Albemarle County Veterans Affinity Group Update: Contacts, Announcements, Upcoming Events & Resources

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The Veterans Affinity Group (a group of Albemarle County and ACPS employees who are committed to enhancing the work experience of veterans and reservists through networking, resources, and professional development) would like to share the following important contact information, special announcements, upcoming events, and resources. If you would like more information or have questions, please email veterans@albemarle.org or contact a member of the Planning Team (see below).

Planning Team/Department Contacts

Special Announcements

Wills, Power of Attorney, Advance Medical Directive Clinic (Pilot Program)

We are excited to announce a pilot program for Albemarle County staff who also are reservists or members of the National Guard to receive pro bono legal service for the creation of a will, durable power of attorney, and/or advance medical directive. Attorney Anthony Bessette with the Charlottesville Albemarle Bar Association (CABA) has graciously offered his legal services, which will be coordinated through CABA’s Volunteer Lawyer Program.

The first clinic will be held Tuesday, March 31. Space is limited, but more clinics will be scheduled in the coming months. (We anticipate being able to accommodate 2-3 staff members per month.) Those who are interested should register with Kristin Clarens at kclarens@justice4all.org or 434-529-1818.

Potential Tax Benefits for Retired Veterans

Military retirement pay based on age or length of service is considered taxable income for federal income taxes. However, military disability retirement pay and veterans’ benefits, including service-connected disability pension payments, may be partially or fully excluded from taxable income. For more information, visit the Federal Taxes on Veterans’ Disability or Military Retirement Pensions web page. While this web page is maintained by the U.S. Army, the information applies to all branches of service. Please consult with your tax advisor concerning these potential benefits.

Upcoming Events

TBI/CTE in Combat Veterans

Tuesday, March 10 | 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Hillsdale Conference Center

Join us on March 10 at 6 p.m. at the Hillsdale Conference Center, located at 550 Hillsdale Drive in Charlottesville, for a panel discussion on understanding, treating and preventing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in combat veterans. Seating is limited for this free event! Please register to attend »

Seas the Day

Sunday, April 26 | 12 to 4 p.m. | Walnut Creek Park

The 5th Annual Seas the Day: Veterans’ Outdoor Day will be held at Walnut Creek Park, located at 4024 Walnut Creek Park in North Garden, on April 26! Enjoy fishing, social and recreational opportunities, a picnic catered by Mission BBQ, family-friendly entertainment, and guest speaker Jeff Boecker from ParadeRest Virginia. The Veterans Affinity Group will be supporting this free event and would like to extend a special invitation to military families with students enrolled in ACPS. Registration for this free event will open on March 4. Please contact the Planning Team if you are interested in supporting this event or volunteering.

4 Our Freedom 5K

Saturday, June 6 | 8 a.m. | UVA Research Park

The 10th Annual 4 Our Freedom 5K run/walk will be held on June 6 at the UVA Research Park, located at 1000 Research Park Boulevard in Charlottesville. This unique annual tradition is open to runners, walkers, and everyone in between. It includes a free Kids Fun Run and a post-race expo with food, music, and sponsor and military exhibits. Race participants have the opportunity to run/walk in honor of a fallen local hero, in conjunction with ParadeRest Virginia’s Finding the Fallen project, or for a loved one of their choosing. Registration is now open »

This annual fundraiser provides support to local organizations that directly serve our military, veterans, and their families that live in Central Virginia. Visit the 4 Our Freedom 5K website to learn more, register to run, donate, or become a volunteer or sponsor.

Charlottesville Veteran Resource Summit

Friday, June 12 | 9 to 11 a.m. | American Legion Post 74

Attention all military service members and veterans interested in learning about veteran benefits, qualifications, and the application process! Mark your calendar: The Charlottesville Veteran Resource Summit will be held at 9 a.m. on June 12 at the American Legion Post 74, located at 3025 Louisa Road in Keswick.

Resources

Gratitude Charlottesville is a website that offers a directory of military and police discounts in Charlottesville. Participating businesses have self-enrolled and eagerly agreed to offer special deals and discounts to active duty military, veterans, and public safety workers and their families.

Since 2009, the ParadeRest Virginia Board, composed of veterans, non-veterans, and representatives of the University of Virginia and Charlottesville/Albemarle community, has donated its time to providing ways to engage military personnel and their families with the local community. Expressions of gratitude for our veterans have taken the form of donated tickets to entertainment and sporting events.

Blue Star Families of Central Virginia supports fellow Blue Star members and their friends and family members who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The organization shares educational information and supports military personnel through various service activities.