Veterans Day 2014 by Sun Journal

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Quentin Chapman By Deborah Carroll Feature Writer “It was the best worst thing I ever did,” said Quentin Chapman of his career in the army. Enlisting in November of 2001, shortly after 9/11, Chapman joined “for God and Country.” “My father is a Vietnam vet, a volunteer, serving in the early 1970s. He was home in 1973, when I was born,” said Chapman. His grandfat her, Richard Leach, ser ved w it h Merrill’s Marauders in WWII. “He was a good man, my grandfather. As a kid, I didn’t get him. But as an adult, we clicked.” Beginning in 2004, Chapman was away from his family, i nclud i ng h is i n fa nt daug hter, for about 18 mont hs. Approximately 12 months of that time was spent in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Though he acknowledges that “a magazine article naming Ar Ramadi as the most dangerous place on the planet may have been urban legend,” for Chapman, it was not. It was "located in the western side of what is referred to as the Sunni triangle. It also falls in the southwest corner of what was called, by some, the triangle of death.” This proved true on Chapman’s first day in Ar Ramadi when a fellow soldier was hit in the neck by mortar. “He was gone,

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

vaporized.” The only part remaining was “a boot, and maybe a dog tag,” he said. “A mortar,” explained Chapman, “is a high-angle smoothbore indirect-fire weapon. It was the single-most casualtyproducing weapon on the battlefield. Rather than firing directly at a target like a rif le or RPG (rocket propelled grenade), a target is hit by shooting up in the air and down onto your target. [It was] nicknamed ‘high angle hell’.” And “IEDs (improvised explosive devices) were everywhere.” Chapman was a Sergeant E5 with the 3-172 Infantry when he arrived, “and I was very good at my job,” he added. But Chapman’s youthful confidence got him into trouble. Two weeks after arriving, “I got ‘volun-told’ to go on a mission with the Marines,” which is how he ended up “attached to the second Marine Division, 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade anti-terrorism unit MTT (Military Transition Team), Iraqi 1-17. I was mouthy,” he admitted, and this was a lesson that he needed to learn. Chapman’s first task with the MTT was to build the Non Commissioned Officer Corp, enforcing rank structure. He found himself in charge of a company of 60 to 120 Iraqi soldiers, depending on how many showed up that particular week. Although the Iraqi army had an officer rank structure, the enlisted men were just soldiers, called “Jundees.” Primarily Shiite, from the Baghdad area, they were “underequipped,

Chapman page 3 ‰

Submitted photo

U.S. Army Sergeant Quentin Chapman in Iraq.

In Honor and Remembrance of our Veterans and Military! We salute our Veterans and our Troops!! For more information about The Chamber and Androscoggin County, stop by and visit or give us a call.

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WE SALUTE OUR VETS! Tim & Bonnie Seavey DAV/DAVA Bingo Managers 855 Lisbon Street Promenade Mall Lewiston, ME 04210 207-784-0244 (Bingo Hall) Bingo every Friday at 6:30pm and every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. All proceeds go to DAV for veteran programs.

Thank you to ALL Veterans

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VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Chapman

The Sergeant was shot in the side, where his Kevlar vest did not provide cover. “The bullet,” said Chapman, “went through his heart and both lungs killing him. That was when I changed. I became very angry and very quick.”

from page 2

undertrained and mostly kids. “Most of the Iraqi officers led with a stick,” using fear to encourage their poorly paid men -- who earned the equivalent of about 200 U.S. dollars each month. “It made jobs much more difficult,” explained Chapman. Of his time with the MTT, Chapman said, “There were six U.S. army soldiers and eight marines in charge of 720 Iraq soldiers.” With 4 infantry companies, “We did everything under the sun that you can do in boots, including but not limited to presence patrols, clearing houses and drawing fire.” They were supposed to be there for training, “but there was none of that going on,” said Champman. “We were too busy.” After two weeks with the MTT, Chapman began working with an SFC (Sergeant First Class) E7 whose name was very similar to his own and who Chapman believed took unnecessary chances. They were assigned to work with eight to 26 Iraqis. D u r i ng one pa r t ic u la r i nc ident, t he y were being shot at near a gate at a Combat Operations Center. W hile Chapman took cover to avoid being shot, the other sergeant did not. He was lucky, on that occasion. A couple weeks later, Chapman and the other sergeant were at a local school where their Iraqi soldiers were ha nding out school supplies and soccer balls “as a show of good will.”

