Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends – This week, I had the distinct pleasure of joining William Keyes, a 102 year old World War II Veteran for a boat ride on Spa Creek and the Severn River.  Mr. Keyes is a hero and patriot who served in a segregated, Black tank battalion.  We are grateful for his service!   ICYMI: Governor Moore and I recently wrote about the legacy of military desegregation and our pro-service agenda here in Maryland in the Military Times. Best, Tony Woods

The Anne Arundel County Police escorted Mr. William Keyes, a World War II Veteran on a ride aboard a power catamaran with CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating).  Mr. Keyes served as a Tanker in WWII.  MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods was also invited to accompany Mr. Keyes and enjoyed getting to know this WWII warrior.   Capital Gazette article

Photo credits: Anne Arundel County Police & Paul Gillespie, Capital Gazette

MDVA Website

Promise Landing Farm, Inc., located in Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County, is an FY23 recipient of the MDVA’s Service Animal Grant Program.  Promise Landing’s mission is to provide meaningful interactions for veterans and their families with their equine partners to foster a community where everyone is valued and included.  Sarah Vanderlipp (left) and Danielle Glover, pictured with Irene the horse, are regular riders in the program.

Secretary Woods continued his Town Hall series, traveling across the state meeting with MDVA staff and recognizing employee milestones.  In this photo from left to right are: Dimitra Johnson, Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery Superintendent, Marcel Desper, Office Secretary II, Mario Jackson, Veterans Cemetery Equipment Operator and Secretary Woods.

Maryland Veterans Commissioner Denise Perry received an award from the Daughters of the American Revolution for her extensive service to the community.  MDVA Deputy Secretary Robert Finn (not pictured) also presented Commissioner Perry with a Citation from Secretary Woods for her service.

Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development that are taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month. Check out the full listing of small business events online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.   08/16/2023 - Bad Numbers = Bad Decisions: Accounting Made Right 08/17/2023 - Legal Risk Management for Your Business 08/22/2023 - T.I.P.S. Webinar Series: Navigating eMMA 08/24/2023 - T.I.P.S. Webinar Series: Prime Contracting in Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program 08/31/2023 - Proposal Writing 2

Comptroller Lierman Announces Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, August 13 to 19

Comptroller Brooke Lierman has announced that Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week will return Sunday, August 13, to Saturday, August 19, with significant savings for consumers, especially parents doing back-to-school shopping, and a much-needed sales boost for retailers.

“Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is an important opportunity for Marylanders, particularly families, to save some money while doing their back-to-school shopping,” Comptroller Lierman said. “The cost of new clothes and backpacks for families of any size can add up quickly."

She added that "In addition to saving money by shopping from August 13 to 19, Marylanders can also support our local economy by shopping at a local store. We're excited to partner with the Maryland Retailers Association and its membership to spread the word about the benefits of shopping at local retailers and receiving those sales tax savings.”

During the week, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased in the same transaction – will be exempt from the state's six percent sales tax. The first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax free. Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, Comptroller Lierman reminds Marylanders that the tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages.

Throughout the week, the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) will help the Comptroller in promoting the annual week of tax-free shopping on qualifying items.

“Small businesses make up the backbone of our communities, providing neighborhood stabilization, tax revenue for the things we care about, and philanthropy for local organizations,” said Cailey Locklair, President of the Maryland Retailers Association. “Marylanders can save money and support their community during Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week by checking out their nearest retailers and shopping locally.”

For more information about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, visit the Comptroller’s website at www.marylandtaxes.gov for a list of tax-exempt items, frequently asked questions, and valuable facts for shoppers and merchants.

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Keep Watching the Skies

The Perseid meteor shower is taking place now and peaks the night of August 12-13. This year, viewing should be great because the moon will only be about 10% full at that time, and the new moon takes place August 17. While most of our public lands close at sundown, a few have opportunities for night sky viewing – check with your nearest Maryland State Park to find out where.

Department Acquires Old South Mountain Inn Property

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently purchased a parcel of land adjoining South Mountain State Park. This 3.15 acres of mostly forested and historic land will be managed by the Maryland Park Service. Read more.

