MAINE DISABLED VETERANS' MOOSE HUNT 2023

"Maine Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt: Fostering Camaraderie, Guided Support, and Veterans Uniting to Achieve Success"

Maine has a long-standing tradition of embracing our natural resources and honoring the men and women who have dedicated their lives to military service. One remarkable event that embodies this spirit of appreciation and camaraderie is the Maine Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt.
 
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services in partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Smoldering Lake Outfitters, brings disabled veterans together for a unique hunting experience and emphasizes the importance of building bonds with fellow veterans. 

This year's hunt was nothing short of a success with a 100% of our participants tagging out, which includes the remarkable story of 92-year-old Korean War veteran, Ollie Nunes, who not only participated this year, but harvested a massive 700-pound cow moose. In total, 17 moose were taken. Among them, nine bulls and eight cows.

Beyond the hunt itself, the Maine Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt offers veterans a chance to connect on a deeper level. Veterans who may have felt isolated or disconnected from civilian life find renewed purpose and a support network through this event. The shared experiences and mutual understanding among veterans create a unique camaraderie that forms the foundation of this event. Through this program, connections are formed that provide an essential support system that helps veterans cope with physical and emotional challenges, often stemming from their service.

The success of the Maine Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt wouldn't be possible without the expert guidance and support provided by seasoned volunteer guides. These guides offer more than hunting expertise; they ensure that all participants, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully enjoy the experience. Their dedication to making the hunt inclusive and rewarding is a testament to their unwavering support for our veterans.

Veterans participating in this event quickly learn the value of collaboration and unity. The shared objective of successfully harvesting a moose fosters a sense of purpose and achievement, reinforcing the bonds formed during the hunt.

The Maine Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt is more than a hunting trip; it's a testament to the enduring strength of camaraderie, guided support, and the power of veterans uniting to accomplish a common goal. This annual event embodies the state's commitment to honoring its disabled veterans and providing them with an opportunity to reconnect with their peers, enjoy the great outdoors, and find unity in the shared experiences of military service.

To qualify, veterans need to have a disability rating of at least 50 percent and to team up with a registered Maine Guide who has training for the moose hunt and to not have tagged a moose through this program in prior years. Applications for the 2024 hunt will be available on the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services website on  March 1. For more information on the Maine Disabled Veterans' Moose Hunt, please visit www.Maine.gov/veterans.

MBVS RENEWED FOR STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT

Through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant (SSG Fox SPFP), the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services has been informed that we have received the grant renewal of $750,000 from the VA to support local veterans here in the State of Maine.

About the Program:

SSG Fox SPGP enables VA to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of Veterans and their families through outreach, suicide prevention services, and connection to VA and community resources. In alignment with VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide (2018), this grant program assists in further implementing a public health approach that blends community-based prevention with evidence-based clinical strategies through community efforts. The grant program is part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, signed into law on October 17, 2020. Click the Hannon Act Fact Sheet to learn more.

Congress has authorized $174 million to be appropriated to carry out the SSG Fox SPGP, a three-year community-based grant program that provides resources to community organizations serving certain Veterans and their families across the country. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year throughout the length of the program. Grants will be awarded to organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for eligible individuals at risk of suicide and their families that qualify, including:

• Outreach to identify those at risk of suicide.

• Baseline mental health screening for risk (required of all grantees for participants ages 18+).

• Education on suicide risk and prevention to families and communities.

• Provision of clinical services for emergency treatment.

• Case management services.

• Peer support services.

• VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families.

• Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal government, a state or local government, or an eligible entity.

• Assistance with emergent needs relating to health care services, daily living services, personal financial planning and counseling, transportation services, temporary income support services, fiduciary and representative payee services, legal services to assist the eligible individual with issues that may contribute to the risk of suicide, and child care.

• Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices, as determined appropriate by VA.

