Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Recognizes Women Veterans in State Service

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognized women veterans who are now state government personnel.  The recognition ceremony, held at the Miller Branch Library in Ellicott City, was one of several events planned to celebrate Women Veterans Day on June 12.  The department selected eight women out of 50 nominations from four agencies including the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Department of Health, Public Service Commission, and Maryland Environmental Service.  Organized by the MDVA Women Veterans Inclusion Program, the event brought together federal, state, and local organizations to share valuable information with service members, veterans, and families.  In addition to many resources, a COVID-19 vaccination mobile clinic and the U.S. Mobile Vet Center were onsite. “Women have bravely served in the military since the Revolutionary War and it is no surprise that some of today’s women veterans continue to serve in state government,” said Governor Hogan.  “This recognition ceremony raises awareness of the service of women veterans and honors their commitment to our nation and state.” This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948.  Maryland is one of many states who now recognize June 12 as Women Veterans Day.  MDVA will host a virtual women veterans conference June 8-9.  The conference will highlight county-based women veteran initiatives on June 8 and education on valuable resources for women veterans on June 9. “We are delighted to honor women in state government who began their service in the military,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings. “We look forward to expanding our outreach to, and recognition of, the 55,000 women veterans who call Maryland home.” For more information on the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Inclusion Program, visit veterans.maryland.gov/women-veterans-inclusion-program/.

Women Veterans in State Service Honorees

Agenda

Registration for Day #1

Registration for Day #2

MDVA leadership met last week with their counterparts, the leaders of the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs.  From left to right are: MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn, Major General Craig C. Crenshaw, USA (Ret) who is the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs for the Commonwealth of Virginia, MDVA Secretary George Owings and Virginia Deputy Secretary Jason Pak.  Profiles in Valor: Captain Jason Pak, YouTube video

MDVA Website

These photos were taken at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in South Baltimore.  MDVA employees, Brandon Bracey and Tim Gasque, were two of the state staff who worked diligently to prepare the memorials and cemeteries for Memorial Day ceremonies. Keynote Speaker Colonel Fern Sumpter Winbush, USA (Ret) discussed the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency.  U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin spoke to those attending the ceremony.

MDVA Cemetery and Memorials Program

Roslyn Jones, MDVA Women Veteran/Inclusion Program Manager spoke at the Memorial Day observance held at the Maryland Women in Military Service Monument in Cecil County.  

The ceremony was hosted by: Women Veterans United Committee, Inc., CTL DOM Group, Veterans Mental Health Advisory Council, and The Lord Is My Shepherd (T-LIMS).

A Memorial Day ceremony was held at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.  The Keynote speaker, former Maryland Senator John Astle is standing to the left of the American Flag and MDVA Secretary George Owings is to the right of the American Flag.  Both gentlemen served in the United States Marine Corps and are Vietnam Veterans.

Memorial Day at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery

WMAR-TV news story

MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn attended the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars convention this week and he accepted a very generous donation to benefit the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The donation was presented by VFW Commander James F. Wade, Sr. 

MDVA Secretary George Owings sends his sincere appreciation to the members of the VFW Department of Maryland and recognizes the VFW's ongoing support of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

More Memorial Day photos and other event photos are in the Community News section of this newsletter.

Members of the Maryland National Guard provided free COVID vaccinations and boosters at the MDVA Veterans event held this week in Ellicott City. Find a vaccination clinic near you.

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

is offering two webinars in June for veterans and military spouse small business owners.     Federal & State Veteran Small Business Program Overview Tuesday June 7, 2022 10 a.m. - 11:30 am Register Women Veteran & Military Spouse Owned Small Business Resources Tuesday, June 14, 2022 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Register

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Tagging Study Offers Money for Harvesting Snakeheads Catch in Chesapeake Bay or Blackwater River Worth up to $200 In an effort to monitor invasive northern snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay and Blackwater River, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces a new tagging program in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more. Maryland State Parks Invite Public to Support Our Pollinators Project Includes Activities and Donation Opportunities This spring, the Maryland Park Service has launched Project Butterfly & Bumblebee, an ongoing slate of programs and activities to educate the general public about the role pollinators play in maintaining diverse ecosystems and the nation's food supply. Individuals can donate to support butterfly and bumblebee habitat and education in state parks. Read more. Waterway Safety Urged as Boating Season Hits Full Throttle Safe Practices Can Help Avoid Tragedy The Maryland Natural Resources Police reminds anglers, boaters, swimmers, and all waterway users to take proper precautions. Although boating accidents are decreasing, those who enter waterways must continue to practice safe boating. Read more. Three License-Free Fishing Days Scheduled for 2022 Dates in June and July Opportune Time to Try Fishing The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces its 2022 license-free fishing days will be held on Saturday, June 4, Saturday, June 11, and Monday, July 4. These days offer anglers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. Read more. Maryland Conservation Corps Now Recruiting Young Adults Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills Training Maryland Conservation Corps is an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in natural resources management projects across the state. Read more.    DNR also has a Veterans Conservation Corps.   The Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest is open! Our popular contest, now in its 19th year, welcomes photographs of Maryland's natural wonders. Take your shot at the 2022 contest, with a grand prize of $500! Other prizes include calendars printed with the winning photos and state park passes. Check out the photo contest website for information about rules and how to enter. Draw inspiration from the winning photographs of 2021. Questions? Please reach out to dnr@maryland.gov. This year's contest closes on Aug. 1st.

