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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 47th 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 theme was “APG: An Installation of Choice with a Community that Cares ”, highlighting the partnerships, community, and impact that APG has in Harford County and beyond.
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 (LTC) Benjamin Clark, 20th CBRNE Chaplain, and the colors were presented by Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Color Guard. County Executive Cassilly shared welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of Aberdeen Proving Ground to Harford
County. Michael MacPherson, President & CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, offered sponsor remarks. Each branch of the military was honored as well as the gold star families in attendance.
Major General Janeen Birckhead, The Adjutant General, Maryland, shared as the keynote speaker. She shared her appreciation for the personnel and great work being done at APG, citing the impacts that APG has on the global military community. Colonel Mundweil, Garrison Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground also offered remarks, highlighting the current efforts of Aberdeen Proving Ground and honoring the Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year. This year’s Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year is SSG Christopher Miller, DEVCOM and this year’s Soldier of the Year is SPC Nikolas Henderson, MRICD. Each was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for their accomplishments as well as gift cards, donated by APG Federal Credit Union and sponsored by University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.
Also awarded was the APG Federal Credit Union scholarship. Cadet Rodriguez-Dodson Jr., Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, received a $1,000 scholarship to advance his 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 Tim Farmer, Survice Engineering Company.
Thank you to all of our event sponsors: Freedom Federal Credit Union, APGFCU, Emerald Technical Solutions, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Ourisman Toyota 40, KatzAbosch, Apex Advertising, Army Alliance, City of Aberdeen, City of Havre de Grace, Dalcom Engineering, Dogtopia of Bel Air, Harford Community College, Harford County Office of Economic Development, Harford County Public
Library, Jarrettsville Federal, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, Melnyk & Wiseman, LLC, AUSA Major General Harry Greene, Aberdeen Chapter, Safe Harbors Business Travel, Survice Engineering Company, The Kelly Group, and the Town of Bel Air Government Thank you to Top of the Bay for a wonderful meal and great service.
Photos of the event were graciously provided by MidAtlantic Photographic and Maryland National Guard. 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 [email protected]
