Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
Archived Newsletters
The MDVA sends a bi weekly electronic newsletter.
The newsletter contains state partner and federal partner news, MDVA event photos and updates, as well as community partner news to include upcoming events.
To view archived newsletters, please see below.
To sign up for the MDVA electronic newsletter, please visit the home page of our website and share your email address.
Please note, the Department does not share your email address with any outside parties.
23 February 2024 MDVA Newsletter
9 February 2024 MDVA Newsletter
26 January 2024 MDVA Newsletter
12 January 2024 MDVA Newsletter
29 December 2023 MDVA Newsletter
15 December 2023 MDVA Newsletter
1 December 2023 MDVA Newsletter
17 November 2023 MDVA Newsletter
3 November 2023 MDVA Newsletter
20 October 2023 MDVA Newsletter
6 October 2023 MDVA Newsletter
22 September 2023 MDVA Newsletter
9 September 2023 MDVA Newsletter
25 August 2023 MDVA Newsletter
11 August 2023 MDVA Newsletter
24 February 2023 MDVA Newsletter
10 February 2023 MDVA Newsletter
27 January 2023 MDVA Newsletter
13 January 2023 MDVA Newsletter
30 December 2022 MDVA Newsletter
16 December 2022 MDVA Newsletter
2 December 2022 MDVA Newsletter
18 November 2022 MDVA Newsletter
4 November 2022 MDVA Newsletter
21 October 2022 MDVA Newsletter
7 October 2022 MDVA Newsletter
23 September 2022 MDVA Newsletter
9 September 2022 MDVA Newsletter
12 August 2022 MDVA Newsletter
25 February 2022 MDVA Newsletter
11 February 2022 MDVA Newsletter
28 January 2022 MDVA Newsletter
14 January 2022 MDVA Newsletter
31 December 2021 MDVA Newsletter
17 December 2021 MDVA Newsletter
3 December 2021 MDVA Newsletter
19 November 2021 MDVA Newsletter
5 November 2021 MDVA Newsletter
22 October 2021 MDVA Newsletter
8 October 2021 MDVA Newsletter
24 September 2021 MDVA Newsletter
10 September 2021 MDVA Newsletter
27 August 2021 MDVA Newsletter
13 August 2021 MDVA Newsletter
26 February 2021 MDVA Newsletter
12 February 2021 MDVA Newsletter
29 January 2021 MDVA Newsletter
15 January 2021 MDVA Newsletter
1 January 2021 MDVA Newsletter
18 December 2020 MDVA Newsletter
4 December 2020 MDVA Newsletter
20 November 2020 MDVA Newsletter
6 November 2020 MDVA Newsletter
23 October 2020 MDVA Newsletter
9 October 2020 MDVA Newsletter
25 September 2020 MDVA Newsletter
11 September 2020 MDVS Newsletter
28 August 2020 MDVA Newsletter
14 August 2020 MDVA Newsletter
28 February 2020 MDVA Newsletter
14 February 2020 MDVA Newsletter
31 January 2020 MDVA Newsletter
17 January 2020 MDVA Newsletter
3 January 2020 MDVA Newsletter
20 December 2019 MDVA Newsletter
6 December 2019 MDVA Newsletter
22 November 2019 MDVA Newsletter
8 November 2019 MDVA Newsletter
25 October 2019 MDVA Newsletter
11 October 2019 MDVA Newsletter
27 September 2019 MDVA Newsletter
13 September 2019 MDVA Newsletter
30 August 2019 MDVA Newsletter
16 August 2019 MDVA Newsletter
15 February 2019 MDVA Newsletter
1 February 2019 MDVA Newsletter
18 January 2019 MDVA Newsletter
4 January 2019 MDVA Newsletter
Press Releases
Press Releases
November 11, 2023
Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller Honor Veterans Day and Military Families
November 8, 2023
The State of Maryland to Participate in Operation Green Light in Honor of Veterans Day
Nationwide campaign will raise awareness of the unique experiences of veterans and families and benefits available to them
ANNAPOLIS, MD – In honor of Veterans Day, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has announced plans to illuminate state and county buildings and landmarks in green from November 6-12 as part of Operation Green Light, a campaign to show support for veterans and military families. The nationwide initiative raises awareness of the unique challenges faced by veterans and the resources available at the federal, state, and county level to assist our military connected community.
“We are deeply grateful, not just on Veterans Day but every day, to those who have worn our nation’s uniform and served our country,” said Gov. Moore. “Through Operation Green Light, we invite all Marylanders to help show support for our veterans and their families in a show of appreciation for their service and their sacrifice.”
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging participation in Operation Green Light. State governments have an important role to play in addressing the unique challenges experienced by our veterans and military families. Operation Green Light is one way to show them they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
“Veterans and their families are greatly impacted by the decision to serve in the United States military,” said Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods. “Let’s honor their service by participating in Operation Green Light and by working together to support all who served.”
