9/11 Patriot Day, Never Forget

Photo credit: Ludovic Gauthier/Unsplash

Introducing new MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager

MDVA is pleased to announce the hiring of a Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager.  Ms. Roslyn Jones joins the Department as the new program manager and will be implementing a statewide Women Veterans/Inclusion Program.  Earlier this year, Governor Larry Hogan commemorated June 12 as Women's Veterans Day in Maryland, and in doing so, announced the establishment of this exciting new program. Roslyn is charged with advocating for women veterans and other traditionally underserved veteran populations, along with their families.  She will provide outreach and education on federal and state VA benefits earned through military service.  Additionally, she will collaborate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, state and local governments, and the community to raise awareness of the needs of Maryland’s women, minority, and other underserved veteran populations. Roslyn is a U.S. Army retiree of 29 years of military service. Her military career included assignments with Personnel Records, Recruiting, and Career Counseling as well as one combat tour to Balad Air Base in Iraq. After her retirement, she served almost nine years with the Maryland Department of Labor advocating on behalf of veterans, their spouses and eligible caregivers for supportive services, employment and training opportunities. Roslyn received her B.A. degree in Human Resource Management and a Graduate Certificate from the American Military University. Roslyn is proud to say that she, her husband and both daughters served in the U.S. Army with deployments supporting the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Roslyn Jones, Women Veteran/Inclusion Program Manager, MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program

We are pleased to announce another new MDVA employee; Ms. Sarah Jackson, Office Secretary II, who recently joined the MDVA team.  Sarah is working at the MDVA Service & Benefits office located inside the Motor Vehicle Administration building in Glen Burnie.

Sarah provided the following information: Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she attended High School in VA and upon graduating enlisted into the United States Navy. She served on Active Duty from 2012-2017. Sarah worked in the Aviation field as an "AZ" Aviation Maintenance Administrationman and achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class. She excelled in all job billets including Maintenance Administration, Production Control, Logs and Records, NALCOMIS/ OOMA System Administration, Technical Directives and AMSRR Management. Collateral duties included Public Affairs Assistant, CSADD Officer (Coalition of Sailors against Destructive Decisions), and ACFL (Assistant Command Fitness Leader). She completed 2 WESTPAC deployment tours to the Middle East and Asia and received numerous awards and qualifications, including her Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist & Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist - EAWS/ ESWS warfare pins, Petty Officer of the Watch - POOW and Damage Control Petty Officer - DCPO. Awards include: 1 NAM - Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, GWOT - Global War on Terrorism, 3 Good Conduct of Awards, and several others. Duty stations included Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) onboard LHA 5 USS PELELIU and NB Coronado squadrons HSM 49 / HSC 3. 

She separated in May 2017 and moved back to the MD/DC area. Sarah pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration & Management, graduating in the Class of 2020 from Strayer University.

Sarah describes herself as is a proud Veteran, meticulously skilled administrator, with a tenacious drive to succeed and help serve others.

Sarah Jackson, Office Secretary II, MDVA Service and Benefits Program, Glen Burnie Office

MDVA Newsletter

A Military and First Responder Appreciation Event was held at the Maryland State Fair.  The top right photo includes Dawn Leung, Executive Director, Wellspring of Life Farm, MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn and SSGT Amy Andrews.  More photos at Wellspring of Life Facebook Page

MDVA Secretary George Owings attended the 106th birthday celebration for Lt. Colonel Alfred Hintenach, USAF (Ret) and presented a Citation from Governor Larry Hogan.

Mr. John Church, Chair of the Anne Arundel County Veterans Commission, provided this photo and information:  Albert Hintenach, Lt Colonel, USAF (Ret) was a WWII pilot.   He enlisted in March 1942 and retired in 1965. During WWII he flew 50 missions over Europe in a B-24 (Liberator, Tail # 41-28624)) named "Round-Trip Harry."  The ground crew chief, Harry, seemed to have a magic touch.  Lt. Col. Hintenach was assigned to the 515th Squadron, 376th Heavy Bomber Group. On September 3rd, Lt. Col. Hintenach celebrated his birthday - 106 years old, at the Annapolitan Assisted Living Facility, Annapolis. Congratulations, Sir! You've served this country well!   

