Help for our fellow Vets

As a veteran-owned business, Warrior Plumbing and Heating recognizes and seeks to improve upon the obstacles faced by the estimated 371,000 Veteran brothers and sisters that call Maryland home.

In 2018 Warrior Plumbing introduced the “Help a Warrior” program which provides free plumbing and heating services to Baltimore area Veterans in need.

In early April of this year (2019), Warrior Plumbing and Heating attended the 2019 Year of the Maryland Veteran: Veteran and Military Families Celebration and Resource Fair. This was a community event organized by the Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families and Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families. In an effort to celebrate “The Year of the Veteran” proclamation by our MD Governor, the event brought more than 40 government agencies, nonprofits, and veteran service organizations together.

The Challenges

Veterans and military families impacted by the traumatic experiences associated with war, face significant challenges that can have long-lasting negative effects.

Nearly 1 in 4 active duty members show signs of a mental health condition, according to a 2014 study in JAMA Psychiatry. The three primary mental health concerns that veterans typically encounter when serving in the military include:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) rates 15 times higher in veterans compared to civilians. PTSD is a mental health condition that may occur after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While it is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic event, most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD.

• Depression rates five times higher in veterans compared to civilians. Depression is more than just experiencing sadness. Depression does not mean a person is weak, nor is it something that an individual can simply “just get over.” Depression interferes with daily life and normal functioning which requires ongoing treatment. 

• Veterans are also more at risk for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) compared to that of civilians. A TBI is usually the result of a significant blow to the head or body. Symptoms can include headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, memory problems, mood changes, and mood swings.

Returning veterans may come home to families that do not know what they have experienced. They may not be sure how best to help their loved one who is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. As a result, they are often forced to learn ways to reintegrate back into society, as well as navigate the mental health systems on their own.

Helpful Resources

The agencies below provide critical services, programs, and employment opportunities for Maryland’s veteran community. Warrior Plumbing and Heating was proud to be a partner with the Veteran Friendly Business’ of Howard County program as one of the many supporting local community efforts and giving back to our veteran community.

Veterans in need of support can reach out to a number of Maryland resources:

Veterans Crisis Line

Available 24/7, 365 days a year. Veteran service members and concerned loved ones may dial 1-800-273-8255 and press ‘one’ to receive help.

Department of Veteran Affairs

Veteran Health Administration (VHA)

Provides healthcare to eligible Veterans

Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA)

Oversees benefit distribution to eligible Veterans

Disability payments for injuries/illness sustained while in service

GI Bill and other vocational and educational resources

Maryland Commitment to Veterans

Staffed by the DHMH Behavioral Health Administration and a part of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Regional Resource Coordinators are available 24/7 to assist with linking Veterans to resources and are devoted to helping Veterans and their families transition into healthy civilian life

Available by dialing 1-877- 770-4801

NAMI Maryland (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Works to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families in Maryland living with mental health issues. They provide free education and support groups for individuals and their families. We train individuals and families who have been through these experiences to connect as peers to those we serve. They work collaboratively with the VA and other military and veteran-connected organizations, agencies, and networks. Available online at www.namimd.org by dialing their warm line at 877-878-2371. Office hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Vet Centers in MD

Provide counseling, support, couples and family therapy to eligible Veterans

If you are or know, a US Veteran who is struggling in any way, PLEASE use the resources above. There is help for you. And if you are in the Baltimore area and need help with your plumbing or heating but can’t afford it, please apply for our Help a Warrior program.