Message from Acting Secretary Ross Cohen:

This month marks the first anniversary of our Department’s name change to the Department of Veterans and Military Families — a significant milestone that reflects our expanded mission to serve both veterans and military families with purpose and distinction. We are proud to be the only state in the nation whose veterans agency also recognizes military families in our name. We are also proud to be the only state in the nation with a Deputy Secretary for Military Family Policy and Programs to ensure that we are laser-focused on being best-in-class at serving the whole military-family community. Dana Burl, a long-time member of the Department, has been leading from the front in this role for more than a year. She is a former military spouse herself, and the mom to two enlisted service members. Maryland is lucky to have her talents and experience, and I’m honored to work alongside her. I also want to express our gratitude to state Senator Dawn Gile, also a long-time Army spouse, for championing this legislation last year and making the dream a reality. We’re grateful for the leadership of Governor Wes Moore, an Army combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan, who also championed the bill and signed it into law, as well as Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, another vocal proponent of this effort and the spouse of an Air Force veteran. In Maryland, military service is in our DNA. As Governor Moore says, “Service will save us.” Since July of 2024, we have signaled a renewed commitment to meet the evolving needs of Maryland’s military-connected community with compassion, integrity, and innovation. This transformation underscores our belief that service does not end with the uniform — it extends to the spouses, caregivers, survivors, and children who stand beside our veterans and service members every step of the way. We are redefining what it means to serve by ensuring every member of the military family has access to the resources, benefits, and support they deserve. From expanding outreach efforts to strengthening partnerships and improving service delivery, our progress reflects the dedication of a team united by a shared mission.  This anniversary is not just a celebration of our new name — it is a reaffirmation of our promise to serve those who have served and those who support them. Sincerely, Ross

Department of Veterans and Military Families Celebrates One Year with New Name Reflecting Commitment to Serve Veterans and Military Families

Read the Press Release Here

DVMF celebrated the one year anniversary with cake and two special guests: Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile and Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee.

Unaccompanied Burials Scheduled at three DVMF Veterans Cemeteries

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Program will be hosting three dignified burial ceremonies to honor and pay respects to unaccompanied veterans.  The ceremonies will take place on July 25, 2025 at the cemeteries listed below.  All are welcome to attend. Questions may be directed to the DVMF Cemetery Program at 410-923-6981.   Crownsville Veterans Cemetery 1122 Sunrise Beach Road Crownsville, Maryland 21032 July 25th @ 11:00 a.m.   SP4 John Robert McGee, US Army 6/17/1966-5/15/1968   GYSGT Richard Lee Winebrenner, USMC 7/13/1965-7/31/1985   PV1 Rex Franklin Wyatt, US Army 2/10/1976-3/26/1976   Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery 11501 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 July 25th @ 1:00 p.m.   CPL George Washington Haller III, US Army 11/21/1950-11/8/1952   Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery 14205 Pleasant Valley Road, NE Flintstone, Maryland 21530 July 25th @ 1:00 p.m.   PVT Kenneth Michael Bunnell, US Army 1/24/1963-9/10/1964   PVT John W. Johnson, USMC 7/8/1943-9/19/1943   DVMF Cemetery and Memorials Program

DVMF Webpage

TowerCares Foundation provided a very generous donation to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.  In this photo are: Mauricio Reyes, DVMF, DVMF Acting Secretary Ross Cohen, Maryland Veterans Trust Fund Executive Director Heather Geraldes, Mary-Brigid McCauly, TowerCares Marketing Programs & Community Relations Specialist, Jametta Richmond, DVMF and Brian Barrentine, TowerCares Board Member.

DVMF Deputy Secretary Dana Burl and Acting Secretary Ross Cohen attended the Faces of the Fallen: Healthcare Heroes exhibit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Also shown in this photo are Colonel Alicia Christy, M.D. (retired), the artist who created the nine watercolor portraits shown in the exhibit and Jessica Cook, representing U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

Maryland Department of Commerce Military Personnel and Veteran Owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVOLP) Application Now Open

MPVOLP provides no interest loans for businesses owned by military reservists, veterans, National Guard personnel and for small businesses that employ or are owned by such persons.

Program Open: New applications are being accepted from July 1, 2025 through August 29, 2025.

No interest loans range from $1,000 to $100,000. Loan maturity will be from one to eight years. The loan repayment period usually will not exceed the useful life expectancy of the equipment to be purchased.  

Read More Here

The Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program for Service Members and Veterans is a competitive matching grant program for nonprofit organizations (501c3) to establish and expand community behavioral health programs that serve the behavioral health needs of eligible Maryland service members, veterans, and family members and connect eligible individuals to appropriate community-based care in a timely manner on discharge from the community behavioral health program. Established in 2021 via Senate Bill 550, the Governor has appropriated $2.43 million for the program in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026.

Applications due: July 22, 2025 2:00pm E.T. in eMMA

View the Request for Applications (RFA):  Register at no cost in eMMA to view the RFA. 

Applications only accepted in eMMA: Register at no cost in eMMA to apply.

Questions only accepted in eMMA: Register at no cost in eMMA to submit questions.

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Protect Your Dogs’ Health: Harmful Algae Mats Can Pose Danger to Pets

As summer has begun, Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists caution the public to be vigilant about freshwater algae mats that can sometimes be a health hazard for dogs and other animals.

Benthic algae mats are accumulations of algae that can vary in structure and appearance, but are often dense, green, and fibrous. Benthic cyanobacteria mats grow in both flowing and standing water such as rivers, creeks, reservoirs, lakes, and ponds, where they adhere to submerged rocks, plants, sand, shells, wood, and banks. Mats can also detach and float on the water surface, accumulate in eddies, or wash up on shore. Read more.

Licensing Process for Waterfowl Blind Sites Begins July 16

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is again offering an online process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2025-2026 waterfowl blind site license. From July 16 through July 29, hunters and riparian landowners may enter the annual lottery for the opening days of blind site licensing. Read more.

DNR Invests $4.3 Million to Promote Greenspace Equity Throughout Maryland

Board of Public Works has approved more than $4.3 million in grants to support 20 projects under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Greenspace Equity Program. Established by Maryland General Assembly legislation in 2023, the Greenspace Equity Program supports the creation, preservation, and improvement of public green spaces, enhancing the public health and community livability in overburdened and underserved communities. Read more.

A Soaring Success: Maryland’s Bald Eagle Population Recovery

Glenn Therres, the long-time bald eagle biologist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, had counted nests for the department’s annual bald eagle survey since 1985, when there were only 62 breeding pairs in the state.

By 2004, DNR found 390 breeding pairs of bald eagles in Maryland.

Therres ended the department’s survey after that—the species had well surpassed its recovery goals in the Chesapeake Bay region. In 2025, the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership estimates there are over 1,400 breeding pairs in Maryland. Read more.

Federal News

VA News: PACT Act Enrollments, Filing CHAMPVA Claims Online and VA's MVP Program, Video

Training for suicide prevention

Take advantage of all your VA benefits with VA Resource Navigator

VA Community Care - Am I eligible?, Video

How to stay safe and healthy during extreme heat

Tips to recharge your brain and body

New app helps Veterans recover from stroke

Food as medicine: Your diet can promote health & well-being

Live Whole Health #279: Seasonal food nourishes body, mind and community

Live Whole Health #280: Mobility through movement

Common misconceptions about "Veterans' Preference"

Disaster assistance and resources for Veterans

VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Program helps disabled Veterans

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.

Register to attend in person

Attend virtually

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Community Calendar

July 11, 2025

Boots to Business Veteran Entrepreneur Summit, Oxon Hill, flier

Silver Spring Vet Center Open House, Silver Spring

July 12, 2025

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Lotus Festival Paddle, Anacostia Park Boat Ramp, Washington DC, Register

July 15, 2025

Federal Internship & Employment Fair, Walter Reed, Bethesda

ServingTogether Caregiver Connect, Virtual

July 16, 2025

Veterans Job Club - Southern Region, Hughesville

Ft. Meade Cleared Only Job Fair, Club Meade, Ft. Meade

July 18, 2025

Women Veterans Breakfast, Lexington Park

Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic, Platoon 22, Frederick, Call 240-651-8897 to make your appointment

Maryland VSBE & SMR Programs Certification Workshop Series, Cambridge

July 19, 2025

2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day, Frederick, Watch video, More Information

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Family Paddle, Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown, Register

Women Veteran Cupcake Decorating Class 

July 22, 2025

Doing Business with the State of Maryland, Virtual

Caregiver Community Town Hall sponsored by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Virtual

July 24, 2025

National Hire a Veteran Day event, Arundel Mills, Flier, Register

VetReset Foundation Workshop, Brooklyn Park Library

Serving Together Women's Community Veterans Engagement Board, Rockville

July 26, 2025

LETS Wellness Series - Build Strength & Mobility and Reduce Chronic Pain, Gaithersburg

