In 2019, Ed Harmon of Boothbay discovered that as many as 15 Maine veterans were homeless on any given night. This led to Harmon along with Arthur Richardson and John Hargreaves creating VETS, Inc. The trio began a non-profit group to provide temporary housing for homeless vets waiting for government-sponsored housing. 

Three years later, VETS, Inc. has built 23 shelters through the organization’s hard work and generosity of volunteers and contributors. Last year, VETS, Inc. raised over $9,000 in its first barbecue which provided exposure and funding for the fledging organization. On Aug. 19, VETS, Inc. held its second barbecue which drew a larger  turnout. VETS, Inc. announced two large contributions: Generac Power Systems donated $7,000 and the Al and Mary Evans Foundation in California donated $5,000. VETS, Inc. built two shelters using funds from those contributions. 

The barbecue was held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Charles E. Sherman, Jr. American Legion Post in Boothbay. Food included traditional barbecue food – hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, chili and baked beans. “The Volunteers,” a jazz band, entertained the crowd during the barbecue and two trailer dedications. 

Harmon expected a big crowd because a local radio station promoted the event. “We have enough food for 1,000,” Harmon said. “We’re expecting 600, but you never know. ‘The Wolf’ and six other stations played 220 advertisements for this paid for by a mortgage company catering to vets,” Harmon said. 

Daughters of the American Revolution Pemaquid chapter donated $1,000 from baked sale and doll house raffle proceeds. DAR First Vice Regent Audrey Leeds Miller and recording secretary Robin Ford presented VETS, Inc.with a check. 

VETS also held special ceremonies for two donated trailers, One trailer was donated in honor of Col. Mary Evans who served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. The Evans family originated in California, but now has several members in Reno, Nevada and Maine.  “Our family moved here, and heard about VETS from Spectrum news,” said Foundation member Barbara Morrison. “Our family wanted to give something back to veterans and created the foundation.” 

VETS placed a decal on the trailer honoring Lt. Col. Evans’  service. Evans wasn’t able to attend the service. A second trailer was dedicated to a New York state Naval veteran, James Edward Dence. He later moved to Maine and joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Topsham chapter. Harmon was also a VFW Topsham member. “Generac Power Systems donated $7,000 for the shelter dedicated to Dence. “I asked if it was OK to dedicate it to him, and Generac agreed. So the trailer has a decal with Mr. Dence’s name and the Generac logo,” Harmon said.

This year’s barbecue had about two dozen volunteers. Al Sirois is a Boothbay American Legion member. He also took part in organizing the event. “We met Friday night to organize the event. Our commander Robin Ford provided all the details for setting up the tent and logistics for serving 600,” he said. “I can’t believe we got it all done. It’s a great event for a great cause.” 

On Aug. 21, Harmon didn’t have final barbecue figures.