News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families

14 July 2023
Important July dates to recognize

  • July - Military Consumer Month
  • July 4 - Independence Day (Fourth of July)
  • July 21 - Department of Veterans Administration Created
  • July 25 - Hire a Veteran Day
  • July 26 - Armed Forces Unification Day
  • July 29 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps
  • July 29 - Army Chaplain Corps Anniversary  
Free Counseling and other Resources
Military families have proven their strength in weathering unique issues, such as frequent moves, deployments and separations from loved ones. Because everyone struggles now and then, the Department of Defense provides confidential non-medical counseling, specialty consultations and other forms of free confidential help to service members, immediate family members and, in some cases, Department of Defense civilians. Confidential help is available in person, via secure video, over the phone and online. Military One Source also has resources on moving, retirement, education, employment, childcare, special needs education and so much more.
Veterans Walk in
4th of July Parade

Members of the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families and local veteran service organizations, American Legion Post 156 and 300, VFW Post 7472 and Marine Corp League Det. 1084, celebrate Independence Day together and walk in the annual River Hill Parade.

Greatest Generation Veteran Dies at 102 Years

Louis John Schott lived 102 years and 11 months, almost 80 years of that time as a Marine. According to his good friend, Ed Hall, "Although our service was separated by 30 years, Marine Corps history, traditions, training and respect bonded us together and together we let every Marine know that every Marine counts and every Marine counts on his fellow Marines."

Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey to Louis and Anna Schott and the youngest of eight children, he graduated from LaSalle University, joined the US Marine Corps and was commissioned an infantry officer in 1943. He served as a rifle Platoon Leader in the battle of Peleliu in 1944. Wounded in action, he was medically evacuated where he recovered from his wounds and was sent back into action. As a rifle company commander in the battle of Okinawa, 1945, he was awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in combat against enemy forces. After the war, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve where he served until his retirement at the rank of Colonel. As a civilian he worked as a management analyst for the Social Security Administration and retired in 1977. In his later years Colonel Schott was very active in Howard County military organizations.
 
As he grew increasingly active with the Old Post gun club, VFW, American Legion and Marine Corps league, his sphere of influence began to grow. Presentations and appearances in local schools, The Maryland Arms Collectors Association, The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Marine Barracks, Washington DC, Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, and Iwo Jima Association, to name just a few caused him to be sought by many historians to record his WWll exploits and gallantry under fire for which he was awarded the Silver Star.
 
Photo: Col. Schott's 100th birthday

Military Veteran's Daughter Donates Dad's
2002 Triumph Motorcycle to
American Legion Riders 

The late Edward Lawrence “Larry” Killen was name as the Grand Marshal of the 2021 Howard County Veterans Day Parade after his death earlier that year. Killen had served as the chairman of the Howard County Veterans Day Committee from 2015 to 2019 and a past commander of the American Legion Adams, Hanna, Moore Memorial Post 156. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War.

Killen served in the Vietnam War as a Chinese linguist with the U.S. Navy and later with the U.S. Army Reserve 11th Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) Battalion in the Balkans and the Middle East. He was also a firefighter for Prince George’s County at Kentland Station 46 and a paramedic firefighter with the 3rd Battalion.

On July 16, Gayle Killen, Larry Killen's daughter, will donate his 2002 Triumph motorcycle to the American Legion riders who will "ride" to 9440 Brett Lane, Columbia Maryland to pick up the donated motorcycle.

Important Dates and Events

Now – Seeking Howard County veteran owned and military spouse small businesses that have products to sell. Email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov for more info

July 14 & 28 (2nd & 4th Fridays) - Empowering Veterans Speaker Series, 11am- 1pm. Featuring Sec. Anthony Woods on 7/14 .National Harbor

July 14 - Baltimore Station Fundraiser: Crab Feast & Bull Roast, Baltimore

July 15 – Saratoga War Horse Equine Program in Cockeysville, MD (Other dates: July 29, September 9 & 23, October 21, November 2, December 9). Veterans and Service Members who have served or are serving in any Military branch including Reservist and National Guard are welcome from anywhere in the U.S. and its territories no matter where or how long they served. PARTICIPATION IS FREE. There is NO COST to participate in Saratoga WarHorse’s 3-day program. Transportation to 1 of our 3 program locations, lodging, and meal expenses are 100%-paid by donations. info@saratogawarhorse.org or (518) 886-813



July 18 - Veterans enrolled with the VA Maryland Health Care System are now being accepted for Maryland’s 2023 Veterans Creative Arts Competition. July 18 - All artwork must be received.


