I begin this message with a heavy heart, mindful of the developing situation in Iran and the tragic loss of six U.S. Army Reserve service members killed in action. May their memories forever be a blessing. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones, and all those currently serving in harm's way. The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families stands ready to support our state’s service members, veterans, and military families during this difficult time. 

Over the past several days, I joined fellow state leaders at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs 2026 Midwinter Conference to share best practices for serving veterans nationwide. During this time, myself and other DVMF leaders, met with counterparts from California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Oregon, and other states to exchange ideas aimed at strengthening services for veterans and military families. 

Our mission is results driven:

• Federal Benefit Security: In 2025, DVMF served Maryland veterans and their families securing more than $54.5 million in federal benefits.
• Expert Support: Through the dedication of our team, we assist Maryland’s military-connected community in accessing critical federal, state, and local resources.
• Strategic Growth: Looking ahead, we are strengthening our strategy to reach more veterans and military families across Maryland and ensure they connect with the resources they deserve.

While policy discussions and legislation continue to evolve, our commitment remains clear: Serving Maryland’s veterans and military families. We remain dedicated to delivering the essential services our community relies on while expanding our reach across the state. 

CALL TO ACTION! Reach out anytime, by emailing secretary.dvmf@maryland.gov to share your thoughts and ideas with me. Success is driven through a journey where we are all engaged.

To learn more about available programs and resources, please visit www.veterans.maryland.gov  to see how we can support you and your family.

Sincerely,

Ed Rothstein

This Women’s History Month, DVMF proudly honors the leadership, strength, and resilience of women who have shaped our nation — including the trailblazers who transformed our military. Women have served in every branch and every era, leading, innovating, and breaking barriers for generations to come.

To celebrate their impact, DVMF has released a special Women’s History Month video recognizing women veterans and military-connected women across Maryland and beyond. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, @MDVeterans, to watch the short video and join us in honoring their service — this month and every day.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home recently received a generous $2,735 donation from employees of the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom). The commission, continues its commitment to the community by supporting Maryland’s veterans. This contribution will directly benefit the needs of Charlotte Hall residents.

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 Women and Veterans and Inclusion Program, is accepting applications for its new Ambassador Program. This initiative will expand outreach and empower ambassadors to share information to underserved women veterans across Maryland. Email Roslyn.Jones1@maryland.gov for an application.

On February 20, DVMF Deputy Secretary Jimmy Anderson visited the Veterans Services Center at Goodwill in Frederick for their weekly Fellowship Fridays breakfast. The visit highlighted the power of mission-driven organizations coming together to serve those who served.

Deputy Secretary Anderson toured the center and joined leadership from Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, Inc. and DVMF Service and Benefits Program Director Phil Munley.

On February 25, Danielle Charles, president of the Gold Star Spouses of America – Aberdeen Chapter, testified before the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 0842, which would remove the two-year deadline for surviving spouses to qualify for Maryland’s property tax exemption. Danielle and her children, Jeremiah and Autumn also met with DVMF Secretary Rothstein.

In partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, Operation Homefront is offering five military spouses across the United States a full scholarship to pursue an online degree. These flexible programs are designed to help military spouses balance their education with family responsibilities and other commitments. Applications close March 8, 2026.

FREE Entrepreneur Training for Veterans begins March 25, 2026! Project Opportunity Prince George’s is a 10-week cohort program meeting Wednesdays, March 25–June 3, from 6:30–9:30 PM at Prince George’s Community College (Lanham Hall, Room 206). Led by experienced business professionals, the program helps veterans launch or grow a business and concludes with a formal pitch and graduation.

This summer, the National Military Family Association is hosting a nine weeks unforgettable camp experiences at 10 locations nationwide. From swimming and gaga ball to special events celebrating the military kid journey, Operation Purple Camp creates a space where Military Kids Serve Too.

This free, one-week overnight camp builds connection, community, and resilience with the support of Military and Family Life Counselors and trained camp staff — all in an environment designed just for military-connected youth. Operation Purple Camp Applications are open through March 11, 2026.

The 6th Annual Our Military Kids Courageous Kids Contest is now open through March 8, 2026.

This national contest honors military children ages 1–18 who have demonstrated courage and leadership while a parent was deployed with the National Guard or Reserve, or received care for combat-related injuries or illness in 2025.

Winners — representing each branch of service — will receive a $300 cash stipend, prizes from GOVX, a certificate, and national recognition during April’s Month of the Military Child.

First Lady Dawn Moore has officially launched #ReadMoreMaryland, a statewide literacy initiative designed to inspire students across Maryland to read and strengthen their academic success. In partnership with the Governor’s Office for Children and the Maryland State Department of Education, the campaign reinforces the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to advancing literacy and ensuring every child has access to high-quality educational opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making it easier for eligible Veterans to receive additional G.I. Bill benefits following the Supreme Court’s Rudisill decision and the Veterans Court’s Perkins v. Collins ruling. VA will no longer require Veterans to request a review of their eligibility under both the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill. Instead, VA is automatically reviewing cases—prioritizing Veterans with fewer than three months of benefits remaining who are currently enrolled or were recently enrolled in school—to ensure no eligible student loses access to earned education benefits. VA is also updating its systems to automate these reviews and will notify Veterans once determinations are complete. 

Our Community Salutes USA (OCSUSA) will host the 2026 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on April 21, 2026, at The Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts in Columbia. The event recognizes local young men and women who have enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and are preparing to depart for basic training.

This meaningful event gives the community an opportunity to be the first to say “thank you” to these future service members for their commitment to protect and serve our nation.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level award recognizing organizations for their commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and supporting the professional growth of veterans.

Each year, the award highlights employers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to veteran employment initiatives and workplace success. Review the criteria now to learn how your organization can participate in the 2026 award cycle.