|
|
Biweekly Newsletter - February 6, 2026
|
Message from Acting Secretary Rothstein
|
Last Friday, I spent time in the field in Frederick County and Allegany County. Being present keeps me connected to our teams, our operations, and the veterans and families we serve. Leadership requires visibility—and results are built on relationships.
One of my visits included, going to the Veteran Services Center at Goodwill in Frederick for a complimentary Fellowship Friday Breakfast that takes place every week for veterans, first responders, and their families. I also had the opportunity to meet with our Benefits Specialists. Their work is mission-critical—helping veterans and families navigate complex systems and secure the benefits they earned through service.
My next stop was Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery. During the visit, Chris Barton, a caretaker, was recognized for five years of dedicated service. Milestones like this reflect stability, experience, and a sustained commitment to mission.
I also want to recognize Caretaker Shane Whitaker, who exemplifies teamwork and accountability. When a colleague experienced a long-term family emergency, Shane stepped in to ensure continuity of service and that standards were met without disruption—operational excellence in action. Shane received a commendation for outstanding performance. A reminder of how close our networks can be: Chris Barton and Shane Whitaker are brothers-in-law—a personal connection that reflects the strength of our community.
The day reinforced a core truth: our success at DVMF is driven not only by programs and policies, but by people, partnerships, and strong networks built on trust and accountability.
Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein
|
Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein and Superintendent Mike Gregory at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery, pictured in front of the memorial honoring Sergeant Robert W. Hartsock.
|
|
DVMF Highlights
|
Last week, our team and members of the military-connected community, testified on three bills impacting veterans and military families.
-
HB0102/SB0263 —Dependent Children of Active Service Members - Advance Enrollment Procedures Act: This bill helps military families by allowing children of active-duty service members to enroll in school early, note special education needs during registration, and easily find advance enrollment information.
-
HB0278/SB0113—Longevity Ready Maryland Act: This bill directs the Secretary of Aging to lead and carry out the Longevity Ready Maryland Plan, adds veterans to plan membership, and ensures the Commission on Aging is properly staffed to better support Maryland’s growing older adult population.
-
HB0270/SB0192—Military Family Inclusion Act: This bill updates who serves on several state boards and commissions to ensure broader and more inclusive representation.
 Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein and Anne Arundel County youth Jacob testified on January 27, in support of the Military Family Inclusion Act.
Deputy Secretary Jimmy Anderson testified in support of the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, on January 28.
 Anne Arundel County youth Jacob and his mother, Lindsay Livingston, DVMF's Director of Communications, Outreach and Advocacy, testified in support of the Dependent Children of Active Service Members – Advance Enrollment Procedures Act on January 29.
Celebrating Five Years of Service
 On January 30, Caretaker Chris Barton was recognized for five years of dedicated service at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery. As part of a DVMF tradition, he was presented with a letterman jacket in appreciation of his commitment and service.
On February 3, Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein spoke with the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland, a coalition of veteran service organizations supporting veterans, families, and survivors across the state. We’re grateful for their advocacy, partnership, and continued commitment to those who served.
|
Cardell Bass has been promoted to Deputy Director of the Service and Benefits Program. Cardell brings more than 14 years of dedicated service to this role and has made significant contributions to Maryland’s veteran community.
On February 4, Deputy Secretary Dana Burl, Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein, and Deputy Secretary Jimmy Anderson attended the Maryland Veterans Caucus Meeting, sharing updates and remarks on legislation and priorities impacting Maryland’s military-connected community.
Core Programs and Initiatives
Learn how our core programs and initiatives—work together to support veterans, service members, and military families across Maryland—from helping individuals access earned federal and state benefits through the Service and Benefits Program, to providing long-term care and memory support at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, honoring service through our state veterans Cemetery and Memorial Program, expanding our Communications, Outreach, & Advocacy Program efforts statewide, and offering critical financial assistance through the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund when families need it most.
Donate to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund
|
|
Maryland Joins Forces News
|
|
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.
The 6th Annual Our Military Kids Courageous Kids Contest opens for nominations on February 9, celebrating military children ages 1–18 who showed courage and leadership in 2025 while a parent deployed or recovered from combat-related injury or illness. Winners from each military branch will receive a cash stipend, GOVX prizes, a certificate, and national recognition during April’s Month of the Military Child.
|
Join Platoon 22 for 'Breakfast Banter,' bringing veterans together over a shared meal for conversation, connection, and community. Every Monday.
Location: 5350 Spectrum Drive Frederick, MD 21703
Time: 9:00AM–10:30AM
*No registration required
|
The Pillars of Strength Scholarship, offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), provides full scholarships to caregivers of wounded, injured, or ill service members and veterans. This annual program recognizes the extraordinary dedication of military caregivers and supports them in pursuing career-focused undergraduate or graduate degrees, administered by UMGC and the Blewitt Foundation in partnership with the National Military Family Association.
|
|
|
State and Federal News
|
Nominate a Veteran for Good Morning Maryland
Here's a great way to highlight the veterans you serve and work with every day. WMAR’s Veteran Spotlight features Maryland veterans on Good Morning Maryland, sharing their service stories and continued impact in our communities.
|
Caring for a veteran starts with caring for yourself—especially in the new year. Building Better Caregivers® is a free online workshop and supportive community designed to help veteran caregivers manage stress, connect with others who understand, and build tools to support their own health and well-being.
|
State Agencies
Governor Moore Launches $5 Million Incentive Program to Expand Maryland’s Apprenticeship Workforce- The Office of Governor Wes Moore Newsroom
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
Special Rates for Military-Connected Communities- Department of Natural Resources
Federal Agencies
VA Health Administration: FREE Building Better Caregivers®(BBC) online workshop
Free legal & financial planning assistance for VA caregivers
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
Opening up about what you’re going through can make it easier to find support and prevent a crisis before it happens. Whenever you need to talk, the Veterans Crisis Line is here to listen. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at http://VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
|
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 Motor Vehicle Administration or 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.
|
|
Newsletter Information Disclaimer
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.
|
|
