News
Women Veterans Connect at Healing Oasis Retreat
Sunday, March 20, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
Several women veterans connected this weekend at the first-ever retreat for women veterans held at the Green Gem Holistic Healing Oasis in Bangor. The two-day event included hands-on activities, relaxation techniques like yoga, as well as an opportunity to get to know each other. Candace Green and others who organized and supported the retreat hope to host more events for women veterans in the future.
Bills to Boost Services to Maine Veterans Advance
Thursday, March 3, 2016 | Category: Legislation - ME
The state legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee unanimously approved a couple of bills that would add three staff members to the Maine's Bureau of Veteran Services. One is to enhance services to homeless veterans and to automate veteran record keeping. The second bill was to open state parks to free day use by all Maine veterans, their spouses and dependent children as well as to family members of deployed active duty military members. The bills will move on to be vetted for appropriations as well as other House and Senate votes.
Bowlers, Veterans Come Together for K9s on the Front Line
Thursday, March 3, 2016 | Category: Pet-Facilitated Care (PFC) - ME
More than $15,000 was raised at the "K9s on the Front Line" bowling fundraiser at Easy Day in South Portland. The organization partners Maine combat veterans with rescued shelter dogs and then, trains them together for 16 weeks. Last fall they only held one training session and this winter they have several sessions happening across Maine.
One Warrior Won Uses Recreational Activities to Help Veterans Reacclimate to Civilian Life
Monday, February 29, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
After an attempted suicide and dealing with PTSD silently for years, Rich Brewer, a Marine, started the "One Warrior Won" program which is located in Portland, Maine. Rich was serving in Beirut when 299 were killed in a 1983 bombing. His program brings together those with shared experiences and intends to build camaraderie and strength among those who have served.
Second Access Stand Down at VA Maine a Success
Saturday, February 27, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
VA Maine Togus held its second "Access Stand Down" in Augusta. It’s a national event and today many Maine veterans took advantage of access to Saturday health care services.
Boys & Girls Club Children March to Remember Fallen Maine Veterans
Saturday, February 27, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
As part of the "Summit Project," a Maine-based nonprofit, the South Portland Boys & Girls Club paid tribute to post-9/11 fallen heroes. As the children marched through South Portland, they carried stones engraved with the names of fallen Maine service members.
Bills Meant to Bolster Services and Access for Maine Vets Get Hearings
Friday, February 26, 2016 | Category: State Veteran Affairs - ME
Public hearings will be held next week on several state legislative bills totaling about $2.5 million,some of which is a one-time cost, are aimed at helping more Maine veterans get access to the services and benefits they may be eligible for. These bills are LD 1599 and LD 1610-1612.
Nursing Home Placement Language Topic of Seminar
Friday, February 26, 2016 | Category: Long-term Care - ME
The Maine Veterans' Home in Paris, Maine is hosting a three-part series to help veterans, their families, and interested public better understand the terms and requirements for nursing home placement. The series is scheduled for: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., March 8, 15, and 22 (Tuesdays). Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated. Call: 207-743-6300.
Planners Float Big Ideas for Augusta
Friday, February 26, 2016 | Category: Business - ME
What will Augusta look like a couple of decades or more down the road? The proposed groundwork for "Envision Augusta" was presented at the first meeting of the Mayors Economic and Workforce Development Committee meeting by George O’Keefe, of O’Keefe Strategic Services, along with Sarah Fuller, of Fuller Ink, and urban designer Brian Kent, of Kent Associates. A new Veterans Affairs hospital is included in the plans
VA Calling Attention to New Veterans’ Services Network
Thursday, February 25, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
Along with other community-based and state veteran organizations, the VA is meeting with veterans to answer questions and assist them with filing benefits claims, access healthcare, and other services they may qualify for.