BANGOR – Free tickets to a variety of events, including the circus in eastern and northern Maine and baseball games at two state university campuses, are available to Maine soldiers and their families as a salute.

The tickets are available through Operation Community Support, a grass-roots organization established to assist those who have been deployed and the families left behind, organizer Skip Chappelle said recently.

Organizations throughout the state have provided assistance, from financial help to cultural, educational and athletic opportunities, he said.

Starting today and continuing through Sunday, April 17, family members of those still deployed or recently returned military personnel and their immediate families will get free admission to the 35th Bangor Home Show at the Bangor Civic Center when they present their military ID cards.

Similarly, free tickets are being made available for the Anah Temple Shrine Circus to be held Friday, April 29, at the Bangor Auditorium and Thursday, May 5, at the Presque Isle Forum.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is offering free admission to soldiers and their families to events sponsored by campus organizations.

And for those thinking about furthering their education, UMFK will waive the $40 admissions application fee for soldiers who have served in the war on terror and their dependents.

Husson College in Bangor is also waiving its admissions fee for soldiers and dependents.

On May 14, the University of Maine Department of Athletics will welcome Maine citizen soldiers and their families to a Black Bear baseball double-header. Admission will be free to anyone with a military ID as well as for their spouses and children.

Those organizations contributing to Operation Community Support, including businesses and municipalities, have become known as “battle buddies.”

Anyone interested in the activities and support being offered can contact a family assistance center at (888) 365-9287.