Zoom Registration available for the first 100 people.  The event may also be viewed on Facebook: MDVA Facebook page

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund Grants Reach New High

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a 501C3 organization and was established to assist veterans in Maryland with non-emergency, temporary financial assistance.  For the first time since the program began, more than $200,000 in individual grants have been awarded to Maryland Veterans in a single year. Mark Hendricks, the Program Administrator has worked to streamline and expedite the program over the last year as more veterans were applying.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the program was also transitioned to an online application and review process.  MDVA Secretary George Owings and members of the Board of Trustees congratulated Mark on adapting to the changing work environment while assisting even more veterans in need across Maryland. For more information and to request an application for the Veterans Trust Fund contact the MDVA Grant Administrator, Mark Hendricks at 800-446-4926, ext. 7 or by email mark.hendricks@maryland.gov.

MDVA Website

On Saturday, May 1, 2021 MDVA Secretary George Owings and Deputy Secretary Robert Finn attended the ribbon-cutting and dedication of Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock, which is a program developed by the organization, Operation Second Chance.  The ceremony was part of a weekend of events to celebrate the grand opening of the facility.

Secretary Owings would like you to know about the work of Cindy McGrew, President & CEO and the staff of Operation Second Chance.  Please take a moment to visit the website of Operation Second Chance to learn more about the organization and their work with wounded warriors and veterans here in Maryland.

MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn and MDVA Secretary George Owings attended the Ribbon Cutting for Operation Second Chance Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock.

In this photo from left to right are, Gold Star Mom Donna Robinson, Ms. Cindy McGrew, Founder & CEO of Operation Second Chance, MDVA Secretary George Owings, Gold Star Mom Janice Chance, MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn, and Maryland Veterans Commissioner Elaine May Stem.

More photos of the Ceremony and grounds at Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock.  Thank you to Operation Second Chance for the use of the photos.

Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women

Business Affairs

In this environment of social distancing, today's seminars have become webinars, Zoom meetings, Facebook Live events, Google Meets, and more. If you have a smartphone or a computer, you have what you need to tap into these virtual training and information sessions. Capacity can fill quickly, so sign up early when required to do so.   05/12/2021 - Partnerships: Know the Issues & Facts Before Going into Business with Someone 05/19/2021 - Profitable Pricing: Pricing Your Goods and Services 05/19/2021 - Virtual Matchmaking: Government Vendor Fair 05/25/2021 - Perfecting Your Capability Statement 05/25/2021 - Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Contractor & Subcontractor Rights and Responsibilities Check out our full listing of small business events online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

Maryland Insurance Administration Listening Session, May 26th

Join Maryland Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Birrane and the Maryland Insurance Administration as we hear from invited panelists, interested stakeholders, and members of the public regarding the role insurance can play in addressing inequities in health care access and outcomes.   

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Updates

Maryland Park Quest Takes Flight for 2021 Season
Annual Adventure Runs May 1 through Oct. 31

More than 25 Maryland State Parks will offer opportunities to engage families to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical, and natural resources on public lands and parks. This year's theme: Spread Your Wings to Explore Maryland’s State Parks. Read more.

Maryland DNR to Stock Channel Catfish into Local Ponds
Effort to Expand Recreational Fishing Opportunities

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plans to stock about 1,000 channel catfish into 11 ponds in central, eastern, and southern Maryland beginning in May. This is a wonderful opportunity for Maryland anglers to catch fish in areas that are not suitable aquatic habitats for traditional recreational species stocking. Read more.

Marylanders Reminded to Leave Deer Wild
Handling Fawns is Dangerous and Illegal

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle the animal. Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland, for both animal welfare and public safety. Read more.

Federal News

VA Maryland Health Care System - Green Environmental Management System

DoD Expands Eligibility to Shop at Military Exchanges, FEDweek article

Veteran restaurant business owners eligible for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund

SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. 

Veteran Eligibility and Access to VA Home Loans Expanded

Farmer Veteran Coalition helps Veterans into agriculture careers

Female Veterans wanted for leadership trainee program

Financial Fraud: Safeguarding Veterans Benefits

Depression vs. Blues: Know the Difference

Six Ways Yoga Can Help You

Live Whole Health #70: Chair Yoga

Live Whole Health #69: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Fort George G. Meade

Protect your unit, your family, your community – Get Vaccinated. All DOD card holders aged 16+, including civilians, contractors and retirees, can get vaccinated now. Walk-ins are welcome at McGill Training Center at 8452 Zimborski Avenue, Fort Meade, Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also schedule an appointment online. If you’ve already been vaccinated, please report your status to your chain of command and Primary Care Manager (PCM). Do your part and help end this pandemic once and for all. Go to the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center website for more information https://kimbrough.tricare.mil/

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.

