The Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee (MVCC) meetings resumed this week following the summer break. The Director of the VA Healthcare, Tracye Davis, stated the construction of the new Nursing Home (officially the VA’s Community Living Center) is being delayed due to supply chain issues. The new substance abuse residential treatment facility design has been complete but is being delayed because the original site was disapproved by the State’s Historic Preservation Commission so a new location is being sought. She was excited to announce a new pilot program has started in VA Maine as part of the National Challenge America program. The mission of Challenge America is to leverage technology and the creative arts to improve the lives of Veterans and their families. Togus has targeted rural Maine to provide a virtual mental health treatment 10-week program that focuses on music therapy. 10 veterans are participating in this first of a kind program, each given a guitar and lessons from professional musicians. At the conclusion of the 10-week program, they will be providing a concert for family and invited guests.

Filing travel claims has been an issue since they eliminated the kiosks at Togus and the Clinics and went all on-line. Trayce stated they are going to put desk top computers with staff at all the facilities to assist veterans with filing claims.

The Director of the VA Benefits Regional Office, Jennifer Bover, stated all veterans who have medical conditions caused by exposure to toxic materials should file a claim now. If you have been denied before, file again. Two new presumptive for Agent Orange are high blood pressure (hypertension) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). For more information, go to https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ or make an appointment to see your Veteran Service Officer.

Maine VA and the Maine Bureau of Veterans Service (MBVS) are paving the way nationally by having just signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow the VA to share information with the MBVS. This collaboration will go a long way to ensure the VA and MBVS employees can better serve our veterans. Another collaborative effort is the Veterans and Family Outdoor Expo that is happening this Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cabela’s parking lot in Scarborough. This is an important and fun event for the entire veteran family. Why go? If you have any questions or need anything from your state and the VA, there will be someone there who will likely have it. For example, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be there to provide veteran license plates and appropriate military stickers, IF&W will be providing hunting and fishing licenses, non-profits proving veteran programs and activities will be present, VA will be there to file claims, and much more. Bring your DD-214. The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine will be providing a Pulled Pork Barbecue! And, there will be lots of activities for the kids. This is well worth the drive to Scarborough!