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MDVA participated in the Veterans Claims Clinic held in Harford County this week.  The MDVA Benefits Specialists advised Veterans on compensation & benefits and helped the Veterans file claims with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA).  In this photo assisting veterans are:  Paul Jones, Public Coach for the USDVA and Phil Munley, MDVA Director of the Service & Benefits Program.

Maryland Veterans Commissioner Robert Hartman (on the right), represents the Vietnam Veterans of America on the Commission. Many resource providers attended the Harford County Claims Clinic to provide information and services to Veterans during the event..

Eagle Scout candidate Sam Testerman (front row, second from right), his troop, and several troop fathers worked to complete his project at the World War II Memorial in Annapolis.  Sam planned the project and worked with MDVA, vendors and volunteers to improve the Memorial.  We appreciate the efforts of Sam and those who helped him.

MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program

In this photo, the Honor and Remember Ambassador to Maryland is presenting the Honor and Remember Flag to Crownsville Veterans Cemetery Superintendent Virginia Ritter following the MDVA Dignified Burial Service at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, held on July 29, 2022.

From left to right: MDVA Secretary George Owings, Honor And Remember Ambassador to Maryland James Carter, Crownsville Veterans Cemetery Superintendent Virginia Ritter, and MDVA Communications, Outreach & Advocacy Program Director Dana Burl.

HONOR AND REMEMBER

Mission "To Publicly Honor and Remember Every American Fallen Service Member and Recognize the Enduring Sacrifice of Every Family"

Flag Symbolism

• The RED FIELD represents the blood spilled by brave men and women in America's military throughout our history, who willingly gave their lives so that we all would remain free.
• The BLUE STAR represents active service in military conflict. This symbol originated with World War I, but on this flag it signifies service through all generations from the American Revolution to present day.
• The WHITE BORDER beneath and surrounding the gold star recognizes the purity of sacrifice. There is no greater price an American can pay than to give his or her life in service to our country.
• The GOLD STAR signifies the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active service who will not return home. Gold reflects the value of the life that was given.
• The TRIANGULAR AMERICAN FLAG signifies our nation's final tribute to an individual life that a family sacrificed and gave to the nation.
• The FLAME is an eternal reminder of the spirit that has departed this life yet burns on in the memory of all who knew and loved the fallen hero.
• The WORDS Honor and Remember signify that "We Will Always Honor Their Selfless Sacrifice and Remember Them Individually by Name."

Honor and Remember.org Text "FLAG" to 71777 Facebook.com/HonorRemember  

Save the Date: The annual event, Crusin' Southern Maryland, which benefits Charlotte Hall Veterans Home will be held on October 1, 2022. Flier

MDVA Secretary George Owings, Maryland's First Lady Yumi Hogan and Lisa Murphy, Admissions Coordinator for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home attended the Maryland Association of Counties Conference.  

MDVA Secretary George Owings attended the Maryland Association of Counties Conference in August.  In this photo, he is with Secretary Robert L. Green and staff from the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (DPSCS) at their conference display.

Denise Nooe, MDVA Deputy Director, Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Program presents at the National Association of State Director's of Veterans Affairs Conference on the innovative MDVA collaboration with the Maryland State Library System.

MDVA Secretary George Owings attended the Veterans Torah Celebration with the Jewish Uniformed Services Association of Maryland (JUSA). In the top photo from left to right are: Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, Secretary Owings and Maryland Veterans Commissioner Erwin Burtnick.

The middle photo is of the 2022 Murray L. Rosen Award presented to Maryland Veterans Commissioner Erwin Burtnick, designating him as the Jewish War Veterans Member of the Year.  The award was presented at the Jewish War Veterans national convention in Savanah, but we do not have a photo of Commissioner Burtnick being presented with his award.  In the two photos of the Veterans Torah Celebration, Commissioner Burtnick is wearing the red shirt.  Congratulations to Commissioner Burtnick for the recognition of his many years of dedicated service to his fellow Veterans.

anash.org article

Roslyn Jones, MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager attended the National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators Conference.  Roslyn is in the front row, center in a white dress.  The theme for the conference reception was the Roaring 20's.

