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News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families
6 September 2023
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Important August dates to recognize
- September - Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
- September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
- September 10-16: National Suicide Prevention Week
- September 10-16: National Assisted Living Week
- Sept. 11, 2023 – Patriot Day – An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
- Sept. 15 – POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Sept. 18, 2023 – Air Force Birthday
- Sept. 24, 2023 – Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day – A Day to honor the families of fallen Servicemembers.
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Next PACT Act deadline: Health care enrollment for Veterans deployed to combat zones
Special enrollment period for Veterans who served in combat zones
Until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care and left the military between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the PACT Act. This special enrollment period gives Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for disability compensation benefits.
VA encourages all of these Veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care before the deadline. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Additionally, VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for Veterans.
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Suicide Prevention
Awareness Month
The Health Department developed an evidence-based Suicide Prevention Plan to address the many components of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. The Department’s efforts are targeted across the lifespan utilizing the It’s Ok to Ask Campaign. As part of this year’s suicide prevention month activities, the department is launching a Suicide Awareness Rocks! campaign to promote awareness and spread hope throughout the community. The goal of this campaign is to sprinkle the community with rocks that are painted with inspirational images and words along with information about how to get help by reaching out to 988. To learn more about the Health Department Suicide Prevention campaign, visit our website.
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Howard County Seeking Businesses for First Veteran and Military Spouse Owned Small Biz Expo - Limited Space so Sign Up Today!
To celebrate both Howard County Small Business Week and National Veteran’s Small Business Appreciation Week, the Office of Veterans and Military Families is looking for veteran, active duty or military spouse owned businesses to register to vend, sponsor and feature their business at the Expo. The Expo will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Howard County Economic Development Authority / Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr. Columbia, MD 21046. The event will feature live entertainment, food and activities to promote veteran owned small businesses. The completion of an initial interest form is required of potential vendors. Once approved by OVMF, the registration fee is $25 per table space. Custom sponsorship levels are also available.
For more info, email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-0821.
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Valiant Women Book Signing and Fundraiser for Veteran and Military Families Monument - Tickets Still Available for September 7, 5-7pm
More than 350,000 American women served in uniform during World War II. And yet, the stories of these remarkable women remain unknown to most Americans. Lena Andrews helps set the record straight in her comprehensive, groundbreaking new book, VALIANT WOMEN: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II. Drawing from research at 14 different archival institutions and over a dozen interviews with surviving Veterans and their families, Andrews tells the story of the trailblazing women—from every race, faith and walk of life—at the heart of the Allied strategy that won the war.
Join us for this unique opportunity to learn about their bravery and service and support fundraising efforts for the future Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument.
September 7 from 5-7pm at Busboys and Poets in Columbia. Tickets and sponsorships available here.
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Important Dates and Events
Now – Seeking Howard County veteran owned and military spouse small businesses that have products, books or artwork to sell, as well as business to consumer services. Email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov for more info.
Now – Veteran Curation Program is now accepting applications for our next session starting November 6th! The VCP is a five month program for veterans who are transitioning out of the military, need help finding a new job, or who are seeking new resume-building skills. The VCP supports veterans with resources, peer-support and a stable paycheck while giving veterans the space to work towards their personal and career goals. We offer positions ranging from 20-40 hours per week based on the needs of the veteran. No experience is necessary to apply, all training will be completed within the first two weeks of the session as a group. Visit www.veteranscurationprogram.org/how-to-apply/ for more information and to send in your application. September 5th, 1 pm EST we will offer a Virtual Showcase with tours of all four labs, alumni interviews, and more. To receive the Zoom link, please email kblanke@newsouthassoc.com.
Now - Blue Star Families is hosting a 30-Mile Family Walk Facebook Challenge in September! The awareness and funds raised throughout the challenge will support American military families so that wherever they go, they always feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive. You can click the link below to join the Facebook Group and get started today: 30-Mile Family Walk Challenge Group.
