Message from Secretary Woods:

Dear Friends,  April is the Month of the Military Child and honors the unique sacrifices and resilience of military-connected children. Whether it's moving every few years, changing schools, or supporting a parent through deployment or recovery, these kids navigate incredible challenges with strength and grace. Here in Maryland, we’re proud to support more than 35,000 military-connected children—and this year marks our first Month of the Military Child since our name changed to the Department of Veterans and Military Families last July. This change reflects our growing commitment to supporting the whole military family—children included. At DVMF, we see you. We appreciate you. And we honor your service, too. All month long, we’ll be celebrating with events and resources across the state. Be sure to visit veterans.maryland.gov to learn more—we’d love to see you at one of our events! Best, Tony

April is the Month of the Military Child. Check out events and discounts here.

DVMF Website

Yale University's co-ed A cappella group, "Mixed Company" performed for the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Since 1981, Mixed Company has performed on Yale's campus, across the country, and around the world at a variety of venues. Charlotte Hall residents appreciated hearing the intricate harmonies performed by the ensemble.

CPL Nicholas Waters, who served  in the 19th Infantry during the Civil War, was re-interred at the Department of Veterans & Military Families' Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery on March 25th.  At the age of 27, Mr. Waters followed President Lincoln's call to service and joined the then United States Colored Troops.  DVMF is honored to provide the final resting place for CPL Waters.

WBOC news story

Secretary Woods recently toured the University of Maryland's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research & Operations Center located in California, Maryland.

Secretary Woods is interviewed at WYPR Radio.

DVMF IN THE NEWS

Check out our newest feature: DVMF stories and articles from around the state:

• WYPR 88.1FM Interview with Secretary Woods: Transgender military ban puts country's security at risk.

• Chestertown Spy:  On Point Interview with Secretary Woods

For more news and DVMF Press Releases

The Celebration of Life Service for Lt. Colonel Ivan Shelton Ware was held recently and Secretary Woods was invited to be a speaker at the ceremony.  Lt. Colonel Ware was a WWII Veteran and one of the original Tuskegee Airmen (ABC News 7 article).  Also shown in the top photo on the right is Maryland Veterans Commissioner "Chief" Franklin Killebrew, who is a long-time member of East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.

We here at DVMF send our heartfelt condolences to Lt. Colonel Ware's friends, family and the members of the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Photos courtesy of the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen

Governor Moore met with Veterans at a roundtable event held at the American Legion Cook-Pinkney Post #141 in Annapolis.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Governor Wes Moore hosted a roundtable with veteran service organizations to discuss Maryland veterans’ access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and highlight the critical importance of protecting benefits for Maryland’s veterans. The roundtable was convened in partnership with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.

The governor was joined at the American Legion Cook-Pinkney Post #141 in Annapolis by Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Tony Woods and veterans representing the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Student Veterans of America for the discussion.

Veterans shared personal stories about how health care and other benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have shaped their lives and the lives of the Maryland veterans they serve. They underscored the critical role of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in providing life-saving support through the Veterans Crisis Line—which helps prevent veteran suicide—and providing specialized cancer treatment through the PACT Act for those affected by toxic exposure. 

Amidst the federal government’s proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—which would undermine access to veterans health care, benefits, and the full implementation of the PACT Act—the governor reaffirmed Maryland’s commitment to serving veterans across the state. The governor committed to continuing the Moore-Miller Administration’s work in partnership with veteran service organizations to ensure that the dignity of veterans is honored.

