MDVA Service & Benefits Program Stands Ready to Serve

Do you have questions about your benefits as a veteran?  Do you want to file a claim for compensation or pension?  Has your service-connected disability worsened over time and you want to file for an increase in your rating? The MDVA Service and Benefits Staff will help you with these questions and many more.  Please contact one of the MDVA Benefits Specialists for assistance. MDVA Benefits and Service Program

The MDVA Annual Report has been completed for 2020.  You may read it HERE

MDVA Website

Previous editions of the MDVA e-Newsletter are archived on the MDVA website.  You may look up a previous edition HERE.

Attorney General Frosh Announces Multistate Settlement with Healing Heroes Network

Organization Solicited Donations under the Premise of Helping Wounded Veterans

BALTIMORE, MD (January 12, 2021) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, along
with 10 other state states, today announced a settlement with Florida-based veterans’ charity
Healing Heroes Network, Inc. and its former directors, Stacey Spiegel, Allan Spiegel and Neal
Spiegel. Also part of the settlement is Hero Giveaways, LLC, a business formed by Stacey
Spiegel and Neal Spiegel after Healing Heroes Network, Inc. became the subject of a multistate
investigation into its use of deceptive charitable solicitations including misleading sweepstakes
mailers and a telemarketing campaign.  Read More Here

2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Convened

The Maryland General Assembly is currently meeting in Annapolis for the 2021 Legislative Session.  As a service to the veteran community, information on proposed legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:

2021 Legislative Information

You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the:

Maryland General Assembly Website

The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs Upcoming Trainings:

01/19/2021 - Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program and Contracting Information Session
01/20/2021 - Anti-Social: How to Promote Your Business Without Social Media
01/21/2021 - Contracting Win-Win: Be a Master Negotiator
01/26/2021 - Navigating eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) 
01/26/2021 - Prime Contracting in the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program
02/02/2021 - MBE Certification: Application Assistance Workshop

Check out our full listing of small business events
online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources News:

Maryland Gears Up for Winter and Spring Trout Fishing

Maryland State Nursery has Trees Available for Spring Planting

Federal News:

VA COVID-19 Update

VA Sign Up to stay informed about COVID-19 Vaccine

VA Participates in Trials for COVID-19 Vaccines

Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Live Whole Health #54: Standing Twist

Live Whole Health #55: Body Mechanics and the Hip Hinge

VA and Fitbit help support Veterans health & wellness during COVID-19 Pandemic

Applications Now Accepted for the 2021 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

The National Center for PTSD invites you to take a brief survey

Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits: What You Need to Know is a free, virtual class to help Veterans understand potential exposures and their health effects, the burn pit registry, how to manage common symptoms, and more. Join this class on Thursday, February 25, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet.

To learn more and to register, go to the class flyer at https://go.usa.gov/xAP87. If you have trouble registering, email NJWRIISCEDTEAM@va.gov with the subject header “Air Hazards Class.”

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

Baltimore County Public Library is Seeking Participants for the next Veterans Book Group

Howard County Veterans Book Group 2021

Veterans Yoga Project Live Streaming Classes

Are you a woman who served in the United States military? We need your voice. Take a short survey from The University of Alabama about your experiences. tinyurl.com/y24z685p

Dog Tag, Inc. Summer 2021 Fellowship Application is now Open.

Project Opportunity Offers Free Entrepreneurial Training to Veterans:

Howard County Flier

Harford County Flier

The Saratoga WarHorse equine assist program takes place during 3-day classes, offered several times each month. The average class size is 5 participants. The program is available to veterans and active duty service members from all branches of the military, regardless of when or for how long they served. The focus of this program is on helping participants get past the physiological symptoms of their Post-Traumatic Stress, or other trauma related issues. Saratoga WarHorse doesn’t provide traditional “therapy,” but does offer an undoubtedly therapeutic experience. There is NO cost for veterans or active duty service members to attend the Saratoga WarHorse program. We pay 100% of  lodging, meal, and program expenses.

We have several classes scheduled this calendar year at the Baltimore County Agricultural Center, 1114 Shawan Rd. Cockeysville, MD 21030.

March – 5,6,7 / 16,17,18 / 26,27,28

April – 6,7,8 / 23,24,25

May – 4,5,6 / 14,15,16 / 21,22,23

June – 8,9,10 / 18,19,20 / 25,26,27

July – 6,7,8 / 16,17,18 / 23,24,25

August – 3,4,5 / 13,14,15 / 27,28,29

September – 7,8,9 / 17,18,19 / 24,25,26

October – 5,6,7 / 15,16,17 / 22,23,24

November – 2,3,4 / 12,13,14 / 19,20,21

December – (Nov 30),1,2 / 10,11,12

Those interested in finding out more about the program or attending a class may contact our Outreach Manger, Jason Marshall jason@saratogawarhorse.org 518-531-3219 to register.

Community Calendar

January 15, 2020

Easterseals: Virtual Navigating Job Search Platforms

January 19, 2020

Scrap Creative Reuse, with SCRAP B-More and Maryland's Commitment to Veterans

January 23, 2021

Introduction to Hero Dogs

January 26, 2021

Vet-Strings, A song writing workshop for veterans and active duty service members

JobZone Virtual Job Fair

TECHEXPO Top Secret Virtual Hiring Event

January 29, 2020

Easterseals: Virtual Tips & Techniques for Job Application Process

Message for New Subscribers:

Is this your first edition of the MDVA newsletter?  If so, welcome!  You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up to receive it from our website or you gave permission to an MDVA program, the MD Motor Vehicle Administration or MD Department of Labor to receive information on VA benefits and resources.  We at MDVA respect your privacy and DO NOT share email address.  We hope you enjoy receiving our bi-weekly newsletter and find it both educational and engaging.  If you have questions about our Department, our Programs, or your VA benefits, please visit veterans.maryland.gov or call 410-260-3838.