career Center (45 Oak Street, Bangor)

• October 30: Mill Park (2-23, ME-104, Augusta)

If you know a veteran who is homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless and is need of assistance, please contact our Homeless Veterans Coordination Team at 207-287-7019 or email HVC.MaineBVS@maine.gov

2024 Maine's Hire-A-Vet Campaign

Join us this year as Maine’s Hire-A-Vet Campaign celebrates over 10 years of serving Veterans across the state.

Meet with over 160 employers and resource providers looking to hire YOU or provide valuable services you’ve earned through military service. If you are looking for your first job after the military or perhaps a career upgrade, this event is for you.



• October 17, 2024 | 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | Poland Spring Conference Center:
• Inside and Outside Hiring Event – REGISTRATION OPENS September 19, 2024

• November 22, 2024 | 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | York County Community College:
• Inside Hiring Event – REGISTRATION OPENS October 18, 2024

You can also email us at MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov if you have questions. Thank you and we look forward to you participating in one or several events.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

On Friday, September 20th the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services was pleased to join the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Auxiliary 3335 , AMVETS Lane Dube Post 33, and American Legion Post 10 as we honored National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Jay.

The program featured patriotic music, guest speakers, Maine Civil Air Patrol Cadets, and the Oxford County United Bikers of Maine.

This year's honored hero was Staff Sergeant John Brooks of Bryant Pond, who served in South Vietnam and has been missing in action since May 13, 1969 following a helicopter crash.

Special thanks to Post Judge Advocate Jim Manter for organizing this meaningful ceremony and to Carol Roach for sharing these wonderful photos.

Free University of Maine Football Tickets for November 9th

Free University of Maine Black Bear Football tickets for current and former military members and their families on November 9th vs. Bryant at 1 p.m.

Military Appreciation Day presented by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Game sponsors: Maine Distributors & Casella

All current and former military members and their families are eligible for free tickets to the game. Tickets can be requested by calling 207.581.BEAR, by email at um.tickets@maine.edu, or in-person at the Alfond Arena box office.

Fans will be treated to a flyover during the National Anthem courtesy of the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the The Maine Air National Guard.

Fans will be treated to the Air National Guard 'Touch a Truck' and Flight Simulator displays while Bath Iron Works will be bringing out their Navy Submarine simulator.

October 9 (Homeless Veteran Outreach): Homeless Veterans Mobile Stand Down, Lewiston (Veterans Memorial Park, 2-20 Main Street, Lewiston) 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. These events are focused on assisting homeless and at-risk veterans with housing resources, benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, personal care items, winter clothing, haircuts, food, and more.

October 16 (Breakfast): Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Tribute Pancake Breakfast. 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join House in the Woods as they welcome home our Vietnam Veterans and honor their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country with a free breakfast for all veterans and their families. 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee.

October 17 (Hiring event): Maine's Hire-A-Vet Event. 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Meet with over 160 employers and resource providers looking to hire YOU or provide valuable services you’ve earned through military service. If you are looking for your first job after the military or perhaps a career upgrade, this event is for you. Open to all job seekers! Poland Spring Conference Center (640 Maine Street, Poland).

October 23 (Homeless Veteran Outreach): Homeless Veterans Mobile Stand Down, Bangor (Tri-County Career Center, 45 Oak Street, Bangor) 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. These events are focused on assisting homeless and at-risk veterans with housing resources, benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, personal care items, winter clothing, haircuts, food, and more.

October 26 (Fundraiser): Rebuild Veterans Park Benefit Dance sponsored by the L&A Veterans Council. Event held at the Kora Shrine Temple, 11 Sabattus Street, Lewiston. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. , band begins at 8:00 p.m. A special evening of music, dancing, and fun! Light refreshments & cash bar. Proceeds will benefit the L&A Veterans Council's effort to rebuild Veterans Park. $50 per couple / $25 per person. for more information contact Karen Ouellette at 207-782-0511 or karen78205@gmail.com

October 30 (Homeless Veteran Outreach): Homeless Veterans Mobile Stand Down, Augusta (Mill Park, 2-23 ME-104, Augusta) 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. These events are focused on assisting homeless and at-risk veterans with housing resources, benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, personal care items, winter clothing, haircuts, food, and more.

November 3 (Resource Fair): Veteran and Community Connections Expo. Cabela's, 100 Cabela's Blvd., Scarborough, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. An incredible opportunity to learn about Federal, State, and local resources for veterans and their families. During this free event, participants can connect with mental health services and engage with representatives who can assist you with connecting to the veteran community. Food, giveaways, and activities for children will be available!