Message from Secretary Woods:

Dear Friends, This week, we had the privilege of joining the Frederick Chamber of Commerce for a roundtable discussion with veteran entrepreneurs and small business leaders. It was an inspiring opportunity to hear directly from those who are driving Maryland’s economic growth, including the owners of Wag’s, a Marine veteran-owned restaurant, and Dynamic Automotive, owned by an Army veteran. The conversations highlighted an important lesson: the best ideas often come from the local level, not from Annapolis. Our veteran entrepreneurs are not only contributing to the economy, but are also leading the way in innovation and job creation. These efforts align with Governor Moore’s vision for an economy that works for everyone, ensuring veteran-owned businesses have the support they need to thrive. Thank you to the Frederick Chamber for hosting such an impactful event, and to all the veterans who continue to strengthen our communities through their hard work and dedication. Best, Tony

We are observing the Month of the Military Child here at DVMF.  This is the administrative office at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery.

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

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home staff in purple on Purple Up Day for the Month of the Military Child.

Purple Star Schools were in the spotlight as military-connected families were treated to a special afternoon in the Governor’s Box at an Orioles Game as part of our Month of the Military Child celebration. Maryland is proud to have eight designated Purple Star Schools supporting military-connected students.

To find out more about the nationwide Purple Star School Program visit here. 

To learn more about Maryland's Purple Star Schools visit here.

DVMF IN THE NEWS

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

WHUR 96.3FM: https://whur.com/news/children-of-military-families-in-maryland/

Afro Newspapers:  https://afro.com/maryland-month-military-child/ 

For more news and DVMF Press Releases

DVMF Website

Please Note: The next edition of the DVMF newsletter will be published on Monday, May 5, 2025 instead of Friday, May 2nd.

News from American Corporate Partners

Free Career Guidance: Get a Job Through American Corporate Partners

American Corporate Partners (ACP) connects post-9/11 Veterans with seasoned professionals in top U.S. companies for customized career guidance. Veterans find meaningful employment, whether in a higher-paying job or a promotion. Gain invaluable guidance, expand your network, and navigate your career transition with personalized support. Apply today and take the next step towards your professional success with ACP! The average starting salary for Veterans who use ACP is $90,000!"

Application

*American Corporate Partners is a member of Maryland Joins Forces

Veteran Small Business Federal & State Updates

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

10 a.m. - 12 noon

In honor of National Small Business and Military Appreciation Month, you will hear from veteran small business resources including the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and our own Maryland's Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program. We will also be joined by a VSBE Liaison with the Maryland Department of General Services to share VSBE best practices. We will take a look at the certification process at both the State and Federal levels, review common procurement best practices, tactics, and protocols to help veteran business owners compete with greater confidence.

Who should attend? Veteran-owned business owners and entrepreneurs who are ready and able to compete for opportunities in the federal & state contracting arena.

Register

Gilchrist Cares held the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event on March 30th.  See more photos and information here.

Army.mil article

Zero Deaths Maryland: What to do in a roadside emergency

Although there are multiple suggested actions that can increase motorists' safety during an incident, there is not one single set of procedures that can guarantee the safety of drivers and passengers. Remember, every situation is different, and motorists and passengers should prepare, assess, use good judgment and stay vigilant to ensure they make the best decisions based on their specific roadside emergency.   Read More on Roadside Emergencies  ZeroDeathsMD.gov/RoadsideSafety

Maryland Department of Technologies

From Try to Buy: Accessing Hearing Aids & Hearing technology

April 22, 2025

10am – 11am

From audiology assessments to funding, understanding prescription versus over-the-counter hearing aids, and pertinent resources to get your hearing health in check, MDTAP shares info and in-depth hearing technology overviews.

Presented by Lori Berrong, Executive Director, MDTAP

Register Here

Consumer Alert from Maryland's Attorney General

Understanding the FTC’s “Click-to-Cancel” Rule

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a consumer alert on a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule, which is quickly approaching the deadline for compliance – May 14, 2025 – and will make it easier for consumers to go online and cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships. The new “Click-to-Cancel” Rule went into effect on January 14, 2025, although businesses were given until mid-May to comply with the new rule that establishes a simple way for consumers to cancel subscriptions and memberships, rather than forcing consumers to jump through hoops.

The digital world we live in makes it easier than ever for businesses to sign up consumers for their products and services. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to monitor or cancel these purchases online, with many of these businesses making it difficult or confusing for their customers to keep track of their memberships or to cancel them.

In June 2023, Attorney General Brown supported changes to an existing FTC rule so that it would better protect consumers from deceptive auto-renewal programs and plans. These changes resulted in the creation of the new Click-to-Cancel rule.

Under the Click-to-Cancel Rule, it must be as easy for you to cancel as it was for you to sign up. In other words, a business that had you sign up online must provide you with a simple online means of cancelling.

