NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services held a ceremony of tribute, remembrance, reflection, and appreciation at the State House to honor the service of Vietnam Veterans.

A proclamation was presented by Governor Janet Mills, remarks given from Major General Douglas Farnham. The ceremony included guest speaker Vietnam Veteran, the Honorable Peter Mills, playing of taps, and the laying of a wreath to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families.

MAINE FARMER RESOURCE NETWORK 

Military Veteran Farms is part of an Initiative to “connect the dots” between existing programs and services for veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. These programs are important in developing necessary skills in farming, while also addressing the difficulties some veterans face in their transition back to civilian life after military service.

• Resolve, To Establish a Veteran-to-farmer Training Pilot Program
• An Act To Establish a Veteran-to-farmer Training Pilot Program: Concept Draft Summary | PDF 
  
• Maine LD 409: An Act To Establish a Veteran-to-farmer Training Pilot Program Summary of LD 409

Resources for Military Veterans who want to be farmers:

Boots-2-Bushels: Boot Camp for Market Gardeners: A 9-month hands-on Market Garden education and training program for all beginning farmers with priority to veterans, their family members, and farmers with a disability.

For more information please visit here >>link<<

VETERANS' PARK PASS

The Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, in accordance with a memorandum of agreement entered into with the Commissioner of Conservation and this section, shall issue a free day use pass to state parks, historic sites, and museum to eligible Maine veterans.

Eligibility is as follows:

The Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management shall determine, based on an examination of an individual's discharge certificate from active duty services, also known as the DD214, whether the following criteria are met:

• The person is a resident of Maine; and
• The person received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.
• A pass issued under this section does not expire and is valid for the lifetime of the holder.

If you are a veteran that meets the above criteria and would like to apply for a park pass, please click the link below for an application, which you must print, complete and return to the following address along with a copy of your DD214.

Application

Veteran Park Pass Application (PDF)

Mail completed application to:

Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
117 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0117

Application processing time once received is approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

Please note that Maine veterans age 65 years or older will not be issued a park pass as they are automatically entitled to free admission as a Maine senior citizen.

The park pass is valid for the veteran only and is limited to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites operated by the Maine Department of Conservation. Proper identification is required. Passes are non-transferrable and may not be used by anyone other than the veteran. Failure to abide by this will result in a loss of privileges.

This pass is not valid for the following locations:

• Acadia National Park
• Baxter State Park
• Allagash Wilderness Waterway
• Penobscot Corridor
• Penobscot Narrows Observatory
• Maine Wildlife Park

• Pets must be leashed at all times
• The consumption of alcohol is prohibited
• There is NO smoking allowed in common areas

Complete List of Rules at Maine State Parks and Historical Sites

The State of Maine would like to thank you for your military service and hope you enjoy your visits to the Maine State Parks and Historic Sites.

Questions?

Please contact Maine Veterans' Services for any questions regarding the Maine Veterans Lifetime Day-Use Park Pass program by calling 207-287-7020 or email at mainebvs@maine.gov

MBVS: IN THE NEWS

Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2023 - Fox 22 Bangor

UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 6 - Got Your 6 Comedy Benefit, VFW Post 6859 - 8:00 p.m., $15 in advance, $20 at the door - 687 Forest Avenue, Portland. To purchase tickets, call the VFW at (207) 773-8745.

April 7 - Turkey Supper, VFW Post 1603, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - $12, turkey supper with all the fixings, 588 Minot Avenue, Auburn. For more information 207-783-2563.

April 9 - Easter

April 13 - Service Dogs & Survivors: Pairing Rescue Dogs with Veterans Fundraiser, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Live jazz music, cash bar, menu items available for purchase - For more information visit: link.

April 15 - American Legion Riders Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - $10, tickets can be purchased at American Legion Post 147 - 353 Main Street, Madawaska.

April 17, 18, 19 - Maine Veterans' Dental Network Mobile Clinic, Machias - 32 Veterans Way, Machias - For more information contact MVDN.mainebvs@maine.gov

April 30 - Maine Chapter 1 (Patriot Guard Riders) 15th Annual Spring Ride Event to support Veterans, First Responders, and local community members in need. Registration opens 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Fees are $20/$10 passenger, event starts at York High School, 1 Robert Stevens Drive, York.

May 22 - Heroes Golf Tournament, Martindale Golf Course, Join House in the Woods Military & Family retreat for an incredible day out on the green, your favorite place to be on a beautiful summer day, $140 per person, 18 holes of golf, cart, and lunch. 527 Beech Hill Road, Auburn - For registration details contact Angie at: 920-517-6749 or angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org

May 28 - Miles for Mills, Memorial Day Weekend 5K, Brunswick Recreation Center - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - 220 Neptune Dr., Brunswick - www.milesformills.org

May 29 - Memorial Day

May 29 - Naples Lions Club Special Cruise, Songo River Queen II, boarding starts at 3:00 p.m. - To honor and pay tribute for your time served in the United States Military. Veterans or Active Duty Service men or women, and their immediate family board for free. For reservations, Naples Public Library (207-693-6841) or American Legion Post #155 (Naples) (207-693-6285).

June 3 - The Salvation Army's Operation Red Shield: Veteran Resource Fair, featuring Motor Booty Affair - "A night of fun, food, & information all in support of Maine Veterans - 5:30 p.m. - $25 General admission, $50 General admission + VIP BBQ - The Seaside Pavilion, Old Orchard Beach - Ticket info: www.salvationarmyme.org/ors 

July 15 - Music on the Green, House in the Woods, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Great Music, Great Friends, Healing Community Connection, 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee - For more information visit www.houseinthewoods.com or call 207-738-8387.

If you have an event you wish to have featured on the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services website and newsletter, please email: ryan.e.lorrain@maine.gov