Participating buildings include:
- Government House, Annapolis
- World Trade Center, Baltimore
- Warehouse at Camden Yards
- M&T Bank Stadium
- University of Maryland Medical System
In addition to lighting state and county buildings and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior or interior light to spark conversations with neighbors or friends. The illuminations will provide opportunities to share what it means to serve, to highlight benefits for veterans and their families, and to honor their service.
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs will also run a social media campaign November 6-10 to spotlight certain state programs for veterans. Counties and residents across the country and in Maryland are encouraged to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight and #OperationGreenLightMD.
For more information on Operation Green Light in Maryland, visit veterans.maryland.gov.
April 14, 2023
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Nearly $220,000 in Grants to Service Dog and Equine Therapy Programs
Grants will Help Seven Organizations Expand Programming and Improve Veteran Mental Health
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Tony Woods today announced that the department has awarded nearly $220,000 to programs in Maryland that serve veterans. The Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program made seven awards to service dog and equine therapy organizations to implement projects that improve veterans’ mental health.
“Working in partnership with our state legislature and nonprofit organizations, the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program is improving the behavioral health of our veterans,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Tony Woods. “I am thankful to these seven organizations for their commitment to our veteran community and I look forward to seeing their success.”
Established in 2017, the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program is housed in the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program. The program provides grants to improve mental health and overall well-being for veterans living in Maryland or who are receiving care at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense medical facility. Since the program was created in 2017, it has awarded $180,000 in grants.
“Caring for our veterans’ mental health is a critical aspect of their health care,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve. “These grant awards reflect our commitment to expanding behavioral health care statewide and leaving no one behind.”
“Veterans offer unique skills and incredible passion,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “These grants support their efforts, which, in turn, support the community.”
“We are excited to see that our partners at the Warrior Canine Connection have been awarded one of these grants,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “The Warrior Canine Connection has a facility where they raise and train puppies on 80-acres of parkland in Seneca Creek State Park; we are very proud of this partnership and the service they provide to our veterans.”
Leveraging the state’s funding, grant recipients will be able to connect more veterans to service and emotional support dogs and to equine therapy. Recipients will also be able to train more staff on military cultural competency and suicide prevention. Organizations receiving grants are located in diverse areas of the state, from Cecil County to Montgomery County, in order to serve a more diverse population of veterans.
To see the full list of awards, go to https://veterans.maryland.gov/maryland-veterans-service-animal-program-and-fund/
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs is a state government executive department with a service mission to assist veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service. Learn more at veterans.maryland.gov.
Title 38 U.S.C. section 101: Defining ‘Veteran’, How to request military records
Veteran Defined
The general definition of veteran, as established in Title 38 U.S.C. section 101 is found below. See section 101 for the full definition.
- A person who served on full time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, other than active duty for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
- An individual who died while serving on active duty, or was disabled or died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while performing active duty for training or inactive duty training.
- Certain members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Certain members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly the Coast and Geodetic Survey) and the regular or reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
Military Personnel Record Requests
Copies of discharge documents are required to verify eligibility for most benefits and services specific to military veterans.
Discharge documents are required for admission to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Maryland’s Veteran Cemeteries Program, U.S. VA claims, and to receive many other services provided to veterans and their families.
Veterans who meet the following criteria can contact the MDVA Baltimore Service Program Office at 800-446-4926, ext. 6450 to inquire if a copy of discharge papers are on file:
- World War II veterans, who were Maryland residents at the time of entry into the service
- Veterans discharged from service after October 15, 1979 and who had a Maryland address at the time of discharge
Veterans and their next of kin can also request a copy of a service member’s DD-214, Certificate of Release, or Discharge from Active Duty, from the National Archives.
For information on how to request a copy of military personnel service record visit The National Archives website.
If access to the internet is unavailable, contact the National Archives at:
The National Archives & Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
1-866-272-6272 or 1-86-NARA-NARA
Fax: 301-837-0483
TDD lines for College Park, MD: 301-837-0482
State Military Retirement Pay and Pension Tax Benefits
Retirement Pay and Pension Tax Deductions and Exclusions
Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Deduction
If you receive or the spouse of a military retiree receives military retirement income, you will be able to subtract up to $12,500, with an increase to the first $20,000 for individuals who are at least 55 years old on the last day of the taxable year, of your military retirement income from your federal adjusted gross income before determining your Maryland tax. The retirement income must have been received as a result of any of the following military service:
- Induction into the U.S. Armed forces for training and service under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 or a subsequent Act of similar nature
- Membership in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces
- Membership in an active component of the U.S. armed forces
- Membership in the Maryland National Guard
The benefit also applies to persons separated from active duty employment with the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Maryland Pension Exclusion
If you are 65 or older or totally disabled (or your spouse is totally disabled), you may qualify for Maryland’s maximum pension exclusion of $31,100 for tax year 2019 under the conditions described in Instruction 13 of the Maryland resident tax booklet. If you’re eligible, you may be able to subtract some of your taxable pension and retirement annuity income from your federal adjusted gross income.
