Office Locations

Bangor Office
35 State Hospital Drive
Bangor, ME 04401
207-941-3005

Caribou Office
14 Access Highway, Suite 5
Caribou, ME 04736
207-492-1173

Lewiston Office
35 Westminster Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-753-9106

Machias Office
7 Court Street, Suite 2
Machias, ME 04654
207-255-3306

South Portland Office
151 Jetport Boulevard, Room 138W
South Portland, ME 04106
207-822-2391

Springvale Office
628 Main Street
Springvale, ME 04083
207-324-1839

Togus Office
Veterans Administration Center
Building 248, Room 110
Togus, ME 04330
207-287-9933

Maine's Governor's Challenge Team Meets for Policy Academy

Maine’s Governor’s Challenge team gathered together at the Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center in Hallowell for a three-day Policy Academy from May 3rd-May 5th. The Policy Academy was facilitated by Maine’s designated State Liaison from the Service Member, Veterans, and Families Technical Center. The event provided the opportunity for the team to develop logic models around the three priority areas of Suicide Risk Screening, Promoting Connectedness and Improving Care Transitions, and Increase Lethal Means Safety and Safety Planning. The Maine team had an opportunity to learn about suicide prevention programming in other states and was able to connect with subject matter experts from across the country to hear about program successes and lessons learned, which will allow Maine to leverage best practices and increase suicide prevention planning successes.

The membership of Maine’s team met previously in March to develop a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis around these three priority areas, and that previous work was utilized to inform the logic models developed during the May Policy Academy. The work completed during both the March and May sessions will assist the team in the development of a Strategic Action Plan over the next two years that will guide efforts to reducing the veteran suicide rate in Maine.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and VA Office of Suicide Prevention have partnered together to develop the Governor’s Challenge, a collaboration that started in 2018 and was piloted in a handful of sites across the country.
The premise behind this program is a collaborative effort between existing military and civilian agencies internal and external to state government, and both military and civilian . MBVS led the effort to establish the membership for Maine’s Policy Academy, with appointees from Governor Mills’ office, Cabinet-level members, participation from applicable state agencies, Maine National Guard, and established partner organizations external to the state.

Memorial Day at the Central Maine Veterans' Cemeteries

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services would once again like to thank all of the individuals, local employers that supported their staff to attend, and members of the Maine National Guard who joined us to place flags at the Central Maine Veterans’ Cemeteries. These volunteers spent the morning of Friday, May 27th paying their respects to those that have bravely served our state and nation in preparation for our Memorial Day Ceremonies at both Central Maine Veterans' Cemetery locations.

The Bureau is grateful for the participation of the Volunteer Brass Band which generously provided music for our Memorial Day Commemoration on Monday, May 30th. We also appreciate our speakers who addressed the attendees of the 2:00 p.m. ceremony at the Mount Vernon Rd. location, and reminded us all of the importance of honoring those that sacrificed so much in service to their country. Major General Douglas Farnham, Senator Angus King, and VA Maine Director Tracye Davis all gave brief remarks during the ceremony.

A 'Thank You' also goes out to the Maine Army National Guard's Honor Guard for providing a firing detail for the ceremony, Chaplain Fortier for providing the invocation, and Army Band for playing TAPS.

It's Summer in Maine: Have You Heard About the Access Pass?

The United States government is hoping more individuals are able to enjoy our National Parks and federal recreational lands. The Access Pass allows to individuals that have been determined to have a medical disability visit these federal lands for free and the pass is valid for life! It can be ordered from the USGS Store. The processing fee is $10, or it can be requested for free at any national park site, including Acadia National Park. Individuals requesting this pass just need to show their Summary of Benefits or Award Letter from the VA.

There are other benefits to the Access Pass including campsite, boat launch, swimming, and guided tour discounts. These discounts are dependent upon location and available amenities, more information can be found under the of the Access Pass Benefits section here.

The USGS Store also offers an Annual Interagency Military Pass, available to current military members, veterans, and Gold Star families. The Annual Interagency Military Pass previously cost $80, but is now offered for free at Acadia National Park or for the same $10.00 processing fee as the Access Pass. A law was signed by President Biden in December of 2021 that will make any veteran and Gold Star family eligible for a lifetime pass. However, until the lifetime passes can be printed and delivered the Annual Interagency Military Pass can be utilized.

MBVS offers State park and museum passes:

All veterans who are residents of the State of Maine, and received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions are eligible for a free Lifetime Veteran State Park & Museum Pass. Passes do not expire and are valid for the lifetime of the holder!
Apply for your Lifetime Veteran State Park & Museum Pass here!

What's Happening

June 4 – Hockey for Heroes, at the Family Ice Center, Falmouth from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

June 7 - $25 Paint Night Fundraiser for Woman’s Veteran Glamping at Cancuns in Waterville, starts at 6:00 p.m.

June 11 – Veteran UTV Ride, at House in the Woods, 217 Skunk Hill Rd. from 1:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

June 12 – Ride for the Veterans, Iron Tails Saloon located at 559 ME-109, Acton Maine. The event starts at 10:00 a.m.

June 19 – Post Traumatic Stress Veterans Retreat, 17 Royal St. Saco.

June 21 – Songwriters’ circle for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families at the Peace Gallery, Damariscotta from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

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