Secretary Owings attended the Voice of Vets concert in Edgewater.  Shown with Secretary Owings is Pete Smith, Anne Arundel County Military and Veterans Liaison.

Photo credit: John Church

Bernie Zempolich, Historian at the American Legion Post 136 in Greenbelt donated his carved decoy collection to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home for the enjoyment of the residents.

Denise Nooe, MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program and Commissioner EC Wallace, Maryland Veterans Commission attend a recent DAV Claims Clinic held at the Dundalk Vet Center.

Spotlight on Education: Bowie State University Military Resource Center Open House

Bowie State University Military Resource Center is holding an Open House on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm for attendees learn more about the MRC and its capabilities and mission. We are also taking this opportunity for you to learn about the BSU Student Veterans Association and join to become an active member.  The SVA is your student organization which will serve as your advocate, social organization and community association.

More Information

Contact: Jerry L. Isaac

jisaac@bowiestate.edu

301-860-3991

Tax Relief May Be Available For Property Owners Impacted By Hurricane Ida

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is encouraging residents and businesses whose property has been damaged by the effects of Hurricane Ida to contact the Department, as they may qualify to have their property assessments reduced. Maryland residents can fill out this form and email it to their local SDAT assessment office. A list of all SDAT offices with contact information can be found on SDAT’s website here.

“SDAT is well-versed in natural disaster response, and we stand ready to assist Marylanders whose property has been damaged or destroyed in the path of Hurricane Ida,” said SDAT Director Michael Higgs. “We encourage those impacted to email this form to their local assessment office as soon as possible to have their damage surveyed.”

Multiple locations across Maryland such Annapolis, Rockville, and Baltimore City have been impacted by flooding and power outages caused by Ida. SDAT’s assessors are currently logging affected properties and will begin surveying damage in the coming weeks. Please note that in order to have your property assessed, you must submit the attached form to your local assessment office.

When a decrease in value is confirmed by an assessor—either from an exterior inspection or from a resident submitting the attached application—an adjusted property assessment will be sent to the County Finance Office and a new tax bill may be issued. If a property owner has already paid their tax bill, a prorated abatement will be issued. If the extent of damage is not clear from an exterior inspection, the attached form will be mailed to the property owner for them to complete and send back.

In addition to real property tax relief, business personal property destroyed as a result of Hurricane Ida may also be eligible for a personal property assessment reduction.

The Department joins Governor Hogan and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in reminding residents to take all necessary precautions and avoid all affected areas. Click here for more information from MEMA on how residents can be weather prepared by ensuring that they know how to receive warnings, follow safety tips, and take certain actions.

Maryland Department of Transportation Announces Walktober

October in Maryland becomes WALKTOBER, a month where the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies promote and host events and webinars spotlighting Maryland pedestrians' safety, health, and commuting options in current walk programs and Initiatives. The Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of Planning, the Maryland Department of Health, MDOT State Highway Administration, Maryland Highway Safety Office, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, America Walks, and AARP are sharing a series of informational resources and free webinars for pedestrians throughout the month of October. The four webinars are tailored to interest pedestrian enthusiasts, advocates, planners, and residents. Throughout Walktober, learn how walking is an easy and accessible exercise, how to safely use pedestrian infrastructure, and how to incorporate walking in your daily routines within the provisions of social distancing and other restrictions. Read More Here October 6th: Walk Maryland Day

Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women's 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. 