This subtraction applies only if:
- You were 65 or older or totally disabled, or your spouse was totally disabled, on the last day of the tax year; and
- You included on your federal return income received as a pension, annuity or endowment from an “employee retirement system.” A traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, a simplified employee plan (SEP), a Keogh Plan or an ineligible deferred compensation plan does not qualify.
For more information visit a local office for tax payer assistance. For locations, go to the Maryland Comptroller website.
To speak with the Maryland Taxpayer Service call:
- From Central Maryland, 410-260-7980
- From all other areas of Maryland, 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937)
Source: Maryland Office of the Comptroller
Information for Veteran Owned/Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Owners
Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs is the State’s primary advocate for small, minority- and women-owned businesses. The Office promotes fairness and compliance in government contracting and endorses the utilization of certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Reserve (SBR) firms. Learning to navigate the procurement process is a critical element of success for any firm that wants to perform as a prime or subcontractor on a government contract.
Small Business Development
The Maryland Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides confidential business services to help refine business plans, identify sources of capital, and develop strategies to support business growth and profitability. The Maryland SBTDC network is divided into six regions which provide services to entrepreneurs and existing businesses across the state. Each region offers a variety of training and outreach programs and one-on-one counseling with special emphasis on developing programs that meet the unique needs of businesses within their jurisdiction.
Veteran Owned Small Business Participation in Maryland State Procurement
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program
Maryland’s VSBE Program provides contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesses. Sixty-five agencies/departments are directed to spend at least 1% of the total dollar value of their procurement contracts either directly (prime contractors) or indirectly (subcontractors) with certified VSBE firms. Only the work of a certified VSBE firm can be counted toward meeting an established VSBE contract goal.
Businesses seeking to participate in the VSBE Program must (1) meet the size standards adopted by the United States Small Business Administration in 13 C.F.R. 121.201 and any subsequent revision of that regulation, and; (2) must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are veterans. A veteran is defined as an individual who is verified as having served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
Certification as a VSBE vendor
requires 2 elements:
(1) Veteran Verification and
(2) Vendor Registration.
Veteran Verification – The veteran verification process includes, but may not be limited to, completion and submission of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Veteran status must be verified by one of the following entities:
(1) VSBE Program Verification of Veteran Status
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
(2) Center for Validation and Evaluation (VetBiz)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Complete information regarding the verification process can be found by utilizing the website links provided above.
Vendor Registration – VSBE firms must complete the vendor registration in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), Maryland’s eProcurement platform. Vendors registered in eMMA receive email notices of procurement opportunities available across all state agencies/departments valued over $15,000. County and local governments use the platform to advertise their procurements as well. There is no cost to register in eMMA.
During the registration process, vendors who meet the VSBE Program ‘s elegibility standards should select VSBE under the Procurement Programs category and enter your vertification number in the box provided. If you do not have a verification number at the time you register as a vendor, you can update your vendor profile once you receive the number.
Change of Status Notification – Notify the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women’s Business Affairs within thirty (30) days of any change affecting the firm’s ability to meet the VSBE Program eligibility requirements.
Your business may also qualify for procurement opportunities through the Small Business Reserve (SBR) and/or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Programs.
Program Qualification Warning
Providing False Information
A person providing false information to the State in connection with retaining, obtaining or attempting to obtain a contract or subcontract under VSBE Program may be subject to one or more of the following:
A determination by a Procurement Officer that a bidder or offeror is not responsible;
A determination by a Procurement Officer that the company is ineligible to participate in a VSBE goal designation;
A determination that a contract entered into is void or voidable under §11-204 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland;
Suspension and debarment under Title 16 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;
Criminal prosecution of procurement fraud under §11-205.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, perjury, or other crimes;
Civil penalties under the Maryland False Claims Act under Title 8 of the General Provisions Article; and
Other actions permitted by law.
Other State Programs
- Ready, Set, GROW! Workshop Series- The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs is helping small, minority and women business owners compete for State contracting opportunities with a new life workshop series entitled Ready, Set, GROW!. The two hour workshop will include information about certification in the State’ Minority Business Enterprise Program, vendor enrollment in the Small Business Reserve Program, and where to find procurement opportunities within the 70 participating agencies and tips on how to navigate the procurement process. Watch a video on the series here.
