New Office of Fair Practices Created at MDVA

Ms. Mikel Hicks, who until recently served as MDVA's Employee Relations Manager, has been selected to be the Director of MDVA's new Office of Fair Practices.  This newly created position reports directly to the Secretary.   The Office of Fair Practices will incorporate MDVA's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program and will also facilitate important employee trainings to include principles of EEO, structured interviewing, reasonable accommodations, the Employee Assistance Program, sexual harassment prevention, and others. Congratulations to Mikel on assuming this very important new role at MDVA.

Mikel Hicks, MDVA Director of the Office of Fair Practices.

MDVA Website

More Information

In Memoriam:  It is with sadness that we report the passing of Mr. Ezra Hill, a Veteran, a Baltimorean, and a small-business owner who built a well-known business after serving in World War II.  At the time of his passing at the age of 111, Mr. Hill was the oldest surviving World War II Veteran in the U.S. and possibly the world.

Obituary   Baltimore Sun article

MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn attended the viewing and interment for Mr. Hill.  He presented the Memorial Tribute and Maryland State Flag pictured above to Mr. Hill's family.

Spotlight on Education: Prince George's County Community College

We are hosting our first annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday November 9^th, 2022 at 6:30pm.  We want to honor all active duty, reservists, National Guard, military spouses, and military kids at this event.

During this event, we will announce the winner of the 2022 DMV Veteran Shark Tank Business Pitch winners. RSVP on or before November 1^st, 2022.

There are two ways to RSVP:

1. Use the link here: 2022 PGCC Veterans Appreciation Dinner & Veteran Shark Tank
2. Using the camera on your phone, scan the QR code in the attached flyer to RSVP

Flier

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days Set
Two Dates Reserved in Fall and Winter 2022-23

Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience Maryland’s tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: November 5, 2022 and February 4, 2023. Read more.

The Maryland Department of Labor Veteran Newsletter

Walk-in COVID-19 Booster & Flu Shot Clinic - THIS WEEKEND

The seasonal flu as arrived in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health reports 16 flu-related hospitalizations in the state already at the end of the first week of October. If you are a Veteran enrolled with the VA Maryland Health Care System, and you haven't yet gotten your flu shot or COVID-19 booster, here's an opportunity to get two vaccines with one visit. Walk-In COVID-19 Booster & Flu Shot Clinic Saturday, October 22, 2022 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Baltimore VA Medical Center 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 The updated COVID-19 booster vaccine, also called the bivalent vaccine, will be available. The updated booster protects against both the original virus that causes COVID-19, as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. Only the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine will be available to enrolled Veterans who meet the following criteria: Individuals 18 years and older who completed the primary series with two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago, or with a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago. Individuals who have received one or two prior booster doses are also eligible 2 months after their most recent dose. 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. What to Bring to the Walk-In COVID-19 Booster & Flu Shot Clinic: A Veteran Health Identification (VHIC) Card to verify enrollment status. A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to verify the date of last vaccination. Parking Guidance:  Due to the temporary closure of the parking garage at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, parking will be available at the Metro West garage, which is located just two blocks away at 610 W. Saratoga Street (click here for directions). A handicap accessible shuttle service makes regular pickups and drop-offs inside the Metro West garage and the breezeway of the Baltimore VA Medical Center. The Metro West garage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has onsite parking attendants and security coverage. Thank you. VA Maryland Health Care System

Federal News

October 26th: Small Business Administration Cyber Summit

November 11th: VA Health Care Enrollment Fair & Veterans Claims Clinic

New VA award to recognize Veteran-serving organizations for outstanding achievement

Help Reshape VA's Mission Statement - Take the Survey

VA closes gap in benefits for LGBTQ+ Veterans and their survivors

Expansion of VA Family Caregivers Program

VA Chaplain Service offers counseling and guidance

DOD announces new initiatives to support military connected families

Telephone Mindfulness Meditation Classes for Veterans

Live Whole Health #141: Sun Salutations

Live Whole Health #142: Seated mindful movement

Social Security Administration announces 8.7% Benefit Increase for 2023

Social Security Newsletter

The Washington, DC VA Medical Center is seeking donations of new shoes and boots for homeless Veterans

Recording of VA Maryland Health Care System Women Veterans Virtual Public Forum held on October 12, 2022

Small Business Administration: National Veterans Small Business Week

Commissary shopping privileges for Veterans

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 Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. announces a Cancer Awareness Luncheon on October 22nd.

VETOGA Yoga Challenge Warrior Week 2022 - beginning November 7th

Community Calendar

October 21, 2011

Maryland Women's Small Business Celebration 2022

October 22, 2022

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

VA Maryland Health Care System Walk-In COVID-19 & Flu Shot Clinic

Cancer Awareness Luncheon, Bowie

American Legion Post 156 Quarterly Flag Retirement Ceremony, Ellicott City

Kids Day at Washington International Horse Show, Oxon Hill 

Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike, Washington, DC

October 24, 2022

US Veterans and Celebrities Golf Tournament, Ellicott City

October 26, 2022

Small Business Administration Cyber Summit

Baltimore County Job Club

October 28, 2022

Military Night at the Washington International Horse Show, Upper Marlboro

October 29, 2022

Kid's Day at the Washington International Horse Show, Upper Marlboro

October 31, 2022

Small Business Administration Webinar Doing Business in Maryland

November 1, 2022

Military Connected Spouse Employment Seminar, Ft. Meade

November 3, 2022

Veteran Owned Small Business Conference 2022, Linthicum Heights

November 4, 2022

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

NOVA Vets and Frederick County Coalition sponsoring Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training

November 5, 2022

Stars, Stripes & Chow Chili Cookoff to benefit Baltimore Station, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Veteran Health, Wellness & Information Expo, Silver Spring

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals 5th Birthday Bash, Silver Spring, Register

November 9, 2022

Prince George's County Community College Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Largo

November 10, 2022

Tour the new Platoon Veteran Services Center, Frederick

Veterans Resource Fair 2022, Silver Spring

November 11, 2022

Peace Cross Rededication, Bladensburg

MCVET Virtual 5K/10K

VA Health Care Enrollment Fair & Veterans Claims Clinic, Baltimore

November 12, 2022

Harford County Veterans Resource Fair, Bel Air

American Legion Family Active-Duty Military Baby Shower, Hughesville

Conduit Care Coordination and Claims Clinic, Greenbelt

November 13, 2022

Howard County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

November 17, 2022

Veterans Job & Resource Fair, Largo

A plaque was dedicated to SGM Wayne Baier, who after retiring became the facilities manager for Camp Baker in Hancock.  The training site was used for wilderness training, and also made available to Boy Scout Troops.

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.