• Other services necessary for improving the mental health status and well-being and reducing the suicide risk of eligible individuals and their families as VA determines appropriate
  VA may prioritize grant awards to organizations that focus on areas with limited access to medical services, in rural communities, on tribal lands, in U.S. territories, in areas with a high number or percentage of minority Veterans or women Veterans, or in areas with a high number or percentage of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line.

About Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox:

SSG Fox SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Known for a life of generosity and kindness to others in need, Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive, free confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Dial 988 then Press 1.

MAINE ARTS COMMISSION CALLS FOR VETERANS ART FOR FALL 2023 EXHIBITION

The Maine Arts Commission In partnership with the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services is excited to announce a call for art for the upcoming Fall 2023 Maine Veterans Art Exhibition, to be held at the State Capitol Complex in Augusta. This exhibition offers a unique platform for Maine veterans to showcase their artistic talents and share their experiences with the wider community.

Maine veterans are invited to submit up to two pieces of two-dimensional artwork. Selected works will be prominently displayed at various locations within the State Capitol Complex, including the Burton Cross Office Building (second floor), and at the Maine Arts Commission, from November 1 - February 27, 2023. As part of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, all selected artists, along with their friends and families, will be invited to a celebratory ceremony of the exhibit at the State House Hall of Flags on November 9.

The ceremony will include speeches and a presentation of custom-made Quilts of Valor for each new veteran artist participating in the exhibition. To honor this day, the Maine Arts Commission partnered with the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, The Peace Gallery of Damariscotta, and Quilts of Valor Foundation. 

Key Dates for Fall 2023:

September 5 - October 17: Registration Open
October 23-27: Art Drop Off
October 30-31: Exhibit Installation
November 1 - February 27: Exhibit at Burton M. Cross Building
November 9: Celebration at Hall of Flags
February 29: Art Removal
March 1 - 10: Art Pick Up

Register Here Now!

Once registered, participating veterans will receive communication detailing the coordination of art drop-off and subsequent steps.

Important Guidelines:

• Only two-dimensional mounted or framed artwork will be accepted.

• Artworks may be exhibited either vertically or horizontally (please indicate your  preference).

• All artwork must be labeled on the back with the artist's name and contact information.

• Please refrain from sending or delivering artwork in cylinders or mailing tubes.

• All artwork must be ready for hanging, securely framed, or professionally mounted on a hard surface with appropriate picture wire.

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among American women, making it a significant public health concern. It is estimated that one in eight women will face this diagnosis in their lifetime. 

The Service Act plays a vital role as we recognize the importance of addressing prevention, diagnosis, and the treatment of breast cancer among our veteran population. This legislation provides veterans with enhanced access to healthcare services and prioritizing screenings and early detection. 

For more information about the Service Act and other information on this crucial fight against breast cancer, please visit: https://news.va.gov/124068/breast-cancer-care-for-deployed-veterans/

HIRE-A-VETERAN CAMPAIGN PORTLAND 

(OPEN TO ALL JOB-SEEKERS)

This annual effort is designed to support our nation’s veterans, who bring invaluable skills, experience, and dedication to the workforce. Whether you’re an employer seeking to hire top talent or a job seeker looking for your next career move, we invite you to join us. Let's honor our veterans by investing in their future success and building a stronger workforce together.

And remember, Hire the Right Veteran…for the Right Job…Right Now!

OPEN TO ALL JOB SEEKERS

• Join us at The Point to meet with local area employers looking to hire.

• Veteran resource providers will also be onsite to meet with Transitioning Service Members and Veterans regarding support services available to the military community.

• Special presentations for Veteran and non-Veteran job seekers along with employers.

• Sport Clips will be onsite providing FREE haircuts to Veterans-Must show proof of military affiliation.

You may also like the following events from Hire A Vet Campaign - Maine:

November 9th, 12:00 pm, Maine Hire-A-Veteran Campaign Auburn (OPEN TO ALL JOB-SEEKERS) in Auburn

2023 HOMELESS VETERANS' STAND DOWNS:

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services and partnering organizations are continue to host Homeless Veterans’ Mobile Stand Downs across the Maine.