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

On September 21st, my team will host a live Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop at Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. After a two-year hiatus, I am very happy that we can once again put procurement officers in the same room with small, minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs who want to perform in the state contracting arena. There is no other program like the Ready, Set, GROW! workshop. You'll be able to talk with buyers from 12 state agencies, including:  Housing and Community Development, Juvenile Services, State Police, Health, Public Safety & Correctional Services, Environmental Services, University of Maryland, the Transit Administration, Transportation Authority, Motor Vehicle Administrating, Port Authority, and State Highway Administration. In the past, we drew approximately 125 small business owners and entrepreneurs to this free business development event. I hope we see even higher participation this year. Sharpen up your capability statement and bring a fist full of business cards. Maryland is open for business and we look forward to seeing you at the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop.  Jimmy Rhee Special Secretary Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop 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.  09/12/2022 - TEDCO's Tech Fair 09/13/2022 - Increasing Your Visibility on eMMA 09/15/2022 - Multi-Chamber Fall Bash 09/18/2022 - 2022 National MED Week: Minority Enterprise Development 09/20/2022 - Maryland Innovation Center End of Summer Bash 09/21/2022 - Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop 09/21/2022 - 5th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference 09/27/2022 - Strategies for Business Networking 09/28/2022 - Responding to Solicitations in eMMA 09/29/2022 - State Procurement 101 Check out the full listing of small business events online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

Spotlight on Education: Morgan State University Announces Next Women Veterans Enterprise Boot Camp

Welcome to the Bootcamp Training registration for the WOMEN Initiative under the Morgan State University Entrepreneurial  Development & Assistance Center (MSU EDAC) effort. These boot camp series will vary in topic, and we can not wait for you to see our upcoming Bootcamp series in the new year and all of our future ones.

The Training is titled The Government Procurement Training Series (GPTS) which includes the elements essential to secure a government contract. The program includes a weekly 3 hour live virtual instruction for one month where you will receive templates, interaction with program managers, procurement officers, and small business liaisons.

Registration

New funding for Business:

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has been designated as the lead agency to administer Maryland's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation​. Funds will be used to support businesses with limited opportunities for growth. Maryland's statewide SSBCI initiatives will target communities and areas with a high concentration of small, micro, and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI) businesses. NOTE: these funds are issued as loans or equity investments only, SSBCI does not offer grants.  Read More Here

Federal News

VA extends temporary hardship suspension for benefits debts

VA national cemeteries call on volunteers to participate in National Day of Service

VA can help Veterans manage their drinking

PTSD and alcohol

VA therapies relieve depression symptoms

How PACT Act affects Vietnam Veterans

PACT Act Frequently Asked Questions

Be vigilant of PACT Act scammers

Who qualifies for VA Dental

Live Whole Health #132: Tai Chi Warm-Ups

Live Whole Health #133: Finding Balance

Live Whole Health #134: Seated Tai Chi basic moves

Live Whole Health #135: Relationships and mindfulness appreciation practice

Live Whole Health #136: Motion is lotion (for the joints)

Learn more about the Student Veterans of America

Small Business Administration and  Maryland Small Business Development Center Webinar Events Calendar

VETSports

Connecting Veterans, civilians through writing workshops

Learn about Agent Orange at VA’s Free Online Class 

Join VA’s virtual class, Agent Orange: What You Need to Know, and learn about Agent Orange exposure, related health conditions, benefits, information for Blue Water Navy Veterans, and other recent updates including how the PACT Act impacts you.  This free class takes place on Thursday, September 22, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet.  

To learn more about this class and sign up, see the class flyer at  Agent Orange: What You Need to Know (va.gov).

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.  Survey

Women Veterans heath care: Reasons to consider VA

There’s a new, easy-to-remember way to reach the Veterans Crisis Line—Dial 988 then Press 1. Millions of Veterans have called when they needed crisis support. We’re here if you need us. 

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

The City of Laurel will be the first Maryland city to host the GoldStars Tribute Wall™ since being built in 2011. The Wall, built by Samuel Nicoara, is the only traveling memorial of it’s kind that honors the 7,416 fallen heroes of the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. It serves as a reminder to never forget those who sacrificed their all for the freedom Americans celebrate in the United States.

The Wall display is sponsored by the American Legion Post 60, Laurel, Maryland, and is supported by the joint effort of local organizations: City of Laurel, American Legion Riders, Sons of American Legion Squadron 60, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 60 and Walk For Vets. Volunteers from these organizations will assist with the wall and security.

From Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 7:00 PM to Sunday September 25th 9:00 AM, 2022 the GoldStars Tribute Wall ™ will be on display at American Legion Post 60, 2 Main Street Laurel, MD 20707 . There will be a ceremony to honor the fallen on Friday, September 23rd at 10:00 a.m. This is the wall’s first and only scheduled stop in Maryland.

Veterans organizations and the owner and builder of the wall will be on hand to promote and answer questions.  Flier

Tennis Corps for Military Veterans runs Wednesdays from 12-2 pm at JTCC in College Park, MD. The program is in partnership with ThanksUSA, and its main goal is to provide rehabilitative tennis clinics for military veterans and their families and connect junior tennis players and military veterans to create an environment of positive role models and community engagement. Junior tennis players help teach tennis to veterans, and veterans serve as mentors to youth. Through the program and its partnerships, our veteran tennis players have had the opportunity to compete in Orlando at the USTA National Campus, and participate at the US Open Military Appreciation Day. Mission BBQ also donates lunch to the veterans and junior players bimonthly, serving as an opportunity for both groups to intermingle and bond.

Tennis rackets and sports wheelchairs are provided to those who need them. Beginner tennis players, experienced tennis players, wounded veterans, active duty military, and military family members are all welcome to join. Here is a link to learn more: https://www.jtcc.org/outreach/adaptive/#tenniscorps. 

Registration

Project Opportunity offers a new free, "Developing Your Business Pitch Course" for both established Veteran business owners and pre-launch businesses.  Read More Here

VETMotorsports seeks Active, Guard, Reserve, Veterans with a service-connected injury, and Gold Star parents for the following events in West Virginia:

October 1, 2022           October 8, 2022

Operation Homefront: Montgomery County offers transitional housing for Veterans.  

Interested in learning about business, building a strong community, and rediscovering purpose for moving forward? The Dog Tag Fellowship Program is a 5-month program that combines equal parts classroom, bakery, community, and wellbeing. Dog Tag Fellows earn a certificate of business administration in our virtual classroom space; bring their coursework to life by learning the ins and outs of running a successful business in the bakery; build community with each other; and enhance their wellbeing by committing time to introspection and personal growth. The program is open to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, military caregivers, active service members in transition, and Guard and Reserve members. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to help cover living costs as they complete the program. The program dates are Jan 17–May 25, 2023 and the application deadline is September 30th, 2022. Apply here: dogtaginc.submittable.com/submit

Community Calendar

September 9 & 10, 2022

Women Veterans Alliance - Women Veterans Engage Mid-Atlantic Region, Greenbelt & Virtual

September 10, 2022

Military & First Responder Appreciation Day at Maryland State Fair, Timonium

Veterans Creative Arts at the Maryland State Fair, Timonium

September 10-11, 2022

Lacrosse Shootout for Soldiers, Sparks Glencoe

September 11, 2022

Frederick County Library, Brunswick Branch - Veterans invited to Sunday Speaker Series

September 14, 2022

Ft. Meade Community Job Fair, Ft. George G. Meade

September 15, 2022

Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation Signing, Aberdeen Proving Ground

September 16, 2022

Hidden Heroes Celebration for military caregivers, Hanover, RSVP

Veterans Claims Clinic, Largo

September 17, 2022

Talent Showcase, American Minority Veterans Research Project, Washington, DC

September 22, 2022

Job Fair, Woodlawn

September 23 - 25, 2022

Gold Star Tribute Wall, Laurel

September 25, 2022

Adaptive Biking at Patapsco Valley State Park

September 28, 2022

Second Chance Job & Resource Fair, Aberdeen

September 29, 2022

Susquehanna Workforce Network Job Fair,  Ripken Stadium - Aberdeen

October 1, 2022

Crusin' Southern Maryland

Baby Shower for Women Veterans, Reservists, National Guard & Active Duty, sponsored by Women Veterans United Committee, Inc., must register to attend

October 10, 2022

Voices of Vets fundraiser, Columbia

October 13, 2022

Military Officer Job Fair, Arlington  Register

More Photos from the last few weeks:

Rabbi Tenenbaum and Secretary Owings at the Jewish Uniformed Services Association Veterans Torah Celebration.

Another photo taken at the well-attended Veterans Claims Clinic in Harford County.  From left to right: Paul Jones, USDVA, Del Estrella, USDVA Vet Center, and Phil Munley, MDVA.

The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. (WVUCI) held the organization's 5th Annual Retreat, August 26 through 29, 2022.

Another photo from the Maryland Association of Counties Conference.

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.