U.S, Department of Veterans Affairs during the 46th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon, event hosted by the Harford County Chamber of Commerce at Top of the Bay May 18, 2023.
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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 46th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at Top of the Bay May 18, 2023. The program featured awards and remarks from military and local leadership.
Harford County Executive Robert Cassilly said Aberdeen Proving Ground is the number one employer in Harford County and he is proud of the strong support county businesses provide the military. He described APG as a “critical post in enabling freedom to stand throughout the world.”
“As a veteran, I truly appreciate the immense challenges and sacrifices that each one of you and your families have faced and continue to face,” he said. We are here for you.”
Carmen Mirabile, the senior vice president of marketing for Freedom Federal Credit Union, provided sponsor remarks.
“Thank you for your selfless duty, your service and your sacrifices in protecting and defending the ideals of our great country,” Mirabile said. “And for many of the family and friends sitting in this room of loved ones lost, for making the ultimate sacrifice.”
Guest speaker highlights veteran benefits
The Veterans Benefits Administration’s executive director for Outreach, Transition and Economic Development, Cheryl Rawls, served as the guest speaker. In this role, she is responsible for department-wide, veteran and family-centric outreach and direct services, community stakeholder engagement and veteran service recovery programs throughout VBA’s four districts and 56 regional offices.
Rawls said she has served with the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 28 years. When she left the military, she said she did not have a plan for employment and was briefly homeless. Rawls said eventually, she “fell into” a role with the VA. Now, she has oversight of the VA’s Transition Assistance Program at over 300 installations worldwide for active duty, Reservist, and National Guard personnel across all branches of service.
Rawls said the VA provides medical and compensation benefits for veterans with disabilities. This year, she said, the VA has hired new employees so that the VA can better serve veterans and their families.
Rawls spoke about the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics” Act of 2022, or PACT Act. This new law expands the VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Passed by Congress on Aug. 2, 2022, so far, more than 500,000 veterans and survivors have applied for benefits under this act, she said. Rawls said, “this is not enough,” and implored attendees to spread the word about the PACT Act.
“Your word of mouth means more than mine,” Rawls said.
She asked the local business and military community to be ambassadors of the VA program.
“While we are embracing each other, celebrating each other, continue to be that arm that helps to connect,” she said.
APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II thanked the Harford County Chamber of Commerce for supporting the installation. He also thanked the Gold Star families in attendance. Gold Star families have paid the “ultimate price” for our nation’s freedom.
“You are and will always a be part of our APG family, and we are always honored to have you join us,” he said.
Best Warrior Competition
Edmonson recognized the APG Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Sgt. 1st Class German Sanchez of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Command and the APG Soldier of the Year Spc. William Husley of the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic. Both Soldiers received a warm round of applause.
Sanchez and Husley were selected to represent APG because they were winners of the APG and CECOM Best Warrior Competition. Participating NCOs and Soldiers were graded for a cumulative score of 600 points in the following areas: weapons range, Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, written exam, land navigation and administrative board. A video of the Best Warrior Competition was shown to attendees.
“Ladies and gentlemen, that is your Army,” Edmonson said. “That is your military source that preserves and defends each and every one of our rights and our freedoms and our security.”
For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720308864820.
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