The Maryland Veterans Commission advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all issues relating to veterans and is authorized 30 commissioners.  Twenty nine positions are filled with one remaining as a member at large.  Commissioners are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor and the Governor names the Chair. Maj Jim Shiffrin, USAF (Ret), currently represents the Maryland Council of Chapters on this Commission (through 2027). For more details, click HERE.

Here is a summary of Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Tony Woods, comments at the 18 April 2023 meeting:

- The Department's focus under Sec Woods will be four pronged: creating World Class Veterans Homes, including Charlotte Hall, the second home to be built in Sykesville starting in late 2024, and a third home on the Eastern Shore; advocating for veterans across the state; advocating for military families across the state; and building relationships with younger veterans and currently serving military members and their families.

- The Veterans Trust Fund has a new administrator on board, a balance of $769,000, and has gave out $246,000 in grants in 2022. A bill passed by the legislature this year will create a check-off box on Maryland Income Tax forms where Marylanders can contribute to the trust fund easily.

- Based on reports of abuse and mismanagement at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home that surfaced early this year, the former administrator of the home has resigned and the State is in the process of terminating the 20-year old contract to operate the facility. The Department hopes to have a new contract in place this summer.

The next meeting of the Maryland Veterans’ Commission will be on 18 Jul 2023.

Here are recent minutes from the Commission: