Message from Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein

Dear Friends, With the holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa approaching, my mind turns to those who will be serving on duty away from their families.  I also think about Veterans who have few social connections or may not have stable housing. Cold days with less light can be difficult for many and holiday celebrations may be stressful. For those of us who have shelter, who will be warm and surrounded by friends and family, I encourage you to reach out to your battle buddies, shipmates, wingmen and colleagues you haven’t heard from in a while.  Check in and see if they are okay.  Connection is a powerful tool that may help someone who is struggling.  A call, a text or an invitation to meet can make a difference to someone who is feeling lonely. Here are some resources for you to share: Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, immediate help is available. Please use these confidential resources: Resource Description Contact Information Veterans Crisis Line Connects Veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified VA responders. Call/Text 988 and Press 1 (or 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) Confidential Chat Available 24/7/365. Veterans Crisis Line Chat VA Mental Health Services Information on various mental health programs and services offered by the VA. VA Mental Health Vets4Warriors A 24/7 peer support network for service members, Veterans, and their families. Call 1-855-838-8255   My wish for you is to have a calm and fulfilling holiday season.  My hope for you is to reach out to make sure a buddy is okay too. Sincerely, Ed

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) volunteered at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to replace the fencing around the pond, located behind the main buildings.

IAM Newsletter article

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Resident Wish List

Ryan Eller, General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland presents a very large check to Heather Geraldes, Director of the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.  This check represents the donations of Live! customers, who help support the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund.  Thank you  for this very generous donation.

The Daily Record article

Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer at a Maryland Veterans Cemetery

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity with minimal time expenditure, but maximum impact consider volunteering at one of the five Maryland Veterans Cemeteries with the Cemetery Committee.

The committees organize and plan the ceremonies each year for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Each cemetery has a committee, so you may volunteer where it is most convenient for you. You do not have to be a Veteran to join the planning committees.

If you are interested in volunteering, please call or write the staff at one of the DVMF cemeteries:

Cheltenham: 301-372-6398, cheltenham.vc@maryland.gov

Crownsville: 410-987-6320. crownsville.vc@maryland.gov

Eastern Shore: 410-943-3420, easternshore.vc@maryland.gov

Garrison Forest: 410-363-6090, garrisonforest.vc@maryland.gov

Rocky Gap: 301-777-2185, rockygap.vc@maryland.gov

DVMF Website

Noteworthy Events

DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein participated in the ribbon-cutting for newly opened VFW John R. Webb Post 3285 building located in Frederick.  In addition to VFW members and Auxiliary members, the audience included elected officials, officers and enlisted personnel from nearby Ft. Detrick, as well as community members. Congratulations to all connected with Post 3285 on this momentous achievement!

Frederick News-Post article

DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein (second row, right) attended the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Heroes & History Makers event. Also in the second row are DVMF Deputy Secretaries Jimmy Anderson and Dana Burl.

Members of Maryland State Government were invited to attend a Tribute to Veterans Reception hosted by the Ambassador of the European Union in Washington, DC.

In this photo are: Michael Lore, Maryland Deputy Secretary of State, DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein, Major General Janeen Birckhead, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard and DVMF Deputy Secretary Jimmy Anderson.

Denise Nooe, DVMF Deputy Director of Communications, Outreach & Advocacy and Gerry Taylor, DVMF Deputy Director of the Service & Benefits Program are presented with Governor's Citations by DVMF Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein.  Both Gerry and Denise will be retiring from DVMF at the end of the year. 

Governor Moore and First Lady Moore to Welcome Marylanders for Holiday Open House

Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore announced that they will open Government House to celebrate the holidays during a public open house on Saturday, December 13. Government House, located at 110 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to noon.​ ​​​“As Dawn and I reflect on this year, one that we know has been tough for so many across our state, we are continually inspired by the incredible heart and resilience shown by all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “Despite the challenges our state faces, we made real progress together. This holiday season, we look forward to celebrating that spirit of partnership with all of you.” Read More Here,  Video

Join Virtual Focus Groups

Are you interested in sharing your views on the needs of service members, veterans and their families? Maryland's Commitment to Veterans and University of Maryland Baltimore are looking for participants to join virtual focus groups.  As part of the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF, we will be conducting group interviews to learn about service and support needs. The group interviews will last approximately one hour and will take place virtually or in person. Participation is completely voluntary.  Learn more and apply: bit.ly/4gD9aOR

We want to hear from you!  The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, in partnership with AARP, invites you to our virtual Caregiver Community Town Hall—Caring Across Generations: Building a Network of Support—on Tuesday, December 16 at 2:00 pm EST.

This Caregiver Community Town Hall will highlight resources offered by AARP and EDF, available to all generations of caregivers:  

• AARP’s Veteran and Military Home Modification Guide and their Health Benefits Navigator
• Opportunities available through their Veteran and Military Lead Program
• EDF’s Mental Wellness and Resource Navigation programs, among others
• EDF Connect—our new online caregiver community! 

Subject matter experts from both organizations will be on hand to answer questions during the live Q&A. 

Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions, but we encourage you to submit your questions in advance when you register to ensure we are able to offer the most relevant responses. We will answer as many questions as we can during our time together.

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to connect with others who understand your journey and learn about resources available to you. Whether you’re actively engaged with our community, or just starting to explore available support, we’d love to have you with us.

