Message from Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein

Dear Friends, I know today is Halloween, but I want to talk with you about Veterans Day.  This is the last edition of the DVMF newsletter before November 11th.  The calendar of Veterans Day events at DVMF locations is below and there are more Veterans Day events in the Community news section. I encourage you to pause and attend an event, if you can. As we approach Veterans Day, I find myself reflecting on what this day truly signifies, both personally and for our nation. For me, it's more than a federal holiday; it's a profound moment of gratitude, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to the men and women who have selflessly served our country.  This year, it has been especially stressful for Veterans and military connected families who may have been furloughed and have not been paid. Here at DVMF we are helping as many individuals as we can through the Veterans Trust Fund and refreshing an updated resource list on the website. DVMF staff and I have also participated in events such as Blue Star Families Nourish the Service. This Veterans Day, let us all take a moment to express our sincere appreciation. Whether it's a simple thank you, a conversation, or an act of service, let us show our veterans that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their contributions continue to inspire us. It is our collective duty to ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they have so rightfully earned. Sincerely, Ed

DVMF Website

Veterans Day Observances at DVMF Locations

To honor Veterans on Veterans Day, the following ceremonies will be held at Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families locations on Tuesday, November 11, 2025:     10:30 AM Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery - 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117   11:00 AM Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery - 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623   Crownsville Veterans Cemetery – 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032   Vietnam Veteran Memorial - Middle Branch Park, 2825 South Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225   World War II Memorial - 1920 Ritchie Highway (Rt. 450 at Naval Academy Bridge), Annapolis, MD 21401   1:30 PM Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery – 6827 East New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock, Maryland 21643   2:00 PM Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery - 14205 Pleasant Valley Road, NE, Flintstone, MD 21530

DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein participated in a panel discussion during the Military Officers Association of America's Total Force+ Conference this week. In this photo are Sharene Brown, Moderator, DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein, Tom O'Farrell, Ft. Meade Alliance, Maryland Adjutant General Janeen Birckhead, and Lee Kelly, United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dana Burl, DVMF Deputy Secretary (center in photo), participated in a panel discussion on innovation in suicide prevention at the MCON Conference. The conference was sponsored by Military Times and PsychArmor, which is now a Maryland Joins Forces partner.

The conference provided Dana the opportunity to share how Maryland is leading in serving Veterans and military-connected families. 

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) staff has been obtaining specialized training to better serve veterans and their families.  The entire team has obtained PsychArmor Veteran Ready certificates and is currently being trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Military, Veterans, and Their Families. 

Pictured are Jevon Billups, MHFA Trainer, Heather Geraldes (VTF), and Jason Marshall, ServingTogether.

Lindsay Livingston, DVMF Director of Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy and Jeff Nash, Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Program Manager presented to members of the Junior League of Annapolis, sharing insights on how Marylanders can support veterans and military families.

The presentation centered on the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, a statewide initiative focused on building community awareness and empowering residents to take action. Attendees learned practical tips on how to “ask the question”, a vital conversation starter that helps identify and support veterans in need of help. In addition to the training, Lindsay and Jeff provided an overview of both departments’ missions and discussed how their ongoing partnership strengthens Maryland’s coordinated response to serving those who served.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (MTR), a longtime grantee of the DVMF Service Animal Grant Program, provides equine-assisted therapy to Maryland Veterans.  In addition to that valuable work, MTR also partners with the Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) in Annapolis, through FFSC’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).  On a recent October Saturday, MTR hosted several EFMP families through equine-assisted activities.  “For many of our military children and dependents with special needs, MTR has provided not just an outlet for growth, but a place where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” stated Angie Shortridge, EFMP Case Liaison.

Governor Moore Declares State of Emergency to Address Economic Impacts of Federal Government Shutdown and Distribute $10 Million in Emergency Funding to Fight Food Insecurity

Governor Wes Moore today declared a State of Emergency to address the economic impacts of the federal government shutdown and help deliver resources to support Marylanders' health and welfare. The governor also issued an executive order that will provide $10 million in emergency funding to Maryland food security partners to address the crisis stemming both from the Trump Administration’s failure to take action to fund November SNAP benefits and the 15,000 federal jobs that have been eliminated in Maryland.

“Withholding funding from food assistance is not just illegal, it’s also cruel. 680,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP to put food on the table—we’re talking about 120,000 older adults; 270,000 children; and 130,000 Marylanders with disabilities. The federal government is looking them in the eyes and saying ‘You’re on your own,’” said Gov. Moore. “But in Maryland, we protect our people. It’s not the work of a single day or a single announcement. It’s an ongoing pledge—one that we refuse to abandon or abridge. We will keep taking this week by week, and work with our legislative partners to do the most we can with the resources we have. In Maryland, we take care of each other. It’s who we are. And together, we will weather this storm and leave no one behind.”

