Montgomery County, MD Commission on Veterans Affairs

Commission Vacancy Notice - Apply Now!

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill 10 vacancies on the Commission on Veterans Affairs. Four vacancies are for members representing the general public, and six vacancies are for veterans who may be members of veterans groups such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Women Veterans of America, American Legion, or Military Order of the Purple Heart. Two public members and two veteran members are eligible to apply for reappointment. Applicants who applied earlier in 2023 will be considered and it is not necessary to apply again. Deadline to apply is December 11, 2023. Read the vacancy notice and apply online: https://cexbcc.montgomerycountymd.gov/board/4049

The Commission shares the following message from County Executive Marc Elrich:

Dear Friends,

I return from my economic development mission to India and Vietnam next week, but did not want to miss the opportunity to shine a spotlight on veterans, as we do on Veterans Day every year. Montgomery County has many reasons to be proud of the way it treats veterans.

The County's Commission on Veterans Affairs does an outstanding job of connecting veterans with our community and with one another. The group promotes social connectedness and inclusion in County activities. Our County financially supports economic development opportunities and workforce development for veterans transitioning out of the military and looking to start their own businesses. We also dedicate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to help veterans without a home who do not qualify for Federal rental assistance, through our “Housing First” program. This public-private partnership limits the impacts of homelessness and connects Veterans with support services. For the past 13 years, the County Department of Health and Human Services has served as a critical lifeline for veterans with behavioral health needs partnering with the group Serving Together to ensure we do not miss anyone in need of help . The County also commits community grant money to Warrior Canine Connection, a County-based group that trains dogs to help provide trauma recovery to veterans with disabilities.

In addition, the County is joining the national “Operation Green Light” tribute that will continue through Nov. 12. Throughout this week, if you see green lights shine at County locations, such as at Veterans Plaza in Rockville, you will know that the lights are honoring veterans. We are proud that more than 30,000 veterans call Montgomery County home. Some of those veterans also find a second career with us in County Government, including at the highest levels.

I hope you will watch this week's video which features James Bridgers, the County's recently confirmed Director of Public Health. His journey began in the military, but like so many of our veterans, it is not where it ends. Veterans carry their service with them throughout their lives. They put parts of their lives on hold in the name of our country and our freedom. They and their families deserve to have this moment when our community turns to them and says, “Thank you.”

This Veterans Day weekend, there will be special ceremonies around the County on Saturday and Sunday that will honor the veterans who serve our nation. I encourage you to attend one of those ceremonies and offer your thanks in person.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

https://montgomerycomd.blogspot.com/2023/11/message-from-county-executive_9.html

As Veterans Day Approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County Joins ‘Operation Green Light,’ Several Solemn Ceremonies Will Be Held and Additions Sought for Tribute to County Veterans

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 17, 2023

As Veterans Day approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County has joined the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. For those who want to attend ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, several will be held around the County.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council are supporting Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 6-12, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.

From Nov. 6-12, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville, will be lit with green lights.

More information about Operation Green Light is available at https://www.naco.org/blog/counties-take-action-participate-operation-green-light-veterans.

Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at several locations throughout the County. Among those ceremonies will be:

Saturday, Nov. 11. 10:45 a.m. Veterans Park, Bethesda. Corner of Norfolk Avenue and Woodmont Avenue. Sponsored by Montgomery County’s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center Office, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and Daughters of the American Revolution. Navy Captain Alan Christian, NSA Bethesda will be the featured speaker. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Saturday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD Route 28 and Rockville Pike in Rockville. Rockville’s Mayor and Council will continue the city’s traditional ceremonies. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and its honor guard will present a 21-gun salute. Free parking will be available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.

Saturday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. The City of Gaithersburg’s annual Veterans Day Observance will take place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. City officials and members of local veterans groups will honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Officials, veterans and community organizations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a reception inside City Hall. For more information, go to https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/veterans-day-observance

Saturday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. VFW Post 2562 and American Legion Post 268 host ceremonies at Wheaton Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Ave. in Wheaton. For more information, contact [email protected].

