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 Oct 2026. Here are the highlights - minutes will be posted when available.

- From Secretary Ed Rothstein

  -- There will be Veterans Day events at all five State Veterans Cemeteries

  -- There are now 17 Veteran Service Officer locations, with 11 of them in MVA offices.

  -- The Department is sponsoring a Veteran Career and Resource Fair in Frederick, MD, on 7 Nov 2026.

  -- The Department has streamlined the Veterans Trust Fund application process, aiming for rapid turnaround.

  -- The Department has a robust Linked In presence.

- Craig Barnes, from the American Legion, briefed on the VA Claims process and Claim Predators.

- Everette Jackson, from the Maryland Higher Education Commission, briefed on a number of scholarship and other financial opportunities available to veterans and their families.

Here are recent minutes from the Commission: