Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation Makes Donation to Assist Homeless Veterans

This month the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services received a generous donation of $19,250 from the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation dedicated to assisting homeless veterans in Maine.

Their commitment embodies the true spirit of community, compassion, and uplifting the lives of those who have served our country. We are very fortunate and thankful for their support!

March is Women's History Month

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony

Friday, March 29th

A tribute of remembrance, reflection, and appreciation to our Vietnam veterans.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will be hosting a ceremony at the Maine State House honoring National Vietnam War Veterans Day at 1:00 p.m.  

Our guest speaker is Vietnam veteran, Gary Crocker. 

To reserve your tickets, click here. 

Free Tax Preparation Services 

Each year, millions of people have their taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs have helped people for more than 40 years. Over 1.3 million free tax returns were prepared for Veterans since the inception of the MOU at nearly 8,000 free tax preparation sites across the country. Here are some details about VITA and TCE:

1. The IRS works with local community groups to train and certify VITA and TCE volunteers.
2. VITA generally offers free tax return preparation to those who qualify.
3. TCE is mainly for people age 60 or older. The program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors. AARP participates in the TCE program through AARP Tax-Aide.
4. VITA and TCE provide free electronic filing. E-filing is the safest, most accurate way to file your tax return. If you combine e-file with direct deposit, you can get your refund faster.

Webinar Series for Veteran Owned Small Businesses 

An upcoming free training opportunity for Veteran owned small businesses interested in pursuing government contracts as a way to diversify their revenues. Even though it says NH, it's virtual and open to Maine small businesses too. The Time frame is 4-weeks and runs 8 -9:30 am. More details, including registration link included in the flyer.

Register at: https://sba-vboc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29708

Maine Disabled Veterans' Controlled Moose Hunt Applications 

Available April 1

Beginning April 1, the application for the annual Maine Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt will be available on the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services website: www.maine.gov/veterans

The Maine Disabled Veterans’ Moose Hunt is a unique program that was created in 2010 and allows veterans the opportunity to assist in mitigation of a wildlife conflict in several fresh produce crops.  The hunt is a partnership between Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W), Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, and Smoldering Lake Outfitters.

IF&W created the five-week window for a controlled moose hunt in Central Aroostook County. Though the initial purpose was to assist farmers, who lose their crops to  the largest member of the deer family, it also offers support to military veterans through an opportunity for a controlled hunt that allows for peer-networking and the ability to enjoy the Northern Maine outdoors in a safe comfortable setting.

Unlike the IF&W moose lottery, the Disabled Veterans’ Controlled Moose Hunt lottery is limited to veterans who have a VA disability rating of at least 50% or higher and have either completed hunter safety or a hold Maine hunting license. Upon arrival at the camp in the County, veterans are housed, fed, equipped with adaptive gear, and provided guiding services at no cost to the veteran. Meat processing is arranged for those who are successful.  If a veteran has already tagged a moose through this program, that veteran is ineligible to participate in the program again.

The number of available permits this year is dependent upon funding and sponsorship. Money for the hunt that is raised within Maine will cover the expenses for Maine residents and non-resident hunters are covered by out of state veteran organizations.  This is only possible through the generosity of supporting businesses and individuals.  The Veterans Afield Foundation 501c(3) will accept tax deductible donations, dedicated to the Maine Disabled Veterans’ Moose Hunt.  If you are interested in supporting this program you may do so via check to The Veterans Afield Foundation, 129 Snow Rd., Bridgewater Maine 04735 or via credit card on the VAF web site. www.veteransafieldfoundation.org 

For more information about the hunt, please reach out: www.maine.gov/veterans or contact the Bureau at 207-287-7020 or mainebvs@maine.gov

Vets in the Valley Winter Session 

Saturday, March 16

All military veterans, active duty and reserve guard members and their families are invited to Lost Valley in Auburn to ski and snowboard free! All military veterans, regardless of the length of service, receive a free lift ticket that day for themselves and immediate family (dependents).

This event offers half price learn to ski and snowboard lessons to veterans and their families. This is for first time learn to ski or snowboard lessons. They must be reserved in advance go to https://www.lostvalleyski.com/lessons/lts-ltr/ and use promo code VetsInValley. Proof of veteran status will be required at time of check in and code is good for lessons on this day only. 

Ski & Snowboard rental equipment is available for purchase at a special discounted Military rate of $33 (reg $49) for all vets and their dependents. Reserve gear in advance online at https://www.lostvalleyski.com/rentals/

Scheduled Events include:
Ski/Snowboard: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Veterans Orgs on Site 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Live Music in Pub: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Meet and greet with veterans agencies including: Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, Career Center Veteran Services, Veterans Inc., Gold Star Mothers, Vet Center Lewiston, Tri-County Mental Health Services and many more. 

Free Appetizer Buffet sponsored by Miller Lite, while Supplies last 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Brookside Room.

Note: Participants must show proof of veteran status to receive these offers. Veteran’s immediate family specifically means: Veteran plus spouse and/or dependents.

Vietnam-Era Veterans Breakfast hosted by the Travis Mills Foundation 

Wednesday, March 27

This fifth year’s annual Travis Mills Foundation Welcome Home Vietnam-Era Veteran Breakfast will take place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

“The Vietnam-Era Veterans Breakfast is one of the most special events held annually by the Travis Mills Foundation,” said Heather Hemphill, Executive Director. “To be in a room with hundreds of veterans who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War is a feeling that’s difficult to describe. Pride, for certain.”

Tickets are free to Vietnam Veterans and one guest, but must be reserved here:  https://give.classy.org/vietnameraveteransbreakfast

Upcoming Events:

March 14, 21 (recognition event): Celebrating Women's History Month. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please join us as we honor our Women Veterans with a commemorative coin and certificate provided by the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. At the Togus Campus, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, Building 248, Room 110. Representatives will be available to assist with filing claims and answering questions about earned benefits. 

March 16 (recreation): Vets in the Valley at Lost Valley. All military veterans, active duty and reserve guard members and their families are invited to Lost Valley in Auburn to ski and snowboard free! All military veterans, regardless of the length of service, receive a free lift ticket that day for themselves and immediate family (dependents). 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 200 Lost Valley Road, Auburn. 

March 27 (breakfast/ceremony): Vietnam-Era Veterans Breakfast hosted by the Travis Mills Foundation. 9:00 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. Tickets are free to Vietnam Veterans and one guest, but must be reserved here:  https://give.classy.org/vietnameraveteransbreakfast

March 29 (ceremony):  Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will be hosting a ceremony honoring National Vietnam War Veterans Day at the Maine State House. Guest speaker is Vietnam veteran, Gary Crocker. 1:00 p.m. in the Hall of Flags. To reserve your tickets click here. 

March 30 (resource fair): Veteran Resource Fair. Federal, State, and non-profit veteran organizations on hand. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Windham Vet Center located at 35 Veterans Memorial Drive, North Windham. For more information call 207-892-1306.

April 7 (resource event): Veteran Resource Event for the Family hosted by the Maine Veterans Project. Directed to family members living with impacted veterans. Veterans are welcome to attend as well.
We will have an array of guest speakers and multiple veterans organizations on site. There will be a block of time for questions and answers after the presentation. Light refreshments will be provided. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jeff's Catering, 15 Event Center Way, Brewer. 

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

Follow MBVS on Social Media:

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/mainevets

Instagram: @maineveterans 

X (formerly Twitter): @MEveterans