Chamber Hosts the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Event

Bel Air, MD – On Tuesday, May 19th, 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 49th 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 United States of America and recognizing the dedication of our service men and women.

Harford Chamber President & CEO, Angela Rose, opened the event with welcome remarks. The national anthem was performed by SSG Larita Fullwood and the invocation was given by COL Stanton Trotter, ATEC Command Chaplain. 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.

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. COL Troy S. Johnson, Garrison Commander of APG, shared remarks, thanking the Harford County community for caring and providing opportunities for our service members on Aberdeen Proving Ground and encouraging attendees to celebrate this historic anniversary of our nation.

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 Retired COL and Aberdeen City Councilman, Bill Montgomery. Each year, APG names a Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year. Thank you to Collins Aerospace for sponsoring their recognition. 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, APG Federal Credit Union, Collins Aerospace, Emerald Technical Solutions, Chosen Community Development Corporation, Ourisman Toyota 40, Nancy Stuckey Merritt, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Harford County Public Library, Apex Advertising, Army Alliance, City of Havre de Grace, Eco-Cool HVAC, Harford Community College, Harford County Department of Economic Development, Jarrettsville Federal, KatzAbosch, MG General Harry Greene Chapter - AUSA Aberdeen, SURVICE Engineering Company, TENAX Technologies, The Kelly Group, Town of Bel Air, SAIC, Veritech, Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. (CHEP), Tanner White - Edward Jones, Friends of Mike Griffith, SCO Wealth Management, and Window Genie of Bel Air, Aberdeen, and Parkville. 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.

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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