Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends, This week, Maryland is proud to host one of the most iconic traditions in American sports: the Army-Navy Game. The game is a powerful reminder of the commitment to service that unites all who wear the uniform and the shared values of honor, duty, and sacrifice that define our nation’s military. It is fitting that Maryland hosts this unique game. Home to the US Naval Academy (the second best service academy - I’m partial), as well as a large and diverse military community, Maryland knows what it means to serve. So, as we cheer for our rivaling teams this Saturday, let’s also celebrate our unity. Together, we honor the true meaning of "leaving no one behind". Finally, as we celebrate this holiday season, it's important to remember that it can be a challenging time for many. If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health crisis, please call 988 and press 1 to connect with someone who can assist.  Let’s look out for each other and make our community stronger. Go Army. Beat Navy. Tony

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home residents were treated to the Washington Commanders/Dallas Cowboys game on November 24th. The friendly rivalry between supporters of the two teams provided a fun outing for the Charlotte Hall residents.

The Department of Veterans and Military Families held a well-attended Military Families Summit on December 4th.  The Ft. Meade Garrison Command provided the venue for the Summit and we send our sincere appreciation to Colonel Yolanda Gore, the Garrison Command staff and the Ft. Meade Public Affairs staff for supporting the first DVMF MilFam Summit.

In this photo are Lindsay Livingston, DVMF Communications Director, Ft. Meade Garrison CSM Richard Moore and Secretary Woods.

DVMF Website

National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) was observed in November to recognize family and friend caregivers. Please use this link to view a webinar hosted by DVMF.

Secretary Woods addresses a Delegation from Ukraine. The Ukrainian Delegates wanted to learn more about services offered to Veterans and how to help Veterans reintegrate into civilian life. In addition to Secretary Woods, Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee, Secretary of Housing & Community Development Jacob Day and several leaders of Maryland Veteran Service Organizations also met with the Delegates.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland Secretary of State

Secretary Woods also joined Alex Wagner, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at Joint Base Andrews recently.  The purpose of the visit, which included a tour, offered the opportunity to meet with airmen and discuss military quality of life challenges.  See photos here.

Secretary Woods attended the ninth anniversary ceremony for the Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Court.  This court recently expanded becoming the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court.  Read more here.

Governor Moore Announces $1.8 Million Investment to Bolster Cybersecurity Training at Every Maryland Community College

Governor Wes Moore announced a $1.8 million award to BCR Cyber and the Maryland Association of Community Colleges to bolster Maryland’s cybersecurity talent pipeline during a ribbon cutting at Howard Community College. The funding, secured in partnership with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, will help make Maryland more competitive by empowering all of Maryland’s 16 community colleges to offer cutting-edge experiential training that both complements and enhances technical skills through new cyber ranges.  Read More Here

Governor Wes Moore issued a Proclamation in advance of the Army-Navy Game which will be held at Northwest Stadium in Landover tomorrow.

Photos courtesy of the United States Naval Academy

Governor Moore spoke at the ceremony celebrating the expansion of the former Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Court to the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court.

News from the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program

2024 Notable Achievements: The VSBE Program had tremendous growth, surpassing a milestone of reaching 900 Certified VSBEs. The Moore-Miller Administration also increased performance program participation from 1% to a 3% aspirational goal.

2025 Focus Moving Forward: Our goal for the upcoming year is to continue to expand our outreach and education of the VSBE program. In 2025, we are excited to be launching a new certification workshop series across the State to help businesses get certified on the spot. We will also work with stakeholders and businesses to continue to educate, support and advocate for our veteran-owned business communities in Maryland

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.

12/17/2024 - T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar: Writing A Business Plan To Access Capital

12/18/2024 - New Year, New Marketing Budget

12/19/2024 - T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar: MBE Compliance Considerations for Prime Contractors

01/07/2025 - MBE/DBE/ACDBE/SBE Certification Application Assistance Webinar

01/09/2025 - Get Ready for Construction Season with SBA Contract Bonding Basics

01/10/2025 - VSBE & SBR Programs Certification Workshop Series

CONSUMER ALERT: Office of Attorney General, MVA, Warn
Consumers about Purchasing Flood-Damaged Cars 

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) are partnering to warn consumers in the market for a used car to be aware of flood damaged vehicles originating from states recently impacted by hurricanes and flooding. This alert was issued to all consumers who have subscribed to receive consumer information from our office. Consumers can subscribe to this list here.

