Message from Acting Secretary Ross Cohen:

Dear Friends, As many of you saw from last week’s special newsletter announcement and Governor Moore’s press release, you know this is a time of transition for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. Secretary Tony Woods led this Department with strength and vision, expanding services and deepening our impact across Maryland’s veteran and military-connected communities. I’m grateful to have served under his leadership and honored to step in as Acting Secretary to continue our mission with focus and integrity. A little bit about me: I grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and I’m an Army combat veteran. I enlisted shortly after 9/11 and deployed as an infantry paratrooper to eastern Afghanistan. Since then, I’ve worked for several of the nation’s leading veteran and military-family empowering organizations, and I’ve proudly worked at this Department since 2023 under Secretary Woods’ leadership. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to continue serving alongside you. Looking ahead, we have one of the most important and solemn observances for Veterans occurring later this month. Here behind the scenes, DVMF staff are preparing cemeteries and memorials to host Memorial Day observances.  We are also working with community volunteer committees to organize these ceremonies to honor our fallen brothers and sisters at our locations across the state. I hope you are able to pause on either May 26th or May 30th to reflect on those who were not able to return to their friends, their families and their communities.  A list of observances held at DVMF locations is located below.  All are welcome to join us. Sincerely, Ross Cohen

Memorial Day Observances at DVMF locations:

DVMF cemeteries and memorials around Maryland will serve as host sites for Memorial Day Ceremonies.  Volunteer Committees organize the ceremonies.  Below is the list of scheduled events at DVMF locations. The public is invited to attend:

Monday, May 26, 2025

10:30 am:

Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery

11501 Garrison Forest Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117

11:00 am: 

Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery

11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623

Crownsville Veterans Cemetery

1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032

World War II Memorial

1920 Ritchie Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Middle Branch Park, 2825 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225

1:00pm

Korean War Memorial

Canton Waterfront Park, 2903 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21224

2:00pm

Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery

14205 Pleasant Valley Road, NE, Flintstone, MD 21530

Friday, May 30, 2025

1:30 pm 

Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery

6827 East New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock, MD 21643

For more information on locations:

MDVA Cemetery and Memorials Program

DVMF Website

Governor Wes Moore hosted a breakfast and fireside chat for members of the Naval Command College at Government House.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

Governor Moore Signs Legislation Focused on Education, Veterans, and Military Families

Governor Wes Moore presided over the third bill signing ceremony of 2025, which included the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act—a key piece of the Moore-Miller Administration’s legislative agenda. The legislation signed today strengthens Maryland’s public education system, ensures greater access to state benefits for Maryland’s veterans and military families, and strengthens ethical standards for Maryland’s elected governors. “Today, we are hardening and honoring a true spirit of selfless service in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “The legislation we signed this afternoon uplifts the aspirations of our students by closing the teacher shortage, improving academic achievement, and investing responsibly in our schools. And as we elevate the leaders of tomorrow, we are also ensuring that the leaders of today are accountable to the people they serve, not their personal financial interests.” Read More Here

Maryland Delegate Nick Allen said, “This week, Governor Moore signed three more of my bills into law, and all three are important pieces of legislation for Veterans and extremely personal to me. HB699, which was cross-filed by my good friend Senator Dawn Gile, empowers the Department of Veterans & Military Families to update Maryland Veterans' discharge disposition for whatever reason DVMF deems worthy and enables those Vets to receive benefits under state law. This important bill is a follow up to the Restoration of Honor Act, sponsored by then-Delegate (now Councilman) Pat Young in 2022, which enabled LGBTQ+ veterans who were discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to be rightfully designated as honorably discharged. HB475 and HB494 are part of a larger, bipartisan and bicameral package of bills, spearheaded by Senator Simonaire, which overhaul, simplify, and unify the definition of "veteran" in the Code of Maryland and ensure all who served are aware of the benefits to which they're entitled”.

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

Spotlight on Education: Frostburg State University

On Monday, May 12, Frostburg State University’s Veterans Center was re-named the Captain James A. Graham Veterans Center.  The Center is named for Frostburg Alum Captain James A Graham, a Marine Corps officer who was killed in Vietnam in 1967.  The Medal of Honor was awarded to Captain Graham posthumously for heroism. More information on Captain Graham.

