June Aides de Camp Meeting

On Wednesday, June 21, the Aides de Camp meeting convened at the State House. 

During this meeting, Governor Janet Mills recognized Nicolas and Nancy Hamlin for their work with Maine Veterans in Need, Inc. and the fundraising efforts through their winter softball tournament. Through this effort, over $35,000 was raised towards assisting homeless veterans. 

Additionally, James Bachelder presented Mr. Hamlin with a plaque expressing their appreciation on behalf of Maine Veterans in Need, Inc. 

About Aides de Camp

Aide-de camp is an advisory council of military veterans who advise the Governor on policies impacting Maine veterans. This group, which includes eleven veterans representing all branches of military services, as well as two members of Governor Mills cabinet who are veterans – Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck and Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty.

Disabled Veterans Controlled Moose Hunt Lottery Results

We are pleased to announce the list of winners and alternates of our 2023 Disabled Veteran Controlled Moose Hunt lottery!

If you are an organization, or individual, interested in helping to sponsor a veteran slot for the Disabled Veteran Controlled Moose Hunt, please reach out to Smoldering Lake Outfitters' Veterans Afield Foundation here: https://www.veteransafieldfoundation.org/

Moose Hunt Lottery Winners:

Steven Hietpas, Lyman
David Herbert Dyer, Oakland
Robert E. Demchak, Anson
Justin C. Gibbs, Searsport
Jeffrey Patrick Conroy, S. Berwick
John Lozinski, Sidney

Moose Hunt Lottery Alternates:

Wayne Mcphail, Whiting
Patrick G. Dugas, S. Portland
Michael Devin, Newcastle
Steven J. Sanpedro, Windham
Albert James Fortin, Solon

Veterans' Dependent Educational Benefits

At the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, our commitment to supporting our veterans and their families is unwavering. This month, we would like to highlight an essential program that is dedicated to empowering the dependents of our veterans—the Veterans' Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB).

We understand that education is a cornerstone of personal growth and success. Through this program, we aim to provide opportunities for the dependents of veterans to pursue their educational dreams and unlock their full potential. 

About the program:

VDEB is designed to assist the children and spouses of veterans in obtaining a quality education. 

Maine provides a waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees for spouses and dependents of veterans as defined in Title 37B, Chapter 7, Section 505(2).  

Specifically, veterans must meet the following criteria:

• Has a 100% total permanent disability rating resulting from service-connected disability. Or who
• Was killed in action;
• Died from a service-connected disability as a result of service;
• At the time of death was totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability, but whose death was not related to the service-connected disability; or
• Is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.

• University of Maine System
• Maine Community Colleges
• Maine Maritime Academy

Please view our brochure for more information. 

Should you have any questions or require further information about the Veterans' Dependents Educational Benefits, please don't hesitate to contact our office or visit our website: https://www.maine.gov/veterans/benefits/education/dependents-educational-benefits.html

For more information and to apply for the program, please click on the links below:

Brochure (PDF)

Application (PDF)

100% Disabled Veterans Camping Opportunity at Maine State Parks

Qualified veterans can get a campsite one of two ways, either first-come-first-serve or by booking a site in advance. In order to get a first-come-first-serve campsite, veterans must arrive in person at the campground with either their letter from the BMV (detailed on how to get below) or by arriving in their vehicle which has Maine 100% DAV plates. Since these campsites are on first-come-first-serve basis, a reservation is strongly suggested.

In order to reserve a campsite using this benefit, the veteran must request and receive a camping letter from the BMV’s registration unit by calling (207) 624-9000 x 52149. 

Once the letter has been received by the veteran from the BMV, they must provide the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands with a copy by either emailing it to campground.reservations@maine.gov, mailing a copy to: 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0022, or faxing it to (207) 287-6170. If a person has difficulty providing us with the letter, the BMV is willing to assist with that process by sending a copy directly.

For more information regarding the disabled veteran camping pass, or any other veterans park pass, please visit their website here: CLICK HERE!

Veterans, Servicemembers, Family, and Community Connection Expos:

CARIBOU | FRIDAY, JULY 14

The Veterans, Servicemembers, Family, 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, in coordination with the National Governors Challenge, 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.

