Air National Guard Airman Ryan M. Bernier graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Bernier is the son of Mary Bernier of Topsham and Stacey Bernier of Auburn and is a 2010 graduate of Mount Ararat High School, Topsham.

The Gary Sinise Foundation and Jos. A. Bank will provide a free suit to qualifying veterans and service members entering the civilian work force. Submit by email to: contact@garysinisefoundation.org or fax to 818-432-8999. The suits will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The voucher must be redeemed at a Jos. A. Bank location before Nov. 11.

(Editor’s note: As of July 24, all available suits in the free program had been distributed.)

Funds of up to $1,000 per applicant per year are available through the Veteran Emergency Response Fund program and are specifically intended to benefit stateside veterans’ unmet needs. This fund is accessible through Goodwill Industries of Northern New England.

All veterans, regardless of discharge status, are eligible with priority given to those who have served in combat zones.

All spouses and children of fallen soldiers are also eligible. An application may be picked up at Veterans Centers in Sanford, Portland, Lewiston, Bangor and Caribou or at Goodwill Workforce offices in Portland, Brunswick, Biddeford, Belfast, Augusta or Lewiston.

The form can also be emailed by contacting ann.nadzo@goodwillnne.org. A copy of the applicant’s DD214, or an appropriate Casualty Form for a spouse or child, must be attached for consideration. Visit www.goodwillnne.org for details.