Commission for Veterans

and Military Families

January 2025 Newsletter

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 274 representative

Learn more about these positions and apply at www.calvertcountymd.gov/CVMF.



Help make a difference for Calvert’s veterans and military families!

Apply today!

From platoon to brigade command, he played a pivotal role in aviation planning and execution for overseas operations across the globe in places like Haiti, Central and South America, Africa and other NATO nations. Mike's mission to serve continued after retirement from the military. As a Navy contractor, he contributed to developing cutting-edge unmanned systems for deployment in Afghanistan.

Today, Mike remains deeply committed to the Calvert community, veterans and military families. He sits on the U.S. Veterans Administration's Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Governance Council, volunteers as a docent at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum and serves as Chaplain of American Legion Post 206 in Chesapeake Beach.

When he's not championing causes or honoring his fellow veterans, Mike enjoys woodworking, furniture restoration, history and trains. Reflecting his enduring fascination with trains, Mike spends his summers serving as a Guest Engineer on steam locomotive excursions.

A family man at heart, Mike and his wife Janet—his partner of 57 years—reside in Huntingtown. They enjoy time with their two children and four grandchildren, with Mike likely regaling them with his infamous "dad jokes.”

The holiday season can bring joy but often comes with financial strain and stress. January is a good time to reset, recharge and regain control. Small steps can make a big difference, so start this year focused on your well-being, finances and future. Here's to a happy, healthy new year!

Review Your Budget

Use January to fine-tune your finances.

• Track spending to spot trends and adjust for the coming year.
• Audit your subscriptions and cancel non-essentials. 
• Consult VA or local financial counseling resources for expert advice.
• Contribute to an emergency fund, even if it’s just $5 a week, to reduce future stress.

Try a No-Spend January

If your budget took a hit during the holidays, recover by spending only on necessities—food, bills and essential transportation.

• Plan meals to avoid eating out.
• Explore free entertainment options like local parks or library events.
• Reflect on spending and set realistic financial goals.

Decompress from the Holiday Hustle

Recharge by making self-care a priority.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation—just five minutes a day can make a difference.
• Establish a simple exercise routine like walking or stretching.
• Connect with fellow veterans groups for support and camaraderie.

Seek Support When Needed

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out.

• Contact the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1) for confidential support.
• Explore free workshops or counseling through veteran service organizations or websites like Military OneSource. 

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) Veterans Trust Fund, a financial assistance program for veterans, service members and their families, is making it easier to get help.

As of Veterans Day 2024, the DVMF has a new online application for temporary financial assistance and, demonstrating their commitment to expanding the impact of the program, announced they will now provide grants to organizations that provide services to the military-connected community. Governor Moore marked the launch by awarding the American Legion, Department of Maryland with the first partner fund grant of $30,000. These funds will support the Legion’s “Be the One” initiative to prevent veteran suicide and much-needed capital improvements at two Eastern Shore Legion posts.

The Veterans Trust Fund provides one-time assistance to eligible individuals for mortgage/rent payments, utility bills, car payments, car/home/rental insurance payments and phone/internet bills. Visit the online Maryland Veterans Trust Fund individual application to determine individual eligibility and apply for financial assistance.

For more information about the grant programs, please visit the DVMF website.

Mark your calendar and join us for a day dedicated to supporting and celebrating service members, veterans and their families (SMVF)!

Location: Lexington Park United Methodist Church

21760 Great Mills Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653

Date: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event will feature a variety of local providers ready to address SMVF needs, from behavioral health to employment, housing and beyond:

• Explore resources to enrich their well-being and strengthen community connections.
• Engage in therapeutic activities designed to foster resilience and joy.
• Enjoy delicious food and great company while connecting with peers and providers.

Learn more at www.SOMDVetExpo.com. Anyone is welcome to submit questions to dwilliams@everymind.org, tenika.wilson@maryland.gov, or elewismd@myvhwf.org.

Applications remain open for the UMGC Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program, which awards full tuition, fees and course-required resources for caregivers of recovering servicemembers and veterans for each term during the academic year.

The scholarship application opened on Nov. 11, 2024, and closes on April 30, 2025.

• Tuesday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – Enjoy a free coffee and camaraderie with other veterans at Calvert Pines Senior Center.

• Friday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – Enjoy a free cup of coffee and camaraderie with other veterans at Southern Pines Senior Center. 

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.

Mark your calendars for the following ServingTogether events:

• Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
• Friday, Jan. 24, 2025

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.

Follow the Calvert County Community Resources Facebook page to watch for, like and share ServingTogether posts on Jan. 4, 2024, and Jan. 19, 2024, and military observances throughout the year.

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.