MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

May is Mental Health Month. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging veterans to take care of their mental health by highlighting available resources and sharing stories from other veterans.

As part of the VA’s Mental Health Month awareness and education efforts, VA mental health experts are focusing on their campaign called “Today I Am.” The campaign features veterans of various backgrounds who deliver the inspiring message that through mental health care, a better life is possible. By emphasizing the tools and resources that helped improve veterans’ lives, the campaign highlights both the value of and the accessibility of mental health care.

“The first thing to do is look for significant changes in mood or behavior,” said Christopher Loftis, national director of the VA/U.S. Department of Defense Mental Health Collaboration. “So, if you notice someone is more withdrawn or quick to anger or more irritable, having nightmares, flashbacks trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, certainly drinking more or doing more drugs, those are all signs to reach out and check in with your veteran.

“But we also really want to emphasize that with this campaign, we are hoping to inspire veterans to maybe that they are not living their best life that it’s also helpful to reach out and take advantage of some of the mental health tools and resources that are out there.”

For more details, visit mentalhealth.va.gov.

MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATE MONTH

May, marked officially as Military Appreciation Month, is a special month for both those in and out of the military.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces day.

We honor the service and sacrifice of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Space Force and National Guard as well as the contribution of their spouses.

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show their appreciation for troops past and present.

What is Military Appreciation Month

Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military's achievements, including Loyalty Day, established in 1921, Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945, Children of Fallen Patriots Day and the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden.

MILES FOR MILLS | SATURDAY, MAY 28

The Travis Mills Foundation is excited for the 12th annual Miles for Mills Memorial Day Weekend 5K, Presented By New Balance Foundation. 

Join us at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023 in Brunswick, Maine, in-person at the Brunswick Landing or virtually from any location you choose!

Proceeds from Miles for Mills benefit the Travis Mills Foundation's mission of supporting recalibrated veteran families in their life after service to our country. We support veteran families and those with the invisible wounds of war through our Retreat in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. To learn more about our mission and how your donation makes a difference, visit www.travismillsfoundation.org.

REGISTRATION: Early registration is $30 and began Feb. 1; participants who want a FREE T-shirt must sign up by April 15. Registration cost after April 15 is $35.

PACKET PICKUP: A packet pickup will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 26 at the Buker Community Center, 22 Armory St., Augusta, ME. Packet pickup will also be held 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 27 at Brunswick Recreation Center, 220 Neptune Drive, Brunswick, ME. Race day bib pick up will be 7 to 8:15 a.m.

The Travis Mills Foundation will be adding fundraising incentives along with race and parking maps. Each fundraiser on a team will be eligible for prizes; the team t hat raises the most money for the Travis Mills Foundation will receive a trophy and bragging rights.

For more information, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Brunswick/milesformills

OPERATION RED SHIELD VETERANS FUNDRAISER | SATURDAY, JUNE 3

MMCN CONFERENCE | THURSDAY, JUNE 29

UPCOMING EVENTS:

The Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Association is asking for your help to place vases. The purpose is to install vases for Memorial Day at the grave sites of the honored deceased veterans.

We work in teams to dig shallow round holes, insert metal flower vases by identified burial sites, and pack the ground around the stone.

Also, a few will install external flower vases on the granite wall sites of
veterans. Experienced veterans will guide this process. A commitment of two to three hours is needed.

For more information contact Charlie Paul charlespaul293@gmail.com
or Jerry Dewitt jdewitt@tcmhs.org.

May 11 - VA Maine's VA2K, "Walk & Roll" Lewiston VA Outpatient Clinic, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Help us support homeless veterans and promote healthy and active lifestyles.15 Challenger Dr., Lewiston.

May 14 - Mother's Day Breakfast hosted by the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 21 - 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mothers eat free, everyone else $10. 200 Congress Ave, Bath.

May 17 - VA Maine's Whole Health Fair & VA2K, Togus VA Medical Center, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join fellow Veterans, VA Staff and community members in celebrating the Whole Health approach to care while raising awareness and goods to support homeless Veterans. Enjoy a fun filled afternoon of music, experiential activities, and education related to this year's Circle of Health Highlights. In front of building 207, Togus. 

May 17 - VA Maine's VA2K, "Walk & Roll" Portland VA Clinic, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Help us support our homeless Veterans and promote healthy and active lifestyles for our VA employees. Voluntary in-kind donations or gift cards to assist with homeless Veterans, newly or recently housed, are accepted.141 W Commercial St., Portland.

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 14 - Veterans and Family PACT Act Benefits and Resource Expo, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Caribou Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Information on Federal, State, and Community Resources available to Service Members, Veterans, and their families. 163 Van Buren Road, Caribou. More information available soon!

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