Farewell Message from Secretary George Owings
As we enter the new year, we think of transitions, change and what we hope to personally accomplish. As Veterans, our military training taught us to adapt to new situations and to work together to complete our mission. Therefore, I would like you to know that I have transitioned to the private sector.
When I think back over my years of service to the Veteran community of Maryland, some of my proudest moments concern MDVA. As an elected official in the Maryland General Assembly for seventeen years, I was one of the lead co-sponsors of the legislation creating the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs in 1999. After learning of Veterans who weren’t receiving final Honors at time of their interment, I was the lead co-sponsor of the legislation creating the Maryland National Guard Military Funeral Honors program.
After leaving the Maryland House of Delegates, I served as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs for three Maryland Governors. I am grateful to Governor Ehrlich who first appointed me, Governor O’Malley who asked me to continue as Secretary for part of his administration and especially to Governor Larry Hogan, who asked me to come back to MDVA and who trusted me to serve for the full eight years while he was Governor.
It has also been a blessing to work with the dedicated team whom I refer to as family – the employees who work at MDVA. I tell everyone that I consider MDVA to be the best Department in Maryland government. It is a small team, but their efforts are mighty.
As I leave, I welcome Anthony Woods, selected by Governor-Elect Wes Moore as the new MDVA Secretary. Major Woods is a graduate of West Point, and a well-qualified Army officer who will bring new energy to MDVA.
I will close by thanking each and every one of the Veteran Service Organizations, the VSO leadership, the MDVA Commissions and the Commission leadership, but most importantly I want to thank the Veterans of Maryland and their families who support them. I have done my best to travel around the state and meet with so many of you. You have shared your ideas, suggestions and concerns with me. I have taken them all to heart and I believe that MDVA is reaching more and helping more Veterans than ever before.
Sincerely,
George W. Owings III
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Shown in this photo are: MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn, MDVA Procurement Officer Tom Johnson and departing MDVA Secretary George Owings.
Unaccompanied Burials Scheduled at three Maryland Veterans Cemeteries
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Program will be hosting dignified burial ceremonies to honor and pay respects to unaccompanied veterans.
The ceremonies will take place on Friday, January 27, 2023
Location: Crownsville Veterans Cemetery - 11:00 am
1122 Sunrise Beach Road
Crownsville, MD 21032
SP5 Walter Popko - Army - 8/12/1966-5/8/1969
PVT Isaac Jacobs - Army - 10/5/1955-10/2/1957
PVT2 Andrew Eaddy - Army - 1/1/1949-12/12/1952
Location: Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery - 11:00 am
687 East New Market Ellwood Road
Hurlock, MD 21643
SP4 Samuel Shinn - Army - 3/6/1968-12/6/1969
PV2 Terry Carper - Army - 2/9/1971-11/27-1972
Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery - 1:00 pm
11501 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117
SP4 William Stamper - Army - 6/12/1959-5/27/1961
SGT William Taylor - Air Force - 7/6/1972-7/5/1976
SGT John Hill - Army - 5/5/1966-5/27/1969
All are welcome to attend. Event will include an Honor Guard and the playing of Taps. The event will be standing room only with limited parking.
Questions may be directed to the Cemetery Program at 410-923-6981.
MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program
2022 MDVA Annual Report Now Available
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs 2022 Annual Report is now available. Highlights from the report include:
- The Service Program submitted 3,715 disability compensation and pension claims for adjudication to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- Maryland Veterans received 37 million dollars in new/increased and one-time monthly cash benefits with support from the Service Program
- The average census for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home reached 295
- The Cemetery Program interred 3,470 veterans and dependents
- The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund distributed approximately $246,000 in grants and loans to veterans in need
- The Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program made 3.7 million contacts
2022 Annual Report
Members of the Commission to Establish a Maryland Women Veterans Memorial
In the first row from left to right: Penny Collins, Administrator (Fleet Reserve), Elaine May Stem (Catholic War Veterans), Karen Calvert, Commission Chair (Veterans Commission), Lachrisha Parker (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
In the second row are: Sgt. Kimberly Bell, (Maryland Capitol Police), Denise Perry (National Association for Black Veterans), Mike Moore (Veterans Commission); Brigadier General Jori Robinson (MD Air National Guard) and Roslyn Jones (MDVA staff).
The Commission, established in 2022 will provide recommendations for the funding, design, construction, and placement of an appropriate memorial dedicated to Maryland Women Veterans. The Commission is seeking your input. Read More Here
The Holiday Gift Shop at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
Many of the donations to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home are used to stock the Holiday Gift Shop, which allows residents to shop for items they need and want. Thank you to all of the organizations and individuals who donate to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home throughout the year.
Mr. Bernie Zempolich of American Legion Post 136 in Greenbelt, donated his entire collection of carved waterfowl decoys to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. MDVA Secretary George Owings, Maryland Veterans Commissioner Mike Moore, who represents the American Legion and the MDVA staff at Charlotte Hall welcomed Bernie to the Veterans Home and showed him the collection is now displayed for the enjoyment of Charlotte Hall residents.
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