Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends - Like so many, I’ve been glued to the news coming out of Israel in the wake of the terrorist attack there and disgusted by the horrific accounts of violence. I’m saddened for those who’ve lost loved ones and for Jewish and Palestinian people around the world who now have reason to feel unsafe wherever they live.  As an advocate for veterans, I worry about this new generation of people who will be asked to fight in response to this provocation. Many will die. Many more will be injured. All of them will witness violence that will change their lives forever.  I’m also saddened knowing many more civilians will die in the days and weeks ahead. War, despite best efforts to spare civilians, always results in the loss of innocent lives.  I hope this conflict can end swiftly and that a new path can be found that enables all to see the humanity in one another and that there can be lasting peace.  Sincerely - Tony

MDVA Website

Flier for More Information

The MDVA staff at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery planted thirty trees and shrubs after receiving a grant from the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee, which is a volunteer committee under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

News from TALMAR: Veterans from our VAFARMS cohorts 2019-2023 met with Maryland Secretary of Veterans' Affairs, Tony Woods, to extol the virtues of our VAFARMS program and emphasize how important it is to make VAFARMS accessible to more veterans.

Photo & text courtesy of TALMAR

Registration: Day 1 and Day 2

Spotlight on Education

Morgan State University and the Maryland Department of Labor is sponsoring a Veterans and Community Resource Fair on October 26th. More Information

Frederick Community College monthly event, Beyond Strangers will be held on Wednesday, November 8th.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore:  Thursday, November 9th UMES is holding a Veterans Resource Day.  Flier and Registration link

Consumer Alert from Anthony G. Brown, Maryland Attorney General: Avoiding Fraudulent Charities and Scams While Donating to International Conflict Relief:

Read More Here

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) recently released its inaugural Purple Star Schools Program application. The Purple Star Schools Program recognizes schools that go above and beyond in supporting military-connected children and their families through and beyond transition to the school. 

The Purple Star Schools application is open until Tuesday, November 28th, and can be accessed on MSDE's Purple Star Schools webpage. The webpage also has additional information about the Purple Star Schools program, application criteria, and a preview of application questions. 

For questions about or assistance with the application process, please contact Dr. Kaitlin Quigley, Coordinator of Special Projects, at kaitlin.quigley@maryland.gov or 410-767-0476. For questions regarding the Purple Star Schools Program, please contact Mary Gable, Assistant State Superintendent, at mary.gable@maryland.gov or 410-767-0472.  

Purple Star Schools Application

Be the driver who saves lives.

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Black Bear Activity Increases Throughout Fall

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food. Black bears are concentrated in Western Maryland but are known to roam into other northern and central counties. Read more.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage Report

Autumn is sweeping across Maryland in dramatic fashion, and October is when it peaks! The opportunity to view the changing foliage may be brief in parts of the state this year, so be sure to follow our weekly Fall Foliage report. You can sign up to receive the weekly Fall Foliage newsletter on our website to read expert observations from our parks and forests, plus find fall festivities around the state  

Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Now Open

Artists are invited to submit their original works for the 50th Maryland Migratory Game Bird stamp design contest through November 3, 2023. This will be the last migratory bird stamp contest hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, as a physical stamp is no longer required for hunting waterfowl. At left is the 2022 winner submitted by Gerry Putt. Read more. 

Fall Hunting for Small Game and Turkey Offers Opportunities

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other small game seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Some of these species offer generous seasons and bag limits. Read more.

Federal News

Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program

VA provides care to eligible Veterans' family members

VA Caregiver Support Program's new legal and financial planning services

November 15th: VA Wellness Wednesday Financial Education

Focus on your mental health with VA virtual tools

Will Mental Health Services Affect My Security Clearance? Health.mil article

Million Veteran Program video

Live Whole Health #190: Are you sitting down?

Live Whole Health #191: Apply pressure

Walk in their footsteps - Donate new shoes and boots for homeless Veterans

VA: Veterans Day National Committee selects Veterans Day Regional Sites for 2023.

Maryland locations:

Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 24, Annapolis MD

Fleet Reserve Association Annapolis Maryland – FRA 24

City of Brunswick, Maryland

Brunswick Veterans Day Parade, Brunswick, MD

City of Brunswick, Maryland (brunswickmd.gov)

The Rotary Club of New Market, New Market MD

Rotary Club of New Market, MD – – Together, We Connect!

The latest issue of Military Exposures & Your Health is now online at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/military-exposures/meyh-10/index.asp, Read this quarterly newsletter to learn about VA programs, benefits, and research for Veterans with service since 1990.  

This issue includes articles about:

• Toxic exposure screening
• Community forums for Veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base
• VA’s annual Military Environmental Exposures Training Conference
• The PROject for Military Exposures and Toxin History Evaluation in U.S. service members (PROMETHEUS)

News from the Small Business Administration Baltimore District Office:

Are you a small business superstar?

