VETERANS DAY
Honoring all who served
A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News•Tuesday, November 11, 2025
TSTORY BY JULIA BAYLY
here is a code of understanding among United States military veterans. Especially among those who saw action in battles on land, sea, or in the air. These men and women have shared experiences that are at the same time courageous and often traumatic.
It makes those experiences difficult to share with loved ones, family, or friends. So those feelings can remain bottled up inside for years, decades, or even a lifetime.
Honor Flight Maine works to change that for the state’s veterans.
Part of a national network, Honor Flight Maine is a non-profit, all-volunteer program that flies veterans — prioritized by World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War service — to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them.
These trips are designed to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice by providing a day of honor and remembrance, often including a send-off ceremony and a welcome home celebration. Every trip is funded by private donations and corporations, not the government.
“I’ve seen the transformation in veterans who go on these flights,” Matthew Mank, chairman of the Maine Honor Flights board of directors. “I have had veterans tell me they never felt like their service mattered until going on [the Honor Flight] trip.
Every honor flight veteran is accompanied by a guardian, often a family member.
Guardians ensure every veteran has a safe and memorable experience. Duties include, but are not limited to, physically assisting the veteran at the airports, during the flight, and at the memorials. Guardians are requested to make a donation of $500 at least one week prior to the trip to help partially defray the costs of their travel expenses.
That’s how Mank got involved. It was in 2017, and his uncle, a veteran of the Korean War, had — unbeknownst to Mank — signed his nephew up to be his guardian on his Honor Flight Trip.
“He got approved to go and then called to tell me I was going as his guardian,” Mank said. “The draft was still going in 2017,” he added with a laugh.
The visit to the nation’s capital started with a 10-minute film presentation at Fort McHenry — the site where Frances Scott Key penned “The Star Spangled Banner” in 1814.
“About eight minutes in it starts playing ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and the screen goes up and you see our flag,” Mank said. “All these veterans stood up and I really got it — this is what they fought for, and I kept telling myself not to cry in front of these tough, old vets.”
A typical Honor Flight from Maine includes 55 veterans and their guardians on a chartered Airbus A-320 airplane flown by Allegiant Airlines, either out of Bangor or Portland. Upon landing in DC, three chartered buses bring the group to the various memorials.
Traveling among their military comrades encourages the veterans to open up and share with each other, Mank said,
For some, the act of traveling to the memorials provides a closure that civilian life never did.
“Just this past weekend one veteran told me [before the trip] he had carried this burden for 50 years from Vietnam, and now he felt he could finally move on,” Mank said. “Another veteran told me he could not even remember how many of his friends’ names were on The Wall Vietnam Memorial, but he left his military hat there, and said now he can get a new hat and a new start.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HONOR FLIGHT MAINE
A Korea veteran visits the Korea Memorial.
Grandchildren welcome home their grandfather.
A Marine veteran at the Iwo Jima Memorial with two Marines currently serving.
Maine veterans with the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after laying a wreath on the tomb.
Seeking to give back in a meaningful way to the women and men who have served our country? It can be as simple as supporting a veteran-owned business. And here in Maine, there is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit among veterans, which means you have a veritable cornucopia of companies from which to choose. Here’s a short list of some ventures led by Maine veterans, who aptly demonstrate that their service has never stopped.
BY JOANNA O’LEARY
FLOATING NOMAD HOUSEBOAT RENTALS
Rheanna Sinnett may not walk on water, but she certainly can help you sleep on it. The Navy veteran started Floating Nomad, a set of houseboats available for nightly rental on Lake Pemaquid, from roughly Memorial Day through October. For such an endeavor, Sinnett applied her nautical operations and maintenance expertise.
“We execute quick-turns almost all summer — same-day check-outs and check-ins — so our time to fix anything, in addition to cleaning the boats, is minimal,” Sinnett said. “That means good routine maintenance and systems checks! It’s imperative that I keep on top of any issues; little problems become big problems very quickly on boats. Add in weather variables, boat systems, water behavior, meeting and exceeding guest expectations in a wholly unique environment… there's a lot to manage and react to all the time when you're hosting on houseboats. So I'm glad the Navy trained some of that nervousness out of me years ago, and taught me to assess the situation, quickly figure out the best course of action, and execute.”
Although today the Floating Nomad regularly fully books all of its boats, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Sinnett. In the first two years of her journey, low occupancy rates, meager profits, and a forced departure from the business’s original location in Rangeley Lake threatened, well, to sink her ships. However, by seeking counsel from other business leaders and engaging in continuing education at Maine’s Small Business Development Centers, Sinnett found smoother waters, eventually partnering with Otyokwa Cabins of Bremen to expand her accommodation services.
