The Maine Association of Broadcasters (MAB) announces a new weekly veteran program, “The Maine Veterans Spotlight,” in partnership with News Radio WGAN and the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America. The program will debut on WGAN at 98-5 FM, AM 560 and online at www.wgan.com on Sunday, May 26, at noon.

“This partnership allows MAB to showcase our partners, such as the Maine Army National Guard and other veterans-friendly organizations,” said Tim Moore, President/CEO, Maine Association of Broadcasters. “Maine is ranked 4^th-highest (2022) among states for its share of veteran population, and we owe it to them to help share their stories.” 

Each weekly, hour-long show will feature Maine veterans sharing their stories of service, their post-service careers, and other notable individuals who work with and help veterans in Maine. The show will be hosted by Jeff Pierce, Director of Broadcast and Media Partnerships for Wreaths Across America and a 2019 Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee currently serving on the Maine Association of Broadcasters board.  

“We recognized an opportunity to add veteran-centric programming to our lineup,” said Danny Martignetti, WGAN Program Manager. “When Wreaths Across America approached us to assist in their mission by sharing the stories of veterans and veteran service organizations doing good work in their communities, it seemed like a perfect fit. WGAN has been a proud voice for those who have served since before World War II.”

The first episode of “The Maine Veterans Spotlight” will highlight Lt. Col. (ret) Marilla Cushman, an Aroostook County Native who works as the Special Assistant to the President at the Military Women’s Memorial at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery. She will talk about her service and transition from the Women’s Army Corps to the Regular Army and how Maine leads the way in honoring women who have served at the Army Women’s Memorial. Also included in the May 26^th episode is Sgt. 1st Class Orie Bartlett, Maine Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. For SFC Bartlett, recruiting is a family business! Lastly, we will have a serious conversation with Maine Humorist Gary Crocker about his time following his service in Vietnam and how fate brought him back to embracing his veteran status after so many years of not mentioning it. 

Click here to learn more about Wreaths Across America Radio.