Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends,  Governor Moore hosted an incredible public servant and advocate for the military community at the State House this week.  Former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole joined Governor Moore, Lt. Governor Miller, First Lady Dawn Moore and me to announce that Maryland had become the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's 11th Hidden Heroes State. Senator Dole founded the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to raise awareness and provide resources for military and veteran caregivers, inspired by her experience caring for her late husband, Senator Bob Dole, a WWII veteran. Her foundation serves the nearly 5.5 million caregivers for veterans and wounded warriors in our nation. “Hidden Heroes,” or military and veteran caregivers, are often overlooked within the military-connected community. According to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Maryland has nearly 150,000 caregivers, many unaware of available resources. Through this partnership, we aim to highlight resources for Maryland’s military and veteran caregivers and advocate for policies to support them. For caregiver resources and information on the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, click here. Our team is committed to serving veterans, wounded warriors, and their families because when a family thrives, the veteran and service member thrives too. Best,  Tony

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Secretary Woods attended the Change of Command Ceremony at Ft. George G. Meade this week.  He is shown with outgoing Garrison Commander, Colonel Michael A. Sapp and Mrs. Heather Sapp.

The incoming Garrison Commander, not shown in this photo, is Colonel Yolanda D. Gore.  Colonel Gore is the first woman to serve as Garrison Commander of Ft. George G. Meade.

Hello! Help us improve the DVMF website 

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) and the Maryland Digital Service (MDDS), in partnership with the nonprofit U.S. Digital Response (USDR), are running a study. They are looking for volunteers to talk to so that they can gather input from DVMF website users to inform updates to the website.

Purpose

USDR would like feedback from people who use the DVMF website. Your experience will help us improve the site to make sure it answers your questions and is easy to use.

Details

• There are a few ways to provide feedback:
• 50 minute online interview session
• Filling out a short survey 
• Creating video recordings of you using the site

Volunteers do not need to prepare in any way in order to participate. We are offering some compensation for your time and effort. Please note that any record of your participation will remain confidential.  

• To participate in any of these studies, you will need a device (phone or computer) with internet access.

What to Expect 

These are informal sessions, and there’s no need to prepare in advance. The USDR team will take notes and, with your permission, record the session to document your comments. Any recordings will be deleted once our research is complete.

How to Participate

If you are interested in participating in any of the feedback options, please fill out this form. If you are selected, the USDR team will contact you with more detailed information.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

DVMF Website

Warrior Canine Connection announces the naming of the puppy, "Owings" in honor of former Secretary George W. Owings III.

Facebook post

Governor Moore Pledges Support for 150,000 Maryland Military and Veteran Caregivers Through Hidden Heroes Campaign

Governor Wes Moore pledged support for more than 150,000 military and veteran caregivers across the state by joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign. The campaign raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face; brings critical resources to our nation’s “hidden heroes” who care for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans; and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers. Governor Moore was joined by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Special Assistant to President Biden and Executive Director of Joining Forces Sheila Casey, former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods, First Lady Dawn Moore, Elizabeth Dole Foundation Chief Executive Officer Steve Schwab and dozens of military and veteran caregivers at a press conference to announce this partnership. 

“Military and veteran caregivers are just as much a part of the American story as those who put on the uniform. Maryland is proud to partner with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to honor their service,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “We want our Hidden Heroes to know that Maryland sees you. We are committed to providing the resources you need to deliver the care our service members and veterans deserve. Together, we will leave no one behind.”

Launched in 2016 by Senator Elizabeth Dole and chaired by actor Tom Hanks, Hidden Heroes uplifts the stories of military caregivers, seeks solutions for the challenges and long-term needs they face, and connects them to one another. Working with individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders, Hidden Heroes represents a network of more than 200 communities nationwide committed to increasing awareness and support. 

“Like service members and veterans, our state's military and veteran caregivers understand what it means to serve and sacrifice,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “The Hidden Heroes Campaign will provide our military caregivers the support they need to continue providing essential care for the men and women who serve and have served our nation.”

