20 July MDVA News and Announcement

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maryland department of veterans affairs

News and Announcements  -  July 20, 2018

MDVA News

MDVA Submits 4,827 Claims for Veterans

MDVA Logo

Fiscal Year 2018 concluded on June 30, 2018 for the State of Maryland, and during the last Fiscal Year, the staff of the MDVA Service & Benefits program submitted 4,827 claims for Maryland Veterans and dependents to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.  Monetary payments for approved claims during the year totaled $29,883,069 paid to Maryland Veterans and dependents.

If you need assistance in filing a claim for Compensation or Pension, please contact one of the MDVA Service Officers for assistance:

MDVA Service & Benefits Program



Americal Legion Post Cambridge Dedication

Governor Larry Hogan, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, MDVA Secretary George Owings, American Legion Leadership and Members, Chamber of Commerce Members as well as the Public, all celebrated the Dedication and Re-Opening of American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge on Tuesday, July 18th.  Post 91 was damaged by fire in May 2016.


MOPH Outgoing Commander Correct

MDVA Secretary George Owings attended the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Maryland State Convention, and presented Outgoing Commander Les Chambers with a Citation from Governor Hogan, recognizing Commander Chambers' dedicated service to the organization.


AL Convention

Secretary Owings also spoke at the recent American Legion Convention.  Shown in this photo from right to left are: MDVA Secretary George Owings, Carol Lewis, Director of Marketing at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and Tom Anderson, Commander of American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge.

State Partner News

Five Veteran-Owned Businesses Receive $50,000 in Financing

The companies received a total of $250,000 from state's veteran loan program

The Maryland Department of Commerce announced that five veteran-owned businesses have received a total of $250,000 in financing through the Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program (MPVSBLP), which will help create nearly 40 new jobs throughout the state. Each business will use the $50,000 loan to support expansions and job creation, as well as infrastructure upgrades, equipment purchases, and working capital.

The businesses receiving financial assistance include C&B Strategic Consulting, Inc., a Baltimore-based firm specializing in information technology and program management; C&E Pharmacy Services LLC, an Annapolis pharmaceutical startup specializing in virtual pharmacy services for veterans; Grimmer Technology and Operations Inc., a Howard County IT company that supports federal contracts for the Department of Defense; Narrows Hill LLC, a tabletop games and accessories developer based in Garrett County; and Spin Juice House, a startup retail juice and health food café in Waldorf.

“Our military and veteran loan program helps ensure that our local businesses have the funding they need to succeed,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “We are honored to have assisted dozens of veterans through this program, and proud to provide the kind of support these men and women deserve as they work toward the next chapter of their careers.”

“The men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces have the drive, commitment and entrepreneurial spirit to be successful in business,” said George Owings, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. “We are pleased to consult with Commerce on the veteran loan program and wish each of these businesses best wishes in their future endeavors.”

The Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program was created in 2006 and is administered by Commerce in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs. Veterans, military reservists, and National Guard members who own a business are eligible to apply. The program also accepts applications from small businesses that employ military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, as well as companies owned by or employing service-disabled veterans.

Applications for the state’s veteran loan program are currently being accepted through August 17, 2018. To learn more about the program, please visit our website.


Maryland Joins Federal Trade Commission in “Operation Donate with Honor”

Leader in Nationwide Effort to Combat Fraudulent Charities That Falsely Claim to Help Veterans and Service Members 

BALTIMORE, MD - Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith, in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced enforcement actions taken against four sham charities operating in Maryland as part of a nationwide sweep and education initiative - “Operation Donate with Honor.”

The FTC, along with Attorneys General and charity regulators from 70 offices in every state, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico, announced more than 100 actions against fraudulent charities that con consumers by falsely promising their donations will help veterans and servicemembers. In the state actions announced today, charities and fundraisers sought donations online and via telemarketing, direct mail, door-to-door contacts, and at retail stores, falsely promising to help homeless and disabled veterans, to provide veterans with employment counseling, mental health counseling or other assistance, and to send care packages to deployed service members.

"Sham charities steal from consumers," said Attorney General Frosh. "They rely on our noble instincts - to help veterans and other worthy causes - but they use the money they collect to enrich themselves. They hurt legitimate charitable organizations by siphoning off support from their good work. We are committed to putting these fraudsters out of business."

“Scam artists are on the prowl, ready to take advantage of generous donors who want to help veterans, said Maryland Secretary of State Wobensmith. “Make sure your donations go to reputable, well-established charities.”

The FTC launched this ongoing effort with the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO). The initiative includes an education campaign, in English and Spanish, to help consumers recognize charitable solicitation fraud and identify legitimate charities. The FTC has new educational materials, including a video on how to research charities. Donors and business owners can find information to help them donate wisely and make their donations count at FTC.gov/Charity. Read More Here


State Department of Assessments & Taxation

SDAT Offers Tax Relief, Mails More Than 75,000 Postcards for 

Tax Credit Awareness Campaign 

Encourages Low-income Homeowners and Renters to Apply for Property 

Tax Credits

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is urging Marylanders to consider whether they may be eligible to receive a homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credit and to submit an application before the September 1 deadline. As part of this awareness campaign, this week SDAT mailed 77,544 postcards to low-income Maryland homeowners who may be eligible to receive a credit, but have not yet submitted an application. SDAT representatives have consistently participated in various community outreach events throughout the year hosted by senior centers, neighborhood alliances, and non-profit organizations to educate Marylanders about tax relief that may be available to them.

