Veterans Voices

May 2026

News and Updates

Veterans Voices:

May Edition

May brings several important observances that recognize the service, sacrifice, and resilience of veterans, military families, and those currently serving.

May is recognized nationally as Military Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices of all branches of the military community. It also includes several meaningful observances throughout the month that highlight the impact service members, veterans, and their families continue to have in our communities.

May 1 is Silver Star Service Banner Day, which recognizes and honors wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. May 8 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, a reminder of the dedication and support military spouses provide through every stage of service and transition.

May 13 marks Children of Fallen Patriots Day, honoring the children of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Later in the month, May 16 is Armed Forces Day, recognizing those currently serving in all branches of the U.S. military.

The month concludes with Memorial Day on May 25, a day of remembrance for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. It is a time to reflect on their service and honor their lasting legacy.

May is Mental Health Month

Everyone faces challenges with their feelings or behaviors from time to time, but how does someone know if it’s a problem? Should they ask for help? And, if so, where? Does mental health treatment work?

For Mental Health Month this May, VA is encouraging Veterans to explore stories from hundreds of other Veterans whose experiences may provide answers to these questions. In their own words, the Veterans describe their challenges, why they sought help, and how treatment helped them find new ways to thrive.

Nick, an Army Veteran, speaks candidly about his drinking and suicidal thoughts. A friend’s decision to drive Nick to a VA hospital led to inpatient care that started Nick’s path to recovery.  

“Don’t wait to ask for help,” he urges. “We think that we can fix our problems ourselves, and you just have to accept that you might not be able to.”

Don’t wait. Find a Veteran story that speaks to you—and learn more about VA mental health resources—by visiting VA’s Mental Health Month website today.

The Briefing

Military Appreciation Month is a reminder that supporting veterans extends beyond military service. Families, caregivers, and communities all play an important role in ensuring veterans continue to have access to strong support systems and resources long after active duty ends.

“Service may end, but support and community should always continue.”

Veterans seeking assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and advocacy may connect with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) such as Disabled American Veterans and American Legion, both of which provide support, advocacy, and community connections for veterans and their families.

Additional state resources can be found through the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, which offers information on employment, education, health care, and other programs available to Maryland veterans and military families. Learn more at https://veterans.maryland.gov/

Veterans and family members looking for counseling and readjustment support may also utilize the VA Vet Center Program, which offers confidential counseling services for veterans, service members, and eligible family members. Vet Centers provide support for transition challenges, grief, trauma, and family concerns in a community-based setting. Learn more at https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/.

VSCC

The Veterans Services Coordination Center (VSCC) is here to support veterans and military families. If you need assistance or resources, please contact us at 410-222-3500 or veterans-assistance@aacounty.org.

Join Us for the Veterans Voices Gathering!

Veterans Voices provides an opportunity for connection and community, with discussions that support and honor the experiences of senior veterans. This monthly gathering offers older veterans a space to connect, share experiences, and engage in conversation with peers in a welcoming setting.

Veterans Voices is held on the second Thursday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Severn Senior Activity Center (1160 Reece Road, Severn, MD 21144).

Veterans Voices: Coffee Edition is a casual, bi-monthly gathering where veterans can connect with one another and ask questions related to veterans' services and resources. The next session will be held on May 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the South County Senior Activity Center (27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, MD 21037).

Akosua Osei, Program Director of the Anne Arundel County Veterans Services Coordination Center, will be available to answer veteran-related questions and provide guidance.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced major improvements in processing times for disability compensation, pension, survivor, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and burial claims. VA reports that the average time to complete disability claims has dropped from 141.5 days to 80.7 days, while claims-processing accuracy has increased to over 94%.

VA has also significantly reduced backlogs for pension, survivor, and DIC claims, helping Veterans and families receive benefits faster. Officials stated these improvements are the result of focused staffing efforts, overtime, and ongoing work to improve services for Veterans, caregivers, and survivors. For more information, visit the VA website.

Employment Resources

The events and services displayed here are not endorsed or guaranteed by the Department of Aging and Disabilities or Anne Arundel County.

On May 12 from 7:00–7:30 PM (ET), Hiring Our Heroes is hosting a virtual information session on SkillBridge Fellowships available to transitioning service members. Participants will learn more about fellowship opportunities that provide professional training, hands-on civilian workforce experience, and career development support designed to help ease the transition from military service into meaningful civilian careers.

On May 21 from 2:00–3:30 PM (ET), Hiring Our Heroes is hosting a virtual session on optimizing your LinkedIn profile as part of its Career Transition Series. Participants will learn strategies for aligning their LinkedIn profile with career goals, building a consistent professional brand, and improving visibility in recruiter searches and networking algorithms to better support their career transition journey.

Upcoming Resource Fairs & Events

Legal and Financial Support for Caregivers

Caregiving comes with a lot more than day-to-day support. Many caregivers also face complex legal and financial questions while caring for the Veteran in their lives. Through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), caregivers can access free legal and financial planning support designed specifically for Veterans and their primary family caregivers. Services include one-on-one guidance from certified concierges, financial planning support, referrals to trusted attorneys, educational resources, and 24/7 phone and website assistance.

Whether you need help understanding benefits, organizing finances, or figuring out where to start with legal planning, these services are available at no cost to eligible caregivers. You do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Learn more and get connected through the Caregiver Support Program or call the 24/7 Support Line at 1-833-422-7382.

Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument Dedication

The Howard County Veterans Foundation invites the community to attend the dedication and opening of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument on May 14 at 11 a.m. at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park in downtown Columbia. After more than a decade of planning, design, and construction, the monument was created to honor the service and sacrifice of Howard County’s veterans and military families.

Maryland State Park Benefits for Veterans

Veterans, active-duty military members, and Maryland National Guard members may qualify for waived day-use entrance fees at Maryland State Parks. Veterans can also add a veteran designation to their Maryland driver’s license through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Families who frequently visit parks may also want to explore the Maryland State Park and Trail Passport for unlimited day-use park entry.

Woman Veterans Retreat



On June 11 from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Women Veterans and Inclusion Program is hosting a one-day Women Veterans Retreat at

The Greenwell Foundation in Hollywood,

Maryland.

This restorative retreat is designed to provide women veterans with a space focused on rest and reflection, sisterhood and connection, wellness and growth, and honor and empowerment. Meals, materials, and activities are included. Space is limited, and participants must RSVP by May 15 by contacting roslyn.jones1@maryland.gov

The events and services displayed here are not endorsed or guaranteed by the Department of Aging and Disabilities or Anne Arundel County.