Commission for Veterans

and Military Families

March 2025 Newsletter

The Commission for Veterans and Military Families is committed to recognizing and supporting women veterans and military families in our community. As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 and Women's History Month all month long, we take a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the U.S. military—past and present. From the nurses and spies of the Revolutionary War to today's combat leaders and policymakers, women have played a vital role in our nation's defense.

Women formally entered military service with the Army Nurse Corps in 1901 and the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908, but their service extends far beyond those early roles. During World War II, more than 350,000 women served in uniform and paved the way for future generations. Among them were women who served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). 

Today, women serve in every military branch, filling leadership positions and excelling in diverse career fields. In 2016, all combat roles were officially opened to women, further expanding opportunities for those who choose to serve. The sacrifices and achievements of women in the military continue to shape history.

One inspiring example of women's military service is the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during World War II. The "Six Triple Eight" was tasked with clearing the mail backlog and worked around the clock to ensure service members received the millions of undelivered mail, strengthening wartime communications and boosting troop morale. In 2023, Maryland formally recognized their legacy when Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a law designating March 9 as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day.

This month, we encourage you to learn about the stories of trailblazing military women, support initiatives that advocate for women veterans and honor those who serve. Join us in celebrating the strength, resilience and dedication of women in the U.S. military—because their history is our history.

Find current and past CVMF agendas online.

TAKE NOTE! At their Feb. 8, 2025, meeting, the CVMF voted to move meetings to the first Wednesday of each month to avoid conflict with American Legion Post 274's monthly meetings.

After leaving active duty, she stepped away from the workforce to raise her twin boys before relocating to Maryland in 2015, when she began working at Calvert Library as a public services librarian.

Beginning in 2002, Meg served on the CVMF in an ex-officio, or non-voting, capacity. She was appointed the District 1 representative on Feb. 27, 2024.

Today, Meg is the branch manager at Calvert Library's Southern Branch. Her engagement with CVMF and contributions as a librarian have paved the way for an ongoing and impactful collaboration between CVMF and Calvert Library.

She spearheaded the creation of a veteran-focused team within the Calvert library system, which resulted in the launch of a “Veterans Resources” page on the library’s website. This resource page provides connections to national and local services, information for those relocating to Calvert County, library-sponsored veteran events and military-themed reading materials. The team has also coordinated veteran-focused workshops, sessions on caregiving resources and an overview of veteran benefits to provide vital information and support for local veterans and military families.

Recently married, Meg enjoys time with her supportive family and her fulfilling career. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and nature hikes.

A recent Supreme Court ruling is expanding education benefits for veterans who have served multiple periods of eligible service. The April 16, 2024, Rudisill Decision allows veterans who qualified for both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) to access additional benefits they were previously required to waive.

Key Changes

• Veterans no longer have to waive MGIB benefits to use PGIB benefits.
• PGIB entitlement is no longer limited to the remaining MGIB entitlement.
• Past waivers of MGIB benefits can now be revoked.

The 48-month total cap on combined benefits across multiple programs still applies.

You may be eligible for additional benefits if:

• You have more than one qualifying period of service, and
• You previously waived MGIB benefits to use PGIB benefits.

This landmark decision ensures veterans receive the full education benefits they have earned. Check with the VA online today if you think you qualify!

This conference provides a variety of classes and resources for caregivers of older adults. Three breakout sessions are available with 15 classes to choose from. Vendors and exhibitors from agencies in the tri-county area will also be present.

• When: Friday, April 11, 2025
• Where: Southern Pines Senior Center; 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby
• Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Advance registration is required. Contact Lisa Caudle at 410-535-4606, ext. 8755 or lisa.caudle@calvertcountymd.gov for more information.

Were you recently restationed or deployed? Does your spouse need extra tax assistance while they're in another state?

MilTax is a free tax service provided through Military OneSource that also offers one-on-one help from military tax experts. Get free tax assistance online today!

• When: Saturday, April 19, 2025
• Where: American Legion Post 206, 3330 Chesapeake Beach Road in Chesapeake Beach
• Time: 4-8:30 p.m.
• What to expect: Dinner, DJ, Easter bunny and egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, moon bounces and more.

If you would like to sponsor this event, contact Jackie Turnboo at jackieturnboo@gmail.com. 

• When: Thursday, April 24, 2025
• Where: Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way in Prince Frederick
• Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this high-energy performance for all ages when the U.S. Navy Band Country Current brings their unique blend of bluegrass and country to Calvert Library! 

Not sure how to support a loved one with PTSD—or care for your own well-being in the process? Retired Colonel Dr. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie (Army), MD, Chair of Psychiatry at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, will offer expert insight for families navigating these challenges.



• When: Saturday, April 26, 2025
• Where: Calvert Library Twin Beaches, 4100 5th St. in North Beach
• Time: 1-2 p.m.

For accessibility accommodations, please contact 410-535-0291 at least two weeks before the event, or by April 12, 2025.

To honor the selflessness and commitment of veteran caregivers, UMGC offers this scholarship—which includes full tuition, fees and course-required resources for each term during the academic year—for caregivers of recovering service members and veterans. 

Veterans Coffee

• Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m. – Calvert Pines Senior Center
• Tuesday, March 25, 10 a.m. – Southern Pines Senior Center

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.

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, March 12, 2025
• Friday, March 28, 2025

Contact ServingTogether at 240-240-9259.

Southern Pines Senior Center is located at 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby.

ServingTogether Regional Manager Donny Williams sends bimonthly emails with dozens of veteran-centered events throughout the broader area. To receive this email, fill out the form at bit.ly/veteran_events.

To submit an event flyer or other information to be included in an upcoming email, write dwilliams@everymind.org.

Looking to meet other military families, get out of the house or enjoy a change of scenery? Check out the monthly Blue Star Families Coffee Connect!

Where: Starbucks in Prince Frederick

When: March 19, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Enjoy giveaways, a gift card raffle, crafts and great conversation in a relaxed setting. Whether you're new to the area or a stay-at-home parent, these monthly gatherings offer coffee, community and connection.

For more information, contact Rebekah Richard at rebekahgrichard@gmail.com.

The monument, unveiled in August 2007, is located at 14485 Dowell Road in Solomons and commemorates those who served at Solomons Amphibious Training Base during WWII, the nation's first amphibious training facility.

Apply online at www.calvertcountymd.gov/OnWatch. If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact Sarah Rosado at 410-535-1600, ext. 2565.

Follow the Calvert County Community Resources Facebook page to watch for, like and share ServingTogether posts and military observances on...

• March 3 – Navy Reserve Birthday
• March 5 – U.S. Navy Seabees Birthday
• March 7 – Reminder for the March 12 ServingTogether event
• March 9 – 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day and Empower Veterans through Nature
• March 13 – K-9 Veterans Day
• March 15 – American Legion Birthday
• March 22– Reminder for the ServingTogether March 28 event
• March 25 – Medal of Honor Day
• March 29 – Vietnam Veterans Day

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

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.