The MDVA Newsletter

The MDVA newsletter which you are reading now, has a long history.  It began many years ago as a paper newsletter that was mailed to a few thousand Maryland Veterans and distributed through MDVA offices and Veteran Service Organizations.  The last paper newsletter in the MDVA archives was published in the summer of 2013.  After that, the Department converted to an electronic newsletter, and the distribution list has grown to the current number of 194,791 subscribers.  That is amazing growth less than ten years, but we are still not reaching all of Maryland's estimated 356,000 Veterans.  Please help us spread the word about the MDVA newsletter and encourage other Maryland Veterans to subscribe.  To subscribe, visit the MDVA website and fill in your email address in the "Stay Connected" box. We make every effort to ensure the MDVA newsletter is news you can use as a Veteran in Maryland by providing highlights of MDVA activities, as well as other state, federal and local news.  Near the end of the newsletter, you will find the Community Calendar of upcoming events.  If you have a Veteran related event to contribute to a future edition of the Community Calendar, send your flier, link or event details to: denise.nooe@maryland.gov .  As a reminder, the MDVA newsletter is published every two weeks, so please submit your event information early. In case you wondered how we estimate the number of Veterans in Maryland, we use data from the United States Census, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and here is a very interesting report on Maryland Veterans compiled by the Purdue University Military Family Research Institute working with agency within the United States Department of Health & Human Services.

MDVA Website

MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn was promoted to Brigadier General, receiving a Brevet Commission.  The Brevet Commission has its roots in the American Revolution and has been used extensively throughout our history.  In yesteryear its purpose was to provide ceremonial rank because Congress strictly limited the number of commissioned officers.  Today it serves as a means of recognizing and honoring superior service. 

Congratulations to Brigadier General Finn for this recognition!

In the top photo are Major General Timothy Gowen, Adjutant General, Maryland National Guard and Brigadier General (MD) Robert Finn.  A reception was held following the ceremony for BG Finn.  BG Finn is shown in the third photo with some of his former military colleagues.

MDVA To Host a Community Partner Vendor/Resource Event in Partnership with Discoveries: Library at the Mall

Registration Information for Vendors

Event Date/Time: Saturday, November 5, 2022, 10am to 1pm. Event Address: Discoveries: Library at the Mall/Westfield Annapolis Mall Contact: Dana Burl, Communications, Outreach, & Advocacy Program Director, MDVA, dana.burl@maryland.gov

Join us for a community based resource event highlighting private sector, nonprofit organizations who have in their core mission service to our service members, veterans, and their families.  MDVA is capitalizing on the successful partnership with Maryland State Library Agency to host a tabling event at Discoveries: Library at the Mall/Westfield Annapolis Mall on November 5 from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  The event will kick off with very brief remarks and then open up to mall and library visitors.  Based on historical data, this library receives hundreds of visitors on any given Saturday.

Space is limited so you are encouraged to register early.  Tables and chairs will be provided.  We will be selecting organizations in a manner that ensures a diversity of missions are represented, i.e. equine therapy, service animals, workforce development, wellness, outdoor activities, etc.  A directory of registered organizations will be organized and made available on the MDVA website as well as in hard copy the day of the event.  The directory will include some information provided on the registration form.  Please note that by providing this information, you agree to have the organization name, mission, and website included in the directory.

REGISTER HERE: Celebrating Community Partners Serving Service Members, Veterans, and Families: Tabling event registration form (google.com)

We look forward to your participation!

MDVA Secretary George Owings participated in the Military & First Responder Appreciation Day at the Maryland State Fair.

Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program Director Dana Burl had the honor of joining Maryland Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford for a wellness hike at the Patuxent River Natural Resources Management Area in Hughesville, Maryland.  The hike was part of the Lt. Governor's state park tour and was organized to raise awareness of September's Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, as well as the new Veterans Crisis Line.  Joining the hike were Governor's Office staff, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and staff,  Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Director Joy Ashcraft, Southern Maryland Veterans, and mental health advocates.  Veterans are encouraged to get out into nature with friends and family as a means to improving wellness and overall wellbeing. 

Maryland is home to 75 state parks.  Learn more about Maryland State Parks. 

Learn more about the new Veterans Crisis Line which can be accessed by calling 988 and pressing 1 or texting 988.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home has a new dedicated ambulance to serve the residents.  The ambulance and EMS staff will be stationed at the Veterans Home and St. Mary's County will be providing the personnel and other needed equipment to support the ambulance. 