The County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is continuing to pay tribute to County veterans through a virtual “Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans” website. As Veterans Day approaches, the commission wants to add tributes to the site. The website is open to all residents who have served in military service.

In addition, there will be Montgomery County veterans’ tributes during the month of November in the display cases at the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.

Many people confuse Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, the upcoming holiday is set aside to honor all of those who served honorably in the military—in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans and acknowledge their contributions to national security.

The commission is seeking to expand the Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans website by adding information on more veterans whose information is supplied either by the veterans themselves, by family members or by friends.

The tribute to veterans website can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veteransday. From this site, there is a link to the commission’s Fallen Heroes page at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

A veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out its PDF form. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The following information is needed on the forms:

Veteran's name.
Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual.
Branch of service and rank.
Years of service.
Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other).
Brief narrative of their service.
Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lives, grew up, attended high school or college/university, etc.).
Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day).
By sending an e-mail to be included, the sender agrees to have the information shared on the County's website and in the Commission on Veterans Affairs social media.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.

County Executive March Elrich Media Briefing - September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month

Media briefing features Dr. Robert Koffman, MD, MPH, and Vice-Chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs. Dr. Koffman is a retired Navy, Medical Corps Captain, continuing to serve active duty and Veteran populations as the Military and Veteran Liaison for Sunstone Therapies. Dr. Koffman capped an acclaimed 32-year career in uniform as the inaugural Chief of Clinical Operations at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), located aboard the Walter Reed campus in Bethesda, Maryland. A recognized expert in the management of war-related psychological trauma and brain injury, he is also a passionate advocate for the promotion of non-stigmatizing and non-traditional psychological services and integrative modalities. Dr. Koffman remains singularly committed to improving the healthcare of Veterans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbRyu9f_wLc&t=845s

PACT Act Benefits: Claims Received by August 9 Will Be Eligible for 12 Months of Backdated Compensation

To encourage Veterans to apply today, VA facilities is hosting a nationwide Summer VetFest in July. The VetFest will include more than 50 events across the country to inform Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors about the PACT Act. These events will be casual summer gatherings, featuring Veterans, their families, Veteran advocates, and the VA health care and benefits professionals who serve them.

Many of these events will also feature food and music, as well as VA staff who are ready to personally help Veterans apply or submit an intent to file, get screened for toxic exposures, or even apply to come work at VA.

For Veterans that cannot attend a local event, VA.gov/PACT is a one-stop shop to learn about and apply for PACT Act-related care and benefits. They can also apply by calling 1-800-MYVA411.

https://news.va.gov/121448/pact-act-benefits-claims-backdated-compensation/

The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide g...

Ken Reichard to Receive Proclamation Recognizing Years of Service to Senator Cardin by County Council Vice President Friedson and Council President Glass on July 18th at 1:15 pm

Ken Reichard has actively participated in the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs meetings since the Commission was established in 2009. He has been very active in working with the Commission to negotiate with the DC VA Medical Center to establish the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Gaithersburg, where since 2018 has provided primary care to our Veterans. He has been a strong advocate for Veterans and their families. His plans are to continue to serve on the Commission representing Senator Cardin. The Commission is fortunate to have such great leaders.

You can go to the County Council at 100 Maryland Avenue or watch on
County Cable Montgomery
Comcast/RCN 6 HD 996/1056 Verizon 30

Get your summer off to the right start by connecting with local Veterans and relaxing with Warrior Canine Connection's service dogs in training.

This is a FREE event for all Active Duty, Veterans, Military Family Members and Caregivers!

