February is Black History Month—a time to honor the legacy, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans, and to recognize the many Black Veterans whose service has strengthened our communities.
Black service members have answered the call to serve in every generation, often in the face of adversity, with courage and an unwavering commitment to others. Their stories remind us what service truly means. This month, we honor that legacy and renew our commitment to ensuring Black Veterans and their families are seen, valued, and supported.

For those seeking information and support, DVMF provides education, events, and resources to address the unique needs of minority veterans across Maryland through the Women Veterans Inclusion Program. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also offers a dedicated Center for Minority Veterans resource hub with news, programs, and services for minority Veterans and their families.

We're proud to work alongside our federal, state, and community partners to expand access to benefits, healthcare, housing, employment, and other critical resources.
This Black History Month—and every month—we remain steadfast in our mission to serve all who have served.

Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein

On February 11, DVMF was highlighted in Governor Moore’s State of the State Address for our work to ensure that Charlotte Hall Veterans Home—Maryland’s only state veterans home—continues to set a standard of excellence in long-term care for veterans and their spouses.

Through collaboration with the Moore-Miller Administration, lawmakers, and the Board of Public Works, DVMF has strengthened care, oversight, and facility conditions. As a result, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home has improved from a one-star facility to a four-star facility.

Special thanks to administrators Emily Kanavage and Dorine Smith for their leadership and front-line dedication in making this turnaround possible. This progress shows what’s possible when we put veterans first—and the work continues.

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 16, DVMF's Women Veterans/Inclusion Program Manager Roslyn Jones attended the Baltimore City Black History Month Parade and assisted with event registration.

The parade featured participation from JROTC students from Forest Park Senior High School, who proudly represented their school and demonstrated leadership and commitment to service.

Pictured (from left to right) are James Munlyn Jr. (Amazon), Jay Linton (Baltimore City Special Events), and Skye Ajayi and Fay Rodrigues (Amazon), who also supported check-in efforts. Their involvement reflects strong public- and private-sector collaboration in making the event a success.

DVMF is pleased to welcome Bright Antwi as the new Accountant for the Veterans Trust Fund. With prior state service experience in Maryland and California, Bright will help strengthen the Trust Fund’s financial stewardship and support for Maryland’s veterans.

Event Details:
📅 Friday, March 13, 2026
☕ 9:00–10:00 AM | Coffee & Networking
🎤 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Program & Lunch
📍 Community College of Baltimore County – Student Services Center, Room 004
Catonsville, MD
Event Registration Link

The 6th Annual Our Military Kids Courageous Kids Contest is open for nominations. This contest celebrates 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.

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.