AARP Maryland Veterans Corner: May 2023

Welcome to the AARP Maryland Veterans Corner, where we highlight news, resources and activities serving Maryland's military community. For information on how to get involved with our veteran's outreach, contact us at md@aarp.org and include "Veterans Outreach" in your subject line.

REGISTER NOW: AARP Moderating Panel at National Convening on Veteran Caregiving

As part of our national-to-nationwide sponsorship with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) and U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) AARP will be on hand at the 8th Annual National Convening focused on Military Veteran Caregiving on May 10. This FREE event can be viewed virtually from coast-to-coast. Please share with your networks and see what’s in store as AARP will continue to serve and support America’s caregivers on the frontlines. Register HERE: https://cvent.me/707vb9?sms=7

Military Appreciation Month

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. It's also a perfect time to visit one of the hundreds of museums across America that honor veterans — ranging from large ones sprawling across acres of land to hometown museums with local flavor. Click HERE for a few of our favorites, all offering discounted or free admission for veterans.

Honoring Our "Hidden Heroes"

Christian Cashmir

The Month of the Military Caregiver is observed in May each year to celebrate the service and sacrifice of the family members and loved ones caring for veterans. Caregiving for veterans and military service members is a highly underserved area. It is becoming harder and more complicated than ever as families have increasing demands on their time and more veterans are surviving battle-inflicted wounds. Many caregivers do not know what help is available.

For this reason, AARP collaborated with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to create a guide specifically for the needs of those caring for a military or veteran loved one. The Military Caregiving Guide addresses key issues that caregivers face; while providing information and resources, a glossary of terms, and checklists to help them find and organize more support.

More online resources are available at:

• AARP Family Caregiving Website: aarp.org/caregiving or 877-333-5885
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation: hiddenheroes.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Enjoy a Craft Beer and Connect With Your Benefits
AARP Maryland is hosting a series of "On Tap" veterans resource fairs at veteran-owned breweries throughout Maryland. Stop by, enjoy a complementary brew with us, and learn about our resources tailored to the needs of military families. Click HERE for the full schedule.

Chesapeake Veterans Alliance to Host Veterans Claims Clinic
Co-sponsored by the Veterans Affairs Commission and the Chesapeake Veterans Alliance, a claim clinic and information fair will be held at Anne Arundel Community College on July 26,  staffed by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Service Representatives and Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Specialists. For information, contact John Church, chair of the Veterans Affairs Commission at jockochurch@aol.com. 

VETERANS RESOURCES

Mobile-Friendly Veterans & Military Families Health Benefits Navigator 
AARP's new MOBILE-FRIENDLY, digital Veterans & Military Families Health Benefits Navigator offers the latest guidance and resources to help veterans and their caregivers better understand their health care plan options. Building on AARP's expertise with Medicare, we’ve developed the free Navigator tool to help veterans and military families understand how VA health care, Tricare and other options can work together to meet their specific needs.

The new digital edition includes information on the newly-passed PACT Act and special sections on benefits for women veterans, as well as those with hearing, vision, dental and oral needs. It also can help in finding emotional and mental health support.

Follow us on Social Media!
See the latest activity on social media as AARP and our members share stories, important updates and resources for our military members, veterans and their families. Use #aarpsalutesvets when you post.

Learn more about our resources for veterans, the military and their families at the AARP Veterans Resource Center.