“Are you thinking of suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask. In fact, it may feel uncomfortable. What if the response is “yes?” Where do you go from there? In our culture, we often avoid using the word “suicide,” so asking a fellow Veteran this …
Veterans and their families contact VA millions of times per year. This happens in-person, via phone, letters, e-mail, through VA.gov, and by responding to digital surveys. Each contact – whether a question, concern, recommendation, or complement – is …
The American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39, Madison, recently donated boots and coats for 38 students in need in school districts Regional School Unit 74 and School Administrative District 59. The donations were received from local businesses and members …
The Maine National Guard is sending up to 200 men and women to Washington, D.C., as military leaders prepare for another wave of potential violence led by right-wing extremists and supporters of President Trump seeking to disrupt the peaceful transition of …
VA’s next customer experience evolution will bring comprehensive earned-benefits and services directly to Veterans in their community instead of VA waiting for Veterans to come to VA. We piloted one-stop, VA, all-access events in 2019 and moved to virtual …
JAY — Frank L. Mitchell Post 3335, Veterans of Foreign Wars, has announced the 2020 local winners of the Patroits Pen Essay Competition. Students in the Jay/Livermore/Livermore Falls area submitted essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme …
For the past three years, Shon Ellis of Carthage and Steve Morse of Auburn have delivered deer meat from their hunting bounties to veterans in need who appreciate the generosity and kindness. The two friends are passionate about hunting, even spending …
Desert Storm was a short war, but Veterans from that era still have many different avenues and programs to connect with VA. Below is information on how Desert Storm Veterans can engage with VA. Get a free health exam VA’s Gulf War Registry Health Exam …
CASCO – Gerry Beaudry was sitting in a New Jersey diner having breakfast when a man noticed his World War II cap and struck up a conversation. Gerry Beaudry of New Jersey, a 90-year-old World War II bomber pilot, stands Monday at The Heath on the southern …
Although I’m not a veteran, I was very pleased to read in this newspaper a report by Steve Collins that the Department of Veterans Affairs will build a 24-bed facility at Togus for those with mental health and substance abuse issues. Right now, these …
Caroline Yarmala’s first-ever marathon was a meaningful one — to more than just her, she hopes. Yarmala ran the virtual Boston Marathon on Saturday using a bib belonging to Michelle L’Heureux, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing who has become a …
VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Service is deploying its electronic Virtual Assistant (e-VA) to the national stage. e-VA is an artificial intelligence platform, providing modern, streamlined and responsive customer service support to VR…
Editor’s note: this post was updated Sept. 1, 2020. Suicide is one of the most challenging societal issues of our time, and sadly, one that affects those who served our Nation at alarming rates. For Veterans, the suicide rate is 1.5 times higher and the …
All transitioning servicewomen are encouraged to register for a virtual training session. VA’s Women’s Health Transition Training program is available virtually twice a day through mid-December. The schedule allows more women to attend than in the past. …
February 2019 marked the successful implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA), which resulted in faster and easier ways to appeal your compensation claim. AMA created a new decision review and appeals process that …
Are you in the market for a new home? Or maybe just considering buying a home in the future? You’re in luck! The VA home loan is available for eligible Veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses. And, no down payment is ever required by VA. …
VA worked with state representatives to compile a list of the most popular state Veteran monuments, part of a five part series. Below is a list in alphabetical order. Alabama “Alabama is a very patriotic state with Veterans representing more than 10% of …
VA Maine Healthcare System Caregiver Support Program will host resource fairs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at four locations throughout Maine. The drive-by source fairs will provide veterans with information about VA and community programs. …
Veterans have a significantly higher suicide rate than other adults in the U.S. This means Veterans are also more likely to have known someone who took their own life. Uniting for Suicide Postvention (USPV) helps make sense of a suicide loss. The program …
Veterans can learn more about GI Bill benefits they’ve earned through a new three-part series just released. The series, “Building Your Future with the GI Bill,” coincides with the third anniversary of the Colmery Act, signed into law Aug. 17, 2017. VA’s …