FOLLOWING EVENT:

RUMFORD | THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

UPCOMING EVENTS:

July 1 - Public Supper, American Legion Auxiliary Gray Unit 86. 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All you can eat baked beans, hot dogs, biscuits, chop suey, potato salad, lasagna, mac and cheese, and more! Adults $12, children 5-11 $6, Under 5 free. Eat in or take out. 15 Lewiston Road, Gray. 

July 1 - Coffee and snacks for veterans at the Dark Horse Ranch. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 61 Lower Guinea Road, Lebanon. 

July 4 - Pancake Breakfast, American Legion Post 59 Pembroke. 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. All you can eat pancakes, bacon, sausage, and more! $10 adults, 12 under $5. 92 Front Street, Pembroke. 

July 5 - Archery and Boccia Program, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) program at Pineland Farms. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visit www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast for more information.  25 Campus Dr., New Gloucester. 

July 5 - Breakfast with the Vets. Our Heroes Military Museum. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. 55 W Broadway, Lincoln. 

July 8 - Date Night Child Care offered at American Legion Post 202, Topsham. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The American Legion is offering an opportunity for parents to go out on a date. Drop the kids off and we'll provide the fun activities and food. $30 per child, $50 for two siblings. Limited to 30 children. This event is a fundraiser to help their building become handicapped accessible. For more information email americanlegionpost202me@gmail.com , 70 Foreside Road, Topsham. 

July 11 - Travis Mills Foundation Archery and Wheelchair Basketball Clinics, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1002 Watson Pond Rd., Rome. 

July 12 - Archery and Boccia Program, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) program at Pineland Farms. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visit www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast for more information.  25 Campus Dr., New Gloucester. 

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 14 - Women Veterans Hike to Lonesome Lake Hut, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) program at Pineland Farms. 4:00 p.m., visit www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast for more information.  25 Campus Dr., New Gloucester. 

July 15 - Homecoming for Eastern Division National Vice President, Veronica Gurney, 2:00 p.m. social with cash bar, 3:00 p.m. Dinner with program to follow. Maine lobster or half bbq chicken, accompanied by fresh Maine clams, corn on the cob, potato salad, cole slaw, and more. $45 per person. Mail reservations to: Joyce Thurlow, 1 Meadowrue Rd., Augusta, ME 04330 by July 7. Make check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 2 and indicate your meal choice of lobster or chicken. Fitzgerald-Cummings American Legion Post 2, 7 Legion Drive, Augusta. 

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.

July 15 - Great Bean Cook-off, Madison American Legion. Starts at noon. $10 entry fee. May enter more than one bean dish. For more information, email sunshineshallow@gmail.com or call 207-696-5848. Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post 39. 20 S. Maple Street, Madison. 

July 18 - Travis Mills Foundation Archery and Wheelchair Basketball Clinics, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1002 Watson Pond Rd., Rome. 

July 19 - Archery and Boccia Program, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) program at Pineland Farms. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visit www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast for more information.  25 Campus Dr., New Gloucester. 

July 22 - Rolling Thunder, Chapter 2 Maine, Ride for the Homes, Motorcycle Ride. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. Raffles, 50/50 drawing, BBQ. Donation of $20 per bike, $5 passenger. Includes ride and lunch. All proceeds benefit local homeless veterans. Ride begins at the Maine Veterans' Home, 290 US-1 Scarborough.

July 22 - Flea Market & Craft Fair Summerfest, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 Farmington. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join us for this indoor event. Find unique handcrafted gifts and bargain vintage items. 158 High Street, Farmington.

July 26 - Archery and Boccia Program, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) program at Pineland Farms. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visit www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast for more information.  25 Campus Dr., New Gloucester. 

July 28-31 - Katahdin Hike, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) program at Pineland Farms.12:00 p.m., visit www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/vast for more information.  25 Campus Dr., New Gloucester. 

August 3 - Veterans and Family PACT Act Benefits and Resource Expo, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Information on Federal, State, and Community Resources available to Service Members, Veterans, and their families. 10 Railroad Street, Rumford.

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