CARIBOU, Maine — The Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery has gained a new ally in the fight for veterans’ services.
Adria Horn, the new director for the Bureau of Maine Veterans’ Services, stopped by the Caribou cemetery on May 15, 2015 for her first meet-and-greet with local veterans and cemetery committee members.
Horn is the top-ranking public advocate for veterans in the state and she’s also a veteran herself. She’s been on the job for a few weeks and in her short time she’s traveled the state asking veterans “What can I do for you?”
Horn fielded suggestions at her first meeting in Aroostook County. Her primary objective is communication, “a goal of mine is to bring everyone together,” she said.
Head down in her notepad she jotted down comments from members of the Disabled American Veterans organization. They asked her if she could see the disconnect between Aroostook County and Augusta. “Do you feel your needs aren’t being met at the state level?” Horn asked.
Cemetery chairman Harry Hafford tried to clarify on the relationship between County veterans and the state. “Our congressional people are great, but you have to twist the state representatives’ arms,” he said.
The recent Caribou meeting was a time for local veterans to vent to someone who clearly wanted to listen.
Superintendent of Maine’s Veteran Cemeteries Dave Richmond sat beside Horn and listened to the crowd along with her.
Horn wanted to know what the Aroostook County community does to reach out to its veterans and keep them connected. “You guys are different because your community is tight,” she said.
The cemetery committee gave Horn a tour of the grounds during her visit. “It’s very impressive. It’s clear everyone here cares about the veteran community,” she said.
Horn plans to digest her Caribou notes and find solutions to communication issues. She wants to create “Need to Know” work groups and increase the flow of information between veterans throughout the state, with the goal of finding those who can contribute to veterans’ needs.
