MBVS Participates in Washington, D.C.
Governor's Conference

MBVS Director David Richmond and Maine Army National
Guard Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Libbi, Magoon traveled to Washington, D.C. on August 2-3, to attend the Governor’s Challenge conference along with many other states participating in the veterans’ suicide prevention program. This event was sponsored by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and multiple states who have already completed the Governor's Challenge presented best practices for the programs they are running.

Other states are in various phases of the challenge, and it was very rewarding to learn how much is being done to address this issue across the nationwide and to receive so much support from the VA and SAMHSA. The final day included Communities of Practice Sessions, which until now had only been possible virtually. Small, round table discussions about roadblocks and successes specific to currently participating states were discussed.  The connections, resources, and support gained in Washington, will be very  beneficial to Maine's Governor's Challenge Team as they move forward to create change in our own state.

New Salvation Army Program Operation Red Shield 

The Salvation Army Northern New England has launched a
new program, Operation Red Shield, which will provide an
all-encompassing, wrap around veterans' service program for active military, veterans, National Guard or reservists, and their families. Case managers will assist clients with developing a plan that meets them where they are - physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

They can offer help navigating the VA system for healthcare and benefits, financial assistance with heating fuel, gas cards, vehicle repairs, housing, or employment needs. Full-service case management for the individual or the entire family and their pastoral care team can offer spiritual counseling if wanted. Currently Operation Red Shield has case managers operating out of their Portland, Bath, Augusta, and Bangor offices.

For more information contact Jeremy Kendall - 207-245-3763
or email jeremy.kendall@use.salvationarmy.org.

Veterans Forward in Maine
New Fedcap Program

Veterans Forward provides assistance for Maine’s veterans, service members, and their families. By working with each veteran’s unique needs, Veterans Forward seeks to remove barriers impacting their health, safety, or well-being and provides case management services, housing stabilization employment services, and financial assistance for emergency circumstances. 

Veterans Forward, a program of Fedcap – Serving Maine,
is made possible through philanthropic support and the unwavering commitment of the former Veterans Count Maine Board. The program recently received a $500,000 award from the U.S. Department of Labor to create a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) in Maine - https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/08/03/bdn-maine/fedcap-inc-launches-the-veterans-forward-program-to-help-veterans-service-members-and-families-across-maine/

Visit the Veterans Forward website at www.maineveteransforward.org. For more information contact - HelpME@Fedcap.org or leave us a message at 844-653-0316.

What's Happening

September 10 - Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1
Golf Tournament, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Rockland
Golf Club (606 County Rd Rockland). FMI contact Gary Gamage: 207-691-6786 or email - garygamage@icloud.com. 

September 10 - Travis Mills Foundation 2nd Annual Building Strength Gala, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at 1002 Watson Pond Road, Rome, ME. FMI or to register -  https://e.givesmart.com/events/r81/

September 15 - Service Academy Night on Thursday, September 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in Portland, ME. Confirm your attendance at https://bit.ly/3KrE6Qh
To learn more contact Maine Maritime Academy at 207-326-or email admissions@mma.edu.

September 18 - Fall Ride for the Troops - Patriot Riders  of America - Maine Chapter 2. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Pit Bar & Grill at 838 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

September 24 - Veterans and Family Outdoor Expo Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cabela's parking lot in Scarborough. This event is rain or shine. FMI contact MBVS at 207-287-7020 or email mainebvs@maine.gov

September 24 - Walk-a-thon for V.E.T.S. The first 95 miles will be walked on your own. Please keep track. The final five miles will be walked together if possible in Fairfield Center starting and ending at the Victor Grange 142 Oakland Road in Fairfield 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. FMI: Contact Shelley Rudnicki 207-314-6898.