Chapman and his men went from house to house, kicking in doors, looking for the sniper. “We found a room with sniper cards – diagrams of landmarks with distances used by snipers to calculate their shot -- scratched into the walls. There were [also] lists of prices,” he said, including how much they would be paid for shooting a U.S. soldier. “We found it as a group, me and my Iraqis. We had a strong bond, and the Iraqis appreciated and respected the iron fist. They liked it when I got angry,” he said sadly. "Unfortunately, we didn’t find the shooter.” “River cit y black” mea nt t hat com mu n icat ions were dow n because a soldier had been killed. The code words and procedure was intended to stop notifications to family members before the Army had a chance to deliver the bad news. Due to the similarities in their names, there was some confusion as to which soldier was killed. W hen Chapman arrived back at base his Sargent Major handed him a phone and told him to call home, in spite of the “river city black.” Ultimately, the other soldier’s wife learned of her husband’s death from a reporter who tracked her down as she walked her dog.

Submitted photo

Personnel transport vehicles called Bongo trucks in Iraq -- called Jingle trucks in Afghanistan because the locals would dress them up with everything from sequins to bells -- were very thin and easily penetrable. to get some sleep. For a period of time I was sleeping in a conex box,” something akin to a big metal shipping container, that had been outfitted with bunks. “I’d lay down and hear the bullets coming through the box.” The conex box area was located by a long dirt road which Chapma n a nd his men patrolled every day. They were dug in, with an

observation tower, like a “crow’s nest” built in. On one occasion, “We were hanging out in the conex box when there was a big explosion that was so close that you could feel it in your chest,” Chapman said.

Chapman page 4 ‰

“And that,” he said, “was just the beginning. “I got shot at every single day -- I was a bullet magnet. Usually it happened when I lay down

We Honor and Respect All Veterans and Troops.

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VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Chapman

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

accidentally.

from page 3

About 15 feet away, they found a wide hole in the road that was about 4-feet deep. “We started walking circles around it, looking for munitions, body parts and other clues as to what had caused the explosion. My buddy found a heart – a donkey heart,” he said. The donkey’s misfortune had most certainly saved the lives of servicemen. Later, the Iraqi who was up in the crow's nest told Chapman, in broken English, that he had seen a guy drive up in a pick-up truck and dig a hole. He hadn’t made the connection. “They just didn’t get it,” explained Chapman. By that point in time, Chapman’s company had experienced so many deaths within their group that they figured out, mathematically, when the next American would die and how many would go home. The answers: very soon, and none. “If I made it home it was going to be just luck,” he predicted, and “out of that group, 4th company, I’m the only one left.” Of his Iraqis, however, “We had pretty good success, w it h minima l injur y or deat h. A lt hough t hey’d shoot each ot her a lot,

“As a soldier going over there, you accept death – dying is easy, living is hard ... whether it’s living with everything that’s happened to you or with the decisions you made. “It was after that deployment that I had a hard time being me again – it haunts me and has changed me. It was mentally strenuous, every day. The only break in anxiety was when things got crazy and all you could do was go, [with] no time to consider danger, no time to hesitate. Adrenaline was the only reprieve from anxiety. “Iraq was such a mess, and I really didn’t think I was going to make it,” he shared. Some soldiers called home a lot, but Chapman called only about once every three weeks. “I still have shoe box full of letters that I’ve never opened ... I had to be 100 percent engaged, 100 percent of the time, and I couldn’t be in two places at once.” And so the letters sat, unread. For the family he left behind, “It was brutal. People give a lot of credit to the soldiers,” he explained, “but not enough credit to the families.” After his deployment to Iraq, Chapman also spent eight to nine months in Afghanistan.

Submitted photo

Sergeant Chapman with Iraqi soldiers, called jundees, in a conference room at Camp Ranger. He returned home from that deployment on December 23, 2010, with multiple right elbow and shoulder injuries. Those injuries led to his retirement from the army.

as a licensed security agency.” Corporate Intelligence works in businesses and schools doi ng ever y-day ac t ion pla n n i ng a nd investigations.

When it comes to making use of his military training in the civilian world, “I have the lu xur y of being employed by Corporate Intel l igence, a n agenc y t hat per for ms background checks and investigations and provides security, both as a consultant and

“The army gave me some valuable skills, including an awareness to danger and threats. I also learned how far I can push myself without breaking and it made me better at what I do now. I was extremely lucky,” said Chapman.

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VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Veterans No Boundaries brings hope to disabled veterans By Dan Marois Feature Writer T housa nds of ser v icemen a nd women ret u r n f rom combat deploy ment s w it h per m a nent physical and mental injuries that alter their lives forever. Many of these individuals often believe that they cannot participate in activities they enjoyed prior to injury and often feel disconnected from their families and their former selves. In Maine, there is an organization that has been revitalizing the spirits of veterans and enabling them to accomplish t hings, once again, that they never thought possible. The organization is Veterans No Boundaries, a program of Maine Adapt ive Spor t s & Rec reat ion for merly k now n as Ma ine Handicapped Skiing. The organization’s website states, “Under our new name, we are proud to continue offering year-round adaptive recreationa l programs that teach adaptive sports activities to people with physical disabilities, ages four and up. Maine Adaptive is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program in the state of Maine for adults and children with physical disabilities.”

