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Dear Friends,
With Veterans Day approaching, I want to take a moment to thank the brave men and women who have stepped up to serve our nation. I firmly believe that fulfilling our duty and sacrificing for the greater good are among the highest expressions of what makes us truly human.
To all who have worn the uniform, thank you. Your courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting our freedoms embody the best of our country. I also want to extend my gratitude to the families and loved ones who stand behind our veterans. Enlisting is never an easy decision, especially knowing that service can mean being called into harm’s way. Yet a select few make that commitment, and their devotion deserves our deepest respect and appreciation.
Throughout this email, you’ll find a collection of programs, benefits, and services available to veterans and their families, resources designed to provide meaningful support to those who have already given so much for all of us.
Unbroken Spirit and Outward Bound both feature programs for veterans to get out into nature. Speaking of nature, all active-duty service members have access to state parks for free, with all veterans will receive free-access to parks on Veterans Day. 100% service-correlated disabled individuals have year-long access to state parks for free as well.
Here is the information from Maryland to apply for a tax credit, when the time comes. If you're a veteran who is interested in a change of careers, consider checking out Maryland's Veteran Services- Workforce Development and Adult Learning.
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Maryland Veterans Burial Benefits
If you are a servicemember or veteran, please know that Maryland owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude for your service and sacrifice. I’m proud to stand with our military community and to support our veterans as they transition and adjust to life after service.
While it’s never easy to think about, it’s important to plan ahead, and one option to consider is applying for burial at one of Maryland’s Veterans Cemeteries.
Qualified veterans, along with their eligible family members, receive a burial plot, grave liner, headstone, and burial services at no cost. Veterans can apply in advance by submitting a Pre-Interment Application to reserve space in a Maryland state veterans cemetery.
In addition, National Guard members, Reservists, and their eligible family members are now authorized for burial in state veteran's cemeteries, with a fee of $1,002 for these interments.
Pre Application Interment Planning.pdf
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If you're interested in learning about Federal Veteran Burial Benefits, CLICK HERE. This is a separate program from Maryland's internment planning application. | | |
For our Veterans of Foreign Wars, who need help finding their post, please check out the VFW site here. To learn more about their Legislative Priorities, National Security and Foreign Affairs, and Healthcare Watch, please check out their Veteran's Voice page.
The VFW has a convenient legislative tracker for federal bills that have been passed into law on behalf of Veterans. Take a look here.
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The American Legion's key priority is for you to "Be the One" through building and maintaining camaraderie- which we all know to be the key to our success in the military. Here, you can find the Community Programs the Legion hosts, including the Family USA250 Challenge, American Legion Riders, Homeless Veterans, the National Emergency Fund, and Operation Comfort Warriors. Find a Legion Post near you.
The American Legion Auxiliary posts exist throughout the region where you can connect with your local members. You can also check out the Legion Auxiliary's Legislative Priorities, Flag Etiquette, and more.
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2026 “Unbroken Spirit” Program Open for Veterans
Unbroken Spirit, founded by Veterans for Veterans, is a year-long journey of healing, growth, and reconnection for veterans.
This initiative helps veterans reclaim purpose, strengthen resilience, and build meaningful bonds- all underpinned by challenge, mentorship, and community.
The program unfolds in three phases:
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Phase I (Virtual, 12 weeks): Training the mind, body, and spirit through guided development and preparation.
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Phase II (In-Person): A transformative expedition or adaptive sports experience. Veterans can choose a backpacking challenge or, for those with adaptive needs, a world-class adaptive sports program through the National Ability Center in Utah.
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Phase III (Virtual): Post-expedition mentorship, support, and reintegration into community and purpose.
A moving quote from a past participant stated: “Six months ago … I would’ve spiraled … this journey … has helped me face emotional turmoil differently. I’ve learned to let go and grow.”
2026 Program Timing & Team Options:
Adaptive Sports Team (Team 1-26):
- Phase I runs Jan 7 – Mar 18, 2026;
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Phase II Mar 20 – 26; Phase III Apr 1 – Sept 30. (This program is for individuals with a physical disability)
Summer Wilderness Backpacking Expedition (Team 2-26):
- Phase I Apr 1 – June 10; Phase II June 16 – 21;
- Phase III July 1 – Dec 31.
