The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) is pleased to announce Sarah Sherman of Southport has joined the Bureau as the director of strategic partnerships.

Sherman comes to MBVS after working for several years in Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties as a legal advocate for domestic violence victims. In 1996, she founded her own publishing house, Cozy Harbor Press, Inc., and has since self-published eight books including: “Southport: The War Years; An Island Remembers;” “Heroes Among Us; A History of Boothbay Region’s Veterans During the Second World War;” “Looking Back (Volumes 1 & 2); A History of Boothbay Region’s Veterans During the Korean and Vietnam Wars.”

Sherman earned a B.A. in English with a minor in behavioral science cum laude from the University of Maine at Augusta, and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University. She serves as a trustee for the Hendricks Hill Museum on Southport Island, is an Angel Volunteer for the Lincoln County Recovery Collaborative, and served as the scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 238 for 10 years, where she mentored four Eagle Scouts.

“Sarah brings a wealth of personal knowledge, compassion for veterans and a network of connections for new partnerships with both individuals and organizations across the state,” said Adria Horn, director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. “Though we’re not able to personally connect with every veteran in Maine, by extending our reach through important relationships we will be better able to serve our veterans and their families. We value our community partners and look forward to all Sarah will offer our veteran population.”

Like many Mainers, Sherman’s family has a long history of military service dating back to the Civil War. Her father, Maurice A. Sherman, served as a forward observer for the U.S. Army during the Second World War, was wounded in Italy, and was awarded the Purple Heart. Most recently, her nephew, Jack Sherman, served with the United States Marine Corps overseas.

“I’ve spent the last twenty-plus years recording veterans’ histories,” said Sherman. “Now I will be helping them in person across the state of Maine. It’s a dream come true for me.”

To find the Veterans’ Services Office nearest to you, please visit maine.gov/veterans/veterans-services-offices. You can also call the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035 or visit their website www.maine.gov/veterans to learn more about available resources.