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Commission for Veterans
and Military Families
July 2025 Newsletter
| | Honoring Freedom: A Veterans' Reflection on Independence Day | | |
Each Fourth of July, our skies light up with fireworks, our communities gather in celebration and our flags wave a little prouder as we remember our nation’s birth.
Veterans know firsthand that freedom isn’t just a word in the Declaration — it’s a commitment, one that requires courage, sacrifice and service.
Happy Independence Day — and thank you for your service, today and always.
| | Next Commission for Veterans and Military Families (CVMF) Meeting | | | | |
When: The CVMF will not meet July 2, 2025. The regular meeting schedule will resume on Aug. 6, 2025.
Where: Community Resource Building, 30 Duke St., Suite 105 Prince Frederick
| | Meet the Member - Bob Sprecher | | |
This month we are proud to spotlight Robert (Bob) Sprecher, the American Legion’s Post 85 representative on the CVMF. A dedicated Navy veteran and lifelong public servant, Bob brings a wealth of experience to this position.
Bob began his military career in 1964, volunteering for submarine service. After two years in nuclear power school, he joined the commissioning crew of the USS Francis Scott Key. Over the next six years, he earned his qualification in submarines and served as an engineering watch supervisor. In 1970, Bob was honorably discharged from the Navy, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and excellence.
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Following naval service, Bob pursued a 32-year career with Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. Starting as a radiation safety and chemistry technician, he advanced to become lead technician, supervisor and eventually retired as a senior chemist in 2002. Along the way, he earned an associate degree from Hagerstown Community College, a degree in nuclear science from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a master’s degree in technology management from the same institution.
Bob's dedication and skill as a leader are evident in his extensive history of service with the American Legion. Currently, he serves as commander of Calvert Post 85. His past roles include Calvert County commander, District Six 2nd vice commander and chair of the department committee for trophies and awards. He is also actively involved in planning and coordinating Calvert County's annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, ensuring these events honor those who have served.
| | | | In his leisure time, Bob enjoys driving his Tesla (he has a new one on order). He loves spending time with his three grandchildren, keeping up with what’s going on in their lives and with his newest great-grandchild, who just turned one. You’ll often find him tending his 3-acre yard or pursuing his lifelong fascination with mechanical things; forever tinkering, fixing or figuring out how things work. | | Bob's dedication to veterans and community exemplifies the values of service and leadership. We are fortunate to have him as part of our commission and thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of Calvert County's veterans. | | Look for the CVMF at the SoMD Blue Crabs Game for Military Appreciation Night | | |
It’s “Military Appreciation Night” with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Saturday, July 26! Stop by and say hello — we plan to have a table underneath the concourse around 6:35 p.m.
For more information about the Blue Crabs or to purchase tickets, please visit www.somdbluecrabs.com.
| | | Imperfect Men Who Aspired to
be Virtuous: Lessons Found in the Declaration of Independence | | |
Humility, dependency, faith, longsuffering, courage, boldness, sacrifice, teamwork, love—it’s all found in the Declaration of Independence.
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The military places a high premium on aspiring and striving to be virtuous people of character not only in peace but also in war. Likewise, a group of flawed and imperfect men strove to live virtuous lives, as reflected in our nation’s founding document.
You’re invited to join Ed Sullivan, ex-officio member of the CVMF, as he offers insights into the character of the imperfect men through the words penned in the Declaration of Independence; the individuals who risked their lives to start a nation.
You have three chances to join on Thursday, July 3:
Sullivan is a former AP U.S. history teacher and serves as the character development instructor of the Calvert Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.
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Office on Aging
Camaraderie & Coffee
July 22|10 a.m.
Southern Pines Senior Center
Enjoy a free cup of coffee and camaraderie with other veterans.
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Bi-Weekly Emails on DMV Veteran-Centered Events
To receive ServingTogether Regional Manager Donny Williams’ bi-weekly emails with info on veteran-centered events, fill out the form at bit.ly/veteran_events.
To submit event info, write dwilliams@everymind.org.
| | Buffalo Soldiers Day: Honoring a Legacy of Courage and Service | | On July 28, we honor the Buffalo Soldiers, Black troops of the U.S. Army who served with distinction following the Civil War and helped shape American history. From the plains of the West to the front lines overseas, these soldiers stood tall in the face of hardship, discrimination and danger. | | | |
Despite the barriers they faced, the Buffalo Soldiers built a legacy of bravery, discipline and patriotism. They laid the groundwork for future generations of military service members, proving that valor knows no color. Their story is both a chapter in history and a testament to perseverance and pride in service.
This Buffalo Soldiers Day, we reflect with gratitude on their contributions and carry forward their example of strength and integrity.
| | Supporting Student Veterans: The VA's VSOC Program at UMGC | | |
The VSOC counselor at UMGC acts as a one-stop resource for student veterans, service members and eligible family members. Services include:
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Assistance with VA education benefits, including GI Bill® programs and other financial aid
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Career and vocational guidance through VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services
- Support with VA health care enrollment
- Help understanding and filing VA disability claims
- Connection to additional VA and community-based services
- Contacting the UMGC VSOC office
Students at UMGC who are interested in meeting with the VSOC counselor can reach out through the university’s Veterans Initiatives Office or contact the VA directly to schedule an appointment. Services are available whether students attend classes on campus or online.
Learn more about VSOC at UMGC online today!
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Follow the Calvert County Community Resources Facebook page to watch for, like and share ServingTogether posts and military observances on...
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July 21 - Establishment of Armed Forces Nurses Corps
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July 27 - Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
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July 28 - Buffalo Soldiers Day
| | Calvert Library Offers Veteran Resources Online | | Calvert Library proudly supports our veterans. Check out their resource page to discover national and local resources, library events and veteran-themed fiction and non-fiction reads. | | | | |
