Governor Moore Honors Veterans Day and Announces Additional Support for Veterans Impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown
Governor Wes Moore visited Greenbelt to commemorate Veterans Day and honor the sacrifices of Maryland’s veterans and their families. During his visit, the governor reinforced the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families across Maryland.
“Leave No One Behind is not a talking point for us, it’s a governing philosophy,” said Gov. Moore. “So at a time when we’re seeing attacks against our veterans and military families, today is a reminder: In Maryland, ‘thank you for your service’ actually means something. As long as I am governor of the state, it always will.”
In response to the impacts of the longest shutdown in U.S. history and federal layoffs that disproportionately affect veterans, the governor today announced $250,000 in funding to be allocated to four initiatives that provide critical aid for rent, groceries, and household stability. The partnerships built through this effort will help strengthen Maryland’s support network for veterans—one in four of whom are federal civilian employees—and their families.
“At a time when we are facing enormous challenges, what gives me hope is that our administration is doing everything in our power to deliver relief for those struggling,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “When I married my husband, I didn’t know I was marrying a governor—but I knew I was marrying a soldier. Soldiers are wired to protect, and my husband wakes up every day thinking about how to build a state that lives by the creed he learned in the military: leave no one behind.”
The $250,000 in funding announced today will be distributed among the following initiatives:
Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, which helps cover essential expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and vehicle repairs. Funding will significantly reduce the backlog of more than 200 pending applications, ensuring timely financial relief through emergency grants of up to $10,000 for veterans, military families, Gold Star parents, spouses, and members of the Maryland National Guard.
Learn more about the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund at veterans.maryland.gov.
Operation Homefront, which works to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional, and social well-being. Funding will expand an existing emergency food assistance partnership, providing $500 grocery gift cards to approximately 200 military and veteran families—including veterans with service-connected disabilities within 10 years of separation. Operation Homefront has seen a nearly 100% increase in food assistance requests nationwide since the government shutdown began.
Applications for support are being accepted at operationhomefront.org.
Blue Star Families Maryland Chapter, which works to ensure that military families feel connected, supported, and empowered wherever they serve through partnerships with public and private organizations. Funding will support and expand the upcoming Nourish the Service event at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on November 16, providing four-day food packages for approximately 400 military families. The program works to address food insecurity among military families while also building community through volunteerism and shared support.
Maryland National Guard Food Pantry, which provides essential food and household supplies to the Guard, active-duty service members, and their families across the state. The pantry, supported by donations and community partners, has seen a sharp increase in demand during the federal government shutdown as Guard members experience delayed pay and rising household costs. The funding also strengthens the Guard’s existing network of family support programs, helping connect service members to additional state resources.
Governor and First Lady Moore honored Maryland’s veterans and military families during the City of Greenbelt’s Veterans Day celebration, where they observed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Greenbelt War Memorial. The governor and first lady then served meals to veterans and their families at the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136's annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
“When Maryland veterans fall on hard times, they shouldn’t have to face it alone,” said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein. “Those who have served and sacrificed for our nation deserve our support in return. This funding helps meet the immediate needs of veterans and their families and provides stability during times of financial uncertainty. It’s a reminder that in Maryland, our commitment to those who served is more than words—it’s action.”
 Photos courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor. More photos of Veterans Day ceremony
and American Legion Post 136 luncheon.
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Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and Department of Veterans and Military Families Introduce Vehicle Registration Donation Program and Expanded Veteran Services
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is expanding its partnership with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) to honor and support the resilience of Maryland’s veterans and their families.
Starting on Veterans Day, November 11th, MVA customers can donate to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund when registering or renewing their vehicle registration using myMVA Online Services. The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that offers crucial assistance to veterans and their families facing temporary financial hardships, helping with essential needs like rent, mortgage payments and utilities.
“Maryland is proud to make it easier than ever for residents to support those who have served our nation,” said MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “This new donation option and our expanded veteran services offices ensure support for our veterans and their families is more accessible across the state, not just on Veterans Day, but all year long.”
With the addition of an online donation option through the MVA, Marylanders now have a simple, secure way to give back. This initiative reflects the MVA’s commitment to providing a convenient, one-stop government service experience while offering residents an easy way to support veterans during a time when many face growing financial challenges.
“The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund exists to meet veterans where they are — often in moments of crisis — and provide timely, meaningful assistance,” said Maryland Veterans Trust Fund Executive Director Heather Geraldes. “The new online donation feature makes it easier than ever for Marylanders to make a difference. Whether it’s a one-time gift or recurring support, every contribution provides real help and hope.” Read More Here
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Spotlight on Education: University of Maryland Global Campus
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Employment Opportunity: UMGC is seeking an Assistant Director, Veteran Initiatives and Outreach
Consumer Advisory from the Maryland Insurance Administration:
Fake health insurance sites target shoppers during Open Enrollment. Use caution and make sure you are shopping from official sources. Read more here.
 The Maryland Transit Administration held the annual Stars, Stripes & Spotlight Extravaganza event to honor MTA employees who are Veterans. DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein spoke at the event and enjoyed meeting the MTA Veteran employees.
News from Maryland Public Television
Outdoors Maryland New Season Begins This Month!
Maryland Public Television’s original series Outdoors Maryland, produced in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, begins its 37th season this month. The award-winning series captivates viewers with dazzling videography and memorable stories about wildlife, people, and places across the state.
This season, plunge into the underwater world of human-powered submarine racing, and explore the mysteries of the cosmos with astronomy enthusiasts. Meet wildlife, from raptors and seals in need of a helping hand, to mysterious migrating whales, to the small-but-mighty freshwater mussel. Explore local waterways aboard sailboats, kayaks—even an 80-foot icebreaking vessel! And throughout it all, get to know the many Marylanders working tirelessly to track and preserve the state’s natural wonders in the face of an ever-changing world.
New episodes begin premiering on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30 pm on MPT, MPT’s online video player, and the free PBS app. Learn more at mpt.org/outdoors.
News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
DNR Reintroduces Brook Trout to Once-Vacant Streams
In early fall, as the leaves on the trees in Maryland’s western counties signal their seasonal transition, brook trout prepare for a change as well as their spawning season will begin soon. Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists have a plan for a different type of change of scenery for a group of these native fish. They will carefully collect and move adult brook trout to a different stream to bring back local populations from zero. Read more.
State Tree Nursery Now Taking Orders for 2026 Planting
The online tree seedling catalog is now open and accepting orders for spring 2026 planting at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov. This year’s catalog features more than 51 species, with a few different choices from last year! Our seedling crop is growing very well and we have more than 3 million seedlings available. If you are not sure which species are right for your needs, please call your local forestry office.
We can all appreciate the benefits of being tree planters and stewards. Trees improve the environment and help keep Maryland's waters clean. As our state's canopy spreads, so will benefits for wildlife, for us, and for future generations to come.
The best time to plant a tree is today. Learn more on our website.
Download the 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.
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Season Opens Nov. 29
Maryland’s two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 29 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 13. The season includes certain Sundays in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more
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