Denise Nooe, DVMF Deputy Director of Communications, Outreach & Advocacy was presented with a Governor's Citation for her work as a member of the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program Advisory Board.  The event recognized Veteran small business owners in Maryland during National Veteran Small Business Week.

On the left is Danielle Davis, VSBE Program Compliance Manager and on the right is Wallace Sermons, Maryland Department of General Services Chief Procurement Officer.

For more information on the Maryland VSBE Program

News from the Maryland Department of Education

Announcing the Release of the 2026 Purple Star Schools Applications

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is pleased to announce the release of both the 2026 Purple Star Schools Program application and 2026 renewal application for the Purple Star Schools who earned the designation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. The Purple Star Schools Program recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving students whose parents or guardians are in the U.S. military. Maryland proudly joins 43 other states in this nationwide effort. Read More Here

News from the Maryland Insurance Administration

Military Resources

We would like to honor and thank our military veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. We have compiled resources specifically for military personnel and their families to help answer your insurance questions.

News from the Maryland Department of Aging

We're excited to share the news about an innovative new resource for family caregivers developed by Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with the Maryland Information Network and the Maryland Department of Aging.

The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist will help families impacted by cognitive difficulties identify essential needs, access reliable information, and connect to tailored supports to assist in the development of a larger care plan.

The Checklist is currently in its pilot testing phase, and will be made available to the public in January 2026. We're inviting our partners in caregiving to be a part of its successful launch by sharing any caregiving events you have planned in early 2026 that provide an opportunity to showcase this valuable resource. 

News from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks

Maryland State Parks once again will offer numerous First Day Hikes across the state on January 1, 2026. There will be something for everyone, including Ranger-guided hikes and self-guided adventures. Come out and celebrate the start of the New Year on the right foot!

For a list of hikes near you, keep an eye on our First Day Hikes webpage, which will be updated soon. You can also check with your favorite park and sign up for email newsletters to keep you informed of upcoming outdoor opportunities. 

Maryland State Tree Nursery Accepting Orders for Spring 2026 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is accepting orders for spring tree plantings at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov. More than 30 tree and shrub species remain available for purchase this year. Read more

Maryland Canada Goose Hunting Seasons Resume for 2025-26

Maryland’s Atlantic Population (Migratory) Canada goose hunting season opens Friday, Dec. 19. The season contains two segments, Dec. 19 through Jan. 3, 2026, and again from Jan. 14 through Jan. 31, 2026. Late southern and late western resident goose hunting split seasons run from late November into March 2026. Read more.

Impaired Driving Information

Federal News

Check in - even when a Veteran says they're fine

The unbreakable link: Veteran peer support as a lifeline

How Veterans can find relief when life gets heavy, or just heavier

Managing stress in the holiday season

Navigating the holidays - A guide to supporting our military and Veteran children experiencing grief

Vet Centers - video

Women Veterans Belong at the VA

Women Veterans Program Manager Locator

Why is VA modernizing its Electronic Health Record?

Navigating care in the community

VA to begin copayments for whole health well-being services

VA flu vaccination clinics help Veterans stay healthy this season

VA Health Care for Veterans: Convenient VA Care at Your Fingertips - video

Survive and thrive through self-compassion

#GerofitExercise: Gentle Chair Yoga

Live Whole Health # 294: Count your blessings for Whole Health

Live Whole Health #295: Sink into relaxation

Whole Health: Putting Veterans at the center of their care

Lung cancer screening: Early detection can save your life

VA Homeless Programs and How to get Help - video

New scam: VA Benefits overpayment

Guard Your Benefits: Avoid Scams and Cyber Threats - video

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

December 12, 2025

Maryland VSBE & SBR Programs Certification Workshop, Salisbury

December 13, 2025

Women Veterans of Southern Maryland Cookie Exchange, Lexington Park Library

December 15, 2025

Service Dog Yoga, Frederick

December 16, 2025

Caregiver Town Hall sponsored by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation & AARP, Virtual

December 19, 2025

Women Veterans Breakfast, Lexington Park

December 21, 2025

Jewish War Veterans Post 167 Hanukkah Party, Pikesville

January 13, 2026

S.A.V.E. Training to prevent Veteran suicide, Frederick

January 14, 2026

Montgomery County Veterans & Community Job and Resource Fair, Rockville

Community News

Ft. Meade Alliance Community Survey

Platoon 22 is partnering with the Martinsburg VA Medical Center to bring VA S.A.V.E. Training to our community.

January 13, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Platoon 22: 5350 Spectrum Drive, Frederick, MD 21703

This free training is open to everyone, you do not need to be a veteran to participate. VA S.A.V.E. is a brief, informative course that teaches you how to recognize signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, how to ask the right questions with care, and how to connect them to the help they need. It’s practical, approachable, and a meaningful way to strengthen support across our community.

We encourage anyone who wants to make a positive impact, professionals, community partners, family members, and caring neighbors, to join us. Register Here

News from ServingTogether

At ServingTogether, we provide local veteran resources, information and services to active duty service members, veterans,  family National Gurard/Reserves, 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. In the past 2.5 years ServingTogether has screened over 500 clients for risk of suicide.

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 website  https://www.everymind.org/servingtogether/ and complete the Get Assistance Now form on the website, or call 1-855-738-7176.

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:  website  https://www.everymind.org/servingtogether/

Future Events: Save the Date

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

April 26, 2026: The Military Child World Expo, Arlington

May 2, 2026: Frederick County Veterans Appreciation Day, Frederick

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.