Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends, During President Lincoln’s second inaugural address, he made a promise to “care for those who shall have borne the battle.” This promise guides all of us who work in Veterans Affairs. However, we must not forget the first part of Lincoln’s quote when he said we must do this “with malice toward none, with charity for all…” Serving all who have served is a priority of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, and it’s personal for me. In 2008, I was discharged from the Army under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, which barred members of the LGBTQ community from serving openly in the military. That experience shapes the way I approach the work we do on behalf of Maryland’s 350,000 veterans and their families. That’s why I’m proud of our Department’s work to implement Maryland’s Restoration of Honor Act, which states that if you were discharged from the military with “something other than an honorable” discharge for your sexual orientation or gender identity, you are still entitled to state-level benefits. I’m also proud that we’ve created a partnership with the University of Baltimore Law School to help veterans get their discharge statuses upgraded at the federal level. When it comes to serving veterans from populations that are at risk, we’re obligated to go above and beyond for them, and it's an honor to do this work alongside so many of you across the state. Happy Pride,  Tony

Secretary Woods was invited to speak at the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) ceremony honoring LGBTQ+ Veterans and employees for Pride month.

U. S. VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher also participated in the ceremony and is on the left in this photo.

Secretary Woods and University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke signed a Memorandum of Understanding recently.  This agreement provides for the University of Baltimore Law Clinic students to assist Veterans discharged from military service based on sexual orientation or gender identity in seeking discharge upgrades.

One of the department’s key initiatives, the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Families “Ask the Question Campaign”, hit a milestone last week.  Since Fall 2023, Dana Burl, the agency’s campaign lead, has facilitated training on screening for military service and VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention to 400 federal, state, and local government and community partners.  The milestone was reached after providing the training to more than 30 Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services mental health personnel.  

The Ask the Question Campaign encourages organizations to screen clients for military service by asking the question, “Have you or a family member ever served in the military?”.  The training is available to any organization desiring to learn more about screening and resources available to support Maryland’s military connected community.  Also included in the training is the VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention course for gatekeepers which covers signs and symptoms associated with suicide risk, how to ask questions related to risk, and where to refer a veteran for support.  To learn more about the campaign, visit our website and to request a training email dana.burl@maryland.gov.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is available for you.  Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255 24/7 for help.

We bid a very fond farewell to Pat Ritter who served in the MDVA Cemetery and Memorials  Program.  Pat was the Superintendent of the Crownsville Veterans Cemetery and was known for her kindness and compassion in working with Veterans and their families.  Pat loves to travel and retirement will allow her more time to see the world.

Above are Russ Ware, Director of the MDVA Cemetery and Memorials Program presenting Pat with a plaque and Dan Harper, Equipment Operator wishing Pat a happy retirement.

Pat would like to remind Veterans that pre-interment planning is a kindness to their families for the future.  Please complete the MDVA pre-interment application, if you are interested in future interment at one of the five Maryland State Veterans Cemeteries.

MDVA Website

Secretary Woods attended the regular Wednesday morning Veterans breakfast at Bulrushes in Prince Frederick.  Owners, Bobby and Wendy Bonner along with their staff and other area businesses support the Wednesday breakfasts for Veterans.

From left to right are: Brandon Temple, Chairman, Calvert County Veteran's Affairs Commission, Bobby Bonner, Owner of Bulrushes restaurant, Secretary Anthony Woods, Valerie Grogen, Manager of Bulrushes, Pat McCoy, Vice Chairman, Calvert County Veteran's Affairs Commission, Jeff King, Commissioner, Calvert County Veteran's Affairs Commission, Ed Sullivan, Division Chief of Office on Aging and Ex Officio member, Calvert County Veteran's Affairs Commission.

In recognition of the 80th Anniversary of G.I. Bill, Secretary Woods participated in a panel discussing the impact this important program has had on the economic development of Veterans. The event was hosted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and                         VA Undersecretary Josh Jacobs.

Maryland Equips: Providing equipment to Marylanders with mobility, medical, and accessibility needs to help them remain independent

The Maryland Department of Aging and the Maryland Department of Disabilities are announcing a joint initiative to provide Marylanders who have mobility, medical, and accessibility needs with equipment to help them remain independent in their community.

