NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH — MAY 2026
Honor · Respect · Thank — Veterans · Service Members · Military Families
“Every member of our military community — past, present, and their families — deserves recognition, connection, and support.”
PEER SUPPORT & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Vets4Warriors — Peer Support Helpline & Ongoing One-on-One Connection
Vets4Warriors is staffed by veterans and military community members who provide immediate, confidential, ongoing peer support to every member of the U.S. military community — service members, veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their families. Because peers have lived the military experience, they offer a level of understanding that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere. All conversations are 100% confidential under HIPAA. Vets4Warriors is completely independent from the VA and military, so nothing discussed can ever impact status, clearance, or benefits.
Vets4Warriors does not operate scheduled group meetings — instead, it provides on-demand, one-on-one peer connection through multiple channels, available any time of day or night:
- Phone: Call 1-855-838-8255 — a peer is available to speak with you right now, 24 hours a day · 7 days a week
- Request a Callback: Submit a callback request at vets4warriors.com/talk-to-us — a peer will call you back at your preferred time
- Live Chat: Chat online with a peer at vets4warriors.com/talk-to-us — available 24/7 · Platform: web-based chat on the Vets4Warriors website
- Email: Reach out at [email protected] — responses provided by veteran peers · No time limit on ongoing email support
No registration required to connect. Learn more and access all contact options at Vets4Warriors — Talk to Us.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) — Virtual Peer Support Groups
WWP Peer Support Groups are small, warrior-led groups of approximately 10–15 participants that meet to share experiences, discuss personal challenges, and provide mutual support — led entirely by trained warrior volunteers with no therapists or clinicians present. Groups meet one to two hours per session and can be co-ed, all-male, or all-female. Virtual groups are available nationwide and are accessible to all registered WWP warriors and family members at no cost. WWP does not publish a centralized public schedule of virtual group times and Zoom links — group access is provided through two member-only channels:
- The Post (Weekly E-Newsletter): Registered warriors receive The Post each week, which includes a link to the current event schedule. Search ‘peer support group’ and filter for virtual listings to find all-virtual groups and their meeting times.
- MyWWP® App and Web Portal: The MyWWP member portal (available to all registered warriors and family members) lists all current virtual group schedules, meeting links, and registration details. Platform: Zoom (access provided through MyWWP or The Post event schedule link). Access the portal at MyWWP — Wounded Warrior Project.
- WWP Resource Center: Call 888-WWP-ALUM (888-997-2586), Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT) — staff can connect you directly to a virtual group that fits your schedule and needs.
Registration with WWP is required to participate. WWP supports post-9/11 veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound in service on or after September 11, 2001, as well as their family members and caregivers. Register and learn more at WWP Peer Support Groups · Register at WWP Registration Page.
Blue Star Families — Blue Star Support Circles (Virtual Cohorts)
Blue Star Support Circles is a free, structured eight-week virtual program — not a drop-in support group — designed for family members, friends, and supporters of veterans and service members who want to learn how to recognize and respond to early signs of mental health crisis. Each cohort (group of up to 15 participants) meets once per week for one hour over eight consecutive weeks, working through evidence-based curriculum with mental health experts covering crisis recognition, safe intervention, lethal means safety, and peer-to-peer support skills. Participants also receive free firearm locks and medicine safes.
- Format: Eight-week virtual course · One hour per week · Platform: Zoom · Cohort size: up to 15 participants per group
- Who Can Participate: Any family member, friend, or supporter of a veteran or service member — veterans themselves are also welcome. Open to all eras of service.
- How to Join: Complete the eligibility pre-survey on the Blue Star Support Circles page. A Blue Star Families team member will then contact you to confirm eligibility, discuss your availability, and place you in an upcoming cohort. Specific cohort start dates and meeting times are scheduled individually based on participant availability.
- Registration: Complete the interest form at Blue Star Support Circles — Upstream Solutions to Crisis. For questions, contact Heather Diehl, Director of Peer Support and Suicide Prevention Programs, at [email protected].
Blue Star Families also offers Blue Star Caregivers — virtual cohort-based peer support groups for military and veteran caregivers, focusing on self-care, resource sharing, and peer connection. Groups of 10–20 caregivers meet in virtual cohorts at select times throughout the year. Learn more at Blue Star Families — Caregiver Support.
American Red Cross — Military & Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) Virtual Programs
The MVCN offers multiple free recurring virtual support programs for military and veteran caregivers of all eras — including family members and friends serving as unpaid caregivers. All programs are free. Register for each event individually via Eventbrite or the MVCN Event Calendar. For questions, contact [email protected]. Access the full calendar at MVCN Event Calendar · Caregiver calendar short link: tinyurl.com/mpssvvp8.
