AUGUSTA, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine veterans, healthcare providers, and advocates at the 22nd Annual Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Center. The yearly event highlights services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing, and helps connect at-risk veterans with the tools they need to find long-term housing.

“Maine’s veterans have made immense sacrifices to protect our national security. They’ve earned our eternal respect, and unwavering support – that’s why events like the Stand Down are so important,” said Senator King. “It’s up to us to ensure that these heroes have the resources and means to improve their quality of life and build a path forward. By bringing together organizations that support veterans struggling with homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health complications we can connect those in need with those who can help. The 22nd Annual Stand Down represents an all hands-on-deck approach to veteran care so these men and women can face these challenges head on and lead happy, healthy lives.”

Senator King has been an advocate for Maine veterans during his time in Washington, working to honor their service and provide them with the high-quality care they have earned through their service. Last month, Senator King announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a lease contract for a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Portland. The facility will allow more veterans to access care in their own communities and reduce the strain on Togus. In June, Senator King took part in the official, bipartisan Senate delegation to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces during World War II. In May, he spoke at Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes and honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans and their families.