- Military Personnel and Veteran Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program – The Maryland Department of Commerce administers this no-interest loan program (loan amounts up to $50,000) for business owners who fall under any one of the following categories:
- Military reservist or National Guard member called to active duty
- Small business owner who employs a military reservist or National Guard member who was called to active duty
- A Veteran small business owner – or a veteran seeking to start a small business
- Small business owner who employs a service-disabled veteran
- For more information visit the Department of Commerce or contact:
- Celester Hall
Program Manager, Office of Finance Programs
Maryland Department of Commerce
410-767-6356
Business Financing
The Maryland Department of Commerce offers a number of financing programs to assist the state’s business community. Specific financing programs for small business clients include the following:
- Community Development Block Grant Program- dispersed to a local jurisdiction in the form of a conditional grant and then used for public improvements or loaned to a business
- Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund- assists business entities in the state with modernization of manufacturing operations, development of commercial applications for technology, and exploring and entering new markets
- Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority- provides financing for small businesses that are not able to qualify for financing from private lending institutions or owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons
- Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund- provides assistance to the business community and political jurisdictions with five financing capabilities
- Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority- encourages private sector financing in economic development projects located in Priority Funding Areas
- Maryland Venture Fund- makes direct investments in technology and life science companies and indirect investments in venture capital funds.
Visit the Maryland Department of Commerce website for more information about these programs.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs: Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Visit the US Department of Veterans of Affairs Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization to learn more about the verification process to do business with the Federal Government.
Information for Veterans Seeking Employment, State Government Jobs, Military Service Credits
Are you ready to search for a job? that next career?
Visit the Maryland Workforce Exchange to begin your search.
Do you need one on one assistance as you search for a job? that next career?
If so, contact the Maryland Department of Labor for individualized support.
Are you in the National Guard or Reserve Component and searching for a job? that next career?
Contact the MD National Guard Transition Assistance Advisor, Pierre Thomas at 410-576-2994
Maryland State Government Careers for Veterans
Maryland State Government appreciates the value of the experience you gained while serving our country. This page contains resources Maryland provides to returning veterans – employment opportunities, veteran services, upcoming events and more.
Am I eligible for veteran’s credit?
Article – State Personnel and Pensions §7–207.
(2) (i) An appointing authority shall apply a credit of ten points on any selection test for:
1. an eligible veteran;
2. the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service connected disability; or
3. the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran.
(ii) An appointing authority shall apply a credit of two additional points on any selection test for a former prisoner of war
(g) Credit of five points on selection test. An appointing authority shall apply a credit of five points on a selection test for an individual disability, as defined by the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
Am I eligible to be a certified disabled veteran?
In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Personnel and Pensions, Section 7–203, if a manager elects to hire from a certified list of disabled veterans, who have served in any U.S. Armed Forces branch, candidates may be selected for employment without a competitive selection process.
To qualify, candidates must: be minimally qualified for the position; be able to perform the duties of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation; and present documentation issued by an appropriate department of the Federal government certifying the existence and extent of the veteran’s disability as listed below.
- Documentation of being on an U.S. Armed Forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30%
- Have been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service-connected disability of at least 30%.
The veteran is not qualified for this option if he/she holds a permanent appointment or has mandatory reinstatement rights to a permanent appointment.
For Certified Disabled Vet consideration, please complete the free names application process for Certified Disabled Veterans (DV) within our Maryland State Online Employment Center.
Are you a Maryland State Government Employee and you also served in the military?
See below for how your military service may be applied towards service in State Government.
State Service Credit for Military Service
Information for Employers Who Want to Hire Veterans
Are you an employer looking to hire qualified veterans?
See below for resources on best practices in hiring and retaining veterans.
- Hiring our Heroes (HOH) Employer Roadmap: A program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Hiring our Heroes Employer Roadmap is your guide to hiring veterans and military spouses
- U.S. VA Veterans Employment Toolkit: This USVA Employment Toolkit helps employers learn about Veterans and the military, such as what Veterans bring to the workplace and what the military structure and culture is like
- U.S. VA Homeless Veterans Program: Employment Toolkit: This toolkit provides resources for employers who are interested in providing opportunities to veterans who are exiting homelessness
- Employer Resources: Information provided by the U.S. Department of Labor to assist employers who want to hire veterans
Are there tax credits for hiring veterans? What employers need to know.
A Maryland Department of Commerce Program, The Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit Program provides a state income tax credit to small businesses for hiring qualified veterans based on wages paid to those veteran employees.
BENEFITS
A Maryland employer may qualify for an income tax credit equal to 30% of up to the first $6,000 of wages paid to a qualified veteran employee during the first year of employment (i.e. a maximum of $1,800 per qualified veteran employee).
ELIGIBILITY
Qualified Employer
A qualified employer is a “small business” operated by an individual, a partnership, a limited partnership, a limited liability partnership, a limited liability company, or a corporation that employs 50 or fewer full-time employees.