Submitted photo

Winter activities enjoyed by disabled veterans as part of the programs offered by Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation.

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation was founded in 1982 by Dr. Omar (Chip) Crothers, a Portland-based ort hopedic surgeon a nd Les B. Otten, founder of American Skiing Company. Crothers was amazed to see a young patient of his with cerebral palsy skiing easily on the slopes at Sunday River. He spoke to Otten and together they created the first adaptive ski organization in Maine for people with physical

Moody said that while the program is for veterans, it is vital for family members to be part of the activity and t he hea ling process t hat it cultivates.

Ski Resort. The retreat will feature a lpi ne s k i i ng , snow boa rd i ng , cross country skiing snowshoeing, bi at h lon demon st r at ion s a nd snowmobiling.

“Staff and volunteers work with e a c h v e t er a n i nd i v idu a l l y t o provide adaptive equipment that allows them to enjoy the freedom in sports,” said Moody who is now planning the 2015 winter retreat for Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, at Sunday River

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disabilities. “Veterans No Boundaries started in 2005 as a specialty program to offer disabled veterans the opportunity to try new recreational activities,” s a id K e l s e y Mo o d y, pr o g r a m director. “We have a summer retreat and a winter retreat where we host veterans and their families for four days of recreation, camaraderie, lodging, meals and all necessary equipment at no charge.”

American

Concrete Industries

Honors and Remembers All Veterans

Thank You!

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We Salute

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Thank You For Serving

all our Veterans

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Hope

page 10 ‰

To everyone who has served our great nation and to those who are serving now!

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782-6666 or 783-2026

We Salute

all veterans who served our great country.

Rolandeau’s www.rolandeausrestaurant.com

775 Washington St., Auburn • 784-2110

VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Dick Richards: Veteran on the airwaves By Dan Marois Feature Writer

Little did he know that his communications work in the military would lead to a lifelong career in broadcasting.

There is hardly a person in the LewistonAuburn area who hasn’t heard Richard Daignault’s voice on the local airwaves.

While in Vietnam, Richards noted that two future celebrities were getting their start in broadcasting at a radio station in Saigon, AFVN; American Forces Vietnam.

If the name isn’t familiar, it is probably because that’s his real name and not his radio moniker, Dick Richards. For over 35 years, Richards has been a radio weatherman known for his time at WLAM radio where he gave his daily forecasts. Today, he can be heard on WQRY, Oldies Y 106, an entirely web-based radio station out of Lisbon Falls that plays the tunes of the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

Pat Sajak, the television game-show host of Wheel of Fortune, was on the air at the time and so was Adrian Cronauer, an on-air disk jockey who would one day be portrayed by Robin Williams in the mov ie "Good Morning, Vietnam."

Today, Richards is 66 years old, single, and shows no signs of retiring. Richards was stationed in Tay Ninh, just 30

“When I was the new kid on the block, I did the midnight to 6 a.m. shift as a disk jockey,” said Richards. “I did weather live from 6 to 9 a.m. with Don Zihlman during the morning drive. I also did weather live from my home in the afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m., with Scott Carpenter, another on-air personality.” Though he never got his degree in meteorology, Richards went on to carve a career in communications that began when he joined the army in 1967 at 18 years of age. “At that time they were drafting so I joined in order to avoid the draft,” said Richards. “I was able to choose my military occupational service and get into communications.” His enlistment took him on a six-month tour in Vietnam ser v i ng as a Specia l ist E-4 w it h sig n i f ica nt work i n communications. His role had him encrypting and decrypting message information coming in and out of the area. It was clearly top secret work as a security clearance was required for those holding the job. And unlike the high tech encrypting and decrypting on today’s Internet, Richards' work came by teletype.

From the staff and Family at Emerson Toyota thank you for all your dedication, sacrifice and service.

miles northwest of Saigon from AFVN. “I never had the pleasure to meet them.” After his tour in Vietnam, he spent the remaining time of his military career stationed in Hawaii before being medically discharged in 1968. “I enjoyed my tour in Vietnam. I interacted well with the staff and people around me,” said Richards. On his return stateside, he studied broadcast journalism at the University of Maine from 1972 to 1975. Not long after that he joined the radio business on WLAM, a station well known for serving the Lewiston-Auburn area. His hobby of weather watching turned into his on-air profession.

service to his listeners all over the world. Today, Richards is 66 years old, single, and shows no signs of retiring. In addition to his broadcasting duties, he plays drums in a Christian band and he’s the audio engineer and board tech for his church, the Christian Fellowship in New Gloucester, in a role he’s performed for over 15 years. “I keep busy. There’s no time to retire,” said Richards, citing that his 90-year-old uncle serves as the pastor at the church. “I guess it runs in my family.” Reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day, Richards believes the day is to honor the service and memory of veterans. “All play an important role whether on the battlefield or in any noncombat profession.”

