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Department of Health and Human Services

Montgomery County Thanks Our Veterans and Their Families - Honor Their Service; Strengthen Our Community
Commission on Veterans Affairs

NEW - County Executive Elrich Seeks Applicants for Commission on Veterans Affairs

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill five vacancies on the Commission on Veterans Affairs. One vacancy is for a member representing the general public, and four 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. The three 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, Department of Economic Development, the County Executive’s Office, and Montgomery College. There is one non-voting representative of the County’s congressional delegation. 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 meetings attended. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM in Rockville.

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity 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 and basic parliamentary procedure. The County Executive’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process. The deadline for application is January 24, 2020. To apply please visit the position notice and click “Apply for Position” to complete the online form and provide a cover letter and resume (in one document).

From the 2018 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication: We have placed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication videos and photos on the Montgomery County Veterans website .  The County and the Commission on Veterans Affairs is committed to honoring the 130 service members who were killed or reported missed in action during the Vietnam War. 

We wanted to acknowledge and pay tribute to the many family members, friends, Vietnam Veterans and members of the Vietnamese American Senior Association who participated in the event.  The Memorial was dedicated by County Executive Isiah Leggett who served as a Captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  In addition a plaque was also dedicated that honors and pays tribute to all who served our country during the Vietnam Era, 1955-1975. Thanks to all for making this a meaningful tribute to our County's Veterans and their families. 

Current Chairman and Vice-Chairman - 2020: Dan Bullis, Chairman  •  Wayne Miller, Vice-Chairman

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs was established by County legislation in 2008 with the goal of the Commission to provide advice to the Executive and Council on the status of programs and services related to the needs of Veterans.  Veterans have made an important contribution to the community by their service in the Armed Forces of this Nation, and Montgomery County is committed to showing its commitment and support for all veterans and their families.


The Commission is composed of sixteen voting members and one non-voting member who serve in a volunteer capacity.  Members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The Commission includes:

  • Nine (9) Veterans who are a member of a veterans group
  • Four (4) General Public
  • Three (3) Ex-Officio Members (Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of the County Executive, and Montgomery College)
  • One (1) Non-Voting Congressional Representative
View current membership list .

The meetings of the Commission on Veterans Affairs are open to the public.  The Commission welcomes visitors to join us as we serve the County and its residents. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month, except in July and August. As possible, we adjust meeting dates in order to accommodate days of major religious observances. Please contact the office to confirm meetings.

Meeting Accessibility Notice: Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much advance notice as possible, preferably at least three (3) full business days before the meeting/event.  To request any other reasonable accommodation or to advise us of any dietary considerations, please contact Betsy Luecking at 240-777-1256 (V) or via MD Relay at 711 or send a request to  Betsy.Luecking@montgomerycountymd.gov . Taking these steps will help us have sufficient time to best meet your needs.

Boards/Committees/Commissions (B/C/C) Inclement Weather Policy:

  • If Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) open late, B/C/C morning meetings are cancelled.
  • If MCPS closes early, or if afternoon or evening activities are cancelled, B/C/C afternoon and evening meetings are cancelled.
  • If MCPS is closed all day, all B/C/C meetings for that day and evening will be cancelled.

Agendas

Next Meeting: Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs Meeting - Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Held at Health & Human Services, 401 Hungerford Drive, 1st Floor 1A Conference Room, Rockville, MD 20850. Agenda to be announced. Meetings are open to the public. To request an alternative format of the agenda or an accommodation to attend the meeting please call 240-777-1246 (V), MD Relay 711, or e-mail  carly.clem@montgomerycountymd.gov . 

Full Commission Meeting Schedule - 2020

2020
February 18th, 2020
March 17th, 2020
April 21st, 2020
May 19th, 2020
June 16th, 2020
No meetings in July or August
September 15th, 2020
October 20th, 2020
November 17th, 2020
December 15th, 2020

 

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2019 Annual Report Cover

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2019 Annual Report  (PDF)

Highlights include information on PTSD Awareness month; VA mental health; VA Silver Spring Vet Center services; how to enroll in VA healthcare; Montgomery County VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC); funding for accessible launch at Riley's lock; key contacts for the VA and other resources; Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Resources; Montgomery County fallen heroes history; Montgomery County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall dedication one-year anniversary; Commission policy priorities for fiscal year 2021;  employment data and statistics on the County's Veteran population; and County Veteran timeline 2008 to 2019.