Qualified Employee
- Must have been hired on or after January 1, 2017;
AND
- Must have served in the active Armed Forces and have been discharged or released from that service under honorable circumstances. “Armed Forces” means the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, & Coast Guard, including related reserve components;
AND
- Must have served on active duty (not including training) in the Armed Forces for more than 180 days, OR have been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability; AND not have a period of active duty (not including training) of more than 90 days that ended during the 60-day period ending on the hiring date;
AND
- Must be a Qualified Veteran for purposes of the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, as follows:
- Be a veteran who is a member of a family that received SNAP benefits (food stamps) for at least a 3-month period during the 15-month period ending on the hiring date;
OR - Be a disabled veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability, who has been hired within 1 year after discharge or release from active duty OR unemployed for at least 6 months in the year ending on the hiring date;
OR - Be a veteran who has been unemployed for at least 4 weeks in the year ending on the hiring date.
- Be a veteran who is a member of a family that received SNAP benefits (food stamps) for at least a 3-month period during the 15-month period ending on the hiring date;
LIMITATIONS
- This credit is only available for wages paid in the qualified veteran’s first year of employment.
- A qualified employer may claim up to 5 qualified veteran employees for each taxable year.
- The total amount of credits available in a year is capped at $500,000, and approvals of the tax credit certifications are on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The tax credit is not refundable.
- The tax credit cannot be carried forwards or backwards.
APPLY
- A small business must submit the Application Forms A & B, Qualified Veteran Employee’s Self-Certification Form(s), copies of W-2s and/or paystubs, and copies of DD214 or equivalent official discharge forms to the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce) for the certification.
- Commerce will certify or deny an application within 45 days after the receipt of a “complete” application.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- Hire Our Veterans Employer Tax Credit Form A & B
- Qualified Veteran Employee’s Self-Certification Form
CLAIM TAX CREDIT
After receiving the tax credit certification from Commerce, the employer must file a tax return with the Comptroller of Maryland for the taxable year in which the certification was issued using Maryland Tax Form 500CR. Maryland Tax Form 500CR must be filed electronically with an attached copy of the certification from Commerce. Please note that the credit can be taken against the State income tax ONLY. It is not taken against the county income tax “add-on”. For more information regarding the tax forms and tax return instructions, please visit the Comptroller of Maryland website.
If the employer needs tax information or guidance beyond the scope of the information which is required to apply for the Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit program, please contact the Comptroller of Maryland. Commerce cannot dispense tax advice.
RESOURCES
Chapter 180 (Senate Bill 807)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Emiko Kawagoshi, Tax Specialist, Tax Incentives
Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Finance Programs
(410) 767-4041
(877) 821-0099
Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Finance Programs
(410) 767-4041
(877) 821-0099
Mark A. Vulcan, Program Manager, Tax Incentives
Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Finance Programs
(410) 767-6438
(877) 821-0099
Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Finance Programs
(410) 767-6438
(877) 821-0099
What do employers need to know when employees who are currently serving are called to active duty?
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects service members’ reemployment rights when returning from a period of service in the uniformed services, including those called up from the reserves or National Guard, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) administers USERRA.
For more information visit the USERRA website.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
Search Jobs in Your Community
Month of the Military Child/Military Appreciation Month Library Events
In celebration of the Month of the Military Child (April) and Military Appreciation Month (May), the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to partner with the Maryland State Library Agency, Maryland Department of Health, and several Maryland library branches to host special reading events for military and veteran families.
Families attending these programs will enjoy a reading of the book, Unstoppable Me, and receive their own copy for their home*. These special reading events will also provide the opportunity for military and veteran families to connect with one another and to other community resources.
Participating libraries and event information:
April 3, 2024 10:30am to 11:00am
Military Family Story Time
Dorchester County/Cambridge Library
3030 Gay Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Event details: This event will include a story time, book giveaway, and craft activity. Books and goodie bags will be limited.
Contact your local library to register.
April 10, 2024 10:30am to 11:00am
Military Family Story Time
Dorchester County/Hurlock Library
222 S Main Street
Hurlock, MD 21643
Event details: This event will include a story time, book giveaway, and craft activity. Books and goodie bags are limited.
Contact your local library to register.
April 17, 2024 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Military Family Appreciation Night
St. Mary’s County/Lexington Park Library
21677 FDR Boulevard
Lexington Park, MD 20653
Event details: This event will include a story time, craft activity, book giveaway, and meal. Books and goodie bags will be limited.
Register here.
April 18, 2024 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Military Family Night At The Library
Howard County/Elkridge Library
6540 Washington Boulevard
Elkridge, MD 21075
Event details: This event will include a story time, craft activity, book giveaway, and a library tour. Books and goodie bags will be limited.
Register here.
April 23, 2024 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Celebrating the Military Child: A Reading Event For Active Military/Veteran Families
Prince George’s County/South Bowie
15301 Hall Road
Bowie, MD 20721
Event details: This event will include a story time, activity table for kids, library resource sharing, and book giveaway. Books and goodie bags will be limited.
