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Biweekly Newsletter - August 21, 2026
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Message from Secretary Rothstein
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As families across Maryland prepare for a new school year, I know the back-to-school season can look different for military families. A parent may be deployed or away on duty, a spouse may be managing the daily routine at home, or a blended family may be helping a military-connected child adjust to a new school, home or family routine. My message to you is simple: change is okay.
Even for families accustomed to change, transitions can take time, and no family has to navigate them alone. At DVMF, we are committed advocates for Maryland’s military families, working to ensure they are seen, supported and connected to the resources they need. Through Maryland Joins Forces and our community partners, families can connect with organizations that understand the unique experiences of military life.
I also want to recognize Maryland's 2026 Purple Star School designees, recognized for their strong support of military-connected students and families. We are proud to continue working alongside our partners at the Maryland State Department of Education to support military-connected students and strengthen the network of schools and communities serving them. The Purple Star Schools program recognizes schools that go above and beyond to create welcoming and supportive environments for military-connected students. I encourage eligible schools to consider applying during the next application cycle.
As always, if you have questions, need help finding resources, or have suggestions for how we can better support Maryland’s military families, please reach out to me at secretary.dvmf@maryland.gov.
Life is good!
Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein
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DVMF Highlights
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 Last week, DVMF joined county leaders and state partners at the 2026 Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference in Ocean City.
Throughout the conference, DVMF shared resources at Booth #110 and participated in the “Serving Those Who Served: Smarter Screening for Stronger Veteran Support” panel with The Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland's Committment to Veterans. The discussion focused on improving veteran identification and connecting more veterans and military families to available benefits and services.
Thank you to Governor Wes Moore for his continued leadership and support of Maryland’s veteran and military-connected communities. DVMF looks forward to building on the connections made.
Visit Us at the Maryland State Fair!
On August 30, join DVMF at the Maryland State Fair during Military Appreciation Day Presented by Toyota. Throughout the day, veterans, active-duty military members, their families, and the public are invited to enjoy special programming celebrating military service while connecting with organizations that support our veteran community.
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 September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations and connect people with lifesaving resources. DVMF continues to address the tragedy of suicide among Veterans and remains committed to helping find support before a crisis happens. Through the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families. DVMF works with state and community partners to identify military-connected Marylanders, strengthen connections to care, promote suicide prevention training and expand awareness of behavioral health resources.
Learn more about DVMF’s suicide prevention and behavioral health resources by visiting DVMF's Governor’s Challenge & Behavioral Health Resources page.
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.
Partners In Care Maryland recently announced its new collaboration with DVMF’s Maryland Joins Forces initiative to expand support for Maryland’s veterans, service members, and military families. Through this collaboration, Partners In Care will help connect the military community with valuable services, including transportation, veteran peer support, volunteer opportunities, home repair assistance, and resources that support independence and community connection.
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State and Federal Resources
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Join the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System for the next Operation Base Camp on Wednesday, August 26 at 1 p.m.
This month’s session will highlight Agent Orange Awareness, Back to School Month, Anti-terrorism Month, and workforce resources for service members, veterans, and military families.
Presented in partnership with the Prince George’s County Office of Veterans Affairs, Operation Base Camp connects the military community with valuable information and resources.
Register for Operation Base Camp: https://www.pgcmls.info/event/16763371
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The Maryland Higher Education Commission is accepting applications for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit through September 15, 2026. Eligible Maryland residents who file a 2026 state income tax return, have incurred at least $20,000 in student loan debt, currently owe at least $5,000, and are actively making loan payments are encouraged to apply. |
State Agencies
State of Maryland and Social Finance Announce Maryland Pay It Forward Fund to Strengthen Maryland’s Nursing Workforce-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.
To stay informed about upcoming community events, resource fairs, and outreach activities, visit DVMF's events page. Information is updated regularly.
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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