Newsradio WGAN

Jeff Pierce and retired Major General Doug Farnham continue NewsRadio WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon, highlighting the importance of helping Maine veterans before temporary challenges become larger crises.

Sarah Bernier of Veterans Forward shares how peer specialists help veterans navigate benefits and essential services, including assistance that helped a family restore electricity during a medical hardship.

Jim Ghering of the Aroostook Veterans Alliance discusses efforts to help homeless veterans find housing and the unique challenges facing veterans in rural Maine.

Emily Bain of Bill Dodge Auto Group highlights the company's support for Veterans Forward, including the Hot Rods and Heroes car show, and shares how community donations can help veterans regain stability, housing, and employment.

Support Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine, at WGAN.com/veteransforward

Jeff Pierce returns to host, with former Secretary of State Charlie Summers co-hosting for this hour, where they highlighted how community donations help Maine veterans and their families get timely assistance. They were joined by David Richmond Director, Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, who explained that the state’s Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance Program has a $250,000 appropriation, but application and means-testing requirements can delay help.

Also joining this hour was Todd Crawford, Chairman of the Board for Veterans Forward, who described the organization’s mission as helping veterans and families regain stability, independence, and dignity, emphasizing that unrestricted donations can address immediate needs.

Shawn Moody, WGAN host and founder of Moody's Collision Center, hosts this hour of the radiothon. Shawn welcomes regular WGAN caller "Gunny" Mike Hall, who offered a $100 challenge which was matched. Mike also shared the work he does year-round to support Veterans in Need. We also welcomed Travis Mills from the Travis Mills Foundation, which supports veterans, families, and first responders through its retreat and Warrior Path program.

Jeff Pierce continues WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon with Dennis Brown and Karen Worcester of Wreaths Across America.

Dennis shares how helping a veteran navigate suspended VA benefits helped inspire Veterans Forward's work in Maine and explains how timely assistance can prevent temporary setbacks from becoming larger crises.

Karen discusses Wreaths Across America's mission to remember, honor, and teach, along with its $5 Back program supporting local community organizations.

The conversations highlight how veteran service organizations work together to support Maine veterans and their families.

Jeff Pierce and Jon Shannon continue WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon, highlighting the critical assistance Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine, provides to Maine veterans and their families.

Former Maine Corrections Commissioner and Army veteran Randall Liberty discusses housing, employment, treatment, and reentry support for veterans. Army and Navy veteran Randy Libby shares how Veterans Forward helped him and his daughter secure temporary housing during a difficult time.

The hour also highlights the Hot Rods and Heroes car show, which supports Veterans Forward through vehicle entry fees.

Help Maine veterans at WGAN.com/veteransforward

Matt Gagnon continues NewsRadio WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon with Maine gubernatorial candidates Bobby Charles and Rick Bennett.

Charles discusses his proposals for property tax relief and addressing veteran homelessness, while Bennett highlights the importance of early assistance with housing, heating costs, vehicle repairs, and other financial emergencies before they become larger crises.

Bill from Steep Falls Building Supply also joins the broadcast to discuss why his company is supporting the radiothon and the importance of local businesses giving back to those who served.

The hour highlights the work of Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine, in supporting Maine veterans and their families.

Donate at WGAN.com/veteransforward

Matt Gagnon welcomes U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree during Hour 3 of NewsRadio WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon.

Collins discusses veterans' benefits, housing assistance, and federal efforts to support Maine veterans, while Pingree highlights the importance of providing immediate help with food, rent, emergency expenses, and the transition to civilian life.

The hour also features donations from listeners across Maine, including a $200 contribution from Jared Levin, as the community comes together to support Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine.

Donate today at WGAN.com/veteransforward.

Matt Gagnon continues NewsRadio WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon with U.S. Senator Angus King, who discusses the challenges facing Maine veterans, including rising living costs, access to benefits, and the transition to civilian life. King also addresses the Major Richard Starr Act and efforts to better connect veterans with available services.

The hour features generous donations from Howie Carr, Hannah Pingree, Todd Crawford, Senator King, and listeners across Maine, including gifts made in honor of veterans and their service.

Help support Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine.

Donate at www.WGAN.com/veteransforward

Hour 1 of NewsRadio WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count for Veterans Forward Radiothon features special guests Hannah Pingree and former Governor Paul LePage. Matt Gagnon kicks off the 12-hour broadcast, shares the mission of Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine, and announces early donations as Mainers come together to support veterans and their families.

Matt Gagnon takes calls about Maine's gubernatorial race and whether competing debates are limiting voter attention. Callers weigh in on Bobby Charles, Rick Bennett, and Hannah Pingree, while questioning campaign strategies and the focus on abortion and proposed taxes. The discussion also examines Maine's $1.3 billion budget shortfall, Pingree's record, and whether the candidates are addressing the issues voters care about most.