Veteran and Military Families Resources

On June 12, the Howard County Veterans Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument. Pictured here: County Executive Ball and HCVF Board members. See more photos from the event.

Flag Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies

More than 10,000 flags have been deposited in the container at Alpha Ridge Landfill since it was installed in 2015.

The Students Partnering with Veterans Club volunteered at a Flag Day event and shared the history of WWII Navy veteran, Howard Baroudi.

Columbia American Legion Post 300 Commander George Delaney awarded Howard County student Maneet Mehta, Troop 540, with the Department of MD American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year at the Ocean City Convention.

The Commission for Veterans and Military Families, American Legion Commander and Howard County Del. Jessica Feldmark participated in the Clarksville 4th of July Parade.

Office of Veterans and Military Families Manager Receives Department of the Army Public Service Commemorative Medal

In June, Fort George G. Meade celebrated the Army's 250th Birthday with 400 community partners, service members, previous Commanders and their families at a gala held at Club Meade. At a surprise ceremony, Lisa Terry, Manager of the Office of Veterans and Military Families was awarded the Army Public Service Commemorative Medal from Garrison Commander COL Yolanda D. Gore for her years of service to the military and veteran community.

Lisa Terry was also recognized for her 9 years (3 years as Chair) on Bright Minds Foundation Board of Directors, and presented with the "Volunteer of the Year" award, Board Member Emeritus recognition and a proclamation from the County Executive for her commitment to educators and students in Howard County Public Schools.

Lisa Terry with Howard Community College and Fort Meade Alliance colleagues at Fort Meade's 250th Army's Birthday Gala.

Lisa Terry, Bright Minds Foundation Board Chair receives "Volunteer of the Year" and a proclamation from the County Executive..

Now accepting Parade Grand Marshall nominations

and registration for community groups to participate in this year's Veterans Day Parade!

Maryland Passes Matthew Fast Act

for Warrior Healthcare

The SFC Matthew Fast Act is a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving healthcare access for veterans and service members. It mandates that healthcare facilities systematically screen patients for military service and document this information in medical records. This act is particularly important for addressing the health disparities faced by veterans, such as higher rates of PTSD and chronic pain, which are often overlooked in civilian healthcare settings. The act aims to ensure that military-connected individuals receive appropriate care and that their unique health risks are recognized and addressed by healthcare providers.

The act was named in honor of Sergeant First Class Matthew Fast, who tragically passed away due to undiagnosed health issues linked to his military service. His story highlighted the critical need for such legislation to prevent preventable deaths and ensure that no military family will endure the same fate. The act represents a historic step forward in recognizing and addressing the healthcare challenges faced by military-connected Americans.

One simple question - “Have you served?” - can spare other families this devastation.

The Maryland FAST Act goes into effect on October 1, 2025, and establishes new mandatory standards for treating Veterans, Active-Duty, National Guard members, Reserves, and their family members. This law will require specific protocols, training, and compliance measures that healthcare facilities must implement to avoid legal liability.

Invisible Wounds: The Story of Matthew Fast

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

August 2, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Armed Forces Day at the Howard County Fair. Valid military ID required. Meet members of local veteran service organizations, Commission for Veteran and Military Families, Veteran Support Group. Schedule of events

August 2, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Yoga With Local Veteran. Join us at Reckless Shepherd Brewery for Yoga in the Morning with John Way & The VA Way, and dancing in the evening with Pressing Strings. Yoga Wellness Class Info: https://www.zeffy.com/.../community-mental-wellness-yoga...

Pressing Strings tix: recklessshepherd.com/event/pressing-strings

August 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Patuxent River Job Fair. (Also on Nov. 18)

August 6, 12 - 1 p.m. - Veteran Information Session: VA Health Care Eligibility Under the PACT Act. The information session will be held on Microsoft Teams. There are multiple ways to join:

Use the Teams app

If you join through a smart phone or other mobile device, you will need to use the app. Click here to join. If you have the Microsoft Teams app on your computer or mobile device, you will be taken directly to the meeting.

If you don’t have the app, when you click the link above, you will be given the opportunity to download the app. You can download the app prior to the information session by clicking here.

Use Teams without the app

Click here to join from your computer and choose “Continue on this browser.” You will need to enter the following information:

Meeting ID: 242 077 357 901 5

Passcode: jP6t2e24

Join by telephone

Call 1-872-701-0185 and enter Phone Conference ID 293 421 695#. You will only be able to hear the speakers, not see the presentation.

August 7, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. - 2^nd Annual Ft. Meade DFMWR Child & Youth Services “Back to School Resource Fair.” Every vendor will have one of the following: activity, game, craft, school related or fun give away, and "Shoot for the Moon” passport booklet requiring astronaut landings to identified vendor tables. Club Meade; 6600 Mapes Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755.

