29 October 2021
Resources for Veterans and Military Family Members
Important Dates and Events
·     Now - Vehicles for Change has 10 cars ready to be donated to Maryland Veterans. Applications are due no later than November 5th and vehicles will be presented to recipients on November 10th in honor of Veteran’s Day. To be eligible, applicants must be working or have a job offer, be insurable, drug-free, have a valid MD driver’s license, and there must be no vehicles in their household. If you know of anyone who might be eligible and lives in the state of Maryland, please call the Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities at 410-386-3800 for more information and application assistance.
 
·     October 29 - Problem Gambling Among Military and Veteran Populations webinar, 12-1pm. Register
 
·     October 29 – Free Veterans Legal Clinics, 10am-4pm
Legal Advice and Referral Clinic – 202.733-3317
Legal Advice/Referral Clinic for Women Only - 202.733.3329
Discharge Update Clinic – 202.733.3324
Direct questions to clinics@vetsprobono.org.
 
·     November 1 – NAMI Connection Veteran Support Group, 6pm. A free, drop in, peer-led support group for Veterans living with mental illness.

·     November 1 – Affordable Health Insurance for young adults. Marylanders 18-34 years old, can now take advantage of new subsidies and enroll in affordable health insurance. Maryland’s open enrollment period begins on November 1st. Photos from the event can be found here. Video can be found here.  
 
 
·     November 1 - NAMI Basics in Spanish, 7-9:30pm
 
·     November 2 - Winning Resume’ & Cover Letters, 10am-12pm. A resume and cover letter are essential marketing tools that al-low you to highlight your achievements and accomplishments to potential employers. This workshop will focus on creating target-ed resumes and cover letters that will enable you to stand out. This workshop will be held both onsite and virtually. Click here to register!
 
·     November 3 - Beating the Odds: Seeking Help & Resiliency, 6pm. Mental health is important for everyone. During the month of November we are focusing on the particular challenges that men face as well as men of color. Join a conversation with Dr. Dwayne Buckingham, Showtime Shawn Porter and Allen Simmons. Together they include a mental health professional, veteran, professional athlete, life coach, author, motivational speakers, fathers and husbands. Get your questions ready!
 
·     November 4 - MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Launch, 10am.\
 
·     November 4 - Online Job Search Essentials, 12pm -1pm. This workshop will explore online job applications and how to get responses to applications from employers. Keywords and targeted applications will be discussed as well as the hidden job market. This workshop will be held virtually. Click here to register!
 
·     November 4 – Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families meeting, 7-8:30pm. Email veterans@howardcountymd.gov for the link to join.
 
·     November 4 – HireHeroesUSA Virtual Job Fair, 12-5pm.
 
·     November 5 - Dr. X presents 1st Friday Happy Hour of Power, 4:30pm at Cured Table & Tap | 18th & 21st. To rebuild a sense of camaraderie among veterans and to network with a community that supports them.

· November 6 – Willing Warriors Annual Gala
 
· November 7 - 7th Annual Howard County Veterans Day Parade, 9:30am i downtown Columbia. Followed by a ceremony on the Lakefront. For more info, https://www.howardcountyveterans.org/parade/

·     November 8 – Veterans Eat Free at Mission BBQ
 
·     November 8 through December 6 - Donation Drive for Veterans. Dropoff at Howard County Libraries. The Baltimore Station is an innovative therapeutic residential and outpatient treatment program supporting veterans who are overcoming obstacles to regain self-sufficiency. They provide a variety of services, including mental health, nutrition, workforce development, and more, and serve about 300 men each year. We will be collecting NEW Bath-size towels, Pillows and Underwear (Men’s size: S,M,L,3X)
 
·     November 9 – Serving Together Central Maryland Collaborative, 1-2:30pm. We will be discussing resources, barriers to care, and opportunities within the realm on Mental Health & Wellness throughout the region.
 
