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2 March MDVA News and Announcements

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 03/02/2018 08:00 AM EST

News and Announcements - March 2, 2018

MDVA News

New Administrator at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Mr. Russell Koegler came to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in September 2015 as the Assistant Administrator and began the Administrator-In Training Program through the Maryland Board of Nursing Home Administrators. He became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in February 2017, passing his licensing exam on the first try!

In addition to his dedication and caring shown to the residents of Charlotte Hall, Russell also has many educational achievements. He holds a Masters of Public Health, a Masters of Business Administration, a Masters of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Public Policy, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Please join MDVA in congratulating Russell, the new Administrator at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, who is a highly skilled professional assisting MDVA in caring for those who served.

Mr. Russell Keogler, Administrator, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Correction: The last edition of the MDVA e-newsletter featured a story about the new buses at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. There was an error in the names of the bus drivers shown in the photos. The names of the bus drivers are Ms. Daisy Riley and Mr. Anthony Clagett. We apologize for the error.

MDVA Deputy Secretary Bob Finn attended the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs this week in Alexandria, VA. While there, he found our friend Hershel "Woody" Williams. Woody was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima.

You may have seen Woody recently when he assisted with the coin toss at Super Bowl 52 on February 4th, but Woody considers his current important mission to ensure that there are Gold Star Family Memorials in each of the 50 states through the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Annapolis, Maryland was dedicated on November 11, 2016 and is located next to the World War II Memorial overlooking the Severn River and the United States Naval Academy.

State Partner News

Governor Larry Hogan Announces New Text to 9-1-1 System for Maryland

Upgrades State Emergency System Network with Life-Saving Technology

Governor Larry Hogan announced the Board of Public Works' approval of a new Text to 9-1-1 technology for Maryland, helping to update 1960s-era emergency systems with life-saving technology. This new Internet-based infrastructure allows citizens to send a Short Message Service (SMS) text message to 9-1-1. The Federal Communications Commission estimates that more than 70 percent of all 9-1-1 calls now come from cellular users.

For Employers - Creating a Military-Ready Workplace Culture

March 20, 2018 - More Information and Registration

Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation's Military Corps Career Connect (C3) initiative, in partnership with the Fort Meade Alliance, is hosting a free morning event where Human Resources (HR), Talent Acquisition, and hiring managers can learn about how to make their workplace military-ready.

2018 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Convened

The Maryland General Assembly is currently meeting in Annapolis for the 2018 Legislative Session. As a service to the veteran community, information on proposed legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:

2018 Legislative Information

You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the

Maryland General Assembly website.

Federal Partner News

US Department of Labor program recognizing employers who hire Veterans

VA Resource Fair at Ft. Meade Exchange on March 15, 2018

Museum of Health and Medicine Opens New Exhibit on Gas Warfare During

World War I, Health.mil article

Forever GI Bill - Restoration of Benefits Under Some Conditions

VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits

VA Fiscal Year 2018-2024 Strategic Plan

Flu Season Isn't Over - How to Avoid the Flu

Military Sports Medicine Doctors Support the Olympics, Health.mil article

April 7, 2018

Special Event at the National Colonial Park at Piscataway Park

A Veteran Resource Fair will be combined with the popular Lattes with Lambs event. Veterans are invited to bring their families, enjoy the day at the park and visit Veteran resource providers.

Flier

Community Partner News

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDVA. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a MDVA community outreach effort.

Community News

Walmart announced that it has hired more than 194,000 veterans since launching its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment in May 2013. The commitment guarantees a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran who has separated from active duty since Memorial Day 2013. Walmart is now more than three-quarters of the way to reaching its goal to hire 250,000 veterans by 2020.

Here in Maryland, Walmart has hired 2,267 veterans since we began the program.

Approximately 1,300 new veterans and their families return to civilian life every day, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Veterans possess important skills and leadership abilities that make them highly sought after job candidates. The Veterans Welcome Home Commitment helps veterans find career opportunities at Walmart and aims to ease the sometimes difficult transition from active duty to civilian life.

To learn more about Walmart Veterans Home Commitment, please visit here.