DVMF Newsletter: January 9, 2026

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Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families

Biweekly Newsletter -  January 9, 2026

Message from Acting Secretary Rothstein

Ed Rothstein

Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, our mission at DVMF remains the same. We are committed to serving Maryland’s veterans, service members, and their families—and to ensuring no one is left behind.

We remain committed to working with the Moore–Miller Administration to improve access to state benefits, services, and resources. This week marked the launch of the rebuilt Maryland.gov, transforming the state’s official website into a more user-friendly digital front door.

The site now includes a dedicated Benefits for Veterans page, making it easier for Maryland’s military-connected community to find clear, reliable information and connect to available services. Improving access to information reflects our commitment to listen to the needs of our communities, learn where barriers exist, and lead with solutions that strengthen service delivery in the year ahead.

I encourage you to visit Maryland.gov to explore the Benefits for Veterans page and connect with the services available to you and your family. Please also consider sharing this resource with others who may benefit.  

Sincerely, 
Ed

DVMF Highlights

benefits flyer

DVMF LOGO white background

Core Programs and Initiatives
Learn more about our core programs and initiatives—and how they support veterans, service members, and military families across Maryland

Donate to The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

State and Federal News

BHA

DNR

Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. This honor recognizes individuals who have advanced fish conservation, habitat management, and recreational fishing across Maryland. Nominations for the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award are being accepted now through January 31, 2026. 


purple schools

Maryland State Board of Education invites schools to apply for the 2026 Purple Star Schools Program —a statewide honor recognizing schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students.


mpt finding your roots

Maryland Public Television and the Maryland Genealogical Society invite you to a beginner-to-intermediate genealogy workshop series this Winter. Finding Your Roots: Military Ancestors consists of four, two hour sessions that are designed to help you learn how to research the military service of your ancestors in several pivotal American wars.


State Agencies

Governor Moore Announces Housing Growth and Affordability Agenda for 2026 Legislative Session- Office of Governor Wes Moore

How to Apply for Benefits- Department of Veterans and Military Families

Veteran Services - Workforce Development & Adult Learning- Department of Labor

Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans- Behavioral Health Administration

Expedited Processing for Veterans- Department of Education

Veterans Benefits Offices- Motor Vehicle Administration

Federal Agencies

Applications from employers for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award

How the Veterans Crisis Line prevents Veteran Suicide

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

Breaking the myth: Understanding Veteran homelessness

Free legal & financial planning assistance for VA caregivers

Free Online Workshop Offers Group Support for Caregivers of Veterans

U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development

U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Maryland Joins Forces News

MJF

Maryland Joins Forces' mission is to unite public and private partners to foster innovative solutions to challenges facing our military connected community. Through intentional collaboration, we empower veterans, service members, and their families with the support they deserve, building a community where no one is left behind. Visit, Maryland Joins Forces.

women veterans resources

dole foundation

Elizabeth Dole Foundation is offering an opportunity for military and veteran caregivers. Applications are now open for the Dole Caregiver Fellowship Class of 2026—a leadership program that supports and uplifts military and veteran caregivers while helping them grow their voice, skills, and connections.


National Military Family Association (NMFA) and Bloom

The National Military Family Association and Bloom want to hear from military-connected teens and young adults. By sharing your experiences, you help shape programs and policies that better support military youth. Take the Military Teen Experience Survey, open to ages 13–24, and help create lasting change. Take the 2026 Military Teen Experience Survey until January 27​, 2026.


Community Calendar

To stay informed about upcoming community events, resource fairs, and outreach activities, visit DVMF's 'events' page. Information is updated regularly.


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. DVMF respects your privacy and does not share your email address. If you have questions about our Department, our Programs, or your VA benefits, please visit veterans.maryland.gov or call 410-260-3838.