In 2025, the Small Business Association officially recognized this capable captain, and named The Floating Nomad as the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year for Maine.
BLACK INK COFFEE
Sometimes asking questions of others leads to answers about your own life. Black Ink founder and owner Parker Russell was deployed in Africa when he learned the local language in order to better communicate with residents. One of his favorite queries — “What dreams do you have in life?” — got him started thinking about his own raison d’etre.
Upon returning stateside, Russell decided he wanted to optimize some nascent opportunities to start his own coffee company. But Russell’s goal wasn’t just to sell “damn good coffee” made from high-quality, responsibly sourced beans and premium equipment.
“I joined the military because it felt like the only ticket out,” Russell wrote on Blank Ink’s blog. “I served, I adapted, I endured. But when I came home, I wasn’t looking to ‘settle down.’ I wanted to build something that stood for more than just coffee. I wanted to create something for people like me — rebels, dreamers, the ones everyone doubted.”
To that end, Russell seeks to inspire others by acting as a real-life, real-time case study on how to start a successful business from scratch with limited resources. He also is dedicated to advocating for other small businesses, helping to organize fundraisers, and promoting the stories of his fellow entrepreneurs.
SHORE SHOP GIFTS
Although they say, “It’s about the journey, not the destination,” let’s make an exception for Shore Shop Gifts on Isle Au Haut. Neither planes nor trains nor automobiles will get you to its remote island location (accessible only by ferry), but the effort is well worth it for this whimsical artisan shop run by veteran businesswoman Kendra Chubbuck. Pottery, jewelry, cards, clothing, games, and soaps are among the hundreds of different products as made by Mainers, rendering it the perfect place to procure that one-of-a-kind souvenir for visitors or a local pride piece for residents. Of particular note is the spectacular woodworking done by the shop’s co-owner, John DeWitt, who creates elegant household items (sometimes from salvaged firewood) finished in wax and Danish oil, as well as more intricate custom-design pieces. In addition to stewarding the shop, Chubbuck also lends her time and skills to helping other area businesses. In 2024, Shore Shop was recognized as the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year.
AEGIR’S DEN MEADERY
Never underestimate two former military engineers who have their heart set on making a 30,000-year-old spirit mainstream again. Carrie (Air National Guard) and Mark Mancini (Army National Guard), the latter of whose family has a long vintner tradition, began their mead-making journey among friends — and by accident. By substituting honey instead of sugar in an attempt to render a homemade recipe more keto-friendly, they unconsciously produced not wine, but mead.
Seeing not a mistake but an opportunity, the Mancinis resumed their experimentation and later expanded their production to launch one of the state’s only meaderies. Today, they create and serve a variety of meads (all concocted from local ingredients and raw honey), inflected by different spices, fruits, and even maple syrup. Customers are encouraged to relax and enjoy snacks and even board games at the Meadery in Palermo, which also hosts special tasting dinners and is available for special events.
HERO’S ON WHEELS
As its name might suggest, Hero’s On Wheels is a veteranowned-and-operated food truck, whose mission is to bring delicious meals to the masses. Owners Derek and Aaron DeFelice originally ran the business as a brick-and-mortar pizzeria, of which the mobile trailer component was a literal side car for the occasional catering gig.
But when the restaurant’s business severely declined during the pandemic due to social distancing mandates and labor shortages, their food truck flourished — leading the DeFelices to shutter the former and go on full speed with the latter. Having successfully pivoted to mobile cuisine, Hero’s now happily travels far and wide all over the state (“no event too big or small”). Customers queue up in droves for Hero’s On Wheels repertoire of tasty dishes.
“Adults love the steak bomb sandwich, and kids always go for the hand-breaded chicken fingers,” said Derek DeFelice. “We make everything to order so the customer can customize what they order for toppings.”
Other standout options include Italian-style subs, red hot dogs with all the fixings, chicken Caesar salads, and decadent fried dough.
Rheanna Sinnett, managing operator of The Floating Nomad Houseboat Rentals. PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYLON WOLFE
PHOTO COURTESY OF HERO'S ON WHEELS
OUR HEROES MILITARY MUSEUM IN LINCOLN SPANS ALL WARS
PHOTOS AND STORY BY ANNE GABBIANELLI
If the 25-foot scale model of the USS Independence aircraft carrier doesn’t catch your eye on the Route 2 roadside of the Our Heroes Military Museum in Lincoln, just wait until you walk inside.
“While many, if not most, military museums that I’ve visited have their primary focus on the wars themselves, this impactful museum places the center of the attention squarely on the veterans,” said veteran Joseph Acquisto of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, when visiting this past summer.
