As we approach the long weekend for Memorial Day, I ask that you consider what significance that day has for you and your family. Is it just a time for a day off and a long weekend for a cook out or BBQ? Actually this day was established to honor those who died in conflict for our country.

Recently I attended a Tea Party meeting where a young man, S/Sgt Travis Mills was the guest speaker. Travis is retired from the 82nd Airborne division where he was a jump master. At 25, Travis left his wife and 4 month old daughter for his third deployment in Iraq. In Iraq shortly after his arrival on April 10, 2012 he had the misfortune of stepping on an IAD which turned his right leg and right arm into powder. He also later lost both his left leg and lower left arm. Travis is only one of five quadruple amputees to survive this conflict. In spite of suffering this horrific loss, this young man on his prosthetic legs and with a prosthetic left arm gave an incredibly inspiring talk with a smiling countenance and a very engaging personality. At no time during his presentation was there indication that he looked for sympathy, instead his countenance exhibited strength both in faith and character. His motto is “Never Give Up — Never Quit.” His goal is to give and help other veterans to adjust to life again after suffering serious injuries. He has initiated The Travis Mills Foundation Retreat in Rome & Mt Vernon, Maine, to provide for a venue for disabled veterans and their families to spend time together and reestablish their lives. This program is provided at no cost to these veterans. The facility was the former Maine Chance Lodge formerly owned by cosmetic pioneer, Elizabeth Arden. To upgrade the facility for this proposed usage will cost an estimated $2.2 million and efforts have currently raised approximately $300,000. I ask that you consider giving thoughtful and careful consideration to supporting this project. For additional information, please contact:

Christine Toriello, Executive
Director
Travis Mills Foundation
89 Water St.
Augusta, ME 04347

(207) 512-4212
[email protected]
www.TravisMills.org

I was most impressed by his closing remarks, first, I am not wounded any more; remember everybody has problems. And, finally keep this in mind; if you don’t any plan, you are planning for failure.

I hope you will find it in your heart to help this program for the sake of this dedicated young man and so many others that have given so much of themselves for our country.

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Another View, a Maine Press Association award-winning column, is written on a rotating basis by a member of a group of Midcoast citizens that meet to discuss issues they think are of public interest.