Volunteers

The unwavering dedication of our volunteers has made the museum possible, and we are immensely grateful to each and every one of them, whether their contributions are listed below or behind the scenes. – Curator Lee Humiston

A 1/C Tom Billen

Tom Billen is a highly respected and accomplished individual with a deep commitment to education and service. Born in 1939 and raised in Yonkers, New York, Tom’s early years were shaped by a love of learning and a strong sense of duty to his country.

Tom joined the United States Air Force and served with the 397th A & E Squadron, part of the Strategic Air Command. After completing his service, he pursued his education, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine.

Tom went on to become a dedicated educator, teaching history in Maine for 34 years. He was known for his passionate approach to teaching, using his extensive knowledge and expertise to engage and inspire his students. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to excellence earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and students alike.

In addition to his career as an educator, Tom remained committed to service and community engagement throughout his life. He is the Chief of Staff of Tour Guides at the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center, where he shares his knowledge and passion for history with visitors and helps to preserve the history of Maine’s military heritage.

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In Memory of James Mardin (1922–2025)

James Mardin was a true American hero and a beloved figure in the Portland, Maine community. Born in 1922 in South Portland, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945 and played a vital role in the Allied victory in World War II.

James was deployed to Normandy, France, just six days after D-Day, where he and his unit, the 460th AAA Battalion (AW), endured intense combat and harsh conditions. His unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers and his country was evident throughout his service. During the Battle of the Bulge, one of the war’s most brutal campaigns, James became separated from his unit and had to hitchhike across Europe to rejoin them, an extraordinary act of courage and determination.

Following the war, James pursued his education at Northwestern Business College and later built a successful career, serving as Vice President at Merrill Transport for 29 years. Even in retirement, his dedication to history and service continued. He became the Chief Archivist at the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center, where he helped preserve the stories of countless veterans.

Until his passing in 2025 at the age of 103, James remained an active and cherished member of the museum family. On many Saturdays, visitors had the opportunity to meet him, hear his firsthand accounts, and experience history through the eyes of someone who lived it.

James Mardin’s legacy will live on through the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the history he helped preserve. He was a living legend, and now, he remains an enduring inspiration.

In Memory of James Foley (1940–2023)

James Foley was a proud U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Portland, Maine community. Born on December 23, 1940, he grew up in Portland and attended local schools before beginning a distinguished 24-year military career.

James served in several notable units, including the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division. He was deployed to Vietnam twice, where he demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership. His bravery earned him numerous commendations, and he remained committed throughout his life to honoring the sacrifices made by fellow service members.

Following his retirement from the Army, James returned home to Portland and became the owner of the Green & Gold Tavern, a well-known local gathering place. His passion for military history led him to become the very first tour guide at the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center, where he played a key role in shaping the museum’s early identity. James shared his firsthand knowledge, stories, and deep respect for the military with countless visitors, leaving a lasting impression on all who met him.

James Foley embodied the values of service, dedication, and community spirit. His contributions to both his country and his local community continue to resonate. His uniform and artifacts from his time in Vietnam are on display at the museum, a lasting tribute to a true American hero.

Though he passed away in 2023, James’s legacy lives on through the stories he shared and the lives he touched. He will always be remembered with admiration and gratitude.

In Memory of Billy Randall (1946–2022)

William ‘Billy’ G. Randall was a proud United States Air Force veteran and a valued member of the Maine Military Museum family. Born in Portland, Maine, on November 19, 1946, William was the son of Charles B. Randall and Henrietta “Pat” (Kelly) Randall. He graduated from South Portland High School and attended Southern Maine Vocational Institute before answering the call to serve his country.

William enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was initially stationed at Kingsley Field in Oregon before volunteering for service in Vietnam. Assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Da Nang Air Base, he worked closely with F-4 Phantom jets and often took on high-risk off-base assignments, including missions to Monkey Mountain and Marble Mountain. After a year in Vietnam, he spent time on R&R in Sydney, Australia, a memory he always treasured.

Upon returning stateside, William served at Westover Air Force Base as part of the Strategic Air Command, working with B-52 bombers and KC-135 refueling aircraft. He remained deeply proud of his military service, even as he carried the emotional weight of the hostility many Vietnam veterans faced upon returning home.

