Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the honor of attending veterans’ cemetery services and celebrating the lives of Maryland veterans who recently reached 100 years old. These moments are powerful reminders that every veteran carries a story of service and sacrifice that should never be forgotten.

One visit that deeply touched me was at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, where we honored Veteran James Helton, a beloved resident of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Mr. Helton recently passed away without family, but he was not alone. Dedicated staff members stood beside him during his interment, ensuring he received the dignity, respect, and honor he earned through his service. We also captured parts of the final honors ceremony on video to help preserve and share his story. I challenge you to say Jimmy Helton’s name out loud along with other loved ones that have passed. In doing this, they will never be forgotten.

This Memorial Day (May 25), I encourage all Marylanders to visit one of our five veterans cemeteries or attend one of our three annual Memorial Day ceremonies. These gatherings are an opportunity to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave so much in service to our nation. For a full list of locations and ceremony times, visit DVMF Community Events.

At the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, we remain committed to serving veterans, service members, and military families through benefits assistance, advocacy, outreach, long-term care, and remembrance. Their service matters, their stories matter, and we will continue working every day to ensure they are honored and supported across Maryland.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at secretary.dvmf@maryland.gov, with any questions and ideas in serving our veterans, service members, and families. Life is good.

Very Respectfully,

Ed Rothstein

On May 11, Secretary Ed Rothstein was officially sworn in by Governor Wes Moore alongside other cabinet-level and executive-level appointees in the Governor’s Reception Room. Secretary Rothstein will continue leading the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families in supporting Maryland’s veterans, service members, and military families.

On May 6, Deputy Secretary Dana Burl joined the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business for capstone project presentations. This Spring, she worked alongside an exceptional team of graduate students on the design for an AI-enabled transition assistant that will make it easier for veterans and military families to find information on valuable resources. The students will return in the fall to deploy the tool on the DVMF website.

On May 5, DVMF hosted its annual Mission Strong Summit, bringing together leaders and partners focused on strengthening support for Maryland’s military-connected community. The event highlighted collaboration and shared solutions supporting military children, spouses, caregivers, veterans, and transitioning service members.

On May 2, Secretary Ed Rothstein attended Frederick County Veterans Appreciation Day, joining veterans, families, and partners in honoring those who served. During the event, the DVMF Benefits and Services Program team members were onsite to assist with applying for benefits. 

DVMF is pleased to welcome Jennifer Ross as Deputy Director of Outreach and Partnerships. In this role, she will help strengthen community partnerships and expand outreach efforts that connect Maryland’s veterans, service members, and military families with valuable resources and support.

Service members, veterans, and military-connected families are invited to participate in a voluntary research study conducted by the University of Colorado School of Medicine in partnership with Face the Fight. The study focuses on how military and veteran families discuss firearm storage in the home. Interested participates should sign up via the form.

On May 14, DVMF attended the Hiring Our Heroes Skilled Trades Academy event, powered by the Lowe’s Foundation. Hiring Our Heroes is a Maryland Joins Forces partner committed to supporting veterans, service members, and military families through workforce development and career opportunities. The event highlighted continued efforts to strengthen the skilled trades workforce, support the military-connected community, and expand workforce development solutions.

DVMF has launched the Career Connect: Military Spouse Mentorship Pilot Program in partnership with American Corporate Partners and is now accepting applications. The program connects military spouses with mentorship, professional development, and career support opportunities designed to strengthen career pathways and expand professional networks. Military spouses interested in participating are encouraged to apply and join us on May 20th; 12-1pm at an Informational Session.

On May 28, Office of Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth will be hosting the Maryland Third Congressional District Constituent Resource Fair at the Elkridge Branch - Howard County Library SystemElkridge, MD, providing neighbors with an opportunity to find resources from local, state, and federal government partners. Congresswoman Elfreth represents Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, which spans a central Maryland area including parts of Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore, and Montgomery counties, as well as Baltimore City.