By Senator Tim Nangle
My father served in the Navy during World War II. He rarely spoke of the hardships, but his courage, resilience, and sense of duty showed me the sacrifices veterans make. My father's legacy is a constant reminder of the respect and care that every veteran deserves and needs. |
| State Senator Tim Nangle |
Veterans are honored in towns and cities across Maine, from solemn gatherings on Memorial Day to celebratory parades on Veterans Day – proof that Maine communities agree that together, with state and federal lawmakers, we need to support services veterans’ needs with meaningful services too.
Maine's veteran suicide rate is 34.5 per 100,000, much higher than the state's general population rate of 23.9 per 100,000. These numbers show a troubling gap in specific mental health and crisis support. The concern is especially urgent for Maine veterans aged 55 to 74, who face the highest suicide rate at 40.8 per 100,000. Too many veterans are not receiving the care they need, and many experience isolation. For these veterans, the transition to civilian life and the challenges of aging can be overwhelming.
American Legion posts, Local VFWs, and other veterans' organizations are cornerstones of our veteran communities and ensure veterans are connected to each other and services. In our district, organizations like the Westbrook Memorial Legion Family Post 197 and Field Allen Post 148 in Windham play vital roles in fostering unity and getting help for veterans in crisis. The Windham Veterans Center, operated by Field Allen Post 148, provides crucial connections to state and VA programs, runs community events, and even loans medical equipment like wheelchairs to veterans in need. I’ve recently had the honor of attending several local events led by veterans, including the first Annual Vets Family Day at the Windham Veterans Center this past weekend. These gatherings offer me an opportunity to witness the comradery and support first-hand in our community.
I’m inspired by people in our community, such as a Windham man and Vietnam War veteran who dedicated years of service to his local American Legion in NY before relocating to Maine seven years ago. This service culminated in his election to lead the American Legion nationally during 2023. Vincent “Jim” Troiola, dedicated his year as the national leader of the American Legion, an organization representing nearly 2 million veterans, to promoting “Be the One”, a program to prevent veteran suicide. The program destigmatizes asking for mental health support and provides peer-to-peer training using the existing networks of veteran-led organizations.
Maine's veterans also deserve meaningful action on housing as veteran homelessness reached a crisis here in Maine during the pandemic. While much of veteran support is handled federally, our state has worked hard to address the needs of homeless veterans and improve housing stability. The Maine Legislature allocated nearly $45 million in emergency housing and shelter support, and this effort has had a particularly positive impact on veterans in our state, with veteran homelessness decreasing faster than in other populations. Programs like the 'No Homeless Veteran Challenge,' coordinated with the Maine VA and organizations like Preble Street, are making real strides in reducing homelessness across Maine. Seeing this progress directly impact veterans is encouraging, as it helps them transition from shelters to stable housing.
Funding Maine Veterans' Homes has been a priority as well. The Legislature approved $2.6 million to close the funding gap and a one-time $5.1 million investment to ensure they remain viable as we work toward a sustainable solution. Veterans' Homes provide essential care; we must ensure our vets are well-supported as they age.
The challenges our veterans face — from high suicide rates to difficulties in accessing stable housing — demand our continued attention and action. Today's veterans need the same unwavering support as my father’s generation. It is not enough to thank our veterans for their service; we must show our gratitude by enacting policies that provide meaningful results for Maine veterans. I will continue advocating to ensure every veteran in Maine receives the respect, care, and support they deserve, honoring their service not just in words but in action. We owe them nothing less.
988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.
Contact me directly at Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov or call the Senate Majority Office at 207-287-1515. For the latest updates, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle, and sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <
Maine's veteran suicide rate is 34.5 per 100,000, much higher than the state's general population rate of 23.9 per 100,000. These numbers show a troubling gap in specific mental health and crisis support. The concern is especially urgent for Maine veterans aged 55 to 74, who face the highest suicide rate at 40.8 per 100,000. Too many veterans are not receiving the care they need, and many experience isolation. For these veterans, the transition to civilian life and the challenges of aging can be overwhelming.
American Legion posts, Local VFWs, and other veterans' organizations are cornerstones of our veteran communities and ensure veterans are connected to each other and services. In our district, organizations like the Westbrook Memorial Legion Family Post 197 and Field Allen Post 148 in Windham play vital roles in fostering unity and getting help for veterans in crisis. The Windham Veterans Center, operated by Field Allen Post 148, provides crucial connections to state and VA programs, runs community events, and even loans medical equipment like wheelchairs to veterans in need. I’ve recently had the honor of attending several local events led by veterans, including the first Annual Vets Family Day at the Windham Veterans Center this past weekend. These gatherings offer me an opportunity to witness the comradery and support first-hand in our community.
I’m inspired by people in our community, such as a Windham man and Vietnam War veteran who dedicated years of service to his local American Legion in NY before relocating to Maine seven years ago. This service culminated in his election to lead the American Legion nationally during 2023. Vincent “Jim” Troiola, dedicated his year as the national leader of the American Legion, an organization representing nearly 2 million veterans, to promoting “Be the One”, a program to prevent veteran suicide. The program destigmatizes asking for mental health support and provides peer-to-peer training using the existing networks of veteran-led organizations.
Maine's veterans also deserve meaningful action on housing as veteran homelessness reached a crisis here in Maine during the pandemic. While much of veteran support is handled federally, our state has worked hard to address the needs of homeless veterans and improve housing stability. The Maine Legislature allocated nearly $45 million in emergency housing and shelter support, and this effort has had a particularly positive impact on veterans in our state, with veteran homelessness decreasing faster than in other populations. Programs like the 'No Homeless Veteran Challenge,' coordinated with the Maine VA and organizations like Preble Street, are making real strides in reducing homelessness across Maine. Seeing this progress directly impact veterans is encouraging, as it helps them transition from shelters to stable housing.
Funding Maine Veterans' Homes has been a priority as well. The Legislature approved $2.6 million to close the funding gap and a one-time $5.1 million investment to ensure they remain viable as we work toward a sustainable solution. Veterans' Homes provide essential care; we must ensure our vets are well-supported as they age.
The challenges our veterans face — from high suicide rates to difficulties in accessing stable housing — demand our continued attention and action. Today's veterans need the same unwavering support as my father’s generation. It is not enough to thank our veterans for their service; we must show our gratitude by enacting policies that provide meaningful results for Maine veterans. I will continue advocating to ensure every veteran in Maine receives the respect, care, and support they deserve, honoring their service not just in words but in action. We owe them nothing less.
988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.
Contact me directly at Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov or call the Senate Majority Office at 207-287-1515. For the latest updates, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle, and sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <
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