LINCOLN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday afternoon in Lincoln for the Gary Gordon's Vet Center's grand opening; Maine's newest establishment for Veteran care.
The non-profit gives Maine's veterans an alternative to care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Its founder, Major John Nelson, says his purpose is to help veterans. Whether that be helping them find a job or helping them file a claim. The center will also provide counseling for those with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries.
"The more I heard about what was going on with veterans, the more upset I got" Major Nelson said. "Finally one day I said fine, I'm going to start and try to do something -- and this may be a new paradigm that we can use for care, veterans taking care of veterans".
Representative Bruce Poliquin also attended and is looking forward to the benefits the center will bring. "Any time the private sector can come in and supplement was the government is doing, that's better" Poliquin said. "The more folks we have helping out our veterans the better off we are".
The center is named after Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, a hometown hero who was shot down in Somali in 1993. Gordon's family was at the ceremony and said it is a building he would be proud of. For more information you can visit their website.