Faces of War

A Photographic Essay Exhibition by Jerry Robinov

13 October 2011 » By Maine Army National Guard

Community Counseling Center, in partnership with the University of New England, will honor the service of thousands of veterans by hosting an opening night reception for the prolific photographic essay Exhibition Faces of War, at the UNE Art Gallery in Portland. This evening will raise funds for Community Counseling Center's services for veterans and their families, and will also serve as a remembrance of the Exhibition's creator, Jerry Robinov, a noted Maine photographer who passed away in August.

Faces of War captures portraits of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts who have made incredible sacrifices in order to give back to their country during times of war. Each portrait will be accompanied by an essay describing service and sacrifice written by the veteran.

Faces of War will be displayed at the University of New England Art Gallery from November 11th — February 12th, and can be viewed on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00pm — 4:00pm, Thursdays from 1:00pm — 7:00pm, and by appointment.

For more information, please visit www.commcc.org/facesofwar or call (207) 553-9324.

Maine Marathon Tribute March

13 October 2011 » By Staff Sgt. Angela Parady

Maine Servicemembers representing military branches marched 26.2 miles Sunday to pay tribute to those that have given their lives since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism.

Despite the heavy rain, they all met at the start line of the Maine Marathon well before sunrise. Two miles before the finish line, they were greeted by family members and more Servicemembers so that everyone could cross the finish line together.

These Servicemembers march as a reminder to all of the ultimate sacrifice our men and women are making overseas and to honor and remember the families.

For Staff Sgt. Timothy MacArthur, this is his sixth year participating in the event, and his first taking charge of it entirely.

"Showing support from the military, towards the families is a great cause, and I am happy to support it," said MacArthur, a survey team chief from the Maine Army National Guard's 11th Civil Support Team in Waterville, Maine. MacArthur has personal connections to some of the Servicemembers being honored, and he said that being able to participate in this event is one way of allowing him to carry on their legacy, and that, means a lot to him.

"It is important to let the families know that we have not forgotten about them or their Servicemembers," said MacArthur. "We are all one large family. We want to remember our brothers and sisters. This gives a chance to all get together."

Sgt. James F. Fairservice, is a senior mechanic, with the 488th Military Police from Waterville, Maine said that it is important to know that loved ones are not forgotten.

"I've lost a child myself, and it's horrible," said Fairservice, a native of Pittston. "To know that someone, like these guys right here, are doing something like this to remember them, to a parent, that is huge."

"Service branch doesn't matter here. We are all people," said Fairservice. "We are all brothers and sisters. We all do the same job, and ultimately we put the same thing on the line when we are out there. We all pay the same price."

"What challenges we may face during these 26. 2 miles, be it pouring rain or blistering feet; is nothing compared to what these families have gone through," said Fairservice. "These families have given up more than you can even imagine. I would just like to say 'Thank you' to all of them."

The Maine Marathon Tribute March coincides with the Maine Marathon, because of a close partnership built between the Maine Marathon director, and this organization. They waive the registration fees for Servicemembers that want to participate in the event, and work with the various branches and family service groups for logistical coordination.

MacArthur has been in contact with military points of contact, survivor outreach services, and family programs to coordinate the rest points and to coordinate the families of the fallen at the end. He is looking forward to next year's event, and hopes that it will continue to grow in the future.