News
100-year-old WWII Veteran Honored for Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 21, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
More than two dozen veterans were recognized at the Southern Maine Agency on Vet-to-Vet ceremony at the Maine Military Museum. One of these veterans was 100 year old Dr. Ruth Endicott Freeman who served overseas during World War II.
Transitional Home for Homeless Female Veterans Finds Building in Augusta
Friday, May 13, 2016 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - ME
The availability of transitional housing for homeless women veterans is scarce in Maine and across the nation. The Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope on 8 Summer Street in Augusta, Maine will be one location where women veterans and their children can benefit from stable, safe housing while receiving services and benefits that will help them stabilize their life and move forward in positive, productive directions.
Augusta House Readied for Female Homeless Veterans
Sunday, May 8, 2016 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - ME
Martha Everatt St. Pierre, founder of the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope for homeless women veterans, stated: “These are women that served our country, and they need our help.” The older home on 8 Summer Street in Augusta, Maine has more than 4,000 square feet and an attic that may become a renovated efficiency apartment. The house will accommodate veterans and their children for up to two years. While living in a safe environment, they will benefit from access to state, federal, and community services to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient and independent again.
Stories of Maine WWII Veterans Recorded by Husson Students for Library of Congress
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
Eight students in the New England School of Communications journalism program at Husson University recorded oral history interviews with World War II veterans that will become part of the nation's Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Jeffrey Hope, a Husson journalism instructor would like to see this initiative grow into a semester-long project for future students.
The Gary Gordon Vets Center: a "Veterans Helping Veterans" Approach to Care
Monday, May 2, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
A non-profit, founded by Major John Nelson, in Lincoln is offering a center for Maine's veterans that is an alternative to care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
After Decades Avoiding the Water, Amputee Invents His Way to Dive Back In
Thursday, April 28, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Randy and Lori Lord of Danforth, Maine dedicated decades to developing a prosthetic to aid amputees to swim in their home kitchen. At one point they thought about giving up, but veterans returning from Iraq sparked their interest to continue. Today, they ship their "AMP FIN" worldwide. It is manufactured in Maine, they have a U.S. patent and are applying for country patents. They hope to open nationwide stores, managed exclusively by veterans.
For a Company That Repairs Electric Lines, Safety is the First Priority
Thursday, April 28, 2016 | Category: Employment - ME
Coutts Bros. of Randolph, Maine, recently won a national safety award given to only 16 companies in the nation. They have a line worker apprenticeship program approved by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the University of Maine. It takes someone -5 years to complete and has been very successful. About 25 percent of our staff is veterans.
Pingree Calls on VA to Replace Contractor in Troubled Veterans Choice Program
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree told David Shulkin, undersecretary for health at the VA, "she has heard enough complaints about Health Net to be convinced it should be replaced." The Veterans Choice program, created in 2014, is not solving the problem of timely health care appointments for veterans. Her office also suggested that a Health Net employee be assigned to the Togus hospital, so veterans have face-to-face contact.
Women Veterans’ Luncheon set for April 30: RSVP by April 27.
Monday, April 25, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
The 1st Annual Women Veterans Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2016. There is no admission fee. The Women Veteran's Advisory Committee of the American Legion Department of Maine along with Posts 181, 205 and 2 women veterans are hosting the event, which includes refreshments, free giveaways, morning pampering on a first-come, first served basis from 10 a.m. to noon by local professional volunteers providing manicures, haircuts/styles, and mini massages. Lunch is served at noon, followed by guest speakers at 12:30 p.m. RSVP by April 27, 2016 with Deb Couture at 582-3897 or e-mail her at mewomenvets@gmail.com.
Veteran Farmers Re-introduce Rare Pigs to Maine
Monday, April 25, 2016 | Category: Business - ME
Ten veteran-owned farms in Maine now have 50 pigs that were nearly extinct. Mangalista pigs, originally from Hungary, are furry and known to be the Kobe beef of pork.