Director's Message

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. Veterans who choose to call Maine home are incredibly fortunate to have access to a wealth of benefits and resources. It is our hope that this website provides you with a full understanding of the benefits, services, and programs available to you whether you're a veteran, family member, or currently serving and transitioning from the military.

As a veteran who transitioned from Active Duty to the Maine Army National Guard, I understand the challenges that arise when balancing military duty, work and family. Please know that no matter where you are in your transition – or how long you've been out of the service - the Bureau's goal is to support you by being a one-stop resource for all of your information needs and to offer exceptional advocacy for Maine’s veterans.

We are fortunate in Maine to have a rich tradition of military service. Over 300,000 Mainers have been affected by service, whether as a veteran, retiree, family member, Guard or Reserve, or active duty personnel. Many of our veterans have returned home to become community leaders and advocates for other veterans through the Maine Military and Community Network and other Veteran Councils.

As a partner in these initiatives, the Bureau will continue to lead Maine's veteran advocate community in creating a streamlined, fully-integrated continuity of programs to bolster veterans' Employment opportunities, improve veterans' access to Education opportunities, reduce homelessness, enhance mental health programs and honor our veterans' remarkable legacy of service.

Our mission is to serve you. As such, we openly invite you to share with us any comments or suggestions on how we may improve our services.

Thank you for your support. Thank you for your service.

With Gratitude,

David A. Richmond
Director, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
mainebvs@maine.gov
207-287-7020