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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T/Sgt James Mardin

James Mardin is a true American hero and a beloved figure in the Portland, Maine community. Born in 1922 in South Portland, he served in the US Army from 1940 to 1945 and played a 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, 460th AAA Bn (AW), faced intense fighting and brutal conditions. Despite the challenges, James remained steadfast in his commitment to his country and his fellow soldiers. He later found himself in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most significant and deadly battles of the war. There, he was separated from his unit and had to hitchhike across Europe to catch up with them, a remarkable feat of courage and resourcefulness.

After the war, James returned to civilian life and attended Northwestern Business College. He went on to have a successful career as Vice President at Merrill Transport for 29 years before retiring. However, his love for history and service to his country never waned, and he later became the Chief Archivist at the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center.

Today, at 101 years old, James is a frequent visitor to the museum, where he shares his incredible stories and insights with visitors. He is a true living legend and an inspiration to all who meet him. Visitors to the museum can catch him most Saturdays, where he will be happy to share his stories and take pictures with those who wish to capture a moment with a true American hero.

S/Sgt James E. Foley

James Foley is a proud veteran and a member of the Portland, Maine community. Born on December 23, 1940, he grew up in the city and attended local schools before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

Over the course of his 24-year military career, James served with distinction in a variety of roles, including as a member of the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division. He was deployed to Vietnam twice, where he earned numerous commendations for his bravery and service to his country.

After retiring from the military, James returned to Portland and became the owner of the Green & Gold Tavern. In addition to running the tavern, James is also a passionate advocate for military history and culture. He was the museums first tour guide and a major contributor to the museum, sharing his knowledge and insights with visitors and helping to preserve the area’s rich heritage for future generations.

James embodies the values of service, dedication, and community engagement. He is a true hero. You can view his uniform and artifiact from his time in Vietnam at the museum, and if you are there at the right time, you can meet Jim too.

Staff Sgt Billy Randall

Born in Portland, Maine in 1946
USAF 366^th Tactical Fighter Wing
Tactical Air Command
Printer at S.D. Warren
Currently staff and a major contributor to the Maine Military Museum.
Vietnam War Veteran

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.

Evan Lowe

Hello! I’m Evan Lowe from South Portland, Maine. I’m actively involved in the community through my volunteer work at the Maine Military Museum. I’m also the founder of Lowe-Down Property Care, a local lawn maintenance company that proudly offers complimentary services to veterans as a gesture of gratitude for their service. My duties at the museum include overseeing its upkeep, ensuring that the exhibits are pristine and the premises are well-maintained, to enhance the visitor experience. I take great pride in volunteering at the museum, where at the age of 14, I have the honor of being the youngest member of the museum’s board.

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 a local museum, 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.