09/14/2021 - Tips for GSA Schedule Compliance and Success
09/16/2021 - Navigating eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)
09/16/2021 - Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2021
09/20/2021 - Bi-County Business Roundtable
09/28/2021 - Writing a Business Plan to Access Capital & Maximize Growth
09/28/2021 - Subcontracting in the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program

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

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Open
Artists can Submit Original Work until Nov. 5, 2021

Artists are invited to submit their original works for the annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest, which is open to residents and nonresidents until November 5, 2021. The winning entry will appear on the 2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Stamp required to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland. Read more.

Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting 2021-2022 Begins
Mourning Dove, Early Canada Goose Seasons Now Open

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2021-2022 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2021-2022 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more.

Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism Opens Nominations for 2021 Governor’s Service Awards

Recognizes Marylanders Leading Their Communities Through Service 

 The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism and Maryland’s State Service Commission has opened nominations for the 2021 Governor's Service Awards. 

“The 38th Annual Governor’s Service Awards will recognize innovative, responsive, caring Marylanders across our state making a difference who exemplify the true character of service by demonstrating the ability to overcome any challenge and help others,” said Nicki Fiocco, Director of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism. 

In 2020, 18 individuals and groups were recognized by Governor Hogan and the State of Maryland.

The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 24. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of community leaders and volunteers, as well as commissioners and staff of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism. 

Award categories include: 

• Maryland Strong: An individual or organization that made an extraordinary contribution to Maryland communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• Hometown Hero: An individual or group that benefited a local community through a single act or longer effort. 
• AmeriCorps Alum: A Maryland AmeriCorps Alum whose commitment to embody service beyond their term of AmeriCorps service continues to bring about positive community change. 
• Corporate Business: A corporation or business (50 employees or more) investing in exceptional, transformative employee volunteering that fuels employee fulfillment and fosters increased civic engagement in the community.
• Emerging Leader: An individual or group who recently took initiative to meet a community need through local organizing and volunteering.
• First Responder: Any individual employed in an emergency service occupation whose service has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a capacity outside of paid employment.
• Faith-Based: An individual, family, group/team, or youth that volunteers through a faith-based community organization.
• Government Employee/Agency: A government employee or agency at the local, state, or federal level that has provided outstanding volunteer service to the state outside of regular work operations.
• Group: A group or team of two or more people that volunteer together on the same project(s) under a group or team name.
• Individual: An individual who volunteers.
• Lifetime Achievement: An individual who has a record of 20 years or more in volunteerism and community service. 
• National Service: An individual member of any National Service program (AmeriCorps, VISTA, or Senior Corps) who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service beyond the requirements of the designated program.
• Nonprofit Volunteer Program: A nonprofit whose volunteers have shown exemplary service in carrying out the mission of the organization through direct service to the community.
• Small Business: A corporation or business (of 50 employees or less) investing in exceptional, transformative employee volunteering that fuels employee fulfillment and fosters increased civic engagement in the community.
• Veteran: An individual who has served or is serving in the armed forces and volunteers in a Maryland community outside of paid employment. 
• Volunteer Program: A program whose volunteers have shown exemplary service in carrying out the mission of the organization. 
• Youth: An individual (age 18 or younger) who volunteers.

Learn more here: http://gosv.maryland.gov/governors-service-awards.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) works to raise awareness of Veteran suicide prevention and empower Veterans to connect with the resources they need now to prevent suicide later. About PTSD and Suicide Going through trauma may increase a person’s risk for suicide. Studies show that suicide risk may be higher in people who have PTSD.  Find out more about the relationships between suicide, trauma and PTSD and on ways to help prevent suicide. Read about the relationship between trauma, PTSD and suicide. Find out about common reactions after trauma, that may include suicidal thoughts and behavior. Learn to recognize the red flags of emotional crisis Get Help: The Veterans Crisis Line Whether Veterans are looking for clinical care, counseling, assistance with benefits, or something else, local and national tools and resources are available at the Veterans Crisis Line website. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects Veterans or their loved ones to a real person specially trained to support Veterans. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Veterans don’t have to be enrolled in VA health care or registered with VA to use the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans Crisis Line - Find out more...

