Maryland Veterans Commission

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​​ Origins of the Maryland Veterans Commission trace to 1924, when the Soldiers’ Relief Fund Commission formed to administer a state relief fund for disabled World War I veterans. It became the Veterans Relief Commission in 1929, was renamed the Maryland Veterans Commission in 1935, joined the Department of Employment and Social Services in 1971 (renamed the Department of Human Resources in 1975), became independent in 1977, and in October 1999 joined the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families alongside the Veterans Home Commission and War Memorial Commission.

The Commission advises the Secretary on all veterans‐related issues and is authorized 29 commissioners (28 seats filled, 1 at‐large vacancy). Commissioners serve five‐year terms, are appointed by the Governor, and the Governor names the Chair.

Commission Members

  • 1st Congressional – Michael Detmer (term expires 2029)
  • 2nd Congressional – Larry Unger (2026)
  • 3rd Congressional – Michelle Viramontes (2026)
  • 4th Congressional – Franklin Killebrew (2026)
  • 5th Congressional – Candyce Harris (2026)
  • 6th Congressional – Michael Bowers, CHAIR (2028)
  • 7th Congressional – Ronald L. Holcombe (2026)
  • 8th Congressional – Cynthia I. Macri, M.D. (2030)
  • The Retired Enlisted Association – Lorinzo Foxworth (2030)
  • American Ex-POW – Vacant
  • American Legion – Michael G. Moore (2026)
  • AMVETS – SGM James Childs, Jr. (2026)
  • Catholic War Veterans – Elaine May Stem (2026)
  • Disabled American Veterans – EC Wallace (2026)
  • Fleet Reserve Association – Pleasala “Penny” Collins (2027)
  • Jewish War Veterans – Scott Schlesinger (2026)
  • Marine Corps League – Stuart P. Blair (2027)
  • Military Officers Association of America – Maj Jim Shiffrin, USAF (Ret) (2027)
  • Military Order of the Purple Heart – Vacant
  • Polish American Veterans – Vacant
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – CAPT Jerome D. Davis, SC, USN (Ret) (2026)
  • Vietnam Veterans Association – Robert H. Hartman Jr. (2026)
  • Korean War Veterans Association – Leroy E. Thornton (2026)
  • National Association for Black Veterans – Denise Perry (2026)
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America – Robert Reuter (2027)
  • Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran – Vacant, (2026)
  • Women Veterans – Joan C. Sabree (2029)
  • Reserve Organization of America – Jayson Spiegel (2028)
  • At‐Large – Thomas Ottenwaelder (2030)

Contact

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families: 410-260-3838

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