With the addition of the Click-to-Cancel Rule, the FTC’s Negative Option Rule helps ensure that you are informed about the terms of any offer, protects you from unwanted charges and makes canceling subscriptions and memberships much simpler, saving your time and your money. A copy of that published rule is available on the Federal Register: Negative Option Rule.

More information about the Click-to-Cancel Rule is available from the FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/NegOptions-1page-Oct2024-v2.pdf.

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Safe Storage of Hunting Firearms Keeps Them Out of the Wrong Hands

Many hunters have already put their weapons of choice into storage, at least until spring turkey season. While firearm safety during hunting season is covered extensively during Maryland's hunter education program, safe firearm storage out of season is one topic that hunters should always review and practice. Read more.

Leaf Language and Root Words: How Plants Communicate

Getting out into nature can be a relief for those of us looking for some peace and quiet. Although the forests, rivers, mountains, or dunes may feel tranquil and devoid of chatter, a barely perceived symphony of plant communication lies just on the edge of human understanding. Read more and check out the spring edition of HabiChat.

2025 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest is Now Open!

Each year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites photographers to test their skills by capturing the most beautiful photographs of the state’s flora and fauna as they can. Winners will be featured on our 2026 DNR calendar, and we're also looking for photos for our new cards that can be purchased for hunting and fishing licenses. Visit our website for details on entering!

Maryland’s Spring Turkey Season Opens for 2025

Maryland’s statewide spring wild turkey season opens this month, beginning with the Junior Turkey Hunt on April 12. The regular spring turkey season opens for all hunters on April 18 and runs through May 23. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources anticipates that hunters should have ample opportunity due to recent increases in turkey numbers in many areas. Read more.

As Maryland’s Black Bears Emerge from Winter Dens, Residents and Visitors Can Help Keep Them Wild

In portions of the state, black bears have vacated their dens and started exploring the areas around them. Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises residents and visitors to avoid creating man-made bear attractions. Read more

2025 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Ended

The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned for the 2025 Legislative Session. As a service to the veteran and military-connected community, information on legislation of interest is provided below:

2025 Legislative Information

You may check the status of other legislation considered in 2025 by visiting the:

Maryland General Assembly Website

Military-connected family members held the display of stars in the opening ceremony for the Army Navy Men's Lacrosse Game held on April 12th at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Photo courtesy of Navy Athletics

Federal News

Have your buddy's six: Know your role in preventing Veteran suicide

You're in the driver's seat: Making VA Health care work for you

Adapt Your Car with VA

The Women Veteran step-by-step guide to benefits and services

Pregnant Women Veterans: VA's maternity care coordinators are here for you

Live Whole Health #267: Be gentle, please!

Live Whole Health #268: Play Ball!

Should you go to the emergency room or urgent care?

Be vigilant of scammers targeting Special Monthly Compensation benefits, Purple Heart recipients

Detect to Protect: Safeguard Your Family from Online Threats

Join VFW's exclusive gaming league for Veterans

Blue Star Families: Preventing a crisis before it occurs for my Veteran spouse

Empowering caregivers through connection and peer support

Free resource for Veteran research and data

April 23rd: Join VA is supporting a National Day of Service

Silver Spring Vet Center: Monthly Service Dog Training Workshop and Puppy Petting

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 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 20, 2025

Lifeline Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation LETS Program - Free for Veterans, service members and their families, Gaithersburg

Lifeline Equine Therapy Services - Quantum Healing Activation & Yoga - Free for Veterans and service members, Gaithersburg

April 22, 2025

Veteran Mentor Training for Veterans Treatment Court, Baltimore

SilentVets.org 2025 Charity Golf Tournament, Windsor Mill

PACT Act Veterans Claims Clinic, Columbia

DAV Claims Clinic - Suitland

Small Business Webinar Series: Build a Step-by-Step System to Win More State Contracts, Virtual

Patuxent River Job Fair, Lexington Park

ServingTogether Caregiver Connect, Virtual, Register

April 23, 2025

Easterseals: Women Veteran Wednesdays

START Family Book Clubs, Severn Branch Library

April 24, 2025

U.S. Navy Band Country Current, Prince Frederick

Women Veterans of Southern Maryland Ice Cream Social, California

Fundraiser for The Baltimore Station, Take a Swing for Recovery, Baltimore

April 25, 2025

Veteran Stand Down 50, Cambridge

Calvert County & ServingTogether Veterans Initiative, Lusby

University of Maryland Global Campus Friday Vetworking, LaPlata, Register

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

MOAA Ft. Meade Chapter April Meeting, Ellicott City

PTSD Support for Loved Ones, Twin Beaches Branch Library

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

Maryland Workforce Association Virtual Job Fair for Federal Employees and Contractors

May 2, 2025

Carroll Community College Student Veterans induction into SALUTE, the Veterans National Honor Society, Westminster

