Happy Veterans Day!

Veterans Day Events at MDVA

The following events will be held at MDVA locations in observance of Veterans Day: November 11, 2018 at 10:30 am World War II Memorial, Annapolis   November 11, 2018 at 11:00 am Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Prince Georges County Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, Anne Arundel County Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, Baltimore County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Baltimore City   November 11, 2018 at 1:30pm Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery, Dorchester County   November 12, 2018 at 11:00 am Charlotte Hall Veteran Home, Saint Mary's County   No Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery in Allegeny County due to construction. MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program   Please note: Community Veterans Day event information is listed in the Community Partner News section, for those organizations who sent information to MDVA. Please scroll to the end of the e-newsletter for more Veterans Day event information.

Help Wanted!

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs is frequently recruiting Veterans Cemetery Caretakers.  These are full-time positions, and are eligible to receive full state benefits package.

For More Information

Charlotte Hall Wish List for Residents

As we approach Thanksgiving, MDVA often hears from Veterans Service Organizations and individuals who want to give thanks by helping the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  So, the Charlotte Hall staff have prepared a wish list for the residents. Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Holiday Wish List Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

A Veterans Day Commemoration was held yesterday at the Myerberg Center in Baltimore. Shown from Left to right are: Michael Zippert, Junior Vice Commander, Jewish War Veterans Department of Maryland, Erwin Burtnick, State Commander, Jewish War Veterans Department of Maryland and Sheldon Goldberg, Historian/Docent for the National Museum of American Jewish History.  Dr. Goldberg was the Keynote Speaker for the event.  MDVA staff attended and provided a Resource Table.

Hogan Administration Proclaims November Hire A Veteran Month
Month-long Observance Raises Awareness of Veteran Employment, State Services

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan has signed an official proclamation designating November as “Hire A Veteran” Month in Maryland. The month-long observance raises awareness of veteran employment opportunities, and familiarizes citizens, business, and others with the many workforce services available to veteran jobseekers and employers.

The proclamation was presented by Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford at a special event at the Anne Arundel County Career Center in Linthicum Heights, Md. He was joined by Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings, Labor Secretary Kelly Schulz, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) President Kirkland Murray, and Cisco Security Business Group Vice President and Chief Architect Martin Roesch.

“Maryland’s 380,000 veterans are a tremendous asset to our workforce,” said Governor Hogan. “Throughout the month of November, we encourage both veteran jobseekers and employers to explore the many workforce services, programs, and incentives our state offers to help employ this highly skilled part of our workforce.”

Throughout November, Maryland agencies will increase employers’ awareness of the services and incentives available for hiring veterans, and veterans’ awareness of Maryland’s workforce development programs that can help them build and grow in their civilian careers. More than nine percent of Maryland’s adult population have served in the U.S. military.

“Veterans offer Maryland businesses numerous benefits, including a unique and varied skill set, education, leadership, and dedication obtained during their service to our country,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “Our goal in the month of November is to increase the public’s awareness of the many ways Maryland can help ease the hiring process for both our veterans and job creators.”

At today’s event, the AAWDC recognized partners in their Military Corps Career Connect (C3) program, which provides employment services for transitioning service members, active duty spouses, and recently separated veterans. Funded by a $4.3 million U.S. Department of Labor National Dislocated Worker Grant, C3 offers career planning, coaching, on-the-job training, work opportunity tax credits, and more to help jobseekers and employers.

Further, Cisco announced the expansion of their successful CyberVetsUSA training program to eligible Maryland veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and members of the reserves and National Guard interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career. The self-paced, online courses in cybersecurity operations, software engineering, network security, and more are offered at no cost to program participants. The Maryland launch of CyberVetsUSA will train at least 200 veterans who live and work in Maryland, a training and support commitment exceeding $750,000.

“Over the past four years, we have lowered our veteran unemployment rate by five percent, but our work is not done,” said Labor Secretary Kelly Schulz. “Maryland is continuously working for our veterans, and programs like Military Corps Career Connect and CyberVetsUSA are helping us train and employ the brave men and women who have served our country faithfully, and help them begin the next chapter of their lives.”

