News
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.
June is PTSD Awareness Month: Resources for Veterans
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 | Category: Mental Health - ME
The Department of Veterans Affairs hosts the “National Center for PTSD,” a national resource for research, treatments and connections to assist individuals experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other traumatic stress. This site offers information for veterans, caregivers, family and friends.
ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service (May is “ALS Awareness Month”)
Sunday, May 1, 2022 | Category: Health Care - ME
On April 11, 2019, the ALS Association released a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” including reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service. In summary:
‘Existing evidence supports the conclusion that people who have served in the military are at a greater risk of developing ALS and dying from the disease than those with no history of military service. As outlined in this paper, study after study continues to demonstrate this to be true: If you serve in the military, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of whether you served in the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, or World War II, and regardless of whether you served during a time of peace or a time of war, you are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if you had not served in the military. The questions we are asking today are these: Why is there a greater risk of ALS with military service? And what are we, as a nation, going to do about it?
It is the goal of The ALS Association that this paper raise awareness of the important work that so far has been done on the relationship between ALS and military service. In this effort, we hope to impress upon the Congress, the Administration and the American public the seriousness of this issue and the need to act now.’
In 2008, the VA implemented regulations to establish a “presumption of service connection” for ALS. Under the regulation, the VA presumes that ALS in military veterans was incurred or aggravated by a veteran’s service in the military. Veterans diagnosed with ALS are rated 100% disabled by the VA through an expedited claims process, understanding the fast progression of the disease and the need for medical equipment and services. The disabled veteran and their survivors are eligible for “service connected” benefits.
The month of May is “ALS Awareness Month,” providing an opportunity to better understand what is known about the disease and how to help afflicted veterans and others as well as their families. A reputable starting point is the ALS Association (http://www.alsa.org/search/search.jsp?query=ALS+Military&Image2.x=0&Image2.y=0).
The Maine Care Services Coordinator for the ALS Northern New England Chapter is:
Laurie McFarren
Maine Office: 207-494-8000
E-mail: lmcfarren@alsanne.org
NNE Chapter office 603-226-8855 | fax 603-226-8890
The first-ever Maine ALS Multi-disciplinary Clinic opened in December 2017. It is located in Brunswick, Maine and coordinated by neurologist Dr. John A. Taylor’s office. Ask for the ALS Clinic Coordinator at:
Phone: 207-373-6099
Web Site: https://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/specialty-care/neurology/
ALS Awareness Month of May: Military/Veterans at Greater Risk of Developing ALS
Friday, April 29, 2022 | Category: Health Care - ME
The ALS Association’s Defense Health Research Programs office reported:
‘The ALS Association has developed a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” that details the numerous studies that have been conducted which have found that:
Military veterans, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of the era in which they served, and regardless of whether they served during a time of peace or a time of war, are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if they had not served in the military. The full report is available on The ALS Association’s website, www.alsa.org/Military and includes reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service.’
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
Perspectives: PBS Digital Library of Veteran and Military Stories of Service
Sunday, January 2, 2022 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
PBS offers a digital library of veteran stories reflecting on generations past and present.
Search “veteran” or “military” on the PBS site to view their complete digital library.
4th of July 25th Celebration at Military Women’s Memorial: Ticket Sale Thru June 30th
Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
Announcement on Military Women’s Memorial:
‘Celebrate America’s 245th Independence Day with the Military Women’s Memorial!
Enjoy a delicious catered buffet, beer and wine, live music, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. While celebrating, explore our various exhibits honoring military women, including our newest display, “Summer With The Arts,” which features over 180 pieces of original art by veterans and their loved ones.
Positioned at the end of Memorial Avenue, opposite the Arlington Memorial Bridge, our view of the annual firework show at the National Mall will be unmatched.
Special group pricing available upon request (10 people and up) – send to development@womensmemorial.org.
Tickets available for purchase until Wednesday, June 30th.’
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Department of Veterans Affairs Information, Actions & Contacts
Monday, May 3, 2021 | Category: Health Care - ME
Visit this page for updates on:
- What is the Department of Veterans Affairs doing?
- What should veterans do?
- How should you protect yourself?
- VA Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases: Where and how many?
- Links to other Information.
Be safe!