Fall Wilderness Expedition (Team 3-26):
- Phase I July 29 – Oct 7;
- Phase II Oct 13 – 18;
- Phase III Nov 1 – Apr 30, 2027.
Applications are open now; space is limited. Adaptive Sports Team interviews begin in November.
This program offers a free (VA-funded) opportunity for veterans to heal, reconnect, and return to their communities stronger. The mix of virtual and in-person phases makes it more accessible to veterans regardless of where they live. It builds a network of peer support that continues after the formal expedition, reducing the isolation too many veterans face. If you’re a veteran or know someone who could benefit, please click the link below. Note: admissions are rolling, if this current program is filled, your application will be considered for the next available sessions.
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The story of America is inseparable from the stories of our Veterans and military families, men and women whose service and sacrifice have safeguarded our freedoms for nearly two and a half centuries.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 1776, known as our Semi quincentennial, we have a unique opportunity to honor their legacy. This milestone invites us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate those who wore the uniform, and preserve their stories for future generations. America250 is the nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead this commemoration which has launched America’s Invitation, a nationwide call for every American to share their story at Stories.America250.org.
Whether through photos, letters, songs, or memories, these stories will form a living portrait of who we are as a people, one defined by courage, resilience, and unity. Together, we can ensure that the contributions of Veterans and military families remain front and center in the record of America at 250, and for the next 250 years to come.
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This Veterans Day, a national tribute in Washington, D.C. will honor the more than 16 million Americans who served during World War II. As part of the ceremony, veterans will lay wreaths at the Freedom Wall, paying tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In Maryland, regional Veterans Day sites for 2025 have been selected, including Annapolis, Salisbury, the City of Brunswick, and Ocean Pines.
Looking ahead to America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026, veterans’ organizations can apply to host a regional Veterans Day observance by submitting a request through the Veterans Day National Committee, VA News: Veterans Day Regional Sites for 2025.
I believe locations such as the future Honeygo Veterans Memorial, or one of our local American Legion posts, or the Harford County Equestrian Center, would make wonderful sites for a regional event. Let’s make it easier for our communities to celebrate and support our veterans right here at home.
| | | Legislation to Support Veterans: | | |
I'm the proud sponsor of Senate Bill 872 - Local Government - Hiring and Promotion Preferences for Veterans and Spouses of Service Members and Veterans (Families Serve Act), which was signed into law, effective on October 1, 2025, and offers local governments the opportunity to give hiring and promotion preferences to veterans and their spouses, including awarding 10 extra credit points on selection tests, when applicable, and gives counties and municipalities the authority to adopt their own laws to implement these preferences.
I was honored to cross-file Senate Bill 652 with House Bill 1080 - Local Government - Local Personnel - Leave with Pay that was signed into law on October 1, 2025, with my colleague in the House of Delegates, Delegate Mike Griffith.
House Bill 1080 strengthens volunteerism and public safety by allowing counties and municipalities to grant paid disaster service leave to employees who volunteer during declared disasters, such as members of the Red Cross, volunteer fire companies, EMS, Civil Air Patrol, and community emergency response teams.
The law provides local flexibility, giving governments the option to authorize up to 30 days of paid disaster service leave within a 12-month period and to adjust approval requirements during extended emergencies. It ensures that local employees who step up to serve in times of crisis don’t lose pay while helping their communities, and it also clarifies local authority to grant paid leave for jury duty, military service, subpoena appearances, employee organization activities, and other approved absences.
In this legislative session, we advanced a comprehensive package of bills designed to modernize Maryland’s laws in recognition of the service of uniformed members, veterans, and their families. Here are some laws that I was honored to co-sponsor a legislative package, with peers, that made its way into law. Together, these enshrine “equality” across multiple domains, including:
Together, these bills affirm that service should no longer limit access or rights in Maryland. Whether in recreational, tax, transportation, public safety, education, health, or employment arenas, our laws must reflect that those who serve, and those they leave behind, deserve parity under the law, clear protections, and fair treatment. In previous sessions, I worked with Pat Keller of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, Delegate Nawrocki, and other community members to secure funding for the Honeygo Veterans Memorial, which will become a place for reflection and peace.
