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Did you or a family member serve in the military and you have questions for another state agency?


Do you have questions for another state agency or questions about other state programs and/or benefits?  Learn more about the Veterans Services Specialist Program (VSS Program).

In 2017, the Veterans Services Specialist Program was established to improve coordination of services for the military connected community in Maryland.  Maryland State Government Departments and Agencies have a Veterans Services Specialist (VSS) or “liaison” who can provide general information to state employees who have served in the military or who have family members who have served in the military with information on veteran-related resources.  They can also answer general questions citizens may have about these resources.  If a liaison is unable to resolve questions, they have a partner at the MDVA to assist them.  The MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program is ready to support and work alongside liaisons to answer questions and make necessary referrals in order to meet the needs of our military connected community.

Below are links to agency liaisons and information on military or veteran related programs and/or benefits.  If you are a state employee who has served in the military, or a family member of someone who has served, please contact your agency’s VSS for more information.  We are here to support our veteran community!  Select an agency to locate program information and who to contact at the agency.

Dept of Aging

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Terri Williams
Email terril.williams@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Veteran Directed Home & Community Based Services Program
        Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDC) gives Veterans of all ages who need skilled services, support, and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (fixing meals and taking medication) the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Based Services they need in a consumer directed way.

         

        Eligibility: All Veterans enrolled in VHA Healthcare are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service and it is available in their jurisdiction. VDC is targeted to Veterans that meet clinical criteria and have the desire to have more choice and control over their services and supports. VDC assists in arranging Veteran-directed services based upon the needs and preferences of the Veterans. All services and purchases must benefit the veteran, increase independence, provide a feasible alternative to an institution, and be the least costly alternative that reasonably meets the Veteran’s identified needs.

Dept of Agriculture

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Richard Colburn
Email richard.colburn@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Homegrown by Heroes Program
        The Maryland Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit are pleased to announce the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown by Heroes Program. The purpose of this program is to support Maryland veteran farmers by branding products with the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown by Heroes logo and offering assistance through other business services. To purchase the freshest, local products produced by Maryland veterans, look for the Maryland’s Best – Homegrown by Heroes logo and search for them on our web site. For Maryland veteran farmers interested in participating in the program, please first sign up with the Farmer Veteran Coalition at farmvetco.org.

Dept of Commerce

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name BGen Dean Ertwine (RET)
Email dean.ertwine@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Substitution of Armed Services Work Experience: On Department of Commerce job applications, veterans may request substitution of comparable military service work experience for required education and experience specified in the job announcement.
      • Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit: The program provides a state income tax credit to small businesses for hiring qualified veterans after 1 Jan 2017. This credit is good for the first year of employment, and the small business can claim up to five veterans per tax year. For more information visit: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/hire-our-veterans-tax-credit.
      • Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program: The program offers no-interest loans up to $50,000, from 1 to 8 years, for businesses owned by military veterans, Reservists and National Guard personnel, and for small businesses of 50 or fewer employees that employ such persons. For more information visit: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp

Governor’s Coordinating Offices

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Vacant
Email 

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While these offices do not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to Veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Budget and Management

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Mark Townend
Email mark.townend@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Veteran Service Credit for State Employment Applicants: A veteran or spouse of a veteran may be eligible for credit when applying for employment with Maryland State Government. In addition, former prisoners of war and veterans with disabilities may be eligible for additional credit.
      • Noncompetitive Appointments for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with disabilities (rated at, at a minimum, 30%) may be eligible for employment without going through a competitive selection process. The veteran 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. For Certified Disabled Veteran consideration, complete the free names application process on the Maryland State Online Employment Center.
      • State Service Credit for Military Service: The State of Maryland offers state service credit for certain military service. In general, the individual is entitled to receive service credit only on the attainment of 10 years of service credit earned through employment as a member of a state system. The employee is not eligible for the credit if they receive credit for service from another retirement system for which retirement benefits have been or will be received by the individual.