Artifacts in the museum
The volunteer-operated museum was founded three years ago.
“I saw a vision,” said Army veteran Brian Hamor, formerly of Bar Harbor. Using his personal funds, he purchased the building that once housed an assortment of businesses, including a bakery and pawn shop. Hamor knew he “couldn’t do this on my own,” so
working alongside a fellow veteran, retired Marine Bob Richford, social media became a strong recruiting tool.
In a short time, the pair secured a board of directors and donations of items that range from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War. There is something unique at every turn with donated articles including uniforms, medals from Russia, and countless pictures and documents. Other items are on loan, such as a mortar launcher that came from North Korea and vintage weapons. There is even a silk flag reading in Japanese, “Fight for your country.”
“We have true original artifacts in this museum,” Hamor said.
Vintage weapons
Pointing out his uncle’s uniform, and standing alongside his own Army uniform, Hamor said, “Most of the uniforms have been donated by relatives, and the picture of an ambulance corp was found in a garage picture of an ambulance corp was found in a garage
sale in Massachusetts, where the guy actually found a relative in the picture.”
Another set of Marine uniforms was donated by a couple from Florida, who now live in nearby Burlington. The display comes with a novel, “Core Values,” written by Master Sergeant Dr. Janice Brooks. Collectively, she and her husband, Command Sergeant Major Carol Brooks, served over 50 years.
When Nadine Volatile visited the museum while on vacation from Rhode Island, she said she was “most impressed that such a small building can be packed with such an abundance of veteran memorabilia, from a personal letter written to a mom from her son to model airplanes made of Legos donated by a local lady.”
The museum even includes a library which is used daily.
Continuing with the tour, Hamor admitted in his younger days, “I hated history because it was all about dates and had no significance. Now I love it. I never expected the museum would grow to where we are today.”
St. Pierre took on the task of revitalizing the dilapidated military Roll of Honor memorial once housed in the neighboring town of Chester.
“It literally came to us in pieces,” said St. Pierre, while reviewing close to 30 names listed.
Non-veteran Bill Mitchell of Springfield is also among the troop of volunteers.
“I like history, I like the people involved, and I never had the opportunity to serve, so I like doing my part now,” Mitchell said.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/OurHerosMilitaryMuseum.
Paying a visit should be on your to-do list. As Acquisto said, “This museum actually lives up to its name: Our Heroes.”
That’s why settled behind the building is a storage container overflowing with donations, in hopes funds can be raised to construct a larger building on the property.
The museum is also overflowing with volunteers, like Army veteran John St. Pierre.
“I moved here five years ago from New Hampshire,” St. Pierre said, “and at my son’s urging, I joined the VFW where I met all these guys.”
John St Pierre with the Honor Roll resurrection
A Scale model on the roadside
JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS
BY WANDA CURTIS
One of the key challenges veterans face after leaving the military is finding employment that aligns with their skills and experience. Leo J. Deon Jr., Veterans’ Program Manager for the Maine Department of Labor, notes that both state and federal programs are available to help cover the cost of education and training needed for a successful transition to civilian life. Many of these programs specifically support veterans with disabilities.
VOCATIONAL READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E) PROGRAM
One program that may benefit veterans and service members with a serviceconnected disability, said Deon, is the Vocational Readiness and Employment Program, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. (This program was formerly known as VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.) It provides funding and case management to assist with education and training for eligible veterans who have a service-connected disability that impacts their ability to work, he said. It can also help with employment accommodations, resume development, and coaching. There are five tracks within the program to help veterans get education or training, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible.
The first track is the Reemployment Track, in which veterans and service members receive assistance to return to the type of job they held before they were deployed. Vocational rehabilitation counselors provide services to assist qualified veterans and service members as they return to work. Employers can also receive help to accommodate the needs of those with a service-connected disability.
Second is the Rapid Access to Employment Track for veterans and service members who would like to find a job using their existing skill set. It’s designed to help veterans find employment quickly, by making use of their existing skills. This track offers counseling services, rehabilitation, short-term training, job placement, and postemployment support to help veterans secure suitable jobs as quickly as possible.
The third track is Self-Employment, for veterans and service members with a service-connected disability who would like to start their own business. According to the VRE website, services provided to eligible veterans may include developing a viable business plan, training in the operation of a small business, marketing and financial assistance, and tuition for training and licensing fees. It says the VA may also assist with some start-up costs.
Fourth is the Employment Through Long-Term Services Track for veterans and service members who would like to find employment in a different field than the one in which they were previously employed. Services offered in this track may include training and/or education for college or certification programs, on-the-job training, non-paid work experience, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, job training, work monitoring, work study, apprenticeships, and internships. VR&E may also cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, and equipment. They may provide a monthly allowance during training, as well.
