News
Panel to help Maine National Guard improve assault response
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - ME
News Center Maine, March 22, 2022:
‘ Gov. Janet Mills on Thursday established a permanent advisory council to improve the Maine National Guard’s responses to sexual assault and harassment and to ensure assault survivors are connected to available resources.
The 10-member council is charged with making recommendations by Dec. 1 about how the Maine National Guard can improve its handling of assault and harassment within its ranks, with an emphasis on coordination with law enforcement authorities.’
Top military official seeks outside probe of Maine National Guard’s handling of sexual assault cases (March 2022)
Thursday, December 29, 2022 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - ME
On March 24, 2022, Callie Ferguson reported: ‘ Maine’s top military official has asked for an outside investigation of how the Maine National Guard handles sexual assault cases, Gov. Janet Mills said Thursday. She also noted: ‘ Also on Thursday, Mills, who oversees the guard as governor, signed an executive order establishing a permanent advisory council to recommend ways the guard can improve its handling of sexual assault and harassment, especially in collaboration with local law enforcement. Its first report is due to the governor on Dec. 1.’. See article and associated links for further information.
Wreaths Across America
Monday, November 28, 2022 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
Website Description:
‘Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.’
The laying of wreaths occurs the third Saturday in December annually.
Veterans Day
Friday, November 11, 2022 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
A brief history of Veterans Day is posted on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
National Veterans and Military Families Month (November)
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. Use the information highlighted in this downloadable fact sheet to help you celebrate the strengths of military families and their contributions to the military community and our nation.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/products/national-veterans-and-military-families-month-fact-sheet-364/
This link below lists opportunities and activities scheduled around the nation.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)
Saturday, October 1, 2022 | Category: Mental Health - ME
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is October 1-31 annually. Domestic violence officially became a separate crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice when President Donald Trump signed the annual defense authorization act into law next week. Visit the August 9, 2018 Military Times article linked below authored by Leo Shane III.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September)
Friday, September 2, 2022 | Category: Mental Health - ME
September is the month designated as the National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Governmental and non-governmental agencies provide services to veterans and their families. Veterans and military can access the 24/7 VA Crisis Line at:
Dial 988 and then Press 1
News: Protect Our Defenders
Tuesday, June 28, 2022 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - ME
The "Protect Our Defenders News Blog" posts news relative to their day-to-day work with the "women and men in uniform who have been raped or sexually assaulted by fellow service members. Protect Our Defenders seeks to fix the military training, investigation and adjudication systems related to sexual violence and harassment--systems that often re-victimize assault survivors by blaming them while failing to hold perpetrators accountable."
They work with survivors, have an in-depth understanding of military process and procedure, and respectfully work with others to promote change from within. It is their belief that "it is a human right to work and live in a safe and respectful environment and fostering this environment within the military’s ranks will make the military more effective. Whether advocating for reform, filing a legal brief, providing legal support, or coordinating peer support for survivors; each project and activity manifests POD’s core values."
Nancy Parrish, Founder & CEO, is a human rights activist, philanthropist, and investor. POD President, Don Christensen, Colonel, USAF (Ret.) served as chief prosecutor for the United States Air Force between 2010 and 2014. He served as a trial counsel, defense counsel or military judge for every year of his 23-year career in the United States Air Force. His full bio is posted on the POD site.
Women’s History Month (March 2022)
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
The month of March is national “Women’s History Month,” a time dedicated to learn more about women and recognize their innumerable lifetime contributions. Women with military service are a vibrant part of this memorable journey.
Perspectives: National Geographic’s Women in Military Services
Thursday, February 3, 2022 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
National Geographic offers a spectrum of articles about women in military services, past and current times.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/search?q=Women+in+military