In his current job, he broadcasts online which can be heard not only locally but worldwide on computers and mobile devices. “I believe online broadcast is the future,” said Richards. “I have my own studio and I download all my forecasts to the station.” He especially likes interacting with the public and providing a

No words, no ceremony, no ribboned medal could adequately honor you and your service. Your sacrifices in the name of freedom are remembered and deeply appreciated.

W ith Honor

and Respect to Our Veterans They are our family, friends and neighbors; everyday citizens, yet so much more. They are the brave men and women who have put their lives at risk to protect and serve our country in war. Time and again, our country’s veterans have been on the front lines in defense of our freedom. On Veterans Day, we take this opportunity to say thank you to the brave souls who have served in battle for our Armed Forces.

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Submitted photos

Veteran Richard Daignault is known as on-air radio personality Dick Richards.

Patrons Oxford Insurance Company Auburn, Maine

VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Maine veterans make a difference locally and statewide By Dan Marois Feature Writer

at the Career Center in Augusta with disabled veterans seeking employment. He also serves as a volunteer working to end homelessness experienced by veterans.

Alley Smith founded Maine Veterans Community Service Projects seven months after returning home from service in Afghanistan in April 2014. “At the time, I was employed a s [ Veter a n s ] P revent ion C o o r d i n a t o r a t He a l t h y A ndroscoggin in Lew iston w or k i ng for A mer iC or p s Ve t C o r p s a n d C A D C A : Com mu n it y A nt i-Dr ug Coalitions of America as a VISTA volunteer,” said Smith, who is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. "Our mission is to honor, to inspire, to recognize and serve. “MVCSP works to recognize vetera ns who ma ke a dif ference in t he state, to inspire veterans to engage in community service, education and advocacy, and to build a communit y t hat honors the sacrifice and service of the American military,” said Smith. “Our goal is to empower people to live healthy lifestyles and to improve the public

Amber Waterman Sun Journal photo

Submitted photo

Well known for his work for veterans, Jerry DeWitt, a TriCounty Mental Health Services VISTA volunteer was honored as "Humanitarian of the Year."

Rich Oberg is a U.S. Navy veteran who works at the Career Center in Augusta with disabled veterans seeking employment. He also serves as a volunteer working to end homelessness experienced by veterans.

health of the communities around us.”

wide range of projects and recognition.

T he M VCSP is h ig h ly visible through a Facebook page t hat cites vetera n s' accomplishments a nd t he impact of their community service in the state.

One post honors Rich Oberg a U.S. Navy veteran who works

A not he r p o s t c it e s E r i k Noll, from the Vet Center in Lewiston, as “a remarkable veteran who always looks out for the welfare of our military, veterans and their families.” It goes on to say that he was nominated for an award from his staff and members of the local community for his work for veterans. An adjoining post recognizes Brian Strouse, a U.S. Marine Corps vetera n who ser ves as president of the Student Ve t e r a n s A s s o c i a t i on a t the University of Southern Ma i ne, L e w i ston-Aubu r n campus. “He plays a vital role in uplifting the community by connecting student veterans

We Salute our Veterans, today and always!!

Re c ent post i ng s c over a

We Salute our Troops and Veterans Today & Every day

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and their families to services through advocacy, education, volunteer activities, outreach and community planning.” Well known for his work for vetera ns, t here’s a photo p o s t e d of Je r r y D eW it t , a Tr i- C ou nt y Ment a l Hea lt h Ser v ices V ISTA volunteer being honored as “Humanitarian of the Year” by the American Legion.

organizations t hat benef it veterans including Run for the Fallen, a Wilderness Walk for Warriors, a Day of Caring for the United Way, and The S u m m i t P r oj e c t , a m on g dozens of others. And one post is simply a video of Jim Merri l l, a Viet na m veteran from Auburn, singing

The Facebook page continues with listings of events and

Veterans page 10 ‰

152 River Road • Mexico, ME 04257 WEBSITE: riversiderealty.org • E-MAIL: rw@riversiderealty.org

Roger Whitehouse

Designated Broker/Realtor Office: 207-369-0100 ex. 103 • Cell: 207-357-2820 • Fax: 207-369-0900

VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

A hero's welcome for Fred Haines By Sharon Bouchard Feature Writer When Fred Haines returned for a tou r i n V iet na m i n 1969 he felt unappreciated. He had t houg ht about a hero’s welcome or at least a warm welcome home and "thank you for serving your cou nt r y." I n stead of t he welcome he ex pected, he was spit on, shunned and totally disregarded as many returning Vietnam vets were treated. Haines put the war behind him and rarely mentioned the year he spent in Saigon. After Vietnam and a brief visit home, he was sent to Germany where he trained in the electrical field. When discharged from the United States Army, Pvt. Fred Haines returned to Maine where he was born and raised. Once home for good, h is str uggles bega n w it h depression a nd er rat ic b e h a v i o r. H a i n e s k n e w nothing about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and did not seek help. PTSD was only beginning to be discussed in the medical field at that time. Throughout his marriage, he cont i nued to st r ugg le with his emotions. “He had some good t imes, but he had a lot of bad times too,” said his wife Barbara. “He rarely mentioned his time in Vietnam, but one time he was in the mood to tell me a story about when he went into a restaura nt in Sa igon a nd

they had hamburgers on the menu. He ordered one and when he bit into it the taste was so bad he promptly spit it out. He asked the waitress what kind of meat the burger was made from. She said, ‘It’s bow wow,' meaning dog meat.” After 45 years of f lashbacks and depression, Haines, now a resident of Bolster’s Heights Nursing Home in Auburn, is being treated for PTSD as well as some other health issues. “He is improving so much,” said his daughter, Melinda Taylor. “He look s bet ter, sounds better and he has put on quite a bit of weight.” One day Taylor received a call from the doctor in charge of Haines’ care. Though Haines was in no immediate threat of dying, the doctor wanted to know what the family’s wishes were in the event of a stroke, heart attack or some other medical catastrophe. “That call made me sit up and take notice,” recalled Taylor. “I talked it over with my mother and my husband, Don, a nd we decided we needed to do somet h i ng special while we still could.” Because Haines always felt bad ly about how he wa s treated when he returned from Vietna m, his fa mily decided to give him a surprise hero’s welcome that he did not receive 45 years ago.

from the Maine Vet’s Home gathered at the Foster-Carroll L e g i o n Ho m e t o h o n o r Ha ines a nd celebrate h is service to his country. Believing he was being taken out to eat, he was mystified a nd s u r pr i s e d w hen he arrived at the legion hall. “I didn’t know you guys were going to do this!” he told his wife. Upon his arrival, Faith and Paul Dav is, who prov ided the music, played "God Bless America." Haines' Class A dress uniform was hung in a prominent place along with some of his other militar y mementos. The family put together a poster with items from his m i l it a r y d a y s i nc lud i n g h i s honor able d i scha r ge c e r t i f ic a t e a nd a not he r poster i n honor of a l l vetera ns. T he ha l l was decor ated i n a pat r iot ic theme and patriotic music was played. Taylor gave a speech a nd presented her father with a special award she had made for his service to his country. One of t he g uests i n at tend a nc e w a s Ha i ne s’ sister, Ca rlene Caswell of Bangor. The siblings had not seen each other in 23 years

U.S. Army Pvt. Fred Haines in 1969. a nd spent t h i s occ a sion e n j o y i n g e a c h o t h e r ’s company, mending feelings a nd sha r ing memor ies of when they grew up. Family friend Beth Macintyre read a poem and conducted a candlelight ceremony for all veterans, past and present. Laura Gouin led a prayer and performed a spiritual dance and along with her daughter, Kate Shibles, sang the "Star Spangled Banner." A poem was a lso read by Priscilla Pond. Mu sic of t he 19 6 0 s a nd '70s was played dur ing a full turkey dinner, Haines’ favorite. “He can’t be with us for Thanksgiving so we just did it early,” said Taylor.

Submitted photos

Fred Haines, 2014. “My father hugged me and said ‘I love you so much,’ which he never said when I wa s g row i ng up. I had prepared for everything, even if he was having a bad day, but I sure wasn’t prepared for that!” “T h i s w a s a big hea l i ng journey for all of us,” both Taylor and Barbara agreed. “It is the biggest thing we

have ever done!” When Haines arrived at the leg ion ha l l, h is daug hter said, “He was hunched over his walker and looked like an old man, but when he left he was standing tall, his chest right out and he looked 30 years younger. I was so proud of him -- he will always be a hero to me.”

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Freedom Isn’t Free

We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their brave and selfless service to our country.

Thank You Veterans

In ea rly October, friends, family and several veterans

WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS!

THANK YOU! American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68

595 Gore Road, Greenwood

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VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

In HOnOR Of

2nd Lt. Brandon marcoux

Alfred Turgeon

Thank you for everything you’ve done and given for your country. You are our hero. We Love You, Your Family & Friends

Army World War II - Thanks for your bravery and courage to keep all Americans free. Love, Frances

In HOnOR Of

scott p. st. pierre

Thank you for 20 years of dedicated service. We are very proud of you. With love and respect, your loving wife Elaine and Family

In memory of

CPL. LAURENT R. PALARDY

“For Your Today, I Gave My Tomorrow” KIA, Iwo Jima, 03-02-1945

Never Forgotten, Mon Oncle! Love Always, Roger

In memory of

r. michael Behr

Missing you always. Love, Ma and Pop

In HOnOR Of

christian J. behr

We are very proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad

In memory of

normand r. gosselin

To Our Hero!! 3 time Purple Heart Recipient! Love, Gloria, Kim, Kara, Craig, Nora, Char, Gabbie, baby Boy Dube, Bert & Dot and family

In HOnOR Of

james t. minkowsky

camille s. robert

Proud of your U.S. Navy service in Iraq and your continued leadership as a Navy Reservist. We love you, Mom, Dad, family, daughters & close friends

Glad you are home from the hospital and the war. Thanks for your service. Love, Your Family

In Memory of

In Honor of

Alpha E. Morin

Richard E. Morin

Paul R. Morin

Lee R. Morin

AFC 1st Class Marine

Specialist E5 Army

Senior Chief Petty Officer Navy

Coast Guard 2nd Class Petty Officer

4 Generations of Serving Their Country - Love, Your Family

In HOnOR & MEMORY Of

NAPOLEON ST. PIERRE

1919-2001 WWII Veteran, Bronze Star Recipient Loved & Missed by his Family

10 VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Veterans from page 7

a n or ig i na l ba l lad ca l led “Peace.” “By engaging in community service, many Maine veterans feel a sen se of pu r pose, accomplishment and connection by contributing to society. Many believe it is a duty and obligation to lead by example and look out for the welfare of others,” noted

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Smith. “They serve in many communities by prov iding volunteer support to those struggling with depression, homelessness, su icide, joblessness, hunger, poverty, loss and access to basic needs.” Smith served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2012 where her militar y occupat ion specia lt y wa s military police, corrections and investigations. She ended her en l ist ment honorably as a sergeant and she is an

A fghanistan Campaign (Operation Enduring Freedom) combat veteran. She currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery as a Master-at-Arms (militar y police). Smith is particularly proud of the response to MVCSP. She said that the organization h a s e st a bl i she d a boa rd of d i rectors a nd ha s 350 members f rom across t he state. Future plans include

creating an official website for the organization. “We may become an official non-profit as we expand the number of military, veterans and their families engaged in communit y ser v ice and volu nteer oppor t u n it ies,” added Sm it h, proud t hat the project was founded in Lewiston and is a vital part of the statewide network of services for veterans. For more i n for mat ion on

While interest in the veteran retreats is brisk, applications to the program are always welcomed.

Hope

from page 5 veterans, we find that they enjoy t he suppor t a nd interaction they receive by pa r t ic ipat i ng w it h ot her v e t e r a n s ,” s a i d Mo o d y, who started as a program volunteer in 2006 and who joined the staff in 2013. “It is rewarding to see the look on their face when they first a r r ive not k now i ng what to expect. (They) conquer things they thought they’d never be able to do with other veterans like themselves.” “The best pa rt is t hat we work with the entire family to of fer t he s e ac t i v it ie s which they can take home a nd enjoy toget her,” sa id Sara Stockwell of Waterford, an active volunteer who is also a board member with Ma ine Adapt ive Spor ts &

Moody ex pla i ned t hat priority is given to veterans with combat-related injuries first, followed by those with service-related injuries and then those with a disability f r om a s t r ok e or ot h e r debilitating conditions. “The prog ra m is open to

Submitted photo

Winter activities enjoyed by disabled veterans as part of the programs offered by Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. Recreat ion. “Ma ny of t he veterans feel detached from their spouse and/or children when they return and really appreciate the whole family aspect.” All Veterans No Boundaries

programs are offered at no charge to participants. The program has been supported t h roug h donat ion s f rom Bath Iron Works since 2007 and through Disabled Sports USA, veterans groups, area businesses and individuals.

We pay tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.

GEORGIO'S PIZZA & DONUT SHOP www.mygeorgios.com 740 Minot Ave, Auburn • 783-2981

Submitted photo

The next "Run for the Fallen" event will be held at Brunswick Landing on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015. Maine Veterans Community Ser v ice Projects, v isit

w w w.facebook.com/ MaineveteransCSP .

veterans of a ll ages,” said Moody.

day throughout the year.”

Moody is currently working on other programs with the recreation department at the Maine VA Medical Center in Augusta.

For more infor mat ion on Vetera ns No Bou nda r ies, contact Kelsey Moody at kmoody@maineadaptive.org or call 207-824-2440 or 800639-7770.

“ We h o p e t o l a u n c h a prog ra m where ‘Vetera ns Day’ will take place one day each month,” said Moody. “We’l l of fer rec reat iona l opportunities on that special

Thank You! To all who have served.

