Important June dates to recognize

After more than a decade of planning and fundraising, the Howard County Veterans Foundation unveiled official designs for the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument that will be constructed at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park on the Columbia Lakefront. The project has secured approximately $1.5 million in state funding, $295,000 in county funding and $51,000 in private donations, leaving about $1 million left to raise. Each component of the monument holds symbolic meaning, for example, the blue star represents Veterans and their families in honor of the long-standing tradition for families to hang a blue star when a loved one is deployed. The star is slanted at an angle, pointing upward toward the heavens, symbolizing the countless prayers given by all for a safe and a joyful reunion. The reflecting pond represents the tears that are shed and the blood lost. It is also meant to be a symbol of healing, cleansing and renewal. The pond is a place for individuals and families to come and sit on the surrounding benches and reflect on the cost of service and sacrifice of our veterans, currently serving military and their families. For more info, visit howardcountyveterans.org/the-monument/

Howard County American Legion Posts 156 and 300, VFW Post 7472 and Marine Corp League Det. 1084 and the Commission for Veterans and Military Families held three ceremonies to honor men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Ceremonies were held at the Old Ellicott City Courthouse, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. To honor Howard County residents who died while in service to our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families has created the Fallen Heroes Tribute page. Please read the stories of valor on this webpage.

Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be! Finding inexpensive ways to spend your time can help you make the most out of your trip. Discover historic sites and museums, natural landmarks and outdoor activities. Check out our list of FREE or almost FREE attractions and activities.

Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families partnered with Blue Star Families to host veteran and military caregivers for a day out to relax and connect with one another. Lincoln Culinary Institute student chefs provided a gratis 3 course meal and Howard County Office of Aging and Independence Caregiver Support Program Manager, shared resources. Parks and Recreations Belmont Manor provided the venue with a special historical tour.

Now- Please complete Military Family Lifestyle Survey

June 10 – MDVA Women Veterans Recognition Day, 9am-1pm at American Legion Towson Post #22 125 York Road Towson, MD 21204.

June 10 – Safe Haven Equine Warriors Appreciation event, 11am-1pm at 12565 Indian Hill Way Sykesville MD. Free but RSVP to info@safehavenequinewarriors.com and via call/text at (410)718-1806.

June 10 – Women Veterans Recognition and Resource Fair, 10am-2pm. PGCC

June 10 - Virtual First-Time Homebuyers Education Class, 10am-2pm. For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/housing-community-

June 13 from 6-7:30pm: Webinar – Settlement Downpayment Loan Program. To register, please email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

June 14 – Serving Together Veteran Collaborative meeting, 9-10:30am.

June 15 - Culturally Responsive Care for LGBTQ+ Service Members, Veterans and Their Families. FREE CEUs. Virtual

June 21 - Webinar with Making Change – Information on MIHU and SDLP programs. To register, please click here, 7-8pm.

June 22 – Virtually Military Friendly Job Fair

June 26 – HCPSS Education Foundation Bright Minds Bright Future Reception, 6-8pm at 18^th and 21^st/Cured. Celebrate our Principal and Teacher of the Year and help raise money for student and teacher support. Food, drinks and music included. Tickets and sponsorships available..

June 27 - Webinar – Reinvest * Renovate * Restore (RRR) rehabilitation loan program, for those who already own a home in Howard County, 4pm. To register, please email tshelton@howardcountymd.gov.

June 29 - In-Person MIHU Workshop at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive., 6-7:30pm. To register, please email ModerateIncomeHousing@howardcountymd.gov

June 30 – Red White and Blue Fest with Fireworks on Ft. Meade, 6pm. Open to the public.

July 15 – Serving our Willing Warriors Annual Vettes for Vets Auto Show

September 9 – Annual Warrior Bike Ride to benefit Serving our Willing Warriors

October 28 – First-ever Veteran-Owned Small Business Expo, 10am-2pm at the MD Innovation Center 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive Columbia, MD.