To learn more about Maryland’s veteran-focused workforce development programs, visit http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/veteranservices.shtml.

MORE NEWS From the Governor's Office:

Governor Hogan Recognizes Historic Maryland National Guard All-Female Command Staff

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

MEDIA ADVISORY
Bell Toll Ceremony in Honor of World War I Veterans

State Workforce Professionals Assist Veterans

MDVA Secretary George Owings recently spoke to the International Association of Workforce Professionals and thanked them for their efforts to assist veterans who have barriers to employment.  Shown in this photo are: Back Row, left to right: Timothy L. Walker, Secretary Owings, George Hawley and Gregory L. Ingram.  Front Row: Herman F. Stringer, Alan Crawley and Felesia R. Thompson.

Salute To All Veterans

Thank you to all that have served in the United States military, to keep us safe, protected and a nation of freedom. We Salute You!

Check Out Visit Maryland for More Information

Maryland State Park Passes for 2019 now available

Department of Natural Resources Programs for Veterans including Day Use Waivers for Veterans

United States Department of Labor HIRE Vets Medallion Program

A message from the United States Department of Labor After bravely serving our nation, servicemembers often return home and pursue a new, family-sustaining career. However, job creators do not always understand how skills learned in the military can translate well into many civilian jobs, and veterans do not always know how to market the skills they have acquired. How can these individuals know which businesses understand and value their unique set of skills and abilities? The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) is working to recognize businesses’ commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development through the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. This award will clearly signal to veterans and servicemembers that a company appreciates their skillsets, and welcomes their contributions to the workforce. If you own or work at a businesses that is exceptional at hiring veterans, for more information on eligibility requirements.  If you are a veteran or care about veterans issues, on the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award, created by legislation signed by the President in 2017, is the only federal award for veteran hiring. Beginning in January 2019, businesses of all sizes can apply to be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Labor for their commitment to veterans and servicemembers. If you have questions, please visit HIRE Vets.gov, or contact us at HIREVets@dol.gov.

National Park Service, Veterans Day Commemorations at Ft. McHenry November 10th and 11th

Perry Point Veterans Museum at the Grist Mill, November 10th

A Vet says Thank You to all Vets

VA.gov is being updated video

Preview the VA.gov changes

Post 9/11 Vet Newsletter

Camp Lejeune Health & Disability Benefits

Agent Orange Registry Health Exam

VA Study finds EEG can help differentiate between PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury

VA and SBA Partnership to help Veterans Business Owners

Cyber Fitness, Health.mil article

USA Today Special Veterans Day Edition

18 Benefits Veterans Can Use to Age Well, National Council on Aging

Helping to Prevent Scams Targeted at Veterans, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The United States World War I Centennial Commission

Commemorate World War I Veterans through the nationwide Bells of Peace event by downloading the Centennial Commission’s bell tolling app: Google Play, App Store   More Info

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

Outward Bound - United States Naval Academy & Veterans Backpacking and Rock Climbing Opportunity - March 2019

An Outward Bound Expedition is a powerful combination of individual and team challenges, set in the difficult and unpredictable environment of the outdoors. The mix of physical, mental and emotional tests creates an opportunity for lasting change, character development and personal growth. In-service military and Veterans will walk away with new perspectives, mentor relationships and strengthened desire to lead. Read More Here

Operation Tohidu

Melwood  Veterans Services is excited to announce the Operation Tohidu® schedule for the first half of 2019.  This is a program for men and women struggling with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, or other service-related issues such as military sexual trauma.  

January 21 – 25                  Women’s Session

February 11 – 15              Couple’s Session

March 4 – 8                        Women’s Session for MST Survivors

March 24 – 29                    Men’s Session

April 15 – 19                       TBD  (will be based on demand)

May 6 – 10                          TBD  (will be based on demand) 

“Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit and Operation Tohidu® retreats continue to promote “Peace with the past through power in the present” for hundreds of veterans each year.  For more information or to apply to attend please visit https://www.melwood.org/veterans-services/operation-tohidu-sup-andreg/sup-overview.