Saturday, June 24th 10am - 2pm
Warrior Canine Connection Healing Quarters
14934 Schaeffer Rd. Boyds, MD 20841

Events include:
"Pack" walk with our 4 legged friends
Yoga
Arts and Crafts
Water Guns
Food Truck
and MORE

Partners in attendance:
Cohen Clinic at Easterseals
Platoon 22
Serving Together
Warriors at Ease

Please RSVP using the QR code in the flyer.

Veterans Claims and Information Resource Fair - June 7th from 9am to 2pm at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg.

Attendance is free for all veterans and family members.

Information will be provided on healthcare, mental health services, estate planning and aging in place.

For more information, call 301-768-6096, [email protected].

Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs Honors County’s Fallen Heroes from Military Action Dating Back to World War I with Online Tributes as Memorial Day Approaches

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 24, 2023

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring many “Fallen Hometown Heroes” with Montgomery County connections on a new website created by the Commission. The tribute is especially notable as the County prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 29.

The website honors veterans who were killed in action in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism (including Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Inherent Resolve / Operation Freedom's Sentinel / Operation New Dawn). The website includes photos and military histories of those who were either originally from the Montgomery County or who lived in the community after their service. The site can be viewed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

“The Commission on Veterans Affairs solemnly remembers the County’s fallen service members who have died in service to our country since World War I,” said Wayne Miller, a Vietnam veteran who now chairs the County Commission on Veterans Affairs. “The Fallen Hometown Heroes website pays tribute to County hometown heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice We are eternally thankful for those who gave their lives in defense of the United States of America. May their bravery and devotion not be forgotten.”

Earlier this year, a plaque was unveiled at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs. The plaque is in the first-floor lobby, next to a digital display honoring the County's Fallen Hometown Heroes. The Fallen Hometown Heroes digital display honor residents killed in action dating to World War I.

“Memorial Day is a special day for honoring the men and women who lost their lives while defending our nation,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We recognize the sacrifice they and their families have made. And we will never forget. I encourage all residents to explore this website and learn about our hometown heroes.”

Anyone can share the story of a friend or family member by completing a Google form or a PDF form. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Service member or veteran's name
Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual
Branch of service and rank
Years of service
When the service member served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other)
Brief narrative about their service
Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lives, grew up, attended high school or college/university, etc.)
Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day)
Email [email protected] to learn more about the tribute program.

Visit the Commission on Veterans Affairs website for more information about their work.

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva

NEW! Elrich Seeks Applicants for Commission on Veterans Affairs

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill 10 vacancies on the Commission on Veterans Affairs. Two vacancies are for members representing the general public, and eight vacancies are for veterans who may be members of veterans groups such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Women Veterans of America, American Legion, or Military Order of the Purple Heart. One public member and five veteran members are eligible to apply for reappointment.

The Commission has a total of 16 voting members, including representatives of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, the County Executive’s Office, and Montgomery College. There is one non-voting representative of the County’s congressional delegation and one non-voting member of the Commission on People with Disabilities. The Commission researches, assembles, analyzes, and disseminates information and educational materials relating to activities and programs that assist in meeting the needs of veterans and their families; institutes and conducts educational and other programs, meetings, and conferences to promote the rights and opportunities of veterans; advises the Executive and the Council on the status of programs and services in the State and County related to the needs of veterans and their families; and assists in planning appropriate commemorative activities and public acknowledgement of the contributions made by veterans.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. The Commission currently meets virtually by video- and teleconference the third Tuesday of the month from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. When in-person meetings resume in the future, the Commission will meet in Rockville.

Applicants of diverse, backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, abilities, ethnicities, and ages are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members must complete training on the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Montgomery County Ethics Law, and basic parliamentary procedure. The County Executive’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications will be forwarded to the Council for confirmation. The deadline for application is March 22, 2023. To apply please click “Apply for Commission” via link: https://cexbcc.montgomerycountymd.gov/board/4049.

In honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs has installed a display at the Silver Spring Civic Building featuring County veterans who served during the Vietnam War or Vietnam-era. You can find many profiles and tributes to these veterans on our website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/VETERANS/Vietnam.html

National Vietnam War Recognition Day was established in public law in 2017 as March 29, the day of final withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. On that day in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil. Congress encouraged the people of the United States to observe this day by promoting awareness of the numerous contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam and the importance of helping all of America’s veterans return home and achieve happy, healthy, and productive lives. We urge all residents to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities to honor those veterans who served our country during the Vietnam War.

Shown in the photo is Bill Gray, Vietnam veteran and former Chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs.

VETERANS CAN NOW ACCESS THEIR DISABILITY BENEFIT DECISIONS ONLINE

Veterans can now access their disability benefit claim decision notice letters electronically on VA.gov, empowering them to quickly and easily see their disability decisions.

Before this option was available, Veterans had to wait for a paper copy of their decision notice to be mailed to them. While previous iterations of VA.gov allowed Veterans to access benefits summary letters, they could not access the full copy of these decision notification letters from their electronic claims folders.

This service became available to Veterans on VA.gov on Jan. 17. Since launching, nearly 280,000 decision notice letters have been downloaded.

“Veterans now have access to their benefits decisions anytime, anyplace – right at their fingertips,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA disability benefits can also open the door to other federal and state benefits, so quick and easy access to a decision means quicker access to the additional benefits Veterans deserve.”

The new electronic option is also expected to reduce calls to the National Call Centers, freeing up call center respondents to answer other questions and requests from Veterans and their families.

To access their decision letters, Veterans can log in to VA.gov and check the status of their claim (https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/). For more details, visit VA News.

For Immediate Release: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs Honoring County Residents Who Served Country During Black History Month

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring County U.S. Uniformed Service members and veterans who are Black with detailed virtual tributes displayed on the County’s website to mark Black History Month. February is recognized as Black History Month. The tributes of County service members and veterans feature photos, background information and details of accomplishments during their military careers and afterward.

During Black History Month, the County Commission on Veterans Affairs joins in recognizing the sacrifices of Black servicemembers such as the Buffalo Soldiers, the Harlem Hellfighters and the Tuskegee Airmen. Montgomery County also honors the Black men and women who continue to serve the nation with honor and distinction.

The Black History Month tribute is being displayed online at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/VETERANS/BlackHistoryMonth.html.

Detailed tributes will also be displayed throughout February at Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall at the Silver Spring Civic Building at One Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. The Black History Month display is free to view any time the Civic Building is open to the public.

The main room of the building was dedicated in 2018 as Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall to pay tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers unit that was formed by Congressional legislation in the 1860s to allow African Americans to enlist in the United States military.

Michael Theard, president of the 9th and 10th (HORSE) Cavalry Association Greater Washington, D.C. chapter, has loaned several items about Buffalo Soldiers for the Veterans Black History Month display cases (shown in photo). The Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall was dedicated in honor of the heroic courage and sacrifice of the 92nd Infantry Buffalo Soldiers—African American soldiers who mainly served on the Western frontier following the American Civil War.

In 1866, six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments were created after Congress passed the Army Organization Act. Their main tasks were to help control the Native Americans of the Plains, capture cattle rustlers and thieves and protect settlers, stagecoaches, wagon trains and railroad crews along the Western front. To learn more about Buffalo Soldiers, visit www.buffalosoldiers-washington.com.

“Every veteran who has served in the history of the U.S. military has their own unique story,” said Wayne Miller, chair of the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs. “It is the intent of our commission to allow residents to learn more about these remarkable people. The veterans we are honoring during Black History Month all have stories that the people of this County should know.”

A veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out its PDF form. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The following information is needed on the forms:

• Servicemember or veteran's name.
• Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual.
• Branch of service and rank.
• Years of service.
• Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other).
• Brief narrative of their service.
• City in Montgomery County the Veteran lives or lived. If the Veteran attended high school here, where did they graduate from?
• Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day).
By sending an email to be included, the sender agrees to have the information shared on the County's website and in the Commission on Veterans Affairs social media.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s thoughts on helping veterans can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Service & Benefits Program Assisting Veterans

MDVA has Benefits Specialists working at offices around the state, who stand ready to help you with questions about the benefits for which you are eligible and to assist you with filing claims for those benefits.

