Not all wounds are visible. Veterans and military families impacted by the traumatic experiences associated with war, face significant challenges that can have long-lasting negative mental health effects. Nearly 1 in 4 active duty members show signs of a mental health condition and it is estimated that 20 veterans die of suicide every day. As a veteran-owned business, Warrior Plumbing and Heating wants to recognize May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month and help improve upon the obstacles faced by the over 365,000 Veteran brothers and sisters that call Maryland home.
Our own family’s veteran, Collin, enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served two tours in Afghanistan as an 0311 Infantryman. Over the course of his service, he was awarded with the Bronze Star “V” and the Purple Heart. After being medically retired and navigating his own obstacles, Collin joined the family business and, together, the family sought to give back to the Veteran community through our “Help a Warrior” program.
The Help a Warrior program was created in 2017 and provides free plumbing and heating services to a Veteran in need each month. Warrior Plumbing and Heating is able to serve Veterans who live in Baltimore and the surrounding areas of Maryland.
Are you a Warrior? Do you know of a Warrior in need? If so, please visit our website here and fill out our form for consideration.
Resources
Knowing what resources are available is critical to ensuring our Veterans and their family members get the help they need. The resources below provide critical services and information for the Veteran community.
Veteran Crisis Services:
Veterans Crisis Line
Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. This resource is also available in Spanish.
The Veterans Call Center
An around-the-clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff consists of combat Veterans from several eras as well as family members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.
The Military Help Line
A 24 hour, free, confidential crisis support for military service members, Veterans, and their families. This resource is also available in Spanish.
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
A 24/7 assistance for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This resource is also available in Spanish.
General Resources (Including non-crisis emotional support):
NAMI Homefront
A free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers, and friends of service members and veterans with mental health conditions.
National Resource Directory
A comprehensive website for wounded, ill, and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families, and those who support them.
Department of Veteran Affairs State Summary: Maryland
Veterans, families, and caregivers can access information about VA services like disability, pension, healthcare, eligibility, enrollment, and burial benefits, in addition to a self-service locator to find the nearest VA facility.
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans (MCV)
A program under the Maryland Department of Health that collaborates with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maryland National Guard, and the Maryland Defense Force to provide assistance to Veterans and their families to support a healthy transition to civilian life.
Military One Source
Offers a wide range of community resources and phone and text peer-to-peer support that serves all DoD, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel and their direct family members. This resource is also available in Spanish.
Objective Zero
Connects Veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers to peer support via voice, video, and text. It also provides free access to wellness resources like yoga and meditation.
Legal Resources:
Stateside Legal
Provides legal help and information for military members, veterans, and their families.
The Veterans Consortium
Operates a global, federal Veterans Pro Bono Program to represent Veterans unjustly denied benefits or compensation earned from military service. This resource is also available in Spanish.
In Need of a Professional Baltimore Area Plumber?
If you are a Veteran or know of a Veteran in need of a Baltimore area plumber, please visit our website here and fill out our Help a Warrior form for consideration. Greater Baltimore area residents can also contact us at 443-967-3736 for same day, 24/7 emergency service.
