Non-Profit, Vet2VetMaine (V2VM) strongly believes that service to others doesn’t end when someone is discharged from the military. Since 2014, V2VM has been working to alleviate loneliness and social alienation that can occur among Maine’s veterans of any age, by offering companionship and understanding from a fellow veteran.
In Gorham, there are a number of volunteer veteran peer companions who are matched with a veteran friend. Jim Arcaro, Roger Lavigne, and Rob Sanford (all retired Navy) have been actively involved with V2VM for several years as peer companion volunteers. Roger’s wife, Kathy Lavigne, runs the Caregiver Support Network which provides information and socialization for the caregivers of veterans enrolled with Vet2Vet Maine. Judie Alessi O’Malley, Program Director also lives in Gorham. Army Veteran Bud Philbrick, of Durham, serves as Volunteer Coordinator.
The matches get together for social visits, outings, or phone calls during bad weather or Covid outbreaks. Being able to meet and develop a bond with another veteran is a special opportunity for both vets. There has even been a pair matched who were USM students. Donna Davis, the Activity Director at Gorham House, said that there are currently four veteran residents who are matched with a visiting V2VM peer volunteer.
Photo credit: Chris CrawfordNavy Corpsman vet, Jim Sidelinger visits Army vet, Bill Wise at Gorham House, several times a month. Paired through Vet 2 Vet Maine for almost a year, they agree that it is a great match as they have an amazing number of things in common.
One such resident is Bill Wise, retired Army who served during the Korean War. He is visited several times a month by Navy corpsman, Jim Sidelinger who served in hospitals all over, including a tour in Vietnam.
The pair agree that they have an amazing number of things in common, including their sense of humor. These matches often develop a deep friendship for life. The volunteers also serve as “eyes and ears” and can consult with staff when referrals for other services might be needed.
It is now easy as can be for a veteran to become a volunteer peer companion or a phone pal. Using the new interactive online training which takes a few hours, volunteers can learn all the skills they need to become V2VM volunteers at their own pace and at their own schedule.
Gorham’s newest volunteer peer companion, Sam Boothby, an Army veteran, has the distinction of being the first person to use the online interactive training program. He is matched with a vet who lives in Windham. Boothby decided to volunteer after his sister-in-law made a donation to V2VM in his name. He has trained hunters for many years and said, “The online training program works very well, making it easier for prospective volunteers who wanted to help lonely veterans.”
To volunteer, or to request a volunteer peer companion, visit www.vet2vetmaine.org or call Judie Alessi O’Malley at 207-579-4024 or director@vet2vetmaine.org, or Bud Philbrick 207-579-4017 or volunteer@vet2vetmaine.org.