“As the spouse of someone who served in combat and as a champion in our administration for military families, this partnership is personal to me,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “Military caregivers step up to meet the needs of our service members and veterans – day in and day out, and without fanfare. With this partnership on the Hidden Heroes campaign, Maryland is holding up its responsibility as a state to support the whole family and those who care for our service members and veterans.” 

“The Elizabeth Dole Foundation was one of the first non-profits to partner with our department as part of the Maryland Joins Forces initiative,” said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods. “Together, we are committed to uplifting our military and veteran caregivers because we know that when a family thrives, the veteran and the service member thrives too.”

Joining the campaign reinforces the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland the state that serves by uplifting Maryland’s service members, military spouses, and caregivers. In 2023, Governor Moore declared 2024 as the Year for Military Families. Signed into law in April, the Families Serve Act supports Maryland’s military families by expanding job opportunities for military spouses; the Time to Serve Act ensures that state employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves are fully supported by the State in their service. 

“The Elizabeth Dole Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service to the nation. I have dedicated my life to this cause because I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers make in the lives of our veterans each and every day, in neighborhoods big and small,” said Elizabeth Dole Foundation Founder Senator Elizabeth Dole. “But their needs are overwhelming, and as a country, we must come together to find helpful ways to support them in their life-long journey of care. That begins by encouraging our caregivers to raise their hands, become a part of our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community – it’s why our partnership with Maryland is so important. Together, we are working towards a future where supporting military caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation."  

“If we want to be a nation that truly cares for those who have borne the battle, we must also be a nation that cares for our caregivers,” said Hidden Heroes Campaign Chair Tom Hanks.

“Together, we are working toward a future where supporting military and veteran caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation,” said Elizabeth Dole Foundation Chief Executive Officer Steve Schwab.

Maryland is the 11th state to join the Hidden Heroes campaign. 

To learn more about Hidden Heroes, visit hiddenheroes.org

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

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. 08/09/2024 - Small Biz Resource Connections: Federal Contracting Resources 08/13/2024 - Amazon Ad Targeting for Businesses not Selling on Amazon 08/15/2024 - Cash Flow: The Key to Obtaining More Government Contracts 08/20/2024 - SBA Resource Day - Southern Maryland 08/22/2024 - Simple Podcasting Tips for Your Business 08/26/2024 - Building a Linked In Profile that Attracts New Customers 08/27/2024 - T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar Series: Prime Contracting in Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR) )Program 08/28/2024 - Understanding the Construction Surety Bond Process for any Size Contractor 08/29/2024 - T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar Series: Cash Flow Management & Projections 08/29/2024 - Introduction to Proposal Writing - Level 1  08/30/2024 - Grand Slam Networking Mix & Mingle

Spotlight on Education: American University - Graduate Scholarships for Maryland Veterans and Military Families

American University in Washington, DC, is a proud supporter of active military, veterans and their families and encourages you to explore their scholarship opportunities and 100+ graduate programs. Prospective graduate students who are Maryland military-connected community members are eligible to receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship. An application fee waiver is also available to use at the time of application directly to the graduate program of interest. Use the code: Maryland_Joins_Forces when prompted on the admissions application. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, AU welcomes veterans and their families, offering GI Benefits and Yellow Ribbon Matching along with opportunities exclusively for graduate students through this scholarship program.

Visit the AU website to learn more about this scholarship and to explore graduate degree programs.

Maryland Department of Human Services offer one-time, emergency respite grants for Caregivers

Respite is the short-term periodic and temporary care of individuals with developmental or functional disabilities in order to temporarily relieve the family or informal caregiver.

The Respite Care program offers financial reimbursement for short-term temporary care in order to provide a period of rest and renewal to family caregivers by temporarily relieving them of the demands and stresses of caregiving responsibilities. Respite care is provided at planned intervals, in a time of crisis, or on an as-needed basis. We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with functional disabilities and their families.

Flier 

Spotlight on Education: Towson University

Towson University's Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science Department is recruiting individuals with Parkinson's Disease to play pickleball.  The purpose of the study is to determine if the sport could improve balance and reduce fear of falling.

