Message from Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein

Dear Friends, In the last edition of the newsletter, I wrote to you about filing claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and how the DVMF Benefits Specialists will assist you.  For many of you, this will be helping you with filing your initial claim to the VA. However for others, you may have been awarded compensation when you were discharged from the military 20+ years ago.  Over time, that knee injury or your hearing loss may have become worse.  The DVMF Benefits Specialists are also able to assist you if you want to file for an increase of your current rating or file for a condition that you forgot to include in your initial filing. In FY 25, our agency helped veterans and dependents file over 5,500 claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). Of the disability compensation claims filed for veterans, 41% were initial claims and 59% were subsequent claims to include claims for increases to disability compensation. I was very pleased to join Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer as we cut the ribbon on the newest location for the DVMF Benefits Program located in Annapolis MVA Service Center.  Please contact any of the DVMF Service & Benefits offices to schedule an appointment. We stand ready to assist you. Sincerely, Ed

Ribbon-cutting for the newest DVMF Service & Benefits office location at the Annapolis MVA Service Center.

Press Release

Capital Gazette article

WBAL TV article

WMAR TV article

On Friday, August 22, the Maryland National Guard hosted an ESGR Boss Lift event at Warfield Air National Guard Base and Blum Military Reservation. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program gave employers a firsthand look at what their employees experience during National Guard service. Employers observed training, learned about military duties, and gained insight into the skills their employees bring back to the workplace.

The event was attended by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein, and Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Maryland National Guard’s Adjutant General and highlighted the importance of collaboration between employers, and the Guard in supporting Maryland’s military-connected community.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

More Photos

DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein served as the Guest Speaker during the Jewish War Veteran’s of the USA (Maryland) Dining Out event.  The Jewish War Veterans of the USA is the nation’s oldest active veterans’ organization, founded in 1896.

In this photo are from left to right: Anne Schlesinger (veteran); Scott Schlesinger - Department Commander Jewish War Veterans, April Foreman, Captain David Forman USN, DVMF Acting Secretary Colonel Ed Rothstein, the Honorable Eliav Benjamin, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Israel and JWV Immediate Past National Commander Gary Ginsburg.

Washington Jewish Week article

Acting Secretary Rothstein attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the American Veterans Service Dog Memorial.  The Memorial will be located at the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park in Newburg.

In this photo are Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein and Chewy.

DVMF IN THE NEWS

DVMF stories and articles from around the state:

MDOT MVA Launches Veterans Service Center at Annapolis Branch, Capital Gazette

WBAL TV article

For more news and DVMF Press Releases

DVMF Website

Maryland Joins Forces Partner Initiative

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation are teaming up for a community donation drive benefiting Southern Maryland’s Purple Star Schools and Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. All September long, help us support military-connected students and veteran families by donating classroom supplies and everyday essentials they need to thrive.

Southern Maryland Purple Star Schools Supply Drive

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Donation List

Spotlight on Education: Prince George's Community College

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Proposes Opening State Trails to E-Bikes, Accepting Public Comment Through Sept. 22

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering new regulations that will allow everyone to use pedal-assist electric bicycles on state bike trails, increasing accessibility and enjoyment of Maryland’s public lands. These regulations will provide clarity for a burgeoning electric cyclist community in the state. Read more.

Maryland Begins Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2025-2026 migratory game bird hunting seasons, beginning Sept. 1 with mourning dove and early resident Canada goose. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more.

Maryland’s 2025 Archery Deer Season Opens September 5

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the archery hunting season for white-tailed and sika deer on Sept. 5. The season runs through Jan. 31, 2026 with several breaks for muzzleloader and firearms season. In addition, the fourth annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days take place Feb. 2 – 4, 2026. Read more.

‘Women on the Water’ Fishing and Boating Workshop Welcomes Beginner Anglers and Paddlers

The free introductory workshop on boating and fishing for women and girls 12 and older takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, at Sandy Point State Park. While designed for women and girls, this program is open to anyone 12 and older. Registration will open September 4 at 9 a.m. Read more.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Introduces New ‘MD Outdoors’ App

MD Outdoors is the official app for the state’s outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers. The MD Outdoors app replaces the AccessDNR app, which will no longer be supported. Users will need to remove the old app and download an updated version from the DNR website.