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Family Paddle, Mattingly Avenue Park, Indian Head, Register

July 30, 2025

CRAB: Military Sailing Days, Annapolis

August 1, 2025

Veterans Resource Fair, War Memorial Building, Baltimore

Aug 2, 2025

Maryland Public Television Caregiving Expo, Owings Mills

Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Jug Bay Paddle/Picnic, Selby's Landing, Upper Marlboro, Register

August 7, 2025

Ft. Meade Back to School Resource Fair, Club Meade

VA Claims Clinic & Resource Fair, War Memorial Building, Baltimore

August 16, 2025

Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Project, Nanjemoy, Therapeutic Horticulture

Community News

Veterans Yoga Project offers free online classes

Platoon 22 events in Frederick County

Sign up for the Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade

Team River Runner offers multiple opportunities in Maryland to kayak:

July 12: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Lotus Festival Paddle, Anacostia Park Boat Ramp, Washington DC, Register

July 13: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

July 16: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

July 19: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Saturday Family Paddle, Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown, Register

July 20: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

July 23: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

July 26: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Saturday Family Paddle, Mattingly Avenue Park, Indian Head, Register

July 27: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

July 30: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Aug 2: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Jug Bay Paddle/Picnic, Selby's Landing, Upper Marlboro, Register

Aug 3: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

Aug 6: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Aug 8: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Full Moon Paddle, Mallows Bay, Marbury, Register

Aug 9: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Fossil Paddle, Mallows Bay, Marbury, Register

Aug 10: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

Aug 13: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Project Opportunity has started enrolling for free entrepreneurship classes for the Fall:

Baltimore Class, Orientation on Tuesday, September 2nd, Registration

Southern Maryland Class - Waldorf, Orientation on Monday, August 25th, Registration

Military Spouse & Military Dependents Class - Waldorf, Orientation on Monday August 25th, Registration

Harford County Class - Aberdeen, Orientation on Wednesday, September 3rd, Registration

News from Community Building Art Works:

Military Voices - July 17th, August 7th & 21st at 3:30pm EST (Virtual) Join Veteran & author Kevin Basl on the first and third Thursdays at 3:30pm EST to learn how to use writing as a tool to communicate, self-discover, and reflect in our series in partnership with Blue Star Families. This program is open to Active Duty, Veterans, Military Spouses & Caregivers. Register at https://bsfcbaw_writing.eventbrite.com.

 Color Meditation with Lisa Sololmon - July 23rd at 7pm EST (VIRTUAL)

Artist, educator, and A Field Guide to Color and The Color Meditation Deck author Lisa Solomon shares her unfettered enthusiasm for color in this experience. She developed and coined the term color mediation - where you slow down and feel the benefits of meditation via painting. First you'll familiarize yourself with your palette. Lisa will then guide you through a short meditation and then you’ll experiment with color theory, patterns, and layering as you move through a painting prompt. Be prepared to fully engage in color exploration and cultivate mindfulness. No experience necessary. Register HERE. For a full list of visual art programs, check out our website.

A Day of Belonging - In Person Event - September 13th

Join us for our third annual Day of Belonging scheduled for Saturday, September 13th, 2025. This event will provide Veterans, Active Duty Military, their spouses and caregivers, and community members with a day of professionally-facilitated expressive arts workshops, as well as performances and readings. Please join us to connect authentically and explore your own voice through creative writing, improv, visual art and music. Registration is open! There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee for this event. This event is open to all. Donations are accepted and will go towards offsetting travel costs for facilitators and Veteran participants. Check out https://missionbelonging.org/dayofbelonging/ for more details.

More Than One Story - Next Virtual Orientations - August 12th (Virtual)

Join Mission Belonging 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.missionbelonging.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://missionbelonging.org/events/. For more information, email info@missionbelonging.org.

Future Events: Save the Date

August 27, 2025: UMGC MilVet Net 2025, Adelphi

August 27, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days

September 15, 2025: Golf Tournament supporting Platoon 22, Myersville

September 17, 2025: Ft. Meade Community Job Fair, Ft. Meade

September 20, 2025: Veteran Fireside Chat: Stories of Hope and Recovery, Annapolis Neck

September 24, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days

September 24, 2025: Prince George's County Boot Camp, Virtual

September 27, 2025: Veteran Owned Small Business Expo, Columbia

October 15, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days

October 24, 2025: Ft. Meade Retiree Appreciation Day, McGill Training Center, Ft. Meade

November 8, 2025: Baltimore County 3rd Annual Veterans Day Celebration & Resource Fair, Towson University

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.