For all your financial needs

We thank our veterans for their service! ITALIAN SANDWICHES PIZZA, PASTA & MORE

"We Remember". . .

“ We salute all of our Veterans past and present and we thank you and your families today and

www.samsitalian.com

every day for your service.”

229 Center St.,Auburn 786-3333 • 902 Lisbon St., Lewiston 782-4444 • 963 Sabattus St., Lewiston 782-5555 • 1930 Lisbon Road, Lewiston 786-7779 268 Main St., Downtown Lewiston 782-9145 • 583 ProspectAve., Rt. 2, Rumford 369-9999 Taylor Brook Mall, MinotAve.,Auburn 783-1111 675 Main St., Marketplace Mall, Lewiston 783-2222 • 583 Lisbon Rd., Lisbon Falls 353-8585

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VETERANS DAY SALUTE 11

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Women workers during World War II By Veterans History Project

Save the date Tuesday, Nov. 11:

Meda Brendall (pictured far right) may not have left Baltimore during World War II, but she made her own contribution to the war effort by working seven days a week as a welder in the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard.

The William J. Rogers American Legion Post 153 will host the 8th annual Lewistion & Auburn Firef ighters Chili Cook-of f from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with a $50 award to be presented to the top vote-getter. Samples will be available.

Visit Meda Brendall's story page, in Experiencing War, to view her collection at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ cocoon/v hp-stor ies/loc.nat l ib. afc2001001.04951/.

The Legion hall is at 71 South Main Street in New Auburn. This event is open to the public. For more information, call 207-7821118. If you're traveling to Arlington, Virginia, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on Nov. 11, at Arlington Nat iona l Cemeter y . T he ceremony commences precisely at 11 a.m. w ith a w reat h lay i ng at t he Tomb of t he Un k now ns a nd cont inues inside t he Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Library of Congress photo

Lula Barber, Meta Kres, and Brendall, outside welding shop at the Bethlehem-Fair f ield Shipyards. Baltimore, Maryland. Photo courtesy of Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, 1942.

Levesque from page 12

people I brought through basic training, I can only wish that I maximized their full potential,” said Levesque. “I can only wish that something I taught stayed with them when they were deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq and resulted in less injury or loss of life.” Locally, Levesque is best known as the CEO of Argo Marketing Group, a customer engagement center that has brought hundreds of jobs to the Lewiston-Auburn area. He is also known for moving his corporate headquarters and engagement center to a newly renovated building on Lisbon Street as part of the downtown revitalization efforts. “About 10 percent of our workforce are veterans,” said Levesque, who also offers a $1,000 sign-on bonus to veterans who join his team. Levesque’s support for veterans has earned him the Patriot Award given by the Department of Defense for a business that has excelled in employer support for the guard and reserve. “When you are in the military, you don’t see the gains and experience it will offer you,” said Levesque. “The gains happen later in life, when the lessons learned in the service become much clearer.”

Visit One Of These Local Eateries On Veterans Day For Their Military Specials

Dining Guide

Monday-Friday 6:00 am-2:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am-Noon, Closed Sunday 906 Sabattus Street, Lewiston 795-6688 10% off to Veterans on November 11th with Military ID

NOVEMBER SPECIALS Breakfast

Monday - Wednesday 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

2 Apple Cinnamon Crepes With Whipped Cream & Coffee

1 OFF

$ 00

Breakfast Served ALL DAY

GREAT FOOD FRIENDLY SERVICE

Lots of Football!

“L.A.’s BEST SEAT FOR SPORTS”

ON ANY PURCHASE OF $5 OR MORE With this ad. Valid through November 30, 2014

5 Washington St, Auburn

783-4304

5.29

Visit us on Veterans Day for our special menu for Veterans! Military ID Required. 120 Center Street Plaza, Auburn • 786-0715 • www.gippers.com

LUNCH

Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

6.99

Fish & Chip $ Basket

BOILED DINNERS Thursdays $8.99

ChICK-A-DEE "OF LEwIStON"

50% OFF

For all Veterans Today on Their Entree with Military I.D. We thank our Veterans for their service to Our Country. Come in today and receive a 50% discount on your entree. Offer valid for Veterans only. Must have Proper I.D. 1472 Lisbon Street • 376-3870 • LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.chickadeelewiston.com

