Maine Funeral Honors Program
Reaches Milestone
26 August 2011 » By Maine Army National Guard
Since the establishment of this program in 2003, the Funeral Honors Program has grown from performing an average 35 services per month to now performing an average of 110 services per month.
Soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program will perform their 7000th Military Funeral Honors Ceremony in Windham Maine on Saturday, 27 August 2011.
According to the Veterans Administration, Maine loses between 3800 and 4000 Veterans per year. The Funeral Honors Program performs nearly 100% of the Military Funerals for Army Veterans in Maine...the highest per capita performance level in the United States.
Since the establishment of this program in 2003, the Funeral Honors Program has grown from performing an average 35 services per month to now performing an average of 110 services per month.
"The Soldiers on the team are of the highest caliber and represent units throughout the state" said Mr. Frank Norwood, Maine Military Funeral Honors Coordinator. "They perform services for the Veterans of Maine to the same standard as those Veterans being honored at Arlington National Cemetery."
Family members of a deceased Veteran should notify the Funeral Director of their desire to have Military Funeral Honors rendered at the internment for their loved one. More information on the program can be found at www.funeralhonors.org.
Purple Heart Award for Concussion Injuries
Department of Defense Clarification Guidance
23 August 2011 » By Peter W. Ogden
The Department of Defense is clarifying its guidance for awarding the Purple Heart for concussion injuries. Veterans who believe they're eligible for the Purple Heart may contact the State of Maine, Bureau of Veteran Services, http://maine.gov/dvem/bvs/purple_heart_mtbi.htm.
Peter W. Ogden, Director
Bureau of Veterans' Services
117 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0117
Telephone: 207-430-6035
Fax: 207-626-4471
Email: mainebvs@maine.gov
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you are a veteran or current member of the Maine National Guard and believe that you are eligible for a Purple Heart due to a concussion injury, please contact CW4 Chris Merrill at Christopher.Merrill@us.army.mil, 207-430-5906.
This does not change the criteria or standard for the award of the Purple Heart. The clarifying guidance is designed to assist the Chain of Command, Soldiers and Veterans in understanding the specific requirements for consideration and reconsideration retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001.
Clarification:
- More accurately outlines the signs and symptoms of a concussion injury following a hostile event and clearly outlines what constitutes treatment. This clarification includes requirements for commanders and medical professionals to use in reviewing award submissions/resubmissions. It clarifies what constitutes qualification for the Purple Heart for concussion injuries (including mild traumatic brain and concussive injuries that do not result in a loss of consciousness).
- Outlines procedures to be used to reconsider previously disapproved Purple Hearts for concussion injuries. As part of this review, the first general officer in a Soldier's peacetime chain of command is the disapproval authority for these resubmissions. The military is encouraging Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Veterans who were previously denied a Purple Heart for concussion injuries to resubmit documentation for reconsideration.
If you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Veterans' Services at 207-430-6035, mainebvs@maine.gov.
Maine Adjutant General and State Representative Receive Honors from Selective Service
8 August 2011 » By CW4 Mark Houdlette
Maj. Gen. Bill Libby and Mr. Jarrod Crockett received the "Honored Patriot" award from the Selective Service System curing a ceremony in Augusta on Saturday, August 6, 2011.
Maj. Gen. Bill Libby and Mr. Jarrod Crockett received the "Honored Patriot" award from the Selective Service System curing a ceremony in Augusta on Saturday, August 6, 2011.
Maj. Gen. Libby, The Adjutant General for Maine, received the award recognizing him as a long-time champion of the Selective Service System and for his assistance in gaining support for recent legislation passed in the Maine Legislature.
Mr. Jarrod Crockett, State Representative from Bethel as well as a Major in the Maine Army National Guard, received the award for sponsoring a bill passed by the Maine Legislature that assists males age 18-26 to register for Selective Service when they renew their Maine drivers license.
Photo Cutline: Maj. Gen. Bill Libby (left) and Maj. Jarrod Crockett (right) were awarded the "Honored Patriot" award from the Selective Service System. Col. (Ret.) Averill Black, State Director of the Selective Service System, made the presentation.