 The BayNet article

Photo credit: St. Mary's County Government

Maryland Veterans Commissioner Karen Calvert, presented  Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins to several Veterans attending an event at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial located at Arlington National Cemetery.

Governor Hogan Named Korea’s First Honorary Veterans Affairs Minister

Governor Larry Hogan  was named the Republic of Korea’s first honorary veterans affairs minister in recognition of his efforts to support and highlight the heroism and sacrifice of Korean War veterans. The governor was presented with a letter of appointment and a commemorative medal by Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-shik. Read More Here

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Design Contest Open for 2023-24 Migratory Game Bird Stamp  Artists Can Submit Original Work by November 3, 2022 Artists are invited to submit their original works for Maryland’s annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff will judge the entries live at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton on November 12. Read more.    Archery Hunting for Deer is Underway Statewide Bowhunting Open Through Jan. 31, Plus Primitive Hunt Maryland archery hunting for white-tailed continues through Jan. 31, 2023. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2023 during the annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Read more.   Monarchs and Milkweed Festival at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary Migrating Pollinators Take Center Stage September 24 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate the fall migration of the monarch butterfly on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more.   Maryland DNR 2022 Photo Contest Winners Announced Fan Favorite Winner to Be Chosen on Facebook The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2022 Natural Resource Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to David Terao of Silver Spring for his captivating and intricate photo of a jumping spider. In addition to the overall grand prize winner, the judges selected first through third place winners in four seasonal categories—winter, spring, summer, and fall. Read more.   Fall Foliage Report Begins Soon Autumn approaches! Have you signed up to receive the Maryland Fall Foliage Report to your email inbox? From late September into November, the report tracks and describes where fall foliage is appearing. Foresters and park staff contribute on-the-ground advice for enjoying autumn color, as well as photos of Maryland's public lands progressing toward peak color. Check out our fall 2022 preview on the website. Sign up online to receive the Maryland Fall Foliage Report to your inbox every Thursday. Happy leaf peeping!   What’s New in Maryland State Parks With record levels of investment in recent years, Maryland State Parks are expanding, with new parks and facilities being opened and existing properties undergoing upgrades. Statewide, landscape restoration projects are also underway to improve wildlife habitat, restore streams and shorelines, and plant trees. In this and upcoming editions of Natural Resource Magazine, we will take a closer look at what’s new in Maryland State Parks. Read more.

Federal News

Get your no-cost flu shots from VA

Oct. 8th and Oct. 22 Walk-in COVID-19 and Flu Shot Clinic at Baltimore VA Medical Center

Long COVID facts and symptoms

Food pantry and clothing boutique at the VA Annex, Baltimore

Women Veterans Call Center

Mental Health is Health Care, Health.mil article

Mental Health: What you can expect at a therapy appointment, Health.mil article

VA supports easing your transition from active duty

Live Whole Health #137: Connecting mind and body #6

Live Whole Health #138: Seated Tai Chi basic moves

Public Service Announcement highlights women Veterans

The United States Vet Center in Dundalk hosted a Military & Veterans Outdoor Recreation Showcase last weekend. Many Veterans took advantage of the recreational opportunities.  Team River Runner provided kayaks and volunteers so that Veterans could enjoy some time on the water.  David Galloway (standing), with Maryland's Commitment to Veterans was at the event providing a resource table, but he also took some time to paddleboard.  The Vet Center staff plans to repeat this successful event next year.

Team River Runner is hosting an upcoming Biathlon,  Read More here

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.

Anne Arundel County has joined the Elizabeth Dole Foundation as a Hidden Heroes County.  The program will be managed by the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities.  Read more here.

Anne Arundel County has also developed a postcard to reach the county's Veteran and military connected family population and inform them about the county Veterans Services Coordination Center.  The postcard is available in English, Spanish and Korean.  Check it out

Community News

The West Point Societies of Washington, DC and Annapolis are hosting upcoming online job training opportunities.   Also check out the Job Fair scheduled for October 13th in Arlington.

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers free training for Veterans starting businesses: Veterans Launching Ventures

Howard County Veterans Day Parade Information: Grand Marshall Nominations, Participants and Sponsors wanted.