August 11, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair

August 14, 2 p.m. - Spirit of 45. 80^th anniversary of President Truman’s announcement of the unconditional surrender of Japan marking the end of World War II. Wreath laying ceremony at Baltimore National Cemetery.

August - Blue Star Families Coffee and Chats

· Bel Air – August 19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

· Prince Frederick – August 20, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

· Fort Meade (Exchange) – August 21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

· These casual meetups are a great way to connect with fellow military families, share resources, and enjoy a welcoming space in your local area. For more info, contact April at abroyles@bluestarfam.org

August 28 - October 26, 7 p.m. – ACT for Caregivers Support Group. Connect with others and gain skills to take care of yourself while caring for a person with PTSD, chronic illness, disability, or special needs. Learn skills to support your own mental health, create a Self-Care Plan, and build community with other caregivers. Focus on you and build emotional flexibility to tackle the challenges of caregiving and self-care. Six weeks of 60-minute virtual sessions. See flyer for more details. To register, call (240) 847-7500 or email info.mfc@eseal.org.

September 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Carry the Load/National Day of Service (Headstone/marker cleaning and grounds beautification) at Baltimore National Cemetery

September 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Veterans Clinic and Benefits Fair at American Legion Towson Post 22, 125 York Road, Towson, MD 21204. POC: Katina Barnes katinachez@gmail.com

September 15, 6 - 9 p.m. - 7th Annual Voices of Vets Voiceraiser at 18th and 21st in Columbia.

September 17 - Saluting Branches is a national day of service where tree care professionals volunteer their time and skills to care for trees and landscapes at national cemeteries, honoring our nation's Veterans by improving the appearance and safety of cemeteries, which are symbols of our nation's history and service. Volunteer opportunities available.

September 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Community Job Fair at Club Meade

September 19, 6 - 7 p.m. (continues every Thursday for 12 weeks) – DBT Skills Group for Teens, at 1420 Spring St. Suite 300 Silver Spring, MD 20910. Registration: (240) 847-7500 or info.mfc@eseal.org. A 12-week skills-based group in which facilitators help teens learn effective tools to manage overwhelming emotions. Participants will learn how to tolerate distress, enhance emotional regulation skills, decrease reactivity when triggered, and increase interpersonal connectedness with others, including but not limited to peers and family. See flyer for more details.

September 27, 12 - 4 p.m. – Veteran and Military Spouse Owned Business Expo and Fall Fest at Howard County EDA/MD Innovation Center in Columbia. Shop while learning about military-connected businesses; enjoy music, food, activities and more! If you have a veteran or military spouse-owned business and want to exhibit, complete an Interest Form . For questions, contact veterans@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-0821.

September 27–October 4, 2025 - Blue Star Welcome Week. Blue Star Welcome Week is a national campaign designed to recognize and welcome military and veteran families into their communities. Locally, our Maryland Chapter will be hosting events across the state, including a major celebration at Fort McHenry on September 27, showcasing local resources, music, games, giveaways, and more. Across the country, communities will come together to show support for those who serve and sacrifice. Our goal is to ensure every military family arriving in Maryland feels connected, supported, and seen. Events for the Maryland Chapter will be live in the Blue Star Neighborhood beginning 8 August.

September 30, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m – Virtual Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans, .

2nd Tuesday of every month, noon - 1 p.m. – Virtual Comedy Writing Workshop with Amelia Bane. Register at cbaw.org/events. Give yourself a break from your routine and take some time to laugh in community. In each workshop, we will read a humor piece and react to it together. Discuss technique and what makes comedy writing work, then write your own piece. Come write with us or just come to laugh with us!

4th Tuesday of every month, noon - 1 p.m. – Virtual Poetry Writing Workshop with Ben Weakley. Registration: cbaw.org/events. Join us for a generative creative writing workshop where we use the written and spoken word to find healing and self-discovery together in a welcoming, safe community. Open to all voices. No experience necessary.

October 3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Battle of the Vet Centers, Veterans will choose five events and complete against other MD/DE Vet Centers. Contact your Vet Center to identify your coach and start practicing. Events include: 9Ball, bowling, cycling, archery, powerwalking, Bocci ball, air rifle, shuffleboard, cornhole and free throw.

October 7, 6 - 7:00 p.m. - Military Transition Workshop with VALOR:The Ultimate Handbook on Military Professional Transition to Your Next Career! authors Jeffrey Magee and Kevin Preston. For registration info and to receive a free book, email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov

November 3 - 7 – VA 2 ^nd Annual Tour de Maryland, two sessions each day. Adaptive cycles available. Five days, five counties. Registration required. Join for one day or all five. Nov. 6 will be held in Howard County.

November 6, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Joint Base Andrews Job Fair.

November 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Community and Veterans Job Fair at Club Meade

1st Monday of the Month, 6 p.m. - NAMI Howard County Virtual Veteran Support Group.