The United States Mobile Vet Center was stationed to provide services for Veterans at the MDVA event held in Ellicott City this week. Del Estrella (center), Veterans Outreach Program/MVC Specialist staffs and drives the Mobile Vet Center.  Also shown are the Maryland National Guard members who provided the Mobile Vaccination clinic and Roslyn Jones, MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager.

The VA Maryland Health Care System is holding a Walk-In COVID-19 Booster Shot Clinic at the Baltimore VA Medical Center at 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201:

Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine only will be available to Veterans enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System.   

As a walk-in clinic, individuals will be served on first come, first served basis. Masking and social distancing are required at all times inside the Baltimore VA Medical Center.

Still Need Your First/Second Vaccine?

Veterans who have not yet completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccine may also attend the clinic to receive the shot they need to bring them up to date.

What to Bring to the Walk-In COVID-19 Booster Shot Clinic:

• A VA Health Identification (VHIC) Card to verify enrollment status.
• A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, if you have one, to verify the date of last vaccination.

Can’t Attend the Walk-In COVID-19 Booster Shot Clinic?

You can easily find locations where you can receive a booster shot in your local community by visiting the CDC Vaccine Finder website at www.vaccinefinder.org, or calling 1-800-232-0233. After receiving a booster shot, please bring your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to your next primary care appointment or upload it to your MyHealtheVet account.

Thank you.

VA Maryland Health Care System

Federal News

The Veterans Crisis Line is here for you

June 14th: Flag Day & 247th Birthday of the U.S. Army, Ft. McHenry

June 14th: Veterans Health & Information Fair, Washington, DC

June 27th is: PTSD Screening Day - Take a Self-Screen

VA Celebrates Pride Month by serving all who served

Download Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment Booklet

VALife Insurance Program coming January 2023 for Veterans with service connection

VA: Bridging the Digital Divide - helping Veterans get internet access

VA has a plan to keep patients safe as COVID levels change

VA: Receive Free COVID Test Kits

Live Whole Health #123: Managing Stress & Headaches

Anyone can report harassment and sexual assault

Effects of harassment on mental health

Guitars for Vets, Challenge America Veteran Arts Community join forces

U. S. Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarships

Employment extravaganza during June hosted by Veteran Readiness and Employment

It's hurricane season again.  Are you ready?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Summer Drive Tips

June 9th: SBA 36th MD Small Business Week Awards

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

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/

We want YOU to be a voice for your community. Help Blue Star Families show what military, Veteran, and National Guard/Reserve families like yours need to thrive. 

• Why should I take the #BSFSurvey?Your feedback will help to make positive changes for your family andthe military community. The survey findings offer insights and data to inform national leaders, local communities, and decision-makers who have the power to advocate for you and drive reform. 
• How long is it open?May 23rd - July 10th.
• Will my answers be shared? The survey is completely confidential. Only aggregate (group) responses will be reported. Any *optional* text responses are de-identified.
• How long will it take? About 30 minutes.
• What’s in it for me? In addition to telling your story to bring about positive change for your family and other military-connected members, you’ll have a chance to enter to receive one of five $100 gift cards.

We know you take on so much for your family. It’s our turn to help. Take the survey today so that we can learn more about the kind of support you need. We look forward to hearing your story, Team Blue Star Families

Upcoming Events from Community Building Art Works:

How to Draw a Stick Figure - June 8th at 7pm EST - Virtual

If your response to creating art is, “I can’t even draw a stick figure,” this workshop is for you! Join us Wednesday, June 8th at 7pm EST for a FREE virtual visual art workshop with artists Alexis Laryea and Ashy Palliparambil. No art experience necessary. Bring whatever materials you have.

