Veterans Council of the Maryland Democratic Party

11/02/2023

From the MD State Party

Below are the zoom links & time stamps for you to share with your network and social media pages.

Nov. 9. 7-8pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUof-mupzwsH9Byf_sMYJvcB62qq14XwyL2

Nov. 29 7- 8pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpd--sqzgsH9f5JozUi786cjiadoYPf7hf

Dec. 5 - 7-8pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcuyrqjwrHty1D8EPf9_A01J-M92UAfwX

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: MDP: How to Participate in the Delegate Selection Process. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

12/18/2022

On Saturday, December 17, 2022, I participated in a Maryland Democratic Party Democratic State Central Committee Meeting. During the meeting, Governor-Elect Wes Moore asked the attendees to support his Maryland Democratic Officer Slate:

Chair - Yvette Lewis (Prince George’s County)
First Vice Chair - Everett Browning (Prince George’s County)
Second Vice Chair - Judy Wixted (Eastern Shore - Talbot County)
Third Vice Chair - Ruben Amaya (Baltimore County)
Treasurer - Devang Shah (Montgomery County)
Deputy Treasurer - Diana Emerson (Baltimore City)
Secretary - Corynne Courpas (Western MD - Carroll County)
Deputy Secretary - Gabe Gough (Southern MD - Calvert County)

In doing so, I was honored to nominate Gabe Gough for the position of MDP Deputy Secretary. The above slate was elected to a four-year term.

It's hard to believe that MDP Executive Director Eva Lewis will be stepping down in early-January 2023. She will be missed!

Stay safe,

Edward Holland, Chair
Veterans Council - Maryland Democratic Party

10/25/2022

On Monday, October 24, 2022, thank you MDP Chair Yvette Lewis for looking out for your veterans and connecting us with Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate Wes Moore and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. As usual, Dr. James dula took charge! The event was held at the Clinton Baptist Church, Prince George's County.

During the event, members of the MDP Veterans Council informed Mr. Moore and Political Director Vincent Harrington of an endorsement from the National Security Leaders for America. Questions should be directed to VetCouncil Communications Senior Advisor Jayson Spiegel at [email protected]. See press release below.

https://wesmoore.com/release-national-security-leaders-for-america-endorses-wes-moore-for-maryland-governor%ef%bf%bc/

Ed
Chair, MDP, VetCouncil

09/10/2022

As the Maryland State Chair, Military and Veterans Families Council, Democratic National Committee, I participated in a wonderful National Military and Veterans Families Council meeting.

The meeting was held at the Ga***rd Hotel National Harbor. Photo of DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.

Ed

06/12/2022

05/30/2022

Today is Memorial Day. While it has become a day for BBQ's, beaches and sales, please remember the real reason for this day, and why so many have off work to observe it.

Interestingly, no one agrees where Memorial Day started. Numerous places claim it, which only proves how important we as a nation agree it is to remember our fallen.

At any rate, the name Memorial Day wasn't official until 1967, some 100+ years after the first observances.

This is also not Veterans Day. While we'd argue any day is a good one to thank a Veteran for their service, and ask how they are, today is dedicated to those we've lost.

It's not a "Happy" day, either.

Take some time today to think about those who died in service to our country. Attend a Memorial Day event, if possible.

Think of the families of the fallen, and those who served with them on this solemn day.

We ask so much of our countrypeople who serve in uniform. Many made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today is about them and a grateful nation they gave everything to.

🇺🇸

08/30/2021

(*)Veterans from all generations are processing the news of what is currently unfolding in Afghanistan and could be experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings right now. From union presidents to first-year apprentices, many of these veterans are our brothers and sisters in the labor movement, and we want to support them during this time of concern.

With more than 1 million working union veterans and countless retirees, the Union Veterans Council wants to ensure that the labor community and our veterans are educated, informed and prepared with the right resources and support to face this moment head-on.

Let’s be clear this will not affect all veterans, but our goal is to be prepared and make sure that any union veteran or family member gets the support they need, even if it is just a check-in.

We have also compiled a list of resources which are accessible to veterans, veterans’ supporters and the general public. Please share widely so that everyone who needs these resources has access to them.

Veterans Crisis Line: If you are having thoughts of su***de, call 1-800-273-8255, then press 1, or visit their website.
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local Veterans Affairs medical center, 24 hours, seven days a week, regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
Vet Centers: Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers. Approximately 70% of Vet Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
VA Mental Health Services Guide: This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services through the VA.
MakeTheConnection: Information, resources and veteran-to-veteran videos that discuss challenging life events and experiences that raise mental health issues.
RallyPoint: Talk to other veterans online. Participate in discussions such as: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
Download VA's Self-help Apps: Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Request a peer mentor.
VA Women Veterans Call Center: Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 10 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. EST)
VA Caregiver Support Line: Call 1-855-260-3274 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST)
Together We Served: Find your battle buddies through unit pages.
George W. Bush Institute: Need help or want to talk? Check in, call:1-630-522-4904 or email: [email protected].
Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes: Join the community.
American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network: Find peer support and mentoring.
Team Red, White & Blue: They hold hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
Student Veterans of America: Find a campus chapter to connect with.
Team Rubicon: Find a local support squad.
(*Union Veterans Council / AFL-CIO)

07/29/2021