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The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), in partnership with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF), has opened a new Veterans Services Office at the MVA’s Frederick branch, ensuring veterans, service members and their families have continued access to critical services, benefits and support. 

Located at 1601 Bowmans Farm Road, the new service center marks the 10th DVMF office co-located in an MVA branch. The expansion reflects the agencies’ shared commitment to improving access to critical government services and meeting Marylanders where they are.  

“This new office reflects our continued commitment to making government services more accessible and efficient for Marylanders, ensuring no one is left behind,” said MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “By expanding veteran services at the Frederick branch, we’re strengthening our one-stop government shop model and ensuring that veterans and their families can get the support they deserve.” 

Staffed by trained DVMF benefits specialists, the service center assists veterans, dependents and survivors with benefits counseling, claims filing and follow-up support. Last year, DVMF helped more than 6,000 veterans, dependents and survivors secure over $54 million in federal benefits statewide, including more than 3,000 veterans and family members served through DVMF offices located at MVA branches who secured more than $23 million in benefits.  

“We are proud to open this Veterans Services Office in partnership with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, marking our 10th co-located site statewide," said DVMF Secretary Ed Rothstein. “This reflects the Moore–Miller Administration’s commitment to leaving no one behind by making services more accessible, coordinated and responsive to veterans and military families. Through strong cross-agency collaboration, we are strengthening our presence in Frederick and ensuring those who served can connect to the benefits and support they have earned.” 

The Frederick MVA branch already serves as a multi-agency service hub for the community. In addition to MVA services and the new DVMF office, customers can also access TSA PreCheck enrollment, TWIC processing, Maryland Department of Natural Resources services and birth and death certificate processing at this location. 

In addition to co-located veterans services, the MVA offers several programs designed specifically for veterans and military personnel, including:

• Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test Waiver – Eligible veterans and active-duty service members may qualify to waive the skills test when applying for a Commercial Driver’s License. 
• Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Testing Exemption – Active-duty personnel stationed out of state or overseas may be exempt from Maryland emissions testing. 
• Veteran Designation – Veterans may add a “Veteran” designation to their Maryland driver’s license or ID card. 
• Specialty License Plates – More than 100 veteran and military-themed license plates are available, including Space Force plates. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for free permanent registration. 

For more information about DVMF, visit veterans.maryland.gov. Information on services available at the Frederick branch is available at mva.maryland.gov. 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today visited Greenbelt to commemorate Veterans Day and honor the sacrifices of Maryland’s veterans and their families. During his visit, the governor reinforced the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families across Maryland.

Read the entire press release at governor.maryland.gov.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 10, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is expanding its partnership with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) to honor and support the resilience of Maryland’s veterans and their families.  

Starting on Veterans Day, November 11th, MVA customers can donate to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund when registering or renewing their vehicle registration using myMVA Online Services. The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that offers crucial assistance to veterans and their families facing temporary financial hardships, helping with essential needs like rent, mortgage payments and utilities. 

Read the entire press release at mva.maryland.gov.

On October 16, 2025, Governor Wes Moore today hosted veterans organizations Hiring Our Heroes and Student Veterans of America at the State House to discuss how Maryland can leverage cross-sector partnerships to help veterans find and excel in their post-service careers. The discussion comes as critical federal resources to support veterans transitioning into post-service opportunities—such as the GI Bill Hotline—remain unavailable due to the federal government shutdown.
 

Read the entire press release at governor.maryland.gov.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families today welcomed nearly 100 Blue Star Families to Government House to celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week, a national campaign to welcome transitioning military families into their new communities. In partnership with the Blue Star Fa​milies organization, the governor and first lady reinforced the Moore-Miller administration’s commitment to uplifting Maryland’s service members and their families.

Read the entire press release at governor.maryland.gov.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore and the Moore-Miller Administration today honored veterans, service members and their families' sacrifice with Memorial Day observances across the state.

