Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends -  As we approach Veterans Day, I’d like to extend heartfelt gratitude to our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication that has shaped our state and our nation. Veterans Day is a time to celebrate not only the courage of those who’ve worn the uniform but also the profound impact veterans have on Maryland communities. Whether through public service, small business leadership, or volunteer efforts, veterans make our state stronger in countless ways. This Veterans Day, I encourage each of you to take time to celebrate, reflect, and reconnect. Celebrate the unique contributions you and your fellow veterans bring to the table. Reflect on how service has enriched and transformed our lives, and reconnect with others in the veteran community. Whether it’s reaching out to check in with a friend, sharing stories from the journey, or simply gathering together, let’s use this day to strengthen our bonds. Find a local event, or meet up with a fellow veteran wherever veterans gather – together, we honor our shared legacy and build a brighter future. Sincerely, Tony

Veterans Day Observances at DVMF Locations

To honor Veterans on Veterans Day, the following ceremonies will be held at Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families locations on Monday, November 11, 2024:   10:30 AM Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery - 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117   11:00 AM Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery - 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623   Crownsville Veterans Cemetery – 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032   Vietnam Veteran Memorial - Middle Branch Park, 2825 South Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225   World War II Memorial - 1920 Ritchie Highway (Rt. 450 at Naval Academy Bridge), Annapolis, MD 21401   1:30 PM Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery – 6827 East New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock, Maryland 21643   2:00 PM Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery - 14205 Pleasant Valley Road, NE, Flintstone, MD 21530   Volunteer Opportunity: There is no ceremony scheduled for the Korean War Memorial in Canton, because we do not have a volunteer committee organizing Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at that location. If you are interested in planning Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at the Korean War Memorial, please contact: Jessica Mondowney, Memorials Superintendent at jessica.mondowney@maryland.gov

The Maryland Department of Veteran and Military Families is proud to participate in Operation Green Light from November 4-11. This year, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, we are shining a light on the dedicated military-connected caregivers who provide vital support to our Veterans. Throughout the week, we will be highlighting resources and services available to support these caregivers in their critical role. 

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, join the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families on Friday, November 22, at 11 AM EST for an empowering 90-minute webinar, Caring for Those Who Served. This event will connect Military and Veteran family caregivers with essential resources on respite care, peer support, and whole-person wellness. Hear directly from leading organizations dedicated to supporting the caregiver community. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with resources designed for you! No registration is required. Join at this link:  https://meet.google.com/kkm-weea-kna

DVMF Website

DVMF Veterans Benefits Specialist Angie Smith, recently assisted Mr. Charles Hugg (above, center), in filing a claim for VA benefits.  Mr. Hugg is a World War II Veteran and he agreed to have his photo published, to encourage other Veterans to file claims for benefits they earned through their service to our country.  It is never to late to file your claim! Be like Mr. Hugg and contact one of the DVMF Service & Benefits offices to assist you.

Mr. Hugg also just celebrated his 98th birthday.  We send him our very best wishes for his happiness and health.  Thank you Mr. Hugg, for still serving your fellow Veterans by encouraging them to seek more information about their earned benefits and to file claims, if needed.

Major General Janeen Birckhead, Maryland's Adjutant General and Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen in a Blackhawk helicopter during a recent briefing and tour by the Maryland National Guard.

Secretary Anthony Woods and Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen met with the DAV Department of Maryland State Commander, Craig Barnes this week.

Secretary Woods also attended the Military Thriving Change Forum held at Georgetown University.  He is shown here with LtCol Kevin Schmiegel (USMC Ret), who is the CEO of ZeroMils.

Toni Gianforti, DVMF Grants Specialist and Heather Geraldes, Executive Director, Maryland Veterans Trust Fund conducted a site visit to Greenwell Foundation, which offers a range of inclusive programs including a Therapeutic Riding program.

In the second photo are Maria McDonald, Executive Director of the Greenwell Foundation and Heather, with Blossom, the horse standing behind them.

More information on the DVMF Service Animal Program. This grant program provides grants to service animal programs that train service dogs and provide equine therapy to veterans.

From the Governor's Office Of Small, Minority and Women Owned Business:

Veteran Small Business Resources & Updates

Thursday, November 14, 2024

10 a.m. - 12 noon

In honor of National Veteran Small Business Week, you will hear from various veteran small business resources including the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Mid-Atlantice Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and Maryland's Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program updates. We will take a look at the certification process at both the State and Federal levels, review common procurement best practices, tactics, and protocols to help veteran business owners compete with greater confidence. 

Who should attend? Veteran small business owners interested in learning how to successfully participate in both the state's VSBE Program, the Federal Veteran & Service Disabled Programs, and access additional resources.

Your instructors: 

- Caroline Henson, Business Opportunity Specialist / Veterans Business Development Officer, U.S. Small Business Administration

- Tina Edwards, Director, Mid-Atlantic Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

- Danielle Davis, VSBE Compliance Manager, Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

Register

Register for November 12th

Register for November 13th

Spotlight on Education: Morgan State University

Morgan State University Bears take on the South Carolina State University Bulldogs

Join the Veterans Engagement Services Team in partnership with the Morgan State University ROTC Bear Batallion and the Morgan State University Athletic Department, as we celebrate our 14th Annual Military Appreciation Day! We look to celebrate all of those who served, currently served, and their families. We are also looking for 50 volunteers to hold the flag on the field during the National Anthem. We hope to see you there!

Register

Spotlight on Education: University of Maryland Global Campus

UMGC VETERANS DAY:

Please join students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for the annual University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Veterans Day Ceremony honoring those who have worn the uniform of our country and have helped to shape UMGC's history and mission.

Monday, November 11, 2024

1 p.m. Eastern Time

College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

Adelphi, Maryland and Online

Click here  to RSVP by Wednesday, November 6, 2024

The ceremony will feature keynote remarks by UMGC alumnus

The Honorable James Rodriguez, U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training Service, along with musical performances and the announcement of the General John W. Vessey Jr. Student Veteran of the Year award.

Spotlight on Education: College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland is hosting a week of events for Veterans, including a luncheon with DVMF Secretary Anthony Woods as the guest speaker. Check out upcoming events on this page.

Avoiding Fraudulent Charities and Scams While Donating to Hurricane Relief

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is warning consumers to beware of fraudulent charities and scams when donating to hurricane relief efforts.

As many states across the Southeast are facing a difficult recovery from the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many individuals are eager to help those affected by making donations. Unfortunately, scam artists often take advantage of disasters like these to set up fake charities and exploit your goodwill, so you'll want to be on the lookout for fraudulent charities and other scams. Read More Here

News from Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Hunters Harvest 125 Black Bears for 2024 Season

Maryland hunters harvested 125 black bears during the state’s 21st annual black bear hunt held Oct. 21-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Despite warm daytime temperatures early in the week, hunters were able to harvest 22 more bears during the 2024 season than during the 2023 season. Read more.

State Tree Nursery Taking Orders for Spring 2025 Planting

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is accepting orders for spring planting. This year’s catalog features more than 55 species. Minimum order is 25 seedlings per species. Read more.

Del Estrella, Wayne Stinchcomb and Steve Fyfe of the U.S. Vet Centers participated in the Fall Fest held at the Ft. Meade PX.  Denise Nooe from the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families also attended and provide information on programs and services to the active-duty service members, retirees and families attending the event.

Federal News

The President's Proclamation on National Veterans and Military Families month, 2024

The PACT ACT - Updated Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry - Video

PTSD Bytes - PTSD and chronic pain

Unparalleled relief with immersive technology

Check in on your health with the Million Veteran Program: Screen, detect, prevent

VA care and research for Alzheimer's and related dementias

Live Whole Health #244: Winning or losing

Veterans and caregiver give cyber safety advice

VA Caregiver Support Program: Video

Celebrating resilience and advocacy at the 6th annual EmpowerHer event

The Uniformed Services University Celebrates Military Women's Health Research Initiative

Breast Cancer screenings could save your life

Veterans Canteen Service offering free coffee for Veterans Day

Commissary and Exchange privileges for Veterans

November 6th: 2024 Veterans Day Veteran Career Accelerator - A Virtual Hiring Event

November 7th:  Washington, DC VA Medical Center Annual Caregiver and Family Resource Fair

How the Grinch can steal your data

Veterans and tax scams: Preparing for the tax season

Read More Here.

Medicare News:

The updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is now available. It's especially important for people 65 or older to get the updated vaccine. It can help protect against the most common variants of the virus circulating now. Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you.

Protection from previous vaccination or infection weakens over time, so it's important to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine now to stay protected. If you've recently had COVID-19, you can wait 3 months to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Find COVID-19 Vaccines

Also, every U.S. household can order 4 COVID-19 at-home tests — shipped directly to your home at no cost. Visit COVIDTests.gov to place your order.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

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

November 1 -2, 2024

Wheelchair Tennis, Classes are free, Annapolis

November 1 - 3, 2024

Squared Away Weekend, Various locations

Event Weekend to Salute Veterans, Active Military & Maryland State Police, Iverness Brewing, Monkton

November 2, 2024

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

Blue Star Families Service Saturday - Beach Clean Up, Ft. Smallwood Park

16th Annual Hero Haven - Homeless Stand Down, Martinsburg VA Medical Center

Warriors Among Us, Boonsboro

WinterHaven, Stand Down, Washington, DC VA Medical Center

November 5, 2024

TopGolf for Caregivers and wounded post 9/11 combat Veterans, Germantown

November 6, 2024

Pact Act Veterans Claims Clinic & VA Health Enrollment Fair, Perry Point

November 7, 2024

Arthritis Foundation Webinar: 2024 Uncovering the Puzzle of Spinal Osteoarthritis for the Military and Veteran Community, Registration