Dept of General Services

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Jamie Tomaszewski
Email jamie.tomaszewski@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Department of General Services does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Housing and Community Development

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Gordon Outlaw
Email Gordon.outlaw@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • HELP Veterans Village at the Perry Point VA Medical Center Campus has 75 newly renovated and newly constructed units of housing for at-risk and formerly homeless veterans. Veterans who are chronically homeless and who are eligible for VA healthcare may be eligible for a project based voucher. The Veteran must meet with a VA social worker to verify eligibility for these vouchers.

Dept of Disabilities

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Elizabeth Hall
Email Elizabeth.hall2@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Department of Disabilities does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Juvenile Services

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Updating
Email

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Department of Juvenile Services does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Labor

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Mark Pindell
Email mark.pindell@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • The American Job Center offers job services, education, and training to the veteran population, as well as priority of services in all American Job Centers in Maryland. When setting up their profile in the Maryland Workforce Exchange database, DLLR maintains an employment database for veterans to search for employment opportunities and receive alerts on new jobs posted within the database. DLLR notes that American Job Centers offer multiple programs to aid in a veteran’s goals towards employment, training, licensing, and certifications. All DLLR veteran workforce specialists participate in the local military installations Transition Assistance Program Services (TAPS) briefing for veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life.
      • Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists work one on one with veterans experiencing significant barriers to employment by helping them access career training and/or employment.
      • Local Veteran Employment Representatives work one on one with employers who are seeking to hire qualified veterans to their workforce.
      • Expedited Professional and Occupational Licensing facilitates professional licensing for active duty military personnel, veterans, and spouses through the expedited issuance of specified licenses, registrations and certificates. Requires occupational units throughout State government to give credit to former service members for relevant military training, education and experience in connection with the license.

Dept of Natural Resources

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Raymond Griggs & Richard Allen
Email raymond.griggs1@maryland.gov & richard.allen@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Day Use Waivers for Veterans – Veterans receive year round day use waivers for entry into state parks.
      • Lifetime Fishing and Hunting Licenses – Complimentary lifetime fishing and hunting license for 100% service connected disabled veterans.

Dept of Information Technology

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Norman Farley & Cindy Cole
Email norman.farley@maryland.gov & cindy.cole@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) values the service Veterans and their family members have given to our country. While DoIT does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Leon Henry
Email leon.henry@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Education

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Mary Gable
Email mary.gable@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) does not have any veteran specific programs; however, as a state agency, we follow all state hiring practices. Thus, eligible veterans and their families may receive additional preferences in the hiring process for merit positions. The website includes information regarding the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunities for military children transitioning from one state to another. MSDE provides child care subsidies for eligible child care providers which may benefit both Veterans and their families.

Maryland Energy Administration

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Christopher Rice
Email chris.rice@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Maryland Energy Administration does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of the Environment

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Michelle Romney
Email michelle.romney@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Maryland Department of the Environment does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Dept of Health

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Joy Ashcraft
Email joy.ashcraft@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans (MCV) offers information and referral to veterans and anyone looking for resources for a veteran or family member. Our primary focus is to expeditiously assist veterans in obtaining behavioral health services. We also aim to educate community partners and other organizations about veteran resources and benefits. Referral line: 877-770-4801.

Dept of Human Services

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Cameron Miles
Email cameron.miles@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Department of Human Services (DHS) does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.DHS does offer assistance via the Constituent Services Office (CSO). CSO is a unique support and services office in the Office of the Secretary. CSO functions as the Department of Human Services’ customer service center by providing information about programs and facilitating access to its services. Customers communicate with office staff through a variety of methods. These include telephone contacts, emails, walk-in visits, correspondence, community outreach, and referrals from other agencies and political officials.

Maryland Insurance Administration

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Lynn Hill
Email lynn.hill@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Veterans can use their GI Education Bill to be reimbursed for the cost of approved licensing and certification tests required to become a Maryland insurance producer. In order to qualify for the reimbursement, veterans must be eligible for benefits, have remaining entitlement to benefits, and their delimiting date must not have passed. To apply, veterans should contact the Insurance Administration.

Maryland Lottery

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name James Butler
Email jbutler@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Instant Ticket Lottery Machine Program (ITLM): The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency introduced the Instant Ticket Lottery Machine Program to benefit Maryland Veterans’ Service Organizations.On the gaming side of the agency, the Agency has a separate program that allows casino patrons to donate money to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF). All donations are sent to the MVTF by the casino.

