17 August MDVA News & Announcements

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maryland department of veterans affairs

News and Announcements  -  August 17, 2018

MDVA News

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Director Honored

Charlotte Hall logo

For the last year, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Director, Sharon Murphy has served as the  President of the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH).


MDVA Secretary George Owings stated, "We are very proud of Sharon and what she has accomplished.  Her leadership as President of NASVH has brought her many accolades from across the country.  As she ends her year as National President of NASVH, we know MDVA will benefit from the contacts she has made, the resources she has found and the skills she has honed". Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Sharon as President

Shown in this photo from left to right are: Heywood Hilliard, Vice President HMR, Sharon Murphy, Director of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Russell Keogler, Administrator of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and Peter Pantzer, MDVA Fiscal Director.  The photo was taken at the NASVH Conference.


In Memorium: The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home family lost a faithful volunteer on August 1, 2018 when Mr. Richard Bamberger passed away at his home surrounded by his family.  Mr. Bamberger was a Vietnam Veteran and a Senior Chief Diver, who retired after serving 24 years in the Navy.  Mr. Bamberger was one of the original volunteers at Charlotte Hall starting in 1985 and was recognized at the annual volunteer appreciation program which began in 1986.  He donated thousands of hours to Charlotte Hall over his 31 years as a volunteer representing DAV Chapter 36, VFW Post 8810 and as a member of the Charlotte Hall Service Liaison Committee.  MDVA extends heartfelt condolences to his family and his many friends.  He will be missed by Charlotte Hall residents and staff.  Obituary


Summer InternsII

MDVA bids farewell to the interns who helped us this summer, and wishes them well as they return to school.  In this photo from left to right: MDVA Secretary George Owings, Morgan Smith, a participant in the Governor's Summer Intern Program and Dana Burl, MDVA Director of Outreach & Advocacy.  Not Shown: Andrew Altman, who also volunteered at MDVA this summer.

Photo Credit: Executive Office of the Governor


Eastern Star

Members of the Order of the Eastern Star met with Secretary Owings and presented a generous donation to the Veterans Trust Fund. From left to right: Karen Calvert, who serves on the Maryland Veterans Commission and also is the Worthy Grand Matron, 2018-2019, Grand Chapter of Maryland, Cassandra Bonchu, Russell Bonchu, Secretary Owings, Madge Jones, Stan Seidel, a Maryland Veterans Commissioner who volunteers with the Veterans Trust Fund, and Pat Burt.  Thank you to all of the members of the Order of the Eastern Star who donated to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.


FRA

Secretary Owings recently served as the Keynote Speaker at the Fleet Reserve Association East Coast Region Convention, where he also pinned several Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. Shown in this photo with Secretary Owings are: Shipmate Arthur W. Roman, Sr., Fleet Reserve Association Branch 212 from Ft. Meade, and Maryland Veterans Commissioner Penny Collins, who is also a Shipmate with Fleet Reserve Association Branch 24 from Annapolis.


Women Veterans Award

The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. recently celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of the organization. Penny Collins, who also serves on the Maryland Veterans Commission presents Secretary George Owings with an award from the Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.

State Partner News

MDVA and MDOT MVA Announce Redesigned Disabled Veteran License Plate

Veteran Feedback Led to More Eye-Catching Plate

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA), announced today the release of its redesigned Disabled Veterans license plate.  The new plate adds color and prominently features red, white, and blue stripes with stars to symbolize service to country.  It continues to feature the letters “DV”, to designate the driver as a disabled veteran, however “Disabled Veteran” is now spelled out in red along the bottom of the plate.

The idea for a new plate came after George Durgin, Capt., U.S. Public Health Service and Maryland resident, saw a variety of veteran plates with patriotic designs at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Capt. Durgin contacted the MDVA’s Outreach Program and suggested a new plate design.  He provided photos of other state’s plates which served as a baseline for the MDOT MVA’s design of a new Maryland military plate for disabled veterans.  The plate is now available at the MDOT MVA for eligible veterans.

