MDVA Secretary: Anthony Woods

Dear Friends of the MDVA -  By way of introduction, I’m Anthony Woods, and I proudly joined the Moore-Miller Administration as Secretary of Veterans Affairs on January 18, 2023. It’s my privilege to lead the Department whose mission is to assist veterans, active duty service members, and their families and dependents in securing benefits earned through military service.  I’ve spent my initial five weeks on the job listening and learning about the Department’s mission and visiting some of our many cemeteries, memorials, and service centers across the state. I’ve learned that almost nothing we do could happen without our fantastic partners in the legislature, at mission-aligned veterans service organizations (VSOs) and nonprofits, commission members, and our Federal partners at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.   In the weeks and months ahead, I’d love to hear from you on how we can meet our mission and go further by: Elevating veterans as business and civic leaders here in Maryland. That includes identifying ways to support the thousands of veteran owned small businesses that exist in the state, making it easier for them to enter into contracts with the state, building pathways for veterans into roles in both Maryland state government and the private sector. Better addressing challenges for Military families - in particular spouses who play a vital role in supporting service members and veterans. From chronic unemployment and under employment, to license portability, and easing the process of integrating into Maryland communities and schools.  And finally, building bonds between Maryland veterans who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and those who served in more recent conflicts and unite the diverse landscape of VSOs that have had the backs of our veterans for generations. I look forward to partnering with you to deliver for our 360,000 veterans and their families and welcome your ideas and feedback.    Thank you, Anthony Woods

MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods

• On February 2^nd, the Women Veterans Inclusion Program held two Focus Groups.  If you weren’t able to attend the Focus Groups, there is still an opportunity to participate.  Please share your thoughts at this link.
• Join the Women Veterans Inclusion Program Quarterly Chat (Women's History Month Series) Panel Discussion on March 27th. More Information on the March 27th WVIP Quarterly Chat,  Link
• The Women Veterans/Inclusion program is accepting nominations for women who served in military service, to be honored at the MDVA Women Veterans Recognition Day Awards Breakfast. Nominees will be selected based on rating, so please submit your nominations with as much information as possible along with a photo of the nominee. Nominations will close on March 28, 2023 and/or after the first 100 nominations are received. Of the nominations received, up to 8 women will be selected.  Please use this link to nominate a woman who served in military service.

MDVA Website

MDVA, the United States VA Vet Center and the National Park Service joined together last week to provide a resource event for active duty service members and Veterans visiting the PX at       Ft. Meade.

Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program:

The Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program is an essential part of Maryland's plan to end suicide in our service members, veterans, and their families. This curriculum is free for Maryland-based nurses, doctors and all primary care staff interested in learning more about military culture, crisis response planning and suicide prevention strategies, and lethal means safety protocols focused on service members, veterans and their families (SMVF). Enroll now.

Spotlight on Education

Morgan State University presents the Small Business Administration's Women's History Month Women Owned Small Business Seminar on March 2nd.

Frostburg State University Veterans Center is partnering with the American Red Cross for a blood drive on March 9th.  More Information

Prince George's Community College has scholarships available for students to take noncredit courses that prepare them for high-demand jobs such as Plumbing, HVAC, Healthcare, and more. The scholarships are available to Active-duty military, veterans with honorable or under honorable condition discharges, and their dependents. For more information, contact Kim Delk at kdelk98815@pgcc.edu.

Harford County Public Schools is hiring for: ARMY Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Senior Army Instructor, https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3488395952/

2023 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Convened

The Maryland General Assembly is currently meeting in Annapolis for the 2023 Legislative Session.  As a service to the veteran community, information on proposed legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:

2023 Legislative Information

You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the:

Maryland General Assembly Website

Honor Flight Maryland Announces First Trip Date

Seeking WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who may be interested in visiting DC Memorials, as well as, volunteers and guardians to help. Honor Flights Maryland transports America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Helping every single veteran in America, willing and able of getting on a plane or a bus, visit THEIR memorial - Honor Flight Maryland. Register Now We are excited to announce Saturday, June 17th as Honor Flight Maryland’s first Mission of 2023. Please encourage Maryland Veterans to sign up as soon as possible, so they can go on an all-expense paid hero’s journey to Washington, DC to see memorials built in their honor. Priority is given to World War II, Korean and catastrophically ill Veterans of any era.  All other Veterans will be served based on their application date.  Any Veterans not selected for this Mission will be selected for a future trip. As a reminder, all Veterans must complete a preliminary application through our website:  https://www.honorflightmd.org/

Federal News

Wireless upgrades support cemetery services for Veteran loved ones

Veterans can now access their disability benefit decisions online

Comprehensive transition guide offers valuable career tips for Veterans and service members

What can you do at VA? Five unique jobs with Veterans' preference

Free career guidance for Veterans from America's top companies

Employers: Apply for the Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion

Building Better Caregivers (BBC) 6 week online workshop

VA Caregiver Events

Live Whole Health #158: Scale back the back pain with self-care acupressure

Live Whole Health #159: Taking Time to look

VA's free, phone-based class Mindfulness Meditation, offered March 3rd, April 14th, May 5th and June 2nd.