September 7 – Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families monthly meeting, 8-9pm virtual only. Email veterans@howardcountydmd.gov for Webex link.
September 7 - All Clearances Cleared Job Fair, 2pm-5.30pm at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve. Register here
September 9 - The Veterans Creative Arts Competition and Festival is a national VA event that celebrates the value of the creative arts and creative arts therapy in the health, wellness and rehabilitation of our nation’s Veterans. It starts with Veterans competing locally and local winners advance to compete nationally. The event concludes with the annual VA National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. 10am-5pm at MD State Fairgrounds.
This year, 40 Maryland Veterans submitted a total of 91 entries in a variety of categories encompassing art, creative writing, drama and music. Most of the Veterans will be at the Maryland State Fair on Saturday, September 9 for the Veterans Creative Arts Showcase, which features a live stage show and author readings, followed by an awards ceremony. Prior to and after the stage show and ceremony, Veterans will be on hand to share their work and talk about its importance in their lives with those who visit.
The Veterans Creative Arts Showcase will take place on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the 4-H/FFA Home Arts Building, located just inside the entrance to the fairgrounds. Tickets are required to enter the fair and can be purchased at https://marylandstatefair.com
September 10 - Operation Improv, 12-230pm. Project Create Arts Center 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Washington, District of Columbia, United States Master the fundamentals of unscripted, spontaneous improv comedy in this eight-week class. Speak more confidently and overcome shyness, unlock your creativity, sharpen your mind, meet new friends and have fun. Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) provides free art and comedy classes to veterans, service members, military family members, and caregivers.
Is Entrepreneurship the right choice for you?
Do you have a business idea but not sure where to start?
Do you currently have a business and want to take it to the next level?
Classes will be held on Monday Evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, starting on September 25, 2023.
September 11 - Veterans Receive Free Sandwich at Mission BBQ
America is nearly 250 years old. Our story as a nation is full of achievements, shortcomings, and dreams. And there’s a lot to laugh about. RSVP Now Free
September 13 - Breaking Barriers While Building Community Partnerships: 2023 Veteran Suicide Prevention Panel, 9am-12pm at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Brooke-Mondale Auditorium) 451 7th St SW, Washington, D.C. 20410 and watch virtually. RSVP by August 31, 2023 to Mr. Walter Elmore at walter@accesshousingdc.org and LCDR Jamillah Bynum at jamillah.bynum@hhs.gov. Lunch will be provided.
September 15 – Veteran Employers Hiring Veterans, 10am-3p at 2600 Arundel Lodge Solomons Island Rd in Edgewater. Register as jobseeker or employer. 443-433-5900, ext 5915 or dkamioner@arundellodge.org
September 15 or November 11, 2023 – Free Mental Health First Aid Training,
8:30am-3:30pm Virtual via Zoom. Pre-Register hcgh.org/events
Learn to assist an adult experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge
What Does Mental Health First Aid Teach?
• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use in adults
• How to interact with an adult in a non-crisis and crisis situation
• How to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental
health or substance use problem and connect them to appropriate care
• The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
• Includes a self-paced online course to be completed before the instructor-led
class. The online course will teach the skills that will be practiced
in class
September 17 – Comedy Bootcamp, 2-5pm. Learn the basics of standup comedy in this six-week class taught by professional comics. The class ends with a graduation show where you’ll deliver a five-minute comedy set to a public audience. Our 600+ graduates have gone on to perform on some of the world’s biggest stages, including Warner Theater, Gotham Comedy Club, and The White House. This six-week class will meet on Sundays: September 17, 24, October 1, 15, 22, 29 (skip October 8). Each session is 3 hours. This class has a graduation show on Wednesday, November 1st where participants will perform for an audience of friends, family, and the community.
September 24 – Gold Star Family Day, 6 p.m. LUMINARY PLACEMENT 7 p.m. CEREMONY AND REFRESHMENTS at BridgingLife, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster. To personalize a luminary bag in honor of your loved one please arrive at 5:45 p.m. You may also call BridgingLife at 410-871-8000 to have a luminary bag personalized in advance.