·     November 9 - Documentary short screening of True North: Honest Stories of Finding Home, features veterans who use the power of sailing to successfully transition home, 7pm. The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day event featuring Valhalla Sailing Project includes aerial footage above Maryland's own Chesapeake Bay and a panel discussion featuring local veterans, local documentary producer Suzie Galler, and Valhalla Sailing Project leadership. Register here.
 
 ·     November 9 - Introduction to the Maryland Workforce Exchange, 2-3pm. Learn what the Maryland Workforce Exchange has to offer! This website is a one-stop shop to learning about careers, finding employment, and registering for workshops and events. This workshop will be held virtually. Click here to register!
 
·     November 9 & 10 - The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration Public Flower Ceremony. For the first time in nearly 100 years, and as part of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration, the public will be able to walk on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Plaza and lay flowers. Register here.

·     November 10 - Interviewing Strategies, 12-2pm. Review basic skills to rock your next interview. This workshop covers some tips for preparing before an interview, managing those tough questions, and how to follow-up post interview. This workshop will be held virtually.
 
·     November 11 - Walk-In COVID-19 Booster & Flu Shot Clinic                   at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, 8am-1pm. Veterans enrolled with VA should bring a VA Health Identification Card. Spouses, caregivers and unenrolled Veterans, bring a photo ID. Everyone who wants a COVID booster, bring a copy of your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card showing the date of your last vaccination.
 
·     November 11 – McVet Veterans Day Virtual Walk/Run
 
·     November 17 - Creating Healthy Habits: Putting Your 180 Into Practice, 2pm EST. Moderated by Chris Colbert, we will focus on how to practice healthy habits and how to overcome the challenges that present themselves when trying to incorporate new habits. There’s another great group of contributors to this conversation, including Stephanie Szostak, Eric Christianson, Elle Mark, and Rachel Mariotti. They will answer your questions as well so be ready for the hour to fly by with their inspirational input.

·     November 18 - Project Opportunity’s 2nd Annual Veteran Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition and Celebration, 1-5:30pm. RSVP to joe.giordano@project-opportunity.com by Friday, November 5, 2021
 
·     November 19 - ‘Tis the Season for Gifting Responsibly: Avoid Underage Lottery Play and Engage in Responsible Gambling, 12-1pm. Register
 
·     November 22 – Interviewing Strategies, 12pm-2pm. Review basic skills to rock your next interview. This workshop co-vers some tips for preparing before an interview, managing those tough questions, and how to follow-up post interview. This work-shop will be held virtually. Click here to register!
 
·     November 23 - National Virtual Career Fair, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Central. Registration Link: rmvets.com/NationalVCF1121
 
·     Howard County 50+ Center Veterans Day activities:
 
Ellicott City - Tuesday, November 9 at 1 pm. Bitter Memories: The Fall of Saigon, a presentation by Tom Glenn 
 
Elkridge - Tuesday, November 9th at 1pm. The Martin B-26 “Marauder”, a medium bomber built in eastern Baltimore County, had reputation as a hot plane but was a staple in the US Army Air Force. Phil Lord will commemorate this World War II aircraft and the crews who flew and serviced them. 
 
Bain - Wednesday, November 10 at 9:30 am. Honoring Our Veterans: Never Forget Their Service Sharing Event. Participants share stories, photographs and memorabilia 
 
Glenwood - Wednesday, November 10th  at 1pm. Cost: $8. Veteran’s Day Celebration: Movie & Mangia. Showing a war related movie and having a packaged meatball sub and chips to go in a brown bag with a red poppy. 
East Columbia, Friday, November 12 at 10 am. Veterans’ Coffee Hour: Veterans Share Their Stories 

·     December 17 - Gambling is NOT the Solution to Financial Woes: Understanding the Stress of Problem/Disordered Gamblers During the Holidays and in the New Year. Register
 
