Message from Secretary Woods:

Dear friends, May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder that mental health is health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength. Across Maryland, we’re joining the statewide #GoGreenMD campaign to break stigma and show solidarity with those navigating mental health and substance use challenges. If you or a fellow veteran needs someone to talk to, please know you are not alone. Support is available: Call 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line Visit your local Vet Center for confidential counseling and peer support Meet with one of our accredited service officers to get connected with VA care Maryland is home to Vet Centers in Aberdeen, Annapolis, Baltimore, Cambridge, Clinton, Dundalk, Elkton, Salisbury, and Silver Spring. You can find your nearest location here. Let’s continue to show up for one another—not just this month, but every day. Best, Tony

DVMF Website

DVMF IN THE NEWS

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

For more news and DVMF Press Releases

Maryland's Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Secretary Anthony Woods, DVMF staff and many volunteers from community organizations participated in a military family based event, "Soar Explore, Month of the Military Child Celebration" which celebrated military families in Maryland.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

On Friday, April 25, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home hosted the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet to celebrate those who dedicate their time to our facility.  We'd like to recognize Ms. Sheri Dayton as our Volunteer of the Year, who dedicated over 400 hours of her time to our residents. The Center for Life Enrichment also dedicated over 250 hours at Charlotte Hall, making them our Volunteer Group of the Year. Volunteers truly are the Heart of the Community!

Heather Geraldes, Executive Director of the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund attended the DAV Claims Clinic and provided information on the Trust Fund.

Lindsay Livingston, Director of DVMF Veterans & Military Family Programs participated in the Blue Star Families' Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) event hosted by the Ft. Meade 200th Military Police Command.  Chef Robert Irvine served as guest speaker at the event.

Secretary Woods presented a Governor's Citation to LTC Gerald Greenfield of Columbia for his 105th birthday. LTC Greenfield was born in 1920 and served in the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam eras. 

Dr. Bernard Vine recently celebrated his 102nd birthday and was presented with the Jewish War Veterans of the USA Centenarian Life Membership Certificate.  DVMF Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen attended the celebration and presented a Citation from Secretary Woods. WMAR 2 News story.

The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), recently celebrated employees who are Veterans or Reservists.  DVMF Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen attended and spoke to the employees about the Veteran experience and how DVMF could be of help to them. In this photo, Deputy Secretary Cohen is presenting a Governor's Proclamation to DoIT Secretary Katie Savage.

Multiple Maryland Schools earned the Purple Star Designation for their outstanding efforts to support military-connected students for 2025.  See the full list here.

Maryland VSBE & SBR Programs Certification Workshop Series

Join us for an informative Certification Workshop hosted in collaboration with Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development. This workshop is designed to assist vendors seeking a Certified Small Business (CSB) certification or re-certification for the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program and the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program. In addition, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Small and Minority Business Policy will provide a brief overview of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and the process for certification.

For the VSBE & SBR certifications please come prepared with the following:

• Laptop (required to complete the certification process)
• Google Chrome browser
• Tax ID Number (EIN)
• UNSPSC Codes for your business profile in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), you can explore those at https://www.ungm.org/public/unspsc
• For VSBE Certification: Electronic copy of your DD214
• For SBR Certification: Electronic access to the last 3 years of your business' gross sales (2024, 2023, and 2022 tax returns) and number of employees

NOTE: To get your VSBE or SBR Certification you must be registered in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA - emma.maryland.gov), the state of Maryland's electronic "Bid Board". If you need to register, you can review the vendor registration process through this Quick Reference Guide.

Register

Maryland Delegate Mike Rogers is on the National Conference of State Legislatures Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force. One of their current initiatives is to review the impact of proposed reductions in the workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs and how veterans in the states might be affected. To get definitive information for a potential letter to the administration, they have created a survey. Delegate Rogers has asked that the survey be shared with you.

Please use this survey link to share perspectives about the impact of proposed reductions in the workforce of the US Department of Veterans Affairs: https://forms.office.com/r/D8GHUEt8V4. Please complete your response as soon as possible. They have begun compiling responses and may close soon. 

Another photo of the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, which includes our community partners: Members of the Maryland Home Commission and Maryland State Senator Jack Bailey on the right.

Maryland National Guard conducts rescue hoist training with Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team

By Staff Sgt. Amber Peck, National Guard Bureau

EDGEWOOD, Md. — Soldiers with the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, Maryland Army National Guard conducted rescue hoist training with the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, April 9.

Formed in 2008, the MD-HART team comprises firefighters from departments throughout central Maryland. The team’s primary mission is to work with Maryland Army National Guard members to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies that require aerial rescue techniques. 

During the training, the Soldiers flew hoist-equipped UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters while the MD-HART members aided simulated victims on the ground before they were hoisted to the aircraft. 

Read more of the National Guard Bureau article here

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Maryland Park Service Launches '25 in 2025' Adventure Challenge

Visitors to Maryland State Parks this year have a chance to win prizes such as a year-long admission pass and camping experiences by completing 25 parks-related challenges in 2025.

The Maryland Park Service 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge encourages visitors to find and photograph special scenic and historic features in several state parks. Visitors can register for the challenge and submit their photos online for a chance to win prizes. Read more.

