Brad Bean is an ideal candidate for the Veteran of the Year® or Vetrepreneur® of the Year (VOY) Award due to his outstanding commitment to veteran advocacy, employment support, and community service. As a 20-year Navy veteran and the 2023 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist of the Year, Brad has demonstrated exceptional dedication to helping fellow veterans transition successfully into civilian employment.
In his role as a DVOP specialist at the Augusta CareerCenter under the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL), Brad has provided personalized career services to over 110 eligible veterans, successfully assisting 48 veterans in securing meaningful employment in 2022 alone. His expertise as a liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Readiness and Employment program ensures veterans receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
Brad's involvement in the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Planning Committee further exemplifies his commitment to veteran employment. The initiative aims to connect 100 veterans with 100 employers in 100 days, and under Brad's leadership, the 2022 campaign exceeded expectations, resulting in 186 veterans hired at above-average wages.
Recognized as an authority on military culture and veteran hiring practices, Brad is frequently called upon to instruct and share his knowledge, helping improve hiring practices across the state. His contributions directly led to a state incentive award for the Augusta CareerCenter, enabling technological advancements that enhance the services provided to veterans.
Brad Bean's unwavering dedication, resourcefulness, and impactful contributions to the welfare of veterans make him a deserving candidate for the VOY Award. His work not only helps veterans find sustainable employment but also strengthens the fabric of the community, ensuring that those who served are supported and recognized for their sacrifices
I also pastor a local church and this helps me to be compassionate and caring with veterans. I have met many veterans while ministering on the streets, veterans who you do not find at the VA. They are out there and they need our help.
Bradley Bean WTC(SW) U.S. Navy Retired Augusta Maine After retiring from the Navy, I attended Southern Maine Technical College and received an associate degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. After working in the field and then managing an office building in Portland I made a career change and started working for the State of Maine as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist. This was an awesome job that allowed me to serve veterans and meet them wherever they were: college, the VA, Homeless Shelter, jail or prison. I was selected as the DVOP of the Year for the state of Maine and then selected as the DVOP of the year for the DAV. I have since transferred over to the Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) and now get to help employers become veteran friendly and hire our heroes that live around them