 
·     Now - Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page. 
We hope that you will use this form by sharing their stories of valor which will be highlighted on a future webpage. Fallen Heroes Form
If you would like to research possible heroes and help us recognize them, visit the following sites:
For Global War on Terror, this website has names listed by Operation: https://dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/pages/casualties_ofs.xhtml. Click on each individual Operation, then select Names of Fallen. They list home of record (city and state) for the servicemember.
For Vietnam, https://www.archives.gov/files/research/military/vietnam-war/casualty-lists/md-alpha.pdf. You can find photos of those servicemembers on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Wall of Faces: https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/.
For World War II, the Archives have a list by County.
www.findagrave.com
Now – Made With Love initiative. KNIT and/or CROCHET for VETERANS! The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting homemade SCARVES and HATS for military members. Drop off your handmade items no later
than Friday, November 5, at one of the locations listed below.
Pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed and feel free to include a personal note for a military member.
Our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts,
especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans at home in the states.

 
Monday thru Friday - Veteran Virtual Kiosk, 10am-3pm EST. A daily virtual office where you can connect to our employment professionals and get help with MD Workforce Exchange and find out about available resources. Contact Mr. Anthony Butler Sr.
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu
Phone—+1 516-268-6742 PIN: 748 066 507 #
 
Register for Maryland’s Workforce Exchange by visiting https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/
 
1st Tuesday of every month - Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans, 12-1pm.  
 
Tuesdays, Thru December 14, 2021 - Virtual Comedy Writing Workshop, 12-1pm. Registration: https://bit.ly/CBAWComedy2021
 
2nd Tuesdays & 4th Saturdays of every month, thru December 18 - Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities, Tuesdays at 7 pm & Saturdays at 11:30 am. Please register with Bernadette Garrett at tmspeakerleaderdtm20@gmail.com
 
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month thru December 22, 2021 - Virtual Mindfulness and Gentle Yoga, 5-6pm.
 

Thursdays beginning Nov 4 - Teen Virtual Therapy Group, National Family Resiliency Center (NFRC), 7-8:15 pm. Group will run for six weeks, with the option to continue. Registration and individual meeting prior to group start date required. Teens in grades 8-12 have an opportunity to explore and resolve concerns related to families in transition, as well as focusing on many issues such as dating, friendships, pandemic stress, decisions about college, careers, etc. Teens who have participated comment about how comfortable it is to talk and be understood by their peers. One session with parent and one with teen prior to group start date is required so that therapists can get to know participants prior to group and answer any questions or concerns. For more information or questions, please email khelt@nfrchelp.org or call 410-740-9553 x208. Sliding scale payment available..
 
2nd Thursday of the Month - Veteran Small Business & Entrepreneur Check-In, 3pm EST. A monthly outreach and support event which brings together vet friendly businesses, small business service organizations and aspiring veteran entrepreneurs to share opportunities advice and resources. Contact Mr. Anthony Butler Sr.
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/coi-hmmo-gqy
Phone—+1 385-645-7116 PIN: 158 654 013 #
 
Last Thursday of the Month- Veteran Career Club, 11am EST. A monthly outreach and support event which brings together veteran job seekers, career guides, JVSG employment professionals and veteran service organizations to provide job/career options, information on apprenticeships and training opportunities and share tips and techniques for success. Contact Mr. Anthony Butler Sr.
Virtual—https://meet.google.com/nog-aidc-bfv
Phone—+1 316-778-8309 PIN: 237 445 104 #

Resources




Free Will Writing - Just 20 minutes to create or update your legallybinding will
 
Operation Homefront’s Transitional Housing (“Villages”) provides rent-free, two and three bedroom apartments to wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their families as they leave the military in Gaithersburg, MD. The Villages are designed to enable families to heal together, while bridging what can be a lengthy gap between military pay ending and veteran benefits beginning, or when veterans’ disability claims are reviewed and received.
Our Villages relieve the financial stress and provide a comprehensive package of individualized family support and financial planning services. Each participating family is provided with: Rent-free, utility-free, fully furnished
Apartment, Case management and customized, transition plans, One-on-one financial counseling, Assistance with medical referrals, Employment coaching and educational guidance, Support network
Families experience a supportive environment among understanding peers, and most make impressive financial progress during their stay, leaving the Village debt-free, or nearly so, with an emergency savings plan in place.