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

Blue Star Families Grow Where You Go: A Military Spouse Appreciation Event, Elkridge

May 6, 2025

Fourth Annual Veteran Stand Down, Perry Point VA Medical Center

May 9, 2025

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Sunset Paddle, Chapel Point State Park, Port Tobacco, Register

May 10, 2025

Baltimore Station Fundraiser: Off to the Races, Baltimore

CRAB Recovering Warriors Sailing Regatta, Annapolis

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, King's Landing Park, Huntingtown, Register

May 12, 2025

VA Resource Fair, Ft. Meade

American Legion Post 276 Golf Tournament, Crofton

May 13, 2025

Annapolis Vet Center Annual Open House, Annapolis

Platoon Veterans Service Center at Goodwill Open House, Frederick

Small Business Webinar Series: Veteran Small Business Federal & State Updates, Virtual

May 17, 2025

Lifeline Horse Rescue and LETS Program Spring Open House, Gaithersburg

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Special Event, Point Lookout State Park, Scotland, Register

May 18, 2025

EveryMile for EveryMind 5K & 1K Fun Run/Walk, Flier, Volunteer Information

Community News

BGE offers Energizing Small Business Grants Program

Recruiting for a Johns Hopkins Study: Read More Here

NAMI provides online mental health resources for military service members, Veterans and their families

Team River Runner offers kayaking events for Veterans in Southern Maryland

April 19: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Gilbert Run Park, Charlotte Hall, Register

April 26: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, St. Mary’s River State Park, Leonardtown, Register

May 3: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Public Boat Ramp, Chesapeake Beach, Register

May 9: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Sunset Paddle, Chapel Point State Park, Port Tobacco, Register

May 10: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, King's Landing Park, Huntingtown, Register

May 17: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Special Event, Point Lookout State Park, Scotland, Register

May 24: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Memorial Day Weekend Event, Mallows Bay, Nanjemoy, Register

May 31: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Women Veterans Event, St. Mary’s River State Park, Leonardtown, Register

News from Community Building Art Works (CBAW)

Calling all Artists! Submit work before May 22nd for Digital Art Exhibit All artists are welcome to submit work that has been created in honor of a fallen service member for this year's Memorial Day Project, a special digital art exhibit, We Remember. Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and all mediums are welcome. As in the past years, our visual art programs for the month of May will be dedicated to the Memorial Day Project and will be facilitated by our core visual art facilitators - Valerie Acosta, Shaun Smith and Joe Merritt. All are welcome to work on a piece to be submitted for the digital art exhibit. See below for the topics that will be covered throughout the month. Register for visual art today HERE! Topics:

Photo Transfer Methods Drawing/Painting Portraits Mixed/Media and Collage

Submissions for the Memorial Day Project are due on Thursday, May 22nd.  We Remember: A Digital Art Exhibit will be showcased at this year's Memorial Day Creative Sanctuary scheduled for Monday, May 26th and will be available to view on our website. Submit work at https://bit.ly/WeRememberArtworkSubmission.

Memorial Day Creative Sanctuary - Monday, May 26th 12pm (Virtual) On Monday, May 26th, Memorial Day, join us for a special Creative Sanctuary at 12pm EST. This event offers a welcoming space for art, writing, meditation, and meaningful connection. Bring a project you’re working on or something that inspires you to share with the group. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply seeking a moment of calm during Memorial Day, this open art/writing session is for you. Together, we’ll explore our creative sides, find tranquility, and build connections in a supportive environment. We Remember, a Digital Art Exhibit in honor of fallen service members will be showcased. All are welcome, and tickets are free. Donations are accepted to support Community Building Art Works programs for Veterans, service members, military families, and healthcare workers. Register at https://WeRemember_CreativeSanctuary.eventbrite.com.

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.

News from ServingTogether

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/

News from JTCC

We’re excited to share that a few spots are still available for Session IV of our Spring Adaptive Tennis classes at JTCC – and we’d love to see you on court!

With specialized offerings for veterans, individuals with physical disabilities (both standing and wheelchair players), and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, we have a FREE class tailored for every player to learn, grow, and enjoy the game.

JTCC is a tennis center in College Park, MD with a mission of Tennis for Everybody. We're committed to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by offering engaging and meaningful ways to connect through tennis—whether through classes, training, social events, or competitions.

We welcome new players of all experience levels, and no prior tennis experience is necessary. Tennis rackets and sports wheelchairs are available for those who need them—just let us know!

Register

Future Events: Save the Date

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 24: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Memorial Day Weekend Event, Mallows Bay, Nanjemoy, Register

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

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

May 31: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans, Women Veterans Event, St. Mary’s River State Park, Leonardtown, Register

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

June 9, 2025: 250th Army Birthday Volleyball Tournament, Ft. Meade

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.