Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends,  This Veterans Day was a special one for the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.  The Veterans Trust Fund, DVMF’s financial assistance program for veterans, service members, and their families, announced that it is launching a new online application for temporary financial assistance AND that it has begun providing partner grants to organizations that provide services to the military-connected community.  We are thrilled that the Veterans Trust Fund is making it easier for our community to get the help they need and is committed to expanding the impact of this great program. To mark this launch, Governor Moore awarded the American Legion, Department of Maryland with the first partner funds. A total of $30,000 was presented to Department Commander Dave Heredia at a Veterans Day breakfast at American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge. These dollars will support the Legion’s “Be the One” initiative to prevent veteran suicide and much-needed capital improvements at two Legion posts on the Eastern Shore. To determine individual eligibility and apply for financial assistance, please visit the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund individual application. For more information about our grant programs, please visit the DVMF website. Best, Tony

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

DVMF Website

Volunteer Opportunity with the DVMF Cemeteries and Memorials Program: 

Are you good at organizing?  Do you appreciate Veterans and want to recognize them for their service and sacrifice?  DVMF would like to add some additional members to the volunteer committees who arrange for the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies held at the five Maryland State Veterans Cemeteries and three Memorials.  Please consider helping with this important work.  You do not need to be a Veteran to help organize the ceremonies. To volunteer at one of the five cemeteries (Cheltenham, Crownsville, Eastern Shore, Garrison Forest and Rocky Gap), call the cemetery staff at the location where you want to volunteer. For the Memorials (World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Vietnam Veteran Memorial), please contact Jessica Mondowney, Memorials Superintendent at jessica.mondowney@maryland.gov

NEWSLETTER NOTICE: The DVMF newsletter will not be published on Friday, November 29, 2024.  The next edition of the DVMF newsletter will be sent out on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Please enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.

Secretary Woods kicked off a busy week of Veteran events, by speaking to the students and faculty at the College of Southern Maryland.  While there, he also toured the new healthcare campus. Southern Maryland Chronicle article

Secretary Woods also attended a Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, held by the Montford Point Marines Chapter #17. Standing with Secretary Woods is Maryland Veterans Commission Chairman, KT Tyler.

Vehicles for Change and MileOne Auto Group partnered to donate the life-changing gift of transportation to ten Veterans.  In this photo, Secretary Woods was honored to present car keys to Devonte McQueen-Riley, an Air Force Veteran.  Fox 45 news story

Maryland Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Delegate Mike Rogers and members of American Legion Post 166 from Ocean City presented donations to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home residents on November 8th.   Thank you to everyone who provided comfort items for the Veterans and spouses residing at Charlotte Hall.

Rodney Jones, Deputy Director of the Maryland Veteran Home Programs and Charlotte Hall Veterans Home represented DVMF at the On Watch Memorial Ceremony conducted by the Calvert Marine Museum.  Rodney is shown placing a wreath at the On Watch Memorial Statue in Solomons Island.

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Executive Director, Heather Geraldes (on the right) kicked off Veterans Day 2024 at the Maryland Department of Labor's annual Veterans Day Celebration Career Carnival in Salisbury.

Learn more about the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.

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

In Memoriam: Maryland Veterans Commissioner Karen Calvert

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Maryland Veterans Commissioner Karen Calvert.  Commissioner Calvert was a very active member of the Commission and also recently served as the Chair of the Maryland Commission to Establish a Maryland Women Veterans Memorial. She will be missed by her fellow Commissioners and DVMF staff. We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends.  Obituary

In this photo is Mr. Wilbur J. "Jack". Myers, a 101 year old World War II Veteran, speaking at an event in Boonsboro. Mr. Myers served as a gunner with the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion and also participated in the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp.  Andrea Jones, DVMF Benefits Specialist participated in this well-attended event.

More photos of Veterans Day events may be found in the State Partner News section and the Community News section below.

Early in the morning on Veterans Day, after speaking with the Veterans and guests at American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge, Governor Moore went into the kitchen and helped the members of the Post 91 Ladies Auxiliary serve breakfast.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor.

Governor Moore Commemorates Veterans Day on the Eastern Shore, Posthumously Commissions Harriet Tubman as Brigadier General in Maryland National Guard

Governor Wes Moore today visited the Eastern Shore to commemorate Veterans Day and to participate in ceremonies honoring veterans for their service, including an historic posthumous commission of Harriet Tubman as Brigadier General of the Maryland National Guard. The governor’s visit reinforces the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families and to strengthening community for those who have served our country. “In the military, I learned the creed that all of us who have worn the uniform of this country live by: To leave no one behind. In combat, it doesn’t matter where you’re from; it doesn’t matter how you identify; it doesn’t matter what political party you represent. Success and survival depend on the person to your right and to your left—and there is only one path forward, together,” said Gov. Moore. “In your service and your sacrifice, you show that progress doesn’t just happen, progress is made to happen. Thank you for being the best of us. Maryland stands with you, today and every day.”