“Memorial Day is a time to balm the wounds that never fully heal. This is a chance to remember not what took the lives of the fallen, but what gave them life: a love of service; a love of country; a knowledge that we are a nation worth fighting for,” said Gov. Moore. “Some passed recently. Some passed long ago. But all offer lessons about what it means to be a true American patriot. They remind us what courage looks like, and their legacy endures in every Marylander who serves.”

Governor Moore began the day with a roundtable discussion at Platoon 22 in Frederick, Maryland. Platoon 22 is a nonprofit veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide by fostering meaningful connections and comprehensive support for veterans and military families. 
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The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families provides in-person support in Frederick to veterans, dependents, and survivors through shared space in Platoon 22’s veteran services center. In Fiscal Year 2025 to date, the site has filed 685 VA claims and generated $4,461,589 in monetary benefits for veterans, dependents, and survivors.

Read the entire press release at governor.maryland.gov.

​In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Maryland Joins Forces announces partnership to support Maryland’s military-connected community

Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF),  announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Objective Zero Foundation (Objective Zero) and Face the Fight (Face the Fight) aimed at reducing suicide among service members, veterans, and families (SMVF).  This collaboration reflects a unified commitment to addressing the mental health needs of SMVF populations through evidence-informed interventions, innovative technology, peer support, public-private partnerships, and community-driven solutions.

One of the newest members of DVMF’s Maryland Joins Forces initiative, Objective Zero connects service members, veterans, and their families to peer support and wellness resources through its evidence-based mobile app platform. DVMF is the first state government agency in the nation that serves veterans and military families to officially join Face the Fight.  The agency will work with Objective Zero, also a Face the Fight member and grantee, to raise awareness of their web-based peer support application.

This partnership aligns with Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s commitment to the state’s participation in the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF and to affirm that no service member, veteran, or family member is left behind. As members of Face the Fight, both DVMF and Objective Zero look forward to working with the Face the Fight coalition to further advance suicide prevention service delivery, expand access to peer support, and build a coordinated system of care that ensures no service member, veteran, military family member, caregiver, or survivor falls through the cracks.

“Maryland is committed to making our state the best place for veterans and military families to live, work, and thrive. But that commitment must include the strongest possible efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness,” said Tony Woods, Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. “By bringing together technology, peer support, and community leadership, this partnership demonstrates Maryland’s holistic approach to saving lives and strengthening families.” “At Objective Zero, we know that connection saves lives. Partnering with organizations like the State of Maryland and Face the Fight allows us to expand our reach and impact, getting veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers the support they deserve, when and where they need it most,” said Betsey Mercado, Executive Director, Objective Zero. “As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to take that first step. Download the Objective Zero App and connect with peer support, wellness tools and resources, and a community that truly understands. Reach out, even if you don’t know where to start.”

 “Suicide prevention is a fight we must all face together. Through Face the Fight, we are investing in expanding access to effective, evidence-based practices that save lives,” said Babs Chase, Executive Director, Face the Fight Coalition and Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are proud to support Maryland’s leadership and collaborate with partners who share our determination to make real, lasting change for those who have served and sacrificed.”

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Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) Through its Maryland Joins Forces initiative, DVMF unites state agencies, private sector leaders, and community organizations to deliver innovative, veteran-centered solutions. Learn more: veterans.maryland.gov/maryland-joins-forces

Objective Zero Foundation Objective Zero connects users to peer supporters and wellness resources through a free, anonymous mobile app, aiming to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more: objectivezero.org

Face the Fight Launched in 2023 by founding partners USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight has made strides by bringing together a like-minded coalition of organizations to help reduce veteran suicide through a multi-pronged approach that includes charitable giving, public education, and awareness. Face the Fight is committed to supporting every veteran, regardless of their unique needs and challenges, and aspires to dramatically reduce veteran suicide. Learn more: wefacethefight.org

Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF),  announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Objective Zero Foundation (Objective Zero) and Face the Fight (Face the Fight) aimed at reducing suicide among service members, veterans, and families (SMVF).  This collaboration reflects a unified commitment to addressing the mental health needs of SMVF populations through evidence-informed interventions, innovative technology, peer support, public-private partnerships, and community-driven solutions.