Every other Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – Warriors Anonymous Veteran Support Group, 1420 Spring Street, Suite 300, Silver Spring, 20910. No registration required. Open to military and veterans to help connect with others and share experiences.

4th Friday Vetworking - various campus locations. Univ of MD Global Campus hosts vetworking events each month to provide an opportunity for current and prospective UNGC military-affiliated students to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships in a welcoming environment.

Resources:

Health and Wellness

Veterans Benefits | Parkinson's Foundation

Maryland - Cadence - A self-paced online video course that teaches parents the skills they need to meet the risks of substance abuse. Parent CRAFT is based on the proven CRAFT method. Spanish versions of the course videos and worksheets may be selected within the course.

Back to School Mental Health Tools

Free Gun Safety Locks - Howard County Libraries are distributing free firearm safety locks in Elkridge and East Columbia branches. Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families has gun safety locks as well.

Durable Medical Equipment to Improve Life - wheelchairs, walkers/rollators, toilet/shower supports, pediatric equipment, scooters/strollers, therapy aids, hospital beds and much more. 240-230-8000 or dme.mdoa@maryalnd.gov. Free to use as long as you need or donate your equipment.

MD Dept of Disabilities Assistive Technology Program

Equipment Connections for Children - Takes in and refurbishes used adaptive equipment and loan it to families in MD, DC and N. VA who are unable to get the equipment otherwise, free of charge. Visit website for inventory or donation dropoff info.

Veterans Living with Parkinsons

Healing for Healers - is an initiative designed to provide non-paid family caregivers with a much-needed physical and mental respite from their daily responsibilities. These selfless individuals dedicate their lives to caring for family members facing significant health challenges such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, post-surgical recovery, cancer, MS, and Parkinson’s disease. Through this program, we donate a series of three rejuvenating massage services to these unsung heroes, offering them a moment of relaxation and renewal. Visit Tocar Spa website above for more info.

Moving Moves: Stress Less During PCS - Resources and support

Fisher House Amazon Wish List - Fisher House provides free, temporary lodging for military and veteran families while their loved ones receive medical treatment at a VA or military hospital. These homes support healing, reduce financial burden, and keep families together when it matters most.

Veteran Gut Health Resource

Safeguard your home for Suicide Prevention flier

VA Health Chat

The VA Health Chat app allows Veterans to connect with VA health care professionals through text-based chat messaging within minutes. You can use this new service to chat about non-life-threatening health issues, schedule VA appointments, and more.

To use VA Health Chat, you must be enrolled in VA health care in a location that supports VA Health Chat and have Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon Level 2 (Premium), or My HealtheVet Premium account credentials. Note that VA Health Chat does not connect you directly to your VA care team. To contact your VA provider, use the Secure Messaging feature on My HealtheVet.

Getting Started:

To start using VA Health Chat, log in to the app using your preferred login method. On the home screen, select which VA health care service you would like to chat with based on your needs (e.g., scheduling, nursing). Chat options will vary depending on your location.

You may need to complete a brief questionnaire before starting your chat. If a questionnaire is required, select Continue and answer the questions, then select Submit Responses to start your chat. Questionnaires vary depending on your location and the health care service you are connecting with.

Chat with VA Staff

After submitting any required questionnaires, you will be entered into a queue to chat with a VA health care professional. To start your chat, type your message in the text box at the bottom of the screen, then select Send. If your needs may be better addressed by a different health care service, the VA health care professional you are assigned to can transfer you to the appropriate service. You can also select a different VA health care service to chat with from the list of options in the left navigation bar.

Help and Additional Information

VA Health Chat is available for download on iOS and Android devices in the Apple App or Google Play store. The app can also be launched in a web browser. For assistance with the VA Health Chat app, dial 1-877-470-5947 to speak with a VA representative at the VA Mobile Solutions Helpdesk. mobile.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I access VA Health Chat?

You can access VA Health Chat through the VA App Store or the VA Launchpad app. You can also download it on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To sign in to the app, use your DS Logon Level 2 (Premium), ID.me, or My HealtheVet account credentials.

Who can use VA Health Chat?

VA Health Chat is available to Veterans enrolled in care at select VA Medical Centers. For the list of participating facilities, visit the VA Health Chat page.

Does VA Maryland have VA Health Chat?

Yes, VA Maryland Health Care System utilizes VA Health Chat. The Clinical Contact Center (Scheduling and Nursing Triage) have dedicated staff members assigned to respond to the VA Health Chat inquiries.

Whom can I chat with on the app?

You will initially chat with a VA staff member about your health concerns or questions. They will then connect you with the appropriate VA staff member, whether that is a nurse, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, physician, or scheduler. You will not be directly chatting with your VA provider. If you wish to connect with your VA provider directly, you can contact them through Secure Messaging on My HealtheVet.

