Capt. James Settele, USN (ret.) and MVH Board of Trustees served as Master of Ceremonies. The Maine Maritime Academy Color Guard presented the colors, followed by SSG Crystal Ryder of the Maine National Guard singing the National Anthem. Two Maine Veterans' Homes residents led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, and Col. Kelly Kash, USAF (ret.) and MVH Chief Executive Officer offered welcoming remarks.

     Guest speakers Governor Janet Mills; U.S. Senator Susan Collins; Senator Angus S. King, Jr.; Congresswoman Chellie Pingree; Congressman Jared Golden, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie all spoke of the tremendous benefit the new, state of the art facility will bring to Maine's Veterans and their families, and COL Andrew Gibson of the Maine Army National Guard blessed the grounds, followed by the enthusiastic guests of honor, including two veteran residents, lifting their gold shovels and breaking ground on the new facility.

Veteran Mentors of Maine
Needs Your Help     

     Veteran Mentors of Maine is an active partner in the Maine Veterans Court, located in Kennebec County, which was created for veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. The purpose is to successfully rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system and providing them with the tools they need to lead a productive and law-abiding life. 

      While holding defendants accountable for choices that led to the criminal involvement, the program provides veterans suffering from alcoholism, substance use or mental health issues, and/or emotional disabilities such as PTSD with treatment academic and vocational training, job skills and placement service. The program also connects with ancillary services to meet the distinctive needs of each participant, such as transportation, medical, dental, and other supportive services.

      Veteran Mentors of Maine is actively looking for volunteers. Criteria for serving includes being a U.S. military veteran, a law-abiding citizen in good standing in the community, a commitment to serve at least six months participating at court sessions and mentor-participant gatherings, and having a genuine concern for veterans in the legal system and the difficulties they face. For more information go to Veteranmentorsofmaine.org or Facebook @veteranmentorsofme.

Have you heard about
the Vet to Vet program?

      Vet to Vet Maine is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving veterans in the state of Maine, working to match veteran volunteers to fellow veterans in their area who need a friend and/or mentor. The two veterans visit on a regular basis (at least twice a month), sharing stories, enjoying activities together, and developing a friendship that can last a lifetime. The trained veteran volunteers also guide their veteran friends in applying for needed services and benefits.

      Vet to Vet Maine will be holding its next training session for veteran volunteers in July in Scarborough. To enroll as a volunteer, to apply for a Vet to Vet visitor for yourself or another veteran, or for more information about the program, please visit our website at www.vet2vetmaine.org, email Susan Gold at sgold@vet2vetmaine.org, or call 207-571-5521. We are currently serving veterans in the southern part of the state but are working to expand our coverage area.

Save the Date!

     The Maine Military and Community Network 9th Annual Conference will be held at the Augusta Civic Centeron July 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year's theme will be Moral Injury: The Many Faces of Loss. There will be multiple veterans' organizations present, guest speakers, and break out sessions in the morning and afternoon. Registration begins the first week of May. For more information contact: Amy Line (amy.line@maine.edu), Bill Card (William.card@sba.gov) or Jerry Dewitt (jdewitt@tcmsh.org).

What's Happening

What: American Red Cross Family Reconnection Workshops
Where: Togus VAMC
When: April 24, May 22 and June 26  from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
FMI: Joleen.lilley@va.gov or 207-623-8411 x 3078 or Lauren.ford@va.gov or 207-623-8411 x 5344

What: Vet to Vet Maine Benefit - Beer and Wine Tasting
Where: Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street in Portland
When: Saturday, April 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. 
(Tickets are $35.00)
FMI or Tickets: sgold@Vet2VetMaine.org or call 207-571-5512 or 207-775-3763.

What: Patriot Riders of America - Maine Chapter Two -
Spring Fling
Where: Yankee Lanes, 276 Bath Road in Brunswick, ME.
When: Saturday, May 4 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
(Storm date Saturday, May 11th)

What: Stress and Suicide Prevention Skills for First Responders
in Cumberland County
Where: Gray-New Gloucester High School, 10 Libby Hill Road,
Gray, ME
When: Saturday, May 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6JS68D2

What: VA Veterans Town Hall
Where: St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 23 Church Street,
Calais, ME
When: June 12 at 5:00 p.m.