Governor Moore hosted the Maryland Legislative Veterans Caucus at Government House.  Secretary Woods also attended and is in the front row, far right.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Spotlight on Education: University of Baltimore - TODAY

Spotlight on Education: University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus has joined DVMF’s Maryland Joins Forces (MJF) initiative.  MJF is an initiative designed to mobilize partners across sectors to meaningfully address issues affecting veterans and military families. MJF is centered around five focus areas. Focus Areas and Desired Outcome (1) Employment: Reduce veteran & military spouse unemployment and make it easier for spouses to transition to the state without career disruptions. (2) Food and Housing Insecurity: Ensure no military connected family experiences food insecurity and eliminate homelessness amongst veteran families. (3) Education: Members of the military-connected community gain the skills and credentials they need to find meaningful employment and contribute to a thriving Maryland economy. (4) Health and Wellness: Military connected families live healthier lives – both physically and mentally with increased access to health and wellness resources. (5) Volunteer Service: Increase the number of opportunities for members of the military connected community to serve alongside their non-military connected neighbors to reduce the civil-military divide.

Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Keith Hauk, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Secretary Woods, DVMF.

Photo courtesy of UMGC

Registration

Spotlight on Education: Prince George's Community College:

Consumer Alert: Marylanders Should Consider Taking Steps to Protect Highly Sensitive Personal Data Held by 23andMe

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a consumer alert concerning the recent bankruptcy filing of genetic information company 23andMe. 23andMe’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy has raised concerns about how consumers genetic information will be protected.

23andMe, which experienced a data breach last year that compromised more than seven million people’s genetic information, has stated that it intends to continue operating throughout the bankruptcy proceedings. The bankruptcy may result in the transfer or sale of the genetic information held by the company. 23andMe has reassured consumers, however, that they “still have the ability to delete their data and 23andMe account.”

Attorney General Brown reminds Marylanders that genetic information is highly sensitive information and suggests to Marylanders that they consider deleting their accounts to protect their personal information. Consumers who wish to delete their 23andMe account and the sensitive information that it contains can log into their 23andMe account and, using the account settings, permanently delete their 23andMe data by following the steps on this page: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004944654-What-s-In-Your-Account-Settings.

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

With Sonar and Some Patience, Maryland Geologists Paint a Picture of the Bay Floor: Mapping project gives state insight into oysters, future restoration sites

Maryland Geological Survey Director Stephen Van Ryswick said bottom surveys could help to identify restoration opportunities in rivers and shallow waterways, areas that are a primary concern of Maryland's Whole Watershed Act. Read more.

Maryland’s Parks and Public Lands Welcome the Warmth with New Picnic Areas and Boat Launches, Upgraded Paths, and Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails

For every outdoor enthusiast in every part of the state, Maryland's state parks and public lands offer new and upgraded amenities that visitors can check out this year. See what's been added at your favorite location or try someplace new! Read more.

Cold Water Safety: Rising Air Temperatures Don’t Equal Warm Water Temperatures

While spring can be an ideal time to be on the water for anglers, boaters, and paddlers, it can also be dangerous. The National Weather Service defines water as being cold if its temperature is 70 degrees or lower. In most of Maryland, average water temperatures are lower than 70 for all but the hottest summer months. 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

Secretary Woods served as the guest speaker for the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event hosted by the Silver Spring Vet Center.  This event was attended by more than 100 Veterans and guests.

Shown in this photo are: Wayne Miller, Director of Silver Spring Vet Center, Secretary Woods, George "Ed" Benedict, Counselor and Wayne Stinchcomb, Veteran Outreach Program Specialist.

More information about the U. S. Vet Centers.

Military Women's Memorial

Women Veterans - Register your service here.

Federal News

Honoring the legacy and contributions of Vietnam women Veterans

VA telehealth study recruiting Veterans now. Veterans must be at least 60

Blind TeleRehabilitation provides virtual services to Veterans with vision loss

Veteran Buddy Link helps Veterans seeking friendship, support

Suicide prevention: Self-check assessment

How VA is taking action to prevent Veterans Suicide - Part Two

Preventing suicide among women Veterans

Are you interested in a career in S.T.E.M.?

Preventing homelessness of Veterans impacted by job loss

Homelessness among female Veterans in 2024

Leading the fight against Veteran food insecurity

Live Whole Health #265: Calming the body's alarm system

Live Whole Health #266: Wrap it Up!