Veterans Day Meal Deals, thespruce.com

Commemorate World War I Veterans through the nationwide Bells of Peace event by downloading the Centennial Commission’s bell tolling app: Google Play, App Store 

Community Calendar

November 9, 2018 - TODAY!

Remembrance Day Roll Call, Garrett College, McHenry

Job Fair on Broadway, Baltimore

November 10, 2018

Celebrating Women Veterans, Severna Park Library

The Mission Continues, Volunteer for Veterans Day Project, Baltimore

Perry Point Veterans Museum at the Grist Mill

Flag Football Veterans Day Family Event, Dundalk

Veteran Information Fair, Hagerstown

Veterans Resource Fair, Bel Air

Veterans Day Concert, Baltimore

Veterans Appreciation Day Service, Baltimore

Hero Day, Salisbury

VFW Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance to Benefit VFW National Home for Children, Morningside (Use Password "VFW")

November 11, 2018

Free Sandwich for Veterans on Veterans Day at Mission BBQ

November 13, 2018

TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Event, Linthicum

Mid-Shore Veterans Network, Easton (note new location)

November 14, 2018

Lower Shore Veterans Network, Salisbury (note new location)

November 15, 2018

VA Resource Fair, Ft. Meade Post Exchange

Ready, Set, Grow Procurement Fair, for small, minority, women and veteran business owners, Frederick

November 16, 2018

Women Who Serve, Women Who Lead Program, with Senator Chris Van Hollen, Cheverly - Event at Registration Capacity

November 17, 2018

Wills for Heroes, Free Wills, Health Care Directives and Financial Powers of Attorney, Greenbelt

November 18, 2018

AARP Maryland and Heritage United Church of Christ Host Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, Baltimore

November 19, 2018

Government Contracting Workshop, Reisterstown

November 28, 2018

Community & Veterans Job Fair, Ft. George G. Meade

Community Veterans Day Events

List of Armistice Day Related Events

November 11, 2018

10:30 am

The German Society of Maryland at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery will honor the memory of Sgt. Henry Gunther, who was the last American killed in World War I. Read More Here

Armistice Day Brass Concert & Tolling of the Bell, Epiphany Chapel & Church House, a World War I Chapel still actively used by a congregation, Odenton. Flier and Read More Here,

11:00 am

War Memorial Building, Baltimore City

Memorial Circle, Main & Compromise Streets, Annapolis

Howard County Veterans Day Parade

3:30pm Jewish War Veterans Post 692 will hold a ceremony at the American Jewish Veterans Memorial, 6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville. The short program, commemorating the end of World War I, will feature music by Voices of Vets, Inc., keynote address on American Jews in WWI by Lt. Col. Sheldon Goldberg, Ph.D., USAF (Ret), Docent at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, and greetings by local VIPs. Refreshments will be served following the program.

Comcast provided the following information:

First, we expanded eligibility for our Internet Essentials program to include low-income veterans who live in our service area.  We estimate that there are about a million low-income veterans who will now qualify for Internet Essentials.  This expansion, which includes partnerships with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the PsychArmor Institute, has taken us to cities across the country to unveil a network of computer labs that will allow local veteran-serving organizations to deliver digital literacy training materials tailored to the needs of the veteran community.  To learn more about Internet Essentials and how we are helping to connect veterans, students, parents, and seniors to the Internet at home, please click here.
 
Second, last week we announced that Comcast NBCUniversal will hire thousands of veterans, military spouses, and National Guard and Reserve members, bringing its total to 21,000 military hires by the end of 2021.  Our previous commitment, made in 2015, was to hire 10,000 military community members by the end of 2017, which we exceeded.  This video, spotlighting Ken Collier and our Houston team, is a powerful reminder of the leadership and selflessness veterans bring to our company, and one of the many reasons we’re excited about this new hiring goal.
 
We are so proud of the work our military community employees are leading—and there is still more work to be done.  Please share the video with your network and encourage them to visit ComcastCareers.com/Military for more information on our benefits for military community members and to search for open positions by military job skill, proximity to military bases, and more.