Register here.
May 4, 2024 11:00am 12:00pm
Military Family Meetup
Harford County/Aberdeen
21 Franklin Street
Aberdeen, MD 21001
Event details: This event will include a story time, book giveaway, craft activity, and play time. Books and goodie bags will be limited.
Register here. (registration will open two weeks before the event)
May 11, 2024 10:00am to 11:00am
Blue Star Family and Friends Story Time
Baltimore County/North Point
1716 Merritt Boulevard
Dundalk, MD 21222
Event details: This event will include a story time, book giveaway, songs, rhymes, and craft activity. Books and goodie bags will be limited.
Registration: Link to be posted soon
We are excited to partner with our libraries, the Maryland State Library Agency, and the Maryland Department of Health to celebrate our military and veteran families and military-connected youth!
*Books and goodie bags are limited to the first 25 families who register and attend events.
GWOT Memorial Commission
Commission to Establish a Memorial to Veterans of the Global War on Terrorism
Governor Moore proclaimed on November 9, 2023 the establishment of a Commission to Establish a Memorial to Veterans of the Global War on Terrorism. Read the executive order here.
Meeting schedule/link:
Check back often for upcoming meeting schedules.
Agendas:
March 6th, 2024
Contact:
If a member of the public wishes to attend, or if you have questions, please contact Andrew Libraty, MDVA Deputy Chief of Staff at andrew.libraty@maryland.gov.
Maryland Joins Forces
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs believes veterans and active service members are more likely to thrive in Maryland when their families are healthy and resilient. Maryland Joins Forces (MJF) is an initiative designed to mobilize partners across sectors to meaningfully address issues affecting veterans and military families. MJF is centered around five focus areas.
Focus Areas and Desired Outcome
(1) Employment: Reduce veteran & military spouse unemployment and make it easier for spouses to transition to the state without career disruptions.
(2) Food and Housing Insecurity: Ensure no military connected family experiences food insecurity and eliminate homelessness amongst veteran families.
(3) Education: Members of the military-connected community gain the skills and credentials they need to find meaningful employment and contribute to a thriving Maryland economy.
(4) Health and Wellness: Military connected families live healthier lives – both physically and mentally with increased access to health and wellness resources.
(5) Volunteer Service: Increase the number of opportunities for members of the military connected community to serve alongside their non-military connected neighbors to reduce the civil-military divide.
Organizations that have joined MDVA/Maryland Joins Forces with a Memoranda of Agreement include:
American Corporate Partners
American University
Blue Star Families
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Operation Homefront
Platoon 22
Team Red, White, & Blue
United Through Reading
“We want to do everything we can to keep our heroes and their talents here at home after their military service ends,” said Maryland’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods. “Maryland Joins Forces will go a long way in allowing us to achieve exactly that.”
To get in contact with Maryland Joins Forces, please email Ross Cohen, Deputy Secretary, at ross.cohen@maryland.gov.
Protected: Veterans Services Specialist Program Liaison Site
Mission: Ask The Question
In the Spring of 2020, the State of Maryland accepted an invitation from the US Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to participate in the national Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF). A team of more than 30 professionals representing federal, state, and local government as well as private sector and non profit organizations has met since June of 2020 to develop an action plan designed to combat the serious issue of suicide in the military connected community. The plan was submitted to SAMHSA in September 2020.
One of three priority areas for the Governor’s Challenge is to identify service members, veterans and their families and screen for suicide risk. A toolkit for governments, providers, and businesses is now available. This toolkit provides information on why it is important to screen for military service, how to ask the question, and what to do when a service member, veteran, or family member indicates their connection to the military. The toolkit contains a script, resources, and other materials for implementing “Ask The Question” campaigns within their organizations.
Read and download the toolkit at this link: Ask the Question Toolkit
Find campaign VA resources at this link: Ask the Question Campaign VA Resources
Join us as a participating organization and request outreach marketing materials here.
Sample marketing materials:
2in by 3in consumer pocket card (front and back)
5in by 7in participating organization/provider card (front and back)
The Governor’s Challenge Training Portal
The Governor’s Challenge Training Portal (Portal) was developed in partnership with SAMHSA’s Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance (TA) Center and the PsychArmor Institute. The Portal is a web-based, single point of entry for Governor’s Challenge state teams and their partners to PsychArmor’s learning management system. The Portal provides access to a set menu of PsychArmor’s online trainings, as well as links to off-site trainings through VA and the Education Development Center. With access to the Portal, team members can promote online trainings to community partners, providers, and others to support strategies related to their suicide prevention strategic action plans.