Now – Project Opportunity Fall Registration Open for Classes on Monday evenings, Sept 11- Nov 13, 6-9pm at the Maryland Innovation Center (Gold Room Third Floor) located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, Entrepreneurial program for veterans, military spouses and caregivers.

Comedy Workshop with Amelia Bane in Partnership with Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals  Writing workshop for all interested to learn and practice comedy writing skills. 2nd Tuesday, 12 PM EDT

Poetry Workshop with Ben Weakley in Partnership with Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals  Creative writing workshop for all. 4th Tuesday, 12 PM EDT

Visual Art Workshop with Veteran Artists Val Acosta, Shaun Smith, and Joe Merritt Hang out in a collaborative group setting, learn new art techniques, and create a masterpiece. No experience necessary. Every Wednesday, 7 PM EDT

Writing Workshop for Military, Veterans, Caregivers and Spouseswith Laura Van Prooyen in Partnership w/ Blue Star Families Creative writing workshop where we'll consider writing as a tool for communication, expression, and relief from holding it all together. 1st & 3rd Thursday, 3:30 PM EDT

Writing Workshop with Seema Reza No experience required! If you can think, you can write. Bring some paper and a pen! Every Friday, 12 PM EDT

Veteran Virtual Kiosk, Monday thru Friday 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.

Register for Maryland’s Workforce Exchange by visiting        https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/

Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans, 1st Tuesday of every month - 12-1pm.  

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

Virtual Mindfulness and Gentle Yoga, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month 5-6pm.

Every Day – Veterans Yoga Project Livestreaming classes.  

2^nd 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.

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.

NAMI Support Groups

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 – Free Web Based Financial Workshops, Counseling, First Time Buyers (in Spanish)

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. 

Now - The Perry Point Veterans Museum at the Grist Mill is open for guided tours. Please call 410-642-2411 ext. 26071 or email PerryPointVeteransMuseum@va.gov to verify the current hours or to schedule a visit.

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MDVA  newsletter – June 2

Korean War Memorial in Canton (Baltimore) needs volunteers for special event planning

Howard County Office of Children and Families Home Visiting Programs - Healthy Families and Parents as Teachers  

Military Honors - In Maryland, the Maryland National Guard (MNG) provides Military Honors. Here is a link to the Honor Guard information on the MNG website, which should provide you information on requesting a flag presentation. https://military.maryland.gov/mdng/Pages/faq.aspx

VA Disability Housing Grants - We offer housing grants for Veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities so they can buy or change a home to meet their needs and live more independently. Changing a home might involve installing ramps or widening doorways. Find out if you’re eligible for a disability housing grant—and how to apply.

The Experiences and Challenges of America’s Military and Veteran Caregiver Survivors - A just-released report from the Foundation, TAPS, and Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network that brings greater understanding of the Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) transition. The report highlights key information about the experience of a care recipient passing away, including how to navigate the change in benefits and resources. Check out the Report here.  

Senior Call Check Program - Maryland is the first state in the country to start a free, automated telephone service to check in on Maryland's older residents, all across the state. Available for those 65 years and older. Give your family, friends and yourself the piece of mind knowing that someone will check on you. Click HERE to find out more and to register.

Need to Talk? Call 211, Press 1 - Problems with depression? Anxiety? Thoughts of suicide? Drugs or Alcohol? Call Maryland's helpline: Call 211, press 1 or text your zip code to 898-211 (TXT-211).

Caregiver Cohort - Are you a caregiver looking to make connections with other caregivers in your area? All while participating in no-costs-associated self-care workshops in 2023?

ActNowEducation - FREE Comprehensive educational resources and opportunities for Active Duty, Veterans, Military Spouses

 Howard County Government Employment Opportunities

Ft. Meade Childcare Providers Wanted – Great wage, 401K, commissary and Base Exchange and Bonuses – Email meredith.a.mccandless.naf@army.mil for more info. 

Max Outreach - OutreachCoordinator@maximus.com or by phone at 1-800-274-8582 ext 185

(410)290-2606(O)

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.

For more information, please send an email to military@aawdc.org

If you would like more information about resources for veterans in Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/veterans or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov