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Biweekly Newsletter - April 17, 2026
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Message from Secretary Rothstein
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As the 449th Legislative Session comes to a close, I am proud of the meaningful progress made to strengthen support for Maryland’s veterans, service members, and military families. During the 2026 legislative session, we focused on policies that expand access to services and benefits for those who have served our nation. A key milestone this year was the passage of the Military Family Inclusion Act, our departmental bill, which helps ensure military-connected families have a stronger voice and greater representation in the decisions that affect their well-being.
My team and I remain committed to being present in the community, and these past several weeks were no different. From resource fairs and military family activities to veterans-focused events across the state, one thing has become very clear—no one has a monopoly on good ideas. I have listened carefully and taken note of the many thoughts and perspectives shared on how we can continue to improve. As I challenge myself to grow as a leader, I will continue to challenge all of us to stay engaged, reach out, and share ideas on how we can do better together.
As the core agency serving more than 350,000 veterans living in Maryland, we take pride in delivering trusted services in the areas that matter most—burial and memorial services, health care access, and disability and benefits assistance—while maintaining a standard of excellence in customer service for our military-connected communities.
I remain committed to continuing this work through strong partnerships with state agencies, local governments, and community organizations. Together, we will build on this progress, uphold our responsibility to those who served, and ensure Maryland remains a place where veterans and their families can thrive.
Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein
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DVMF Highlights
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To serve our military families during the Month of the Military Child, DVMF partnered for the second year with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals to co-host the Soar & Explore events. More than 600 military-connected individuals were served across two events—held March 31 and April 9—connecting families to trusted resources, support, and community, and reinforcing Maryland’s commitment to ensuring no military family is left behind.
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On April 16, Procurement Officer Kimberly Johnson earned her certifications as a Certified Maryland Procurement Officer and Green Purchase Specialist, and Senior Procurement Officer & Logistics Manager Tom Johnson earned his Green Purchase Specialist certification.
Kimberly and Tom also invested significant time and effort to advance their expertise and align with the State’s evolving standards and priorities.
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On April 16, Secretary Ed Rothstein served as a guest reader at the Odenton Public Library in recognition of Purple Up Week, honoring military children and their contributions. The selected book, Purple Up! We Salute Our Friends by Sarah Lynn Scheerger. The story follows a school that learns about the sacrifices of military kids and comes together to honor them by creating purple decorations and a "hero wall".
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 DVMF staff proudly participated in Purple Up! Day on April 15 in recognition of Month of the Military Child by wearing purple and snapping photos at offices across the state. Purple Up! Day is an annual observance that honors the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military-connected children. The color purple represents all branches of the military, symbolizing unity and support for these remarkable young people.
 On April 7, residents from the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home spent a memorable day in Annapolis, meeting Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and touring the historic Maryland State House. Maryland’s only state-run veterans home continues to set a high standard of care, recently earning a 4-star quality rating for its commitment to veterans and spouses.
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
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Maryland Joins Forces News
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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.
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On May 5, the University of Maryland Global Campus will host its annual MilVet Networking and Resource Fair in Adelphi. This no-cost event connects service members, veterans, and families with employers, resources, a VA Claims Clinic, and career support. Free parking, dinner, and registration are available. |
April is the Month of the Military Child—a time to recognize the strength and resilience of children in military and veteran families who navigate frequent moves, new schools, and time apart from loved ones.
The National Military Family Association invites families to share a short quote from their child about what it’s like to be a military kid. Their voices help highlight the experiences and strength of our military-connected community.
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State and Federal News and Events
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Maryland provides free day-use admission to state parks for veterans, active duty service members, and Maryland National Guard members who show valid military identification. Veterans can also purchase an annual State Park and Trail Passport for unlimited entry for everyone in their vehicle. In addition, veterans may add a special designation to their Maryland driver’s license to help verify their status and access benefits.
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State Agencies
Governor Moore Announces $5.2 Million in EARN Maryland Grants to Help More than 2,000 Marylanders Train for In-Demand Careers- 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
Special Rates for Military-Connected Communities- Department of Natural Resources
Federal Agencies
VA announces major improvements in benefits processing and delivery
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.
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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.
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