VA Maryland Health Care System is accepting donations to support the team of 10 Veterans attending the 2023 Golden Age Games.

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

News from the Anne Arundel County Veterans Commission: 

By March, the Veterans Affairs Commission, Anne Arundel County, expects to have the opportunity to fill up to five Commission vacancies.  If you have served in the US Armed Forces (including the Coast Guard) on active duty, the Reserves, or in the National Guard, received an honorable discharge, and live in Anne Arundel County,  this is your opportunity to serve Anne Arundel County and your fellow county veterans. 

If you are interested in joining this commission, please check our website (https://www.aacounty.org/boards-and-commissions/veterans-affairs-commission/ ),  attend one of our monthly meetings (second Wednesday each month, 6pm; March 8th), then share your resume with Mr. Pete Hill  for his review.  Mr. Hill is the Liaison between this Commission and the County  Executive. Subsequently, the Commission will review your DD-214 and resume, and make a recommendation to the County Executive.  Contact Mr. Pete Hill (exhill21@aacounty.org). Office phone number (410) 222-1550. Cell phone number (410) 271-5576.

Plaque Unveiled to Recognize the Renaming of Rockville Memorial Library

A plaque has been dedicated at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change for the branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County Commission on Veterans Affairs. Read More Here

Blue Star Families, Baltimore Chapter: News and Events

Project Opportunity Announces Spring Classes - Free Entrepreneurial Training for Veterans

Prince George's County Orientation on March 8, 2023, Classes begin March 22nd

Montgomery County Orientation on February 27, 2023, Classes begin March 13th

Military Spouse Orientation on March 15, 2023. Classes begin on March 29th

Other Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Events:

March 26th: American Legion Jamison-Harrison Post 238, Hughesville

Also, Dog Tag is holding a Virtual Learning Lab on March 2nd.  Read More Here

News from Community Building Art Works:

Paint Night - March 8th at 7pm EST - Virtual

Join Veteran Artist, Natasha Lewis, for a fun paint night as she guides you step-by-step through a classic painting. But if you're feeling inspired, you can customize your painting however you like! No experience necessary.For a full list of materials and registration details, please visit www.cbaw.org/events.

Success as an Artist - March 9th at 7pm EST - Virtual

Have you thought about taking your art skills to the next level? Thinking about becoming a professional artist? Don't miss your chance to learn from Veteran and Artist, Martin Cervantez, on Thursday, March 9th at 7pm EST. Join this professional development fundraising workshop to benefit Community Building Art Works programs for veterans, service members, military families, and health care workers. This workshop is free for Veterans, Service Members, and Healthcare Workers. All ticket sales benefit CBAW's programs. This workshop will be recorded and a link will be e-mailed to all ticket holders once the recording is available for viewing. Register HERE.

More Than One Story - Monthly Virtual Program

Our monthly program for Women and Non-Binary Military begins on February 27th, but all interested individuals must attend an orientation to participate. If you are still interested, please attend an upcoming orientation. Visit www.cbaw.org/mtos for more details.

Visit www.cbaw.org to learn more about Community Building Art Works. For more information, email info@cbaw.org.

Save the Date: May 25 - 29, 2023 The Eyes of Freedom, A Nationally Traveling Veterans Tribute, Parkton

Community Calendar

February 24, 2023

VFW & Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.: 6th Annual On The Hill Program

February 25, 2023

Hands on Skills for Family Caregivers, Westminster

February 28, 2023

Hiring Our Heroes & The American Legion Career Event, Washington, DC

March 2, 2023

Dog Tag Learning Lab, Virtual

March 3, 2023

Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc. 8th Annual Women's Business Conference, Salisbury

First Friday Vetworking (Comrades, Coffee and Connections), Bowie

First Friday Vetworking, Soul Food and Fellowship, Columbia

March 5, 2023

Howard County Library 1st Sundays Veteran Book Club, Online

March 11, 2023

Care Coordination and Claims Clinic, Baltimore

March 15, 2023

Maryland Department of Labor Spring Job Fair, Baltimore

VA Wellness Wednesday Financial Education

March 16, 2023

Benefits of Yoga for Arthritis for military and Veterans, Virtual

April 12, 2023

Prince George's County Vet Center Therapeutic Outing to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, RSVP required

April 18, 2023

Military Officers & Spouses 2023 Job Fair, Arlington

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.