The American Legion Celebrates
100 Years of Service 

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services congratulates The American Legion on its 100th Anniversary. On March 15th at the State House (Hall of Flags) the commemorative plaque was dedicated by Legion members, the Maine National Guard and Governor Janet Mills.The Legion's four pillars of service and advocacy: Veterans, military personnel, youth and patriotic values have served our nation for a century, as well as providing support and advocacy to Veterans and providing a means to give back to the community at large. The Legion has also been instrumental in the creation of the formation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Flag Code and the passage of the GI Bill. Here's to the next 100 years!

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services (MBVS) received the 2019 Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its work to end Veteran homelessness. This is the Bureau’s consecutive Pillar of Excellence award, winning for its suicide prevention efforts in 2018.The award was presented to MBVS Acting Director David A. Richmond by NASDVA President Alfie Alvarado-Ramos and VA Undersecretary Randy Reeves, standing in for Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie at the 2019 National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) Mid-Winter Conference held in Alexandria, VA.

Acting Director Richmond shared the following in regard to the significance of the recognition:

“It is truly an honor for Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services to receive this award. However, there are many other partner organizations in Maine that we work with every day on this important mission. This award is a direct reflection of their efforts as well. The Bureau strives to support Maine’s most vulnerable Veteran population and their families with professional support, compassion, and respect. Our Coordinator and U.S. Army Veteran, Jarad Greeley, serves as a conduit between MBVS, Maine’s homeless Veterans, and our partner organizations. He works tirelessly to remove barriers that are causing a Veteran to be homeless.

“The Bureau has forged great partnerships with the Maine Homeless Veteran Action Committee, the Homeless Team at VA Maine Healthcare System, Easterseals Maine, Preble Street, Veterans Inc., Volunteers of America Northern New England, Maine Elks, The Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope, Bread of Life Ministries, United Veterans of Maine, the Maine American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gary Owen House, other shelters, agencies, and caseworkers around the state, as well as private citizens and business owners. Together, we have a shared goal - To end Veterans homelessness in Maine, one Veteran at a time.”

If you know a homeless veteran who needs assistance please contact Jarad Greeley at 207-430-6036 (office), 207-699-7186 (cell) or email jarad.greeley@maine.gov. There are also resources available on the Bureau’s website at https://www.maine.gov/…/hou…/homeless-veterans-services.html.

Volume Three of the Maine Veterans' Benefits 
and Resource Guide is Here!

Volume three of the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services 147 page Benefits and Resource Guide just arrived. It offers a comprehensive look by county at what services are available for Maine's Veterans. The State of Maine provides nearly 20 different programs for Veterans, including property tax exemptions and free education for dependents of 100% permanent and totally disabled Veterans. 

Statewide resources include: Behavioral Health, Counseling, Education, Elder Services, Employment, Homeless Services, Legal and Financial Assistance, Medical, Recreation Programs, Supportive Services for Military and Veteran Families, Therapy and much, much more! If you would like a copy, stop by our office at 194 Winthrop Street in Augusta, Maine or you can access a PDF of the Guide online on our website at https://www.maine.gov/veterans/resources/index.html.

National Vietnam Veterans Commemoration
in Augusta on March 29th

Please join us on March 29 in the State House (Hall of Flags) for a ceremony honoring the service of Maine's Vietnam Veterans. State of Maine Veterans' Recognition Certificates and Coins will be presented to Vietnam Veterans with a valid DD 214. Please contact the Bureau to order in advance.

Those who wish to honor a friend or family member who was Killed in Action or is still Missing in Action from the Vietnam War are invited to send copies of photos and remembrances of their loved one to our office, which will be displayed during the ceremony to honor the veteran and the Gold Star Family. More details and registration information can be found via our Eventbrite link https://vietnamveteranceremony.eventbrite.com or contact our office at 207-430-5816.