Sharing the Journey — Online Peer Support Group · Platform: Zoom (computer, mobile device, or phone) · Recurring multiple dates · Registration closes 15 minutes before start time · A safe, drop-in peer support group where military and veteran caregivers come together for encouragement and mutual support — flexible and informal, join for all or part of the session. Open to nonpaid, nonprofessional family caregivers and friends. Register at: Sharing the Journey — Eventbrite.
Caregiver Chat — Live Text-Based Support · Platform: Slack (MVCN.slack.com · channel: red-cross-mvcn-caregiver-channel · accessible from PC or Slack mobile app) · Recurring multiple dates · Registration closes 1 hour before start time · A real-time, text-only peer chat for caregivers in a private, supportive space — share experiences, ask questions, and uplift one another. Open to nonpaid, nonprofessional family caregivers and friends. Register at: Caregiver Chat — Eventbrite.
Grupo de Apoyo en Español para Cuidadores de Militares y Veteranos — Spanish-Language Support Group · Platform: Zoom (computadora, dispositivo móvil, o teléfono) · Recurring multiple dates · Free virtual support groups for Spanish-speaking military and veteran caregivers, facilitated by trained native Spanish-speaking volunteer caregivers. Flexible and informal — join for all or part of the session. Open to nonpaid, nonprofessional family caregivers and friends. For more information: [email protected] · Register at: Grupo de Apoyo en Español — Eventbrite.
Wellbeing YOU — Weekly Wellness Email Program · Format: Email delivery (not a live virtual session) · Recurring weekly · Register once to receive a 10–15-minute mindfulness and wellness practice delivered to your inbox each week — designed to reduce stress and support whole health. Practice the skills throughout the week at your own pace. Register at: Wellbeing YOU — Eventbrite.
Your Life and Your Health Matters — Caregiver Wellness Workshop · Platform: Zoom · [VERIFY: confirm May 2026 session dates and times PT at the MVCN Event Calendar] · An interactive virtual workshop adapted from the VA’s Taking Charge of My Life and Health program — exploring the Circle of Health, mindful awareness, relationships, movement, nutrition, and rest. Open to nonpaid, nonprofessional family caregivers. Register via the MVCN Event Calendar.
Access the MVCN secure online community for caregivers 24/7 at MVCN Online Community.
Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) — Virtual Educational Events & Peer Support
The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN), operated by the University of Texas at Austin, offers free recurring virtual events for military and veteran spouses, partners, family members, caregivers, and veterans — including expert-led educational seminars, peer-led social connection groups, and one-on-one peer support. All events are free and hosted on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite for each event. For questions: [email protected].
EmpowerEd — Expert-Led Educational Seminar Series · Platform: Zoom · Recurring multiple dates · Topic-driven seminars led by subject matter experts, equipping military and veteran families with practical information and trusted resources. Open to all members of the military and veteran-connected community. Most sessions are followed by an optional separate peer discussion event, Let’s Talk About It (registration separate). Upcoming confirmed session:
Navigating VA Claims with Confidence — Medical Evidence & Advocacy · Platform: Zoom · Recurring multiple dates · Presented by Dr. Marshall Bahr, MD, MBA — Founder and CEO of Xterra Health, Army Ranger, and Special Operations Combat Medic veteran. This session demystifies the role of medical evidence in VA disability claims, including what makes evidence effective, differences between diagnosis, treatment, and causation opinions, and how spouses and caregivers can strengthen a veteran’s claim. Practical strategies for organizing medical records are included. Open to all military and veteran-connected community members. Register at: Navigating VA Claims with Confidence — Eventbrite.
Night Owls — Evening Peer Connection (Social Club) · Platform: Zoom · Recurring multiple dates · An informal, peer-led evening drop-in session for military and veteran spouses, partners, family members, caregivers, divorcees, and widows/widowers — a relaxed space to connect, unwind, and feel less alone with people who understand military and veteran family life. No agenda required — come as you are. Open to spouses and partners of active-duty and post-service veterans, family members, caregivers, and widows/widowers. Register at: VSN Eventbrite Page (search Night Owls for current dates and times).
My Journey: Caregiving — Panel Discussion (Social Club) · Platform: Zoom · Recurring multiple dates · A heartfelt peer panel where VSN Peer Leaders share personal caregiving journeys — covering topics from supporting loved ones with TBI to managing distance caregiving. A space to listen, learn, and feel understood. Open to spouses, partners, family members, caregivers, widows/widowers, and veterans. Register at: My Journey: Caregiving — Eventbrite.
Peer 2 Peer Connect — One-on-One Support · Format: One-on-one virtual or phone session · Ongoing, not a scheduled group · Pairs military and veteran spouses, partners, and family members with a trained VSN Peer Leader for personalized, individualized support. Connect at: VSN Peer 2 Peer Connect.
