Getting help with your earned benefits should be convenient, accessible and free. This week, we celebrated the opening of our newest benefits office at the Largo MVA, which is our 11th office located within an MVA branch and our 17th office statewide. Our ongoing partnership with MVA brings personalized benefits assistance closer to where you live and work.

If you have questions about your VA benefits, or know someone who does, please connect with a DVMF benefits specialist. Our team can help you understand your options and navigate the claims process, at no cost to you.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at Mission Maryland on November 7 at the Veteran Services Center at Goodwill in Frederick. These opportunities to meet you, hear your experiences and connect you with support are among the most meaningful parts of my work. We are bringing together benefits assistance, career opportunities and family resources in one location, along with a Kid Zone and free lunch. Whether you are exploring your benefits, looking for your next career opportunity or seeking support for your family, I hope you will join us. Please register, bring your family and share the invitation with someone who could benefit.

Every connection is an opportunity to help a veteran or military family take the next step. Thank you for helping us reach those who need us.

Thank you for looking out for one another and helping us ensure no one is left behind. I welcome you to share them with me at secretary.dvmf@maryland.gov.

Life is good!

Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home named Stephanie Harris, RN, unit manager on 3A, its October Partner of the Month, recognizing her dedication, positive attitude and commitment to residents, families and coworkers.

Praised for her patience, kindness, professionalism and ability to get the job done, Stephanie has earned 17 PruittHealth Kudo Cards during her employment. Congratulations, Stephanie, on this well-deserved recognition.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home provides assisted living and skilled nursing care for eligible veterans and their spouses in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

On October 30, the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery will hold a ceremony honoring Seaman Recruit Ralph R. Riess, U.S. Navy. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Riess served from March 26 to July 17, 1970.

Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery is located at 6827 E. New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock, MD 21643.

Blue Star Families invites military spouses and family members to connect, create and support their community this October:

Oct. 21: Connecting the Dots with Leslie Renn.

Oct. 28: Open Studio with Joe Merritt. Bring your own project and create in community.

Oct. 30: Nourish the Service: Fall Pantry Refresh, supporting military-connected families alongside community partners and volunteers.

University of Maryland Global Campus is hosting its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 at 9:30 a.m. The event is hybrid and will take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Adelphi and online.

The ceremony features keynote speaker Mike Stevens, CEO of the Navy League and retired 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, musical performances and the General John W. Vessey Jr. Student Veteran of the Year Award.

Maryland’s One-Stop Government Shop initiative is a Top 12 finalist for the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards, recognizing interagency collaboration that better serves residents.

Through the DVMF–MVA partnership, veterans and their families can access benefits assistance and MVA services in one visit at participating branches—saving time and reducing barriers to support.

Help Maryland win the People’s Choice Award! Vote online through Sunday, Nov. 15, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

​The Department of Aging and Disabilities will hold caregiver support groups both in-person and via Zoom platform during the month of October. Connect with other caregivers through the Department of Aging and Disabilities’ October support groups:

Virtual: Monday, Oct. 19, 6–7:30 p.m. Email caregiver_support@aacounty.org for the Zoom link.

Annapolis: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 12:30–2 p.m., at the Heritage Complex Independence Room, 2664 Riva Road.

Enjoy thrilling equestrian competition during Opening Night Salute to Service on Thursday, October, 22, at 6:30 p.m. at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

Save 50% on adult and child tickets! Eligible military members, veterans, first responders and teachers can receive the discount with qualifying identification at the arena box office or select military ticket offices. Buy online using code USA2026 on Ticketmaster for 50% off.