12 VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Jason Levesque: From infantryman to sergeant to CEO By Dan Marois Feature Writer While his father served in the Navy and his grandfather in the Army, Auburn resident Jason Levesque sa id t hat he joined the Army in 1993 because he was bored. “I was in college and found it boring,” said Levesque, who was a histor y major at the time. “I was a little bit lost and looking for some direction.” W it hout tel l i ng a ny one, i nclud i ng h i s fa m i ly, he enlisted in t he A rmy a nd went, overnight, from being a Yankee from Maine to an infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia. “It was a cu lt u re shock,” admitted Levesque. “Your i nd iv idua l it y is st r ipped away, you work collectively and you work toward making a mission accomplished.” According to the U.S. Army website, “The infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army. They are responsible for defending ou r cou nt r y aga i nst a ny

t hreat by land, as well as capturing, destroying and repel l i ng enemy g rou nd forces.” “I n old w a r mov ie s, a n infantryman is the one who gets the job done,” explained Leveque, who was in active s e r v i c e f or t h r e e y e a r s followed by five years in the reserves upon returning to Maine. Levesque learned the harsh realities of the military early in his career. “I was in a training exercise where I was r unning communication wire during maneuvers,” said Levesque. “There was a fighting vehicle that accidentally ran over a squad leader during the drill. Had it been f ive minutes earlier, I would have been in the same location. I learned that in the military there is nothing safe, there is always the risk of injury or death.” Later in his career, he would ser ve as a dr i l l sergea nt, a posit ion where he wa s required to lead new recruits through basic training.

THE SHIELDS FAMILY IS HONORED TO HAVE SERVED THE UNITED STATES IN THE ARMED FORCES In Memory of: Thomas Shields MO. State Militia Volunteer Cavalry - 1862-1865 James Alexander Shields MO. State Militia Volunteer Cavalry - 1862-1865 James Thomas Shields - U.S. Navy - 1917-1919 Ford Nicholas Shields - A.E.F. Air Service - 1917-1919 Kenneth E. Shields - U.S. Navy - 1944-1946 James Bryant Shields - U.S. Navy - 1989-1991 In Honor of: Dr. Thomas Ford Shields - U.S.A.F. - 1958-1966 Linda Shields - U.S. Army Corps - 1971-1995 Kenneth C. Shields - U.S. Army - 1994-2011

“One t i me du r i ng a g raduat ion weekend, a soldier’s father came up to me and handed me a $100 bill and thanked me for turning his son into a man,” said Levesque. “I gave the money back to the father and said that I had nothing to do with turning his son into a man. I explained that all I did was give his son the opportunity for the man to come out of him.” Levesque believes that young adu lt s look i ng at c a reer goa ls shou ld consider a n experience in the military. “It is t he one ex per ience w here it doesn’t ma ke a difference whether you are rich or poor or where you come f rom. It ma kes no difference of your religious bel ief s or you r pol it ic a l b el ie f s,” s a id L e v e s que, emphasizing t hat t he militar y experience strips a w a y a n y pr e c on c e i v e d notions about people. “In the militar y, ever ybody is in one spot where everyone i s def i ned by t hei r ow n persona l apt it ude a nd ambition.”

Submitted photos Jason Levesque was an Levesque (at right) receives the honored Expert Infantryman Badge from infantryman who attained the rank General House, an award initiated in 1944 by Army Chief of Staff George C. of staff sargeant. Marshall to honor the U.S. Army infantryman. In a lig hter moment, Levesque said, “I wish that ever y politician would be required to go through boot camp.” L evesque t u r ned solem n w h e n r e f le c t i n g on h i s military experience. “W hen I t h i n k of a l l t he

Levesque

page 11 ‰

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Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice Celebrating our Caregivers this November for

National Home Care & Hospice Month By Julie Shackley Now is the perfect time to honor and thank all the caregivers in our community who do so much for the people they serve. Through their action, these caregivers provide their patients support, security, and comfort as they age, combat illness, suffer from disability, or face the end of their life. Through our home care and hospice services, we strive to support these caregivers and the families they work with by providing clear information and education regarding disease process and progression, symptoms, comfort, medications, functional abilities and goals, and what to do in the event of a change in condition. Home health and hospice care is highly skilled and professional health care which, due to the relationships we have with our local hospitals, enables us to be able to provide patient centered care through the health care continuum for all those in need. Our professional staff meets patients and their families in their home, or their place of residence where there is an intimacy and connection that rarely occurs in other settings. Home health care seeks to support someone in maintaining their independence, achieve recovery, and/or optimal functioning from sudden or chronic disease. Hospice provides compassionate support for someone facing a life-threatening illness. The Hospice Team strives to alleviate fear and suffering, in whatever forms that may be, in order to free the patient and their loved ones to do the things they want or need to do during the time they have left. Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice Teams are there to provide support and assistance to patients and their caregivers. If you or someone you love is facing a limited life expectancy or recovering from surgery, injury or illness, ask your physician about a hospice or home health referral. We will work with your physician to develop an individualized plan of care to promote optimal functioning and well-being. As we prepare for Thanksgiving and recall our many gifts, please remember the home care and hospice professionals, who make a difference every day for our communities’ seniors, disabled, and infirm.