The new collaborative initiative, Maryland Equips, aims to provide free medical equipment and assistive technology to Marylanders with any disability, illness, or injury who need additional support to remain comfortable and connected. Products available from Maryland’s Durable Medical Equipment Re-use program and High-Tech AT Reuse Center include wheelchairs, power scooters, speech communication devices, bathroom chairs and railing, adapted computer equipment and telephones, home hospital beds, mechanical lifts, magnifiers, and eye-gaze systems, among other adaptive products and services. Read More Here

News from the Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs:

The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs conducted the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop in Prince George’s County. More than 150 small, minority, women, and veteran business owners and entrepreneurs attended the event to connect with buyers from 18 state purchasing units and three county government purchasing units in addition to five small business resource partners. Read More Here

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Waterway Users Should Be Alert for Marine Wildlife

Summer is here and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources would like to remind people that marine wildlife — dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and others – are making their seasonal return to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays. Read more.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that U.S. Army Private 1st Class Lemuel Dent Jr., 30, of Ironsides, Maryland, missing in action during World War II, was accounted for February 2, 2024.

In February 1945, Dent was assigned to the Company L, 3rd Battalion, 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division “Buffalo Soldiers” in the European Theater. On Feb. 8, Dent was killed near the Cinquale Canal, north of Viareggio, Italy.  Pfc. Dent was on board a tank that was crossing the canal, when it was struck by enemy mortar, machine gun, and artillery fire. His body was not recovered, and the Germans never reported him a prisoner of war.

Following the war on May 5, 1945, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC), Army Quartermaster Corps, was the organization tasked with recovering missing American personnel in the European Theater. AGRC investigators recovered a set of remains, designated as X-124 Castelfiorentino, from a single gravesite approximately 2 miles west of Pietrasanta and 500 yards north of the Cinquale Canal. The investigators initially associated the remains as possibly belonging to a soldier of the 92nd Infantry Division, but didn’t have enough identifying data to make a positive identification. The remains were permanently interred at what is now Florence American Cemetery.  

In June 2022, the Department of Defense and American Battle Monuments Commission exhumed the remains of X-124 from Florence American Cemetery for forensic analysis. Historians at the DPAA have determined that the X-124 remains most likely belonged to a member of 3rd Battalion, 366th Infantry Regiment, killed in the vicinity of the Cinquale Canal in December 1944 or February 1945. The remains were sent to the DPAA laboratory for identification.

To identify Dent’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

Pfc. Dent’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Impruneta, Italy, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Pfc. Dent will be buried in Cheltenham, Maryland on a date to be determined.

DPAA is grateful to the American Battle Monuments Commission for their partnership in this mission. 

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil or find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-pow-mia-accounting-agency. 

Dent’s personnel profile can be viewed at: 

https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000001nzT5LEAU

U. S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and his staff hosted a Delegation from Ukraine for a meeting in his office last week.  The Ukrainian Delegates wanted to learn more about services and programs for Veterans to take back to Ukraine. On the panel meeting with the Delegates were Gerry Taylor, MDVA Deputy Director of Service & Benefits, Denise Nooe, MDVA Deputy Director of Communications, Outreach & Advocacy, Dr. James Dula, Director of the Prince George's Office of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Cori Carfagno, Director, Serving Together and Mr. Bill Gray, Chair Emeritus, Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs.

Federal News

Presidential Proclamation on Certain Violations of Article 125 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

PBS' A capitol Fourth to host Independence Day Celebration Live

National Resource Directory - check it out

Telehealth study for physical therapy recruiting Veterans now

VA enhances claim status tool for improved Veteran experience

Latest research findings from VA's Million Veteran Program

Understanding PTSD, Getting Effective Treatment

VA Leading the Way: Screening, treatment can improve the lives of Veterans with PTSD

LGBTQ+ Health Program and Suicide Prevention

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month VA Spotlight: Hospice Care (video)

80 years of the G.I. Bill: The cornerstone of the American Dream for Veterans

VA help to avoid foreclosure

Veterans dig into Whole Health with gardening

Live Whole Health #226: Acupressure for that pain in the neck

Survey Finds a Decline in Well-Being Among Military Families Amid Stress and Loneliness, Military.com article

VA military spouse employees retain employment through job transferability

Fisher House Foundation: Providing Comfort Homes for Military and Veteran Families

Celebrating Creativity: 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival

VA Center for Women Veterans

Women Veterans NOT using your earned VA Benefits & Services, we would love to

hear from you. Please take our survey, it takes 5 minutes and is anonymous. 

https://survey.voice.va.gov/?va-csignals-cwv

Virtual Overview of VA Benefits and Services

In partnership with Department of Labor, who has oversight of Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT), VA is offering a 45-minute virtual Overview of VA Benefits and Services workshop. This is a comprehensive overview of benefits and services provided by VA.

