Jerry DeWitt has done exceptional work in the area of Veterans and Military Families as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Tri County Mental Health Services this past year. Some - but not all - of his accomplishments include:

1. Chaired a committee of veterans, service groups and politicians and the Lewiston/Auburn Community Development to bring a veterans health clinic to the Lewiston/Auburn community. After a six-year effort, ground was finally broken. Also chaired the Lewiston/Auburn CBOC Committee which developed the volunteers that served and continue to serve to bring this clinic to town and keep it there.

2. Coordinated volunteers for the American Red Cross Chapter and National Vet Affairs for all VA hospitals in the United States.

3. Worked with the VA Homeless Veterans Project at Togus VA Medical Center and others to refurbish a building in Farmington, Maine to become an emergency veterans housing shelter.

4. Delivered 125 packages of underwear to Veterans at Togus VA Medical Center, along with 125 emergency flashlights with the crisis hot line number on it – donated by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #11 in Lewiston, Maine.

5. Organized a statewide “Stand Up and Be Counted” campaign where more than 90 local sites across Maine opened their doors to Veterans to assist them in filling out forms and applications for programs such as medical, disability and education benefits. A press release is attached to this email about this effort.

6. Working with local district attorneys to start up a jail diversion project (Veterans Court) in Maine.

7. Organized a Women Veterans Panel discussion using ITV to broadcast in six towns across Maine.

8. Working with the Town of Farmington, Maine to develop a one-day seminar on veterans issues at the University of Maine that will include participation by organizations that will offer information or training.

9. Working with NAMI and MMCN to develop state-wide training for providers of services to veterans.

As Jerry's VISTA Leader I couldn't be prouder of the work he does. He is pictured here receiving an award from the Franco-American War Veterans for his work in urging the Veterans Administration to open a Community-based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for veterans health care in Lewiston, Maine. The other picture shows Jerry with Maine legislators on the occasion of Governor LaPage proclaiming "Stand Up and Be Counted" Day in Maine.