​This morning, Governor Moore joined American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge for their Veterans Day breakfast alongside Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods; Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Andrew Collins; Congressman Andy Harris; American Legion Department of Maryland Commander David Heredia; American Legion Post 91 Commander Richard Colburn and local officials. During the program, the governor presented three $10,000 Maryland Veterans Trust Fund grants, which will help support projects that enhance social connectedness and strengthen ties to local communities for veterans and military families on the Eastern Shore. “We owe our deepest gratitude to those who have served and their families,” said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods. “Utilizing the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund to invest in organizations like the American Legion affirms our appreciation and shared dedication to this community.”

 “Having Governor Moore and Secretary Woods join us at Post 91 on Veterans Day is a profound honor,” said American Legion Department of Maryland Commander David Heredia.  “The donations announced during today’s ceremony represent an investment in programs that promote veteran wellness and strengthen community reintegration efforts. These initiatives align with our shared mission to ensure veterans and their families receive the resources and respect they deserve.” Following the ceremony in Cambridge, Governor Moore joined Maryland National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, and Del. Edith Patterson for a commissioning and recognition ceremony at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center. Along with members of the Maryland National Guard, the governor and Maj. Gen. Birckhead posthumously commissioned Harriet Tubman to the rank of Brigadier General for her military service to both the United States and Maryland.  

“Harriet Tubman lived the values and virtues that I was taught when I served in the United States Army, and many of the people here today learned too: Live mission first, people always. Lead with honor, integrity, duty, and courage. Leave no one behind,” said Gov. Moore. “And with each act of courage, Harriet Tubman helped bring us together as a nation and a people. She fought for a kind of unity that can only be earned through danger, risk, and sacrifice. And it is a unity we still benefit from to this day.” Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt, the great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, represented Tubman’s family and received the commissioning proclamation on her behalf. A number of Harriet Tubman’s descendants took part in the commissioning ceremony, attended by military, community, and local leaders. The Maryland Army National Guard’s 229th Army Band performed ceremonial music and the Maryland Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Squadron provided a flyover.

“Harriet Tubman’s military service was defined by her bravery, wit, and dedication to doing what is right and it truly stands as an example for all veterans to emulate,” said Maryland Adjutant General Janeen L. Birckhead. “I am so proud that her legacy will officially be tied to the Maryland National Guard, as she was born here, lived here, and served here just like our soldiers and airmen.” Closing the day, Governor Moore joined Maj. Gen. Birckhead, Secretary Woods, and veterans for a behavioral health roundtable discussion at the Maryland Army National Guard’s Easton Readiness Armory. The group reflected on their own military service and challenges experienced by some veterans following transition to civilian life. Together, they also discussed how to raise awareness about and how to strengthen behavioral health resources for veterans and military families. 

Harriet Tubman Commissioning Ceremony

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor 

WBAL-TV news story    Military.com article     Washington Post article 

Governor Moore and Secretary Woods paused for lunch on Veterans Day to meet with Veteran business owners at the Wardroom, a veteran-owned business in Easton. 

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Governor Moore and Secretary Woods also attended a ceremony celebrating the expansion of the Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Court to the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court.  Read More Here    Maryland Matters article

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

News from the Maryland Department of Health

For Veterans Day, Maryland Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott joined Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods to share more about Maryland's support for veterans, active duty service members and their families.  Watch video here

The University of Maryland Medical Systems (UMMS), participated in Operation Green Light again this year.  Read More Here

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Rural Legacy Farmers and Partners Celebrate 25 Years 

Whether it’s waterfront farmland , culturally important land where Harriet Tubman resided, a working farm in Baltimore County, or a stretch of quiet woodlands in Western Maryland, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Rural Legacy Program has been protecting it for a quarter century. Read more.

Food Forests Bring Harvests and Deeper Connections to Land

The Edible Trail is what might be called a food forest, or a forest garden. It’s an example of agroforestry—a range of practices that incorporate primarily native fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs as well as herbaceous species and fungi into the landscape. Agroforestry aims to create multi-purpose areas that benefit people and the environment. Check out this month's video or Read more.

Treading Lightly: Recreation with Rare Species in Mind

With cooler fall weather comes some of the most popular times to get outside and enjoy our favorite forms of recreation. Whether that’s camping, hiking, biking, climbing, just parking at a scenic spot to watch the sunset, our activities can and do have a profound effect on the wildlife with whom we share Maryland’s natural resources. Many are aware of the famed Leave No Trace Principles, a beloved tenet of seven ideals for outdoor recreation.

For those that keep protection of Maryland’s rarest species front of mind, the ideal low-impact recreation can go beyond Leave No Trace. Here are some tips from the staff at the Wild Acres Program on being the best, most responsible stewards as you explore wildlife outside your backyard habitats. Read more.

Selling or Buying Firewood in Maryland? Check the License

When selecting a firewood dealer you should take several things into consideration. They must have a Forest Products Operators License issued by the Maryland Forest Service. For anyone who wants to sell firewood, information on obtaining your license is available on the Maryland Forest Products Operators webpage. For consumers, a search tool for licensed operators is available on that page. 

Click photo above for more information from the IRS.

