As we enter the first month of the new year, thank you for your continued commitment to Maryland’s veterans, service members, and military families. With the 448th General Assembly Legislative Session underway, the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) is focused on advancing policies that support Maryland’s veterans and military families.

One key priority this session is the Military Family Inclusion Act (HB270/SB0192), which modernizes several boards and commissions to better reflect the lived experiences of Maryland’s military-connected community.

Specifically, the bill:

• Adds a family caregiver of a service-disabled veteran to the Maryland Commission on Caregiving
• Adds a military-connected youth to the Maryland Youth Advisory Council
• Updates membership on the Maryland Veterans Commission to ensure broader representation
• Clarifies quorum requirements for the Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees to support effective governance

These changes are important because effective policy is informed by those it impacts, and they support military families facing unique challenges such as employment, educational transitions, and access to resources.

During this 90-day session, DVMF remains focused on key issues that support those who served through life’s transitions. Learn more about Maryland State Legislation and the bills we're tracking for the 2026 legislative session.

Sincerely,
Ed

For the latest updates on cemetery operations and weather-related impacts, visit our website, Maryland Veterans Cemeteries page.

In partnership with the Blue Star Families Maryland, we are proud to support military and veteran families through a Drive-Thru Grocery Distribution on February 6, 2026. Registration is required. Participants should remain in their vehicles and clear their trunks for easy loading, as volunteers will place groceries directly into vehicles. Bringing a cooler is encouraged to help keep items fresh.

📍 Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653
Time: 8:30am
Use this link to register: Nourish the Service

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, Governor Wes Moore joined Maryland Corps and Service Year Option members to serve meals to veterans at The Baltimore Station, a Maryland Joins Forces partner, provides residential treatment and support to veterans transitioning out of poverty, addiction, and homelessness. The visit was a powerful reminder of how service and community come together to make a lasting impact. Thank you to the Department of Service and Civic Innovation for leading this meaningful Day of Service.

EveryMind and Blue Star Families have each been awarded $750,000 through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). This federal program supports expanded suicide prevention services for veterans, service members, and their families, helping strengthen access to care and community-based support. Full list of SSG Fox SPGP grantees operating in FY 2026.

American University is proud to partner with the Department of Veterans & Military Families to offer discounts and benefits to the military connected community.  We offer over 120 graduate degree programs as well as a suite of professional and continuing education and certifications.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact us at gradstudies@american.edu. 

Catch the latest episode of MDOT Insider with host Mykia Bennett as she shares key transportation updates from across the Maryland Department of Transportation. From infrastructure and road projects to multimodal initiatives shaping how Maryland moves, this edition brings you the stories behind the progress and impact in communities statewide.