News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families


December 2024

December and January dates to recognize:

  • Civil Air Patrol (USAF Auxiliary) Birthday - December 1
  • National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7
  • U.S. National Guard Birthday - December 13
  • National Wreaths Across America - December 18
  • New Year's Day - January 1 
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Third Monday in January 
  • Battle of the Bulge Anniversary - January 25, this is the anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II

New Central MD Regional Veterans Treatment Court Launches to Expand Services to Veterans. It is the third multi-county veterans treatment court in Maryland and the fourth multi-county problem-solving court in the state. It will provide intensive treatment, accountability, and mentoring to former military service members who have committed crimes and may suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, other mental health issues, and substance use disorders.

Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting virtual tributes of our County’s veterans and military members. Please help us celebrate current or former County residents who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed and Uniformed Services by providing a detailed tribute to include photos, military histories and personal updates. To share a tribute or learn about other hometown heroes, visit our Tribute page.

Congratulations to Kelly Kesler and Tracy Adkins, this year's Veterans Day Parade grand marshals! To learn more...

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony! See photos from the event.


State of MD Recognizes Two Howard County

Veteran-Owned Businesses


During National Veterans Small Business Week 2024, the State honored veteran-owned enterprises, creating jobs and making an impact in Maryland and beyond. Two Howard County based businesses, Escape Velocity Academy and Charm City Honey Bees, were recognized by Maryland government, business, and university leaders to include The Maryland Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, U.S. SBA's Mid-Atlantic Veteran Business Outreach Center and the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, Center for Global Business, and Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership at the Robert H. Smith School of Business.


Retired Army Combat veteran, FAA Certified Drone Pilot, and STEM Educator, Topaz Navarro, started Escape Velocity Academy, with the mission is to put young adults on the fast track to high demand career opportunities in science and technology. His mentoring and education program is designed to use recreational drone flight and competitive gameplay as an introduction to robotics, aviation, aerospace, project management, and the commercial drone industry. Topaz was also honored as the 2022 Howard County Veterans Day Parade grand marshal.


Army veterans, Joseph and Nafrettifi Griffin, blossomed Charm City Honey Bees, in 2018, from the heart of a local Eagle Scout Project, rooted in a commitment to environmental stewardship and compassion. A family-owned business including their three children, began with a profound dedication to the sustainability of honey bees and improving the lives of our community through agriculture and a fervent desire to share the invaluable lessons derived from these remarkable creatures, agricultural science and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. The business was also awarded $5K from BeMobile Verizon Take the Leap grant.


Learn more about the event

Local Crocheter and Knitters Donate

850 Hats and Scarves For Deployed Service Members

Postal XPress N More business owner covers shipping costs for hats and scarves to mailed to Operation Gratitude.

Thank you to all the Howard County residents who knit and crochet throughout the year to support Made with Love, a local initiative that supports Operation Gratitude care packages to deployed military members. We could not do this without you!

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

 

December - February Onsite Veteran-focused social workers at Howard County Library Systems Central and Savage branches. Veterans are welcome to drop in to meet with a social worker from Baltimore Veterans Administration Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC). No appointment needed. They will be onsite twice a month starting in October, Mondays at Central, and last Thursdays at Savage. View the schedule.


Jan 6 & Feb 3 - NAMI Veterans Connection Support Group 6 - 7:30 p.m.


December 4 - Finding Your Way Home: Mental Health Strategies for Veterans and Their Loved Ones Webinar, 6:00 p.m. Topics covered:The Importance of Family and Community Support; Practical Advice for Veterans and Loved Ones; Common Triggers and Coping Strategies; Navigating VA benefits and Healthcare Personal Stories and Expert Insights.

 

December 5 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families,

5 - 5:30 p.m. Virtual only. For webex link, email Lisa Terry 


December 6 - SWAP In Action - Info Session & Demo, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. SWAP is a platform for sharing co-created with community partners and guided by nonprofit expertise to share talent and resources. Interested in trying it out?

 

December 7 - 250th Anniversary of the 175th Infantry Regiment, 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. at 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090.


December 9 - AL Post 156 Holiday Social, 6 - 9 p.m. at VFW Post 7472. Contact Paul Turlington for ticket information.


December 10 - December Muster & Holiday Open House, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Reveille Grounds. Family-Friendly Fun Complete with Grocery Giveaway, Board Games, Holiday Photo Booth, & Gingerbread House Competition.

 

December 13 – American Legion Post 300 Holiday Party, 10101 Governor Warfield Parkway at 6pm, setup 5:30 P.M. Contact Roger Chang

 

December 14 – Blue Star Families A Day On The Farm, 10 a.m. at Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Join the Park Rangers for an engaging tour of Oxon Hill Farm, a historic site filled with charm! Discover the farm's history and meet the animals that call it home Learn more here.

 

December 16 – Blue Star Families Coffee Connection, 11:00 a.m. at Fort Meade Starbucks in the Exchange Food Court, 2799 Rose St, Fort Meade, MD. Learn more here.

