National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony held at the State House

Friday, March 29th the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services held a ceremony at the Maine State House to honor Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Guest speaker was Vietnam veteran, Gary Crocker of West Gardiner. 

Honoring Service: A Well-Deserved Recognition

WEST BALDWIN, Maine - Earl Joses Sanborn, 82, was recognized for eight years of service in the U.S. Air Force with a special awards presentation in his home on March 15, 2024. Sanborn, of West Baldwin, Maine, received several awards that had not previously been awarded since his honorable discharge on Nov. 24, 1967, during the presentation made by Maine Air National Guard Lt. Col. Maynard Hinkley.

Sanborn served in Korea, Libya, Thailand, Japan, and several other locations where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and provided armament support for tactical aircraft. Sanborn’s selfless duty and sacrifice to his country earned him the following awards and badges: Air Force Outstanding Unit Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air and Space Longevity Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Senior Missileman Badge.
“It is my honor, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Air Force, and a grateful nation, to present Sergeant Sanborn with these awards,” said Hinkley. “We are thankful for your service, and the Maine National Guard appreciates the opportunity to make this presentation.”

The presentation was made in front of his wife, Patricia, whom Hinkley recognized for her selfless commitment and contributions made in support of Sergeant Sanborn’s service to our Nation’s defense. Other family members attending were Sanborn’s sons, Patrick, Calvin, Tim, Chris, and Mark.

Please join us in congratulating Sanborn for the well-deserved recognition. His service to our Nation does not go unnoticed.

Exemption of Excise Tax for 100% Disabled Veterans

Certain veterans qualify for an excise tax exemption for a vehicle or vehicles they register. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) have discovered that many veterans prefer to retain a special veteran’s plate or another type of registration plate rather than switch to a disabled veteran’s plate to receive the excise tax exemption.

Under the current Municipal BMV Data Transfer System, the exemption is not allowed without registering the vehicle with a disabled veteran plate. The BMV is working on statutory and computer system changes that will allow this in the future; however, until that is implemented, we have partnered together to develop an interim solution that best serves veterans wishing to benefit from the exemption.

Under 36 M.R.S. § 1483(12), veterans who are otherwise eligible for the exemption are authorized regardless of whether they have a disabled veteran’s plate. It is important to note that a veteran must pay the regular associated registration fee if they choose a different registration plate. However, the excise tax exemption is authorized if they meet the eligibility requirements.

It can be confusing when determining eligibility. For instance, it is possible for a veteran to be rated at 70% for service-connected disabilities but, due to Individual Unemployability, be paid at 100% and considered 100% permanently and totally disabled. Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Summary letters can be difficult to understand and are not clearly written.

MBVS can assist in determining eligibility for motor vehicle excise tax exemption for certain veterans, specifically helping understand service-connected disability rating as outlined in 36 M.R.S. § 1483(12). This would require the veteran to provide proof of “total, service-connected disability” in the form of a current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefit Summary letter.

Benefits Summary are provided to the veteran in the springtime by the VA or at any time from www.ebenefits.va.gov or by calling 800-827-1000. MBVS may also have access to the Benefits Summary letter for certain veterans

MBVS Welcomes the Consul General of the Republic of Korea to New England

On March 25th, the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services was honored to welcome the Consul General of the Republic of Korea to New England, Mr. Kim Jae-hui.

During our visit we discussed the continued importance of recognizing and honoring our Korean War veterans and their families.

We’re grateful for their enduring partnership and generous support towards our veterans.

If you know of a Korean War veteran who hasn't received recognition, please contact our office at 207-287-7020 or email us at mainebvs@maine.gov

Application Now Available for Disabled Veterans' Controlled Moose Hunt

As in years’ past, we are again partnering with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) and Smoldering Lake Outfitters to provide permits, individual guides for the hunters, and all equipment for the hunt.

IF&W has allocated moose hunting permits for disabled veterans who are residents of Maine – and a small group of non-resident disabled veterans – to participate in the Controlled Moose Hunt.
This hunt is not like the regular IF&W moose lottery, as it requires each hunter to team up with a registered Maine Guide who has specific training for the Controlled Moose Hunt.

Please note that this is a one-time hunt. If you have ever tagged a moose through the Disabled Veterans' Controlled Moose Hunt, you are ineligible to hunt again.

Apply using this link: https://tinyurl.com/yenhdw9e

Upcoming Events:

April 22 - 25 (training): Tribal Veterans Representative Training, Holiday Inn, Bangor. 

April 26 (claims clinic): PACT Act claims clinic in Bangor. Speak with VA representatives, file a claim, meet with VSOs, on the spot examinations available, and more! 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday Inn, 404 Odlin Road, Bangor. 

April 27 (tournament): 13th Annual Bowl-A-Thon presented by Rolling Thunder, Inc Chapter 1 Maine. All proceeds will benefit local veterans and their families. Raffles, 50/50, and more. Pre-registration suggested but not required. $10 per person. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call Bonnie at 207-324-0636. 

April 27 (entertainment): Night Out with Comedian Johnny Ater. Fundraiser in support of free healing outdoor retreats for veterans. $25 includes delicious meal. 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Elks Lodge - 37 Fourth Street, Old Town. 

May 27: Memorial Day. A list of events and times will be posted in the May newsletter. 

June 7 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) June 8 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) June 9 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) (resource fair): Veterans and Community Expo. Veterans, service members, and families will be able to learn about benefits available through state, federal, and community resources. Spud Speedway, 209 Thompson Road, Caribou. 

June 12 (ceremony/resources): Join us for a special event dedicated to appreciating out amazing women veterans. Featuring guest speakers and veteran services on-site. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Maine State House, Augusta. 

June 14 (conference): Maine Military and Community Network Annual Conference, Holiday Inn, Portland. 

June 21 (fellowship): Coffee with Veterans. All eras, all branches, all one family. Coffee & baked goods provided. 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. House in the Woods, 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee. 

June 29 (tournament): 3rd Annual Evans Veterans Cornhole Tournament presented by Belmont Cornhole. 9 a.m. Registration. $40 per team. Lunch provided. 318 Augusta Road, Belmont. 

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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