Deputy Secretary Anderson Runs in One Flag Forward

On September 15, DVMF Deputy Secretary Jimmy Anderson completed five miles of the 250-mile One Flag Forward journey during the relay’s Maryland leg.

Led by wear blue: run to remember and Team Red, White & Blue, the five-day relay carried a single American flag from Ground Zero in New York City to Washington, D.C. The Maryland route traveled from Baltimore to Annapolis, bringing together veterans, service members, military families and community supporters.

The journey commemorated the 25th anniversary of September 11 and America’s 250th anniversary while honoring those who gave their lives in service, all who have served and those who continue to serve our nation. DVMF was honored to participate in this powerful display of unity, service, sacrifice and remembrance.

Secretary Rothstein Honors Fallen Warriors

On September 12, DVMF Secretary Ed Rothstein served as the guest speaker at the 2026 Fallen Warrior Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony, hosted by the Maryland National Guard in observance of its Day of Remembrance.

The Maryland National Guard held the ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and remember those who answered the call to serve, including 12 Maryland National Guard Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Secretary Rothstein joined military leaders, service members, families and community members in honoring the fallen and recognizing the enduring strength and sacrifice of their loved ones.

DVMF Launches Statewide Listening Tour

Starting on September 19, the DVMF Women Veterans and Inclusion Program will launch its statewide listening tour to hear directly from Maryland’s veterans and military families.
Participants are invited to share their experiences, needs and recommendations related to veterans benefits, housing, health and mental health services, employment, education and community support. The feedback gathered will help DVMF better understand the needs of Maryland’s military-connected communities and strengthen its programs and services.
Listening sessions will be held in Randallstown, Columbia, Bel Air, Newburg and Baltimore from September through November. Veterans and military family members are encouraged to attend the session most convenient for them. View the complete schedule and register to attend.

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. 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

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. 

Nominate a Military Child of the Year

Operation Homefront is accepting nominations for its 2027 Military Child of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding military children ages 13–18 for their leadership, resilience and achievements. Seven recipients—one representing each military branch—will receive $10,000, a laptop and a trip to the April 2027 awards gala.

Share Your Voice on Children’s Behavioral Health

The Maryland Coalition of Families invites parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges to complete its 2026 Children’s Behavioral Health Priorities Survey. Your feedback will help identify challenges related to accessing services, paying for care, navigating special education and finding family support. Complete the survey in English or Spanish. Results will help guide future advocacy efforts across Maryland.

Watch the September MDOT Insider

MDOT Insider is back with the latest transportation updates from across Maryland. This episode covers Rail Safety Awareness Month, new electric vehicle fast-charging projects, micromobility resources, MTA safety initiatives, the MD 295 pilot program and upcoming community events.

National Buddy Check Week

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is promoting Veteran Buddy Checks to strengthen peer connections, support mental health and increase awareness of available resources. Complete the training, take the pledge and check in with 10 veterans during Buddy Check Week, September 21–25, 2026. The first 20,000 participants who complete the training and fulfill their pledge may receive a $10 Starbucks gift card. The initiative is presented by the VetResources Community Network in partnership with Face the Fight, with support from Starbucks.

State Agencies

Governor Moore Announces $1.36 Million in Awards to Expand Prevention, Reduction of Gun Violence- 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

Veterans Crisis Line

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.

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.