South Portland, Maine  — Easterseals Maine announced today that Governor Janet T. Mills has officially proclaimed October 15, 2026, “Veterans Forward Day” in recognition of the essential services provided to Maine veterans, service members, and their families through Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine.

The proclamation coincides with the Make 12 Hours Count Radiothon, hosted by NewsRadio WGAN 98.5 FM / AM 560 on Thursday, October 15, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 12-hour broadcast will bring together veterans, community leaders, and supporters from across Maine to raise awareness and funds for Veterans Forward's work.

In her official proclamation, Governor Mills recognizes the sacrifices made by Maine veterans and their families and emphasizes the state's responsibility to support those who have served. The proclamation specifically acknowledges Veterans Forward’s role in providing assistance when other resources may not be available, including housing, substance use treatment, home heating assistance, food, clothing, and job training.

“Those who have served our country deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve meaningful support when they need it, and that’s what we deliver every day at Easterseals Maine,” said Brian Cummings, MSgt, USAF (Ret.), Director of Military and Veteran Services at Easterseals Maine. “Whether it’s helping a veteran keep the heat on, secure housing, or find employment, Veterans Forward is there to help. We thank Governor Mills for recognizing this important work and WGAN for its continued partnership in bringing our community together to support Maine’s veterans and military families.”

Veterans Forward provides direct assistance and connects Maine veterans, service members, and their families with critical resources to address immediate needs and help build long-term stability. The program is particularly important for individuals and families who may not qualify for other forms of assistance or encounter gaps in existing support systems.

This year’s Radiothon will place particular emphasis on home heating assistance, a critical need as Maine approaches the winter months. For veterans and military families already facing financial hardship, seasonal heating costs can create difficult choices between keeping their homes warm and meeting other basic needs.

In addition to formally designating October 15 as Veterans Forward Day, Governor Mills’ proclamation specifically recognizes WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count Radiothon and encourages people throughout Maine to support the mission of serving veterans and their families. Throughout the broadcast, WGAN will feature firsthand stories from Maine veterans, conversations with Veterans Forward staff, and interviews with community leaders and prominent Mainers who support veterans and military families.

“For 12 hours, WGAN can do what radio does best, bring people together around an important Maine cause,” said Danny Martignetti, Associate Director of Content at WGAN and Radiothon organizer. “We want to share veterans’ stories, show listeners the difference Veterans Forward makes every day, and give people a direct way to help.”

The Make 12 Hours Count Radiothon returned to WGAN in 2025 after a six-year absence, continuing a longstanding community effort that has supported Maine veterans and military families for more than a decade.

How to Participate and Donate

The Make 12 Hours Count Radiothon will air on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on NewsRadio WGAN 98.5 FM / AM 560, online at WGAN.com, and through the free WGAN mobile app. Listeners can support Veterans Forward by visiting https://wgan.com/veteransforward or texting MAINEVETS to 50155.

The official gubernatorial proclamation can be viewed at: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/official_documents/proclamations/2026-09-veterans-forward-day-october-15.