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Mental Health and Emergency Resources:
If you or a loved one is a Veteran facing a financial emergency, help is available. You can call 9-8-8 and dial 1 for support, chat online using the Veteran Crisis Line, or text 838255 for help.
The Veteran Saves Emergency Assistance Resource Guide provides trusted links to organizations offering emergency grants, housing aid, food assistance, and other critical resources tailored for Veterans and military families.
Learn more about how to access support when you need it most:
No one who served should face hardship alone and help is only a click away.
October 20th kicked off Buddy Check Week. The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging all of us to take a moment to reach out and connect with a veteran in our lives. Sometimes, a simple call or text can make all the difference. The Buddy Check Program helps veterans build and strengthen peer connections, promote mental wellness, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Whether you’re a veteran yourself or someone who cares about one, this is the perfect time to reach out and check in, a small gesture that shows our veterans they are valued, appreciated, and never forgotten for their service and sacrifice.
Every day, Veterans across our nation demonstrate the power of connection and resilience through peer mentoring. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ peer support program brings together Veterans who have faced similar challenges to help one another navigate life after service. These mentors offer understanding, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that can make all the difference, especially for those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. By sharing experiences, listening without judgment, and offering hope, peer mentors remind fellow Veterans that they are never alone and that help is always within reach.
To learn more about how peer mentoring is saving lives and how you can get involved, visit Suicide prevention through peer mentoring.
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The Harford County Veterans Commission does an outstanding job supporting our veterans and their families. County Executive Bob Cassilly, himself a combat veteran, understands firsthand, the importance of providing strong resources and care for those who’ve worn the uniform.
The Commission’s website features a comprehensive resource guide for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, offering connections to local, state, and federal programs for healthcare, employment, education, and housing assistance. Check out the Harford County Veterans Commission website for additional information.
Additionally, The Office of Veterans Affairs further assists residents by linking them to mental health services, benefits counseling, tax credits, and veteran organizations dedicated to helping those who have served our nation.
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Did you know? There are several businesses in Harford County and throughout Maryland that support Veterans through discounts.
Harford County offers a Senior Citizen and Veteran Property Tax Credit, providing a 20% reduction on county property taxes for up to 20 years.
Eligibility:
- Seniors: Must be 65 or older, own and live in the home for at least 35 years, and have an assessed value of $600,000 or less.
- Veterans: Must be a retiree or surviving spouse of a retiree of the U.S. Uniformed Services, or a veteran with a 50% or higher service-connected disability that limits major life activities. The dwelling must also have an assessed value of $600,000 or less.
Key details:
- Applicants must not be remarried if applying as a surviving spouse. Applications are available January 15 and due April 1 each year. The program was updated through Council Bills 17-021, 18-038, and 22-022, which revised eligibility and administrative rules following a public hearing.
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Veterans & Family Resource Fair
November 15, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bel Air Armory
37 N. Main Street
Bel Air, 21014
The Harford County Veterans Commission invites all veterans, active servicemembers, and their families to the 2025 Veterans & Family Resource Fair.
- Meet representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for help with claims, healthcare, and cemetery services.
- Connect with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) and local organizations offering support for employment, housing, and more.
- Enjoy free lunch (10:45–12:45), kids’ activities, and raffles for Ravens tickets and gift cards!
| Events in the Community for Veterans (Harford County): | | |
Baltimore County Commission on Veterans Affairs
Commission on Veterans Affairs | Baltimore County Government hosts monthly meetings virtually, usually on the first Wednesday of the month.
Taxes:
Under Section 11-2-106 of the Baltimore County Code, disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of disabled veterans may qualify for an exemption from all Baltimore County real property taxes on their primary residence.
In addition, eligible applicants may receive a refund for up to three years of taxes paid prior to receiving the exemption. To apply, individuals must obtain an exemption application from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) and submit it to that agency. Once approved, applicants seeking a refund should send a copy of the exemption approval and a written request to the Baltimore County Council, 400 Washington Avenue, Room 205, Towson, Maryland 21204. For more information, contact SDAT at 410-512-4900.
**Please note that those receiving this exemption are not eligible for the Blind Individual or Surviving Spouse Tax Exemption.
| | Baltimore City is hosting a Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, November 8 at 12:00 p.m. at the Washington Monument: | | |
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