View all current VSN events and register at Veteran Spouse Network — Eventbrite. Subscribe to the VSN Newsletter for updates. Learn more at Veteran Spouse Network.
ADDITIONAL VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS & MEETINGS
Blue Star Families — Military Spouse Appreciation Week · May 4–10, 2026
Blue Star Families is celebrating Military Spouse Appreciation Week — anchored by Military Spouse Appreciation Day on Friday, May 8, 2026 — with daily giveaways, meaningful surprises, and virtual community events for military spouses nationwide, powered by T-Mobile. Blue Star Families traditionally hosts a free virtual Military Spouse Appreciation Day Town Hall bringing together military spouses, senior military family advocates, and community leaders for recognition, resources, and shared conversation.
- Date: May 4–10, 2026 · Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Friday, May 8, 2026
- Platform: Virtual · [VERIFY: confirm specific event times and registration links as they are published at Blue Star Families Events]
- Who can attend: Military spouses, veteran spouses, committed partners, and military family members — open to all
- Cost: Free
- Follow & Register: Blue Star Families — Military Spouse Appreciation Week · Use #MilitarySpouseAppreciationDay and #MilSpouseAppreciationWeek on social media to join the national conversation
VA VISN 12 Mental Health Summit — How VA Chaplains Help Veterans in Recovery
The VA Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12) hosts a free virtual Mental Health Summit open to veterans, veteran family members, VA staff, Veteran Service Organizations, community stakeholders, and advocates. The 2026 summit focuses on the role of VA Chaplains in supporting veterans across their recovery journey — featuring Chaplains from across VISN 12.
- Date & Time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM CT (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM PT)
- Platform: Virtual · [VERIFY: confirm platform and registration link at VA VISN 12 Mental Health Summit]
- Who can attend: Veterans, veteran family members, VA staff, Veteran Service Organizations, community stakeholders and advocates — open to all
- Cost: Free
- Register: VA VISN 12 Mental Health Summit — May 19, 2026
VA National Mental Health Recovery & Wellness Webinar Series — May 2026
The VA’s ongoing monthly virtual webinar series presents the latest advancements in recovery-focused mental health care for veterans, led by leading VA and community researchers and clinicians. Webinars are free and open to VA staff, mental health professionals, and community partners. All sessions are also available on demand after airing.
- Date & Time: Second Tuesday of each month · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT) · May 2026 session: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- Platform: Virtual webinar (registration details sent approximately one month before each session)
- Who can attend: VA staff, mental health professionals, and community partners · recordings available on demand to all
- Cost: Free
- Sign up for announcements & access on-demand recordings: VA National Mental Health Recovery & Wellness Webinar Series
TAPS — Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors · Online Peer Support Groups
TAPS provides free, peer-led virtual support groups, workshops, and online community sessions for anyone grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one — including family members, friends, and fellow service members. No matter where you are in your grief journey, TAPS Online Community groups provide a safe space with no pressure to share. Registration is required at least 24 hours before attending your first session.
TAPS Online Peer-Led Groups (Sharing Groups / Virtual Care Groups) · Platform: Zoom · Recurring multiple dates and times throughout the month · Drop-in, peer-led sessions where survivors connect with others walking a similar path. Flexible — attend once or regularly, as often as feels right. Open to anyone grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one, worldwide. Register at: TAPS Online Groups.
TAPS 32nd Annual National Military Survivor Seminar & Good Grief Camp · Arlington, VA (in-person with virtual attendance option) · May 21–25, 2026 · The premier annual gathering for military survivors — workshops on grief, small-group sharing sessions, and connection with peers nationwide. Good Grief Camp runs alongside for bereaved children and youth. Free to attend for survivors. Register at: TAPS National Seminar · 24/7 Survivor Helpline: 800-959-TAPS (8277).
For all TAPS virtual programming and to register, visit TAPS Online Community. Contact: [email protected] · 24/7 helpline: 800-959-TAPS (8277).
SAFE Project — Virtual Veterans All-Recovery Weekly Meeting
A free, weekly nationwide virtual peer support meeting for veterans, active-duty service members, and military family members who have experienced addiction or are on a recovery path. Each one-hour session is facilitated by a licensed clinician with personal and professional experience in the military and veteran community. Sessions open with a brief welcome and orientation, followed by open discussion through guided questions, storytelling, or crowdsourcing of resources — and close with a takeaway summary and one-word checkout. Non-clinical and welcoming at any stage of recovery.