“Marylanders shouldn’t spend their hard-earned money on a car that is unsafe or doesn’t work,” said Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. “Buying a car is a significant investment of time and money. We urge everyone to do their due diligence before making a such a purchase.”

Read More Here

The Maryland Department of Aging's Senior Call Check:

The Maryland Department of Health's Department of Aging has a free automated daily telephone service to check in on Maryland's residents ages 65 and older.

How it Works 

Each day, participants receive a scheduled phone call between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in their chosen time block. If the participant doesn’t answer after three attempts, an alternate contact person, designated during enrollment, will be called to check on them. If both the participant and alternate don’t respond, local non-emergency services will be contacted to ensure the participant’s safety.

Senior Call Check phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. During these hours, seniors can call toll-free 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-0560).  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program cost anything? No, it is free!

Who can sign up? Any Marylander who is 65 or older.

When will I receive the daily automated call? You can select a one-hour block of time between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

News from the Maryland Department of Disabilities:

Home Modifications Directory

The Maryland Home Modifications Directory is updated annually and serves as a guide on home modification resources throughout the State of Maryland.

Ways to Pay for Home Modifications

The Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program helps Maryland residents with disabilities and their families qualify for lower-interest loans to buy equipment that will help them live, work, and learn more independently.

The ATLP can provide loans up to $20,000 for Home Modifications, including funding doorway widening, adapted bathrooms, ramps, stairlifts, and much more. To learn more about the loan program and eligibility, visit the AT Loan Program online.

Complete & submit your ATLP application online 

OR 

Download the ATLP Application here and email the completed application, with supporting documents, to mdtap.atlp@maryland.gov.

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

In Their Words: NRP’s Personnel Reflect on Military Service

The Maryland Natural Resources Police is proud to have numerous veterans among its officers and professional staff that courageously served in the United States Armed Forces. From patrol officers to command staff to non-sworn personnel, veterans help shape the department’s character and values. Read more.

Kick Off the New Year Outdoors with Maryland State Parks

Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2024 - January 2, 2025. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us for a hike at a Maryland State Park or other public land near you. Check our website throughout December for the list of First Day Hikes; new hikes will be added as they are scheduled. 

2025 Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest Accepting Entries

The Maryland Forest Service, in partnership with the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards, is sponsoring its annual poster contest for fifth grade classes throughout Maryland. The theme for 2025: “Trees Are Terrific…and Forests Are Too!” Statewide Winners will receive a tree planting at their school along with other prizes. Posters can be submitted to local county Forest Service Offices until noon on April 1, 2025. Contest details are on the DNR website. 

Maryland’s ‘Gift of Trees’ Available for Holiday Season

The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees—for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration, or observation. The department will issue and mail a Gift of Trees certificate, which can be framed, within a week or two of an order. All trees will be planted in the next growing season. Read more.

Federal News:

DOD Installation access simplified: Three updates for Veterans and caregivers.

Upcoming switch to Login.gov and ID.me for VA online services

VA Secure sign-in changes, video

Check your Veteran Health Identification Card. It may be expiring.

How talking about suicide can save a life

What we learned about suicide prevention this year

Baltimore Veterans Affairs Hospital works to combat mental health stigma, WJZ news article

Maryland Veterans find comfort and care in VA medical foster homes, WYPR news article

The Barriers for Women Veterans to VA Health Care 2024 Report

4Ms of Healthy Aging

Veterans Experience at the VA

VA Environmental Health Registry Evaluations

Breathe easier: COPD awareness for Veterans

Veterans, service members share stories of overcoming hardships in new documentary

