AUGUSTA — The Maine State Forum series will host the panel discussion, Accessing VA Benefits: What you need to know, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the University of Maine at Augusta’s Jewett Hall Auditorium, Academy Drive, Augusta campus. The series is free and open to the public.

The panel of VA benefits experts will include Jim Doherty, public affairs officer for Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn; Patrick Crowley, outreach manager for the Veterans Benefits Administration; LaRhonda Harris, Women Veterans Program manager; Nancy Laffin, outreach manager for the Lewiston Vet Center; Jim Christie, VA Community Outreach Specialist; and Amy Line, UMA Director of Military and Veteran Services.

After a general overview of the services provided by Togus Veterans Administration, the panel will discuss benefits available for veterans including educational, medical and other services. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation. Veterans, active military and their family members are encouraged to meet with the panelists after the event.

In case of cancellation because of snow, this event will be held Wednesday, April 4, at the same time and place.

The Maine State Forum invites prominent Maine policymakers to speak at the University of Maine at Augusta on topics of interest to the Maine community. The questions-and-answer format after the presentation allows attendees to learn and interact with policymakers in the news. The Maine State Forum is funded by a UMA Research and Innovation grant, and is coordinated by Assistant Professor Sharon McMahon Sawyer of the Justice Studies Department.

The next Maine State Forum will take place Wednesday, April 25, and feature a Maine Council on Disabilities’ panel discussion on sexual assault and the intellectually challenged.

For more information, contact Sharon McMahon Sawyer at sharon.mcmahon@maine.edu or 621-3257.


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