Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends, As you may have noticed, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has officially changed its name to the Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF). We are the first state-level department in the nation to include “families” in our name! We made this change, in partnership with Senator Dawn Gile, Delegate Andrew Pruski, and their colleagues in the Maryland General Assembly to better reflect the diverse community that our Department serves.  Since our founding, our mission has included serving families, such as dependents, veteran caregivers, and survivors. Our military families sacrifice everything so their loved ones can serve, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our service members and veterans. In addition to a new name, the Department will now include a Deputy Secretary of Military Family Programs and Policy to oversee agency strategy and initiatives tailored to the needs of military families. Earlier this week, I announced that Dana Burl will serve in that role. Dana has led the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy program for the past 10 years and brings her own lived experience as a former military spouse to the role. Our team is excited and energized to continue serving you and your families under this new name! Best, Tony

DVMF Website

The first meeting of the newly established Maryland Commission on Veterans and Military Families was held this week.  This Commission is chaired by DVMF Deputy Secretary Dana Burl. More information on the commission here.

Ben Banyasz and Dana Sneade Banyasz, the owners and operators of Sneade's Ace Home Center, Inc. donated $12,000.00 to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to be used for the comfort of Charlotte Hall residents. These proceeds were generated from their local round-up efforts in May at all four store locations in Southern Maryland (Charlotte Hall, Owings, Lusby & Leonardtown). This is the third year of receiving these donations which now total over thirty thousand dollars.  We appreciate the generosity of the Sneade Ace Home Center owners, staff and customers who participated.

Shown in this photo are: John Lombardi, Director Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Dana Sneade Banyasz and Ben Banyasz.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home information

Secretary Woods participated in the Harford County VSO listening session held at the Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton Memorial American Legion Post 55 in Bel Air.  This was part of Secretary Woods tour across Maryland to learn about issues facing Veterans in our state.

Photo credit: Matt Button

Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland Department of Agriculture and DVMF Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen participated in an event at Fields 4 Valor Farms (F4V) in Brandywine. Fields 4 Valor is a 7-acre farm that supplies fresh produce, eggs, and raw honey to veteran families in need in the Washington, D.C. area.

In this photo, from left to right are: Elizabeth Fields, F4V Interim CEO, Jennifer McNulty, F4V Board Chair, Kevin Atticks, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, DVMF Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen, Peter Scott, F4V Founder, and Gary Ramos, F4V Board Vice Chair.

DVMF partnered with the Maryland Department of Health's Maryland's Commitment to Veterans led by Director Joy Ashcraft and the U.S. Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for a Governor's Challenge Team site visit.  During the two day site visit, Deputy Secretary for Military Family Policy and Programs, Dana Burl, worked alongside the VA, Maryland National Guard, Maryland Department of Human Services, county veterans commissions, and numerous community partner organizations to develop new strategies for reducing suicide among our service members, veterans, and families.  Pictured: Bob Brown, Chair, Harford County Veterans Commission and attendees discuss ways to screen for military service.

Members of the Commission to Establish a Memorial of the Global War on Terrorism traveled to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center to study how history is interpreted and made accessible to the public. Maryland Park Service Ranger Angela Crenshaw provided the tour.  Attendees included Secretary Woods, Major General Janeen Birckhead, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard and Commission Chair Zach Watson.

Maryland Veterans Commissioner Leroy Thornton who represents the Korean War Veterans of America was recently honored on WMAR-TV Voice for Veterans.  Watch the video here.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Joins Forces Initiative is offering tickets to military and Veteran caregiving families to two Bowie Baysox games.  If you are interested in attending one of these games, please contact mlurensky@elizabethdolefoundation.org for more information.

July 13th Bowie Baysox game flier                               August 2nd Bowie Baysox game flier

Proposal to Increase VSBE Program's Goal Currently Open for Public Comment 

Proposed regulations are now open for public comment regarding the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program. Our office, which has oversight of the VSBE Program, is proposing to increase the VSBE participation goal from 1% to 3%. The increased goal is in line with similar state procurement programs in our region  that ensure opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses in the government contracting arena. In accordance with state law, the proposed regulation was published in the Maryland Register (Title 21 State Procurement Regulations) on June 28, 2024. The public comment period will close on July 28, 2024. Please take the time to review the proposed legislation and share your comments, in favor or opposed, to Davon Gardner, Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs with the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. We are eager to hear from you. davonk.gardner@maryland.gov    Training, networking, and business development events are taking place across the state. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month. Visit the Events page of our website to view a complete list of small business events. goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov. 07/15/2024 - Understand, Build & Repair Your Personal & Business Credit 07/16/2024 - How to do Business with Montgomery County 07/17/2024 - Local SEO: How to Dominate Your Local Market Without Breaking the Bank 07/18/2024 - Video Marketing Essentials 07/26/2024 - Connect to Capital: Business Speed Lending & Regional Resource Day 07/31/2024 - Improving Employee Retention, Recruitment and Culture

July is Parks and Recreation Month

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, a great time to experience nature, history, and culture at one of Maryland's many diverse national or state parks. If you are 62 years or older, you are eligible for national and state park senior passes. The National Senior Park Pass provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites across the country, while the State Golden Age Pass entitles you to free day-use entry to all state parks. Fortunately, Maryland parks offer something for everyone: mountain trails to historic homes, Civil War battle sites to the marshes of the Eastern Shore, or views of the Chesapeake Bay to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Spending time in any of these environments can benefit physical and mental health and wellbeing, while increasing feelings of connectedness. Discover new experiences or revisit your favorite parks this month and all year long. Click here for a list of Maryland's 18 national parks. Click here for a list of the 64 state parks with amenities. Reprinted from the Maryland Department of Aging newsletter

News from the Department of Natural Resources:

Citizen Science: Help Keep an Eye on Turkeys

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources conducts an annual survey to monitor turkey populations and help explain and predict annual or regional population changes. And you can help! If you see wild turkeys between now and August 31, please report them using this online form.

