The Maryland Veterans Commission advises the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families on all issues relating to veterans and is authorized 30 commissioners. Twenty nine positions are filled with representatives from Congressional Districts and Veterans Organizations, 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.

The last meeting of the Maryland Veterans’ Commission was on 20 Jan 2026. Here are highlights from that meeting (minutes will be provided later):

Comments from Deputy  Secretary for Operations, Jimmy Anderson:

• Jimmy is an Air Force Intelligence Officer (17 years between active duty and Reserves).
• He talked about the new DVMF website; the MVC page now includes a link to the upcoming meeting.
• The Veterans Trust Fund income is going up and will go up further next year with the income tax checkoff.
• There are now 39 organizations partnered with the Department in Maryland Joins Forces.

Chairman Mike Bowers reminded us of the primary functions of the Commission: Advertise what the state offers to members of the Veterans organizations; Provide feedback from veterans to the Secretary and his staff (and through them to the Governor.

Lindsay Livingston, Director of Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy, reminded us that she is still learning everything Denise Nooe used to do, so be patient! Submit newsletter articles/information to Tiffany.Young1@maryland.gov.

Pansy Watson of the State Ethics office gave a presentation on the Maryland Ethics law, and our requirements under it.

Dave Dragics, MMC Legislative Director, briefed on the four top priorities for this year’s legislative session: claims predators, exemption of retired pay from state income tax, expanding the Veterans Trust Fund to cover reservists, and professional licensure for Uniformed Service spouses. With the tight budget situation this year, the chances of anything with a price tag are very slim.

Here are recent minutes from the Commission: