Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends, As the new school year kicks off in Maryland, I want to wish our veteran and military families a successful and fulfilling year ahead. For our new military families who are calling our state home for the first time, we are thrilled to welcome you to our Maryland military-connected community. Transitioning to a new school can be challenging, especially for military-connected students who move frequently. That’s why I’m proud to highlight Maryland’s Purple Star Schools program, which recognizes schools that go above and beyond to support these students and their families. This program ensures that military-connected students have the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive academically and socially. If your school is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for military-connected students, I encourage them to apply for the Purple Star designation in the upcoming year. Together, we can make sure that every military family feels at home in Maryland. Best wishes for a successful school year! Sincerely, Tony

DVMF Website

Secretary Anthony Woods attended the interment of U.S. Army Private 1st Class Lemuel Dent, Jr. yesterday. In the center of this photo in Mr. Donald Dent, nephew of PFC Lemuel Dent and on the right is Ms. Dimitra Johnson, Superintendent of Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.

Pfc. Dent was reported Missing in Action during World War II and was accounted for on 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 was interred at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland on September 5, 2024.

Secretary Woods presents a citation to Anna Huertazuela, a University of Maryland Smith School of Business student, for the work she and her team did in researching and recommending strategies to make Maryland the best state for veterans and their families.

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families in partnership with the Ft. Meade Public Affairs Office hosted two LinkedIn sessions for service members and spouses, as well as public affairs professionals.  Standing in the center is Christina Maruna, LinkedIn instructor. Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen attended the events.

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.     09/09/2024 - Budget Forecast Builder Workshop for Business Owners 09/10/2024 - MBE/DBE Certification Application Assistance Webinar 09/12/2024 - How to Improve the Revenue and Profit in Your Business 09/17/2024 - Business Plan & Cash Flow Projections 09/23/2024 - Creating More Sales Using AI 09/24/2024 - Establishing Your B.A.I.L. Team 09/25/2024 - Loans, Grants and Other Funding Options for Hispanic-Owned Businesses 09/26/2024 - Subcontracting in Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program

Maryland dedicates nearly $2 million to train cyber workforce

New funding is available through the Maryland Department of Labor to help develop cyber ranges throughout the state.

As part of the Accelerating Cyber Careers program , Labor is providing $1.8 million to build and expand the use of cyber ranges  in Maryland. Cyber ranges are interactive simulations that allow users to experience hands-on learning techniques in a secure environment. These facilities can help train workers looking to join the cyber sector or expand their skill set, generating a robust network of cybersecurity professionals throughout Maryland.

“Employers want cyber professionals with hands-on experience. Cyber ranges can help provide that experience to complement the technical skills learned in the classroom,” said Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Maryland will continue to invest in innovative approaches to cultivate top cyber talent while providing access to high-demand, high-growth jobs.”

The state has consistently received credit for its tech expertise and educated workers in recent years. With Maryland being named #1 for STEM concentration and #2 for its tech talent pipeline, and the D.C. region being named #1 globally for its cyber talent, this new state initiative will continue to raise the bar for growing a highly-skilled workforce in the Mid Atlantic.

Maryland's Cyber Industry

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Outdoor Learning Partnership Accepting Applications

Established by Governor Wes Moore, the Outdoor Learning Partnership is a new interagency collaboration that includes state agencies, federal partners, nonprofit environmental and outdoor education organizations, and formal education partners. Read more.

Governor Moore Honors Rural Legacy Program

Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program is celebrating 25 years of active land preservation across the state this year. The program and its partners have protected more than 125,000 acres of ecologically valuable properties, productive farms, and forests. Read more.

Archery Deer Hunting in Maryland Opens September 6

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the archery hunting season for white-tailed and sika deer on Sept. 6. The season runs intermittently through Jan. 31, 2025. Archers may use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1 and Feb. 3-4, 2025 during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Multiple Sundays are open to archery hunting in most counties. Read more. 

