MDVA Offers Assistance with Benefits Questions and Filing Claims for Compensation & Pension

Recently, the MDVA Service & Benefits staff assisted the widow of a Vietnam War Veteran obtain her long overdue Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits.  The Veteran applied for compensation benefits during his lifetime, because of an illness he suffered related to exposure to the defoliant, Agent Orange.  However, because he was stationed in Thailand, he was not awarded compensation by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs before he passed away.   After the United States Congress passed the PACT Act, and the President signed the legislation into law, the widow attended the Claims Clinic and PACT Act Information Fair held at the Perry Point VA Medical Center. A MDVA Benefits Specialist assisted her in filing a claim, because under the PACT Act, Veterans who served in Thailand, Laos and some other locations are now considered eligible to file claims for compensation related to Agent Orange exposure.  Not only was she awarded a monthly benefit of more than $1,800 per month, she also received a retroactive monetary payment of over $100,000. If you are considering filing a claim for compensation benefits, the MDVA Service & Benefits staff stand ready to help you and there is never a charge for MDVA assistance with claims.  It is a free benefit provided to you as a Veteran in Maryland.   More Information on the MDVA Service and Benefits Program Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation

MDVA Website

MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods presents a Proclamation from Governor Wes Moore to Master Sergeant (Ret) Joan Sabree.  MSG Sabree was named Veteran of the Year by the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland.

MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods and Governor Wes Moore, both Veterans, met with the members of the Maryland General Assembly's Veteran Caucus.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods addresses the Vietnam Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans who reside at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. A ceremony was held on March 30th to commemorate Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Maryland.

Please see more photos of recent events in the Community News section below.

MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods and Secretary Jake Day of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development are speaking with former Maryland Veterans Commissioner Thomas Kimball. They attended the National Vietnam War Veterans Day program at Wicomico Memorial VFW Post 10159 in Salisbury.  Secretary Woods and Secretary Day also presented Governor Wes Moore's Proclamation designating March 30th as Vietnam Veterans Day in Maryland, while at the event.

Spotlight on Education: University of Maryland Global Campus:

Governor Wes Moore announced the historic nomination of Brigadier General Janeen L. Birckhead as Maryland’s next Adjutant General. If confirmed by the Senate, Brig. Gen. Birckhead would become the only Black woman leading a state military in our nation. Read More Here

Brigadier General Birckhead was also recently Inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Flier

Register

News From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2023 Photo Contest Now Open The Maryland Department of Natural Resources  is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Photographers may submit three entries for $10 with additional entries (no limit) at $3 each until 5 p.m. on Aug. 1. Read more.  Youth Fishing Rodeos Scheduled for 2023 Season The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the 2023 Maryland Youth Fishing Rodeo schedule. Youth anglers of all ages are encouraged to hone their fishing skills at any of Maryland’s nearly 50 youth fishing rodeos spread out across the state this year. Many of the events are held in Maryland State Parks and other public lands. Read more. Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing Now Open The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that waterfront, or riparian, property owners can now apply for offshore blind and shoreline licenses to establish sites for hunting waterfowl or prevent others from licensing their property. Applicants must submit paperwork and fees by mail, postmarked no later than May 31, 2023. Read more. Spring Brings Greater Risk of Wildfire in Maryland Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. In the spring and fall, forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are most conducive for the spread of fire. Read more.

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

Zero Deaths Maryland

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation announces the 2023 Homeowners' and Renters' Tax Credit Applications are now available online.  Read More Here

Federal News

Predatory Law Firms Scam for Benefits - Protecting your PACT Act Benefits

What is Aid & Attendance?

VA dietician recommends famers markets

VA: Military Exposures and Your Health is now a quarterly publication

Become a Smoke Free Veteran

Live Whole Health #164: Acupressure self-care for neck pain

Live Whole Health #165: Take 12

Aging and Muscle Loss

Caregiver Support Program: caring for caregivers

VA Home Loans

Request your VA home loan certificate

NIH: A Whole Person Approach to Lifting the Burden of Chronic Pain Among Service Members and Veterans

Small Business Administration, Baltimore District Upcoming Events

Vietnam Veterans participated in a ceremony at the Annapolis Vet Center and received the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin on March 29th, National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

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

Our Community Salutes (OCS) event in partnership with AACPS. 

