|
Veterans Affairs Commission
February 2024 Newsletter
| |
|
On behalf of the Veterans Affairs Commission, I want to extend a Happy New Year to all Calvert County veterans and their families. As the commission enters its third calendar year, we are committed to our mission to serve our veteran community through our core values of honor, advocacy and respect.
In 2023, we expanded our communications footprint to reach more veterans and their families, brought information on caregiver support resources and raised awareness through initiatives like Operation Green Light. However, there is much more work to be done.
| |
|
|
We are developing our objectives for 2024 and we want the community to play a role. If you have an idea or know of an issue that needs to be addressed, please send your ideas to veterans@calvertcountymd.gov. Great success is a product of great teams, and my fellow commissioners and I know we need your input and participation to be successful in our mission. 2024 is going to be an exciting year.
We look forward to serving Calvert’s veteran community, fighting to ensure all Calvert County veterans receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled to, while fostering a spirit of fellowship for veterans in our community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brandon Temple, Chair
Calvert County Veterans Affairs Commission
| |
VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION MEETING | |
When: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024
Please note the new date due to Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day.
Where: Community Resources Building
30 Duke Street, Suite 105
Duke Room
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Presenter: Ron Cooper, from Warfighter Advance of Patuxent River, MD
View Current and Past VAC Agendas Online
| | |
WARFIGHTER ADVANCE OF PATUXENT RIVER
Warfighter Advance is a non-profit agency that helps combat veterans make the transition from the war zone to the civilian world through a seven-day program that addresses health issues while building pride, productivity, healthy relationships, continued service and advocacy for the same outcomes for their fellow service members.
| |
|
Call Warfighter Advance at
202-239-7395 or email them at admin@warfighteradvance.org.
| | |
Four Chaplains Day
Feb. 3, 2024
| |
On Four Chaplains Day, we pay tribute to the selfless sacrifice of four extraordinary men who exemplified courage and unity during World War II. On Feb. 3, 1943, aboard the United States Army Transport Dorchester, four chaplains of different denominations—George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling and John Washington—shared life jackets, prayers and comfort as their ship sank from a German submarine torpedo strike. Of the 900 people on board, 600, including the chaplains, were lost.
The Four Chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross.
Take a moment today to honor the memory of the Four Chaplains and their legacy of unity and interfaith solidarity.
|
|
United Service Organization (USO) Day!
Feb. 4, 2024
| |
On Feb. 4, we salute the USO and its unwavering support for US troops. Since 1941, the USO has offered hope and connection for our military personnel, providing a touch of home wherever they may be stationed. The USO is a nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of programs, services and entertainment to boost the morale of service members and their families at home and abroad.
The USO plays a vital role in lifting spirits and expressing our gratitude to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.
Join us in honoring the USO's legacy of service and support. Learn more about the USO at www.uso.org.
| |
Operation Homecoming
Feb. 12 through April 4
|
|
Feb. 12 marks the anniversary of Operation Homecoming in 1973, when the first American prisoners of war returned home from Vietnam. This operation symbolized the nation's commitment to bringing our brave service members back home.
The first phase of Operation Homecoming brought 591 prisoners of war (POW) home after years of captivity. Another 1,350 POW soldiers returned by April 4.
Join us in commemorating this historic event and expressing gratitude to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
|
|
US Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
Feb. 19, 2024
| |
On Feb. 19, we celebrate the anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, an organization that plays a vital role in safeguarding our nation's waters and supporting maritime missions.
Established in 1939 and officially designated on Feb. 19, 1941, the Reserve has been an invaluable component of our national defense since World War II. Its dedicated men and women, often civilian volunteers, contribute to the Coast Guard's ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, protect our coastlines and ensure maritime safety.
Join us in saluting the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve on their birthday! Thank you to all the reservists for your commitment, service and the vital role you play in keeping our waters safe.
| |
Calvert County Distributing 2,500 Internet Devices to Enhance Digital Access | |
|
Calvert County Government is partnering with Calvert Library and the University of Maryland Extension to distribute 2,500 Chromebooks to qualified households.
Households with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, households enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and households participating in any of the following programs are eligible:
- Residents collecting Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Free and reduced-price school lunch or school breakfast programs
- Medicaid recipients
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
| |
Cyber GR&C Coalition Grant Program | |
|
Anne Arundel Community College was awarded National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) scholarship funding by the National Security Agency for transitioning veterans and first responders. Qualifying and selected students will receive up to $5,000 in tuition and fees (not including books, supplies or laptops).
The objective of the grant is supported by the AACC course Network Security Fundamentals (CTS-140) to prepare students for the CompTIA Security+® certification. Grant recipients will obtain their CompTIA certification and receive mentoring and support, including, but not limited to planning and reviewing academic evaluations, technical guidance, professional development activities and additional support as needed to be placed in a paid internship, apprenticeship and/or permanent employment in governance, risk and compliance (GR&C) positions, or other cybersecurity-related positions.
The application deadline is a rolling deadline until all scholarships have been awarded. For contacts, information on eligibility or to apply go to https://www.aacc.edu/about/schools-of-study/science-technology-and-education/cybersecurity-networking-and-digital-forensics/grc-grant/.
| |
Honor a World War II Veteran with a Memorial Paver | |
|
The Calvert County Department of Public Works, General Services Division invites citizens to honor a World War II veteran with a memorial brick on the Veterans Patio at the “On Watch” memorial statue in Solomons.
The monument, unveiled in August 2007, is located at 14485 Dowell Road in Solomons and commemorates those who served the United States during World War II at the Solomons Amphibious Training Base. This facility was the nation’s first amphibious training facility and was active from 1942-1945.
| |
|
The cost of each brick is $100 and is tax deductible. An application is available online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/OnWatch. Purchasers will be notified when engraving and installation are complete. Gifts made toward the memorial brick campaign are used for maintenance and care of the statue and grounds.
For more information, contact Sarah Rosado at 410-535-1600, ext. 2565.
| |
Embark on a New Mission: Nature's Call to Adventure!
In this edition, we've set our sights on two exceptional organizations that bring together the thrill of the hunt and the serenity of fishing. Gear up for a front-row seat to the outdoors' grand spectacle. Join other veterans where camaraderie meets the call of the wild!
| | |
|
Freedom Hunters is a 501(c)3 military outreach program that provides opportunities for outdoor adventure, mainly through hunting and fishing, for select active duty and combat veterans, families of fallen heroes and children of the deployed, as well as those wounded or injured.
Call 303-884-0059 to learn more.
| |  |
|
Staffed solely by veteran volunteers, The Fallen Outdoors organizes outdoor adventures for veterans from every generation and all branches of the military with a goal of connecting them with like-minded individuals and outdoor skills.
Contact Gabe Padilla, East Coast Regional Director, at
gabe.padilla@thefallenoutdoors.org for more information.
| | |
Did you know veterans, active military and their dependents have free access to public lands?
| |
|
The free Military Pass is a way to thank current U.S. military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore millions of acres of public lands.
Free lifetime Military Passes are available for Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. Current U.S. military members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual Military Pass. These passes provide free access to federal public lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Land Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers.
Per vehicle and per person admission may vary depending on the site and agency.
| | | | | | |
