BLUF: Maryland veterans are getting a leader who understands both the battlefield and the bureaucracy.
💪On August 1, 2025, retired Army Colonel Ed Rothstein officially assumes command as Maryland’s new Secretary of Veterans and Military Families. For those of us who’ve navigated the VA system, having a fellow veteran in leadership is essential. ✅
🎖️A CAREER OF SERVICE 🎖️
COL Rothstein (Ret.) brings over three decades of military experience to Annapolis. His distinguished Army career included multiple deployments, diverse duty stations, and specialized training at the Eisenhower School for National Security. Most recently, he served as Garrison Commander at Fort Meade—a role that required the exact kind of operational leadership our veteran community needs. 🏛️
👨👩👧👦A MILITARY FAMILY’S JOURNEY 👨👩👧👦
Secretary Rothstein isn’t just a veteran—he’s a military family man who’s lived the full spectrum of service. He married his wife Audrey in 1994, while serving with the 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion. Together, they’ve navigated decades of military life: deployments, PCS moves, and the unique challenges that come with serving our nation. 💕
As garrison commander at Fort Meade, Rothstein didn’t just manage facilities—he supported over 227,000 personnel across five states. That’s 227,000 service members and their families who depended on his leadership. He understands that behind every uniform is a family making sacrifices for our freedom. 🏠
🔄FROM ACTIVE DUTY TO ADVOCACY
When COL Rothstein retired in 2014 after 31 years of service, he didn’t fade into civilian life. Instead, he chose continued service—first as Carroll County Commissioner, now as Maryland’s top veteran advocate. His philosophy is simple but powerful: “It’s about the ability to be selfless, to open up and say I want to do something better for our community.” 🤝
This choice to serve in a civilian capacity after three decades in uniform truly resonates with those who understand that service doesn’t end when you hang up the uniform. It transforms. Secretary Rothstein’s heart for service has simply found a new mission: ensuring Maryland’s veterans get the support they’ve earned. ❤️
🤝BIPARTISAN LEADERSHIP FOR VETERAN ISSUES 🤝
🗳️Governor Wes Moore’s appointment of Republican Commissioner Rothstein sends a powerful message: veteran issues transcend party lines. When it comes to supporting those who served, politics takes a backseat to performance. This bipartisan approach demonstrates that caring for our veterans isn’t a red or blue issue—it’s an American issue.
📈WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MARYLAND VETERANS
Secretary Rothstein inherits a department serving 360,000+ veterans across Maryland. His military intelligence background means he understands systems, logistics, and—most importantly—how to cut through red tape to deliver results. Having lived the deployment cycle, managed massive personnel operations, and transitioned to civilian leadership, he brings a unique perspective to veteran advocacy. 🎯
🛡️THE IGY6.2 MOVEMENT PERSPECTIVE
At Boots 2 Benefits, we’ve seen firsthand how veteran leadership makes the difference. When someone who’s walked the walk takes charge, things change. Secretary Rothstein’s appointment represents hope for streamlined services, veteran-focused policies, and leadership that truly gets it. 🌟
His journey from active duty to county commissioner to state veteran advocate shows the kind of continued service that inspires us all. This isn’t just another government appointment—it’s a veteran stepping up to serve veterans. 💯
⚡MISSION FORWARD ⚡
Secretary Rothstein, from all of us in Maryland’s veteran community: Welcome to the fight. We’re ready to support your mission to ensure no Maryland veteran is left behind. Your decades of service, your understanding of military families, and your heart for continued service make you exactly the leader we need. 🚀
The IGY6.2 Movement stands ready to support your efforts. After all, we’ve got your six.