We're now accepting nominations for the 2024 Maryland Small Business Week Awards Program.

This year's categories are: Small Business Person, Small Business Exporter, Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Family-Owned, Home-Based, Young Entrepreneur, Rising Star Student Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurial Success, Accountant Advocate, Attorney Advocate, Insurance Advocate and Financial Services Champion. 

Deadline to submit nominations: 4pm ET, Thursday, December 7, 2023.

Visit sba.gov/nsbw for details, forms and upload link.

Questions? rachel.howard@sba.gov or yui.jenkins@sba.gov 

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.

A Day At Ease was held recently for Veterans, Active Duty Military and Military Connected families in Union Bridge.

Community Calendar

October 21, 2023

Veterans Resource Fair, hosted by the Harford County Commission on Veterans Affairs, Bel Air Armory

Veteran's Information Seminar & Claims Clinic hosted by DAV Department of Maryland, Columbia

October 25, 2023

10th Anniversary, Veteran Services Program of Carroll County, Westminster

October 26, 2023

Cohen Clinic at Easterseals presents Fall Anniversary Celebration, Silver Spring

Veterans & Community Resource Fair, Morgan State University, Baltimore

October 27, 2023

Ft. Meade Retiree Appreciation Day

Arundel Lodge Veterans Discussion Group, Edgewater

Veterans Claims Clinic and Resource Fair, Baltimore

October 28, 2023

Veteran Owned Small Business Expo, Columbia

Lifeline Horse Rescue and LETS Program 2020 Fall Open House, Gaithersburg (New date, after being postponed for inclement weather)

October 29, 2023

Veteran Baby Shower Celebration, Bowie

November 1 and 2, 2023

Maryland's Commitment to Veterans and Families Virtual Behavioral Health Conference

November 3, 2023

Defense, Technology & Intelligence Job Fair, Ripkin Stadium, Aberdeen

November 4, 2023

Baltimore Station Fundraiser: Stars, Stripes & Chow, Oriole Park at Camden Yard, Baltimore

Volunteer Opportunity: World War II Memorial Clean-up, Annapolis

Veterans Claims Clinic & Resource Fair, hosted by Cambridge Elks Lodge #1272, Cambridge

November 8, 2023

PACT Act Veterans Claims Clinic & VA Health Care Enrollment Fair, Cambridge

PTSD 911, A Documentary Film, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills

Beyond Strangers, Frederick Community College, Frederick

November 10, 2023

Women Veteran Meet & Greet, Leonardtown

We Honor Veterans Breakfast, Westminster

November 11, 2023

Marine Corps 248th Birthday Celebration hosted by Montford Point Marine Association, Baltimore Chapter 17, War Memorial Building, Baltimore

Helmets off to Heroes High Performance Driving Event, Summit Point, WV

Veterans Day Observance, Bethesda

November 12, 2023

Baltimore County Veterans Celebration & Resource Fair, Towson University

Howard County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, Columbia

November 13, 2023

Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night

November 15, 2023

VA Wellness Wednesday Financial Education, online

November 18, 2023

Family Game Day hosted by the Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals, Silver Spring

VA Benefits Fair, American Legion Post 41, Silver Spring

Military Family Holiday Luncheon, American Legion Cummings-Belhke Post 226, Edgewater

Community News

More information on the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals

Cohen Clinic at Easterseals, No One Fights Alone

Save the Date: April 27, 2024 - C3 Tri County Classic, Spring Cycling Event on Maryland's Eastern Shore supporting wounded warriors, Easton

Voices of Vets Presents, "More Than Pictures" (Official Video)

The Susquehanna Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is sponsoring a Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest open to all Harford County Students.

ServingTogether

At ServingTogether we provide local veteran resources, information and services to Active Duty service members, Veterans, Family members and Caregiver in the DMV region. We do this through Coordinated care, Community education and our Collaborative. Below you will find some information on all three approaches of care and outreach: Community Resources, Community Education and Community Collaboration.  Read More Here

Serving Together Project

News from Community Building Art Works:

We Bear Witness: A Virtual Veterans Day Event -  November 9th (Virtual)

Join us for a virtual gathering featuring the voices of veterans as we honor Veterans Day on Thursday, November 9th at 7pm EST. This event will feature readings from Veterans, a reflection on the meaning of belonging, and the premiere of a short documentary film celebrating our diverse community. Register today at https://WeBearWitnessVeteransDayEvent.eventbrite.com.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientation November 14th!

Our monthly program for Women and Non-Binary Military has begun, but if you are still interested in participating, it's not too late. Interested individuals must attend an upcoming orientation to participate. 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.

Toll the Bells of Peace in 2023

We invite you to join us for this growing Veterans Day kickoff tradition: the annual Bells of Peace Ceremony.

Initiated in 2018 to commemorate the WWI Armistice's 100th anniversary, this ceremony at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month honors all Americans who have served their nation and the cherished peace we enjoy because of their dedication and sacrifice. Register

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.