Training Menu:
- 15 Things Veterans Want You to Know (also available specific to healthcare providers)
- Communication Skills with Veterans
- Connecting with the VA
- Crisis Response Plan for Health Care Providers
- Finding Stability After Suicide Loss
- Inner Conflict and Survivor’s Guilt
- Myths and Facts About Wounded Warriors
- Postvention: Healing After Suicide
- Substance Use Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations
- Suicide in Military Members and Veterans
- VA S.A.V.E.: Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention
- VA S.A.V.E.: Preventing Caregiver Suicide
- Women Who Serve
Accessing the Portal:
- Visit the Portal here.
- Complete registration
- Once registered, access will be given to an individualized dashboard with a menu of available trainings, as well as links to off-site trainings
- To access the dashboard, follow the link at any time and login with the email and password created at registration
- If you are already registered, email Jenna Pryor, jpryor@psycharmor.org, to migrate your dashboard to the Portal
For questions, contact Dana Burl, Director, Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs at dana.burl@maryland.gov
For immediate support, 24/7, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1. Help is confidential and the line is available for veterans and their families. Chat is also available at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 988. Not sure what to expect when you call? Find answers here: VeteransCrisisLine
May Is Military Appreciation Month: Kids Serve, Too!
May Is Military Appreciation Month: Kids Serve Too!
If you’ve noticed the weather lately, April’s showers have continued into May. The good news is that with showers come flowers. One particular flower, the dandelion, symbolizes a military child’s experience. While most see the dandelion as a weed, it is actually a flower with incredible resilience, many healing qualities, and has the ability to grow just about anywhere. When you think about the flower from this perspective, it’s easy to see why the dandelion is symbolic of the millions of children living in US veteran households. And did you know, April was Month of the Military Child. So it’s poignant that the focus of this blog entry is on our military and veteran connected children.
As the parent of two veteran connected children, I strongly believe that kids serve, too. So, it’s not a surprise that as co-lead to Maryland’s participation in the VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Families, I pay particular attention to ‘Families’. And why should we know about veteran kids? According to the US Census and National Child Traumatic Stress Network 13% of veterans live with children in the home and in the post 9/11 cohort, 44% of veterans live with children in the home. Approximately 2.3 million children under the age of 18 are living with a veteran who is disabled. A recent study found that for veterans seeking treatment for mental health they felt distant from their children. But there are resources to help and to improve relationships between these children and their parents.
Each month, Governor’s Challenge states and territories come together for team lead calls. These calls provide opportunities for education and networking. Last weeks’ call focused on resources for veteran families with children. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has published some great resources and fact sheets for families, providers, and educators on the importance of becoming military informed and trauma informed when raising or working with children and youth. I encourage anyone who is interested in suicide prevention work and empowering resilience in military and veteran connected kids to please visit these resources. And the next time you see a dandelion, be reminded that kids serve, too and help that flower grow.
Resources for supporting military and veteran connected children:
MDVA Suicide Prevention Initiatives: Direct link to national and local initiatives and free training portal
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Direct link to resources for parents, providers, and educators of military and veteran connected children
Understanding Child Trauma and Resilience: For Military Parents and Caregivers
Offers military parents and caregivers information and checklists about child trauma and resilience. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/understanding-child-trauma-and-resilience-for-military-parents-and-caregivers
Understanding Child Suicide: For Military Parents
Offers military parents information about military youth suicide. This fact sheet includes information about suicide and military youth, how to talk to your child about suicide, warning signs that your child may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and helpful responses by age group, as well as evidence-based treatments for suicidal youth, and how to address your needs as a parent.
https://www.nctsn.org/resources/understanding-child-suicide-for-military-parents
Authored by:
Dana Burl, Program Director
Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
2024 Legislative Update
The General Assembly is Maryland’s legislative body and directly represents the electorate. The state has 47 districts represented by 47 Senators and 141 Delegates.
The 2024 Legislative Session began Wednesday January 10 and will run for 90 consecutive days until April 8.
The following list represents the status of bills introduced and/or passed this year that may impact military service members, veterans, and their families.
April 9, 2024 Legislative Update
Visit the Maryland General Assembly Website.
PACT ACT: What you need to know
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, or PACT Act, expands VA health care and benefits for certain veterans who served during the Gulf War era, Post 9/11 and during Vietnam.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
There are distinct differences in PACT Act benefits based on a veteran’s individual period of service and location of service. For example, the new presumptive disabilities related to exposure to the toxins of burn pits apply only to Gulf War era and Post 9/11 veterans based on their location of service. The new burn pit presumptive conditions do not apply to Vietnam veterans.
For Vietnam veterans, the PACT ACT has expanded locations recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange. The PACT ACT also added, two (2) new presumptive conditions based on being exposed to Agent Orange.
Any original claim submitted after August 14, 2023, VA will establish and effective date of the date the claim was received. For claims or submitted prior to August 14, 2023, to include an intent to file a claim, as long as the formal claim is received by VA within 1 year from the date of the intent to file, the effective date will revert to the date of the change in law August of 2022.
However please keep in mind, veterans can continue to submit PACT Act related claims.
