Spirit of Thanks event honors Soldiers, veterans, and their families

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. —Soldiers, veterans, and their families were celebrated for their resiliency and service to the nation during the 12th annual Spirit of Thanks event, hosted by Harford County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, at Hopkins Farm Brewery Oct. 3, 2023.

The crisp air and autumn decor served as the ideal backdrop for the informal, family-friendly event. Participants enjoyed food and beverages while mixing and mingling with community members. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said he proudly serves this “great American defense community.”

“[It is my job] as a county executive, while you are focusing on defending the greatest nation on Earth, that we are taking care of your families and providing them with safe communities,” he said.

APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II thanked the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for hosting the event and the community partners who attended and sponsored the event.

“It is not a coincidence; it is not by chance that your military is the most powerful military in the world,” he said. “Much of our strength is derived from the partnerships that we have with people just like you.”

Edmonson asked community members to promote the career opportunities available at APG when they talk to students, teachers, and other education professionals.

“Working together will clearly allow that next generation of scientists, that next generation of leaders to come in and step in right behind each and every one of us,” he said.

President & CEO of the Harford County Chamber Angela Rose invited all the active duty and veteran service members present at the event to receive a complimentary red, white and blue pinwheel, part of their “Pinwheels for Patriots” initiative.

“We are truly grateful for this event,” said 1st Sgt. William Speer, of the Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, who brought his family with him.

Military family member Samuel Vial, 15, said he enjoyed the activities, like cornhole.

“I think this is really cool that we can just come out and have a fun time with the other families,” he said.

Community resources

 Bob Brown, an Army veteran and chairperson of the Harford County Commission on Veterans Affairs, handed out information about the Veterans Resource Fair, which will be held at the Bel Air Armory on Oct. 21. This free event is a one-stop-shop for information about benefits, mental wellness, and other opportunities for veterans and their family members.

“It is an opportunity for us as a community to say, ‘thank you;’ we are here to listen to what you need, we are here to help you,” Brown said.

Terri Kearny, with the Harford County Office of Economic Development, gave information about Harford County resources. She said the Office of Economic Development will partner with the Susquehanna Workforce Network to host a Defense, Technology, and Intelligence Job Fair at Ripken Stadium, in Aberdeen, on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Christa McLaughlin, a marketing manager with the accounting firm Whisman, Giordano & Associates, said she has a personal connection to the military; her father served in the U.S. Air Force. If we all felt called to serve one another, I think the world would be a better place, she said.

“The willingness to put yourself in harm’s way to benefit others, that is a rare thing, it is a gift they give that should be honored.”

For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720311900350.