News
'There Are No Requirements': Service Dog Misrepresentation a Growing Problem
Thursday, February 25, 2016 | Category: Pet-Facilitated Care (PFC) - ME
In Maine, the misrepresentation of service dogs has become a significant issue that the state legislature tasked a panel to find a way to resolve it. Under Maine law, emotional-support animals or companion dogs are not legally considered service animals. This month, the task force submitted a 103-page report for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for their review.
Advocacy Committee says Spreading Awareness of Arch Program Potentially Ending is Vital
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
The "Aroostook Veterans Advocacy Committee" called a meeting of interested citizens to talk about the future of the ARCH and Veterans Choice programs. The meeting was well attended and will be followed by a meeting with the Maine VA Center Director in the near future.
Personal Views vs. Constituents’ Voices
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
In his opinion piece, Chick Ciciotte, the legislative chairperson for the Mid-Coast Veterans Council, makes his case for Maine legislators to pass LD 1280, from which $14 million annually would cascade to Maine veterans from a resort casino in southern Maine. Mr. Ciciotte remarks that state monies in support of Maine veterans has not been forthcoming as promised over the years. He's making a "call for action" to support LD 1280. Call the State House. Senate Republicans (207) 287-1400, Senate Democrats ( 207) 287- 1515, House Republicans (207) 287-1400, House Democrats (207) 287-1400, Governors Office (207) 287- 3531.
Maine US Rep.: Marine Tattoo Policy Unfair to Women
Monday, February 22, 2016 | Category: Department of Defense - ME
Kate Pimental wants to join the Marines, but they said "No" because of her tatoo just below her collarbone. Congresswoman Pingree says that is the wrong answer understanding that if a man had a tattoo in the same place, he'd be recruited as the men's Marine-issued crew T-shirt would cover his tatoo. Women are issued V-neck T-shirts, which would expose the tatoo.
Veteran Caregiver Gives Back
Sunday, February 21, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
Melanie Swoboda, wife of veteran Joseph Swoboda, is Joseph's caregiver and an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow. Melanie advocates on behalf of the thousands of veteran caregivers, raising awareness about their needs, the challenges their families face, and the resources that would help them day to day.
For Fertility Treatment, Wounded Veterans Have To Pay The Bill
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Matt Keil came home with a "Christopher Reeve'-type injury." The Keils wanted to have children, but they'd need in vitro fertilization. It's a very expensive procedure costing on average at least $12,000 per cycle of treatment, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The Department of Defense health care system covers IVF for wounded service members, but the Department of Veterans Affairs does not due to "Veterans Health Care Act of 1992," Public Law 102-585. Recently, Senator Murray's (WA) "S.469 - Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2015" was blocked as other attempts have been in the past. Fertility clinics around the nation offer discounted IVF rates for veterans self-funding the procedure. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology provides a "Service to Veterans" list of participating clinics at: https://www.sartcorsonline.com/ServiceToVeterans.aspx.
No Hero’s Welcome: Iraq vet’s Torment Reveals Maine Pension System Flaw
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 | Category: Employment - ME
Scott Couture, an Iraq War veteran with PTSD, was fired from his job which prompted him to ask the Maine Veterans Administration to release official information that he was receiving treatment for the condition. He continues to seek disability retirement benefits through the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Aroostook County Veterans Fighting to Save Health Care Program
Monday, February 15, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
The funds for the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program which was initiated in 2011 and is operating at Cary Medical Center could lapse later in 2016. Aroostook County veterans and Maine's four Congressional delegation members want to save the federal program that has benefited rural veterans. Maine was one of five program test sites. The others are located in Farmville, Virginia; Pratt, Kansas; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Billings, Montana.
Veterans Receive Thanks at Valentine’s Day Dance in Bangor
Sunday, February 14, 2016 | Category: Arts - ME
John Bapst Memorial HIgh School students joined Tracy Flagg at the second annual Bangor Maine Veterans Home Valentine's Day Ball. All enjoyed time with each.
OUR OPINION: Veterans Choice Failing Mainers Who Have Served
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
The Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel Editorial Board calls for the Maine Congressional delegation to collaborate with their colleagues in other states to work the Veterans Choice Program issues to ensure veterans to consistently receive health care services