Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs To Hold Dignified Burial Ceremonies For Unaccompanied Veterans

The Cemetery Program is honored to be a final resting place for veterans who honorably served our nation  The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold two dignified burial ceremonies for unaccompanied veterans who honorably served our nation.  The first of two ceremonies will be Friday, January 28 at 2:30pm, at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, located on Sunrise Beach Road in Crownsville.  A second ceremony will be Friday, February 4 at 1:00pm, at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, located on Garrison Forest Road.  The Department has held private unaccompanied burial ceremonies in the past.  However, in response to related legislation passed last year in the Maryland General Assembly, MDVA is now inviting the public to attend. “Our veterans serve as a reminder of the immeasurable cost of war,” said Governor Larry Hogan.  “Offering dignified burial ceremonies for those who have served, especially veterans who are unaccompanied, ensures proper respect is paid to the brave men and women who have served this nation.” “The Department has a moral obligation to provide a dignified final resting place for our veterans,” said Secretary George Owings, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. “We are thankful to the Maryland Anatomy Board for their partnership and for ensuring these heroes are given the honors they deserve.” Veterans to be interred at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery: Airman Thomas D Murphy, US Navy, Served 3/28/1963-1/13/67 Specialist Dwayne S. Williams, US Army, Served 4/19/1984-2/25/1987 Petty Officer 2nd Class Davis L Hooper, US Navy, Served 6/17/1966-2/27/1970 Seaman Fritz G Summerlin Jr, US Navy, Served 12/8/1955-9/17/1957 Private 1st Class Albert R Schuster, US Army, Served 12/15/1945-7/5/1947 Yeoman 3rd Class Frank Pisani, US Navy, Served 5/8/1944-6/22/1945 Sergeant Vincent P Bush, US Air Force, Served 5/28/1967-5/26/1971 Specialist Nicholas S. O’Leair, US Army, Served 4/17/1981-10/11/1984 Specialist George W. Roache Jr, US Army National Guard, Served 12/14/1995-8/26/1996 Veterans to be interred at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery: Seaman Gregory Jackson, US Coast Guard, Served 2/16/1970-2/15/1974 Private Sylvester Wooden, US Army, Served 3/9/1945-10/22/1946 Fireman Ralph Eugene Ford, US Navy, Served 11/30/1955-10/30/1957 Private 1st Class Dave Rykie Agenes, US Marine Corps, Served 7/30/1963-7/28/1967 Staff Sergeant A Richard Marler, US Air Force, Served 3/23/1970-3/21/1974 Specialist Lawrence William Moore, US Army, Served 6/10/1959-5/22/1962 Specialist/Fireman Joseph Leo Retrossi, US Army, Served 11/18/1970-9/4/1973; US Navy, Served 1/27/1977-4/25/1977 All are welcome to attend the two ceremonies.  Both will include an honor guard and brief remarks by Department personnel.  In attendance will be a number of veteran service organizations.  The events will take place rain or shine, standing room only, with limited parking.  For more information, please call 410-923-6981.

MDVA Cemetery and Memorial Program

MDVA Website

Registration Links:

Central Maryland

Eastern Shore

Southern Maryland

Western Maryland

Members of the American Legion Post 206 located in Chesapeake Beach gave a very generous donation to support the personal needs of residents at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  Shown in this photo are from left to right: Commissioner Gloria Larman, Maryland Home Commission, Angela Quade, Fiscal Compliance Officer for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, MDVA Secretary George Owings and Commander Scott Deacon, American Legion Post 206.

Mr. Kenneth Overton, one of the graduates of the most recent Project Opportunity entrepreneurial training class meets MDVA Secretary George Owings at the graduation ceremony.  Standing behind them, is Joe Giordano, Founder of Project Opportunity.

See information on future Project Opportunity classes in the Community News section below.

In Memoriam: Brigadier General Charles E. McGee

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs joins with all Marylanders in mourning the passing of Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, who was one of the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen.  Brigadier General McGee was a resident of Bethesda and he left us at the age of 102. The Obituary and Press Release below provide a detailed description of BG McGee's heroic career.

Obituary, the Washington Post    Tuskegee Airmen Press Release

The Members of the Maryland General Assembly are considering legislation again this year to establish the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.

