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31 August MDVA News and Announcements

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 08/31/2018 08:00 AM EDT

News and Announcements - August 31, 2018

MDVA News

Charlotte Hall Receives Donation of New Sound System

Thank You to The American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville for purchasing a new sound system for the Main Multi-Purpose Room. The room is used for the Senior Prom, Winter Ball, BINGO, Sock Hops and other entertaining events for the residents. The new sound system also extends into the dining room, so that residents can enjoy music during their meals. This project cost over $7,000 and the funds were raised by the American Legion Post from their St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance. Post 238 also provides residents at Charlotte Hall free monthly dinner outings at the post every month.

MDVA also extends our appreciation to Mr. Joe Lehan who spent so much of his time installing and troubleshooting the new and improved system. Joe replaced an outdated PA system with a modern ‘distributed’ audio system. The new system features an Energy Star compliant JBL integrated Mixer and 2-zone Amplifier, feeding eight Yamaha, 2-way, surface-mounted speakers, as well as a combination AM/FM Tuner, USB/CD Player and DVD Player. The stage area microphone now includes a “media interface” for connecting music players and mobile devices to play over the MPR PA system. All microphone/speaker wiring and connections were replaced with shielded audio cable and connections were made using modern industry standards. Wall-mounted volume controls for both speaker zones allow easy, simple, access. When not in use, the new PA system enters a power-saving ‘sleep’ mode and will activate once activity is sensed. All audio components are installed in a fan cooled, wall-mounted, equipment rack. Thank you to Joe for your continued support of Charlotte Hall and our residents!

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

From left to right: Joe Lehan of Sound Events, Jeff Sherff, American Legion Post 238 and Sharon Murphy, Director of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

In other Charlotte Hall news, Bikers Ride to Aid Charlotte Hall, BayNet.com article

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has a Veterans Cemetery Grants Program - Watch Video

Maryland has received support from the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program to establish five State Veterans Cemeteries - MDVA Cemetery & Memorial Program

Avenue of Flags at MDVA Cheltenham State Veterans Cemetery

After a visit to the United States Naval Academy, Mr. Lester "Buddy" Hodgdon stopped by MDVA and met Secretary Owings. While chatting, Secretary Owings discovered Mr. Hodgdon served in the Navy and was eligible for the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. Shown in the photo from left to right: MDVA Deputy Secretary Bob Finn, Mr. Buddy Hodgdon, and Secretary George Owings.

State Partner News

Own a Small Business? Thinking of Starting One?

Check out the: Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs

Looking for Procurement Assistance?

Check Out the: Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Maryland State Procurement Summit Registration

Maryland National Guard Cyber Warriors

Joint Training Partnership with Maryland State Government :

The Maryland National Guard has a joint training partnership with the State of Maryland Department of Information Technology and Governor’s Office of Homeland Security – Maryland Guard personnel maintain critical skills in network penetration testing and identification of network vulnerabilities by conducting joint training and forging critical relationships prior to a cyber-incident.
Joint training events have allowed military personnel to train on unfamiliar networks, share best practices, and engage in knowledge exchange with other cyber professionals – model is spreading to other National Guard units.
Activities have included joint training in securing web servers, databases, and wireless networks.

Unit history:
Approximately 13 years ago the Maryland National Guard activated the 175th Cyberspace Operations Squadron at Fort Meade. The unit started with a handful of people. Over the years the squadron has grown and is now part of the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group, Maryland Air National Guard.

In 2016 the Maryland Air National Guard stood-up the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group consisting of four Squadrons with the federal mission to defend and protect Air Force and U.S. critical infrastructure against cyber-attacks and conduct cyber exploitation and attack operations. Their state mission is to be available to assist the state and local government agencies at the direction of the Governor.

The 175th Cyberspace Operations Group has more than 284 personnel conducting cyber operations in support of the Air Force, USCYBERCOM and the State of Maryland. The Squadrons are the following:
175th Operations Squadron: National Mission Team
275th Cyberspace Operations Squadron: Cyber Protection Team
276th Cyberspace Operations Squadron: National Mission Team
275th Operational Support Squadron: Operator Training, Equipment, Scheduling

In 2017 the Maryland Army National Guard integrated the new 169th Cyber Protection Team with the primary mission is to respond to Guard net incidents and conduct defensive operations to support confidentiality, integrity and availability of Army information systems. The unit has 39 full-time members headquartered at the Laurel Armory.

Information Provided by COL Charles S. Kohler, Maryland National Guard

Federal Partner News

Photo Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Governor Larry Hogan Attends Ribbon Cutting for HELP Veterans Village at Perry Point VA Medical Center. Read More Here More Photos

Blue Angels to Move to Super Hornet, FEDweek article

How to Replace Lost Military Medals, MilitaryBenefits.info

Battling Depression and Suicide Among Female Veterans, National Public Radio

Navy Medicine Global Health Team Conducts Trauma Training in Vietnam, Health.mil article

PTSD Treatment Works

VA Researchers Working on 3D-printed Artificial Lung

VA Education and Training Information

Creative Wellness; Art is Therapy for Veterans

Women Veterans Seeking Health Care from VA Increasing

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.