MDVA Outreach & Advocacy Sets New Outreach Record

With a small but dedicated staff of two, the MDVA Outreach & Advocacy (O&A) staff attended 303 events in 2017. Led by Director Dana Hendrickson, O&A provided briefings to veteran and community groups and staffed Resource Tables at Fairs, Festivals and Veteran focused events around the state last year. The first few months of 2018 have already presented many outreach opportunities for MDVA.  If you are hosting an event for veterans and plan to invite MDVA staff to attend, please provide as much advance notice as possible.   Outreach Event Request Form

Mr. Kyle Roberts on left, who serves as the National Assistant Treasurer of the Korean War Veterans Association and his father, Jack B. Roberts, Sr. (center) meet MDVA Deputy Secretary Bob Finn.  Kyle and Jack both went to Korea last year with the Revisit Korea program and encourage other Korean Veterans to take advantage of the program. YouTube 2017 video.

Mr. Arnold Sampson on left, who served in the United States Army as a Medevac Pilot during the Vietnam War, is presented with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and Citation by MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn.

Governor Larry Hogan Unveils Medal of Honor Display at the Maryland State House

Governor Larry Hogan was joined by Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., Speaker of the House Mike Busch, veterans, and state officials with military service for the unveiling of the Medal of Honor display at the State House. Two Medal of Honor recipients, First Lieutenant Brian Thacker (Army) of Wheaton, Md. and Colonel Harvey “Barney” Barnum (Marine Corps) of Reston, Va., attended the ceremony and were recognized for their heroic service. This display recognizes Medal of Honor recipients and celebrates National Medal of Honor Day, which is recognized annually on March 25. Read More Here

Spotlight on Education: Community Colleges of Baltimore County

CCBC Cyber Security Institute

CCBC Cyber Security Institute Announces Accelerated Stackable Credentials Series

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. 

Women Veterans Health Care

Center for Women Veterans (CWV) Research

VA Center for Women Veterans on Facebook and Twitter

Changes to TRICARE Retiree Dental Program - Health.mil article

First Blood Test to Detect Brain Injury - Health.mil article

Navigating the Military Financial Lifecycle - Consumer Federal Protection Bureau

Gulf War Veterans - Research Volunteers Needed

Military Service and Social Security and More Information

Dental, Vision Coverage Expanded for TRICARE Eligibles 

In Memory Program - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

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

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.

Recently the 9th Annual Marathon Bluegrass Jam Maryland was held at American Legion Post 276 in Severn to raise money for the Fisher House Foundation.  In this photo, Front Row, left to right: Marian Chaprnka (guitar), Dave Mathauer (mandolin), Neil Hamrick (guitar), Dave Bageant (banjo) and Back Row, left to right: Jess Anderson (guitar), Don Mitchell (guitar), Bobby Bageant (bass), Robin Sprecker (guitar), Nancy Bitter (fiddle) and Ben Rapp (fiddle)

Photo Credit: Elyse Chaprnka

Community Calendar

April 7, 2018

Veteran Resource Fair and Lattes with Lambs Event, Accokeek

Women Veterans Legislative "Brain Storming Summit", Bowie

Free VA Loan Homebuyer Class, Hanover

April 9, 2018

Lower Shore Veteran's Network - Salisbury

April 10, 2018

2018 Veterans Resource Fair, Howard County

Mid-Shore Veterans Network - Easton

April 14, 2018

Veteran Transition Workshop - Travis Manion Foundation

Free VA Loan Homebuyer Class - Laurel

April 17, 2018

TECHEXPO Hiring Event - Linthicum - Cl or Full Scope Polygraph Required

April 18, 2018

Technical Job Fair - Ft. Meade

Transitioning from the Military to Contracting - Columbia

April 20, 2018

Career Fair - Sponsored by Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, Baltimore

April 21, 2018

Veterans Housing Summit, Upper Marlboro

Veterans Hike Across Maryland - Series of Hikes on the Appalachian Trail

April 25, 2018

Second Chance Hiring Fair - For Those Formerly Incarcerated, Annapolis

April 26, 2018

CCBC Job Fair, Catonsville

AT&T Public Sector Open House - Linthicum - Full Scope Polygraph Required

April 27, 2018

Maryland Military and Veteran Women Business Conference

April 29, 2018

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans & Vietnam Era Veterans - Indian Head

Free VA Loan Homebuyer Class, Annapolis

May 1, 2018

Military Spouse Job Fair - Ft. Meade

May 3, 2018

Maryland Apprenticeship Career Fair - Randallstown

May 5, 2018

Military Appreciation Fair and Fun Run - UMUC, Upper Marlboro

Veterans Hike Across Maryland - Series of Hikes on the Appalachian Trail

American Legion Honors Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers - Indian Head

Community News

Veterans Smile Make-Over - Dental Services for Veterans in Salisbury

Brave Heart Program - Equine Interaction for Veterans and Families

Tyler Stallings, MCVETS' 6 Year Old Volunteer - NBC Video

Spotlight on Carroll County Veterans Services:

Veteran Services in Carroll County

Veterans Advisory Council

The Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) is an active organization appointed by the Carroll County Commission.  Accomplishments include the establishment of:  Veteran Service Officer Program, Free Transportation Services to nearby VA Healthcare Facilities, Coordination of Veteran Activities in Carroll County, and the Veterans Book Club. 

Currently, a new project being developed in Carroll County is the Carroll County Veterans Independence Project