October 11, 2007
Governor's Office
AUGUSTA - Governor John E. Baldacci today presented State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals to four veterans in a Hall of Flags ceremony. The medal was first awarded to Maine veterans in August of 2006, and is presented to those who have been wounded while serving their country. Of the four veterans honored today, two were wounded in World War II and two in Vietnam.
“When this country sends its men and women into harm’s way, we have a moral obligation to make sure we take care of them, not only when they are in combat, but also when they come home,” Governor Baldacci said. “I honor you and your commitment today with these medals.”
The Governor has made it among his highest priorities to ensure that current and past soldiers and their families are provided for. This year Governor Baldacci worked with the Legislature to make sure veterans received benefits for which they are entitled, including:
• Providing significant funds to the Veterans Financial Assistance Program and for the veteran’s cemetery;
• Helping to fund and signing into law a special license plate to honor Maine residents serving our country;
• Beginning the process of establishing the Maine Veterans’ Home “Veterans Campus,” which will create a one-stop shop and to expand services in Bangor, and which is intended to serve as a model for similar projects around the state; and
• Passage of the Governor’s bill, “An Act To Protect the Lives and Health of Members of the Maine National Guard,” model legislation that will help safeguard the health of members of the Maine National Guard.
The Governor thanked the veterans and their families for their deep and abiding sense of duty and love for their country, and for their support of troops currently serving overseas.
“I’ve found that it is always the veterans who are leading the way and telling me that we have to make sure our troops are taken care of when they come home,’” the Governor said. “To all of you – your work overseas and your work here at home is the work of true heroes.”
Below is the list of veterans recognized today, and the town in which they reside.
World War II
Robert V. Boggs, Augusta; Arnold L. Leavitt, Auburn
Vietnam
Ronald N. Nowell, Cape Neddick; Martin G. Ellis, New Sharon
In addition, eight other veterans injured in combat were not present at the State House event today:
World War II
Keith F. Colpitts, Bangor; Victor U. Listor, Athens
Korea
Josephat N. Levesque, South Paris; Vernon W. Clark, Brooks; Howard S. Wacome, Madison
Vietnam
Gordon M. Gillies, Bath; Gary D. Corson, Cornville; Robert J. Locklin, Vassalboro