New Blog posted by Dana Burl, MDVA Director of Outreach & Advocacy on MDVA Website

Last night, while driving through my son’s high school parking lot a fellow parent captured a photo of two teen boys.  The parent posted the photo to Facebook and at first glance you may think they were just taking a break from their bike ride.  However, if you knew the song which was playing as this photo was taken, you’d know why they stopped. Had this photo been a video instead, you’d hear the United States Air Force Band playing our National Anthem before a lacrosse game.  Upon hearing the song, these two teens stopped their bike ride, removed their hats, and silently stood out of respect to our Nation’s flag and all that it stands for. As of today, the Facebook post has received more than 500 likes and 75 comments.  I’m honored to know that while I was standing inside the high school stadium, it was my son and his friend who were captured in the photo.  I proudly commented on the post, sharing that my son’s father is a veteran, that I work for the VA, that my grandfather was at Normandy on D Day, and that my son is a true patriot. After reading the Facebook posts’ comments and as we come to the end of April’s Month of the Military Child, I’m reminded of two things.  First, that we as a community must educate our youth on the meaning behind our Nation’s flag and second, that we must take the time to understand the experience of our military/veteran connected children and youth. Read More Here

MDVA Website

Donations for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Maryland Delegate Mike Rogers, along with Members of the Maryland Legislative Veterans Caucus and the Black Caucus are collecting items for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  Drop off for donations will be on Saturday, May 7th at American Legion Post 276 located at 8068 Quarterfield Road, Severn, MD 21144 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  Please see Flier for more information on requested items.

Mr. Timothy J. Cooke, Director of the Orlando VA Medical Center (previously Martinsburg VA Medical Center) and Ms. Denise G. Nooe, Deputy Director of the MDVA Outreach & Advocacy Program were the 34th (2020) and 35th (2021) recipients of the AMVETS Department of Maryland PNC A. Leo Anderson Memorial Free State Award of Excellence.  Commander Bruce Rice (center) is the state commander of the AMVETS Department of Maryland and he presented the awards.  The presentation ceremony recognizing Tim and Denise was postponed until Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Denise said, "It has been my honor to work with and on behalf of veterans for my entire career.  I am grateful to the AMVETS Department of Maryland for this recognition, and I thank the AMVETS membership for the work they do every day to assist veterans.”

Tim Cooke and Denise Nooe with members of the Maryland Veterans Commission at the AMVETS event.  MDVA Secretary George Owings and Deputy Secretary Robert Finn also attended and are on the left in the second row.

On Saturday, April 30th volunteers with the Travis Manion Foundation organized a cleanup event at the Gold Star Families Monument in Annapolis. The Travis Manion Foundation, named for 1^st LT Travis Manion, USMC is a foundation which works to honor our fallen heroes by challenging the living through community service.  MDVA thanks the Travis Manion Foundation volunteers for their help at the monument.

The Gold Star Families Monument in Annapolis is managed by MDVA.

In the last edition of the MDVA newsletter, there was an article reminding Veterans that the MDVA Service and Benefits staff assist Veterans filing claims for VA benefits free of charge.  Please contact any of the MDVA Service & Benefits offices for assistance with your claim.

There are also many Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) which also do not charge a fee to assist veterans.  Just a few of these organizations are: The Military Order of the Purple Heart, The Marine Corps League, National Assoication for Black Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.  The entire list of VSOs is too lenghty to list here, but this link on the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website, provides an extensive list of VSOs: Directory of Veteran Service Organizations.

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

You are cordially invited to attend the 2022 Military Small Business Appreciation Breakfast We are grateful to the veteran entrepreneurs who are helping keep Maryland OPEN for Business. Join us for an appreciation, networking, and resource event honoring this special community. You'll hear from a successful veteran small business owner, gain valuable insights on federal, state, and private sector resources available to veterans, and connect with other small business owners. Join us for a continental breakfast sponsored by Project Opportunity and The Big Bean Coffee Shop (a veteran-owned company). Seating is limited. Advance registration closes on May 9, 2022. WHO SHOULD ATTEND?  Veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners. WHEN: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. WHERE: Maryland Innovation Center 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr. Columbia, Maryland 21046. (Ample free on-site parking.) What you need to know There is no cost to attend Seating is limited to 100 guests Advance registration is required by Monday, May 9, 2022 Registered guests will receive a building access QR code from no-reply@mg.tractionguests.com Upon entering the building, stop at the lobby kiosk and sign in using that QR code Register

More Business Events from the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

