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Commission for Veterans
and Military Families
December 2024 Newsletter
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Calvert County Expands Role of VAC to Include Military Families | | |
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On Nov. 19, 2024, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners approved amendments to the Veterans Affairs Commission’s founding resolution to better align with the Commission’s ongoing work and recent changes at the state level.
The original founding resolution enacted in March 2021 was repealed and reenacted with the following key amendments:
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Under the amended resolution, the Commission’s name is changed from "Veterans Affairs Commission" to the "Calvert County Commission for Veterans and Military Families," (CVMF) reflecting an expanded mission to serve both veterans and military families.
Commission Chair Dr. Brandon Temple remarked, “Since its founding, the commission has considered it our duty to be a voice for Calvert’s military families. These amendments codify that commitment in perpetuity and better align our mission with that of the state, which recently renamed the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs to the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.”
The amended resolution also expands the commission’s voting membership. The number of voting members will increase from nine to eleven, adding an additional at-large member and representation for a military spouse or caregiver. Updated membership criteria now allow for the appointment of individuals who are “active duty, National Guard, reserve or who have separated or retired from military service under honorable conditions; or are a spouse of the aforementioned.”
Learn about current members at www.calvertcountymd.gov/CVMF.
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Next Commission for Veterans and Military Families Meeting | |
When: Dec. 11, 2024,
5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Community Resources Building
30 Duke Street, Suite 105
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
This month's meeting will be a regular meeting and the annual holiday potluck. Bring your favorite dish to share!
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Would you like to join the Commission for Veterans and Military Families? There are three open volunteer positions:
- At-large member (can be from any Calvert County voting district as all three currently have at least one representative)
- Military spouse/caregiver
- American Legion Post 275 representative
Learn more about these positions and apply at www.calvertcountymd.gov/CVMF.
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New Maryland Legislation
Brings Added Support
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Did you know Maryland passed two new laws supporting military families and veterans in 2023?
Signed on May 8, 2023, the Families Serve Act expands job opportunities for military spouses by allowing both private and public employers to utilize preferential hiring practices that give spouses of service members priority consideration in hiring. This act aims to help alleviate some employment challenges that military families face.
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The Time to Serve Act, effective July 1, 2023, supports state employees who also serve in the National Guard or military reserves. This act doubles the amount of military leave available—from 15 to 30 days—allowing these individuals to participate in military duties without using personal leave. This allows reservists to balance their state jobs, reserve duties and family time.
These initiatives honor the full spectrum of military service, supporting both the family members and the service members themselves. For more information, visit Maryland.gov or the Maryland Department of Labor website.
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You May Be Eligible for UMGC Scholarships! | | |
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Every year, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers scholarships to active-duty and retired military veterans, their caregivers and their spouses. | |
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You, a family member or friend may be eligible! All you need to do is apply!
Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program – UMGC offers multiple scholarships which include full tuition, fees and course-required resources for each term during the academic year for caregivers of recovering servicemembers and veterans. This scholarship aims to honor these caregivers' unparalleled selflessness and extraordinary commitment. Applications are accepted from Nov. 11 to April 30 each year.
UMGC-NMFA Scholarship Program - Through the UMGC-NMFA Scholarship program, UMGC awards a minimum of 10 scholarships, up to $1,500 each, through the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to spouses of active-duty, Reservist, and/or National Guard servicemembers.
Eligible applicants must be current or newly enrolled students who have earned no more than 30 credits and are seeking their first undergraduate degree at UMGC. The scholarship will cover up to two full courses (six credits). Applications are accepted from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 every year.
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Wreaths Across America 2024 | |
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National Wreaths Across America Day is a tribute to our nation's veterans and fallen heroes. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery and thousands of locations nationwide.
This annual tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the gratitude we owe to those who have served our country with distinction. You can join this meaningful commemoration by sponsoring a wreath at a cemetery near you or by donating to a local sponsorship group.
Many Calvert County churches and other organizations also participate in Wreaths Across America ceremonies. To find out where to get involved locally, click "Volunteer" and use the "Lookup by City or Postal code" on the Wreaths Across America website.
Show your gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. For information on the local efforts, contact Kathryn Rivers at 251-387-0130 or via email at kesrivers@gmail.com. Learn more about this nationwide program at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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Two Wreath-Laying Ceremonies on Dec. 14, 2024 | |
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9:30 a.m. at the Calvert County Museum: Participants will gather under the Corbin Pavilion and then break to lay wreaths at six local cemeteries: Solomons Methodist Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Olivet United Methodist Church, St. John’s Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Methodist Church and Middleham & St. Peter's Episcopal Church. This event is coordinated by the Arick L. Lore American Legion Auxiliary Unit Post 274.
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Noon at All Saints Episcopal Church: Anyone wishing to have a private moment to lay a wreath on the grave of a family member in our cemetery should report to the event organizers by 11:30 a.m. to lay the wreath before the ceremony begins. Event guests and volunteers will lay all other wreaths following the ceremony. All veterans buried at All Saints will be honored. Contact Martha Hyde at 410-610-3768 for information.
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Calvert County Office on Aging Coffee | |
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Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. - CVMF Vice-Chair and American Legion Post 206 Member Patricia McCoy will answer questions about the CVMF and the American Legion and speak about their community involvement at Calvert Pines Senior Center.
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Office on Aging Partnering with ServingTogether to Assist Veterans | |
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The Calvert County Office on Aging is partnering with ServingTogether to assist veterans and their families in navigating benefits and connecting them to services.
Events are at Southern Pines Senior Center every second Wednesday and fourth Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and drop-ins are welcome and highly encouraged to get connected to needed support without leaving the county.
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Mark your calendars for the following ServingTogether events:
- Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
- There will be no in-person assistance on Friday, Dec. 22, 2024.
Contact ServingTogether at 240-240-9259.
Southern Pines Senior Center is located at 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby.
| Follow the Office on Aging on Facebook for more events at the North Beach Senior Center, Southern Pines Senior Center and Calvert Pines Senior Center. | |
Holiday Survival Guide: Veteran Edition | |
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The holiday season can be stressful for veterans, but it can be more manageable with a few strategies. Here are some tips!
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Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid aiming for perfection and delegate tasks when needed.
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Create a Support System: Reach out to friends, family or fellow veterans for connection and support.
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Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that relax and recharge you.
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Plan Ahead: Reduce last-minute pressure by organizing tasks in advance.
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Use Available Resources: Veterans support organizations and counseling services are available if things feel overwhelming.
Find more resources on the Veterans Affairs website.
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December Military Milestones | |
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Follow the Calvert County Community Resources Facebook page to watch for, like and share posts celebrating:
- Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- Dec. 13: US National Guard Birthday
- Dec. 14: Wreaths Across America
- Dec. 20: Space Force Birthday
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Calvert Library Offers Veteran Resources Online | |
Calvert Library proudly supports our veterans. Check out their resource page to discover national and local resources, library events and veteran-themed fiction and non-fiction reads. | |
Now updated as of Sept. 1, 2024! | | | | |
