VIEW ORIGINAL
VIEW ORIGINAL
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at Top of the Bay on May 14, 2025. This year’s theme was “Aberdeen Proving Ground: Standing Ready to Respond to the Needs of the Nation; Fighting to Win When Called Upon. Celebrating 250 Years of the U.S. Army.” The event coincides with National Military Appreciation Month.
This year marked the 48th anniversary of the event, highlighting the chamber’s history and commitment to APG and service members.
After attendees networked, Harford County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Angela Rose opened the formal portion of the event with welcome remarks. Staff Sgt. Larita Fullwood, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s religious affairs non-commissioned officer in charge, performed the national anthem. CECOM Chaplain (Col.) Seth George gave the invocation, and the Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Color Guard presented the colors.
‘Ready and willing to lend a helping hand’
Michael MacPherson, president and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, offered sponsor remarks. MacPherson called service members the “pillars of our community” because they are often ready and willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Less than one percent of the American population serves, he said.
“They serve not for applause but because they believe in something bigger than themselves,” he said.
MacPherson praised military families and called them the “quiet strength” behind every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Guardsman.
“Let’s not forget the spouses who carry the burden of long deployments, raising children with strength and grace,” he said. “The kids who grew up knowing that service sometimes means sacrifice, the parents who watched their sons and daughters raise their right hand to take an oath that can take them halfway around the world.”
MacPherson reminded attendees about the importance of showing appreciation to service members and veterans throughout the year.
“Understand the challenges they face when they come home, the transitions, the scars you can’t always see,” MacPherson said. “The fight to find purpose beyond the uniform because the battle doesn’t end when they return. Sometimes, that is when the real battle begins, and they deserve our full support.”
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, an Army veteran, thanked the military for their service and said this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Bush Declaration, a resolution adopted on March 22, 1775, in Harford County, which expressed support for the Patriot cause in the emerging American Revolution. Cassilly said APG and Edgewood Arsenal were founded in 1917 to support World War I.
“We don’t just talk military; it’s here; we are very proud of the county and of the role this county has played from the very beginning of our founding fathers in standing up for and supporting our national defense,” Cassilly said.
Celebrating partnerships
APG Senior Commander and Commanding General of CECOM Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV thanked the audience for their support. APG has a workforce of approximately 28,000 civilians, military, and contractors. He added that when family members, retirees, and dependents are included, APG supports more than 83,000 people.
Turinetti praised the installation's relationship with Harford County, noting the local schools attended by military children, the business opportunities for military spouses, the resources offered for veterans, and the ceremonies and events hosted across the county to honor service members past and present.
“Being given the opportunity to speak at previous Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies allows us to share the experiences and love for our country with our neighbors,” he said.
Community members also serve as mentors and allies of the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, a program on APG South (Edgewood). This tuition-free program offers teens and young adults, ages 16 to 18, opportunities to improve their future by providing the skills, education, and self-discipline needed to become responsible, productive citizens. Turinetti mentioned that his wife, Monique Kelsey, recently tutored a student in math.
“You can tell when folks come back, the interaction with young people, how giving back really helps your soul,” he said.
Turinetti also gave the attendees updates about the installation. With the return-to-office orders, APG has had the opportunity to welcome new food options on the installation, including local food trucks and vendors, he said. To stay up to date on all things APG, including events, hours of operation, and traffic alerts, Turinetti recommended downloading the My Army Post App, or MAPA. The CECOM Software Engineering Center provides technical support for this app.
Turinetti expressed gratitude to the community for supporting APG events like Demonstration Day and asked the audience to consider attending one or more events to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday in June. To learn more about the APG 250th birthday events, visit https://home.army.mil/apg/about/senior-command/apg-army-250th-bday.
Following Turinetti’s remarks, each military branch was honored, along with the 14 Gold Star Families in attendance. The APG Community Spouses Club, Harford Community College SALUTE, National Honor Society, and Defense Interns were also recognized.
Harford County Office of Economic Development Rajiv “Raj” Goel provided closing remarks, touching on APG's importance to the county.
“The men and women here at Aberdeen Proving Ground have a strong commitment to the mission of protecting this country, but they also recognize that it goes beyond the duties here on this parcel of property,” he said. “That the strength of a country goes to the strength of a community. That is why you see all the men and women who have made Harford County their home.”
Awards
During the awards portion of the program, Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Cadet Kaylly Vargas received a $1,000 scholarship from APG Federal Credit Union to advance her education. Barry Hebb, with Apex Advertising, received the Major General John G. Appel Award for advocating for the community, military, and Harford County Chamber of Commerce.
The APG Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year will be named at the Harford County Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Thanks event in November.
For more photos, visithttps://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720326104340
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