Current DNR app user should be aware that many of the app’s features will work, but will be phased out. For hunters, reporting a harvest will only work in the new app. 

Download the free MD Outdoors app today!

Android device users can download the app at this link

Apple device users can download the app at this link.

Monday, 9/8 is 988 Day

9/8/2025 is a day of action to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This year’s theme — "Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere." — conveys what 988 is all about: empathy, accessibility and reliability. Learn more: 988lifeline.org/988-day. #988Day Veterans call 988 and then press "1"

Federal News

September 6th: Veteran Art Show at Maryland State Fair

VBA Claims Clinics for Women Veterans at the DC VA Medical Center

VBA Claims Clinics at the DC VA Medical Center

What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), video

Why DIC Matters for Survivors, video Part 2

Virtual Care Tools for Caregivers, video

Using technology to help Veterans manage diabetes

Volunteers needed for Music and Art Therapy Treatment for PTSD at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda

Volunteers needed for Walk & Talk Therapy to Treat PTSD at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda

Gerofit Helps Veterans reach their goals

Got Measles?

Live Whole Health #288: Strengthen your kindness muscles

VA Adaptive Sports Fact Sheet, Donations Portal

Translate your military skills to a civilian career

Top three franchise industries for Veterans

Using VA education benefits wisely: A guide to fraud prevention

VA end-of-life care honors Veterans and comforts families

VA Fraud Prevention Information

Request your military service records

Dear VA Maryland Health Care System E-News Subscribers:

Help bring awareness to Veteran suicide by participating in a walk around the Perry Point VA Medical Center campus in Cecil County.

The annual Suicide Prevention Walk recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as part of VA’s initiative to end Veteran suicide.  Gathering with other Veterans, VA Maryland Health Care System staff, and the local community brings awareness, provides educational opportunities, and helps reduce stigma associated with suicide. Resources and educational materials to help end Veteran suicide will be available to participants.

A special guest from the Chesapeake Riding Center will also join us for the walk!

World Suicide Prevention Day – Suicide Prevention Walk
Join us anytime rain or shine!

Wednesday, September 10, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

**Kick-Off Ceremony Starts at 9:45 a.m. at the Perry Point Chapel**

Perry Point VA Medical Center (Starting at the circle in front of the Chapel, near the Gymnasium) *Tunnel route available if needed for rain*

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

September 6, 2025

Veteran Art Show at Maryland State Fair, Timonium

We All Serve Hike, Street

Blue Star Families Chesapeake Baysox Blue Star Welcome Week, Bowie

Mission Continues Volunteer Opportunity, Baltimore

September 8, 2025

Mental Health Awareness, Temple Hills

September 9, 2025

Psych Armor Suicide Prevention & Financial Wellness Training, Virtual

September 10, 2025

Martinsburg VAMC Suicide Prevention Walk 2025, Martinsburg, WV Note: Martinsburg Creative Arts Festival is happening also in 1B-114 and Internet Cafe

The Parents Place of Maryland offers Tactical Advocacy: School Year Strategies for Military Families, Register

September 11, 2025

National Day of Service & Remembrance, Baltimore National Cemetery, Register

Veterans Military Mixer, Clarksburg

September 12, 2025

Ready, Set, Grow Procurement & Workforce Connections Workshop, Flintstone

9/11 Tribute Event, Frederick

September 13, 2025

A Day of Belonging, Potomac

Blue Star Families Service Saturdays, Beach Cleanup, Pasadena

US Army Blues Band at Phillips-Kleiner American Legion Post 5627, College Park

Blue Star Families Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Blue Star Welcome Week, Waldorf

September 14, 2025

Travis Manion Foundation 5K Run/Walk/Ruck, Annapolis

September 15, 2025

Golf Tournament supporting Platoon 22, Myersville

Voices of Vets Annual Voiceraiser, Jessup

September 16, 2025

SBA Small Business Resource Day for Central Maryland, Perry Hall

September 17, 2025

Ft. Meade Community Job Fair, Ft. Meade

Career Fair, Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, Frederick

September 18, 2025

Veterans-Federal Workforce Job Fair, White Plains

September 19, 2025

Veteran Career Fair, Martinsburg

Women Veterans Breakfast, Lexington Park

September 20, 2025 

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

Wellspring of Life Farm Military & First Responder Discovery Days, Monkton

Annual DAV Family & Friends Fun Day, Ft. Meade

Veteran Service Dog Memorial Dedication, Newburg

September 23, 2025

Frederick County Reentry Job Fair/Career Expo

Government Contracting for Small Contractors - Maryland Construction Opportunities, Virtual

