Message from Secretary Anthony Woods:

Dear Friends, What a remarkable year it has been for our agency and the Veterans, military families, and caregivers we serve. Here are some key milestones from 2024: We proudly renamed our agency to the Department of Veterans and Military Families to reflect our dedication not only to the Veterans, but their support systems. Appointed a Deputy Secretary for Military Family Programs and Policy, focusing on ensuring that no military family is left behind. Established the Maryland Commission on Veterans and Military Families, a step in making Maryland the best state for veterans and their families. Maryland became the first state to join the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership, enabling us to actively recruit military spouses and open doors to rewarding careers. We were honored to become an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes State, recognizing the dedication of those who care for our veterans. The Maryland Joins Forces coalition grew to 18 members, and we are partnering with incredible organizations like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Blue Star Families, LinkedIn, and Hiring our Heroes to make a real impact. Finally, Maryland earned the U. S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Community Leader Impact Award, recognizing our work in supporting military spouses through innovative workforce initiatives. Together, we’ve made tremendous progress, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we continue to fight for those who serve and their families. Sincerely, Tony

DVMF Website

Did you know that there is a Pearl Harbor Survivors Monument in Maryland which was placed in remembrance of those who served at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?  The monument is located at the site of the Maryland WWII Memorial in Annapolis.  Members of  Annapolis VFW Chapter 304 laid a wreath at the monument on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

From left to right in this photo are: Tom Hibbard, Jeff Donohue, Commander Kurt Surber, Cynthia Sobolewski, Peter Spier, Paul Thrasher, David Boyce, Preston Sholz, and Senior Vice Commander Mike Blackwell.

For more information on the DVMF Cemetery and Memorials Program.

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

A student's project at Margaret Brent Middle School led to a partnership between the students and the Maryland State Police for a donation drive benefitting the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Special thanks go out to the students, Ms. Kristin Poston, 8th Grade Team Leader and Lt. Rossignol with the Maryland State Police for this tremendous effort to support those residing at Charlotte Hall.

On Monday December 16, 2024, Maryland Veterans Commissioner CAPT (Ret) Jerome D. Davis, SC, USN met with noted author and historian Paul Stillwell in Annapolis to discuss his  book on the first African Americans commissioned as officers in the United States Navy. These 13 officers are known in history as the Golden Thirteen.  Mr. Stillwell's book is titled: The Golden Thirteen: Recollections of the First Black Naval Officers with Foreword by Colin L. Powell.

Governor Moore and Team Maryland Announce Federal Funding for Maryland DefTech Center

Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland congressional delegation announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), are once again joining forces to expand Maryland’s Defense Technology Commercialization Center (DefTech). The expansion of the program was made possible through a $585,463 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and matching funds totaling $183,338 from the Maryland Department of Commerce and TEDCO.  "Maryland is home to some of the best federal and defense assets in the nation. In partnership, we are leveraging these extraordinary institutions to drive economic growth, invest in innovation, and support Maryland entrepreneurs,” said Gov. Moore. "Making Maryland more competitive means ensuring we have a clear strategy to match our rich assets. Today, we write the next chapter in that critical work – and our state is going to be better because of it.” Read More Here

Governor Moore, U.S. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen Announce Maryland Air National Guard to add D.C. Air Guard Flying Squadron

Governor Wes Moore and U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen announced that the Secretary of the Air Force has directed the transfer of the 121st Fighter Squadron, previously part of the District of Columbia Air National Guard, to the Maryland Air National Guard. The decision secures the continuation of a flying mission for the State of Maryland.

“The men and women of the Maryland Air National Guard are some of the finest and most experienced pilots in the world. In partnership with our congressional delegation and federal partners, we have advocated vigorously to maintain Maryland's flying mission, both in the interest of national security and to continue the proud tradition that Maryland plays in defending our country,” said Gov. Moore. “This outcome is good for Maryland, good for our service members, and good for our national security. We thank the Secretary of the Air Force and all of the partners who helped get us here.”

The 121st Fighter Squadron of the 113th Wing flies F-16s at Joint Base Andrews. Details regarding the timeline and operational transition from D.C. to Maryland will be coordinated by the Air Force.

Read More Here

Additional Classes offered:

January 14th: Doing Business with the State of Maryland

January 28th: Master Your Website for Business Success

The Maryland Small Business Development Center also offers trainings.  More information

Spotlight on Education: Morgan State University

Morgan State University’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center (EDAC) has secured funding to enhance two of its impactful outreach initiatives aimed at advancing the center’s mission. Specifically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded EDAC $1.5 million to support the Returning Citizens Inspired to Develop Entrepreneurial Ventures (RIDE) Entrepreneurship Center and $700,000 for the Government Certifications Contracting and Matchmaking Solutions Center. Both programs are designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and assistance to help participants effectively navigate the complexities of the business landscape. This funding was made possible through the FY24 Omnibus Spending Bill with the support of Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen.

Read More Here

The 175th Infantry (5th Maryland), Maryland National Guard, recently celebrated it's 250th Anniversary.  Baltimore Sun article

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

First Day Hikes Invites Marylanders to Start 2025 Outdoors

Maryland residents and visitors are invited to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes. From December 31, 2024, through January 2, 2025, Marylanders can explore the beauty of their local state parks through a variety of guided and self-guided hiking opportunities. Read more.