One of the newest members of DVMF’s Maryland Joins Forces initiative, Objective Zero connects service members, veterans, and their families to peer support and wellness resources through its evidence-based mobile app platform. DVMF is the first state government agency in the nation that serves veterans and military families to officially join Face the Fight.  The agency will work with Objective Zero, also a Face the Fight member and grantee, to raise awareness of their web-based peer support application.

This partnership aligns with Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s commitment to the state’s participation in the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF and to affirm that no service member, veteran, or family member is left behind. As members of Face the Fight, both DVMF and Objective Zero look forward to working with the Face the Fight coalition to further advance suicide prevention service delivery, expand access to peer support, and build a coordinated system of care that ensures no service member, veteran, military family member, caregiver, or survivor falls through the cracks.

“Maryland is committed to making our state the best place for veterans and military families to live, work, and thrive. But that commitment must include the strongest possible efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness,” said Tony Woods, Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. “By bringing together technology, peer support, and community leadership, this partnership demonstrates Maryland’s holistic approach to saving lives and strengthening families.” “At Objective Zero, we know that connection saves lives. Partnering with organizations like the State of Maryland and Face the Fight allows us to expand our reach and impact, getting veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers the support they deserve, when and where they need it most,” said Betsey Mercado, Executive Director, Objective Zero. “As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to take that first step. Download the Objective Zero App and connect with peer support, wellness tools and resources, and a community that truly understands. Reach out, even if you don’t know where to start.”

 “Suicide prevention is a fight we must all face together. Through Face the Fight, we are investing in expanding access to effective, evidence-based practices that save lives,” said Babs Chase, Executive Director, Face the Fight Coalition and Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are proud to support Maryland’s leadership and collaborate with partners who share our determination to make real, lasting change for those who have served and sacrificed.”

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Through its Maryland Joins Forces initiative, DVMF unites state agencies, private sector leaders, and community organizations to deliver innovative, veteran-centered solutions. 

Objective Zero Foundation Objective Zero connects users to peer supporters and wellness resources through a free, anonymous mobile app, aiming to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more: objectivezero.org

Face the Fight Launched in 2023 by founding partners USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight has made strides by bringing together a like-minded coalition of organizations to help reduce veteran suicide through a multi-pronged approach that includes charitable giving, public education, and awareness. Face the Fight is committed to supporting every veteran, regardless of their unique needs and challenges, and aspires to dramatically reduce veteran suicide. Learn more: wefacethefight.org​

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Tony Woods will transition from his cabinet position on May 11 to return to the private sector in a role with a technology startup. Deputy Secretary Ross Cohen will serve as acting secretary to ensure continuity of service and support for Maryland’s veterans and military families while a search to fill the secretary’s post is underway.

“Secretary Tony Woods has made Maryland a national leader in how we care for those who serve. He has reshaped the department with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors across our state,” said Gov. Moore. “From improving care at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to reducing appointment wait times at the department’s benefits service offices, Tony has delivered transformative leadership for Maryland’s veterans and military-connected community; his impact will be felt for generations to come, and I am proud to have served alongside him.”

Read the entire press release at governor.maryland.gov.

At the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, we are honored to provide a final resting place for our veterans and their eligible family members. We maintain our cemeteries in accordance and collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Operational Standards and Measures.

Recently, we began updating our cemetery grounds to remove donated memorial benches that have deteriorated with time or have become a public safety hazard. In doing so, however, we were unable to notify all family members of their removal and for that we apologize. We are pausing all removals for 30 days to provide family members with the option to take possession of memorial benches. 

We wish to clarify an earlier statement that the removal of these donated benches was due to a Compliance Review conducted by the National Cemetery Administration. The VA’s compliance review at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in 2024 had no findings concerning donated benches and the removal of the donated benches was not ordered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

If your family has donated site furnishings at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, please contact Cemetery Superintendent Dimitra Johnson at [email protected] to discuss next steps and available options.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to preserve the honor, dignity, and respect of our veterans’ final resting places.