How is VA Health Chat different from other messaging platforms such as

My HealtheVet and the Annie App for Veterans?

VA Health Chat connects you via chat with a VA staff member who can answer your questions in minutes. In contrast, it may take up to three business days to receive a response from your VA care team through Secure Messaging on My HealtheVet. Annie App for Veterans does not connect you with a person but instead sends automatic prompts, such as medication reminders, through text messages.

Is VA Health Chat a crisis line?

No, VA Health Chat is not a crisis line. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or contact the Veterans Crisis Line by chatting online, texting 838255, or calling 800-273-8255, option 1.

What if I have trouble with the app?

For assistance with the VA Health Chat app, dial 1-877-470-5947 to speak with a VA representative at the VA Mobile Solutions Helpdesk.

Adaptive Trails at Patapsco Valley State Park

Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans

2025 Budget Stakes: Veterans Could Lose Vital Health, Food and Other Assistance | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

MD Dept of Veteran and Military Families Contact - Benefit Specialist in Laurel, Katherine Perkins at katherine.perkins@maryland.gov or 410-313-0229 for benefits support.

Vet Center Accepting New Clients - To schedule an appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., call 410-282-6144 or email steven.fyfe@va.gov for the Capt. John E. Smathers U.S. Army Reserve Center outside Fort Meade.

Financial

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund - Established by the State Legislature as a nonprofit organization in 2013, the Trust Fund provides one-time, temporary financial assistance and referral services to support veterans and their families and extends support to other partners providing services to veterans and their families, recognizing their invaluable role in our community.

BGE Customer Relief Fund | BGE - An Exelon Company

Armed Forces Mutual - Insurance, mortgages and wealth management

Thrift Savings Plan Frauds to be aware of

Rental Assistance Program for Howard County Older Adults

Free Roof or Roof Repair - If you are a veteran or active duty and need a new roof but have limited funds, a local roof company would like to help, contact lbterry@howardcountymd.gov for more info.ntal Assistance Program for Older Adult Households

A Guide to Active Duty Storage

Employment / Education

Vets to Drones - Workforce Development • K-12 Education • Natural Disaster Response • Conservation • Recreational Therapy

Military Family Back to School Tips

Howard County Government Job Listings

Employment – HCPSS

Job Search Tool - Max Outreach

Association of Defense Communities Military Spouse Initiative

The United States Senate Stars of Valor Fellowships Program - There are three paths to eligibility for the program: Qualified Veterans, Qualified Gold Star Family Members, and Qualified Active-Duty Military Spouses. Specific duties vary depending on the requirements of each Senate office. Job duties may include, but are not limited to:

Working as a constituent services representative
Helping constituents resolve issues with Federal agencies
Serving as liaison to local Veterans Service Organizations
Attending local events and meetings on behalf of the Senator
Supporting the office’s legislative team

Professional Hosts - Cured / 18th & 21st, a restaurant from Wecker Hospitality Group, is seeking staff to become a part of our growing family.

Military Career Connections - Enhanced services to include career coaching and employment preparation to assist in career transition. No-cost in demand industry training, certifications and credentials needed for successful employment. Receive hands-on experience through on-the-job training or paid work experience. Build your professional network and get connected to opportunities to continue your success.

Live feed | Blue Star Careers Community – Empowering families to thrive as they serve, we are committed to strengthen military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support.

Workforce Development Office Services

Jobs for Veterans in Maryland

State Careers for Veterans

Become a Teacher – Earn your master's degree and teaching license in less than a year!

Military Spouse Employment Partnership

Red Cross Careers

Resources for Maryland’s Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition - Maryland Department of Labor: Contact Toll-Free at: 877-428-8844 | Español: 1-877-428-8844 | TDD/TTY: 7-1-1

Walmart seeks Veterans for employment, but recognizes Veterans in the community by displaying their picture on their Wall of Honor in stores.

If you know of anyone who is interested or you can suggest a Veteran who might be interested in this, please contact Shanell Harris at s0h0edl.s03804.us@wal-mart.com

Green and Gold Fellowship Opportunity

Gov Glen Ivy is currently accepting applications for a full-time, year-long Green & Gold Congressional Aide Fellowship, based in our Largo District Office. This position includes benefits and is open exclusively to Veterans, Gold Star Families, and Active-Duty Military Spouses. Fellows will support our casework team, assist constituents, and represent the office at community events.

To apply, you must go through the official Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program. Learn more

Fall Congressional Internship Applications Now Open

Both our Washington, D.C. and Maryland offices are looking for Fall 2025 Interns! Interns will gain hands-on experience in the legislative process, constituent services, communications, and event coordination.

Eligibility: Applicants must be college students who live in or attend school in Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District.

Apply here: https://ivey.house.gov/services/internships