"Our administration is committed to ensuring our military, veterans, and their families are recognized for their service," said Governor Larry Hogan. "The newly designed Disabled Veteran Plate is one more way we can show our gratitude and honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for Maryland and our nation."  

“The collaboration between the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, and Capt. Durgin, is an outstanding example of how one person can make a difference in the way we serve our veteran community,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings.  “I look forward to seeing the newly issued Disabled Veteran Plates and to creatively finding new ways to honor Maryland’s veterans.”

“The newly designed Disabled Veterans plate is just another example of MDOT MVA’s commitment to honoring the veterans who courageously served our country. We appreciate Capt. Durgin’s recommendation as we continue to look for additional ways to honor our veterans and deliver premier service to all Maryland residents,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Christine Nizer.

Veterans who are determined to be 100 percent disabled, permanent and total, by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible to apply for the plate at no cost to the veteran.  For more information, visit the MDOT MVA’s website at http://www.mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/licenseplates/disabled-license-plate.htm

The MDVA is a State Government Executive Department with a service mission to assist veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service.  Under the Department of Veterans Affairs are five major programs: The Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Program; Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; the Veterans Service and Benefits Program, Outreach and Advocacy Program, and the Maryland Veterans Trust. 

For more information, visit the MDVA’s website at http://veterans.maryland.gov/


Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan Honor Korean War Veterans

Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan hosted a Welcome Home, Korean War Veterans reception at Government House. They were joined by Korean Ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je; Secretary of Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, George Owings III; Executive Director of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Jim Fisher; and members of the Korean Embassy and Korean War Veterans Association. Read More Here

More Photos Here

Korean War Veterans

Former Maryland Veterans Commissioner Raymond Glock and Ms. Marilyn Baldwin are greeted by First Lady Yumi Hogan at the Welcome Home, Korean War Veterans reception at Government House.



Governor Larry Hogan Issues Proclamation for Bells to be Tolled to Honor 
World War I Veterans 

Maryland Joins Nation to Commemorate Sacrifices of more than 60,000 Veterans

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation calling for bells to be tolled in Maryland on November 11, 2018 at 11:00 am in remembrance of veterans of World War I. The proclamation coincides with a call by the United States World War I Centennial Commission for all Americans to participate in a national tolling of bells.

“Over 62,000 Marylanders served honorably during World War I, making incredible sacrifices to bring justice and freedom to all people,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Today, on the anniversary of the Hundred Days Offensive marking the beginning of the end of World War I, I am proud to issue this proclamation calling on all Marylanders to join me on November 11th at 11:00 am in participating in the bell tolling to honor our veterans who served in the Great War.”

Sunday, November 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I. To commemorate the occasion, in 2015 Governor Larry Hogan created the World War I Centennial Commission through an executive order to create ways for the state’s residents and its visitors to remember, commemorate, and learn about the meaning of World War I and the role of Marylanders during that time. In addition, the commission is tasked with developing activities and events to recognize the anniversary. Under the leadership of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, the Commission has worked towards preserving and promoting the history of all 62,000 Marylanders who served in World War I, including 11,000 African Americans and 6,000 women.

“We thank Governor Hogan for joining states across the nation in tolling bells to honor veterans of World War I,” said David Craig, Director of the World War I Centennial Commission. “Marylanders served a significant role in the Great War with nearly 2,000 giving the ultimate sacrifice, and the Maryland World War I Centennial Commission is committed to honoring the sacrifices of our ancestors.”

“On behalf of the Maryland World War I Centennial Commission, I would like to thank Governor Hogan for his continued support of our efforts to recognize the heroes of the Great War,” said Joseph Suarez, Chair of the Maryland World War I Centennial Commission. “Since the establishment of our Commission by Executive Order in 2015, we have committed to telling the story of Marylanders who served and sacrificed both on the battlefield and on the home front during the Great War. The solemnity of the bell tolling that is taking place across the nation and in every town and community in Maryland is a reminder of that human sacrifice that helped to change the world.”