October 2-6 - Digital Inclusion Week, an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration to promote digital equity in our communities. On October 5, Digital Equity Day at the Elkridge 50+ Center from 1 to 4 pm, Malarie Burgess, Digital Inclusion Specialist and volunteers from AARP's Senior Planet program will conduct Digital Skill Assessments and provide one-on-one tech assistance to older adults. This day will have information about Senior Planet classes as well as assist those who qualify to apply for the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Comcast reps will be onsite to assist the ACP applicants to gain connectivity. The event will host another tech donation drive with OAI's partner PCs for People to collect, refurbish and redistribute usable equipment to those who need it.
October 20 - Ft. Meade Resource Fair, 3-6pm. More info to come.
October 23 thru 27 - Howard County 2023 Business Appreciation Week - Businesses of ALL industries and sizes in Howard County are invited to take part in this year’s Business Appreciation Week from October 23 - 27! During the week, ambassador teams including county department heads, government officials, community organization leaders, and Howard County Economic Development Authority team members will visit local businesses to learn more about their experiences doing business in Howard County. Business Appreciation Week celebrates the important and essential contributions of the businesses that make up Howard County! We hope that you take this opportunity to share your stories and experiences. Registration is now open. Secure your spot today!
October 28 – First-ever Veteran-Owned Small Business Expo, 10am-2pm at the MD Innovation Center 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive Columbia, MD. If you are a veteran, active duty or military spouse owned small business that would like to sell your products and showcase your services at this family friendly event, please email veterans@howardcountymd.gov. There will be veteran owned food truck, music, activities and giveaways.
Recurring Programs:
Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm & 4th Saturdays of every month at 11:30 am. Please register with Bernadette Garrett at tmspeakerleaderdtm20@gmail.com
Now – Honor Flights Maryland seeking WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who may be interested in visiting DC Memorials next year, volunteers and guardians to help!
Now - Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who died while in service to our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page
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Newsletters
VA S.A.V.E. Training Brochure - What is VA S.A.V.E. Training? VA S.A.V.E. Training will help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:
S Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized
A Ask the most important question of all —
“Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
V Validate the Veteran’s experience
E Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help
Treatment Works for Veterans - is on the Veterans Affairs website. This popular site features two portals - one connects Veterans with proven mental health treatments and the other gives providers tools for engaging Veterans in evidence-based treatments.
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Employment Opportunities
Military Community Connections - Military Career Connections assists eligible transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans with enhanced one-on-one career services. These career services include a combination of resume assistance, employment assistance, no cost industry training, licensing, certifications, work and learn opportunities, and barrier remediation with the goal of employment.
Women Veterans Inclusion Program - Women Veterans/Inclusion Program - The MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program was established in August 2021 to collaborate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, state and local governments, and community organizations to coordinate events to raise awareness of the needs of Maryland’s women, minority, and underserved veteran populations. A statewide advisory group has convened to identify resources to support and advocate on behalf of this group of veterans.
Research Participation Opportunity - VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating.
Visit: https://www.familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.
Director of Proposal Writing Operations (Remote) - DiverseABILITY Team at Maximus which specifically recruits individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, veterans, and military spouses. The primary responsibility of the Director Proposal Writer will be to work a team of proposal writers, the Proposal Manager, Business Development, and Operations personnel to plan and deliver major Health & Human Services proposals to a wide range of State & Local Government clients at locations throughout the U.S. This U.S. remote position is a highly visible role that works closely with senior leadership, capture personnel, and operations management to write, edit, review, and produce winning proposals.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: US-Remote
Education: Bachelor’s degree with major in English, communications, or marketing.
Experience: 10 years of experience
Status: Full Time, eligible for benefits
Pay Rate: $100,000.00/yr. - $145,000.00/yr.
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