omar andrews
Veterans Advocate | Portland, Maine
Omar Andrews grew up in a military family, though he was not drawn to serve until he went to college and discovered he was uninspired in that academic setting. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps along with his brother and from 2010 to 2016 served as a rifleman.
Marine Corps duties brought him two tours at sea – one as a member of the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team in the Pacific and his second as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Bataan. Andrews’ service was honored with several notable awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Andrews moved to Maine to be near family. He said he did not want to continue pursuing a career in the military because it was physically strenuous and took a toll on his body.
“But I learned a lot of lessons in those six years,” he said.
Post-military service, Andrews attended the University of Southern Maine, where he studied political science. During his time at USM, he became president of the university’s student veterans organization and was an on-campus veterans services representative.
His advocacy work has included fellowships with Student Veterans of America, High Ground Veterans Advocacy, and Veterans in Global Leadership, and field representative for Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-ME.
Andrews said his advocacy for veterans was based upon two key tenets – to help veterans receive the benefits they deserve and empower them in their post-military careers. “Veterans are uniquely able to bridge gaps and find the commonality to work together and get tasks accomplished”, he said.
“It’s natural to me,” Andrews said of advocacy in an interview with the Press-Herald in Maine, likening it to being a squad leader and taking care of the people in your charge. “It’s similar, but I just don’t have to run 3 miles at 6 a.m. anymore.”
Anne Devin
Owner, Chase Stream Farm | Monroe, Maine
When Anne Devin returned to civilian life after a 27-year career in the United States Marine Corps, she faced a question many veterans face: What’s next? The question was shared in her home, as her husband Tim also served in the Marines.
Devin was deployed to 17 countries during her military career, including combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. She retired as the deputy director of the Marine Corps Force Innovation Office while stationed at the Pentagon. Devon believed her credentials as a Marine could be an asset for connecting with the veteran population after her retirement, but it wasn’t immediately clear how that would happen.
“At one point in our life we all had the same thing in common. We said yes to our country,” said Devin. “With voluntary service since 1973, we all made the same decision. We stepped up to that line, raised our right hand, and swore to protect our country. When we return, it’s about having a purpose and finding our way to our next ‘Yes.’ ”
Devin and her husband’s “Yes” was a farm the couple bought in Monroe, Maine, now known as Chase Stream Farm.
At the time, Devin had been serving as the veteran outreach coordinator for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension AgrAbility program, which provides farmers help overcoming disabilities, both physical and emotional. Devin and her husband decided their post-military life would include assisting other veterans as they transitioned to an agricultural career.
That has been her mission in serving as veteran outreach coordinator for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, helping farmers, fishermen, and forest workers work safely and more productively.
Through her work, Devin identified more than 250 veterans or veteran spouses in Maine who are either actively farming or have indicated an interest in agriculture.
“That’s where I’m finding my sweet spot, both personally and professionally. It’s to network with veterans and make sure they have the appropriate resources.”