Spotlight on Education: Towson State University

Towson University Continuing and Professional Studies is committed to providing educational opportunities those who serve our country and the families who support them. And, our team is here to guide you through the enrollment verification process for MyCAA, GI Bill, and other military funding opportunities for our certification prep courses.  Read More Here

News from the MDOT MVA’s Maryland Highway Safety Office

Are You Prepared for a Winter Vehicle Emergency? At one point or another, we will all experience a roadside emergency.  To avoid unnecessary emergencies, motorists should verify their vehicle is in good working condition before traveling, especially in the winter.Before your next trip double check that you have the following items. Winter Car Emergency Kit Essentials: Jumper Cables First-Aid Kit Bottled Water Non-Perishable Food Items Multi-Tool Road Flares or Reflective Warning Triangle Flashlight with Extra Batteries Ice Scraper/Snow Brush Blanket/Gloves Small Portable Shovel Items should be stored in a sealed tote and checked/refreshed on a regular basis. During winter months, ensure you maintain at least half a tank of gas. Check your windshield washer fluid and fill with a winter blend designed to prevent freezing. Connect with us on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram And online at Zero Deaths Maryland

2022 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Convened

The Maryland General Assembly is currently meeting in Annapolis for the 2022 Legislative Session.  As a service to the veteran community, information on proposed legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:

2022 Legislative Information

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

Maryland General Assembly Website

News from the Maryland Department of Aging

Maryland Access Point (MAP) serves as Maryland's network of Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers. MAP offers older adults and those living with disability information and assistance regarding long term care services. Our goal is to help people remain active and independent in the community as long as possible by delaying/eliminating the needs for institutionalized care. MAP offers Options Counseling to aid individuals with creating a plan for their Long Term Care needs and explore their options. The person-centered services offered by MAP are aimed at helping to address an individual's Social Determinants of Health and address their needs so that they can be better prepared for the future. We connect individuals to financial supports, social engagement opportunities, health care, housing and food resources, etc. 

You can learn more about MAP by visiting: www.marylandaccesspoint.info

Federal News

News from the Military Women's Memorial

VA: How to Make National Vietnam War Veterans Day more meaningful for Vets

VA and 5G technology coordination create faster, smater health care for Veterans

Protect yourself, your family and your data from vaccination card scams

Red Cross: National Blood Shortage

MOVE - VA Weight Management Program

More MOVE Information

Live Whole Health #106: Muscle awareness

Live Whole Health #107: Tai Chi warmup

Starting a Veteran Owned Business

Veterans, active duty can take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Global War on Terriorism Memorial Authorized for National Mall

This January, VA staff are volunteering for annual Point in Time Count

VA: Women Veterans NOT using your earned VA Benefits & Services, we would love to hear from you. Please take our survey, it takes 5 minutes and is anonymous. https://survey.voice.va.gov/?cwv-women-veterans

News from the Social Security Administration (SSA)

SAVE THE DATE

National Disability Forum

Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities

Platform - Microsoft Teams

Thursday, February 17, 2022

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

STAY TUNED: Additional details are forthcoming.

To learn more about the National Disability Forum, check out https://www.ssa.gov/ndf/.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.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 Calendar

January 29, 2022

Fundraiser to Benefit Disadvantaged and Homeless Veterans, This event is now virtual: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandVetsMuseum

National Awareness of Human Trafficking, Blind Eyes Opened Documentary, Prince Frederick

January 31 & Feb. 1

Roundtable Discussion: GI Bill, Regarding Male/Female Disparities and Protecting Our Families. More Information and Flier

February 3, 2022

Webinar: Addressing the Behavioral Health needs of our National Guard and Reserve Components

February 5, 2022

DAV Veterans Women Committee: Her Military Story, Severn

February 16, 2022

2022 Military Veteran Suicide Prevention Panel

Community News

Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School: US Naval Academy & Veterans Backpacking & Rock Climbing

Check out the Baltimore Military Muster upcoming events

Project Opportunity

Free entrepreneurial training for Veterans

Spring Training Class on Eastern Shore

Spring Training Class in Prince George's County

Training for Spouses of Veterans, Active Duty and Guard/Reserve Personnel

ServingTogether offers service members, veterans and their families access to a class-leading continuum of providers that runs the gamut from superior mental health, housing, and emergency service providers to employment, financial capabilities, education, volunteering, recreation and fitness, and more! We are able to track client progress, communicate with providers and ensure the veterans are truly getting what they need all free of charge.  

 Serving Together has been immensely successful in building a dynamic team that is truly devoted to the mission of the organization. This team has tangible, personal connections to our veterans and genuine concern for their best outcomes. ServingTogether provides peer navigation, collaboratives, guides, education, and training. Please visit our Website for more information.  

https://servingtogetherproject.org/

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.