Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends -  When we hear "leave no one behind," our minds often turn to heroic acts—like a Navy SEAL diving into raging seas to save a fallen comrade or a soldier risking everything to rescue a separated teammate. But this ethos also extends to the quiet, enduring mission of identifying the remains of those missing in action or taken as prisoners of war and ensuring they are repatriated.  The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency leads this vital effort, with a mission to provide the fullest possible accounting to their families and the nation, until they’re home.  Earlier this month, we were deeply moved to learn of the recent identification of the remains of Private First Class Lemuel Dent Jr., a U.S. Army enlistee from Charles County and “Buffalo Soldier” who was buried in an unmarked grave in Italy.  It will be our honor to provide a final resting place for him at the Cheltenham State Veterans Cemetery alongside many others who gave their last full measure for this country. You can learn more about our five Veterans Cemeteries and consider submitting a pre-application to make it easier for loved ones to make final burial arrangements.  Sincerely, Tony

Secretary Woods and Deputy Secretary Cohen worked with the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery staff to install new grave markers. Secretary Woods also held an employee Town Hall meeting for the DVMF staff at the Eastern Shore Cemetery as part of his listening tour across Maryland.

DVMF Website

Secretary Woods recently participated in a Fireside Chat with American Corporate Partners discussing state benefits post-military.  Check it out HERE

Roslyn Jones, DVMF Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager and Mauricio Reyes, DVMF Constituent Services Coordinator provided benefits information to the staff and trainees at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center this week.

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

Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs Announces Fiscal Year 2025 Procurement Forecast Searchable Database Assists Small Business Community Seeking Procurement Opportunities

The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs announced the State of Maryland’s procurement forecast for Fiscal Year 2025 is now available on its website. 

“The procurement forecast makes it possible for our small, minority, women, and veteran business owners to make data-driven decisions when exploring opportunities to perform in the state contracting arena,” said Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs Y. Maria Martinez. “This is a very powerful tool.” 

The database comprises both new and recurring items that are projected to take place through June 30, 2025. Users can search by agency, procurement category, region, projected advertisement date, or contract value. When search results are downloaded into a spreadsheet, users get expanded information, including the buyer’s name, email address, and phone number. 

Nearly 25 percent of all items in the FY2025 forecast are valued between $100,000 and $500,000 and may include subcontracting goals for certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) firms or be designated to a certified small business prime contractor through the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program.

“Vendors in our MBE, VSBE and SBR programs are often looking for opportunities at lower thresholds,” Martinez said. “I am pleased to report that 25 percent of the forecasted items fall within the $15,000 to $99,000 range across every procurement category.”

Deciphering the data can be challenging. The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs has prepared a video with strategies for mining this valuable pipeline. Visitors can also download the accompanying slide deck with screen shots of all the steps in the data mining process.

To access the database, view the video, and download the slide deck, visit the Procurement Forecast tab at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov. 

About the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs As a unit within the Executive Department, the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs connects the small business community, including those firms owned by minorities, women, and veterans, to greater economic opportunities. Learn more by visiting our website at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook, Linkedin, and X.

News from the Maryland Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services

DORS - Partnering with Students with Disabilities to Get Ready for the World of Work

Back to School is Here. Did you know that the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides services for students with disabilities?

These student transition services are activities that prepare students with disabilities to move from school to post-school life.

DORS partners with the student, family, school staff, community rehabilitation providers, and other important people in the student’s life to help them get ready for the world of work or to get a job. To learn more, go to dors.maryland.gov and read about Specialized Services for Students and Families

Zero Deaths Maryland

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Natural Resources Come Alive at the 2024 Maryland State Fair

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and partners will bring displays, exhibits, and fun activities about blue catfish, campsites, hunting, and more to the Maryland State Fair in Timonium. Visitors can try out a boating simulator, enjoy interactive games, explore a kids’ camping cabin, and engage with field experts on a variety of topics. Read more.

Public Asked to Report Marine Mammal and Turtle Sightings

Anyone who sees a marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters is encouraged to report it via the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline, 800-628-9944, or use a simple online form to report deceased marine mammals or sea turtles. Anglers, boaters, and beachgoers should especially be on the lookout for stranded, dead, sick, injured, or entangled animals. Read more.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs staff and Benefits Specialists from the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) assisted Veterans with filing claims at the recent PACT Act Veterans Claims Clinic & VA Health Care Enrollment Fair, held in Dundalk.

Federal News

Beware: Claims predators want to prey on your benefits

Myth busted with one simple question: Am I eligible?