Nominations Accepted for Sport Fisheries Achievement Award

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. Nominations are being accepted now through January 31, 2025. Read more.

Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 20

Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opens Friday, Dec. 20. The season contains two segments, Dec. 20 through Jan. 4, 2025, and again from Jan. 15 through Feb. 1, 2025. The daily bag limit is two geese per day in Maryland’s AP Canada Goose Hunting Zone. Read more.

Second Half of Maryland’s Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Opens Dec. 21

The second part of Maryland’s split muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 4. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Hunters pursuing sika must purchase a sika hunting stamp in addition to the muzzleloader stamp. Read more.

Federal News

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

VA Cybersecurity Roundtable for Veterans

Online safety measures for the Veteran Community

VA Health Connect delivers emergency care to Veterans at home

VA's Medical Foster Program

Registration for VA Summer Clinic now open

VA commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024

VA has released the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report

Tips for managing stress and beating the blues

Calling all Warriors: Are you ready to be trained to struggle well

VA and Veterans Yoga Project partner to enhance Veteran well-being

Live Whole Health #252: The Guest House: Who's there?

Live Whole Health #253: No pain, more gain with Adaptive Tai Chi

Calling All Veteran Service Organizations - Community Catalyst Challenge

Why Veterans are nearly three times more likely to own a franchise compared to non-Veterans

Get ahead of winter emergencies

Did you know? VA can help you avoid foreclosure

VA announces plans to award hundreds of millions in grants, launches new initiative to help homeless Veterans

Social Security Administration simplifies SSI applications

Free 6-week online workshop offers group support for caregivers of Veterans

Dear Caregivers and Veterans,

You are not alone - The holiday season is a time for connection and joy, but for many caregivers, it can also bring unique challenges. If you and your care partner find it difficult to enjoy or participate in holiday festivities, support is available.

Join Building Better Caregivers® (BBC) Online Workshop, a 6-week program designed to provide you with community, tools, and encouragement tailored to your caregiving journey.

Why join?

• Stay connected: Engage with fellow caregivers on your schedule, at your convenience.
• Set goals, find support: Set weekly goals that matter to you, and receive encouragement to meet them.
• Prioritize your well-being: Learn strategies to care for yourself this holiday season.

What caregivers are saying: “This program is very helpful to not only new caregivers but also to seasoned caregivers. It gives a lot of help and resources to both. Even a seasoned caregiver can get a refresher on the basics and learn new skills as well".

To participate, you must be enrolled in either the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) or the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). For more on eligibility and enrollment, visit: caregiver.va.gov.

Learn More

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

January 9, 2025

Blue Star Families STAR Book Program - Aberdeen

January 15, 2025

Women Veteran Wednesdays, Virtual

January 25, 2025

Southern Maryland Veterans Empowerment Expo

Community News

Howard County offers a Tribute to County Veterans & Military Members webpage. The page features photos, bios, military histories and personal updates of service members who were from or at one-time lived in Howard County.

For assistance with completing your submission or for questions about the County’s Veterans and Military Members Tribute initiative, please contact OVMF at veterans@howardcountymd.gov. 

Message from Vehicles for Change:

Veterans, We’ve Got Your Back – Apply for a Vehicle Today! If you’re a Maryland veteran who needs reliable transportation, Vehicles for Change has got your six. You may qualify if you have the following: 

• Valid Maryland driver’s license, 
• Full-time employment (or an offer letter), 
• Ability to obtain insurance
• Funds to cover MVA fees. 

Ready to take the wheel? You can email Vets @ vehiclesforchange.org to learn more about the requirements and take the first step toward a better tomorrow.

Vehicles for Change also accepts donations. Donation is simple - visit www.vehiclesforchange.org to transform your unwanted vehicle into a lifeline for those who served our country and a tax deduction for you.

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

Howard County (orientation scheduled January 30th - flier)

Montgomery County

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

News from Community Building Art Works:

Holiday Week Programs  – VIRTUAL

All CBAW Recurring Programs will continue during the holiday week.  If you're looking for writing or visual art programs, please check out our calendar of events at www.cbaw.org/events.

Military Voices - January 2nd & January 16th 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.

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.

2025 Vision Boards - January 1st

Join Veteran and Artist, Valerie Acosta to create your personal Vision Boards for the New Year. This will be a good way to set some intentions for the year and to have a visual reminder along with some inspiration to accomplish our goals. It can be as detailed or as general as you’d like. You can also use any materials available to you. For more information and to register, click HERE.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientations - January 14th

Join Community Building Art Works in a virtual orientation session to learn more about our program for women and non-binary military (Active Duty and Veterans), More Than One Story. This monthly program uses live, interactive online art and creative writing workshops to create a “Virtual Community Center” where women and non-binary military members gather and experience belonging in a healthy, safe, and connected environment. Individuals interested in participating in MTOS are required to attend one Orientation Session. Additional Orientation dates are forthcoming. Visit www.cbaw.org/mtos for more details. This program is partially funded by the SSG Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program through the VA.

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.