Federal News

TODAY: Volunteers can clean National Cemeteries on National Day of Service

Operation Gratitude 9/11 digital letter writing campaign

Veteran News Network

VA Maryland Health Care System: Message from the Director, VA Remembers 9/11

This Suicide Prevention Month, Reach Out for Support

2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Shows Decrease in Veteran Suicides

VA Maryland Health Care System: Recording of Women Veterans Virtual Public Forum

Martinsburg Vet Center offers services to Afghanistan Veterans

Afghanistan Response: How You Can Help

Washington DC VA Medical Center Winter Haven/Stand Down scheduled for November 13th: Donate new shoes and boots

Navy Captain is the first woman commanding a nuclear aircraft carrier, Navy Times article

VA is expanding Opportunities and Service for Women Veterans, Government CIO Magazine

Home Based Primary Care

VA Survivor's Pension

Information for VA Home Loan Borrowers during COVID-19

As eviction moratorium ends, VA offers vital resources for Veterans

VA Claims Mistakenly Rejected for Untimeliness

Live Whole Health #86: Tai Chi and Physical Movement

Live Whole Health #87: Sun Salutations

Wounded Warrior Project Stands Ready to Serve Veterans

Veterans get resources, support, community through America's Warrior Partnership

The National Endowment for the Arts, partners, rally to support military, veterans, families and caregivers

40th National Veterans Wheelchair Games - Closing Video

Military Fitness Tests Resume, Health.mil article

Connecting with Other Veterans on Campus

United States Capitol Police is Recruiting

Department of Labor: VETS helps Vets reach full potential in workplace

Sleep Apnea Information:

What is Sleep Apnea?

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Does Sleep Apnea Make PTSD Worse?

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Does Agent Orange or Burn Pits Cause Sleep Apnea

How is Sleep Apnea Treated

Can Sleep Apnea by Cured?

VA Disability for Sleep Apnea

Small Business Administration: National Small Business Week, September 13 - 15, 2021

National Small Business Week is almost here! Last week, the SBA announced the event schedule. There is still time to register for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, September 13 – September 15, to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts. This free online event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses, and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Register

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

Warrior-Scholar Project offers free academic virtual boot camps

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals - Calendar of Events

Save the Date: November 13, 2021 DAV Information and Claims Clinic, Newburg, MD

News from the Maryland Center for Veterans Employment & Training (MCVET)

5th Annual Golf Outing to Benefit MCVET

Sponsor MCVET's Virtual Veterans Day 5K, 10K

Register for MCVET's Virtual Veterans Day 5K/10K

Community Calendar

TODAY: September 10, 2021 

Volunteer at National Cemeteries

Afghanistan: Making Sense of Service, a virtual discussion hosted by the Steven A, Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals and other partners

September 11, 2021 -

MC3 and Warrior Music Foundation Co-Present Veterans-Focused Music Festival: Warriors in the Park, Annapolis

September 14, 2021

Women Veterans Legal Clinic

September 18, 2021

Bowie Baysox Military Appreciation Night

September 30, 2021

Agent Orange Virtual Webinar

October 2, 2021

Webinar: Virtual Introduction to Hero Dogs

October 6, 2021

Walk Maryland Day

October 21, 2021

Maryland Government Agency Day - Virtual

October 22, 2021

Veterans Naturalization Assistance Program Legal Clinic

The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. recently held a baby shower for women veterans.  In the photo below from left to right: Brenda Jamison, Marvina Melody, Porscha Williams, and Karen Holmes. The organization gave fifteen baby layettes to women veterans.

The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. (WVUCI) also coordinated a bra, panty, and personal care item drive with I Support the Girls. The items were provided to schools, including JROTC programs.  In this photo are: Victoria Ethington, Freedom High School, Bishop & Mrs. Craig Johnson, Enduring Joy Ministries and Dr. JoAnn Fisher, CEO, WVUCI in the center.

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.