On the rainy Saturday preceding Memorial Day, local Boy Scout troops and other volunteers placed flags at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.

Photo Credit: Laura Johnson

A bright, sunny day dawned for the Memorial Day Ceremony at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.

MDVA Website

Maryland Veterans Commissioner Denise Perry reads the Governor's Memorial Day Proclamation at the location of the Women Veterans Memorial in Cecil County - the ceremony was moved inside due to inclement weather.  At the podium is Dr. JoAnn Fisher, CEO, Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.

MDVA Secretary George Owings (2nd from left) presents the Governor's Memorial Day Proclamation to Commander Marcelo Teixeira at American Legion Post #276 in Severn.  Also shown and attending the ceremony are Maryland Delegate Mike Rogers and Maryland Delegate Heather Bagnall.

Naval Honor Guard members from Joint Base Andrews, scheduled an Honor Guard training session at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.  MDVA appreciates the opportunity to host this important training.

We do not have a photo to go with this item, but Secretary Owings and MDVA staff send out a heartfelt thank you to the members of American Legion Dorchester Post #91 in Cambridge for their most recent donation of $6,000 to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  This donation will be added to the Veterans Assistance Fund, which assists residents with dental and optometry needs, personal care items and Final Honors arrangements.

While this is the most recent donation received from Post #91, the membership there have been strong, ongoing supporters of the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

Maryland Women Veterans Virtual Conference

The Maryland Department of Labor is hosting a Virtual Women Veterans Conference in recognition of Women Veterans Day on Thursday June 10, 2021 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Use the link below for registration. More Information

Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs

Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month. 

06/07/2021 - Revenue Resources for Restaurants
06/09/2021 - Financial & Resource Roundtable
06/16/2021 - How to Build Lasting Customer Relationships Using Emails
06/17/2021 - Employment Law 101 for Small Businesses
06/30/2021 - Business-to-Business Matchmaking Event

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

Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Free Fishing Days

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces upcoming license-free fishing days for 2021 on June 5, June 12, and July 4 — a free option to explore Maryland’s diverse and unique fishing experiences without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. All anglers must follow current size and catch limits. Read more.   More News from DNR: Maryland State Parks Prepare for Busy Summer Season DNR Raising Awareness on Keeping Parks Clean and Green Maryland State Parks have surpassed visitation records the past two years, and 2021 is on track to meet or exceed these unprecedented numbers. The Maryland Park Service will be educating visitors about several simple principles that will help them make responsible decisions to better minimize their impact, while maximizing their outdoor recreational experience. Read more.

Lt. Colonel Stephen P. Ward, Headquarters Command Battalion, Fort George G. Meade salutes as Jari Villanueva (USAF, retired) plays TAPS.  Lt. Colonel Ward was the keynote speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremony in Glen Burnie. 

Jari Villanueva retired from the Air Force after 23 years with the Air Force Band and that was just the beginning of his extensive career.  Jari served as the guest speaker providing a history of TAPS, and then closed out the ceremony as Bugler.  Jari is considered the country's foremost expert on military bugle calls.  Jari Villanueva bio

Col. Christopher Nyland, Garrison Commander, Ft. George G. Meade was the keynote speaker at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.  In this photo, he is speaking with veterans after the ceremony.

Federal News

Federal Register: Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

Federal Register: Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Working Group  Note: Application Deadline June 7th

Three Agent Orange Presumptives Added

VA to hold 2021 Minority Summit on June 9th

VA Maryland Health Care System accepting volunteers for research studies and clinical trials

Veterans could be targets of pension poaching scams

Mental health matters, now more than ever

Managing PTSD While You Age

TBI and Pain: How to Manage It

LGBT Veterans Describe VA Care, Provide Advice for Others

Nurses of the U.S. Public Health Service, a Uniformed Service, Health.mil article

In Case You Missed It: Women Veterans - VA Million Veterans Program

Live Whole Health # 73: Time to Rest & Recharge

Dr. Joann Fisher, CEO of Women Veterans United, Inc. poses with Sgt. Oliver, a World War II veteran at the memorial Day Ceremony held at the Women Veterans Memorial.

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

Anne Arundel County Launches Veterans Service Phone Line

Voices of Vets Presents: Memorial Day Concert 2021

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

Returning and reentering after a period of incarceration can be difficult.  Check out Return Home Baltimore for resources.

Maryland is 2021's 7th best state for military retirees in a recent study from the personal finance outlet WalletHub.com. You can find the full study here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-military-retirees/3915.  (Provided by WalletHub)

Veteran Edge Business Conference

Wish of a Lifetime is working to grant women Veterans ages 65 and over their wish of a lifetime.  Their hope is that through granting wishes they can tell the stories of the amazing women Veterans and honor them for their tremendous sacrifice and service.

If you know of women Veterans age 65 and over that will be interested have them fill out an application at https://wishofalifetime.org/application/.    Brochure 

Community Calendar

June 10, 2021

Women Veterans Conference

June 15, 2021

Mindful Resilience - Eight Week Program Begins June 15th

June 19, 2021

Rock Creek Park Hiking, Boating & Wellness Event for Military Families

July 17, 2021

VFW Veterans Resource Day, Morningside

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.