Federal News

Check your Veteran Health Identification Card

Veteran homelessness reaches record low, decreasing by 7.5% since 2023

More service members eligible for benefits after VA amends character of discharge barriers

VA's Million Veteran Program: One year since one million

Caregivers: Honoring your dedication this November

VA Caregiver Support Program, Video

Navigating diabetes care at the VA

Women Veterans: Lower your risk for diabetes

Women Veterans, armor up

Live Whole Health #246: Progressive Muscle Relaxation and letting it all go

Live Whole Health #247: To-do lists and a healthy posture

Restoring peaceful sleep

VA Lung cancer screening, early detection saves lives

Your TRICARE Open Season Checklist

Nov. 20th: VA Financial Wellness Wednesdays Seminar

Intimate Partner violence and suicide linked

A song from Veterans Day from a brave VA Nurse

Think twice before you scan QR codes

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.

This Saturday, November 16th, join Blue Star Families, Tower Cares, ShopRite, and other incredible partners for the Nourish the Service event at Reveille Grounds in Baltimore. This is an amazing opportunity to help stock the pantry and ensure military and veteran families have the essentials they need before the holidays.

 Event Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024, 09.00 AM - 3 PM
 Location: 1401 Severn Street, Suite C250, Baltimore, MD 21230
 Pre-registration Required - Use the link here to register:

Nourish the Service November Event 

Community Calendar

November 15, 2024

Ft. Meade Garden Club Meeting, Jessup

November 16, 2024

Pantry Stock Up at Reveille Grounds, Baltimore

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

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

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Ft. Meade

November 19, 2024

Governor's Minority & Small Business Outreach Summit, Baltimore

National Government Agency Virtual Career Fair for Veterans, Virtual

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Bel Air

November 20, 2024

Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship Information Session, Virtual

VA Financial Wellness Wednesdays Seminar

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, NAS Pax River

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Prince Frederick

November 21, 2024

Army Alliance Annual Breakfast, Belcamp, Register

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Hanover (Ft. Meade)

November 22, 2024

Trauma-Informed Yoga & Equine-Assisted Workshop on Gratitude, Gaithersburg

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Annapolis

November 23, 2024

Vets to Drones, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

November 26, 2024

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

National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans, Virtual

December 7, 2024

The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon Service Project, Lt. Collins Day of Service, Volunteer opportunity, Baltimore

December 10, 2024 

Ready, Set, Grow Procurement Connections Workshop

December 11, 2024

PTSD911, A Documentary Film event, Ocean City

Community News

Mission Beelieve Introduction to Beekeeping Class, Virtual

Calvert County efforts for Purple Star Schools: Southern Maryland News article

NFL Salute to Service Award - check it out and vote for a nominee

Operation Turkey Donation is accepting donations for formerly homeless Veterans and their families in the DC area

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

Art Saves Lives Submissions – Open Nov 15th

Open now! Share your story in a personal essay (500-800 words) or visual art piece on how art has shaped your life and creative journey. Your piece should reflect your genuine voice and perspective. Essays chosen will be published on our Art Saves Lives blog, and visual art will be included in a future CBAW digital exhibit. Submissions will be accepted until the end of 2024. Submission links will be posted on social media and email will be sent to our distribution list on Friday, November 15th. Follow us on social media or sign up to receive emails.

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. Learn more and register HERE.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientations - 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. 

Future Events: Save the Date

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

Secretary Woods and Maryland Veterans Commissioner Robert Hanson on Veterans Day at American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge. 

Commissioner Hanson also attended the Veterans Day Ceremony in Ocean Pines, serving as the guest speaker and presenting Governor Moore's Veterans Day Proclamation.               Bayside Gazette Article

On Monday November 11, 2024, Maryland Veterans Commissioner CAPT (Ret) Jerome D. Davis, SC, USN along with members from VFW Post 9619 in Morningside, Maryland and members from the Washington, DC Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association conducted their Annual Veterans Day visited with patients at the Washington, DC Veterans Hospital.  The members attending provided over $7,000.00 in winter clothing and other items to the patients at the VA Hospital as well as conducting their famous Bingo Game for gifts with residents in the Psychiatric Ward.

On Tuesday, November 12th, Wilshire Estates Retirement Home, located in Silver Spring, celebrated the military service of 36 of their residents at their annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The colors were presented by the NROTC from John F. Kennedy High School. Maryland Veterans Commission Vice Chair Mike Moore presented a Proclamation from Governor Wes Moore to the facility manager, Noble Frazier and Veteran Advocate Bernie Zempolich, who served as a Marine Sergeant during the Korean War. Bernie just recently celebrated his 90th birthday. 

Former Maryland Veterans Commissioner Stan Seidel is continuing to volunteer with DVMF.  In this photo he is presenting Governor Moore's Veterans Day Proclamation to Janet Ammerman of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Stan participated in the Bethesda Veterans Day observance held at Bethesda Veterans Park.

A ceremony honoring the Marine Corps Birthday was held at Flood Zone Marketplace & Brewery in Union Bridge. Robert Finn, DVMF Senior Advisor and Maryland Veterans Commissioner Elaine May Stem, who retired from the USMC both attended the ceremony. At the podium is Guest Speaker Kenneth Tregoning, who also served in the Marines, retired from the Maryland State Police and served as Carroll County Sheriff.

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.