In addition, if a veteran had a pending PACT Act related claim prior to, or after, the deadline to submit claims for a backdated effective date, the claim does not need to be resubmitted.
Veterans who served during the Gulf War era and Post 9/11
A presumption of exposure is assumed if you served on or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:
- Afghanistan
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Uzbekisstan
- Yemen
- Airspace above any of these locations
On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Airspace above any of these locations
VA has added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions for Gulf War era and post 9/11 Veterans.
These cancers are now presumptive conditions:
- Brain cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
- Glioblastoma
- Head cancer of any type
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphatic cancer of any type
- Lymphoma of any type
- Melanoma
- Neck cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive cancer of any type
- Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
These illnesses are now presumptive conditions:
- Asthma that was diagnosed after service
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Emphysema
- Granulomatous disease
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Pleuritis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
Veterans who served during Vietnam
5 new locations have been added to the list of presumptive locations:
- Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976
- Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969
- Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969
- Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off of Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 30, 1980
- Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977
VA has added 2 agent orange exposure presumptive conditions for Vietnam Veterans.
These illnesses are now presumptive conditions:
- Hypertension
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Radiation presumptive locations
There are 3 new response efforts added to the list of presumptive locations:
- Cleanup of Enewetak Atoll, from January 1, 1977, through December 31, 1980
- Cleanup of the Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons off the coast of Palomares, Spain, from January 17, 1966, through March 31, 1967
- Response to the fire onboard an Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons near Thule Air Force Base in Greenland from January 21, 1968, to September 25, 1968
To speak with a Veterans Benefits Specialist about eligibility and filing a claim, visit our Service Program or call 800-446-4926, ext. 6450 to find your closest service office.
Camp LeJeune Water Exposure
If you served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina, you may have had contact with contaminants in the drinking water there. Scientific and medical evidence has shown an association between exposure to these contaminants during military service and development of certain diseases later on.
You may be eligible for disability benefits if you meet certain requirements.
Both of these must be true:
- You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987, and
- You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military
And you must have a diagnosis of one or more of these presumptive conditions:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Family members who lived on Camp LeJeune may be eligible for health care and health care funding/reimbursement.
Learn more here. Contact a MDVA Veterans Benefits Specialist for further assistance with filing a claim or call our regional office at 800-446-4926, ext. 6450 to find your closest service office.
When We Are Not Watching: Paying Respect To The United States Flag And Honoring Our Military Children
Last night, while driving through my son’s high school parking lot a fellow parent captured a photo of two teen boys. The parent posted the photo to Facebook and at first glance you may think they were just taking a break from their bike ride. However, if you knew the song which was playing as this photo was taken, you’d know why they stopped.
Had this photo been a video instead, you’d hear the United States Air Force Band playing our National Anthem before a lacrosse game. Upon hearing the song, these two teens stopped their bike ride, removed their hats, and silently stood out of respect to our Nation’s flag and all that it stands for.
As of today, the Facebook post has received more than 500 likes and 75 comments. I’m honored to know that while I was standing inside the high school stadium, it was my son and his friend who were captured in the photo. I proudly commented on the post, sharing that my son’s father is a veteran, that I work for the VA, that my grandfather was at Normandy on D Day, and that my son is a true patriot.
After reading the Facebook posts’ comments and as we come to the end of April’s Month of the Military Child, I’m reminded of two things. First, that we as a community must educate our youth on the meaning behind our Nation’s flag and second, that we must take the time to understand the experience of our military/veteran connected children and youth.
Sit down with a child or youth and learn more about flag protocol by visiting our website. Take a moment to watch the video on proper folding of the flag and learn the meaning behind each fold. On Memorial Day, attend one of our veteran cemetery ceremonies with members of our younger generation. Attendance will provide an excellent opportunity to educate on the significance of this day, the role of an honor guard, the respect paid to our flag, and the meaning behind Taps.
Just as there is much to teach our younger generation, there is much we can learn from the service of military connected children. During April’s Month of the Military Child, we are encouraged to pay tribute to the resilience displayed by the more than two million children of active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel, and veterans. The Military Child Education Coalition has the mission to “support all military connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle”. The organization offers resources and training opportunities for parents, students, and professionals on the military child’s experience. I encourage anyone reading this blog to visit the Coalition’s website to learn more.
Raising teenagers sure can be tough, especially in today’s digital age. Seeing the photo of my son and his friend standing still, hats on their chest, while the National Anthem played, reminded me that while he may hem and haw at some of the things his mom teaches him, he’s getting ‘it’. Our children must be taught the significance of the United States flag and why we take pause when our National Anthem is played. We as a community must also honor the significance of the service of our military/veteran connected children and youth. Let us never forget to honor them, too.
Author:
Dana Burl, Outreach Program Director
MD Department of Veterans Affairs
1-888-373-7888
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