Press Releases

Press Releases

July 1, 2024
Secretary Tony Woods Formally Announces New Department Name, “Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families”

New name aligns with the department’s mission to serve all who serve, including military families

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Secretary Tony Woods today announced the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has officially changed its name to the Department of Veterans and Military Families. 

“Before I deployed to Afghanistan, I thought military service was toughest on our soldiers. After I deployed, I realized it was toughest on our families,” said Gov. Moore. “Our military families sacrifice everything so their loved ones can serve; they are just as much a part of the American story as those in the armed forces. This important name change recognizes that fundamental truth.”

The inclusion of “Military Families” in the Department’s official name better reflects the diverse community it serves including dependents, veteran caregivers, and survivors. Members of this broader military connected community play an important role in ensuring the well-being of our service members and veterans and are similarly eligible for earned benefits and resources.

The Departmental name change resulted from legislation, SB0411 and HB0431, championed by Senator Dawn Gile and Delegate Andrew Pruski. Governor Moore signed the bills into law on April 9, 2024.

The legislation renames the Department and mandates the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of Military Family Policy and Programs, who will be responsible for overseeing agency strategy, policy, and initiatives to respond to the unique needs of our military and veteran families.  

“Since the founding of the Department in 1999, military families have always been included in our mission statement,” said Secretary Tony Woods. “Changing our name better reflects our mission and serves as an important reminder that military families – including dependents, veteran caregivers, and survivors – play a vital role in service to the nation and they have an advocate in our Department to support them through life’s transitions.” 

The Department of Veterans and Military Families will work closely with the newly established Maryland Commission on Veterans and Military Families to implement policy recommendations dedicated to veterans and military families. These recommendations will be presented to the Maryland General Assembly and Moore-Miller Administration in December 2024.

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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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 & Military Families 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.