Gear Up for Maryland's Hunting Seasons

Maryland’s 2023-24 major hunting seasons begin in late summer and early fall, so be sure to check our newest Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping online for season dates and bag limits. If you are interested to learn more about this traditional outdoor activity, there are multiple opportunities to get into hunting. Learn more about licenses and permits you will need and how to enroll in the Maryland Hunter Education program – course listing and locations are available on our website.

Chesapeake Forest Hunting Tract Leasing Lottery Now Open

Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can enter a lottery for available tracts in Wicomico and Worcester counties. Winning clubs will have the right to obtain a ten-year lease agreement for the upcoming hunting seasons through 2033. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until August 23. Read more. 

Children will be returning to school soon. Be the driver who saves lives.

Roslyn Jones, MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager is one of the faces of the VA Maryland Health Care System's, "I Am Not Invisible Campaign".  

The goal of the campaign is to help increase the visibility and awareness of the contributions, needs and experiences of women Veterans.

The photos are currently running on electronic bulletin boards throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System and on the VAMHCS Facebook site, which is available at www.facebook.com/MDVAHCS/. Additionally, ten of the photos are on display across from the Women Veterans Clinic on the 2^nd floor at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and the remainder of the photos will soon be on display by the entrance to the Canteen Cafeteria on the 2^nd floor of the medical center. Please stop by and checkout the displays the next time you are at the medical center.

Research Participation Opportunity

VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating. Visit: https://www.familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.

Federal News

VA extends deadline through Monday for Veterans and survivors to apply for PACT Act benefits backdated to August 10, 2022

VetSuccess on Campus

Yellow Ribbon Program - Financial Aid 

Student Veterans of America

Better Understand Your VR&E Benefits

VA residential treatment for PTSD recovery

PTSD: When someone shares a trauma

VA Homeless programs support LGBTQ+ Veterans

Screening and diagnosing lung cancer early

Should you go to the emergency room or urgent care?

Know How Tricare Works During Emergencies

Live Whole Health #180: Finding connection, inside and out

Live Whole Health #181: Your body, just as it is

Some tips to make a healthier barbeque

Login.gov offers new in-person identity verification for Veterans

Tips and tricks to secure your clicks

Protecting Veteran Privacy website improves Veteran experience

Aug 16th: VA - Financial Wellness Wednesday

Blood Donation Emergency: Please consider making an appointment to donate

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 Calendar

August 4 through August 20, 2023

Grounded, Maryland Hall, Annapolis, Flier

August 12, 2023

Odenton Library Community Festival, Odenton

Youth Flight Day, sponsored by Tuskegee Airmen East Coast Chapter, BWI Airport

Veteran Self-Leadership Academy

Community Building Art Works: A Day of Belonging, Rockville

Band-Aid art workshop, Washington, DC

August 22, 2023

Patuxent River Job Fair

August 24, 2023

Aberdeen Proving Ground Job Fair, APG Mallette Training Facility

August 25, 2023

Veterans Benefits Workshop, Edgewater

Warriors Anonymous Meeting, Steven A. Cohen Clinic at Easterseals, Silver Spring

August 26, 2023

Family Game Day, Steve A. Cohen Clinic at Easterseals, SilverSpring

August 28, 2023

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: What to expect when you are expecting.

August 31, 2023

Benefit for Baltimore Station: OPS Consulting 9th Annual Golf Event, Ijamsville

Joint Base Andrews Job Fair

September 7, 2023

Howard County Veterans Foundation: Valiant Women, Panel Discussion and Book Signing, Columbia

Gottman Couples Workshop at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals, Silver Spring

September 11, 2023

16th Annual Yellow Ribbon Fund Army Navy Country Club Golf Classic, Arlington

September 14, 2023

Veterans and Mental Health: Helping Those Who Have Served, Virtual

September 15, 2023 

Maryland Department of Labor Job Fair, Woodlawn

Veterans Hiring Veterans Job Fair, Edgewater

September 21, 2023

Ft. Detrick Military Retiree Appreciation Day

Veteran/Military Community Resource & Hiring Event, Baltimore

September 22 & 23, 2023

Second Annual Veteran Owned Small Business Conference, Linthicum Heights Register