 

December 18 - Military Spouse Employment Program (MSEP) Potential Partner Informational Webinar, 11:00 a.m. EST.


December 19 – Blue Star Families Coffee Connection,11:00 a.m. at Starbucks, 2637 Annapolis Rd, Hanover, MD. Learn more here.

 

December 20 – Blue Star Families Coffee Connection at 11:00 a.m. at Starbucks Annapolis Harbor location, 2498 Solomons Island Road. Learn more..

 

January 2 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families,

6 - 6:30 p.m. Hybrid. In person, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. For webex link, email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov


January 6 - Human Trafficking & the Deaf Community Town Hall, 6-8 p.m. at Bain 50 Center


January 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Howard County Office of Children and Families Child Care Fair, at the East Columbia 50+ Center, 6610 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045. Parents of young children have an opportunity to learn about preschools, child care programs and community resources in one single location.


Tuesdays - Women Veterans at Top Golf in Germantown. For more information, contact ksanders@operationsecondchange.org

 

Every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. - Warriors Anonymous Veteran Support Group1420 Spring Street, Suite 300, Silver Spring, 20910. No registration required. Open to military and veterans to help connect with others and share experiences.

Other Resources:


Health and Wellness

 

Fire Arm Industry Trade Association Safety - Rules of Gun Safety


Vet Center Accepting New Clients at Fort Meade - 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.


New Regional Veterans Treatment Court - District Court in Baltimore City launched the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court, which will expand the program to serve Baltimore City and Baltimore County, plus Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. The new regional veterans treatment court will provide a court-supervised, comprehensive, and voluntary treatment-based program for justice-involved veterans charged with misdemeanors in the District Court of Maryland.

 

Financial


Maryland Veterans Trust Fund - The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund was established by the State Legislature as a nonprofit organization in 2013 and is a testament to our commitment to Maryland veterans and their families. The Trust Fund was created to provide once-in-a-lifetime temporary financial assistance and referral services to support our veterans and their families. We also extend our support to other partners providing services to veterans and their families, recognizing their invaluable role in our community.


VA Maryland Health Care System’s Homeless Veterans Account, used by VA Social Workers to support homeless and at-risk Veteran, provides the following important supplies and assistance for this very vulnerable population:

·      Nonperishable food items and nutritious meals to prevent food insecurity.

·      New coats, hats, and gloves to provide protection during the winter months.

·      New socks, undergarments, and clothing for daily use and to wear for job interviews.

·      Transportation for Veterans stranded at any of our VA health care facilities.

·      Cleaning supplies and household necessities for Veterans moving into permanent housing.

 To make a donation, click on Pay.gov, click on “Continue to the Form,” and select “VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore, Loch Raven & Perry Point VA Medical Centers)” under “Facility.” On the Donation Information page, select “VA Maryland All Purpose Account” under “Program for Donation,” and in the “Donor Intent/Additional Information” section, include the following: Donation for Homeless Veterans Account #1098. For questions, please call 410-642-2411, extension 25409.

  

 Employment / Education


Sons of the America Revolution Youth Contests - Brochure, Poster, Oratory , Essay, Eagles Scout and JROTC Cadet.


A Constitutional Speech Contest - The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. To participate, visit Oratorical Contest

Newsletters and More


MD Dept of Veterans and Military Families, Dec newsletter

 

Office of Children and Families - Dec Newsletter

 

Office of Aging and Independence - Dec Newsletter

 

Department of Community Resources and Services Podcast Series -



Reveille Grounds Newsletter and events 

Employment Opportunities


Howard County Government Job Listings

Jobs for Veterans in Maryland


State Careers for Veterans


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


Military Spouse Employment Partnership


Red Cross Careers


Anne Arundel County Police Dept.


Federal Highway Administration


Employment Opportunities | Anne Arundel County Government


Howard County HR Society Members we’re excited to share that the SHRM Foundation is offering the 2025 Spring Certification Professional Grant! This is a fantastic opportunity to earn your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.

What’s Included?

•           One certification exam

•           Access to SHRM’s online Learning System

Eligibility:

•           Active SHRM membership through May 31, 2025

•           Meet certification eligibility criteria

•           Test in Window #1 (Spring 2025) or Window #2 (Winter 2025-2026)


How to Apply: Complete the online application, submit your resume, and include a professional reference letter (not from a family member).

Application Closing Date: November 6, 2024, 08:00 PM (EST)

Selection Criteria:

•           40% work experience/progression (HR involvement and future career plans); current students without significant work experience will be reviewed based on academic background and breadth and quality of HR coursework

•           20% volunteer activity (SHRM experience preferred, but not required)

•           20% resiliency and ability to manage adversity

•           20% reference letter*

Learn More and Apply: SHRM Foundation Grant Details



Lisa Terry, Manager

veterans@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-0821 (voice/relay)

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