Take the time: Reduce your risk of suicide crisis

Five coping strategies for Veterans and their loved ones after a suicide attempt

Strong social connections can lessen loneliness

VA's Virtual Psychotherapy Program for Caregivers

Live Whole Health #234: Take me to the river

Live Whole Health #235: Habits: What's serving you today?

Celebrating 50 years of Veterans' Group Life Insurance

Vet Center scholarship for graduate degrees

Keep your electronics safe while traveling

Free online courses for Veterans needing business start-up or accelerator help

Golf: Rounds of Hope

Join the Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration and the Center for Women Veterans to recognize the many contributions of Edith Nourse Rogers.

What: Virtual Event - Celebrating Edith Nourse Rogers during Equality Day

When: Monday, August 26, 2024 from noon – 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: Virtual (MS Teams) - Register

Why: To recognize the many contributions of Edith Nourse Rogers and highlight VA’s efforts to connect women Veterans with education benefits and opportunities in their communities and at the VA through the Edith Nourse STEM Scholarship.

Veteran Class: Agent Orange, What you need to know

Join VA’s virtual class, Agent Orange: What You Need to Know, and learn about Agent Orange exposure, related health conditions, benefits, and information for Blue Water Navy Veterans.  This free class takes place on Thursday, September 26, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet.  

To learn more about this class and sign up, see the class flier

News from the IRS:

To protect veterans, service members, and their families from predatory actors and fraud the ‘Veteran, Service member, and Family-Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Task Force’ was established to better protect veterans and their families against scams and fraud. VSAFE is releasing several resources to support veterans, Service members, and their families when they experience fraud, scams, and predatory practices. VSAFE established a single shared call line, 833-38V-SAFE (833-388-7233), to aid in the "no wrong door" approach. Veterans, Service members, and their families and survivors can call one single number to get help with fraud, scam, and predatory practice related concerns. Depending on the kind of issue facing the caller, callers will be routed to the correct federal agency to address their specific concerns.

In the case of the IRS, Veterans and Service Members who need to report that they are a victim of tax-related identity theft, will select option 2, from sub-menu 2 to be routed to the front door of our Identity Theft Hotline (1-800-908-4490) application.

This new initiative to protect veterans is also highlighted in these articles:

VA Sets Up Fraud-Watch Call Center (fedweek.com)

White House and VA Establish Veterans Fraud Call Center (aarp.org)

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.

The Red Cross has announced a National EMERGENCY Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage as the national blood supply has fallen more than 25% since July 1. Additionally, the supply of type O blood products is so low that hospital distributions of this vital blood type have been reduced below what hospitals need in recent weeks. The average transfusion recipient requires around 3 units of donated blood, but just one car accident victim could require as many as 100 units of blood. Lives we all love are lost when blood isn't available.  Even if you aren't local or available on Sept 6, people are urged to make an appointment to give now to help patients across the country receive life-saving medical procedures.

ALL are welcome & 1st time donors are encouraged! Sign up for an appointment on Sept 6th or find another drive in your area here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=emergentcamden

Legacy of Honor would like you to join an effort for POW/MIA Recognition Day:

More Information

Community Calendar

August 24, 2024

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

Veterans Support Group & Hike, sponsored by Thorpewood Lodge and Platoon 22, Thurmont

August 28, 2024

Base Camp Veterans Career and Resource Session, Virtual, Registration

August 29, 2024

Learn more about Sheppard Pratt opportunities and services for Veterans, Baltimore

August 31, 2024

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

September 5 - 7, 2024

Quadrennial VA Women Veterans Summit, Washington, DC

September 6, 2024 

Anne Arundel Veterans Job Fair and Benefits Day, Edgewater

Golf Outing to benefit MCVET, Elkridge

September 7, 2024 

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

September 9, 2024

Voices of Vets Fundraiser, Columbia

Veteran Job Prep & Hiring Event, Frederick

You Are Not Alone Mental Health Awareness Project, Temple Hills

September 11, 2024

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

Community Job Fair, Ft. George G. Meade, Club Meade

September 12. 2024

State of Maryland Procurement Connections Workshop, Hanover

September 14, 2024

CBAW - A Day of Belonging, Rockville

The Mission Continues 9/11 Service Project - Volunteers needed, Baltimore

September 15, 2024

Travis Manion Foundation Annapolis 9/11 Heroes Run

September 17, 2024

Military & Spouse Job Fair & Networking 2024, Greenbelt

September 20, 2024

Ft. Meade Post Garden Club meeting

September 21, 2024

Easterseals DC MD VA Walk with Me fundraiser, National Harbor

"We All Served" Hike, Street

Veterans Day at Melwood Recreational Center, Nanjemoy

DAV & ServingTogether Claims Clinic, Rockville

10th Annual Maryland's Top Crab Cake Challenge Expo to benefit Baltimore Station, Baltimore

