ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Tony Woods last week accepted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Community Leader Impact Award on behalf of the State of Maryland. The annual award recognizes dedication to innovative workforce initiatives that support military spouses. 

"When I joined the Army, I learned a simple but powerful maxim: 'Mission First -- People Always.' That philosophy is at the heart of our work to uplift all those who serve," said Gov. Moore. "We thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for this important recognition, and we look forward to continuing our work with leaders across all parts of society to support our service members, veterans, and military families. By moving in partnership, we will continue to make Maryland the state that serves."

The Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland the state that serves is supported by uplifting Maryland’s service members, military spouses, and caregivers through the governor’s 2024 legislative agenda. The Families Serve Act supports Maryland’s military families by expanding job opportunities for military spouses; the Time to Serve Act ensures that state employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves are fully supported by the State in their service. Both bills were signed into law by the governor on April 9.

“Hiring Our Heroes is honored to present the Community Leader Impact Award to the State of Maryland for its commitment to strengthening our state and community through innovative workforce initiatives that support the military spouse community,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President and Hiring Our Heroes President Eric Eversole. “This award highlights Maryland’s businesses, government, and nonprofit sectors’ dedication to supporting our veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. By working together, we provide valuable employment opportunities and enrich the state with our military community’s unique skills and perspectives.”

“I am honored that Maryland is receiving this recognition,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Tony Woods. “We’ve answered the call to uplift and support our military families, who sacrifice so much so their family members can serve. This is why we’re also excited that as of July 1, our department will be renamed as the Department of Veterans and Military Families, the first state in the nation to make this change.”

This year’s legislative agenda in support of servicemembers and their families also extends the Maryland Joins Forces campaign, which the Moore-Miller Administration launched in 2023. The campaign supports military families across five key pillars including employment, food and housing insecurity, education, health and wellness, and volunteer service. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, the initiative is modeled from the White House’s ‘Joining Forces’ initiative. Maryland was the first state to implement the program at the state level.

“As a military spouse, I know firsthand the challenges that our service members and their families face,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “That’s why Maryland’s Year for Military Families is personal for me. Being a military family means being a part of something bigger than yourself. I’m proud to serve the State of Maryland, where we’ve committed to supporting those who sacrifice everything to protect our freedoms – not only in our words, but also in our actions. What an honor to receive this award.”

“Our military spouses aren’t just appreciated – they are necessary, and here in Maryland we understand our responsibility to support them,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “As a military spouse, I know it takes deep bravery and love of country to raise your hand to serve, and that bravery and love is shared by military spouses and their families. It’s been my honor to help champion the Families Serve Act with Lt. Governor Miller, and partner on initiatives with Hiring our Heroes - as we continue to break down silos and move forward with an agenda to make this Maryland’s Year for Military Families.

“Maryland is thrilled to help expand job opportunities for military spouses while expanding economic opportunity for our military families,” said Maryland Department of Budget and Management Secretary Helene Grady. “Maryland is proud to be the first state to sign up as a military-spouse friendly employer with the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership, which has facilitated the hiring of 275,000 spouses since its inception over a decade ago.”

“Military families make tremendous sacrifices, enduring long separations and constant relocations while providing unwavering support to their loved ones who serve,” said State Senator Dawn Gile. “Recognizing these challenges, I am proud to have collaborated with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and the Moore-Miller Administration to advance significant legislation aimed at supporting military families. It is a profound honor for the State of Maryland to be recognized with the Community Leader Impact Award at the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Employment Summit, underscoring our collective dedication to these families.”