Hawaiian nights was the theme of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home annual Senior Prom last week. The residents put on their best attire, and had a special dinner with their dates. Volunteers from the Foundation 4 Heroes and from the Charlotte Hall volunteer team spent their evening serving and entertaining the residents. S&D Entertainment provided the music for dancing.   This annual event provides residents with a “night out” feel without having to leave the Home. The annual event has proved to be a favorite for many of the residents. Plans are already being made for the 2019 Senior Prom.

In this photo you see the lovely pond located at Charlotte Hall, where residents enjoy the view.  Beneath the surface however, is a recent donation to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  Ms. Brandi Dye, who is one of the Activities Staff at Charlotte Hall traveled to Saras Koi to purchase fish for the pond.  $100 had been allotted to purchase fish, but Saras Koi provided $500 worth of Koi Fish to stock the pond.  Thank you from all of us at MDVA for this generous donation.  This serene and peaceful spot, is now enhanced by beautiful fish.

Commissioner Robert Hanson, is the newest member of the Maryland Veterans Commission.  In the photo above, Governor Larry Hogan is presenting a Citation to Commissioner Hanson appointing him to the Maryland Veterans Commission.  Also pictured is MDVA Secretary George Owings to the left of Commissioner Hanson. Photo Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

A luncheon was held recently at American Legion Francis Scott Key Post 11 in Frederick to mark the anniversary of the end of the Korean War.  Shown in the photo above, from left to right: MDVA Secretary George Owings, MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn, Post 11 Commander Keith Clevenger, Bud Otis, President of Frederick County Council, Michael O'Connor, Mayor of the City of Frederick and Jan Gardner, Frederick County Executive.

Homegrown by Heroes

The Maryland Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition and MidAtlantic Farm Credit are pleased to announce the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown By Heroes Program. The purpose of this program is to support Maryland veteran farmers by branding products with the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown By Heroes logo and offering assistance through other business services.

To purchase the freshest, local products produced by Maryland veterans, look for the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown By Heroes logo and search for them on our web site. 

For Maryland veteran farmers interested in participating in the the program, please first sign up with the Farmer Veteran Coalition at www.farmvetco.org.

For questions, please contact Stone Slade at stone.slade@maryland.gov or

410-841-5779.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Advises 

Caution on the Water

Maryland DNR urges boaters to use extreme caution while navigating the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries due to the large amount of marine debris which is now in the mid-bay area. Make and share a plan, slow down and always wear a life jacket! 

DNR has scheduled a clean-up day at Sandy Point State Park tomorrow, Saturday August 4th.  You may register to volunteer here.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

 We borrowed this notice from our Friends at the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center:

Clean a Creek or a Beach or a Stream

As a result of the recent storms and the Conowingo Dam release, our local creeks, streams and beaches are overrun with debris.  Mixed in with the branches and tree trunks is all kinds of trash from plastic bottles to tires and styrofoam to tables. 

The bay needs lots of help on this but YOU CAN HELP. No appointment necessary. All you need is a trash bag and some gloves. If you have some spare time this week or weekend, please go to a nearby waterway and do what you can to clean up.  Gloves and closed toes shoes are recommended, a net would also be helpful.  Every little bit makes a difference.  Fill a trash bag or two and know that your efforts are appreciated!

VA Medical Center in DC Seeking Volunteers

VA Information on Cancer Screening

Air Force and NASA seek potential medical collaboration, Health.mil article

Soldiers test Army's newest transport telemedicine technology, Health.mil article

Cyber Fitness for Everyone, Health.mil article

Limit Placed on GI Bill Benefits, Armed Forces News

Defense Health Agency to Run Medical Centers, FEDweek article

AARP and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Fighting Scams - Operation Protect Veterans

VA and USAA Educational Foundation Help with Budget Planning

American Legion Survey Addresses Suicide Issues, FEDweek article

VA Dietitian on Safe Summer Cookouts

VetLex - Legal Assistance for Veterans Pilot Program

How to Tap Into the Veteran Entrepreneurship Network, Small Business Administration

August 23rd - Ribbon Cutting for the HELP Veterans Village at Perry Point VA Medical Center

Thursday, August 30, 2018 VA Resource Fair at Ft. Meade Post Exchange, Post Access Required

People Read Facial Expressions Differently, NIH

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

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 17, 2018

Ready, Set GROW! Procurement Workshop, Ocean City

August 18, 2018

Veterans BizUp Conference, Free Registration 

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

August 23, 2018

Ribbon Cutting for the HELP Veterans Village, Perry Point

August 30, 2018

VA Resource Fair, Ft. Meade Post Exchange, Post Access Required

On August 2nd, a ceremony was held at Arundel Mills to dedicate the new military veteran parking spaces. Shown in the center of this photo is Mr. Emmanuel "Manny" Airey, who served in both World War II (Navy) and the Korean War (Marines).  Mr. Airey was honored at the ceremony for his service to our nation, and also because August 2nd was his 92nd birthday!  Surrounding Mr. Airey are the members of the Anne Arundel County Marine Corps Detachment 1049.

Denise Nooe, MDVA Deputy Director for Outreach presents Mr. Airey with a copy of Korea Reborn: A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for More Than 60 Years of Growth.  This book is dedicated to U.S. Veterans of the Korean War and their families. The new military veteran parking spaces are in the background.

Community News

Arundel Mills now offering designated parking spaces for veterans, More Info

Dog Tag Inc. Fellowship Program

MCVET in the News, Baltimore Sun article

Helm for Heroes, Accessible Sailing Program for Veterans

VFW & SVA Internship Opportunity

Boondocks Music Festival, Boonsboro, Link to Free Veterans/Military Tickets