Gatekeepers is working with formerly incarcerated Veterans and ex-offenders on re-entry.  Read more here

North Point Veterans Home offers transitional housing program for Veterans. Read More Here

Free Dental Cleanings at Baltimore City Community College

Military Warriors Support Foundation is offering a free electric car to a Veteran.  Read More Here

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals: Upcoming Events

Calling All Veteran Artists - Submissions due October 7th

This Fall, Community Building Art Works (CBAW) has an amazing opportunity to participate in Bastion Community of Resilience's first ever Veteran Experience Project on Veterans Day in New Orleans. The event will be a day full of programming that explores the military experience through visual art, the written and spoken word, performances, and discussion panels.

Veteran Artists are asked to submit their artwork for a Digital Art Exhibit titled In This Together. The theme of this exhibit focuses on bridging the civilian and military culture gap. where civilians can slip into the boots of a diverse array of veteran artists. Open to Veterans, Military Spouses/Family Members, and Caregivers. To learn more and submit artwork, visit our blog.

Flier

JTCC is launching a Veterans & Adaptive tennis program starting October 8th to run on Saturdays from 2:30-4:30 pm. This program is currently open to military veterans and active duty members with and without disabilities, as well as adaptive players including people with physical (amputee, Multiple Sclerosis, limited mobility, etc) and psychological (PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, etc) disabilities.This rehabilitative and community-focused class is designed to introduce veterans and adaptive players to the lifelong sport of tennis. Led by JTCC Coaches with experience in providing accommodations to people with disabilities, this program will help you take your game to the next level whether you are a new or seasoned player!

Players can receive their first two classes free, and will be offered exclusive discounts on additional JTCC programming. A five-week session of the Veterans & Adaptive classes is $95, and financial aid is available. Players can also enjoy the flexibility of dropping into class for $25. Click here to sign up for your two free classes.  Flier

Tennis Corps for Military Veterans runs Thursdays from 12-2 pm at JTCC in College Park, MD. The free 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. Click here to sign up for the free Tennis Corps program. Flier

Here is a link to learn more about all of our adaptive programs:

https://www.jtcc.org/outreach/adaptive/

Are you involved with workforce development in the State of Maryland? Are you working with the unemployed seeking opportunities for technical training? Are you supporting transitioning military members or veterans looking for a new career?

If so, please join us for a Zoom presentation of the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy in Maryland.

This cybersecurity training program is designed to find and quickly train qualified Maryland residents in highly sought-after world class cybersecurity skills, providing a pathway into the cybersecurity workforce. This training is free to selected students!

Want to learn more before attending this presentation? Visit us via the link below. https://www.sans.org/scholarship-academies/cyber-workforce-academy-maryland/

When: Sep 22, 2022, 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://sans-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctfuivrjgqGNdqxAYLkqtQLr5UorVTBBzI

Community Calendar

September 23 - 25, 2022

Gold Star Tribute Wall, Laurel

September 24, 2022

Volunteers needed to place flowers on Gold Star family graves, Annapolis

September 25, 2022

Adaptive Biking at Patapsco Valley State Park

Women Veterans Serving with Honor,  American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206, Chesapeake Beach

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 2, 2022

DC Biathlon, 1 mile paddle, 3 mile run - sponsored by Team River Runner

October 7, 2022

Small Biz Resource Connections: Baltimore-Metro Women's Business Center, Virtual

October 8, 2022

1st Friday Happy Hour of Power, BIPOC Vetworking Event, Columbia

October 10, 2022

Voices of Vets fundraiser, Columbia

October 13, 2022

Military Officer Job Fair, Arlington  Register

October 14, 2022

Cornhole Tournament for Vets to Benefit Team River Runner, Germantown

October 16, 2022

Historic Walter Reed Army Medical Center Reunion, Washington, DC

October 18, 2022

Project Opportunity:  Personal Money Management for Entrepreneurs, Columbia

October 22, 2022

A Day at Ease, Resource Fair, Family Activities, Food Trucks & Music, Union Bridge

October 24, 2022

US Veterans and Celebrities Golf Tournament, Ellicott City

November 4, 2022

Handmade with Love, Knit or Crochet for Veterans, Howard County

November 5, 2022

Stars, Stripes & Chow Chili Cookoff to benefit Baltimore Station

Veteran Health, Wellness & Information Expo, Silver Spring

Veterans enjoying the kayaks provided by Team River Runner at North Point State Park.

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.