Staff Writer
Veterans’ Day is a time to honor our country’s veterans of all ages and reflect on how “all gave some while some gave all”; while nothing can truly amount to the extent of their deeds, there are ways in which the country attempts to give back to its veterans.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Shown is an original edition of the Stars and Stripes, dated Nov. 8, 1918. This historic newspaper was made available for viewing courtesy of the Caribou Historical Society.
One problem with veterans benefits is that not all veterans’ utilize the benefits offered to them in appreciation of their dedication and service.
“Veterans are taught to take care of each other, and some of them believe that if they use their benefits, it may ‘use up’ resources and disable another veteran from receiving their benefits,” said Aroostook County Veterans’ Representative Steve Gagnon, explaining that benefits are allotted to each veteran specifically, and any veteran who uses their benefits will not, by any means, decrease the benefits offered to other veterans.
Benefits can’t be given away to other veterans and should a veteran choose not to use their benefits, “they’ll disappear,” Gagnon said.
Gagnon works at CareerCenter in Presque Isle, where he specializes in assisting all Aroostook County veterans with job placement. He helps to make veterans’ job ready — assisting with resume writing, honing interview skills and even locating potential jobs for veterans.
WWI and WWII uniforms on display at the Caribou Hisotrical Society.
According to Gagnon, veterans’ benefits have come a long way since post-WW II. While veterans have certainly more than earned their benefits, those same benefits came after years of struggle.
Some veterans may have applied for benefits once before, but their application was met with denial.
“Don’t let one denial stop you,” Gagnon encouraged, adding that there is an appeal process that can assist with obtaining benefits.
While finding a job can be difficult for anyone in the current recession, with many individuals accepting part-time jobs and under employment, Gagnon at CareerCenter has a successful record of finding jobs for veterans. In some situations where a specific job market is supersaturated with applicants, some veterans have utilized their G.I. Bill benefits and returned to the classroom to further their education and training.
Gagnon works with veterans all the way from Fort Kent to Houlton helping to give back to those who served the country and can cite numerous advantages for hiring a veteran. He can be reached at CareerCenter in Presque Isle at 760-6322 or by e-mailing Steve.Gagnon@Maine.gov. The CareerCenter is located at 66 Spruce Street in Presque Isle.