Two telehealth resources help you eat healthier

Learn how to access capital for your small business

Find scholarships for Veterans at Scholarship America

Free app seeks to match Veterans with personalized list of benefits

Veterans Experience CX Video 2025

Preparing for tornadoes and spring storms

In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Prudential Financial, Outreach, Transition, and Economic Development (OTED) offers Veterans, transitioning Service members (TSMs), spouses, their family members, and caregivers, the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Wednesday Financial Educational series. The series has been cultivated to address financial literacy gaps across the military and Veteran community and is comprised of two programs, 1) an online website portal that contains a roster of financial literacy information and resources available at  www.prudential.com/wellbeing-hub, and, 2) the Wellness Wednesday Financial education series, offered the 3^rd Wednesday of every month that focuses on a variety of topics such as; 1) purchasing a home; 2) paying for college; 3) planning for retirement; and 4) learning the building blocks of how to save, budget, and make a return on investments. More information

News from the IRS

You can file your federal taxes online securely, easily and for free directly with the IRS using Direct File.

The web-based service offers guided help in English and Spanish to prepare and you’re your federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer in 25 participating states. You can even import certain data from your IRS account. Check out this Fact Sheet to learn who can use Direct File.

Direct File can also connect you to a free state-supported preparation and filing tool after you finish your federal tax return.

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

April 4, 2025

3rd Annual Veterans Claims Clinic, Glen Arden

April 5, 2025

The Mission Continues Baltimore Platoon volunteer effort for Earth Day, Filbert Street Garden, Baltimore

Blue Star Families Beach Clean-up, Pasadena

VA Claims Clinic, American Legion Post 175, Severna Park

April 8, 2025

Federal Workers Career Fair, Columbia

April 10, 2025

Military Mixer, Clarksburg

April 11, 2025

VSBE Certification Workshop, Frederick

April 12, 2025

Finding Eggs at the Foxie G. Foundation, Union Bridge

April 13, 2025

Veterans Day Adaptive Fishing at Patapsco, Halethorpe

April 14, 2025

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Ft. Meade

April 15, 2025

ServingTogether Caregiver Connect, Virtual

Veterans Book Club, Laurel

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Bel Air

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Mt. Airy

Blue Star Families: 5 Timeless Investing Principles for Teens, Severn

April 16, 2025

Re-entry Job Fair, Oxon Hill

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, NAS Pax River

April 17, 2025

Service Members, Veterans and Families Monthly Workshop Series, Virtual, offered by Maryland's Commitment to Veterans, Registration

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Hanover

April 18, 2025

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect, Annapolis

April 19, 2025

Veterans Claims Clinic and referrals for Prostate Cancer Screening, Catonsville

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Gilbert Run Park, Charlotte Hall, Register

Month of the Military Child: Operation Outdoor Fun, Thurmont

Month of the Military Child Celebration, Chesapeake Beach

The Salute Military Golf Association Spring Golf Clinics begin, Olney

April 22, 2025

SilentVets.org 2025 Charity Golf Tournament, Windsor Mill

PACT Act Veterans Claims Clinic, Columbia

DAV Claims Clinic - Suitland

Build a Step-by-Step System to Win More State Contracts, Virtual

April 23, 2025

Easterseals: Women Veteran Wednesdays

April 24, 2025

U.S. Navy Band Country Current, Prince Frederick

April 25, 2025

Veteran Stand Down 50, Cambridge

April 26, 2025

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, St. Mary’s River State Park, Leonardtown, Register

Veterans Stand Down 50, Salisbury

Blue Star Families STEM Fest, Ft. Meade

Inaugural Fed Day for Displaced Federal Workers, Waldorf

Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services, Employee & Community Veterans Outreach Clinic, Baltimore

April 27, 2025

Blue Star Families Storytime and Craft, Churchville

April 28, 2025

Howard County Month of the Military Child, Columbia

April 29, 2025

Project Opportunity: Free Entrepreneur Workshop, Waldorf, Register

Our Community Salutes 2025 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony, Columbia