In the photo below are:

Dr. Darlene Brannigan Smith, FSU Interim President

Dr. Clarissa Lang, Director of the Captain James A. Graham Veterans Center

Ross Cohen, Acting Secretary for Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families

Colonel John C. Graham, USMC, son of Captain James A. Graham, USMC

Dr. Jeff Graham, Senior Associate Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Launches Day Pass Reservation System in Select State Parks

The new system will go live starting with Greenbrier State Park and Sandy Point State Park on May 19. All visitors will be required to reserve their day-use passes in advance during peak times, to reduce overcrowding, limit traffic backups at park entrances, and reduce the frequency of capacity closures. Read More

DNR Unit Renamed Watershed and Climate Services to Highlight Focus on Restoration and Resilience

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially rebranded its Chesapeake and Coastal Service with the name Watershed and Climate Services, emphasizing the unit’s ongoing dedication to healthy watersheds, resilient communities, vibrant economies, and all Marylanders well-being. Read more.

Maryland Marks 100 Years of Big Trees

A hundred years ago, in what newspapers simply called the “Tree Contest,” the Maryland Department of Forestry and the Maryland Forestry Association solicited submissions of trees that were notable for their “size, history, or other distinguishing characteristics.” A 124-foot-tall pecan tree in Princess Anne placed first, netting its owner a $25 prize.

For John Bennett, the effects of that contest live on 100 years later in the Maryland Big Tree Program, which he co-chairs, and in the nationwide effort it helped inspire as well as the excitement for forestry it generated. Bennett said Maryland’s big trees help spread awareness for sustainable forestry—adaptive management techniques that promote the long-term health of forests, allowing both big trees and full forests to thrive. Read more

Get Hooked on Blue Catfish! Comprehensive List of 2025 Blue Catfish Fishing Tournaments in Maryland

There are no fishing restrictions on blue catfish. They can grow to tremendous sizes. Whether anglers are looking to stuff coolers with wild-caught Maryland seafood or compete for prize money, angling for blue catfish can be rewarding. Read more.

Live Staking: How To Plant Hundreds of Trees Fast, Using Branches from Your Backyard

Trees are a great tool for restoration—they store carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, and prevent erosion with their root systems. But some types of trees hold a trick within their biology that makes them even more effective, a kind of shortcut that allows people to quickly fill an area with new plantings. Read more. and watch the video 

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 294 995 864 79

Passcode: dc9Lr9kr

Dial in by phone

+1 872-701-0185,,751883110# United States, Chicago

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 751 883 110#

Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., Director of the VA Maryland Health Care System was recognized by the AMVETS Department of Maryland at the 38th Annual PNC A, Leo Anderson Memorial Free State Award of Excellence. Congratulations to Mr. Eckman and much appreciation from us here at DVMF for his support of Maryland Veterans.  VAMHCS Press Release and VA Press Release

Federal News

Suicide prevention resource of the month, Safety plan app

VA Unemployability Benefit for Veterans

Three resources to help you quit smoking

Are you a woman Veteran battling migraines?

Live Whole Health #271: Who do you appreciate?

Live Whole Health #272: Shake it off, with a standing twist

Family Caregiver Benefits

Are you a caregiver for a Veteran?

Vote for Vetrepreneur and Veterans of the Year Awards

Yes, you can have CHAMPVA and other health insurance

Blue Star Families host online Q&A and live event for Veterans, caregivers

Military OneSource support for your transition to civilian life

Share your story, today, with "VLM for Living Veterans"

Launch into a high-flying career in drone technology

ARMY Birthday Events

Aberdeen Proving Ground Army 250 events, Expo & concert flier 

Ft. Meade's U.S. Army's 250th Birthday Celebration, and more info

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth recently held a Veteran and Military families roundtable.  Invited guests included Lindsay Livingston, Director of DVMF Veteran and Military Families program.

Photo and article courtesy of WMAR2News

DVMF joined colleagues from the VA Vet Center, VA National Cemetery Program and the VA Suicide Prevention Office to provide resources and information to those visiting the Ft. Meade Post Exchange this week.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. 

Medicare covers many mental health services to support you, including depression screenings, individual and group therapy, and family counseling. You may be able to get mental health counseling and treatment, including addiction recovery, from home via telehealth.

Learn More

If you're feeling isolated, it can take a toll on your mental health. Get tips on caring for your mental health, and learn when to seek professional support.

Sincerely, 

The Medicare Team

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.

The Montgomery County Council honored Commander Everett Alvarez, who is a recent Congressional Gold Medal awardee and he has also been awarded a Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart twice.

