Our veterans have offered an enormous service to our country. They have defended our freedom, protected our nation abroad and ensured that we can live in a peaceful and prosperous society. Maine’s disabled veterans have offered an extreme sacrifice that they will live with for their entire lives. When our veterans return home, however, they frequently face challenges in adjusting to civilian life.
Maine has an extremely high percentage of veterans. 11% of Maine adults are veterans; this is nearly double the national average of ?. These veterans require services when they return home to Maine. Thanks to support from state and federal agencies, veterans are entitled to many benefits including healthcare, housing assistance, employment resources at Maine Career Centers, and tax exemptions.
Having grown up in a military family, with both parents and step parents serving in various branches, I am keenly aware of the sacrifices that our veterans make. It was also clear to me that, in many cases, our military, current or former, tend to have a mindset that they need to handle situations on their own, and are not quick to ask for help. This is how I was raised and was the culture I grew up around. Because that window of time, when assistance is asked for and will be accepted, can be very short, there is a need to be able to address these requests as quickly as possible.
Our veterans need additional assistance to ease their transition, and support veterans in civilian life.
Our veterans have offered an enormous service to our country. They have defended our freedom, protected our nation abroad and ensured that we can live in a peaceful and prosperous society.
rep. Tiffany Roberts