For More Information

Federal News

VA redesigns and expand Burn Pit Registry

More information regarding Burn Pit Registry

Department of Veterans Affairs Launches Updated Burn Pit Registry, Health.Mil article

Vet Center Scholarship program first graduates

VA Health Chat is now available to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care

VA study highlights role vaccination plays in preventing Long COVID

VA offers compassionate care for pregnancy loss

News for Veterans with cancer - Cancer Clinical Trial Nurse Navigation service

Live Whole Health #223: Predicting the future

Overview of VA Office of Survivor's Assistance 07.30.2024 Webinar

Arm yourself to beat debt scams

TRICARE Fraud Alert: TRICARE For Life Phishing Scam

VA Announces winner of the 2024 Veterans Day Poster Contest

VA accepting proposals for new graduate medical education initiative to expand health care access for Veterans

In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Prudential Financial, Outreach, Transition, and Economic Development (OTED) offers Veterans, transitioning Service members (TSMs), spouses, their family members, and caregivers, the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Wednesday Financial Educational series. The series has been cultivated to address financial literacy gaps across the military and Veteran community and is comprised of two programs, 1) an online website portal that contains a roster of financial literacy information and resources available at  www.prudential.com/wellbeing-hub, and, 2) the Wellness Wednesday Financial education series, offered the 3^rd Wednesday of every month that focuses on a variety of topics such as: 1) purchasing a home; 2) paying for college; 3) planning for retirement; and 4) learning the building blocks of how to save, budget, and make a return on investments. 

August 21^st Flier

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

August 10, 2024

The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon Volunteer Opportunity, Baltimore

Operation Second Chance & Team River Runner are hosting an all women Veterans Kayaking event, Callaway

August 14, 2024

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

Bourbiz DC - Veteran and Military Spouse Networking and Resource Event, National Harbor

Workforce Rebound Job & Resource Fair, Waldorf

August 15, 2024

VA Claims Clinic & Resource Fair, Reveille Grounds, Baltimore

August 16, 2024

LETS Program Equine-Assisted Workshop Series for Veterans, Gaithersburg

Team River Runner Sunset Paddle, Jefferson-Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard

August 17, 2024

Team River Runner Family Paddle, Jefferson-Patterson Park & Museum, St. Leonard

August 20, 2024

Four County Veterans Collaborative (Prince George's, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's), online

Job Zone Patuxent River Job Fair, Lexington Park

August 21, 2024

VA Wellness Wednesday Education on College Funding Methods, Virtual

Women Veterans Wednesdays, Virtual

August 28, 2024

Job Zone Joint Base Andrews Job Fair, JBA

August 24, 2024

Team River Runner DC Monuments Paddle, Columbia Island Marina, Arlington, VA

August 31, 2024

Team River Runner Family Paddle & Pappaw Harvest, Nanjemoy, MD

September 5 - 7, 2024

Quadrennial VA Women Veterans Summit, Washington, DC

September 5, 2024

Mental Health Awareness Project, presented by CTLDomGroup, Inc. and Women Veterans United Committee, Inc., Temple Hills

September 6, 2024 

Anne Arundel Veterans Job Fair and Benefits Day, Edgewater

September 6, 2024 

Golf Tournament to benefit MCVET, Elkridge

September 7, 2024 

50K Challenge sponsored by American Legion Riders Post 226, Edgewater

September 9, 2024

Voices of Vets Fundraiser, Columbia

September 11, 2024

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

Community News

Montgomery County Council Enacts New Property Tax Credit for Veterans who are Severely Disabled and Earn 100,000 or Less, More info, Press Release

The Baltimore City Veterans Commission is seeking new members

New Shoes Drive for Veterans in Need

Donations needed for Women Veterans Baby Shower, hosted by Women Veterans United Committee, Inc., CTLDOM, Inc, and AMVETS.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals is offering ACT for Caregivers - a Clinical Support Group for Caregivers

Upcoming Events at Platoon 22 in Frederick

Registration Open for JTCC Fall Adaptive Tennis Programs

Fall Session I runs from September 3 – November 3 (wheelchair tennis with MedStar NRH will start September 22). Due to popular demand for the classes, many have registration caps that limit the number of registrants so we can ensure we are providing a great coach to player ratio. As always, our veterans & adaptive tennis classes are offered to you free of charge – we just ask that you plan to attend the majority of classes within the session! Please be mindful of the change in times from summer programs before registering! This time is anticipated to stay consistent throughout the school year. Due to growth in the Special Olympics tennis program, we have split the class in order to provide differentiated instruction to juniors and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Please read the class descriptions below.

