MDVA Annual Report

As the new year begins, the MDVA Annual Report for 2018 has been completed. Some highlights from the Report are: There are 389,640 veterans in Maryland (estimated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs). The MDVA Service program submitted 4,827 disability and compensation claims on behalf of Maryland veterans and dependents. The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund distributed over $87,000 in grants to Maryland veterans. Charlotte Hall Veterans Home averaged  90% "capacity filled" for veterans and eligible spouses.  Charlotte Hall received nearly 15,000 donated volunteer hours last year. Maryland maintains one of the busiest state veterans cemetery programs in the nation, 3,389 interments were completed last year for veterans and eligible dependents. We here at MDVA strive each and every day to assist veterans in Maryland and to ensure they receive the benefits they earned in service to our country.  We thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you. We also want to keep you informed and hope you continue to visit the MDVA website - 118,318 was the number of visits to the website last year, and for the MDVA e-newsletter you are reading right now - last year there were over 1.1 million opens of the MDVA e-newsletter! MDVA 2018 Annual Report MDVA website

On Saturday, December 22, 2018, Maryland Gold Star Moms Janice Chance, on left and Kelly Swanson, on the right visited residents at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  Janice and Kelly presented Ashley Radano, Director of Recreational Services a check for $1,000 from the Gold Star Mother’s Maryland Chapter.  The donation will go to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Assistance Fund.  Maryland Gold Star Mothers

Recently, the gentleman above met with Secretary Owings to discuss a plan for an integrated health and wellness center for Veterans and First Responders. Shown in the photo from left to right: Hayes Stuppy, Wayne Quick, MDVA Secretary George Owings, Andrew "Doc" McCorison and MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn

DNR Stamp Design Contests Now Open

Artists are invited to submit their original works for the 23rd Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp and 45th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp design contests. These popular contests are open until March 8, 2019. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will judge the entries March 16, 2019, in conjunction with the annual Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge. The Black Bear Conservation Stamp contest is open to both residents and nonresidents. Each contestant may submit one entry for a nonrefundable $10 fee. Proceeds are used to compensate farmers who experience agricultural damage caused by black bears. New this year, the Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest is also open to both residents and nonresidents. Each contestant may submit up to three entries with a fee structure of: $15 for one, $20 for two and $30 for three. Proceeds help fund game bird and waterfowl research and projects. All entries must be original works, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints or photographs. To enter, contestants must mail their designs with required fees and forms by March 8, 2019.

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month Community Leaders Awards

In celebration of Black History Month, nominations are currently being accepted by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism for the 2nd Annual Black History Month Community Leaders Awards. This program recognizes Maryland-based, African American-founded organizations that provide volunteer service to improve Maryland communities for all. Selected recipients will be invited to the Black History Month Community Leaders Awards ceremony on a weekday in February.

The deadline to submit a nomination is TODAY: Friday, January 4, 2019 at midnight.

Submit a nomination now!

More Information

January 17th - VA Townhall Event with Secretary Robert Wilkie

U.S. Veteran's hospitals often better tan nearby alternatives, Reuters article.

Veterans Self-Check Quiz

Promoting Better Understanding, Treatment of Brain Injury, Health.mil article

Cold Weather Preparedness, Health.mil article

Understanding PTSD (Videos) at VA.gov

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

Wounded Warrior Project Support Group meets monthly in Waldorf. For More Information

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Veteran to Machinist Scholarship Program

Community Calendar

January 8, 2019

Mid-Shore Veterans Network, Easton

January 9, 2019

Lower Shore Veterans Network, Salisbury

January 10, 2019

The Anti-Stigma Project, Westminster

Ready Set Go, The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Business, Bowie

January 15, 2019

Smart Start Your Business, Baltimore

January 16, 2019

SBA WOSB/EDWOSB Government Certification, Annapolis

January 17, 2019

TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Event, Linthicum   Employer Info

January 18, 2019

6 Steps to Ceating a Powerful Marketing Strategy,  Baltimore

January 22, 2019

Navigating eMaryland Marketplace

State Procurement 101

Understanding Your Business Financial Statement, Baltimore

January 24, 2019

Ask a Business Lawyer Before Starting a Business, Legal Workshop, Baltimore

January 28, 2019

Free Food Service Training, St. Vincent de Paul, Baltimore

January 19, 2019

Digital Marketing, Baltimore

January 31, 2019

Developing an Effective Business Plan, Baltimore