Maryland 2024 Black Bear Hunt Lottery Results Announced

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has drawn the lottery for the 2024 Maryland Black Bear Hunt. A total of 950 lottery entrants were randomly selected and will receive a permit valid for the six-day bear hunting season open from October 21-26, 2024 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Read more.

Celebrate Monarchs and Milkweed at Merkle!

Butterflies are one of the most iconic pollinators because of their unique, long migration from Maryland to Mexico, where they spend the winter. Part of what makes these butterflies so special is that their caterpillars can only feed on one host plant, milkweed, which they need to become butterflies and complete their migration. 

Join us Sept. 28 for the fifth annual Monarchs and Milkweed festival at Merkle Natural Resources Management Area in Prince George's County to celebrate monarch butterflies with crafts, games, butterfly tagging, costumes, and more! Read more.

Maryland Outdoor Recreational Summit: Oct. 9-11

Join us for Maryland's inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit at Rocky Gap Resort at Rocky Gap State Park. The Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit is a space to come together and have exciting conversations on the importance of outdoor recreation to Maryland’s environment, workforce, quality of life and economy. Outdoor industry enthusiasts including non-profits, community organizations, private businesses, university students, and public decision makers are invited. Learn more.

Flipping the script: Redefining how we look at Veteran suicide prevention.

Federal News

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Preventing Veteran Suicide in local communities

Avoiding predatory practices

PTSD and eating disorders

Recovery from mental health challenges and substance use disorder

Veterans receive innovative treatments for prostate cancer

Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed

September 18th, VA Wellness Wednesday's: Retirement Strategies for Women, Virtual

Universal sign for Help

VA Q&A: Are my benefits taxable?

What real estate industry changes mean for VA Home loan borrowers

Improving VA's online sign-in experience for Veterans' account access

Live Whole Health #236: Avocado Black Bean Salad charms with flavor and fiber

Live Whole Health #237: Embrace the wisdom of your body

2024 Veterans Day Teacher's Resource Guide now available for download

2024 National Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City

2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games Closing Video

Maryland Vets win gold in Golden Age Games, WBAL-TV article

September 10th: VA Maryland Health Care System Women Veterans Virtual Public Forum, Virtual, 6 to 7 pm, Flier

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 279 039 022 347

Passcode: 9DiQY9

Dial in by phone

+1 872-701-0185,,200035780# United States, Chicago

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 200 035 780#

Register

For more information, email Lauren Emerson at lauren.emerson@va.gov

Join September’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Good Grief: Finding Hope in the Necessary Losses of Being a Caregiver. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.

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

September 6, 2024 

Red Cross Blood Drive at Reveille Grounds, Baltimore

Anne Arundel Veterans Job Fair and Benefits Day, Edgewater

Golf Outing to benefit MCVET, Elkridge

1st Friday Vetworking Brunch & Business Card Exchange, Elkridge, RSVP

1st Friday Vetworking Social + D9 Military Meetup, Hanover, RSVP

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, Register

September 11, 2024

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

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

Serving Together in Calvert County, Lusby

St. Mary's County Job Fair, California

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

LETS Program Equine-Assisted Workshop Series for Veterans, Gaithersburg

Veteran Appreciation Dinner - A Night at the Barn, Taneytown, Registration required by emailing Victoria Parks, vparks@carrollcountymd.gov

September 15, 2024

Travis Manion Foundation Annapolis 9/11 Heroes Run

September 17, 2024

Military & Spouse Job Fair & Networking 2024, Greenbelt

10th Annual Maryland's Top Crab Cake Challenge Benefitting The Baltimore Station, Baltimore

Ft. Meade Alliance Family Cooking Party, Ft. Meade

Four County Veterans Collaborative (Prince George's, Calvert, Charles & St Mary's), Virtual

September 18, 2024

Military Spouse Fellowships Information Session

Women Veteran Wednesdays sponsored by Easterseals

Montgomery County Veterans Collaborative, Virtual

September 19, 2024Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Monthly Workshop - Responding to Suicide Risk Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

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, Register

DAV & ServingTogether Claims Clinic, Rockville

September 22, 2024

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

September 25, 2024

Welcome to the Workforce - Resume Writing, Baltimore - sponsored by Blue Star Families

