Many veterans do not identify themselves as veterans when seeking government services, which can mean missing out on earned benefits and support. Maryland is working to make veteran screening a routine part of those everyday interactions.
At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Serving Those Who Served: Smarter Screening for Stronger Veteran Support focused on how screening works, lessons from Maryland’s efforts, and ways counties can help connect veterans and military families with available resources.
Delegate Mike Griffith, a Marine Corps veteran, led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A with panelists and attendees.
Delegate Mike Griffith (a Marine Corps veteran) moderates a conversation on how State and county agencies can better identify #veterans, connect them with available resources, and make sure fewer people fall through the cracks.#MACoCon #MDpolitics pic.twitter.com/iDH5wrjeky
— Kevin Kinnally (@KKinnally_MACo) August 14, 2026
Panel speakers included:
- Ed Rothstein, Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
- Christine Nizer, Administrator, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
- Jeff Nash, Executive Director, Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans
Secretary Rothstein discussed Maryland’s efforts to identify veterans during routine government interactions and why many veterans never identify themselves when seeking services. Asking the question can help uncover benefits and resources they may not know they qualify for.
Nizer explained how the MVA incorporated veteran screening into everyday customer service and what the agency learned along the way. She also discussed how the MVA connects veterans with resources once staff identifies them.
Nash discussed the behavioral health needs facing veterans and their families, as well as the resources available through Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans. He also highlighted the importance of reaching out to veterans early and connecting them with support in their communities.
The discussion showed how a relatively small change in everyday interactions can help Maryland reach veterans who might otherwise miss available benefits and services.
The session took place August 14 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
More about MACo’s Summer Conference:
