Get your taxes done at the VA
The Orlando VA Medical Center is partnering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to offer free, in-person tax preparation services for Veterans during the 2026 tax season. The free tax preparation sessions will take place on March 9 and April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Orlando VA Medical Center at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, Florida 32827.
Services are available by appointment only and are completely free, confidential, and open to taxpayers of all ages. AARP membership is not required to participate. Please bring the following to your appointment: a photo ID, Social Security card(s) for all individuals on the return, IRS letters if applicable, all tax documents, last year’s tax return (if available), and bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. Veterans are encouraged to review which tax returns the program can and cannot prepare before their appointment. For more information, see https://bit.ly/3OdRiQx.
A word of caution: There are other tax preparation resources for veterans out there, but please “vet” any offers very carefully to avoid getting scammed.
Wreaths Across America “Remembrance” Page
Wreaths Across America (WAA), the national nonprofit with a yearlong mission dedicated to remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching children the value of freedom, announces “Remember Me” as its official theme for 2026. At the site, you can upload images of your veteran family and friends who have passed on. There is even the ability for an organization to create a collection of veterans to be remembered. For more information, see https://bit.ly/4pVPZD0.
Veteran suicide rises
The VA has released its long-anticipated annual suicide prevention report from last year, and the news is not good. There were 6,398 veteran suicides in 2023, with the most concerning statistics showing that the suicide rate among veterans rose, once again, to 35.2 per 100,000. High-risk groups remain a concern, including young veterans, women veterans, homeless veterans, and those with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Specific to Florida, the youngest and oldest veterans have the highest rates of veteran suicide. While billions of dollars have been targeted to attack this problem, it seems that expanded access to care, continued funding of suicide prevention resources, and integrating prevention efforts across the VA and community partners are still needed. To view the full report, including a breakdown by state, see https://bit.ly/4rI7vff.
As always, please send your veteran-related information, concerns, and requests to osceolavets@gmail.com.
