MAINE BUREAU OF VETERANS' SERVICES RECOGNIZED AT STATE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services attended the State of the National Guard Joint Convention of the Legislature at the State House.

During the address, Major General Douglas Farnham recognized the great work of two of our Veterans Services Officers, Matt Kennedy and Tom Pangborn for their work serving homeless veterans!

Pictured from left to right, MBVS Director David Richmond, Director of Strategic Partnerships Sarah Sherman, MBVS Deputy Director Steven Lanning, Veteran Services Officer Tom Pangborn, Veterans Services Officer Matt Kennedy, and our Business Systems Coordinator Jaime Robichaud.

VA/SAMHSA GOVERNOR'S CHALLENGE UPDATE

Members of the Team Maine of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/ SAMHSA “Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families” completed a two-day post-implementation academy in South Portland. During this visit the team continued working on three priority areas involving suicide prevention, safe storage, and education.

A special thank you to the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine for their hospitality!

FREE LIFETIME MAINE PARK AND MUSEUM 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 DD form 214.

Application

Veteran Park Pass Application (PDF) or through our online form. 

Mail completed application to:

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

Application processing time once received is approximately 1 week.

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

JUNE IS NATIONAL HOME OWNERSHIP MONTH

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs home loans help Veterans, service members, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners.

• No down payment required*
• Competitively low interest rates
• Limited closing costs.
• No need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
• The VA home loan is a lifetime benefit: you can use the guaranty multiple times
  *Note: Lenders may require down payments for some borrowers using the VA home loan guaranty, but VA does not require a down payment.

RAPPEL OVER THE EDGE FOR MAINE VETERANS 

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

For more information visit: Veterans Forward 

MMCN CONFERENCE

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

VETERANS AND COMMUNITY EXPO, IN CARIBOU 

FRIDAY, JULY 14

The Veterans and Community Connections Expo arrives on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 163 Van Buren Road. This veteran centric event, designed for service members and their families, aims to inform and educate attendees about the PACT Act and a wide array of benefits and resources available through the state and local community.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, this family-friendly expo promises an enriching experience with a range of activities, services, and opportunities for veterans and their loved ones. The event highlights the community's commitment to honoring and assisting those who have served their country with utmost dedication.

The expo will kick off with a free complimentary Maine-themed breakfast prepared by Operation at Ease, ensuring attendees are fueled and ready for an engaging morning.

Participants can look forward to a host of on-site services, including the distribution of state park passes, recognition coins, and exciting door prizes, all geared towards acknowledging the contributions of veterans and fostering a sense of appreciation and unity within the community.

The Veterans and Community Connections Expo serves as a one-stop resource hub, connecting attendees with a multitude of benefits and services available to them. Representatives from the state and local government, as well as over 20 organizations will be present to provide information and guidance on accessing various programs such as healthcare, education, housing assistance, job placement, and much more.

"This expo is an opportunity for our veterans and their families to access the support and resources they deserve," said Jennifer Bover, Event Organizer. "We are committed to ensuring that every service member has the knowledge and connections to their earned benefits to the fullest extent.”

The Veterans and Community Connections Expo is open to all veterans, service members, their families, and interested community members. Whether you are seeking information or simply wish to connect with fellow veterans.

For more information and updates about the Veterans and Community Connections Expo, please contact the Togus Regional Office at VBATOGROEngage@va.gov or 207-621-6938.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 7 - Breakfast with the Vets, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Our Heroes Military Museum, 55 W. Broadway, Lincoln. 

June 17 - Go Over the Edge with Veterans Forward, Over the Edge for Veterans Forward is an exciting event in which “Edgers” commit to a fundraising minimum in exchange for the opportunity of a lifetime – to rappel down One City Center in the heart of the Old Port. To register visit the event website at: Link

June 21 - Coffee with Veterans, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at House in the Woods, Coffee and baked goods. 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee. For more information call 920-517-6749. 

June 24 - Veterans Appreciation Day Motorcycle Ride, Hosted by VFW Capt. Frank W. Hulett Post 1603 at L-A Harley Davidson. Registration 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. , kickstand up at 10:00 a.m. , return to L-A Harley at 12:30 p.m. Featuring food, music, drinks, raffles and 50/50. $20 per person, includes food. Not a rider? That's okay, food plates will be available for $10. 839 Main Street, Lewiston. 

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. 

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