Commission for Veterans

and Military Families

February 2026 Newsletter

It's Scholarship Season!

The Pillars of Strength Scholarship is still open!


Offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), the annual Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program provides full scholarships for caregivers of service members and veterans who are wounded, injured or ill.


This program honors the exceptional dedication of caregivers and supports them in pursuing career-focused undergraduate or graduate degrees.

  • Applications are open from Nov. 11, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
  • The scholarship covers full cost of tuition, fees and course-required resources.
  • The program is administered by UMGC and the Blewitt Foundation, in partnership with the National Military Family Association.


Submit your applications by April 30, 2026 to www.umgc.edu/pillarsapp, and send any questions or information requests to PillarsofStrength@umgc.edu.

Dole Caregiver Scholarship


The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is offering an opportunity for military and veteran caregivers.


Applications are now open for the Dole Caregiver Fellowship Class of 2026 — a leadership program that supports and uplifts military and veteran caregivers while helping them grow their voice, skills and connections.


Learn more and apply online today!

Upcoming CVMF Meeting

Save the date for the next CVMF meeting:



March 4 | 5-6:30 p.m.

Community Resource Building
30 Duke St., Suite 105
Prince Frederick, MD



Meetings are open to the public.


Find current and past CVMF agendas online.

Nourish the Service with Warm Hearts, Full Carts

Calling all Southern Maryland active-duty and veteran families! You’re invited to a drive-thru grocery distribution event hosted by the Maryland chapter of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.


Hosted by BlueStar Families and powered by Chobani, the Maryland chapter is is honored to host the event and support our service members, veterans and their families with an event designed to be easy and welcoming.

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Friday, Feb. 6 | Sign up for a pickup time block; times start at 8:30 a.m.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
22156 Three Notch Road
Lexington Park, MD


Here's what you need to know:

  • Preregistration is required.
  • Clear your vehicle’s trunk for easy loading — volunteers will load groceries into your trunk.
  • Bring a cooler, if possible, to keep items fresh.
  • Please arrive at your designated time slot instead of lining up early.
  • Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle. You've helped us so much, this is our opportunity to help you!

Special Events

Veterans Book Group

Tuesday, Feb. 17|7-9 p.m.

Montpelier Arts Center

9652 Muirkirk Road
Laurel, MD


Active service members and veterans of all eras are invited to this free, monthly small group reading and discussion dinner series around books which relate to military or veteran-specific perspectives. Hosted by Maryland Humanities.


The events are free, but registration by email is required.

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Strength & Stripes Women Veteran Breakfast
Friday, Feb. 20|9-11:30 a.m.

The Flashback Grill and Diner

21797 Coral Drive North

Lexington Park, MD

Sponsored by Operation Second Chance, this monthly breakfast is all about connecting, sharing, and breaking bread with fellow sisters in arms.


Find more information online and let them know you're attending at alicia@operationsecondchance.org.

Crab Cake Dinner

Friday, Feb. 20|6-7:30 p.m.

VFW Post 8810

2310 Old Washington Road

Waldorf, MD


Join AMVETS Post 13 for a crab cake dinner fundraiser with all the fixings: crab cakes, slaw, hush puppies and dessert.

Each dinner is $15, and proceeds benefit veterans and other community support programs. Quantities are limited, so sign up at the post or call 301-645-6331 to make sure you reserve yours! Extra information is listed online.

Special Events

The Calvert County Office on Aging provides a wide range of supportive services that veterans age 50 and older can use.


Find the Office on Aging and other resource newsletters on the county website or call 410-535-4606.

Biweekly Emails on DMV Veteran-Centered Events

 

To receive ServingTogether Regional Manager Donny Williams’ biweekly emails with info on veteran-centered events, fill out the form. To submit event info, email dwilliams@everymind.org.

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The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 free, confidential support for people in distress.


Text: 838255

TTY for hearing loss: 800-799-4889

www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org

Veterans Resource Guide

The Calvert County Veterans Resource Guide is a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate tool designed to help veterans, service members and their families quickly find the support they need.


With more than 40 topic areas—from claims assistance and caregiver support to PTSD resources, transportation and women’s services—the guide serves as a reliable starting point for learning about available programs and connecting with organizations ready to help.

This publication is brought to you by the

Calvert County Commission for Veterans and Military Families.


To learn more, contact the Commission for Veterans and Military Families

at veterans@calvertcountymd.gov, 410-535-1600, ext. 8803 or visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/CVMF.