During this workshop you will learn:

• How to access the benefits you've earned
• Key benefit considerations
• How to connect with VA

Dates:

• July 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET
• July 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET
• August 13 at 2:00 p.m. ET
• August 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Join us! Register for our workshop.

News from the IRS:

The #IRS will soon begin processing more lower-risk Employee Retention Credit claims for eligible taxpayers. This comes after a detailed review to help stop improper claims and help protect taxpayers and small businesses from false promoters. Click the link below and stay in the know.

IRS ERC Claims | Internal Revenue Service

Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers can encounter anytime. The IRS warns taxpayers, tax professionals, and financial institutions to beware of these scams. Don't fall prey.  Stray away!  See below.

Dirty Dozen | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

News from Medicare: Getting care in a disaster or emergency

It's a good idea to be prepared in case a natural disaster strikes near you. Learn more about how to get the care you need if an emergency is declared in your area and you have to move to a safe area with available medical services.

Learn More

Seeing a doctor during a disaster or emergency: If you have Original Medicare, you can always see any doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, contact your health plan about making temporary changes, like using an out-of-network doctor during an emergency or disaster. 

Getting your prescription drugs during a disaster or emergency: You can move most prescriptions to another nearby in-network pharmacy, and back to your regular pharmacy when the emergency or disaster ends. Contact your Medicare drug plan if you need to use an out-of-network pharmacy.

Accessing critical care or replacing durable medical equipment during a disaster or emergency: Learn how to replace durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs and walkers), or get dialysis or cancer treatments in case of a disaster or emergency. 

Save this email in case you need it as a reference later. If you need other resources or help after an emergency, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

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

June 29, 2024

Team River Runner, Evening Fireworks Kayaking, Endeavor Point Campground, Benedict

July 2, 2024

Frederick County Veterans Engagement Board, Frederick and Virtual

July 3, 2024

Reveille Grounds 1st Wednesday Office Hours: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation, Baltimore

July 4, 2024

Team River Runner, Daytime Fireworks Kayaking, Marshall Hall Landing, Bryans Road

July 10, 2024

Women Veteran Wednesdays, Virtual

Coffee Social for Service Members, Veterans & their families, Emmitsburg

Reveille Grounds Second Wednesday Office Hours: Families, Caregivers & Kiddos, Baltimore

July 12 & 13, 2024

Mental Health & Gaming Summit, sponsored by the Warrior Gaming (GMR) Foundation, Washington, DC

July 13, 2024

Team River Runner, Lotus Blossom Kayaking, Anacostia Park, Washington, DC

Equine-Assisted Workshop Series for Veterans, Gaithersburg

July 17, 2024

Reveille Grounds Third Wednesday Office Hours: Corporate Veterans Connect, Baltimore

July 20, 2024

Frederick County Veterans Appreciation Day, Frederick, website

Wellspring of Life Farm Discovery Time for Military and First Responder Families, Monkton

July 24, 2024

Women Veteran Wednesdays, Virtual

July 26, 2024

Coffee Social for Service Members, Veterans & their families, Frederick

July 26, 2024

Arundel Lodge Veterans Discussion Group, Edgewater

Reveille Grounds Fourth Wednesday: Whole Health and Wellness, Baltimore

July 31, 2024

Reveille Grounds Fifth Wednesday Office Hours: Free For All!, Baltimore

The BSO is performing American Salute on Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 at the Meyerhoff in Baltimore. This concert program features a variety of pieces honoring the spirit and resilience of America.

Vets can use a VetTix accounts to enjoy this concert for free. Those without VetTix accounts can receive a 50% discount with a special code. Please utilize promo code AMERICAN50 for 50% off your order. Link

Read More Here about the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) Music for Maryland Tour makes its 2024 return, delivering eight, pay-what-you-wish performances across the state of Maryland.

Community News

CRAB Sailing invites Recovering Warriors for monthly Sailing days. More information or call 410-266-5722

Alli Houseworth Yoga & Wellenss Summer Schedule

New Veterans SITREP Podcasts are available.  Listen to COL Bill Montgomery (USA, retired) talk with Joe Giordano, Founder Project Opportunity, Antione Waller, Director,Veterans Benefits Administration - Baltimore and Washington DC Regional offices, and Dr. Vishal Vaghla, VA Maryland Health Care System. More information.

The Frederick County Community Veterans Engagement Board Collaborative monthly meeting is scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 9:00 AM at the Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd, Frederick, Maryland. The meetings are both in-person as well as virtual.

This July 2, 2024, the CVEB meeting starting at 9:00 AM will discuss Frederick County Veterans Advisory Council, Platoon 22 and the Foxie G Foundation.

