Message from Secretary Woods: 

Dear Friends, In 1964, Everett Alvarez Jr., a naval aviator, was shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. He endured over eight years as a prisoner of war with remarkable bravery. After his release, he continued to serve with honor and subsequently built a second career right here in Maryland. His story serves as a testament to the incredible contributions veterans make to our community - even after enduring hardships while in uniform.  Earlier this month, the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, announced that the seventh Constellation-class frigate would be named the USS Everett Alvarez in honor of CDR (Ret.) Alvarez.  As we remember his story, we also want to express our heartfelt thanks to all Vietnam veterans. Welcome home! Sincerely, Tony

Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. USN (Ret.) on the right, recently learned a Constellation-class guided missile frigate will be named after him, the USS Everett Alvarez Jr. (FGG 68).  Commander Alvarez served as a Navy Aviator during the Vietnam War and was held captive at Hoa Lo Prison after being shot down near Hanoi.  Read about Commander Alvarez' career here: navy.mil press release and Uniformed Service University News

This photo was taken at the Commanders vs Giants football game. Photo courtesy of MDGovpics.

The 2024 DVMF Annual Report is now available.  You may read it here.

DVMF Website

Unaccompanied Burials Scheduled at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Cemetery Program will be hosting a dignified burial ceremony to honor and pay respects to unaccompanied veterans.

This ceremony will take place on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 am honoring:

CPL Martin L. King, USMC

Dates of service: 1/18/1944 - 7/27/1946

SP4 Samuel O. Tubman, USA

Dates of service: 7/10/1970 - 2/1/1972

Location:

Crownsville Veterans Cemetery

1122 Sunrise Beach Road

Crownsville, MD 21032

All are welcome to attend.  Ceremony will include an Honor Guard and the playing of Taps.   

Questions may be directed to the Cemetery Program at 410-923-6981.         

MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home residents were treated to the Ravens vs. Browns Game at M&T Bank Stadium. Thank you to the Maryland Stadium Authority staff for their help in making the arrangements for the visit.

News from the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development that are taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month. 1/24/2025 - Winning An Award for a Government Contract - Session 1 1/27/2025 - Volunteer Day at Offshore Wind Experience Hub 1/28/2025 - Understanding the Construction Surety Bond Process for any Size Contractor 1/28/2025 - T.I.P.S. Webinar Series: Master Your Website for Business Success 1/29/2025 - The Side Hustle: How Create a Business and Generate Extra Income 1/31/2025 - Applications Due for Maryland Offshore Wind Market Entry Coaching 2/05/2025 - A.I. in Marketing - 2 Part Series: Part 1 - Using A.I. Tools to Maximize Your Marketing 2/11/2025 - Prime Contracting in Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program 2/12/2025 - Part 2: Essential Marketing Technology - Integrating A.I. Tools into your Business and Marketing Process 2/14/2025 - Maryland VSBE & SBR Programs Certification Workshop Series 2/25/2025 - Small Business Finance Basics Check out the full listing of small business events online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov

The Faces of 22 Photography exhibit is now installed in the General Assembly's House Office Building in Annapolis.  Stop by and view this memorial portrait collection, if you are in Annapolis. Read more about the original exhibit located at the Veterans Service Center in Frederick here.

Flag Retirement Ceremony in Howard County

State and County Elected Officials, Veteran Service Organization Leaders, and Friends of Veterans and Military Families,

Howard County’s Veteran Service Organizations will conduct a U.S. flag retirement ceremony at 11:00am on Saturday January 25^th at the Ellicott City VFW Hall on VFW Lane.  All are invited to observe this patriotic ceremony rendering final honors to our Nation’s Colors. Of special interest for this ceremony will be the formal retirement of a 60’ x 80’ US Flag that formerly flew over the NSA HQ at Fort Meade.