Commander Alvarez was a prisoner of war for more than eight years during the Vietnam War. As a public servant, he served as deputy director of the Peace Corps and deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration, helping pioneer Vet Centers for combat veterans, including in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Photo and text courtesy of the Montgomery County Council

Community Calendar

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

MOAA Ft. Meade Chapter Monthly Meeting, Ellicott City

May 18, 2025

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

Ft. Meade 35th Annual Massing of the Colors, Ft. Meade Pavilion

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

First Responder & Military Veteran Training - Addiction & Recovery, Glen Arm

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

Spring Job Fair, Gaithersburg

May 24, 2025

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

May 25, 2025

Legacy of Excellence: Tuskegee Airmen Fundraising Reception, Oxon Hill

May 26, 2025: Memorial Day

Remember & Honor Early Morning Flag Raising, Harriet Tubman Center, Simpsonville

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

June 1, 2025

American Legion Post 175 Blood Drive, Severna Park

June 3, 2025: 

Annual Army Alliance Dinner, Bel Air

Southern MD Veterans Open House, Prince Frederick

June 5, 2025: 

Good Vibes & Voices Concert & Event, Elkridge

June 6, 2025:

Gala to support Platoon 22, Frederick

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

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument, Columbia Lakefront

Ft. Meade Night at the Chesapeake Baysox, Bowie, flier

Community News

Travis Manion Foundation Honor Project at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day weekend

Veterans Yoga Project offers free online classes

Montgomery County Memorial Day events

Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at Easterseals Day of Service Fisher House Drive

Howard County Memorial Day events:

Saturday May 24 – Ellicott City’s VFW Post 7472 will host a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at its VFW Lane location starting at Noon. The Keynote Speaker will be Mr. John Beakes, co-author of the book “Cool Deliberate Courage – John Eager Howard in the American Revolution,” and 1966 US Naval Academy Graduate. District 4 Councilwoman Deb Jung is expected to provide Opening Comments. Local Veterans and the Carroll Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Musketeers will participate in this Remembrance Ceremony. 

Sunday May 25 – Ellicott City’s American Legion Post 156 will host a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at St. John's Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Road in Ellicott City starting at Noon. The Keynote Speaker will be Lt.Col. Robert Spokarek, US Marine Corps. District 12A Delegate Jessica Feldmark is expected to provide Opening Comments. Local Veterans, the Howard County Civil Air Patrol, and Scouts will participate in this Remembrance Ceremony.

Monday May 26 – The Howard County Commission on Veterans & Military Families, Ellicott City’s Marine Corps League Detachment 1084, and Howard County's Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will co-host a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony starting at 8:00am at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, in Simpsonville, MD. The Keynote Speaker will be Lisa Steptoe, Commissioner for the HCCVMF and 1987 US Military Academy Graduate. Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, III, is expected to provide Opening Comments. Local Veterans and Junior ROTC Cadets will participate in this Remembrance Ceremony.

VFW Post 304 in Annapolis performed a Day of Service at St. Anne's Cedar Bluff Cemetery cleaning Veteran markers. Interred at this cemetery is Corporal Hugh Purvis, USMC, who was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 8, 1872.

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 Community Building Art Works:

Memorial Day Opportunities (VIRTUAL)

The days and weeks leading up to Memorial Day can be a challenge for many. CBAW Programs are offered throughout the week. Check www.cbaw.org/events to see upcoming programs. If you're interested in exhibiting artwork or participating in our upcoming Creative Sanctuary, you can visit https://bit.ly/MemorialDayProject2025 to learn more about both opportunities.

• May 22nd: Submission for Digital Exhibit Deadline - 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. https://bit.ly/WeRememberArtworkSubmission
• May 26th: Creative Sanctuary - 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. https://WeRemember_CreativeSanctuary.eventbrite.com

World Pride Creative Writing Workshop - Monday, May 19th 7pm (Virtual)

Join Community Building Art Works and author Seema Reza for a virtual creative writing workshop offered in partnership with the DC Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs.This safe and inclusive space invites participants to explore and express their unique journeys through writing, from their experiences in service to their personal stories of identity, pride, and resilience. No writing experience is required. Bring a notebook, an open mind, and a good pen. Seema will present some information on what makes writing a powerful tool for communication, self-discovery, and reflection. We will read a short piece of writing, see what makes it work, and use it to enter into our own stories. Register at: https://WorldPrideCreativeWriting.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.

Future Events: Save the Date

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

June 14, 2025: Joint Veterans Committee Veteran of the Year, Annapolis

June 17, 2025: Help, Healing and Hope Summit 2025, Arnold, Register

June 18, 2025: Veteran Employment & Resource Day, White Plains

June 21, 2025:  VA Disability Claims Seminar, Bowie

June 25, 2025: Prince George's County Base Camp, Virtual

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.