Motor Vehicle Administration/MD Department of Transportation

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Maureen Purcell
Email mpurcell@mdot.maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Driver Services:
        • MDOT MVA offers a veteran designation on a driver’s license or identification (ID) card for qualifying veterans. The designation indicates that the holder is eligible for state veteran benefits. There is no cost for the service.
        • Maryland driver’s licenses remain in effect for active members of the U.S. Foreign Service and their dependents (who reside with the active service member outside of Maryland) while they are absent from Maryland. The holder has 30 days after you return to Maryland or are separated from employment in the military or U.S. Foreign Service to visit an MDOT MVA office to renew your driver’s license.
        • If an active military member’s driver license is expired for 1 year or more and the member is seeking renewal of the license, the member may be granted a waiver of the vision, knowledge and driving skills test with proper documentation of military service.
        • Veterans and active duty personnel may be eligible for waivers from the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing processes. These procedures are in accordance with regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Applications are eligible for CDL test waivers if on active duty or discharged within the previous 12 months along with meeting certain conditions.
        • All Medal of Honor recipients may renew driver’s licenses for free.
      • Vehicle Services:
        • MDOT MVA offers a wide range of more than 75 specialty license plates to honor active military service, veterans, and Gold Star families. Vehicle registration fees are waived for military in the following circumstances:
          • Veterans who are 100% disabled through a service related injury may obtain free disabled veteran license plates OR
          • All Medal of Honor recipients may renew vehicle registrations for free.
          •  
        • There are several vehicle registration provisions for active duty military personnel:
          • Active duty military personnel stationed in Maryland do not have to register their vehicles in Maryland if they are properly registered in their home state. Personnel should obtain a non-resident permit to keep the vehicle registered in their home state for up to one year while using the vehicle in Maryland;
          • Active duty military personnel establishing residency in Maryland have up to one year to be eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state;
          • When a Maryland resident is on active duty in another state and purchases a used car outside of Maryland, the resident may receive a Temporary Inspection Waiver that is good for two years and may also temporarily register the vehicle by mail. The active duty member must have the vehicle inspected upon returning to Maryland residency;
          • Maryland residents on active military duty while stationed out-of-state may record the out-of-state address on file with MDOT MVA.

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Steve Richards
Email steve.richards@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Archival Military Records: Provides archival and retrieval services to former Maryland Army or Air National Guard personnel in obtaining individual service records.
      • Education Services: Provides assistance with educational services available such as the SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program), SRIP (Selective REserve Incentives Program), contact completions, terminations and exception to policy, manage and counsel individuals on their GI Bill benefits as well as their kicker contracts.
      • Survivor Outreach Services: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers.
      • Transition Assistance Advisor: Assists all service members and family members from all branches and all era’s with the following: education on the disability process and assists with filing VA disability claims, provides benefits information to service members for “Pre & Post” deployments, provides health and life insurance guidance and enrollment assistance, assists with retirement planning and information dissemination, provides employment assistance and direction.

Maryland Environmental Service

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Joseph Wright
Email jwright@menv.com

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Maryland Environmental Service (MES) values the service Veterans and their family members have given to our country and fully supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses. If you are a Veteran and are applying for a job with MES, we would like to ensure your application process goes as smoothly as possible. Please contact Laura Younker at hirevets@menv.com or 410-729-8230 for assistance.

Maryland Higher Education Commission

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Everette Jackson
Email everetted.jackson@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training for Veterans: Both On-the-Job (OTJ) and Apprenticeship training programs are available for Veterans using their VA Education Benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These programs allow Veterans to learn a trade or skill through structured training programs while being gainfully employed. Veterans in an approved program may use their GI Bill and receive tax-free benefits. This includes a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the Department of Defense’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, which is paid in addition to the entry-level wage. As a benefit for employers, these programs can be used as a recruiting tool to attract Veterans.

Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Michelle Bell
Email mbell@miemss.org

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Policy for Service Members Called to Active Duty: Benefits for providers who get called for Active Duty – this policy applies to the certification/licensure status of all Maryland prehospital providers (EMR, EMT, CRT, Paramedic, and EMD) who are deployed or activated under military orders in the service of the United States Armed Forces. This also includes any reservist called to extended duty. Recognizing that no entity can jeopardize the rights and privileges of the one called into the service of the United States, a “military EMS provider status” is available to these service members, enabling them to return to their established level of function within one year of their return to Maryland.
      • For veterans who currently do not have certification/licensure in Maryland: Without National Registry certification – MIEMSS will take the courses that the veteran had completed while in the military into consideration as long as they fill out a MIEMSS application and provide a course syllabus. After reviewing their syllabus, MIEMSS will make a recommendation of any additional classes that the veteran will need to take and/or challenge for testing to the teaching agency. It is then up to the teaching agency to accept or deny any or all of MIEMSS recommendations.

Dept of the Military

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Matthew Gary
Email matthew.gary@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Archival Military Records: Provides archival and retrieval services to former Maryland Army or Air National Guard personnel in obtaining individual service records. For more information, please contact Mr. Matthew Gary at matthew.gary@maryland.gov
      • Education Services: Provides assistance with educational services available such as the SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program), SRIP (Selective REserve Incentives Program), contact completions, terminations and exception to policy, manage and counsel individuals on their GI Bill benefits as well as their kicker contracts. For more information, please contact the Education Office at 667-296-4139 /4140
      • Survivor Outreach Services: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors of deceased Soldiers. For more information, please contact 667-296-4151
      • Transition Assistance Advisor: Assists all service members and family members from all branches and all era’s with the following: education on the disability process and assists with filing VA disability claims, provides benefits information to service members for “Pre & Post” deployments, provides health and life insurance guidance and enrollment assistance, assists with retirement planning and information dissemination, provides employment assistance and direction. For more information, please contact Mr. Clifton Sherrod at 202-987-3719 (mobile) or 667-296-4152 (office)

Maryland State Police

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Lieutenant/Commander Patrick Metzger
Email patrick.metzger@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Military Liaison: The primary mission of the Maryland State Police Military Liaison is to assist deploying members of the MSP family serving in the National Guard and Reserves. They also serve as the primary point of contact for the Maryland State Police Department with the US Military regarding a wide variety of MSP/Military missions.

Dept of Planning

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Kanishk Sharma
Email kanishk.sharma@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • While the Department of Planning does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

Public Service Commission

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Ryan (Chuck) McLean
Email chuck.mclean@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Under their PC16 Memorandum of Understanding, they operate a disabled veteran initiative which includes these business owners as “diverse suppliers” and encourage their utilities to use these businesses for procurements.

Dept Assessments and Taxation

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name William Anderson
Email William.anderson1@maryland.gov

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

      • Surviving Spouse of Disabled Veteran Exemption: This exemption is allowed for a surviving spouse of a veteran who received 100% disability rating and benefits prior to death. A surviving spouse of a veteran who received a rating of 100% disability from the Veterans Administration after the Veteran has died is also eligible for the exemption.
      • Surviving Spouse of Military Casualty: This exemption is allowed for a surviving spouse of an active military personnel who died in the line of duty.
      • Disabled Veteran with V.A. Certification Exemption: This exemption is for veterans who have a disability which has been declared by the Veterans Administration to be 100% permanently and totally disabling. The exemption may also be granted where there is a rating of less than 100% disability provided the Veterans Administration finds that the veteran is 100% permanently unemployable.

Maryland Stadium Authority

Who is this Department/Agency’s Veterans’ Services Specialist (VSS)?
Name Rachelina Bonacci
Email rbonacci@mdstad.com

What veteran programs/benefits are offered by this Department/Agency?

    • While the Maryland Stadium Authority does not provide direct services to veterans, you may contact either the designated VSS or the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program if you have questions related to veteran benefits or services offered by other Departments/Agencies.

If you have general questions or cannot locate an agency contact, please reach out to the MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program. The MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program is charged with informing veterans and family members on services, benefits, and assistance available to them from the State and Federal governments.  The Outreach and Advocacy Program is capable of discussing VA benefits and how to connect with a variety of veteran-related resources.

MDVA Outreach and Advocacy Program

Website: veterans.maryland.gov

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