Maine Military Friendly
Universities and Colleges
Receive National Recognition

Several Maine universities and colleges recently received Gold and Silver designations from the Pennsylvania-based publication, Military Friendly, which were based on a nationwide survey that included the following factors:  Support for student veterans on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Schools that receive this designation are highlighted in GI Bill databases used by veterans seeking higher education. Maine school included in the 2022 list are: University of Maine at Augusta (Gold); University of Southern Maine (Gold); Southern Maine Community College (Silver), Central Maine Community College (Silver), and Maine Maritime Academy (Silver).

Go to www.militaryfriendly.com for full listings of
schools and employers.

VA Recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission
  

The VA’s March 2022 report demonstrates a concise review of
available VA services in the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 01 Far North Market, “Based on substantial data analysis, interviews with VISN and VA medical Center (VAMC) leaders, consultation with senior VA leadership, and the input received from veterans and stakeholders, VA has developed a recommendation designed to ensure that veterans today and for generations to come have access to the high –quality care they have earned.

“The recommendation also makes sure that VA continues to execute on its additional missions: Education and training, research, and emergency preparedness. As VA considers implementing any recommendation approved by the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission, implementation will be carefully sequenced so that facilities or partnerships to which are will be realigned are fully established before the proposed realignment occurs.”

Key elements of the VA’s strategy include:

 Provide equitable access to outpatient care through modern facilities close to where veterans live and through the integration of virtual care.

 Enhance VA’s unique strengths in caring for veterans with complex needs.

 Provide equitable access to quality inpatient medical and surgical care through the optimized use of care
delivered in VA facilities and through partnerships, community providers, and virtual care.

Market Strategy—The report notes, “The enrolled veteran population of the largely rural Far North Market is projected to decrease. Demand for inpatient mental health is projected to decrease, while demand for inpatient medical and surgical care, community living center (CLC) services, and outpatient care is projected to increase.”
VISN01-Market-Recommendation.pdf (va.gov)

MBVS Staff Volunteers at the Travis Mills Foundation's Vietnam Era Veterans Breakfast

The Travis Mills Foundation hosted a Vietnam Era Veterans Breakfast on Wednesday, March 30th at the Augusta Armory. Over three hundred Maine Vietnam Veterans and their guests were in attendance to be recognized and honored for their service to the country and to the State of Maine and to be appropriately welcomed home.

The event allowed for comradery and fellowship over cups of coffee and a big plate of breakfast foods. MBVS Director Richmond, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sarah Sherman, and Director of Communications, Sybil Mazerolle, were in attendance and waited tables as three of the 80 volunteers that helped to support this event. 

What's Happening

April 4 – UMaine Cohen Lecture at UMO Hutchins Concert Hall, “The Importance of American Leadership in a Dangerous World.” A conversation with General Jim Mattis, Medal of Honor Recipient Corporal Kyle Carpenter, and Secretary William S. Cohen.FMI - https://www.collinscenterforthearts.com/event/cohen-lecture/

April 6, 13, 20, and 27 – Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training Program – Free Recreational Opportunities at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
FMI - https://pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast/

April 18 – Patriots Day

April 26 – Virtual DAV/Recruit Military Veterans Job Fair - South Central Region ( 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) FMI - https://ssv.org/events/davrmvirtual2022-gbsg8-htgak

April 30- Maine Disabled Veterans Controlled Moose Hunt applications close. FMI- https://www.maine.gov/veterans/benefits/recreational-licenses/veterans-moose-lottery.html