- Schedule: Every Tuesday, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PT)
- Platform: Zoom
- Who can attend: Veterans, active-duty service members, and military family members who have experienced addiction or are on a recovery path
- Cost: Free · No registration required — join the recurring Zoom meeting directly
- Register / Join: SAFE Project Virtual Veterans Recovery Meetings
VOA|ReST 4 VETS — Virtual Peer Support for Moral Injury & Resilience (Volunteers of America)
VOA|ReST 4 VETS is a free, confidential virtual peer support program open to all veterans, helping those struggling with moral injury, moral distress, isolation, and the challenges of reintegration. Sessions of up to ten participants are scheduled nearly every day of the week for one hour, led by trained peer facilitators — many of whom are veterans themselves. Sessions begin with brief breathing and meditation, followed by open sharing guided by peer co-facilitators who listen with compassion and understanding. All veterans are welcome to share whatever is on their mind.
- Schedule: Nearly every day of the week — view and join available sessions after registering
- Platform: HeyPeers (works like Zoom — browser-based, no app download required)
- Who can attend: All veterans — all eras, all branches
- Cost: Free · Requires a free HeyPeers account to register and join sessions
- Register / Join: VOA|ReST 4 VETS — Register on HeyPeers · Or find sessions directly at HeyPeers Veteran Support Groups.
NAMI Multnomah — Virtual Veteran Peer Support Groups (Open Nationally)
NAMI Multnomah (serving Oregon but open to veterans anywhere in the country) offers three distinct free, drop-in, peer-led virtual support groups for veterans and military service members on Zoom — no diagnosis required, no registration, and no cost. All are facilitated by trained veteran volunteers using personal experience with military culture, mental health challenges, and recovery.
Veteran Peer Support Group (General) · Platform: Zoom · Every Thursday · 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PT · Open to veterans and current/former military service members of any discharge status, anywhere. No diagnosis required. Collaboration between NAMI Multnomah and NAMI Central Oregon. Join the notification list at: NAMI Multnomah Veteran Support Groups.
LGBTQ+ Veteran & Military Service Member Support Group · Platform: Zoom · 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month · 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PT · A peer-led space for veterans and service members who identify as LGBTQ+ and are living with mental health conditions. No diagnosis required. Join the notification list at: NAMI Multnomah Veteran Support Groups. Contact: [email protected].
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Survivor Support Group — Women Only · Platform: Zoom · 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month · 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PT · A peer-led group for women veterans and female service members who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. Facilitated by veterans with shared experience — not clinicians. Open regardless of diagnosis or discharge status. Join the notification list at: NAMI Multnomah Veteran Support Groups.
Contact NAMI Multnomah: 503-228-5692 · [email protected]
PFLAG Connects: Military Community — Virtual Support Group for Parents & Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Service Members & Veterans
A free, safe, virtual, peer-moderated monthly support group specifically for military-affiliated parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ children of any age — including parents of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans. Each meeting is led by current or former service members or military spouses who guide participants in receiving support, giving support, and finding resources. No PFLAG affiliation or membership required. Meetings are locked 20 minutes after start time.
- Schedule: Second Monday of every month · 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) · Next meeting during Military Appreciation Month: Monday, May 11, 2026
- Platform: Zoom
- Who can attend: Military-affiliated parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ children (any age); parents of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans · Adults 18+ only
- Cost: Free · No PFLAG membership required
- Register: PFLAG Connects: Military Community · Questions: Contact Victor Vizcarrondo Velez at PFLAG National
Hope for the Warriors — Military Veteran Program (MVP) Peer Mentorship
Hope for the Warriors offers free peer mentorship for post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their families through the Military Veteran Program. MVP Mentors provide virtual one-on-one support, guidance toward wellness, help identifying priorities, and connection to community events and resources. Peer check-ins and group connections are also available. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week. Connect at Hope for the Warriors — Military Veteran Program or contact [email protected], 1-877-246-7349.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Military.com — Military Appreciation Month Guide — Discounts, events, and resources honoring service members and veterans throughout May 2026
Blue Star Museums — Free Military Admissions Program — Free museum and nature center admission for active-duty military and families, May 16 – September 7, 2026
National Military Family Association — Resource Guide — Comprehensive directory of support programs for service members, veterans, military spouses, and children
Veteran.com — Military Appreciation Month Guide — Overview of key dates, observances, and ways to honor military service throughout May 2026
ABOUT
National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) is a federally recognized observance held each May, established by Congress in 1999. It honors all branches of the U.S. military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force — as well as National Guard, Reserve units, veterans, and military families. May was chosen because it contains more individual military observances than any other month, including Loyalty Day (May 1), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 8), Armed Forces Day (May 16), and Memorial Day (May 25). The U.S. military consists of more than 2.2 million active and reserve personnel, with millions more veterans and family members who have served and sacrificed alongside them.
DISCLAIMER: Information is shared as a courtesy only. Not a substitute for legal advice, professional treatment, or emergency services. If a child or person is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local law enforcement. For mental health or substance use emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Seek guidance from a qualified medical or mental health professional for personalized care. Event details are subject to change — verify directly with hosting organizations before attending.