LA PLATA, Md. — A permanent memorial honoring fallen service members, expanded property tax relief for disabled veterans and increased outreach to veterans in need are among the priorities the Charles County Commission for Veterans Affairs is working toward.
During its annual update to the Charles County Board of Commissioners on June 24, the commission outlined accomplishments from the past year while sharing plans to improve services, strengthen legislative advocacy and connect more veterans and their families with the benefits and resources they have earned.
Established by the Board of County Commissioners in 2018, the commission serves as an advisory body focused on the needs of more than 17,000 veterans living in Charles County. It works to connect veterans and their families with benefits, housing, employment, health care and other resources while advising county leaders on veteran-related issues.
According to the commission’s 2026 annual report, accredited Veterans Service Officers helped 35 veterans secure more than $1.2 million in approved disability benefits over the past year. The report also states the commission assisted more than 50 women veterans through outreach, mentorship and support programs.
The commission also continued partnerships with Easterseals and the Charles County Department of Health while hosting quarterly veterans claims clinics, job and resource fairs, a Veteran-Owned Business Recognition Day, community outreach events and its annual coat drive. Members also recognized local high school ROTC graduates with certificates of appreciation.
Looking ahead, the commission plans to continue expanding community outreach, improving claims assistance, strengthening legislative advocacy and pursuing a partnership with an existing nonprofit veterans organization. The annual report also outlines goals that include maintaining the current Veteran Resource Center while advocating for a stand-alone facility in Charles County, supporting a Southern Maryland Veterans Court and continuing efforts to improve services for veterans.
One legislative priority discussed during the meeting was expanding Charles County’s property tax credit for disabled veterans. Moses said some veterans who qualify for the existing tax credit are still unaware of the benefit, while others are reluctant to seek assistance because they are uncomfortable using computers or interacting with government agencies.
“Those are the ones we’re finding hard to break the wall in because they don’t want to go on a computer, they don’t want to deal with society,” Moses said.
Moses said previous efforts to expand the tax credit to veterans with disability ratings below 100 percent have stalled after lawmakers raised concerns related to federal law. He said the commission believes additional work at the federal level may be needed before similar changes can move forward in Maryland. Expanding the tax credit remains one of the commission’s legislative priorities, according to its 2026 annual report.
Vice Chairman Dr. Rhonda Bello said the commission is also focused on helping veterans experiencing homelessness, including those living in the La Plata area.
“We are continuing to make sure we reach out to those veterans, including the ones that are homeless,” Bello said. “We’re trying to talk to them to see what we can do to try to help them.”
Bello said the commission continues hosting outreach events throughout the year to connect veterans with available services and support.
Another priority discussed during the meeting was finding a permanent way to honor Charles County residents who lost their lives while serving in the military. Commissioners asked the Veterans Commission to recommend the most appropriate tribute, saying they want to work with the commission to ensure fallen service members are recognized respectfully. Commission members said they are considering several ideas, including a monument or other memorial, while looking for an option that would not create ongoing maintenance costs for the community.
Moses also encouraged the county to build on Southern Maryland’s strong military presence by helping retiring service members remain in the region.
“We have seventeen military bases that surround us, and we’re not taking full advantage of that expertise,” Moses said. “When they make a transition, they bypass Maryland; they go to another city, another state.”
He said helping veterans launch careers and businesses in Charles County could strengthen both the local economy and the veteran community.
Watch the full June 24 Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting on CCGTV here.
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