Since the beginning of the 2023 Fiscal Year on July 1st, the MDVA Service and Benefits Program staff have assisted with 1,767 claims. This work has resulted in $1,911,957 being awarded to Maryland Veterans and dependents in the form of compensation and pension benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. In this same time period of time, $11,290,654 in retroactive benefits was awarded to Veterans and dependents represented by MDVA staff.

Do you have questions about your benefits as a veteran? Do you want to file a claim for compensation or pension? Has your service-connected disability worsened over time and you want to file for an increase in your rating?

The MDVA Service and Benefits staff will help you with these questions and many more. Please contact one of the MDVA Benefits Specialists for assistance. Information on MDVA office locations are at the link below:

MDVA Benefits and Service Program
https://veterans.maryland.gov/maryland-department-of-veterans-affairs-service-benefits-program/

Montgomery County Veterans Benefits Specialist
David Skisano, Veterans Benefits Specialist II (VBS)
E-mail: [email protected]
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
15 Metropolitan Grove Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-987-8412 (V)
301-987-8496 (FAX)
By appointment only. Contact via email or phone.
Please leave a message and he will return the call as soon as possible.

As Veterans Day approaches on Friday, November 11, Montgomery County has joined the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council supported the effort to join Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from November 7 through November 13, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans. From November 7 through November 13, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville, will be lit with green lights. More information about Operation Green Light is available at https://www.naco.org/blog/counties-take-action-participate-operation-green-light-veterans. To learn about county resources for Veterans go to https://servingtogetherproject.org/.

The Commission's 2022 Annual Report is now available:https://montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Resources/Files/A%26D%20Docs/CVA/CVA2022AnnualReport.pdf

Montgomery County Operation Green Light and Veteran Day Joint Proclamation

Yesterday, County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmember Craig Rice made touching and eloquent remarks when presenting a joint proclamation to Wayne Miller, Chair Commission on Veterans Affairs. Wayne Miller, Vietnam Veteran and Chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, made some very moving remarks about how Veterans are welcomed to the County and what it means to him to live here.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/OZKO8vuWKbE?t=666

As Veterans Day Approaches on Friday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County Prepares to Join ‘Operation Green Light’ and Commission on Veterans Affairs Seeks Additions to Tribute to County Veterans

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 28, 2022

As Veterans Day approaches on Friday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County is preparing to join the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council are supporting the effort to join Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 7-13, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.

From Nov. 7-13, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville, will be lit with green lights.

More information about Operation Green Light is available at https://www.naco.org/blog/counties-take-action-participate-operation-green-light-veterans.

The County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is continuing to pay tribute to County veterans through a virtual “Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans” website. As Veterans Day approaches, the commission wants to add tributes to the site. The website is open to all residents who have served in military service.

In addition, there will be Montgomery County veterans’ tributes during the month of November in the display cases at the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.

Many people confuse Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, the upcoming holiday is set aside to honor all of those who served honorably in the military—in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans and acknowledge their contributions to national security.

The commission is seeking to expand the Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans website by adding information on more veterans whose information is supplied either by the veterans themselves, by family members or by friends.

The tribute to veterans website can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veteransday. From this site, there is a link to the commission’s Fallen Heroes page at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

A veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out its PDF form. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The following information is needed on the forms:

Veteran's name.
Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual.
Branch of service and rank.
Years of service.
Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other).
Brief narrative of their service.
Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lives, grew up, attended high school or college/university, etc.).
Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day).
By sending an e-mail to be included, the sender agrees to have the information shared on the County's website and in the Commission on Veterans Affairs social media.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.