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ANNAPOLIS, MD​ — Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods joined Fort George G. Meade Garrison Commander Colonel Yolanda Gore on March 19 at a technical job fair.  The fair was hosted by the Fort George G. Meade MWR—MDOL / American Job Center, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC), Transition Assistance Program, Fleet & Family Support Center, and Army Community Service and was open to veterans and other job seekers impacted by recent government layoffs and seeking a new career in the technical field.

Secretary Woods met with veterans interested in information technology, cybersecurity, and software engineering technical fields. Nearly 30 percent of federal workers are veterans and are among those hardest hit by the reduction of the federal workforce.

More than 500 people attended and 35 employers participated. Companies were on hand to evaluate resumes and provide preparation assistance services. DVMF’s Veteran Benefits Specialists were on-site to conduct one-on-one claim consultations with veterans seeking information about VA benefits and services.

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The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) stands in strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) plans to cut 82,000 employees across its nationwide system. These drastic reductions will have devastating consequences for Maryland veterans, who rely on the VA for healthcare, benefits, and critical support services.

There is no doubt that the VA can improve operations, but this is not a matter of efficiency—it is a direct threat to the well-being of those who have sacrificed for our country. These cuts will mean longer wait times for benefits and claims processing, increased delays in medical appointments, diminished quality of care at VA hospitals and clinics, and reduced access to the mental health resources that help prevent veteran suicide. Maryland veterans are already feeling the impact of layoffs that have included claims adjudicators and crisis line staff—positions that are essential to serving those who have borne the cost of war.

As Secretary, I have an obligation to ensure that Maryland veterans are not left behind. Our department is committed to making sure their voices are heard and that they receive the care and support they deserve. We will continue to advocate for the resources and staffing necessary to uphold the promise our nation made to those who served.

We also need to hear directly from our veteran community. If you have recently experienced longer-than-expected wait times, cancellations, or a decline in the quality of care, please share your story with us. Your experiences matter, and we are committed to demanding action and accountability on your behalf.

Maryland’s commitment to its veterans is unwavering, and we will not allow these cuts to jeopardize their health, stability, or dignity. No veteran should be left without the care and benefits they have earned. 

We will fight for them because they fought for us.

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Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
[email protected]
667-270-1645 (m)

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) stands firmly in support of all those who have answered the call to serve our country, including our transgender service members and veterans. The recent discriminatory Executive Order​ and policy guidance released from the Department of Defense to ban transgender military personnel from serving in the military takes aim at transgender troops in a personal way, dehumanizing them and falsely denying their honor, integrity, and sacrifice. 

The military’s strength has always come from the dedication and diversity of those who serve. Maryland’s DVMF opposes any policy banning or discriminating against our transgender service members and veterans who serve our country with distinction and honor. This policy undermines the military’s role as an inclusive institution, one that reflects the diversity of our nation’s population. 

We know our country is strongest when we recruit and retain the most capable and talented warfighters, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Any policy that weakens this recruitment pool only makes us less safe. 

From my own personal experience, I understand the pain one goes through from being removed from an institution that you have given your life to protect. Under the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy banning openly gay, bisexual, and lesbian people from serving in the US Armed Forces, I was discharged. I was forced to leave behind the career I had built, not because of my ability or dedication, but because of who I am. Many others, including transgender service members, faced the same injustice under "Don't ask, don't tell." Now, history is repeating itself, and transgender troops and their families are once again facing the pain, uncertainty, and betrayal of being told their service is unworthy and their sacrifice is unwelcome. 

Maryland stands firmly in support of our veterans and service members. Through programs and resources, DVMF ensures equality and opportunity for all. We stand by our veterans, upholding the values of fairness, respect, and inclusivity for all those who serve. 

The DVMF’s resources and benefits page for LGBTQIA+ Veterans has numerous programs and resources available for impacted service members and veterans. Visit veterans.maryland.gov/lgbtqia-veterans-page. For crisis support, please call the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans CrisisLine, by dialing 988, press #1. 

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Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
[email protected]
667.270.1645 (m)

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," sai​d 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. 

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Contact:

Dana Burl, Director of Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy

[email protected]