05/10/2022 - Access to Capital for Women
05/11/2022 - 2022 Military Small Business Appreciation Breakfast
05/12/2022 - Legal Risk Management and Decision Making for Small Businesses
05/12/2022 - MBE/DBE Certification Workshop / Spanish Only
05/24/2022 - 2022 SBDC Annual Women's Business Conference
05/24/2022 - The R&D of a Digital Marketing Strategy
05/26/2022 - Know Your Customer: Insights into Doing Business with the State of Maryland
06/09/2022 - 36th Maryland Small Business Week Awards Luncheon

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

Maryland Department of Labor

The Maryland Department of Labor's Veteran Virtual Kiosk is now available to help veterans. This pilot program is a great way to get IMMEDIATE help from our employment professionals for any veteran, eligible spouse or dependent, and even vet caregivers. Visit Monday through Friday between the hours of 1000 hours and 1500 hours (EST) using your internet connected computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone at meet.google.com/awf-yoqx-mmu . Not connected to the Internet? Call during the same hours to  516-268-6742‬ PIN: ‪748 066 507‬#

Join us for the next meeting of the Maryland Department of Labor Veterans Career Club. This is open to any veteran, eligible spouse, dependent or caregiver looking for support, best practices, and exposure to resources and information. This is a great opportunity to interact with MD Department of Labor Veteran Program professionals and various collaborative partners as they share career info, employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and training. Monthly from 11am to 11:50am on the last Thursday Eastern Time.

Flier

Maryland's Commitment to Veterans will be hosting a 2-day  Military & Veteran Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Symposium on May 10-11, 2022 from 1-5 PM EST. Flier

Registration for Day 1:  https://bit.ly/3rHCADj  

Registration for Day 2:  https://bit.ly/36E0zvS 

Federal News

Protect your benefits: Beat pension poachers to the punch

Is your family cyber safe?

VA encourages volunteers to "Carry the Load" for an American hero during trek across the country   National Cemeteries in Baltimore and Annapolis - May 7th

Nine new cancers added to the presumed service-connected list related to particulate matter

May 9, 10 & 11: Notice of Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

VA Women's Health Reengagement Trainin (heaRT) - virtual training on May 10th

Live Whole Health # 120: Acupressure puts low back pain relief in your fingertips

Live Whole Health #121: Yoga Ball

VA: Join phone based Yoga-Nidra Meditation classes

VA: What you should know about advance care planning

VA services build hope after sexual assault

CLEAR app lets Veterans carry their vaccine and health records anywhere

Are you prepared for a flood?

May 25th: Small Business Administration Webinar for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) seeks service members, Veterans to serve as mentors to grieving military children

Veterans eligible for discounts on travel, hotel rates

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.

Helping Another Veteran Endure (HAVE) held an event in April, where suits and other items were sorted and organized for distribution to Veterans.  MDVA Secretary George Owings attended and praised Mr. Prince Rawlings, Mr. Melvin Woodward and the other organizers of HAVE for their efforts.  HAVE has collected over 3,000 suits to distribute to Veterans and the organizers are looking to partner with other community & veteran organizations for future "dress for success" events. Contact: Mr. Prince Rawlings on 202-417-1859.  More information on event.

Community News

Remains of Korean War Sergeant arrive home in Maryland, Air Force Times article

Vivian 'Millie" Bailey, beloved Howard County World War II veteran and public servant, dies at 104, WTOP news  Obituary

Lawyers Serving Warriors, A project of the National Veterans Legal Services Program

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

May 9, 2022

Our Community Salutes 2022 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony, Baltimore

May 12, 2022

Gulf War Exposures and Health Concerns Virtual Class

May 15, 2022

Carroll County Veterans Celebration, Westminster

May 20 & 21, 2022

District of Columbia Disabled American Veterans Convention, Washington, DC

May 26, 2022

Prince George's County Veteran Appreciation Ceremony, Upper Marlboro

May 28, 2022

Memorial Day Program at the Women Veterans Memorial, sponsored by the Women Veterans United Committee, Inc., Chesapeake Travel Center, North East

June 1, 2022

Military & Veteran Resource and Wellness Event, Ellicott City

VFW Women Veterans Committee Presents: Stepping Into Leadership, Ocean City

June 8th and 9th, 2022

MDVA Women Veterans AppreSHEation

June 17, 2022

Veterans Legal Assistance Conference & Training, Baltimore

More Photos from the Gold Star Familes Monument Cleanup

The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. and the DAV Omaha Beach Chapter #7 located in Bowie worked together to gather donations for the Washington, DC VA Medical Center 4th Annual Women's Health Program Baby Shower.  Ms. Brenda Jamison is shown in the photo below with some of the donated gifts.

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.