Marylanders are asked to toll the bells twenty-one times with a five-second interval between tolls beginning at 11:00 am on Sunday, November 11, 2018 in commemoration of the armistice. Organizations, towns, churches and museums across the state will also participate by listing the names of those involved in the Great War from their site.

The action of tolling the bells has historical significance as a signal indicating the end of World War I. During the War, all church bells were silenced only to ring as a warning of invasion by enemy troops.

 


Maryland Commerce Designates New BRAC Zone in Harford County

 The Maryland Department of Commerce today announced the designation of a new BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone in Harford County. Located in Edgewood, Md., the new BRAC zone encompasses land on the north side of the MARC railroad line bordering Aberdeen Proving Ground South, accessible by Route 755 to the east, U.S. Route 40 to the north, and to the west along Route 24 to Trimble Road and Fulfillment Drive. The 855-acre Edgewood BRAC Zone is located within the Edgewood/Joppa Enterprise Zone.

“For more than 100 years, Aberdeen Proving Ground has played a critical role in the defense of our nation,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Today, APG is the largest employer in Harford County and a significant economic engine for our state. The designation of the Edgewood BRAC Zone paves the way for new amenities and new development in the area surrounding the installation, creating even more opportunities for investment in the region.”

Read More Here

Federal Partner News


American Legion National Legislative Update

Healthy Sleep for Healing, Health.mil article

Voluntary Drug Recall Alert, Health.mil article

Antietam National Battlefield Improvements, Frederick News-Post Article

Volunteer with the VA Maryland Health Care System

 

VA Notice:

A Ribbon Cutting will be held for the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located in Gaithersburg on September 7, 2018, and the Clinic will open for appointments on September 10, 2018.  The Clinic is located at: 15819 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg.

Veterans may contact the Clinic to schedule future appointments beginning on August 13, 2018. VA has provided the following numbers:

Gaithersburg CBOC: 301-963-5571

After Hours: 202-745-8000

Enrollment Coordinators: 202-745-8000

Pharmacy: 2020745-8000

Patient Advocate: 202-745-8588

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

Hospice of the Chesapeake Holds Fifth Annual Veteran Tribute Wall Unveiling

Frostburg State University student and USMC Veteran Kodi Bowers was selected as the Raven's Hometown Hero honored at the August 9th game.

Comcast program for low income veterans


Community Calendar

August 18, 2018

Veterans BizUp ConferenceFree Registration, College Park

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

August 21, 2018

Military Corps Career Connect (C3) Job Club, Ft. Meade

August 23, 2018

Ribbon Cutting for the HELP Veterans Village, Perry Point

August 28, 2018

Technical Training Classroom - Marketing 101, Crownsville

Technical Training Classroom - MBE Rights and Responsibilities, Crownsville

August 30, 2018

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

September 6, 2018

CI or FS Polygraph Only Cleared Job Fair, Linthicum

September 8, 2018

Helm for Heroes Racing Clinic and Regatta, Baltimore

September 11, 2018

Nutrition Lunch and Learn Open to Veteran and Military Families, Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easter Seals, Silver Spring

September 12, 2018

Lower Shore Veterans Network Meeting, Salisbury

September 13, 2018

Upper Shore Hiring Event, Stevensville

September 15, 2018

Travis Manion Foundation Veteran Transition Workshop, Laurel

September 16, 2018

Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run, Annapolis

Crab Feast & Bull Roast to Benefit Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter, Inc., Laurel

September 18, 2018

MidShore Veterans Network Meeting, Easton

September 22, 2018

Suicide Awareness Hike to Benefit Platoon 22, California

September 30, 2018

Marines Helping Heroes 5K Challenge, Arundel Mills, Hanover

Catholic War Veterans Blue Mass, Baltimore