September 22, 2024

Veterans Cookout sponsored by Camp Springs Elks Lodge #2332, Camp Springs

September 25, 2024

Welcome to the Workforce - Resume Writing, Baltimore

Community News

Upcoming events at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals

Maryland is 2024s 7th Most Caring State Towards Veterans, SmileHub

News from Blue Star Families:

Are you a military or veteran family new to the area? We want to extend a warm welcome to you and your family and invite you to get involved with Blue Star Families during Welcome Week!

Check out the exciting events we have planned:

• Coffee Connection:Meet fellow military families over a cup of coffee.
• Blue Star Outdoor Experience:Enjoy the great outdoors with a fun-filled activity.
• Sporting Event:Cheer on your favorite team with new friends.
• START Book Program - Serving, Thriving and Reading Together Family Book Club held at the Severn Library
• Trip to Legoland:A perfect family adventure awaits!
• Stronger Together Event:Join us for a special day out in Washington, D.C.

We’re here to help you connect, engage, and make the most of your time in this new community. Don’t miss out—click the link below to explore all the events and sign up today!

www.bluestarfam.org - click Join Blue Star Neighborhood

News from Community Building Art Works:

Military Voices - September 5th & September 19th 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.

Curating Your Story - September 11th at 7pm EST (Virtual)

Join us for an hour beginning your own visual journal with Dead Reckoning Collective, a veteran owned and operated publishing company whose mission encourages literacy as a component of a positive lifestyle. For a full list of materials and to register, please visit our website.

United Against Silence Community Showcase- September 13th at 7pm EST (IN PERSON)

Join CBAW for an evening of poetry & performances by the CBAW Community. This Community Showcase will be hosted by Hari Alluri and Seema Reza. Featuring readings by Tarfia Faizullah, Jillian Danback-McGhan, and more. Refreshments generously provided by Bethesda Urban Partnership. Register at https://UnitedAgainstSilence.eventbrite.com.

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.

Operation Second Chance is thrilled to announce an exclusive event for female combat veterans on September 28th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at No Thyme to Cook in Solomons, MD.  This unique and empowering experience is reserved for registered veterans, offering an opportunity to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Join us for a one-of-a-kind cooking event led by a professional chef, where you can embark on a journey of learning new culinary skills, prepare a delicious meal together, and then enjoy it for lunch. This event is a great way to build a strong sense of community and camaraderie. Limited spots available, registration and a one-time application is required.  Please reach out to theresa@operationsecondchance.org for information.  Women Veterans can apply using this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1p2uksdxZ48uJcQXimTCDUcsn1Saap42CkMBy25djU5s/ 

Here's a link to Operation Second Chance to learn more:  https://operationsecondchance.org/ 

The Baltimore County Commission on Veterans Affairs participated in the Baltimore County Veterans Claims Clinic VA Health Care Enrollment Fair held on August 14, 2024, at the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center in Dundalk, MD. The event, running from 9:00am to 2:00pm, included Patricia L. Ross, VA Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs.  We extend our gratitude to all the claim representatives who contributed to the success of this event, where over 75 veterans sought and received much-needed assistance. A special thank you goes to Baltimore County for providing lunch during the fair. The mission of the Baltimore County Commission on Veterans’ Affairs is to advocate for Baltimore County Veterans and their families and connect them to resources through education and outreach. Photographers for this event: Charles Jay and George White

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

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

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

Future Events: Save the Date

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 1, 2024: Military Spouse Appreciation Job & Resource Expo, Ft. Meade

October 7 - 11, 2024: Tour de Maryland Adaptive Cycling event, Five Counties

October 11 & 12, 2024: 3rd Annual Veteran Owned Small Business Conference sponsored by the Maryland Department of Labor, Linthicum

October 12, 2024: DAV Department of Maryland Veterans Claims Clinic, Dundalk

October 16, 2024: State Highway Administration Engineering and College Career Fair, Baltimore

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

October 30, 2024: Welcome to the Workforce - LinkedIn Learning, Cover Letter and AI Use, Baltimore

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

November 13, 2024: Community & Veterans Job Fair, Ft. George G. Meade

November 26, 2024: Welcome to the Workforce - Making the Most of Your Family and Friends During the Holidays, Virtual

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.