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Purple Heart license plates available via MVA
Purple Heart license plates available via MVA

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
Where/whom do I contact to get information on how to get a Purple Heart car license plate in Maryland? I've tried the motor vehicle bureau and various Purple Heart telephone numbers, but no success so far.
In Vermont, I had a plate that showed a drawing of a Purple Heart and the line, "Combat Wounded Vet." Does Maryland have anything similar? Thank you for any lead you might give me.
Joseph R.
Gaithersburg

Dear Joe:
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has issued the Purple Heart license plate since July 1989 for veterans qualifying for this award. More than 1,500 Purple Heart recipients living in Maryland have Purple Heart plates on their cars, multipurpose vehicles, motorcycles and trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
Any Maryland veteran who has been awarded the Purple Heart can apply to the MVA to obtain the Purple Heart plate. The veteran must submit an application for Military Related License Plates (form VR-120) and one of the following documents along with his application: a copy of his discharge papers (Form DD214), written proof from the National Personnel Records Center confirming his military service or his medal certification.
These documents, along with a $25 fee in addition to the standard registration fee, should be submitted to the MVA Specialty Plates Unit, at MVA headquarters, 6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD, 21062. Applications also may be mailed to the same address.
The MVA also issues 12 other combat-related medal plates, including a new one issued in November honoring World War II veterans. Additional information on all these license plates can be found on the MVA Web site marylandmva(dot)com, or by calling MVA's Customer Service Center at 800/950-1682.

Shaft notes
As promised, the Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF) has sent a $3,000 check to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. This donation will go toward helping the wounded and their families at the National Naval and Walter Reed Army medical centers. As you may recall from a previous column, George Skypeck generously has donated hundreds of his "Assured Victory" prints to the BAVF. A copy can be obtained for a $100 tax-deductible contribution to BAVF.
Anyone else who wishes to obtain an "Assured Victory" print and help the wounded heroes and their families can send a $100 tax-deductible contribution to the BAVF at P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900.
The original painting, "Assured Victory," is on display loan to Arlington National Cemetery's Visitors Center. It depicts the terrorists attacks and events of September 11, 2001, including the heroic sacrifices of the brave police officers, firefighters and Pentagon employees.
To that end, the painting depicts the first units to respond: the U.S. Air Force's B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers and AC-130 gunships; the U.S. Army Special Forces and Rangers, the Marines with both an MEU and attack F-18 aircraft from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers; the U.S. Coast Guard and seaport and inland waterway security; the Army and Air National Guard forces; the FBI and CIA; the Department of Homeland Security; and the many unseen faces of America's reserve forces.
The main centerpieces are the famous tatue of Liberty in New York City's harbor, and the statue of Armed Freedom, which rests atop the U.S. Capitol's dome and overlooks the Pentagon. To me, both symbols define the American sense of spirit, duty and compassion.
A special thanks to the Pitney Bowes Corp. for agreeing to mail the prints to the generous donors.
•The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and the American Legion recently sent letters to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael K. Powell outlining their concerns with regard to a proposed access charge that likely would increase the cost of using calling cards — 90 percent of which are used by our men and women serving their country.
Congress weighed in on the issue. Next year's massive appropriations bill included language to protect prepaid calling cards. The language expresses the intent of Congress, noting that "The conferees are aware that members of the armed services and their families make extensive use of prepaid phone cards. The FCC is considering subjecting these cards to increased regulation. The conferees direct the FCC to not take any action that would directly or indirectly have the effect of raising the rates charged to military personnel or their families using prepaid phone cards."
• Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C., 20035-5900; fax 301/622-3330; call 202/257-5446; or e-mail sgtshaft(at)bavf(dot)org.