AUGUSTA -- A commission working to prevent noncombat deaths among members of the Maine National Guard released a preliminary report Tuesday that recommends state and federal changes in military policy.

The Legislature created the Commission to Protect the Lives and Health of Members of the Maine National Guard last year. After public hearings and several meetings, the group issued a report that outlines accomplishments to date, plus short-term and long-term goals.

Commission chairwoman Barbara Damon-Day, of Newcastle, worked to get the panel created following the death of her son, Capt. Patrick Damon, who died a noncombat death in Afghanistan in 2006.

Among the accomplishments in the report:

• A link on the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site lists resources for veterans, soldiers and their families. The link can be found at mainepublichealth.gov.

•Maine National Guard members who are 40 or older are now receiving cardiovascular screenings prior to deployment.

• Pre- and post-deployment screenings for brain injuries are being given to all deploying Maine National Guard soldiers through a grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation.

Short-term goals include:

• establish a case review board for noncombat deaths and disabilities;

• recommend changes at the national level in military vaccination policies; and

• expand the veterans database to include causes of death.

Long-term goals outlined in the report include:

• finding money for an analysis of those suffering Gulf War Syndrome in Maine;

• addressing military physical screenings;

• tracking health care for all service personnel returning home from all branches of service.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com