Department of Veterans and Military Families Celebrates One Year with New Name

Department of Veterans and Military Families Celebrates One Year with New Name
Reflecting Commitment to Serve Veterans and Military Families

ANNAPOLIS, MD, July 8, 2025 — The Department of Veterans and Military Families celebrates the first anniversary of its new name this month, expanding from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and marking a significant shift in its mission to serve both veterans and military families. 

The inclusion of “Military Families” in the Department’s name reflects our growing recognition of the essential role that military families, dependents, caregivers, and survivors play in the success and well-being of service members and veterans. This name change underscores our commitment to ensuring the whole military-connected community receives the benefits and support they deserve. The shift was made possible by the passage of legislation SB0411 and HB0431, championed by Senator Dawn Gile and Delegate Andrew Pruski. Governor Wes Moore – an Army combat veteran who served in Afghanistan – signed the bills into law on April 9, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the Department’s mission.

In addition to changing the Department’s name, the legislation also created a new position, Deputy Secretary for Military Family Policy and Programs, filled since July 2024 by longtime Department leader Dana Burl. “As someone who has been with the Department since 2013, I am deeply vested in our mission to enhance the lives of our military-connected community,” said Burl. “The name change to the Department of Veterans and Military Families is a powerful reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting not just our veterans, but also the families who serve alongside them – and ensuring military families receive the recognition and resources they deserve.” 

Deputy Secretary Burl has lived the military family life as a former military spouse and currently a military mom to two enlisted sons.

“Maryland is honored to be the only state in the nation with a Veterans Affairs department that includes military families in our name – with the number two official in the agency laser focused on improving the quality of life for this patriotic community. Since 1999, military families have been central to our mission,” said Acting Secretary Ross Cohen. “As we move forward, we are committed to celebrating and supporting these families, ensuring they receive the dedicated resources and recognition they deserve as they continue to serve alongside our troops and veterans.” 

Acting Secretary Cohen is an enlisted Army combat veteran who deployed to Afghanistan.

Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
tiffany.young1@maryland.gov