NEWRY, Maine – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins addressed the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Maine’s 105th State Convention in Newry on Saturday, praising Maine veterans for their service in uniform and their continued work in communities across the state.

More than 100 people attended this year’s convention, including members and leaders of the VFW and VFW Auxiliary, along with representatives from VA Maine, Maine Veterans’ Homes, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, Honor Flight Maine, and Maine Paws for Veterans.

“It is always an honor to salute the heroes who have served our nation in uniform and who continue to serve their communities through the VFW,” Collins said. “From educating young people about American values through the Voice of Democracy and Patriots’ Pen competitions to advocating for improved health care, suicide prevention, treatment and research for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, and earned benefits, the VFW continues to make an extraordinary difference for veterans, their families, and our country.”

During her remarks, Collins also recognized two Maine students honored through VFW youth programs.

Olivia Drewniak, a high school senior from Woolwich, became the first Mainer ever to win the national Voice of Democracy speech competition. Piper Martin, a middle school student from Fort Fairfield, was Maine’s winning Patriots’ Pen essayist.

The VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriots’ Pen programs encourage high school and middle school students to reflect on American values, civic responsibility, and the sacrifices made by America’s veterans.

Collins, a member of the VFW Auxiliary in her hometown of Caribou, has long supported programs aimed at assisting Maine veterans and their families.

Her office noted that she backed the new Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program facility at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, supported efforts to better care for veterans affected by toxic exposures through the PACT Act, and secured more than $10 million in Congressionally Directed Spending over the past five years for upgrades to Maine Veterans’ Homes facilities across the state.

The annual VFW convention brought together veterans, advocates, service organizations, and community leaders focused on supporting those who served and ensuring Maine veterans receive the care, recognition, and benefits they earned.