New Land Purchase Gives Wills Mountain State Park a Path for Public Access

The edge of an outcrop revealed green mountains that filled the horizon and birds of prey that swept over rocky cliff faces. The expansive view, which stretched from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, overlooked the nearby city of Cumberland and the roads and rail lines that made it a hub of transportation in western Maryland.

The lookout is part of Wills Mountain State Park, a scenic stretch of land in Allegany County that’s been officially inaccessible to the public for decades. But a new property acquisition by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the way for public access. Read more.

Maryland Waterfowl Hunting Blind Site Lottery Opens July 15

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is again offering an online process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2024-2025 waterfowl blind site license. From July 15 through July 29, hunters and riparian landowners may enter the annual lottery for the opening days of blind site licensing. There is no charge to enter the lottery. Hunters must be Maryland residents. Read more.

Federal News

80th Anniversary of the GI Bill

Did you know many of our benefits can be traced back to when the GI Bill was signed on June 22, 1944? It put a lot of tools and resources into the hands of young Americans wanting a better life. Watch our 80th Anniversary celebration on YouTube. DVMF Secretary Anthony Woods is one of the panelists in this video.

Learn more.

VA Maryland Health Care System: Expansion of VA Health Care Eligibility

PTSD Bytes: Navigating the Legal System

Getting Started with Women Veterans Health Services

Prosthetic options for women Veterans

Million Veteran Program: Another chapter in VA's history of medical research

Build your emergency care plan with VA virtual tools

Caregivers: Take time for yourself: Find help with respite care

Live Whole Health #228: Walking meditation, mindfulness for busy lives

Live Whole Health #229: You are here

Summer is here. Stay hydrated.

Partnerships and social work: A strategy for Veteran support

Social Security's new electronic initiatives provide faster, more efficient service

Veterans, service members and military families need to stay alert: Be on the lookout for #IRS impersonators that put your information and your tax refund at risk.  Learn to identify common scams: www.irs.gov/alerts

The latest issue of the newsletter Military Exposures & Your Health is now online at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/military-exposures/meyh-13/index.asp. Military Exposures & Your Health is a quarterly newsletter for Veterans with service from 1990 to the present.

In this issue, find tips on what you should share with your health provider about your military history; learn about the benefits and limitations of diagnostic testing; and learn about VET-HOME, VA’s new program offering environmental health registry evaluations through telehealth.  

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families 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 DVMF.  The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a DVMF community outreach effort.

Community Calendar

July 13, 2024

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

July 17, 2024

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

July 18, 2024

Martinsburg VAMC PACT Act Outreach Event, Martinsburg, WV

July 20, 2024

Frederick County Veterans Appreciation Day, Frederick, website

Veterans Claims and Resource Day, Morningside

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

July 23, 2024

Small Business Webinar Series: Crafting a Compelling Capability Statement

July 24, 2024

Women Veteran Wednesdays, Virtual

July 25, 2024

National Hire a Veteran Day Job Fair, Live!, Hanover

Small Business Webinar Series: Doing Business with the State of Maryland

July 26, 2024

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

Arundel Lodge Veterans Discussion Group, Edgewater

July 28, 2024

LETS Program Equine-Assisted Workshop Series for Veterans, Gaithersburg

August 10, 2024

The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon Volunteer Opportunity, Baltimore

August 14, 2024

PACT Act Claims Clinic & VA Health Care Enrollment Fair, Dundalk

Community News

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball seeks members for Veterans and Military Families Commission. Read More Here

Positive Outreach Solutions, Inc. healing circle for women Veterans on the 4th Saturday.  More info

Therapeutic Gardening for Veterans at Melwood Recreation Center in Nanjemoy: More information

Mission Beelieve Events and Workshops

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals is offering virtual yoga classes. More information

SSGT FOX Veterans Lunch and Learn, every Tuesday at the Sheppard Pratt Veterans Center, Baltimore

Check out the many events offered by Operation Second Chance

The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon is seeking volunteers to help prepare Baltimore Montessori for the new school year:

Event Name: Baltimore Montessori

Date/Time:  August 10, 2024 09:00 AM-12:00 PM

Event Location: Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School 1600 Guilford Ave Baltimore MD 21202

Registration Link

News from Community Building Art Works:

Military Voices - 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.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientation August 13th 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.

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/.

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

Listen to the Veterans SITREP podcast. Every Thursday at 6:30 PM, host Colonel Bill Montgomery (U.S. Army, Retired) will interview featured guests. The program will be broadcast live on WHFC 91.1 FM, live streamed, and become available on the WHFC Podcast webpage and available on Spotify.

Future Events: Save the Date

September 6, 2024: Golf Tournament to benefit MCVET, Elkridge

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

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

September 21, 2024: Easterseals DC MD VA Walk with Me fundraiser, National Harbor

October 26, 2024: A Day at Ease, Union Bridge

November 2, 2024: The Baltimore Station - Stars, Stripes and Chow Chili Cookoff, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

November 8, 2024: Veterans Resource Day, California

November 9, 2024: 2nd Annual Baltimore County Veterans Day hosted by the Baltimore County Commission on Veterans Affairs and the Towson University Military & Veterans Center

Message for New Subscribers:

Is this your first edition of the DVMF 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 DVMF program, the MD Motor Vehicle Administration or MD Department of Labor to receive information on VA benefits and resources.  We at DVMF 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.