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Biweekly Newsletter - June 12, 2026
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Message from Secretary Rothstein
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This is a serious one for me!!! June is PTSD Awareness Month. I have shared my personal story with many regarding the journey with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It is a strength and not a weakness to recognize and confront these demons. And you are not alone! One Team; One Fight and we will work through this together. CALL TO ACTION - If you, someone you love, neighbor, or someone you just met needs support. Do not hesitate to reach out. Through Maryland Joins Forces (MJF), DVMF works with community organizations, veteran advocates, healthcare providers, and service organizations across the state to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect Maryland's military-connected community with trusted resources and support. For a comprehensive list of state resources and services available to veterans, military families, and caregivers, visit veterans.maryland.gov.
For immediate support, available 24/7, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1. Chat is available at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255. Help is always confidential and available to veterans, service members, their families, and survivors.
In June, we also recognize June 12th as National Women Veterans Day, to honor the service, leadership, and contributions of women veterans across our state. In partnership with the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, and in collaboration with the Baltimore City Women's Commission and the Baltimore City Veterans Commission, this annual recognition is supported by DVMF's Women Veterans and Inclusion Program (WVIP), which works to ensure women, minority, and underserved veterans have equitable access to benefits, services, resources, and opportunities earned through military service.
Together, we remain focused on honoring service, advancing well-being, and ensuring veterans and military families have the tools and support needed to succeed.
Life is good!
Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein
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DVMF Highlights
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On June 11, sixteen women veterans gathered at the Greenwell Foundation in St. Mary's County, for a Recreational Wellness Retreat hosted by Greenwell Foundation. Led in partnership with DVMF's Women Veterans and Inclusion Program, the retreat provided opportunities for connection, healing, and self-care through outdoor activities including guided hiking, the Horse Connection program, yoga, mindfulness, and group reflection. The event reflects Greenwell Foundation's growing commitment to supporting veterans and military families through free therapeutic recreation programs that promote wellness, resilience, and community. This was the first time that Greenwell hosted an all-womens' retreat.
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On June 6, DVMF Secretary Ed Rothstein attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Buffalo Wild Wings GO in Howard County. During the event, owner Kalpesh Patel presented a $1,000 donation to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, helping support veterans, military families, and survivors facing financial hardship.
The new restaurant offers a convenient takeout-focused dining experience, and its commitment to giving back demonstrates the positive impact local businesses can have on Maryland's veteran community. DVMF extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Patel and the Buffalo Wild Wings GO team for their generosity and support.
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 On May 30, DVMF's Cemetery and Memorial Programs celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery, recognizing five decades of honoring Maryland veterans and their families through dignified burial services, military honors, and perpetual care.
The ceremony paid tribute to the thousands of veterans and family members interred at the cemetery, including Private John Henry Blades of the First Maryland Infantry, Company K, and Corporal Nicholas Waters of the 19th United States Colored Troops. Their service reflects the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Maryland veterans throughout history.
Watch the ceremonial short video on DVMF's YouTube Channel.
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 & Events
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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.
 Throughout PTSD Awareness Month, organizations across Maryland are working to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect veterans with support. DVMF is highlighting the efforts of Platoon 22, a Maryland Joins Forces partner, and fellow veteran advocates leading this important work across the state's communities.
This month, community events are bringing veterans, advocates, and local leaders together to start important conversations about mental health and connect veterans with resources that can make a difference. Recent events in Carroll, Washington, Frederick, and Dorchester counties focused on the relationship between PTSD, veteran suicide prevention, and Veterans Treatment Courts, which help veterans access treatment and support services.
Platoon 22 and the Life Independent Veterans Advocate Group (LIVA) organized and promoted these efforts. In recognition of their dedication to Maryland's veteran community, both organizations received Certificates of Congressional Recognition from Representatives April McClain Delaney and Sarah Elfreth. As PTSD Awareness Month continues, additional events and outreach activities are planned across the state to help reduce stigma, encourage veterans to seek support, and remind them that they are not alone.
Photo Credits: Carroll County State's Attorney's Office (June 3), Central Maryland Veterans Treatment Court; Washington County State's Attorney's Office (June 8), District 11 Veterans Treatment Court (Washington and Frederick Counties); Dorchester County State's Attorney's Office (June 9), District 2 Veterans Treatment Court.
 
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State and Federal Resources
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On May 14, Howard County dedicated the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park on the Columbia Lakefront.
The monument honors the service and sacrifice of veterans, military families, and Gold Star Families, serving as a lasting place of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for those who have defended our nation.
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State Agencies
Governor Moore Announces Senior AI Advisor for State of Maryland- Office of Governor Wes Moore
State Park Day Use Area Admission Fee Waivers- Department of Natural Resources
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
NCA Cemetery Director Development Program- Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development- Small Business Administration
U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization-Department of Veterans Affairs
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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