PTSD Bytes: PTSD and traumatic brain injury

Live Whole Health #248: Don't fight the feelings

Live Whole Health #250: Finding joy and comfort in gratitude

Live Whole Health #251: Making Space for the Breath

VA Caregiver Support Program

Proposed changes to VA Caregiver Support Program

Combating loneliness and social isolation as a caregiver

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network offers peer support, resource library

VA houses nearly 48,000 homeless Veterans

Point in Time Count gives insight into Veteran homelessness

Protect your donations from Charity scams

Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online

Helping Veterans combat food insecurity

Scholarships for Military Spouses and Military Children

Our Military Kids offers extracurricular activity grants to children age 1-18

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

December 13, 2024

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

December 15, 2024

Veteran Pre-Hanukkah Holiday Celebration, sponsored by the Jewish War Veterans Post 167, held at VFW Post 521, Owings Mills

December 16, 2024

Blue Star Families Coffee Connection - Ft. Meade

December 17, 2024

Writing a Business Plan to Access Capital, Virtual

Blue Star Families Coffee Connection - Bel Air

December 18, 2024

Women Veteran Wednesdays

Blue Star Families Coffee Connection -  NAS Patuxent River

Blue Star Families Coffee Connection - Prince Frederick

December 19, 2024

MBE Compliance Considerations for Prime Contractors, Virtual

Thurmont Veteran Coffee Social

Blue Star Families Coffee Connection - Hanover

December 20, 2024

Middletown Veterans Coffee Social

Blue Star Families Coffee Connection - Annapolis

December 22, 2024

Blue Star Families: Home for the Holidays, Ft. Meade

December 27, 2024

Frederick Veteran Coffee Social

January 9, 2025

Blue Star Families STAR Book Program - Aberdeen

January 25, 2025

Southern Maryland Veterans Empowerment Expo

Community News

Wreaths Across America events are scheduled in many public and private cemeteries across Maryland. You may search for events in your area, by using this link.

Mission Beelieve is offering a free, virtual introduction class to Military Veterans and First Responders, Beginning in February.  Register here.

Howard County Library is offering the 2025 Veterans Book Group online.  Read more here.

JTCC 2025 Adaptive Tennis Events

Project Opportunity offers free entrepreneur training for Veterans in the Spring:

Howard County (orientation scheduled January 30th - flier)

Prince George's County, (orientation scheduled February 20th - flier)

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.

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/

FY 2024 statistics

- 170 clients screened for risk of suicide (promptly enrolled in case management services), 506 clients served, 1495 cases, over 850 partner organizations, over 100 Service members/Veterans and Family Members taught Military Mental Health First Aid

News from Community Building Art Works:

Glowing in the Dark – Wednesday, December 18th (VIRTUAL)

Join CBAW for Glowing in the Dark, our annual winter solstice reading. Hosted by Hari Alluri and Seema Reza, and featuring readings from writers whose work sustains us, helps to balance the light and darkness in both bright and difficult times. Featuring readings by Jay Anderson, Anne Barlieb, Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, Diana Colón, Teri Ellen Cross Davis, LaQuantae, Maya Marshall, Diana Osborn, Rick Writes, and SheDragon713. Register at https://GITD2024.eventbrite.com.

Art Saves Lives Submissions – Open until Dec 31st

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 ArtSaves Lives blog, and visual art will be included in a future CBAW digital exhibit. Submissions will be accepted until the end of 2024. Learn more HERE.

Your Writing Out Loud - December 19th 7pm (VIRTUAL)

Join author, Rosamond S. King, on Thursday, December 19th at 7pm EST for this generative workshop in our series in partnership with the Strathmore. Join us for this relaxed workshop for those who are new to or nervous about reading out loud. Rosamond will guide writers through recognizing and developing their own reading style. We'll learn vocal exercises and explore modulation, breath, and pacing. Learn more and register HERE.

Important Notes:

• There will be some writing, but please bring a poem of 10-20 lines or 200-400 words of prose to work with - and be ready to use your voice and body.
• All participants MUST have their cameras on.
• This workshop will not be recorded.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientations - January 8th

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

February 4, 2025: Operation Annapolis

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

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.