Sign Up to Be Listed in the NEW Howard County Small & Minority Business Directory!   If you or someone you know has a small or minority-owned business, please complete this brief questionnaire.
Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274


Military Veterans and Families - Expedited Licensing. Maryland law requires the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to help veterans and active members of the United States armed forces, including their spouses, to obtain occupational and professional licenses in Maryland. Service members include active duty reservists and members of the National Guard. Occupational and Professional Licensing will issue your license within 60 days of receiving a completed application with all supporting documentation. Once an application has been submitted, please direct all inquiries for expedited processing to the boards/commissions, or call 410-230-6221.


Health and Wellness

Blue Star Registry for Active Duty Members for Free Access to Museums and other resources and Headspace Meditation and Mindfulness app

Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network Virtual Exhibition Featuring Military Service Member and Veteran Artwork - The National Endowment for the Arts proudly presents Creative Forces: Healing the Invisible Wounds of War—an interactive exhibition of visual art, music, and performances by military service members and veterans who are current or former participants in the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.



Newsletters, Articles and other Information

·     MDVA
 
 
 

·      VFW Newsletter
 
·     50+ Connection – news and resources for our 50+ residents
 
 
Employment Opportunities
 
·     Ellicott City Encore Senior Living Dining Services Staff Needed. 4PM - 8PM, during the week and on weekends, part time or full time. Other shifts available too. $13/hr. The position ranges from helping in the kitchen, working the dish room, to even working in one of our dining rooms taking orders and waiting on our residents! Contact Melissa at msimpson@lorienhealth.com or 410-471-7070 ext 5069. https://www.lorienhealth.com/locations/encore/careers View Our Virtual Tour https://youtu.be/kBzqTxWHzBQ
 
·     Amazon Careers - My Amazon Warrior Story: Preparing transitioning service members, Veterans and military spouses for civilian careers
 
·     Howard and Anne Arundel County Career ReStart program - Traditional job searching is no longer effective. We can teach you how to proactively campaign for jobs, just like politicians do. Through AAWDC’s Career ReStart training you will develop powerful self-marketing tools and implement strategies that promote confidence and courage that result in rapid employment. Military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Four 2.5 hour group sessions over 2 weeks
A new step is introduced at each session
Self-paced online assignments that build on what you learned in each session
Successful completers who submit all assignments will receive a stipend
 
Job Title: Investigator, Office of the Attorney General - Investigator Independent Investigations Division, Posting Date: October 1, 2021 Closing Date: October 15, 2021 Location: Office of the Attorney General 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Position Type: Regular Full Time
Sodexo is Hiring on Fort Meade/NSA – Keyword: Fort Meade. Email resume or application to Katherine.Coburn@sodexo.com
Sheppard Pratt The Shallow Subsidy positions:
 
Project Scope: Understanding the Security Clearance Process for students, parents and veterans.
 
New Training & Resources Center for Veterans Starting Businesses
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). For more info:
Coverage: Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania
Address: Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21046
Telephone: (301) 955-6328  Email: scolella@umd.edu
 
Veteran Staffing Network - connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to-perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.



Veteran Employment Resource Center - Resume-writing tutorials & guidelines specific for military members and veterans, How-to / Instructional videos, Interviewing techniques and best practices guidance and list of career fairs.

Military Spouse Resource Center - Resume-writing tutorials & guidelines specific for military spouses, How-to / Instructional videos, Interviewing techniques & guidance and a list of career fairs.
 
Search & Employ Magazine - Digital bi-monthly military and military spouse employment focused publication


Orion Jones, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Howard County
Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185