Veteran Service Organization (VSO) members from Howard County’s American Legion Posts 156 and 300, VFW Post 7472, and Marine Corps League Detachment 1084 will participate in the January 25^th ceremony along with members of the Civil Air Patrol and Scouts. The Charles Carroll Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, representatives of the Maryland Gold Star Mother’s, and representatives of the Maryland Chapter Chesapeake Blue Star Mothers will also be represented at the ceremony.

Prior to the 11am ceremony, volunteers will prepare hundreds of frayed and tattered U.S. flags for their respectful retirement starting at 9:00am. Almost all the flags were previously dropped off by Howard County community members at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Resident’s Convenience Center on Marriottsville Road.

For more information on Howard County’s VSO Flag Retirement Ceremony, please contact: Marv Stocker, Vice Commander American Legion Post 156, email mwstocker@icloud.com or Greg Jolissaint, Public Affairs Officer, American Legion Post 156, email pao_legion_post_156_maryland@yahoo.com

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

DNR Seeks Community and Environmental Leaders for Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Nominations

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is creating a new public nomination process for the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay award  for individuals who have organized communities, led restoration efforts, and helped improve the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Read more.

DNR Surveys Public for Land Preservation and Recreation Plan

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has initiated a process to create an updated Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, as well as the first Maryland State Parks Strategic Plan. DNR is collecting responses from residents through an online survey conducted a third-party market research firm. Read more.

Department of Natural Resources Expands Dead Wild Bird Collection Efforts Due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources expanded its long-term contract with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide more wildlife technicians in the state to dispose of dead waterfowl, raptors, and other birds that could be carrying Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Read more.

Natural Resources Careers Camp Applications Accepted Now

Mid-Atlantic region high school students interested in camping, fishing, hunting, tree-planting, and other outdoor activities have an opportunity to join the Natural Resources Careers Camp in Garrett County this summer. This week-long co-ed program is designed for high school students seeking to explore career paths and college opportunities in the realm of natural resources. Maryland students may be eligible to have some costs covered. Read more.

2025 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Convened

The Maryland General Assembly is currently meeting in Annapolis for the 2025 Legislative Session.  As a service to the veteran community, information on proposed legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:

2025 Legislative Information

You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the:

Maryland General Assembly Website

DVMF will also attend this Resource Fair.

Federal News

What is the Pact Act all about? Webinar

VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention Training Webinar

Preventing and managing a suicide crisis

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

Defense Health Agency News: Reduce Cold Weather Injuries This Winter

January is Blood Donor Month, health.mil article

Winter: 'Tis the season to tend to your health

VA Health Connect reaches millions of Veterans

VA Hospital News: National Salute to Veteran Patients

Long-term care facilities enhance lives of Veterans

Four VA virtual care resources for caregivers

Live Whole Health #256: Unlock relaxation with intentional breathing

Live Whole Health #257: You should know Squat!

2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available

Join VFW's exclusive gaming league for Veterans

U.S. Census: What are Veterans' job prospects after they serve?

Sports4Vets registration season is here

Learn about Maryland VA's Adaptive Sports Program here

Veteran empowerment program seeking applicants for a new season of adventures

Feb. 5th: VA Black History Month Event

VA offers extensive resources for military spouses

The IRS reminds members of the military and veterans that they may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Don’t miss out. Visit: www.irs.gov/eitc

VA’s Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) submitted a report to Congress about the possible health effects that service members may experience due to exposure to jet fuels. This report was required by the PACT Act and provides a summary of the available information. Read More Here

VA Don't Forget: Create Your Sign-In Account Today

After January 31, 2025, you won’t be able to sign in to VA online services with a My HealtheVet user ID and password. Don’t worry. Your My HealtheVet health portal isn’t going away. You’ll just need to sign in to it with a different secure sign-in account. Learn how to create your sign-in account

Announcement of Funding Opportunity for Building CBO Capacity to Evaluate Veteran Suicide Prevention Programs