Zoom Meeting ID: 834 3500 4082

Password: 890799

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83435004082?pwd=a284NGJRUlZRVHJtL0RUZEdzd3NlQT09

News from ServingTogether:

At ServingTogether, we provide local veteran resources, information and services to active duty service members, veterans, family members and caregivers in the DMV region free of charge. We do this through coordinated care, community education (Mental Health First Aid, QPR and other classes) and our numerous veterans’ collaboratives. We also provide mental health assessments as a recipient of the Staff Sergent Fox grant program.

Community Resources

ServingTogether, a program of EveryMind, was launched in 2011 to coordinate community-based resources for service members, veterans and their families in the MD/NoVa/DC region. Our mission is to make it easier for all those who have served in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, and their families to access the local services they need.  We have hundreds of dedicated non-profit, state and federal partners that can help with needs from A to Z!

To contact the Care Coordinators, please visit www.servingtogetherproject.org and complete the Get Assistance Now form on the website, or call 1-855-738-7176.

Visit https://servingtogetherproject.org/  for upcoming events, information, helpful guides, checklists and more.  

Community Collaboration

ServingTogether helps to coordinate or is a member of various collaboratives, committees and councils related to our military and veteran community. We chair several community collaboratives that provide an opportunity to network, share, learn and interconnect to other area community providers. To learn more about them, visit: https://servingtogetherproject.org/

Project Opportunity - Free Entrepreneur Training for Veterans, Active Duty and Guard/Reserve Personnel

Prince George's County Fall 2024 Orientation Session, Monday, August 12th

Anne Arundel Fall 2024 Orientation Session, Monday, August 19th

Baltimore Fall 2024 Orientation Session, Tuesday, August 20th

Prince George's County Fall Orientation Session for Spouses, Thursday, August 22nd

Harford County Fall 2024 Orientation Session, Wednesday, September 4th

Southern Maryland Fall 2024 Orientation Session, Monday, September 9th

News from Community Building Art Works

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientation July 9th Join Community Building Art Works in a virtual orientation session to learn more about our program for women and non-binary military (Active Duty and Veterans), More Than One Story. This monthly program uses live, interactive online art and creative writing workshops to create a “Virtual Community Center” where women and non-binary military members gather and experience belonging in a healthy, safe, and connected environment. Individuals interested in participating in MTOS are required to attend one Orientation Session. Additional Orientation dates are forthcoming. Visit www.cbaw.org/mtos for more details. This program is partially funded by the SSG Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program through the VA.

Military Voices - July 11th and July 18th (Thursdays) at 3:30pm EST (Virtual) Join Veteran & author Kevin Basl on the first and third Thursdays at 3:30pm EST to learn how to use writing as a tool to communicate, self-discover, and reflect in our series in partnership with Blue Star Families. This program is open to Active Duty, Veterans, Military Spouses & Caregivers. Register at https://bsfcbaw_writing.eventbrite.com.

A Day of Belonging - September 14th (IN PERSON) Last year we all experienced a little magic at our first community gathering, A Day of Belonging, co-presented by the Strathmore. It was a day filled with wonder, art, community, and joy. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 14th, 2024 as we come together for another day filled with connection, camaraderie, and celebration.

This event will provide Veterans, Active Duty Military, their spouses and caregivers, and community members with a day of professionally-facilitated expressive arts workshops, as well as performances and readings showcasing the work and talent of artists from the military and Veteran communities. Please join us to connect authentically and explore your own voice through creative writing, improv, and visual art. Please note that there is a $5 non-refundable registration fee for this event. Stay tuned for more details by following us on social media or checking out https://cbaw.org/dayofbelonging/.

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

Annapolis 9/11 Heroes Run - September 15^th

The Travis Manion Foundation, a Maryland Joins Forces partner, will host its Annapolis 9/11 Heroes Run at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Sunday, 15 September at 11am.  The race is in its 13th year in Annapolis, and honors the military members and first responders who have given their lives in the service of country and community.  The Annapolis Heroes Run has three categories: a 5K run/walk, a 5K ruck sponsored by GoRuck, and a one-mile family fun run/walk named for Dematha Catholic High School graduate Brendan Looney (USNA '04).  Registration is now open at 911heroesrun.org/annapolis.

Future Events: Save the Date

August 14, 2024: PACT Act Claims Clinic & VA Health Care Enrollment Fair

September 15, 2024: Travis Manion Foundation Annapolis 9/11 Heroes Run

September 17, 2024: Military and Spouse Job Fair & Networking 2024, Greenbelt

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.