AARP Maryland Veterans Corner, April 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, don't hesitate to get in touch with md@aarp.org and include "Veterans Outreach" in your subject line.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Enjoy a Craft Beer with AARP Maryland
New this year, 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.
The Month of the Military Child
On April 12, the Veterans Affairs Commission will recognize The Month of the Military Child, which is celebrated to recognize and thank the children of our service members and veterans. The commission will honor this purpose and discuss the associated Purple Star School program during its monthly meeting. Dan Tootle, former VAC commissioner, will lead the discussion. For information, contact John Church, chair of the Veterans Affairs Commission at jockochurch@aol.com.
Chesapeake Veterans Alliance to Host a Veterans Claim 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.
OPERATION PROTECT VETERANS
Veterans Among Most Targeted Group for Con Artists
Scammers stole $414 million from veterans, military members and their spouses last year, over $140 million more than they did in 2021, according to new data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this week. Victims within the military community also report losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $765, compared with $650.
Learn how to protect yourself and your family at the AARP Veterans Fraud Center, our resource hub featuring the Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans Edition, with intel on the latest scams targeting the military community and tips to spot other consumer frauds.
Six Credit Cards for Veterans
Some offers for vets can be bogus. Still, there are cards that provide military members more. Cards issued by military-associated lenders, such as USAA, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) and Navy Federal Credit Union, typically have low rates, reasonable terms and special benefits for the military community, AARP reports.
HONORING HEROES
How a Navy Vet Turned Firefighter Rescued Plane Crash Victims
After a short hiatus, AARP Studio’s award-winning YouTube docuseries is back with a new story on how a Navy Veteran turned firefighter saved a group of plane crash victims. Despite being off duty, John Meffert was first on the scene in 2017 on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles when a small plane crashed on the highway. The episode is also available at AARP.
Meet the Four Highest Ranking Women in the U.S. Military
In their first joint interview, the top-ranking women from each branch of the U.S. military shared how they overcame adversity to reach the highest levels of the armed forces. Norah O’Donnell, anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, brought the leaders together for the first time. “Each of them told similar stories: that they just put their head down, they worked even harder and sought the support of colleagues who told them, ‘You absolutely do belong here, and I’m going to support you,’” said O’Donnell.
Click HERE to enjoy their story.
RECENT EVENTS
Advocating in Annapolis for Military Families
AARP volunteers, including our Veterans Steering Committee members, have been busy in Annapolis, testifying in support of a number of measures to benefit the military community, including tax relief, support for the Veterans Trust Fund and expedited professional licensure (e.g. nursing or teaching) for spouses when they move into Maryland. Click HERE to learn more about the legislation we are supporting in the 2023 General Assembly.
Celebrating Maryland's Buffalo Soldiers
AARP Maryland had the honor of sponsoring NABVets 23rd Annual Buffalo Soldiers Banquet at Morgan State University's Tyler Ballroom. Our former state president, Clarence (Tiger) Davis, was the host and emcee. AARP volunteers were in attendance to celebrate the rich history and legacy of Black veterans and hosted a table to share our resources with attendees.
AARP Lands at the Honor Flight Summit
AARP staff and volunteers were on hand for the Honor Flight Network Annual Summit, held at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport, in Linthicum Heights, Md. The mission of the Honor Flight is to celebrate America's veterans by inviting them to our national monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. The non-profit organization is committed to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war they fought in. AARP had a table to hand out resources and premiums to the many veterans in attendance and, most importantly, to thank them for their service.
Learn more about our resources for veterans, the military and their families at the AARP Veterans Resource Center.