2023 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony

On April 19th, Anne Arundel County will recognize AACPS students who have made the commitment to serve our country after graduation.   Use this link  www.ocsusa.org/AnneArundel to register and to learn details of the ceremony at the Chesapeake Art Center, Brooklyn Park.   Start time is 5:30PM.  Register to attend NLT April 12th.  The Veteran community is encouraged to attend.   

POC is Christine Prutzman  (970) 290-3712

Blue Star Families, Baltimore and Chesapeake Region has many upcoming events:

Link to Events

Pulling for Veterans and Key 103 Radio in Frederick invite you to a free spring and summer clothing give away to benefit active duty military, Veterans and their families, April 10th through 14th. Read More Here

Community Calendar

April 7, 2023

Southern Maryland Spring Community Resource Event, Waldorf

1st Friday Vetworking, Columbia

April 8, 2023

Care Coordination & Claims Clinic, Annapolis also includes Hour of Power Panel, Book Signing and Closing Keynote

April 11, 2023

Vietnam War Commemorative Pinning Ceremony, Baltimore Vet Center, Pikesville

April 12, 2023

Veterans Claims Clinic, Landover

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

April 13, 2023

Golf Fundraiser for Baltimore Station, Baltimore

April 15, 2022

Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.: Gather Around Lively Art Gala, National Harbor

April 18, 2023

Military Officers & Spouses 2023 Job Fair, Arlington

April 19, 2023

Welcome2VA Event, Virtual 

April 21, 2023

NABVETS Veterans Claims Clinic, Largo

April 22, 2023

Blue Star Families Walk, Run Roll Teen 3K, Ft. Meade

April 27, 2023

2023 Women Veteran Entrepreneurs Virtual Conference

April 28, 2023

VA Claims Clinic and Resource Fair, Baltimore

April 29, 2023

Discovering Horses Clinic, Pre-register to hold your spot, Monkton

Chesapeake Cycling Club's C3 - Tri-County Classic supporting Wounded Warriors, Easton

May 2, 2023

MILVET Net: A Military & Veteran Networking Event, Adelphi

May 4, 2023

Veterans Stand Down, Perry Point

May 4-7, 2023

Warriors At Ease Combined Yoga & Meditation Training, Takoma Park

May 7, 2023

2nd Annual Veterans Celebration of Carroll County, Westminster

May 9, 2023

Annapolis Vet Center Community Open House & Resource Fair, Annapolis

May 11-13, 2023

WELCOME HOME! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families, Washington, DC

May 25 - 29, 2023

The Eyes of Freedom Traveling Exhibit, Hereford High School, Parkton

MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods is presented with a plaque at the Joint Veterans Committee Annual Veteran of the Year event.

Gilchrist held the 5th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day celebration on March 25th.

Photo courtesy of Gilchristcares.org

The Great Mills High School Navy Junior ROTC Honor Guard participates in the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans ceremony at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

VFW Post 10076 in Mt. Airy held an observance for 2023 National Vietnam Veterans Day. Some of the dignitaries in attendance included: Commander Todd  Morris American Legion Goldstar Post 191; Adjutant Tim Conboy Post 191; Mayor Larry Hushour (Retired Commander Naval Aviator and Gulf War Veteran); Commandant Robert E Lee and Past Commandant Jerome Bujanowski as well as Sr Vice Jennie Lee of the Auxiliary of Marine Corps League Robert Deane Detachment 770 and VFW 10076 Quarter Master Mark Bailey (retired Brigadier General USA). Special thanks to Council Members Lynne Galetti and Karl Munder and candidates for Council Jason Evans and Tim Washabaugh for attending the observance. 

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.