July 26 – PACT Act Veterans Claims Clinic & VA Health Care Enrollment Fair, 9am-2pm. Anne Arundel Community College 101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012 Schwartz Student Union

July 27- Affordable Connectivity Workshop (ACP participants receive up to a $30/month discount on their home Internet service), 1:30-4. The HOWARD COUNTY OFFICE on AGING and INDEPENDENCE welcomes all QUALIFYING OLDER ADULT RESIDENTS of Howard County to sign up for an appointment at our regional application assistance event. In addition to getting help with the Affordable Connectivity Program application process, we will have various internet/wireless service providers available for you to learn more about/set up your service. ACP participants receive up to a $30/month discount on their home Internet service! EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045.

July 29 – Essentials Resource and Expungement Fair, 10am-4pm at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center.

August 4 – Uplift Vetworking 1st Friday: Lunch & Learn, 12-2pm. The purpose of this "lunch and learn" event is to introduce ourselves, provide our "gift" to the group, and present our "ask" of the group.

August 4 – Uplift Vetworking Part 2, 4:30-7:30pm at Busboys and Poets in Columbia.

August 5 - Howard County Fair Military Appreciation Day. Visit the fair on this day and receive a swag bag from the Commission for Veterans and Military Families.

August 7 – Veteran Connection Virtual Support Group, 6-7:30pm. Register here

August 10 - 2023 VISN 5 VA Virtual Mental Health Summit: Addressing Stigma and Veteran Recovery, 9am-1pm. Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 254 969 909 502
Passcode: pZCNtk
Download Teams | Join on the web
Agenda includes:
 Updates on Suicide Prevention, Access, VA and community Mental Health Programs
 Topics of Compassion Fatigue, Self-Stigma and a Recovery Panel of Veterans
 CEUs pending for VA VISN 5 Providers (only) on Diversity & Veteran Care
 

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.
Recurring Programs:
Writing workshop for healthcare workers that blends poetry, community, and the science of resilience. Every Tuesday, 7 PM EDT

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


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

Writing Workshop in Partnership with Strathmore featuring a Special Guest each month Creative writing workshop where you can put your personal stories on paper in a supportive environment. 3rd Thursday, 7 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.
        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/
 
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.

 
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 #

Connections Veteran Support Group, 1st Monday of each month, 6-7:30pm
Parent Support Group, 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30-9pm
NAMI Connection Support Group, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6:30-8pm
Transition Age Youth Support Group, 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30-9pm
Family Support Group, 3rd Friday of each month, 7:30-9pm
 
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.
Newsletters/Articles

 
 
Stay connected to Office of Aging news you can use by reading the May issue of the 50+ Connection and our quarterly 50+ Center newsletters:
50+ Connection
Bain 50+ Center
East Columbia 50+
Center
Elkridge 50+ Center
Ellicott City 50+
Center
Glenwood 50+ Center
North Laurel 50+
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Resources



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
To call the MNG Honor Guard office for additional information, please call: 410-576-6133

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.

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?
Blue Star Families' Caregivers Empowering Caregivers (CEC) Cohort Program is coming to Baltimore, and this is your official invitation to be part of it!
We're reserving a spot just for you, but space is limited. Learn more about this opportunity and apply today!
Employment/Volunteer Opportunities

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

 
 
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

Leroy Bell, Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
(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.
To be eligible for services
Transitioning service members must be
  1. Transitioning within 180 days or retiring within 270 days
  2. Be stationed/ assigned to Fort Meade and reside in the state of Maryland or
  3. If not stationed/assigned to Fort Meade must reside in Anne Arundel or Howard County
 
Military Spouses must be
  1. The spouse of a service member assigned/attached to Fort Meade and reside in the state or Maryland or
  2. A military spouse (active duty, veteran, reserve, or NG) who resides in Anne Arundel or Howard County
  3. Unemployed or underemployed and seeking new or better employment
Veterans must have
  1. Separated from the Military with an honorable, general, or other than honorable discharge
  2. Reside in Anne Arundel or Howard County
  3. Unemployed or underemployed and seeking new or better 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