September 24, 2025

CRAB: Military Sailing Days

Prince George's County Boot Camp, Virtual

September 26, 2025

Mental Health First Aid Training, Frederick

ServingTogether Women's Community Veterans Engagement Board

September 27, 2025

Veteran Owned Small Business Expo, Columbia

MOAA, Ft. Meade Chapter monthly meeting, Hanover

Blue Star Families Welcome Week, Ft. McHenry

September 28, 2025

Gold Star Family Luncheon, Mission BBQ

September 29, 2025

Women Warrior Network of Baltimore, Sparrows Point

October 1, 2025

Prince Georges County Community College Career & Resource Fair, Largo

October 4, 2025

Ft. Detrick Color Run/Walk 5K, Frederick

Community News

Blue Star Families Welcome Week - September 17th - October 5th

Blue Star Families START Book Program, Severn

The Veterans Curation Program is hiring

Veterans: Register to display your artwork in the Veterans Show at the Delaplaine, Frederick

Big News! Women Warrior Network is Launching in the Baltimore Region

ServingTogether is proud to announce that the Women Warrior Network (WWN) — a powerful community dedicated to supporting, empowering, and connecting women veterans and service members — is now launching in the Baltimore area. Flier

Already thriving in Virginia, WWN is expanding to bring the same strength, sisterhood, and support to women warriors in Baltimore and surrounding communities.

Join us for our FIRST WWN Baltimore Meeting:

Date: September 29, 2025 Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

 Register

Food will be provided.

Come connect with fellow women warriors, share your story, and help shape the future of this powerful network in your region. Whether you're a veteran, active duty, Guard/Reserve, or transitioning out — this space is for YOU.

Let’s build something strong, together.

The Frederick County Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) is now accepting applications for new members. The Council advises the County Executive on issues affecting veterans and their families and works to strengthen the services and resources available in our community. Apply

The Montgomery County Veterans Commission is seeking applicants for open seats.  More information

Kayaking Opportunities for Maryland Veterans with Team River Runner

Sep 5: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Full Moon Paddle, Mallows Bay, Marbury, Register

Sep 6: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Saturday Family Paddle, Hallowing Point Boat Ramp, Prince Frederick, Register

Sep 7: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

Sep 10: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Sep 13: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans DC Monuments, Columbia Island Marina, Arlington VA, Register

Sep 14: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

Sep 17: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Sep 20: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Saturday Family Paddle, St, Mary's River State Park, Leonardtown, Register

Sep 21: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

Sep 24: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Sep 27: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans - RiverFest!, St. Mary's City, Register

Sep 28: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans Sunday Family Paddle, Riley's Lock, Poolsville, Register

Oct 1: Team River Runner: Kayaking for Veterans White Water Wednesday, Lock 6, Bethesda, Register

Future Events: Save the Date

October 6, 2025: Mental Health Awareness, Temple Hills

October 8, 2025: Union Trades Career Fair, Sparrows Point

October 9 - 13, 2025: Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, New Windsor

October 11, 2025: Veterans Claims and Resource Day, Morningside

October 15, 2025: CRAB: Military Sailing Days

October 18, 2025: Easterseals Walk with Me Fundraiser, National Harbor

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

October 25, 2025: DAV Claims Clinic, Waldorf

October 25, 2025: Lifeline Horse rescue and LETS Program Fall Open House, Gaithersburg

November 1, 2025: Stars, Stripes & Chow fundraiser for Baltimore Station, Camden Yards

November 7, 2025: St. Mary's County Veterans Resource Day, California

November 7, 2025: Prince George's County 2025 Veterans Celebration, Greenbelt

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

November 8, 2025: Veterans Day Parade, Baltimore City

November 8, 2025: Greenwell Foundation Fundraiser, Boots & BBQ Hoedown, Hollywood

November 9, 2025: Howard County Veterans Day Parade, Columbia

November 10, 2025: DVNF Veterans Resource Fair, Silver Spring

November 13, 2025: Martinsburg Vet Center Dedication, Falling Waters, WV

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.