Though SNAP benefits will be available through Oct. 31, benefits will cease beginning Nov. 1 if the Trump Administration does not release funding. The federal government’s failure to fund SNAP will directly impact more than 680,000 Marylanders who rely on SNAP benefits to eat—including nearly 270,000 children. 

During previous shutdowns, the State of Maryland received reimbursement for federal expenses incurred from critical programs. In an unprecedented move, the Trump Administration has provided no assurance that Maryland will be reimbursed. The Moore-Miller Administration is therefore taking emergency state-based action to bridge critical resources in an effort to avoid a hunger crisis in Maryland.

Governor Moore is directing $10 million in emergency grant funding from the Fiscal Responsibility Fund to promote food assistance across the state. The Maryland Department of Human Services is reviewing organizations to receive funding based on data-driven disbursement to ensure equitable distribution. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management will support the Maryland Department of Human Services as needed. The administration will work with food assistance partners in every corner of the state to ensure that resources are distributed transparently, accountably, equitably, and swiftly in the communities with the greatest needs. Read More Here

Veterans Day Proclamation from Governor Moore

News from the University of Maryland School of Medicine: The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling

Gambling & the Military

This webinar examines the risks and impacts of gambling among active-duty military and veterans. It outlines the reasons for the elevated vulnerability of this population, details the consequences for individuals and their families, and identifies available supportive resources.

Register

News from the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs:

The Maryland Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are conducting a survey to explore the needs of LGBTQIA+ Marylanders. 

LGBTQIA+ Maryland residents age 18 and older are invited to participate and complete an important needs assessment that will take approximately 15 minutes. The information gathered will help guide policy recommendations and future programs. 

Take the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MDLGBTQIA

Blue Star Families – Maryland Chapter hosted a special Nourish the Service Pizza & Game Night to support military and veteran families impacted by the government shutdown at Fort George G. Meade. 

Thank you to Ft. Meade Leadership, the Ft. Meade Alliance, the Steven A. Cohen Clinic at Easterseals, the Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families and Corvias Property Management at Ft. Meade for supporting the event.

Note: There is a similar event scheduled at Aberdeen Proving Ground on November 12th. Details

Federal News:

Veterans Day National Committee selects regional sites for 2025 (Maryland locations: Annapolis, Brunswick, Ocean Pines and Salisbury)

It's never too late to get PTSD treatment

Upcoming Department of Labor Off Base Transition Training Workshops 

Medicare Open Enrollment Oct. 15th - Dec. 7th. Compare Coverage Options

November 19, 2025: 2025 Caregiver Celebration, Perry Hall, More Information

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 Maryland Military Coalition held a listening session for legislative priorities concerning Veterans and military-connected families.  Maryland State Legislators were invited guests.

Among those in attendance from left to right are:

Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) Department Commander Scott Schlesinger; Charley Jay, Baltimore County Veterans Commission, Chair; Jayson Spiegel, President, Maryland Military Coalition (MMC); Harvey Kaplan, JWV Department Judge Advocate,  Maryland Delegate Greg Wims; Maryland Senator Benjamin Brooks, Sr.; Maryland Delegate Michael Rogers; Dan Berkovitz, JWV Post 167 Commander; Maryland State Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield; and DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein.

Community Calendar

November 1, 2025

Stars, Stripes & Chow fundraiser for Baltimore Station, Camden Yards, More info

Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down, VA DC Medical Center

Join Platoon 22 to place flags at Mt. Olivet Cemetery for Veterans Day, Frederick

Empowering Our Veterans, Temple Hills

Evening retreats for Female Veterans & Female First Responders, Union Bridge

November 3, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Project, Temple Hills

November 6, 2025

Veterans Tennis Celebration, College Park

TOP III Job Fair, Joint Base Andrews

Contracting in Maryland's Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program, Virtual

Maryland Military Coalition's Legislator of the Year Awards Ceremony, Annapolis

Annual Veterans Day Career Carnival, Salisbury

November 7, 2025

St. Mary's County Veterans Resource Day, California

Prince George's County 2025 Veterans Celebration, Greenbelt

Town of Indian Head Veterans Day Ceremony, Indian Head Village Green Pavilion

November 8, 2025

Baltimore County 3rd Annual Veterans Day Celebration & Resource Fair, Towson University, Flier

Towson Football - Hometown Heroes Special, Towson

Veterans Day Parade, Baltimore City, Application

Greenwell Foundation Fundraiser, Boots & BBQ Hoedown, Hollywood

Marine Corps Birthday & Congressional Gold Medal Event, Baltimore

7th Annual Green Bowie Veterans Day 5K, Bowie

November 9, 2025

Howard County Veterans Day Parade, Columbia

Annual Brunswick Veterans Day Parade, Brunswick, March with Platoon 22 in the parade

