MDVA Service & Benefits Program helps Maryland Veterans

The MVA Benefits Specialists work each day to assist Veterans in filing claims for the benefits the Veteran is entitled to and deserves.  It is rewarding work, and the MDVA staff appreciate the opportunity they have to help Maryland Veterans. In recent weeks, there has been an ourpouring of gratitude directed to the Benefits Specialists, and here are just a few quotes from the notes written to MDVA:   For Joseph Thornton: “I left your office feeling incredibly pleased.  You were patient, knowledgeable, and eager to help.  It is fulfilling having someone in the Department of Veteran Affairs listen attentively and offer workable solutions to our needs.” For Mike Cantrell after a Korean War Veteran he assisted received a retroactive payment of $16,000 and an ongoing monthly payment of $1,900: “Thank you for your assistance!” For Aaron Awkward assisting a 101 year old Veteran who filed his first claim and was rated at 100%: “My wife and I are overjoyed.” For Andrew Rutherford: “I have a sense that my issues are essentially his issues with the level of engagement he has represented with regards to solving my claim issues. I could not ask for a better representative, a true consummate professional that puts my mind at ease knowing that he will do everything in his power to ensure I am put on the right course.” And another thank you for Andrew: “I especially wish to recognize one of your benefits specialists, Andrew Rutherford, who guided me from start to finish through a claims process which was daunting and stressful." MDVA Secretary George Owings sincerely thanks all of the MDVA Benefits Specialists who work diligently to assist Maryland Veterans, their spouses and dependents. If you need help filing for Compensation or Pension from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, please do not go it alone.  The MDVA team of Benefits Specialists stand ready to help you. For more information follow this link: MDVA Service & Benefits Program or call 1-800-446-4926 ext. 6450

MDVA Website

MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program

Eagle Scout Andrew Sferra, of Boy Scout Troop 347 from Port Republic designed two display pieces describing steps required to fold the American Flag.  Andrew created the pieces, including the facts and reasons for the folds of the flag, placed them in enclosed cases and presented them to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The cases are displayed in our Main Multipurpose Room and Murphy Hall for everyone to enjoy. Thank you, Andrew, for your wonderful gift to the residents of Charlotte Hall.

Spotlight on Education: University of Maryland Global Campus

Those who support military/veteran-connected students, are invited to participate in a three-day Operation College Promise (OCP) Certificate for Veterans Service Providers (CVSP) Staff Training and Military Veteran Entrepreneur Appreciation Fair (MVEAF). The event is hosted by University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and the Mid-Atlantic Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).   

The event will be held at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center beginning April 26, 2022 and ending with the Appreciation Fair on April 28, 2022. See the attached flyer for additional details. Flier

All military-connected students are invited to attend the MVEAF on 28 April, 9 am-1 pm, where they can meet VSOs, employers, and entrepreneur resources. (There is no fee for students attending the MVEAF on Thursday.)

Spotlight on Education: Prince George's County Community College

Veteran Shark Tank Pitch Competition.  Open to all in the DMV area.  Read More Here

Here are highlights from last year’s event: 2021 PGCC Veteran Shark Tank highlights

United Way article about the event: Shark Tank competition provides veterans the opportunity to live out their dreams

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

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

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

03/16/2022 - The Next Big Thing in Digital Marketing...Social Mirror
03/16/2022 - Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Webinar
03/22/2022 - Tactical Business Development for Federal Contractors
03/24/2022 - Maryland State Procurement 101

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

Maryland Department of Natural Resources News

Free Trees Available for Maryland’s ‘Backyard Buffers’
Waterfront and Streamside Landowners can Reserve Seedlings

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners statewide who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream, or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program, now available in 23 counties. Read more.

Maryland DNR 2022 Photo Contest Now Open
Entries for Annual Contest Taken Until August 1, 2022

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Photographers, novice or professional, can enter for the chance to win cash, park passes, and other great prizes. Winning entries will be placed in the next DNR wall calendar. Read more.

Zero Deaths Maryland

Federal News

VA Maryland Health Care System: Cause for Applause Video thanking VA Health Care Workers

Bystander Intervention training keeps VA safe and strong

VA warns of Phishing attacks/fraud prevention

Call for Submission: 2022 Veterans Day Poster Contest

March 16th: VA Seminars regarding Life Insurance

Cancer Prevention and Veterans: What is Your Exposure Risk?

VA will propose adding rare respiratory cancers to the presumed service-connected list

Community dentists helping Veterans smile with innovative VA dental program

Arthritis Foundation, 1 in 3 Service Members develop Arthritis: Video

Resources available to Veterans experiencing emotional distress due to recent world events

Live Whole Health #112: Gratitude Practice

Live Whole Health #113: 3-minute Breathing Space

VA Center for Women Veterans

VA: Women's History Month

VA Honors Women on the Front Lines

Women's History Month: Amazon and Vet Yoga 14 Day Challenge (3/14 - 3/28)

Supporting Women Veteran-Owned Businesses with Women Veteran-Owned Business Initiative

March 29-30: Small Business Administration Women's Virtual Business Summit

Adjusting to Civilian Life

Tips for removing military jargon from your resume

Free career transition services for Veterans

Stars and Stripes Education Guide

Veterans, Active Duty can take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The Association of Veteran Certifying Officials announces 2022 Conference details and a new scholarship opportunity for Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and Spouses. 

Read More Here

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

OEF/OIF/OND Veterans dealing with guilt or regret may be eligible for a study examining guilt and the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study and treatment sessions will take place virtually. Participants will receive 6 sessions of individual therapy, and complete 3 assessments and 1 interview. Earn up to $120 for completing assessments.

Visit the online survey to see if you pre-qualify.

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.

Vietnam Veteran Programs and Salutes:

March 20th: Gilchrist's 4th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans, Limited in-person and Virtual. Video Preview

March 29th: Southern Maryland Vietnam War Veteran 50th Anniversary Salute, Chesapeake Beach.  The event organizers are accepting award requests: Award Registration

March 29th: Ft. Detrick Commemoration at Commissary, Flier

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring dozens of Montgomery County Vietnam War Era veterans with detailed tributes displayed on a special website created by the commission. Read more here

Community News

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/

Community Calendar

March 16, 2022

Read, Set, Grow Procurement Connections Virtual Workshop

March 18, 2022

Reveille Grounds: Winter Warmup - Comedy for a Cause, Baltimore

March 20, 2022

Gilchrist's 4th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans

March 29, 2022

Southern Maryland Vietnam War Veteran 50th Anniversary Salute, Chesapeake Beach

Vietnam War Commemoration, Ft. Detrick Commissary

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.