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2018 Annual Report Cover

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2018 Annual Report  (PDF)

Highlights include information on the new VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Montgomery County; the County's Vietnam Veterans Memorial; the County's Fallen Heroes Memorial; Riley's Lock and accessible launch funding; dedication of "The Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall" at Silver Spring Civic Building; Leggett honored at County's Black History Month Celebration; the Commission's transition plan for elected officials; a timeline of accomplishments from 2008 to 2018; key contacts for the VA and other Veteran resources; and employment data and statistics on the County's Veteran population. 


Commission on Veterans Affairs 2016 Annual Report Cover

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2017 Annual Report  (PDF)

Highlights include information on the Montgomery County Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and how to enroll in VA healthcare; a County Veteran Timeline of accomplishments from 2009 to 2017; a snapshot of Veterans Behavioral Health Services; key contacts for the VA, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, and other Veteran resources; and employment data and statistics on the County's Veteran population. 

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2016 Annual Report Cover

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2016 Annual Report (PDF)

Highlights include the Montgomery County Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Golden Hammer Ceremony; a Veteran event with Mike Love, Founder of the Beach Boys; ending Veterans homelessness in Montgomery County; a Montgomery College TV Documentary on Vietnam Veterans; key contacts for the VA and other Veteran resources; and employment data and statistics on the County's Veteran population. 

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2015 Annual Report Cover

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2015 Annual Report (PDF)

Highlights include the Honor & Gratitude event saluting Montgomery County's Vietnam Veterans; announcement of a Montgomery County Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC); VASH housing vouchers for homeless County Veterans; ; 2015 proclaimed by County Council and County Executive as "Year of Montgomery County's Veterans and Their Families"; launch of County Cable and Commission HomeFront TV Show; key contacts for the VA and other Veteran resources; and statistics on the County's Veteran population.

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2014 Annual Report Cover

Commission on Veterans Affairs 2014 Annual Report (PDF)

Highlights include unveiling new County memorial plaza with eternal flame; VA Silver Spring Vet Center grand opening; update on a Montgomery County Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC); employment initiatives to increase hiring; grant funding for job skills training and career counseling for Veterans; key contacts for the VA and other Veteran resources; and statistics on the County's Veteran population.

"Leggett Introduces Legislation to Establish Veterans Commisson" - Press Release: June 9th, 2008

Bill 23-08 - Original Legislation - Introduced June 10th, 2008. Effective November 3rd, 2008. Establishment of the Commission.

Bill 34-08 - Amended Legislation - Introduced October 28th, 2008. Effective December 10th, 2008. Increased the number of voting members on the Commission.

Bill 52-10 - Amended Legislation - Introduced October 26th, 2010.  Effective March 10th, 2011. Altered the membership of the Commission to include the President of Montgomery College or the President's designee as a designated ex-officio member.

Bill 28-18 - Boards, Committees, and Commissions - Amendments  - Introduced July 17, 2018. Effective January 10, 2019. Altered the membership of the Commission to increase the number of Veteran voting members and removed Ex-Officio Member from the Department of Economic Development.

Requesting Your Military Service Records / DD 2-14 / Medical Records
Whenever a Veteran requests benefits and services, a copy of the individual's discharge papers are required to verify eligibility. This includes admission to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Maryland's five cemeteries, VA claims and a myriad of other services provided to Veterans and their families. Veterans and their next of kin can request a copy of the service member's DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Activey Duty from the National Archives. Records can be requested online or via mail or fax. To file the request via mail or fax, you must submit  Form SF 180, Request to Pertaining Military Records . A completed request can be sent to National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138, Fax 314-801-9195.

Applying for VA Benefits and Claims Assistance
The  Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Service and Benefits Program  provides assistance to the men and women who served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, their dependents, and survivors in obtaining benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, State of Maryland and other programs for veterans and their families.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) - Montgomery County Service Center
Montgomery College Service Center
Joseph Thornton, Veterans Benefits Specialist (VBS)
900 Hungerford Drive, Mannakee Building, Room MK251, Rockville, MD 20850
240-567-5405 (V)
240-567-4361 (FAX)
E-mail:  joseph.thornton@maryland.gov
Effective January 6th, 2020 : Mr. Thornton, VBS, works at the Montgomery College Service Center weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Outreach Hours: Mr. Thornton will be at the Silver Spring Vet Center (2900 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910) the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Please note: While walk-ins are accepted at both locations, to ensure you are seen please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

For more information and resources, view our Veterans Network Directory -  Benefits & Claims Assistance and  Retirement Benefits .

 

 






Staff

Support to the Commission is provided by:

Betsy Luecking, Community Outreach Manager
Carly Clem, Administrative Specialist I
240-777-1246 (V), MD Relay 711
DHHSWebsite@montgomerycountymd.gov

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