The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program provides tax relief for eligible homeowners by setting a limit on the amount of property taxes owed based on their income. If a resident has already paid their property taxes and applies before September 1, any tax credit that the homeowner may be eligible for will be refunded by their county finance office. The Renters’ Property Tax Credit Program similarly provides tax relief for eligible renters who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income. This credit is issued in the form of a direct check payment of up to $1,000 a year. 

To determine whether you are eligible to receive a tax credit, you may visit the links above or call 410-767-4433 or 1-800-944-7403 (toll free within Maryland). To receive an application, please email sdat.taxcreditapp@maryland.gov or call 410-767-4238. 

These credits must be applied for annually by September 1. In 2017, approximately 47,000 homeowners received an average of $1,339 in tax relief, while more than 8,800 renters received an average of $402 in tax relief. Combined, these two tax credit programs saved Maryland taxpayers more than $65 million last year. After the 2017 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, an additional 10,000 Maryland homeowners and renters applied for a tax credit. Many counties and municipalities also provide supplemental credits, which provide additional tax relief. If a resident is approved to receive the state credit, they will automatically receive any local supplemental credit for which they are eligible.

In order to educate Maryland homeowners and renters about the availability of these tax credits, SDAT has been proactively sharing this information with the public through direct mail, email campaigns, social media, and other forms of community outreach.

Postcard


Federal Partner News

Veterans Legacy Program: Inspiring a New Generation

Students across the nation are digging through archives, visiting their local cemeteries, and sharing stories of resilience and strength as a result of the Veterans Legacy Program.  This National Cemetery Administration program challenges the younger generation to learn more about our Nation's Veterans while providing them with tools to uncover Veterans' stories.  See what they have discovered.



Veterans Benefits Workshop sponsored by Congressman John Sarbanes, Arbutus

VA Will Text Medical Appointment Reminders - FEDweek article

Changes to Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program

US Department of Labor Announces Award of 47.600,000 in Training Grants to Help Homeless Veterans Re-Enter the Workforce

NIH and VA collaborate to boost veterans' access to cancer clinical trials

VA Research News for Veterans with PTSD 

VA Opening a new Outpatient Clinic near White Marsh, Baltimore Business Journal Article

Active Shooter Preparedness information by Department of Homeland Security

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 Calendar

July 21, 2018

American Legion Riders, Celebrating 15 Years in Maryland, Clinton

Veterans Benefits Workshop sponsored by Congressman John Sarbanes, Arbutus

July 24, 2018

Marketing 101 Training for Small Business Owners

July 25, 2018

Baltimore Military Spouse Hiring Event

Hire Our Heroes Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Women Veterans United July Conference Call

July 27, 2018

Free Dental Clinic, Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy (Also July 28th)

65th Anniversary of Korean War Cease Fire, Ocean City 

Mission BBQ Offering Sandwiches to Korean War Era Veterans

July 28, 2018

Welcome Home Veterans Claims Clinic, VA Medical Center, Washington DC 

July 31, 2018

Meet & Greet for Veterans Curation Project, Alexandria, VA

August 1, 2018

Premier Health Express Clinic Opening - A Warrior Centric Healthcare Authorized Clinic, Columbia - More Information

August 2, 2018

Re-Entry Job Fair & Expo, Waldorf

August 4, 2018

Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. 3rd Anniversary, Bowie

August 5, 2018

S.S. John Brown Visit to Cambridge,  (August 4th to 11th)

August 14, 2018

Bmore Military Muster, Ellicott City

Patuxent River Job Fair

August 16, 2018

Joint Base Andrews Job Fair

August 18, 2018

Free Concert at 3:30pm, Quantico United States Marine Corps Band, Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial Park


Community News

65TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOREAN WAR CEASE FIRE

American Legion Synepuxent Post #166 American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1091 will hold an OPEN HOUSE on Friday July 27th at the Post home located at 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD.

This is to recognize the 65th Anniversary of the Cease Fire of the Korean War. All area Korean War ERA Veterans are welcome to attend this OPEN HOUSE between 1300hrs and 1600hrs. 

For more info please contact:

Post #166   Commander Tom Wengert  443-994-2513       

Email:   television9153@yahoo.com

Or

VVA Chapter #1091 President Nelson Kelly  302-236-4171         

Email:   nelsonkelly11@comcast.net   


Charles County Launches Veterans Commission and Web-based Resource List, South Potomac Pilot article

Charles County Veterans Information

For Federal Employees: MCVET in now a participant in the Combined Federal Campaign

Second "Ride for Jeff" planned for August, BayNet.com article


Operation Tohidu® is a free, 5-day retreat program provided by Melwood Veterans Services.  It is for veterans or service members that have been diagnosed with or are self-identifying with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury or other service-related issues. 

Operation Tohidu® Dates for Q3-4 2018:

 September 10 – 14                           Couples

September 24 – 28                           Women

October 8 – 12                                   Men

October 22 – 26                                TBD

November 5 – 9                                 Women (MST focused)

December 3 – 7                                 TBD


The Global Good Fund Veteran Leadership Development Program supports veteran entrepreneurs who are striving to make a significant positive change to social issues, including those within the veteran community.  Our 12-month program provides leadership skills feedback through a specifically designed Mirror 360 Review, leadership development coaching, executive mentors, and $10,000 to support personal leadership development. The program is provided almost entirely virtually allowing us to support veteran entrepreneurs across the United States.

The 2019 Global Good Fund Veteran Entrepreneur Leadership Development application consists of a two-phase process.  Phase I online application questionnaire is available June 1, 2018 through August 31, 2018. Phase II is by invitation only and consists of a personal interview.  All applicants will be notified via email of their application status.

The open application period for the 2019 Global Good Fund Veteran Entrepreneur Leadership Development program is June 1, 2018 through August 31, 2018. Apply now http://www.globalgoodfund.org/