These events are a great resource for any veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Through this event we’re focused on providing connections to housing, benefits, community services, winter clothing, non-perishable food, medical check-ups, free haircut, and more!

We’re taking pre-registrations at 207-287-7019 or email at HVS.MaineBVS@maine.gov  and we welcome walk-ups the day of the event.

MBVS IN THE NEWS:

"Stand Down events across Maine are helping struggling veterans" WCSH6 - NewsCenter

UPCOMING EVENTS:

October 7 - Coffee and snacks for veterans at the Darkhorse Ranch. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 61 Lower Guinea Road, Lebanon.

October 7 - American Legion Post 37 Dinner. 5:00 p.m. Homemade chili, garlic bread, dessert, coffee, and water. $12 per meal. 10 Watts Lane, Thomaston.

October 11 - Archery and Bocce Program hosted by VAST. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All equipment and instruction at no cost to veterans. For more information contact Kristina at 207-310-8694. 25 Campus Drive, New Gloucester. 

October 12 - Paint Night FUNdraiser for Women Veterans Glamping, Stars and Stripes Freeport. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grab your friends and unleash your inner artist as we paint the night away. Whether you're a seasoned painter or a beginner, Artist Nicole will guide you step by step to create a masterpiece. This event is all about having fun and enjoying the process, so no experience is necessary! For more information visit their event page found here. 8 Varney Road, Freeport.

October 13 - VAST Monson Trip, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Group will depart Pineland Farms at 8:00 a.m. We will attend a pottery class with Jemma at Monson Pottery upon arrival to Monson, and on Sunday morning to glaze the pottery. Activities during the weekend will include hiking the local trails and playing pickleball in the nearby gym. Meals will be provided by  James Beard Hospitality Award winner, Lulu from Quarry Restaurant. For more information, contact Contact Kristina Sabasteanski at 207-310-8694 or kristina@pinelandfarms.org

October 18 - Archery and Bocce Program hosted by VAST. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All equipment and instruction at no cost to veterans. For more information contact Kristina at 207-310-8694. 25 Campus Drive, New Gloucester. 

October 18 - Homeless Veterans' Mobile Stand Down, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Springvale. Providing connections to housing, benefits, community services, winter clothing, non-perishable food, medical check-ups & more! Located at Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, 634 Main Street, Springvale. 

October 19 - Hire-A-Vet Campaign Portland. 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Meet local employers looking to hire, veteran resource providers regarding available support services and benefits, special presentations, and more! Open to all job seekers. 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy, South Portland. 

October 21 - Hot Rods and Heros 2023 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.    Car show to benefit Veterans Forward, providing critical assistance to create a sustainable future for Maine's veterans, service members, and their families. $10 entry fee, free spectator admission. Music, food trucks, local vendors, 50/50, and more! Bill Dodge Auto Group, Saunders Way, Westbrook. 

October 35 - Homeless Veterans' Mobile Stand Down, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Togus. Providing connections to housing, benefits, community services, winter clothing, non-perishable food, medical check-ups & more! Located at Togus, 1 VA Center, Augusta.

October 25 - Archery and Bocce Program hosted by VAST. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All equipment and instruction at no cost to veterans. For more information contact Kristina at 207-310-8694. 25 Campus Drive, New Gloucester. 

November 9 - A Call For Veteran Art. 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A special exhibition to honor the art and creativity of Maine Veterans. For more information visit www.mainearts.com, Hall of Flags, Maine State House. 

November 18 - 10th Annual Women Veteran's Luncheon. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hosted by the American Legion Post 24 and the American Legion Department of Maine, Women Veteran's Advisory Committee to Honor Women Veterans. Refreshments, reiki, and a variety of activities followed by lunch. For more information contact Tricia Thurston at 357-3289. 

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

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