Maryland Veterans Symposium, Virtual

Ft. Meade Veterans Day Observance, Defense Information School, Ft. Meade

JTCC Veterans Day Tennis Celebration, College Park

Community Veterans Engagement Board, Frederick

Music in the Navy: A Salute to Veterans and Military Families with the U.S. Naval Academy Band, Annapolis Library

November 8, 2024

Veterans Resource Day, California

2024 Prince George's Senior Veterans Celebration, Greenbelt

Tribute to America's Veterans Concert, Silver Spring

November 9, 2024

The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon Volunteer Opportunity at A. Mario Louderman Middle School, Silver Spring

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

Veterans Resource Day hosted by the Harford County Commission on Veterans Affairs, Bel Air

Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade

Marine Corps Birthday and Congressional Gold Medal Event, sponsored by Montford Point Marines Baltimore Chapter #17, Baltimore

November 10, 2024

Brunswick Veterans Day Ceremony & Parade, Brunswick, Flier

Howard County Veterans Day Parade & Celebration

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

9th Annual Veterans Day Program, Jewish War Veterans Post 692, Bender Jewish Community Center, Rockville, contact: Joel Poznansky, joelpoz@hotmail.com

November 11, 2024

Bethesda Veterans Day Observance, Bethesda

Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, Galena

Free flu vaccinations for Veterans, American Legion Post 64, Salisbury

Gaithersburg Veterans Day event, Gaithersburg

Rockville Veterans Day event, Rockville

UMGC Veterans Day Ceremony, Adelphi Register by November 6th

Wheaton Veterans Day Observance, 11:00 am, Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Ave., Wheaton

November 12, 2024

Fleet Reserve Association Disability Claims Clinic, Annapolis, Register

Veterans Resource Fair, sponsored by Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Silver Spring

Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Bowie

November 13, 2024

Community & Veterans Job Fair, Ft. George G. Meade

Maryland Veterans Small Business Week Celebration, College Park

November 14, 2024

Operation Raise the Roof, Edgewater

November 15, 2024

Queen Anne's County Caregiver's Conference, Grasonville

November 16, 2024

Morgan State University 14th Annual Military Appreciation Day, Baltimore, Registration

Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Horse Calvary Association, Linthicum Library

Community News

Howard County has named two Grand Marshalls for the Veterans Day parade on November 10th.

JTCC offers adaptive tennis for Veterans

Operation Green Light in Montgomery County

Events at the Platoon 22 Veterans Services Center, Frederick

Leave No Veteran Behind Executive Leadership Program (ELP), taking place November 12th-15th at Eaton House, 1203 K St NW, Washington DC. This dynamic program is designed to empower Veterans by enhancing leadership skills, exploring new career opportunities, and building connections with fellow Veterans and industry leaders. Application  Register

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:

Visual Art Programs - Wednesday 7pm EST (Virtual)

Interested in visual art? Every Wednesday, join Veterans and Artists, Valerie Acosta, Shaun Smith and Joe Merritt to learn something new. Join Veteran and Artist Stephen McCombs on Wednesday, November 13th at 7pm EST for a special Veterans Day Visual Art Workshop, Crafting Remembrance: Pinecones to Poppies. Participants will be able to create poppy flowers from reclaimed pinecones. For a full list of materials for each program, check out our website.

A Conversation with What Haunts You - November 21st 7pm (VIRTUAL)

Join writer and multidisciplinary artist, Cathy Linh Che, on Thursday, November 21st at 7pm EST for this generative workshop in our series in partnership with the Strathmore.  We will invite what is haunting us into conversations with us on the page. The prompt is adapted from an exercise offered up by the writer Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, who adapted it from The Ghostline Collective.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientations - November 12th, and December 10th

Our monthly program for Women and Non-Binary Military has begun, but if you are still interested in participating, it's not too late. Interested individuals must attend an upcoming orientation to participate. Visit www.cbaw.org/mtos for more details.

Visit www.cbaw.org to learn more about Community Building Art Works. For more information, email info@cbaw.org. Follow us on social media Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

Future Events: Save the Date

November 21, 2024: Army Alliance Annual Breakfast, Belcamp, Register

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

December 7, 2024: The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon Service Project, Lt. Collins Day of Service, Baltimore

March 30, 2025: Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration sponsored by Gilchrist

ServingTogether and the Foxy G. Foundation held the 3rd Annual Day at Ease, which was a huge success.  Please enjoy some photos from the event:

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.