After his military career, Billy worked as a printer at S.D. Warren and remained committed to honoring fellow veterans. He became a dedicated tour guide and staff member at the Maine Military Museum, where he shared his experiences and helped educate visitors about the Vietnam War and the service of those who fought in it. His contributions to the museum were significant, and his presence is greatly missed.

William took great pride in meeting and saluting many surviving POWs from Vietnam, paying tribute to their courage and sacrifice. His service, both in uniform and at the museum, reflected his deep respect for those who served and his commitment to preserving their stories.

Billy passed away on November 14, 2022, at the age of 75. He is remembered not only for his military service but also for his dedication to veterans, history, and his community.

A true patriot, William Randall’s legacy lives on at the Maine Military Museum, where visitors can continue to learn from his story and honor the sacrifices of all who served.

S/SGT Peter Kane

Peter is a proud native of Portland, Maine, and his formative years were shaped by the people and community around him. He graduated from Portland High School and has a deep knowledge and passion for the city and its history.

In 1968, Peter was deployed to Vietnam for his first combat tour. He served with H Troop, 17th Cavalry, and the 198th Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division, where he experienced the brutal realities of war firsthand. Despite the danger and hardship, he remained steadfast in his commitment to serving his country. In 1970, he was deployed for a second tour in Vietnam, serving with the 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, IFFV, and once again demonstrating his courage and commitment to his fellow soldiers.

After returning from Vietnam, Peter continued his public service career by joining the Portland Fire Department. He later transitioned to a career in industrial security at Hannaford.

Today, Peter is a permanent fixture at the museum and is known for his incredible knowledge and storytelling abilities. Engaging in conversation with him is a treat, as he has a wealth of amazing historical insights to share. Visitors should be prepared to stay awhile, as Peter’s passion for history is contagious and his stories are captivating.

SP5 Peter Maestre

Peter Maestre is a distinguished veteran and respected member of the community, born in the Bronx, NY. After graduating from high school, Peter joined the US Army in 1969 and served until 1972. During his time in the military, he served in Vietnam as part of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division, where he exhibited courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers.

After his military service, Peter pursued a career in retail management, where he gained valuable experience in customer service, team building, and leadership. He retired from the industry after many years of dedicated service.

In his retirement, Peter has dedicated his time to serving his community in a different capacity. He has become an integral of the Maine Military Museum, contributing to displays, maintaining exhibits, and leading tours for visitors. His knowledge and passion for history and community engagement are evident in everything he does, and his dedication to preserving the museum’s artifacts and exhibits is a true testament to his character and commitment.

Peter’s commitment to service, both in the military and in his community, is an inspiration to all who know him. He is a proud veteran and a dedicated member of the local community, and his contributions to the museum and the community at large are deeply appreciated and admired.

Christopher P. Montagna

Chris is a dedicated historian and military artifact preservationist with a deep passion for safeguarding the legacy of those who have served. Chris had an extensive career as a forensic scientist, having served with the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory and the State of Maine’s drug and toxicology lab in Augusta. His lifelong interest in military history is deeply personal, rooted in his father’s service during WWII and the military contributions of his maternal family, which can be traced all the way back to the American Revolution. Today, Chris finds great fulfillment in being an integral part of the museum team, where he takes pride in not only preserving invaluable military artifacts but also sharing the stories of the brave men and women who served.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Lundy

Thomas, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, discovered his passion for learning, studying, and preserving military history at a young age. In 2018, he joined the United States Air Force as an Airman. During his four years at Aviano Air Base in Italy, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Currently, Thomas is stationed at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire, where he serves as an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician within a small active-duty unit. In his free time, he enjoys documentary film-making, exploring the outdoors, and continually deepening his knowledge of history.

Michael Hall

Currently residing in Windham, Michael works as a Project Manager for a biotech company. Michael enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for history with others. He volunteers at The Maine Military Museum and Learning Center, where he leads tours and provides insight into the exhibits and artifacts on display. His ability to connect with visitors and make history come alive has earned him a reputation as a skilled and engaging tour guide.