Chamber Hosts the 48th Annual Military Appreciation Event

    Bel Air, MD – On Wednesday, May 14th, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Military Appreciation Luncheon event, presented by Freedom Federal Credit Union and hosted at Top of the Bay, Aberdeen Proving Ground. This year marked the 48th anniversary of the event, highlighting the Chamber’s history and commitment to Aberdeen Proving Ground and the men and women who serve our country in uniform. The event centered around the 250th anniversary of the US Army and recognizing the dedication of Aberdeen Proving Ground to the needs of our nation.

    Harford Chamber President & CEO, Angela Rose, opened the event with welcome remarks. The national anthem was performed by SSG Larita Fullwood, invocation given by CH Seth George, CECOM Chaplain, and the colors were presented by Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Color Guard. Michael MacPherson, President & CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, offered sponsor remarks. Each branch of the military was honored as well as the 14 Gold Star families in attendance.

    County Executive Cassilly shared welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of Aberdeen Proving Ground to Harford County and Harford County’s founding involvement in our nation’s defenses. Major General James (Jim) D. Turinetti IV, Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground, shared remarks, thanking the Harford County community for caring and providing opportunities for our service members on Aberdeen Proving Ground. MG Turinetti shared the strong partnerships that APG has formed with Harford County Public Schools and Harford Community College, creating opportunities for students to receive hands-on education on defense career paths. He closed by inviting everyone to participate in the various celebrations for the US Army’s 250th, yet to come this year.

    Each year, APG names a Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year. These officers will be selected based on their outstanding efforts and will be recognized in November at the Harford Chamber’s Spirit of Thanks event. Each will be awarded an Army Commendation Medal for their accomplishments as well as gift cards, donated by APG Federal Credit Union and sponsored by Collins Aerospace.

    Also awarded was the APG Federal Credit Union scholarship. Cadet Vargas, Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, received a $1,000 scholarship to advance her education. The Major General John G. Appel Award is awarded each year to a strong advocate for the community, military, and Harford County Chamber of Commerce. This year’s recipient was Barry Hebb, Apex Advertising. Also recognized were the APG Community Spouses Club, Harford Community College SALUTE, and Defense Interns.

    Thank you to all of our event sponsors: Freedom Federal Credit Union, APGFCU, Collins Aerospace, Emerald Technical Solutions, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Chosen Community Development Corporation, Ourisman Toyota 40, Katz Abosch, Arrow Child & Family Ministries, Apex Advertising, Army Alliance, Battelle Eastern Science & Technology Center, Bravura, City of Havre de Grace, Dogtopia of Bel Air, Harford Community College, Harford County Department of, Economic Development, Harford County Public Library, Jarrettsville Federal, MG General Harry Greene Chapter - AUSA Aberdeen, SURVICE Engineering Company, Tenax Technologies, The Kelly Group, and Town of Bel Air. Thank you to Top of the Bay for a wonderful meal and great service.

Photos of the event were graciously provided by MidAtlantic Photographic. View event photos here.

    About the Harford County Chamber of Commerce: The Harford County Chamber of Commerce has worked continually as the recognized voice of business in Harford County since 1976. The Harford Chamber is the premier business advocate in the county, helping members connect and thrive to create a vibrant economy across all sectors. For more information or become a Harford County Chamber member, please contact Natalie Pixley at natalie@harfordchamber.org