Prince George's County Offices of Veterans Affairs Base Camp, monthly informational session, Virtual

September 27, 2024

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

Serving Together in Calvert County, Lusby

September 28, 2024

Veteran Pride Suicide Prevention Coalition 2nd Annual Military Drag Show, Baltimore

Combat Women Veterans No Thyme to Cook, Solomons, Operation Second Chance

Partners in Care Fall Prevention Fair, Pasadena

Volunteer Opportunity at the National Arboretum to celebrate National Public Lands Day, Washington, DC

September 30, 2024

Yoga Class for Veterans and their friends and families, Berlin

Community News

Howard County offers the 2024 Veterans and Military Families Resource Guide and Small Business Directory

Howard County is seeking a 2024 Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall. To learn more about the Howard County Veterans Parade and grand marshal application, visit Howard County Veterans Foundation

CRAB monthly Military Sailing Days, More Information

Christmas in April Calvert County is accepting applications for home repairs. Veterans and their families are encouraged to apply for 2025 projects.  Applications are due by Sept. 30, 2024.

Baltimore City Veterans Commission is seeking new members.  Read more here.

The Baltimore Veterans Treatment Court is seeking military-related community service opportunities in Howard, Carroll, Harford, and Baltimore Counties. As you may know, the VTC has been serving justice-involved veterans in the greater Baltimore area since 2015. All veterans who enter our program are required to volunteer 20 hours of their time giving back to their community, and we’ve found that many of our participants will exceed this obligation if they get connected to work that supports their fellow veterans. As we continue to expand the community we serve, we’ve recognized the need for volunteer options for participants residing outside of the city.

If you are connected to any organizations serving the veteran community in Central Maryland that have an ongoing need for volunteer support, please contact Justin McNabb at 410-895-1393 or justin.mcnabb@uwcm.org 

News from Serving Together

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/

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.

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.

Join us for Blue Star Welcome Week 2024, September 21st - 29th 

Blue Star Welcome Week

Coffee Connections 

Welcome Week Coffee Connections - Week of 16 September

16 September 2024, 11 am - 12.30 pm, 2799 Rose Street, Fort Meade, MD (Base Exchange) this is the first event we will have at the on post location

17 September 2024, 11 am - 12.30 pm, 999 Middelton Road, Aberdeen, MD

18 September 2024 11 am - 12.30 pm, 45000 St Andrews Church Rd, California, MD

19 September 2024 11 am - 12.30 pm, 2637 Annapolis Rd, Hanover, MD

20 September 2024 11 am - 12.30 pm, 2498 Solomons Island Road, Annapolis, MD

Are you new to the area, a remote worker seeking a change of scenery? A stay-at-home parent looking to get out with the kids for a bit? Or perhaps new to the area and hoping to connect with other military families? This event is for you! Join us for a morning filled with coffee, conversations, and community. We can't wait to welcome you!

Future Events: Save the Date

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

October 4 - 6, 2024: Weekend Warrior including multiple events: Poker Run, Warrior Bike Ride, Happy Hour & Live Music and Crab Feast, Perry Point & Cecil County 

October 5, 2024: The Mission Continues, Baltimore Platoon Volunteer Opportunity, Baltimore

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

October 9, 2024: Serving Together in Calvert County, Lusby

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 12, 2024: Lifeline Horse Rescue and LETS Program 2024 Fall Open House, Gaithersburg

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

October 24, 2024: Salute to Heroes Gala, Greenbelt

October 25, 2024: Serving Together in Calvert County, Lusby

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

October 30, 2024: Welcome to the Workforce - LinkedIn Learning, Cover Letter and AI Use, Baltimore, sponsored by Blue Star Families

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

November 8, 2024: Veterans Resource Day, California

November 8, 2024: 2024 Prince George's Senior Veterans Celebration, Greenbelt

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 10, 2024: Women Veterans Meet & Greet, Leonardtown, Register

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, sponsored by Blue Star Families

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.