Finally, there’s also a track for Independent Living, intended for veterans and service members who may not be able to return to work. Services are provided to help them live as independently as possible and may include evaluation and counseling to identify needs and goals, and referral to support resources. Services may also include an evaluation to determine eligibility for a VR&E home adaptation grant, which can help make a veteran’s home more accessible by widening doorways, adding ramps, or making other modifications to enable veterans to live more independently.
For information about VR&E programs, visit benefits.va.gov/vocrehab .
WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITIES ACT
Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Goodwill Industries Northern New England, and Aroostook County Action Program also assist with funding and delivering advanced education or training to help veterans find employment in high-wage/highdemand careers under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, Deon said.
STATE OF MAINE BUREAU OF REHABILITATION SERVICES (BRS)
Veterans with recognized disabilities may qualify for other services through the state
of Maine, including vocational rehabilitation (maine.gov/rehab). Those services are in addition to services received through federal programs.
“BRS works to bring about full access to employment, independence, and community integration for people with disabilities,” Deon said. These services include veteran liaisons to work specifically with veterans.
THE COMPETITIVE SKILLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (CSSP)
The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) will provide funding for eligible Maine residents, including veterans, to pursue two- and four-year degree programs or employer-recognized credentials leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine, said Deon. For more information, visit myworksourcemaine.gov
MAINE CAREER CENTERS
Maine Career Centers are another valuable asset for job seekers. Personnel can provide information regarding other training opportunities, including internships. Check out mainecareercenter.com
GI BENEFITS
One other very popular source of benefits, said Deon, are those associated with the GI bill. Those benefits can help to fund education and training for eligible veterans. “Veterans can always use their GI benefits to fund education and training, at their discretion, provided they signed up to receive these benefits while still in the service,” Deon said.
GI benefits can cover not only college tuition costs, but also other types of training, housing, and a variety of educational expenses to help veterans transition back to civilian life.
COURTESY OF BANGOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
In the early months of 1991, a group of local veterans took the lead as thousands of community members descended on Bangor International Airport to show gratitude to our nation’s troops. Within those crowds were high school bands and sports teams, scout groups, and families — all here to provide an emotional welcome home to those returning from Operation Desert Storm and to support those deploying to areas of conflict.
At times, there were so many greeters in attendance when flights transited through that cars lined the airport’s access road and the terminal exceeded its capacity. An informal “troop greeter” network had been formed. Military personnel who traveled through BGR told friends and relatives about the warm reception they received here, putting Bangor on the map as national and international news crews converged on the Queen City.
The Gulf War-related flights became memories, but the core group of well-wishers grew into what is now an official non-profit organization known as The Maine Troop Greeters. These dedicated patriots, many of whom are retired military personnel themselves, took the ad hoc nature of these gatherings and turned it into an organized presence in the airport. The 21st century wars in the Middle East would keep troop flights coming and tens of thousands of troops were greeted from 1991 to 2003 before records were maintained. Since 2003, over 1.6 million troops have been met by this community of grateful Americans.
Today, the Maine Troop Greeters is composed of an all-volunteer group who receive notice of flights via a secure notification process. A typical flight consists of 200-250 service members. For those returning from deployment, their first step on U.S. soil is a significant and emotional moment, and for those leaving on a mission, the positive
perspective of being greeted resonates so well that many ask if the Troop Greeters will also be at BGR when their deployments come to an end.
Returning troops are often physically and mentally in a different time zone (by many hours) and exhausted after traveling for days to get home. Their exhaustion turns to smiles and excitement when they hear applause as they walk into the terminal. To be met by 20-30 Troop Greeters ready with handshakes, smiles and a thank you, significantly increases the joy of returning home. The Maine Troop Greeters have collected thousands of letters from troops and their parents expressing how much it meant to be greeted during their stop at BGR.
Thousands of personal items from transiting troops who wanted to return the thanks for warm reception they received have become a massive collection of memorabilia that quickly overwhelmed a storage location. A highly successful fundraising drive created a “world class” museum at Bangor International Airport where those items are safely displayed. The museum has over 6,200 troop-donated Challenge Coins, making it the largest collection in the world. The museum is located adjacent to the airport coffee shop and is open for a few hours each weekday.
The Maine Troop Greeters welcomes new members and greatly appreciates donations, which are used to purchase snacks and toiletry items for soldiers, as well as help with museum operations. If you are at the airport when a troop flight arrives, please join us in welcoming and thanking the transiting troops. Greeting these young men and women who serve our country is a memorable experience and unique to Bangor, Maine.