LINK TO REGISTER: https://jtccregister.org/adaptive/

Year-Round: Veterans Tennis Corps | Thursdays 12-2pm

For active duty and retired service members with or without a disability and their family members who want to learn and play tennis in a community- and rehabilitation-focused program

Year-Round Registration – players only need to register once within the 2024-2025 year

JTCC Veterans Practice & Play | Saturdays 1:00-2:30 pm

                For active duty and retired service members with or without a disability who want to take their game to the next level

Dates: September 7, 14, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2 (no class September 21 due to Veterans Tournament)

LINK TO REGISTER: https://jtccregister.org/adaptive/

                                                                  _____________

I am excited to announce that we will be hosting the first JTCC Veterans Championships this September 21-22 at JTCC!

This tournament is for all retired and active duty service members. The age groups we will have are 18+, 30+, 50+ and 70+ in both mens and womens draw. We will also have open doubles draws for men, women, and mixed!

The cost to enter two divisions of the tournament (singles & doubles) is $50 and includes meals and a player gift. Veterans with disabilities will receive free entry – just email me with your USTA number and a brief description of your disability/VA rating after you create a free account at this link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/membership/join-benefits.html

The tournament will take place Saturday and Sunday of that weekend, and Friday before the tournament there will be a family and friends social event where everyone is invited to play in some doubles games and enjoy a meal together!

Visit this link to register for the tournament: https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/jtcc/Tournaments/Overview/9ceffa17-4fbb-426c-9f6a-b1b123122a2d

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

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:

Trash Art - August 14th at 7pm EST (Virtual) Join Artist, Zehra Khan on Wednesday, August 14th  at 7pm EST for Trash Art. In this workshop participants will use the contents of their trash to make sculpture. Materials like junk mail, food containers, packaging of any sort become the building blocks of an animal of your choosing. Participants will use a variety of building methods that emphasize speed: tape, hot glue, string. Bring images of animals, some art supplies, and your trash! Register HERE. To see a full list of our Visual Art Programs, please visit our website.

Military Voices - August 15th 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.

The Evidence of Things Not Seen - August 15th at 7pm (In-Person and Virtual Options)

Join Derrick Weston Brown on Thursday, August 15th at 7pm EST for this generative workshop in our series in partnership with the Strathmore. This poetry workshop offers participants an alternative approach to writing, in which visual imagery takes a backseat to touch, taste, sound, smell, movement and emotion resulting in poems intent on revealing the evidence of things that can't be explained through seeing. This workshop is part of the Strathmore James Baldwin Series. A limited number of spots are available to attend this workshop in-person at Strathmore. There is a virtual option, as well. Make your selection when registering. This workshop will be recorded and available to those who register. Register at https://bit.ly/cbaw-strathmore.

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/.

Future Events: Save the Date

September 14, 2024: CBAW - A Day of Belonging, Rockville

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

September 17, 2024: Military and Spouse Job Fair & Networking 2024, Greenbelt, Job seeker info, Employer/Vendor info

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

September 21, 2024: Veterans Day at Melwood Recreational Center, Nanjemoy

September 22, 2024: Veterans Cookout sponsored by Camp Springs Elks Lodge #2332, Camp Springs

September 27, 2024:Coffee Social for Service Members, Veterans and their families, Frederick

September 28, 2024: Combat Women Veterans No Thyme to Cook, Solomons

September 28, 2024: Partners in Care Fall Prevention Fair, Pasadena

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

November 9, 2024: Veterans Resource Day hosted by the Harford County Commission on Veterans Affairs, Bel Air

November 10, 2024: Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) 27th Annual Veteran's Day Salute and 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk/Role, Baltimore

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.