Maryland’s Nontidal Fishing License Fees Increase June 1

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing changes to nontidal fishing license and trout stamp fees effective June 1. This represents the first adjustment to nontidal–or freshwater fishing–fees in almost 20 years, addressing the rising costs of maintaining conservation efforts and angler programs. Read more.

Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing for Maryland Riparian Landowners Open Though May 31

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting waterfowl offshore blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) property owners, who can license their shoreline to establish blinds for hunting waterfowl, and/or prevent others from licensing and hunting the shoreline at a later date. Read more.

Celebrate Preakness 150

Federal News

Get Life-Changing VA Benefits

Build your future with the VA Home Loan

Focus on Your Future with VA Education & Training Benefits

Unlocking Veteran Tax exemptions across states and U.S. territories

Free mental wellness app for Veterans and their families

Let's talk about Veteran Suicide Prevention

Obesity & Overweight Weight Management

Live Whole Health #269: Face it. You need a massage

Essential Resources for Veteran families with special needs

Ensure military and veteran women claim their rightful place in history – at the Military Women’s Memorial. Register Here

The Annapolis Vet Center provides confidential counseling, outreach, and referral services to veterans, service members, and their families—at no cost. Our dedicated team supports clients through individual and group counseling, marriage and family therapy, bereavement support, and resources related to readjustment after deployment or military service.

We proudly serve veterans from Annapolis and surrounding communities, including Southern Maryland, and we are currently accepting new intakes and group referrals. Services include:

• Individual and Group Counseling
• Support for PTSD, MST, and Military Transitions
• Substance Use Recovery
• Family and Couples Counseling
• Assistance with VA benefits referrals

We're here to help veterans reconnect, heal, and grow—wherever they are in their journey. More information on Vet Centers

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.

Secretary Woods attended the American Legion Department of Maryland Gala.

Photo courtesy of the American Legion Department of Maryland

Community Calendar

May 6, 2025

Fourth Annual Veteran Stand Down, Perry Point VA Medical Center

May 8, 2025

2025 Military Small Business Appreciation Breakfast, Baltimore

Rural Maryland Council & Maryland State Library Teleconference for the Blind and Print Disabled, Virtual

Military Mixer, Clarksburg

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

MOAA Ft. Meade Chapter Monthly meeting invitation, Ellicott City

May 12 - May 17, 2025

Armed Forces Week at Mission BBQ

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

Military Appreciation Night at Old Glory DC, professional rugby, George Mason Stadium

May 14, 2025

Maryland's Commitment to Veterans, Love, Healing and Resilience In-Person Screening event, Linthicum, Register

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

The Mission Continues - Operation Fresh Coat at City Ranch, Windsor Mill

Veteran Fireside Chat: Stories of Hope and Recovery, Severn Branch Library

May 18, 2025

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

May 20, 2025

Serving Together Caregiver Connect, Virtual, Register

May 21, 2025

Operation Base Camp Career & Resource Fair, Oxen Hill

Ft. Meade Community Job Fair, Ft. Meade

May 22, 2025

14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony, hosted by the Circuit Court for Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, Register

May 23. 2025

Joint Base Andrews Golf Tournament to benefit Armed Forces Retirement Home

May 24, 2025

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

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

Community News

Mission Beelieve Spring Intro Course registration now open

Blue Star Families Coffee Connect info

Maryland National Guard Baby Drive

News from the Veterans Service Center in Frederick

1. The Veterans Service Center (VSC) in Frederick, Maryland, will be holding an Open House event on May 13^th for Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, First Responders, and all their families. All partners within the VSC will be handing out information and answering questions about the services each provide.
2. The VSC Flyer is a snapshot of all the services under the roof of the VSC and are FREE to all Maryland stationed Active Duty, MD National Guard, Reservists, First Responders, and all their family members.
3. We just welcomed Uniformed Service University to the VSC and they are conducting a study, in conjunction with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, using “Walk and Talk” therapy for veterans with PTSD. This is state of the art technology and will be displayed during the Open House.

Listen to the Veterans SITREP podcast. Every Thursday at 6:30PM, 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.

News from Community Building Art Works

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.

In honor of the inaugural Preakness 150 Festival, enjoy an exclusive state employee discount when you purchase your tickets to the Preakness Festival Club Quarantine concert. Headlining the concert is DJ D-Nice with a newly announced lineup that includes a genre-spanning group of celebrated artists and Maryland favorites: Ari Lennox, Jadakiss, Deborah Cox, Chanté Moore, Too $hort, Lil’ Mo, Raheem DeVaughn, 803Fresh, DJ Quicksilva, DJ Class, Cordae, 2 Hyped Brothers & A Dog with Frank Ski, Michael Phillips, Fred Yonnet, Kenny Burns, and Father MC joined by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), conducted by Igmar Thomas, for a one-of-a-kind blend of music and culture.

The event will be at Pier 6 Pavillion on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Doors Open at 7pm.  Log on to Ticketmaster.com and select Unlock to enter your discount code Preakgov! Don't miss out on the hottest event of the year. Secure your spot today and get your tickets here!

Flier

Future Events: Save the Date

June 3, 2025: Annual Army Alliance Dinner, Bel Air

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

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

June 11, 2025: VA Caregiver Support Resource Fair, Ellicott City

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

June 12, 2025: Groundbreaking ceremony for the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument, Columbia Lakefront

June 14, 2025: U.S. Army Birthday Ball at Ft. Meade

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.