New Documentary Bastards’ Road Is an Honest and Hopeful Story About PTSD

When Jon Hancock set out from College Park, MD in the wee hours of September 11th, 2015 he had no idea what his journey would turn into. Over the course of the next fifteen months and 5,800 miles he zigzagged his way across the country on foot and alone, ending his walk at Camp Pendleton.

But what started as a “long walk to figure some stuff out” became something bigger than he had ever imagined. All along the way, he visited those he served with in 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Gold Star families of their fallen.

2/4, the Magnificent Bastards as they’re known, fought the Battle of Ramadi in 2004. After that deployment Jon was in Human Intelligence until he came home for good in 2009. Like a lot of Veterans his transition back to civilian life was tough. After reaching a bottom that included multiple DUIs and a stay at the Baltimore VA Hospital after a suicide attempt he wanted to change his path. And Bastards’ Road was born.

The Bastards’ Road documentary, made by Maryland filmmakers Brian Morrison and Mark Stafford and winner of seven film festivals in 2020, will be released on May 11th. It will be available on iTunes, VUDU, YouTube, Google Play, FandangoNOW, and Vimeo. Check out the trailer here. You can preorder it on iTunes here.

Community News

Memorial Day events organized by the Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.:

Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-celebrations-tickets-151575226583 to register to attend.

1. Thursday, May 27th, 2021, 11:00 am, The Town of Indian Head, Inside Pavilion Green at Indian Head located in Charles County at the end of Route 210 (Indian Head HWY) just outside the gate of the Naval Support Facility Indian Head, MD 20640.

2. Saturday, May 29th, 2021, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Women Veteran Memorial, Chesapeake House Travel Center I-95 John F. Kennedy Memorial, Hwy, Mile Marker 96, North East, MD  21901

3. Sunday, May 30th, 2021, 3:00 pm, the Vietnam Wall & Women’s Memorial, 5 Henry Bacon Drive, NW, Washington, D.C. 20245

The Mission Continues is thrilled to announce we are now accepting applications for the Women Veterans Leadership Program, a first-of-its kind personal and professional development experience for women veterans ready to unlock their potential as leaders. We're changing the narrative on what it means to be a woman veteran by leveraging their leadership skills and creating change-makers in a movement of veterans pursuing equality for all women. Interested in attending? Click here or visit us at missioncontinues.org/wvlp.

Blue Star Families’ research is making changes in programs and policies. And we want YOU to be a part of that change through our 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. When you take the survey, share your experiences as a part of the military family community and help inform decision-makers to make changes and create resources that will support you. Take the survey 2021 annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey

Second Indianhead Division Association, Inc. Seeking veterans who served in the Army's Second Division

VetYoga: 14 Day Yoga Challenge Starting May 17th, Flier and Link to Join

Events at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals

Save the Date: for MCVET's 2021 Veterans Day Virtual Run and Walk, November 11, 2021

Community Calendar

May 8, 2021

DAV Veterans Information and Benefits Clinic, Baltimore County

May 13, 2021

UMGC Military and Veteran Virtual Appreciation Fair

May 23, 2021

Introduction to Hero Dogs

May 26, 2021

Maryland's Commitment to Veterans: 2021 Veterans Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Virtual Conference

May 29, 2021

Remembering Our Women Veterans, Memorial Day Wreath Laying, Cecil County, Sponsored by Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.

May 30, 2021

City of Gaithersburg Memorial Day Observance

May 31, 2021

City of Rockville Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony

Ms. Georgia Eaves and Dr. Joann Fisher are shown in this photo dropping off gifts for the veteran baby shower held at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC on May 1, 2021.  Contributions for the VA baby shower were provided by members of  Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.,  American Legion Department of Maryland, AMVETS Department of Maryland, Maryland American Legion Post #233, Maryland Disabled American Veterans Chapter #7, JMA Solutions, NABVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the COOTIES, the Rats, and Ashley Stewart.

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 your 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.