10th Annual Veterans day Program - Jewish War Veterans Post 682, Rockville, For more information contact joelpoz@hotmail.com or chuckmiller4@yahoo.com

November 10, 2025

DVNF Veterans Resource Fair, Silver Spring

Veteran and Family Resource Fair, Perry Point VA Medical Center

November 11, 2025

American Legion Post 175 Veterans Day Breakfast, Ceremony, Music & Lunch, Severna Park

Celebrate Veterans Day at the Edward A. Myerberg Center, Baltimore

University of Maryland Global Campus Veterans Day Ceremony, Adelphi, More Information

Town of Galena Veterans Day Ceremony, Galena

Calvert Marine Museum Veterans Day Feature with Friends and Artifacts, Solomons

Stallings-Williams American Legion Post 206 Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial Park, more info contact: gmagolf@gmail.com

Veteran's Day Observance, Veterans Park Bethesda

Veterans Day Ceremony, City of Rockville

Veterans Day Observance, City of Gaithersburg

Alpas Wellness Veterans Day Donation Drive, MCVET, Baltimore

Japanese American Veterans Association Veterans Day Ceremony, Washington, DC

November 12, 2025

Blue Star Families Nourish the Service Pizza and Game Night, Aberdeen Proving Ground

November 13, 2025

Martinsburg Vet Center Dedication, Falling Waters, WV

Department of Labor Off Base Transition Training Workshop, North Beach

November 14, 2025

Maryland VSBE & SBR Programs Certification Workshop Series, Towson

November 15, 2025

Harford County Veterans Resource Fair, Bel Air

DAV Women Veterans Symposium, Bowie

DAV Claims Clinic at New Psalmist Church, Baltimore

Warriors Among Us, Boonsboro

Wellspring of Life Discovery Time for Military & First Responders and Family, Monkton

November 18, 2025

Job Fair, Patuxent River

Anatomy of a Bid for Prime & Subcontractors, Virtual

November 19, 2025

Veterans Service Center Open House & Resource Fair, Frederick

Community & Veterans Job Fair, Club Meade, Ft. Meade

VA 2025 Caregiver Celebration, Perry Hall, More Information

Veterans Job and Resource Fair, New Carrollton

Community News

Montgomery County Veterans Day events

Check out the events at Platoon 22

News from the Steven A. Cohen Clinic at Easterseals

Information on services offered at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals

Educational Video Resources by Easterseals

Women Veteran Wednesdays

News from Blue Star Families

If you or your family need assistance or would like to stay informed about local programs and opportunities. We encourage you to register in the Blue Star Families Neighborhood to access timely information and community updates:  https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org

Register directly through the Blue Star Families Neighborhood for any of the events: https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org

Blue Star Families Nourish the Service Pizza and Game Night, Aberdeen Proving Ground

Let’s honor our families and make connections that matter—one cup at a time!  Enjoy a cup of coffee, conversation, and community connection at one of our monthly gatherings across the state — each held from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM:

• Fort Meade– Monday, November 17
• Aberdeen– Tuesday, November 18
• NAS Patuxent River– Wednesday, November 19
• Prince Frederick– Wednesday, November 19
• Fort Meade – Hanover– Thursday, November 20
• Annapolis– Friday, November 21

Mission BBQ – Veterans Eat Free on Veterans Day

Date: Tuesday November 11, 2025

Locations: Visit website for locations

MISSION BBQ will salute our Country's Veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11th, Veterans Day. Each year we come together for Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women in service, remember their history, and thank them for their continued duty, honor and commitment they've made to keep our country free. This Veterans Day, they invite all veterans to come in for a FREE sandwich. Be there at noon for their live rendition of our National Anthem!

Future Events: Save the Date

November 22, 2025: The Mission Continues Volunteer Effort, Baltimore

November 22, 2025: Charles County Veterans Day Celebration, White Plains

December 6, 2025: The Mission Continues Volunteer Effort, Baltimore

December 21, 2025: Jewish War Veterans Post 167 Hanukkah Party, Pikesville

March 22, 2026: Gilchrist's 8th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, Windsor Mill

The Mission Continues has two volunteer activities coming up:

Baltimore Platoon:

Event Name: Operation Shelter & Serve at Filbert Street Garden

Date/Time:  November 22, 2025 09:00 AM-12:00 PM

Event Location: Filbert Street Garden 1317 Filbert St Baltimore MD 21226

Registration Link: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details?id=a1lWP000001qfeP

Event Name: A Path Forward: Honoring Lt. Collins at the City Ranch

Date/Time:  December 6, 2025 10:30 AM-02:30 PM Event

Location: The City Ranch 7613 Dogwood Road Windsor Mill MD 21244

Registration Link: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details?id=a1lWP000001qgKL

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 a 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.