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cbaw-online-workshop-registration-tickets-167631372949?aff=Newsletter

Online Writing Workshop with Seema Reza - Fridays at 12pm EST - Virtual

No experience required! If you can talk, you can write. In this FREE virtual creative writing workshop, we'll consider writing as a tool for communication, expression, and relief from holding it all together. Join us Fridays at 12pm EST with CBAW Founder, Seema Reza.

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cbaw-online-workshop-registration-tickets-167631372949?aff=Newsletter

Creative Writing Workshop: To Hell with the Unsayable - June 16th at 7pm EST - Virtual

Join us Thursday, June 16th at 7pm EST for a virtual creative writing workshop with Susanna Sonnenberg in our series in partnership with the Strathmore. Susanna Sonnenberg is the author of two memoirs, both New York Times Bestsellers, Her Last Death and She Matters: A Life in Friendships. Her personal creative nonfiction has been widely anthologized and published in many magazines and newspapers. She has lived for almost 30 years in Missoula, Montana, where she writes and teaches online classes in memoir writing.

Registration Link: https://www.strathmore.org/community-education/public-education/creative-writing-workshops/

For more info about CBAW, visit www.cbaw.org.

1st National Veteran Women in Agriculture Conference, Oklahoma City, OK

Military OneSource: Discounted Vacation Travel

Transitioning Veterans Consultation

Transitioning Veterans is a free Military OneSource specialty consultation designed for service members returning to civilian life. You may be eligible for this personalized support if you are planning to separate or retire from service in the next 12 months or you are within 365 days of your last day of service. Through a series of sessions, a professionally trained consultant can help you identify goals and navigate benefits and resources. Call 800-342-9647 or start a live chat to schedule an appointment. OCONUS/International? Click here for calling options.

Community Calendar

June 7, 2022

Veterans VA Claims Clinic and Health & Resource Fair, Eldersburg, Flier

Federal & State Veteran Small Business Program Overview

June 12, 2022

Adaptive Cycling at Patapsco Valley State Park, hosted by Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, Marriottsville

June 14, 2022

Flag Day & 247th Birthday of the United States Army Ceremony, sponsored by Francis Scott Key Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, Ft. McHenry

Veterans Health & Information Fair, Washington DC

Women Veteran & Military Spouse Owned Small Business Resources

June 15, 2022

Ready, Set, Grow Procurement Connections Virtual Webinar

June 17, 2022

Veterans Legal Assistance Conference & Training, Baltimore

June 21-23, 2022

Google Veterans Network (VetNet) Virtual Career Week

June 24, 2022

United States Department of Labor Virtual Career Fair

July 22nd - 24th, 2022

5th Annual Skydive with Heroes on the River & Skydive Shenandoah, New Market, VA

MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn (left) and Secretary George Owings (right) present a Governor's Proclamation to Outgoing Maryland Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander Eddie Lampkin (center).

Deputy Secretary Finn and Secretary Owings present a Memorial Day Proclamation from Governor Hogan to Incoming Purple Heart Commander, Jim Hauser.

A picnic for Veterans was held at American Legion Cummings-Behlke Post #226 in Mayo.

The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. participated at a remembrance at the Wall in Washington, DC. In this photo are: MSgt Dani Butler, USNC (Ret), Dr. JoAnn Fisher and Tiffany Daniel.

Maryland Veterans Commissioner CAPT (Ret) Jerome D. Davis, SC, USN attended the Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony at American Legion Post 259 in Clinton, Maryland.   Those listed in the photograph from left to right are: Commissioner Jerome D. Davis, Post Commander Willie Evans, Post 1st Vice Commander Helen Smith, Post Judge Advocate Anthony Hinnant and Former Post Commander Ronald Dickens.

Monday, May 30, 2022:  Memorial Service hosted by American Legion Daisy Bell Post #66 in Bowie.

Maryland Veterans Commissioner CAPT (Ret) Jerome D. Davis, SC, USN attended the PFC John C. Demarr, Jr Memorial DAV Chapter 36, Memorial Day ceremony held in honor of the Chapter namesake PFC John C. DeMarr, Jr. and his Gold Star mother Mrs. Blanche E. Demarr at their gravesite in Trinity Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Waldorf Maryland.  PFC Demarr died of his wounds after serving in Vietnam in 1968.  The ceremony was attended by Chapter members from DAV Chapter 36 and  family members of PFC Demarr.   The ceremony was officiated by DAV Chapter 36 Commander Marguerite Stubbs and Senior Vice Commander Jeffrey Credle.  PFC John C. Demarr, Jr Memorial DAV Chapter 36 is located in Waldorf.

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.