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Iraq War veteran Marshall Archer of Saco, Maine, has always enjoyed visiting state parks with his family. In fact, it’s become a bit of a tradition over the years. It’s the beauty of America, in part, that inspired Archer to fight for his country, along with a desire to help others.
When Archer and his family visited Ferry Beach State Park in 2005, he discovered admission for his group was $16. More surprising, there were no discounts for veterans or military personnel.
“It just rubbed me the wrong way,” Archer said. “Here I was just back from Iraq, and I had to pay to enter a park I had risked my life to protect. It just didn’t feel right.”
Two months passed, and he just couldn’t get it off his mind. He decided to write a letter to Representative Lawrence Bliss of the Maine Legislature urging service members and veterans be granted free access to state parks. Representative Bliss agreed with Archer and decided to take on the issue.
Once Representative Bliss, now Senator Bliss, joined the team, the only thing left to do was build support from all over the state.
“We did a lot of e-mail lobbying,” Archer said. “Most people agreed with the concept. It just became an issue of state revenue.”
In the end, Archer and Bliss prevailed, and the Bill was signed into law on June 28, 2009.
Now all vets have to do is show proof of an honorable discharge, a military I.D., or a veterans license plate to be granted free access to state parks.
Archer is gratified to advocate for fellow veterans. In fact, he considers it returning the favor. After the VFW assisted him with a disability claim when he returned from war, he vowed to "give back."
He became a VFW member at large in 2004 and later transferred to Post 6859 in Portland, Maine. Archer served as a Post Service Officer, as well as Post Jr. Vice Commander and District 25 Commander.
Archer is currently furthering his education at the University of Southern Maine with help from the new GI Bill. He also serves in a leadership position for the Student Veterans of America.
“We wouldn’t have the new GI Bill if it weren’t for the fighting determination of the generations of veterans who came before us,” said Archer. “It just goes to show that if we don’t get involved with these issues now, we will not be prepared to assist future vets. The state park issue is only one example of how we young veterans really can make a difference.” | 