April 30, 2025

Harford County Veteran Benefits Workshop, Edgewood

Operation Base Camp: Veterans Information & Resource Session, Virtual

CRAB: Military Sailing Days, Annapolis

May 1, 2025

DAV/Recruit Military Hiring Event, Baltimore

May 3, 2025

1st Annual Adaptive Sports Day, Annapolis

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Public Boat Ramp, Chesapeake Beach, Register

May 4, 2025

4th Annual Veterans Celebration of Carroll County, Westminster

Community News

American Corporate Partners receives 2025 Citizen Honors Award for Community Service

The Mission Continues, Baltimore Platoon Volunteer Opportunity, Baltimore

Blue Star Families announces Coffee Connect dates for April

NAMI offers Pop-Up Veteran Connection Support Group, Towson

Veteran Yoga Project (VYP) Mindful Movement Yoga Class

Platoon 22 Upcoming events, More information, Frederick

Montgomery County Adds Accessible Boat Launch at Black Hills Park in Clarksburg

Howard County Tribute Page for Veterans & Military Members

Vets Training Academy: Women in Technology Program, Washington, DC

Howard County’s Veteran Service Organizations will conduct a U.S. flag retirement ceremony at 11:00am on Saturday April 19th at the Ellicott City VFW Hall on VFW Lane.  You are invited to attend and observe this patriotic ceremony rendering final honors to our Nation’s Colors. 

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 CRAB Sailing

CRAB Military Support Programs

May 10th: Recovering Warriors Sailing Regatta

Military Sailing Days

News from Community Building Art Works (CBAW): 

Visual Art Programs - Wednesdays 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 artist, Angie Ebba, on Wednesday, April 23rd at 7pm EST for Slow-Stitched Collage to learn about the meditative and grounding practice of slow stitching in this 90 minute workshop. Learn more about Visual Art Programs and register HERE.

Body as a Poem: Writing Through the Layers - April 17th 7pm EST (Virtual) Our bodies carry stories of change, bouncebackability, and connection. In this workshop, we’ll explore the body as a site of transformation and creativity, using writing prompts to draw on physical sensations, memories, and the world around us. Join award-winning poet and author of Consider the Rooster, Oliver Baez Bendorf, Thursday, April 17th at 7pm EST for this workshop in our series in partnership with the Strathmore. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to write. This workshop will be recorded and available to those who register. Register at https://bit.ly/cbaw-strathmore.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientations - May 20th (Virtual)

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.

See the full list of programs at https://cbaw.org/events/. For more information, email info@cbaw.org.

Future Events: Save the Date

May 10, 2025: Baltimore Station Fundraiser: Off to the Races, Baltimore

May 10, 2025: CRAB Recovering Warriors Sailing Regatta, Annapolis

May 12, 2025: VA Resource Fair, Ft. Meade

May 13, 2025: Annapolis Vet Center Annual Open House, Annapolis

May 17, 2025: Lifeline Horse Rescue and LETS Program Spring Open House, Gaithersburg

May 18, 2025: EveryMile for EveryMind 5K & 1K Fun Run/Walk, Flier, Volunteer Information

May 21, 2025: Operation Base Camp Career & Resource Fair, Oxen Hill

May 21, 2025: Ft. Meade Community Job Fair, Ft. Meade

May 23. 2025: Joint Base Andrews Golf Tournament to benefit Armed Forces Retirement Home

May 28, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days, Annapolis

May 31, 2025: The Mission Continues, Baltimore Platoon Volunteer Opportunity, Baltimore

June 5, 2025: Good Vibes & Voices Concert & Event, Elkridge

June 12, 2025: Prince George's Community College Veteran Shark Tank, Clarksburg

June 28, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days, Annapolis

July 19, 2025: 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day, Frederick, Watch video

July 30, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days, Annapolis

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.