September 26, 2023

MDVA Women Veterans Quarterly Chat, Columbia & Virtual

September 30, 2023

Tribute to Our Veterans Motorsports Event, Summit Point, WV

Community News

Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Court, a court-supervised, treatment-based program serving justice-involved veterans in the Maryland District Court in Baltimore.  There is a mentorship component to this program and we are seeking Veterans in the community to volunteer to join the Mentor Team. Join the Mentor Team

Save the Date: November 12, 2023, Baltimore County Veterans Day Celebration and Resource Event

Howard County Library System offers a Creative Writing Workshop for Women Veterans. Read More Here

Seeds 4 Success in the Annapolis area is seeking Volunteer Mentors to work with Grades PK through 12.  Military Members and Veterans especially encouraged to volunteer.  Read More Here

Retired Army Colonel give Veterans a "SITREP" on Harford Community College radio show, The Aegis article

Registration Open for Fall Session - Adaptive Tennis Programs

Nominations for Howard County Veterans Day Parade grand marshal open

The Howard County Veterans Foundation requested nominations for the Howard County Veterans Day Parade grand marshal, an honorary title bestowed on someone who represents the values and morals of Howard County’s community of veterans and military families. The parade takes place Nov. 12, 2023, and nominations must be submitted by Sept. 8.

The grand marshal is recognized at the parade and lakefront ceremony and participates in the parade, whenever possible, and rides or walks with the designated grand marshal float. While the parade committee provides and decorates the float, the grand marshal and their family are encouraged to help.

To qualify, grand marshal nominees must be a current or former Howard County resident, business owner or representative of a Howard County-based business, nonprofit or other entity. They also must be a veteran or immediate family member of a veteran.

To learn more and nominate someone for grand marshal, visit HowardCountyVeterans.org/marshal.

The Howard County Veterans Foundation honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families who live, work or play in Howard County. The foundation holds events dedicated to veterans issues and is developing the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument. (HowardCountyVeterans.org)

News from Dog Tag:

Interested in learning about business, building a strong community, and rediscovering purpose for moving forward? The Dog Tag Fellowship Program is a 5-month program that combines equal parts classroom, bakery, community, and wellbeing. Dog Tag Fellows earn a business certificate from Georgetown University or Loyola University Chicago in our virtual classroom space; bring their coursework to life by learning the ins and outs of running a successful business in the bakery; build community with each other; and enhance their wellbeing by committing time to introspection and personal growth. The program is open to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, military caregivers, active service members in transition, and Guard and Reserve members. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to help cover living costs as they complete the program. The program dates are January 16–May 23, 2024 and the application deadline is September 22nd. Register for upcoming recruitment events and apply here: dogtaginc.org/apply

Veterans in Business & Law Awards - The Daily Record

This new recognition program will honor military veterans who are making a significant impact on Maryland business and legal fields as well as continuing to give back to their community.

Honorees will be recognized through various multimedia channels and an awards publication in November. NOMINATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2023.  Nominate

News from Project Opportunity

Project Opportunity, which provides FREE entrepreneur training for Veterans has opened enrollment for the Fall session:

Veteran Training in Baltimore region, Flier

Veteran Training in Prince Georges County, Flier

Veteran Training in Southern Maryland Region, Flier

Spouses of Veterans, Active Duty and Guard/Reserve Personnel Training, Takoma Park

Women Veterans Meet & Greet held at the College of Southern Maryland Veteran Lounge in     La Plata on July 29th.

A Memorial Service was held for Ms. Patricia A. Craig at American Legion Post 275 in Glenarden. The Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. provided the photo.  Ms. Craig, who was an Army Veteran, served on numerous organizations which supported Veterans, including: Chairperson, Veterans Mental Health Advisory Council, Co-Chairperson, VISN 05 Collaboration of Councils, and Co-Chairperson, National Veterans Resource Council.

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.