We are excited to announce a funding opportunity for the Building CBO Capacity to Evaluate Veteran Suicide Prevention Programs in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Safe States Alliance. This grant opportunity is designed to provide veteran serving organizations (VSOs) or nonprofits working to serve the veteran community access to intensive evaluation technical assistance from the CDC Foundation and subject matter expertise about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Suicide Prevention Resource for Action (Prevention Resource). Specifically, this grant will provide funding (up to $72,000 each for up to two (2) veteran serving organizations in the first award period) to build evaluation capacity for an approved suicide prevention program. This competitive grant program will strengthen the evaluation capacity of organizations, improving their ability to implement data-informed prevention strategies and add to the evidence-based approaches for suicide prevention.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) is now available with submissions due Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 5:00pm EST. The complete RFP and supporting materials, including important dates for the upcoming pre-bidders conference scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can be found here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=b3c15172b7c64090aa6ef02fa4a4682b.

We invite veteran serving organizations to respond to the request for proposals. Questions regarding this RFP can be directed to VSPevaluation@cdcfoundation.org up to Monday, January 20, 2025. Please share this opportunity with your partners and other organizations who may be interested.

Navy names ship for Megan McClung, first female Naval Academy grad killed in combat:

Baltimore Banner article

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 24, 2025

Frederick Veteran Coffee Social

Women's Veterans Breakfast, Lexington Park

January 25, 2025

MOAA Monthly Meeting Invitation, with presentation by DVMF, Ellicott City

Southern Maryland Veterans Empowerment Expo

Therapeutic Horticulture, Nanjemoy

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect - Virtual

Women Veterans Baby Shower, Washington, DC

January 29, 2025

Hiring Our Heroes Virtual Career Summit

February 4, 2025

Operation Annapolis

February 8, 2025

Healthy Hearts, Strong Bonds: A workshop for Military Families with Teens, Virtual

February 10, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Project, Temple Hills

Resilience in Action: How Yoga Can Help First Responders

February 11, 2025

VA Resource Fair, Ft. Meade PX

February 12 & 13, 2025

Amplify & Military Spouse Hiring Event, Ft. Meade (12th) and Annapolis (13th)

Operation Second Chance Guided Group Sound Meditation, Leonardtown

February 14, 2025

Women Veterans Coffee Social, Lexington Park

February 15, 2025

NABVETS Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Banquet, Baltimore

Therapeutic Horticulture, La Plata

February 17, 2025

Blue Star Coffee Connect, Ft. Meade PX

February 18, 2025

Blue Star Coffee Connect, Bel Air

February 19, 2025

Women Veteran Wednesdays, Virtual

Blue Star Coffee Connect, NAS Pax River

Blue Star Coffee Connect, Prince Frederick

February 20, 2025

VA Claims Clinic & Resource Fair, Reveille Grounds, Baltimore

Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Monthly Workshop Series, Registration

Blue Star Coffee Connect, Ft. Meade/Hanover

February 21, 2025

Blue Star Coffee Connect, Annapolis

Women's Veterans Breakfast, Lexington Park

February 22, 2025

Therapeutic Horticulture, Nanjemoy

January 29, 2025

Price George's County Base Camp: Veterans Career and Resource Session

Community News

Montgomery County is seeking volunteers for the Annual Point-in-Time Count - annual survey of unhoused individuals scheduled for January 29th.  Read more here

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.

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

Howard County (orientation scheduled January 30th - flier)

Entrepreneur Training for Spouses of Veterans, Active Duty & Guard/Reserve Personnel, Aberdeen (orientation scheduled for February 19th - flier)

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

Montgomery County (orientation scheduled for February 24th - flier)

Future Events: Save the Date

March 10, 2025: Mental Health Awareness Project, Temple Hills

March 22, 2025: Therapeutic Horticulture, La Plata

March 27, 2025: Silver Spring Vet Center - Remembering Vietnam Veterans

March 29, 2025: PTSD Support for Loved Ones, Twin Beaches Library, North Beach

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

April 25, 2025: Veteran Stand Down 50, Cambridge

April 26, 2025: Veterans Stand Down 50, Salisbury

April 26, 2025: Military Children 2025 Word Expo, Arlington

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.