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Commission for Veterans
and Military Families
May 2025 Newsletter
| | Honoring Calvert's Fallen Heroes | | | | This Memorial Day, we pause to honor Calvert County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in combat. Their courage, commitment and selfless service remind us of the true cost of freedom. | | |
Private Harry A. Sunderland
Killed in action during World War I, Private Sunderland died while serving in France. His service came during a global conflict that introduced Americans to modern warfare and left a lasting legacy on the world stage.
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Private James F. Stallings
As a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, Private Stallings was killed in action on Sep. 22, 1944, in Holland during Operation Market Garden, which was a bold Allied attempt to end World War II by securing key bridges in the Netherlands.
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Corporal Louis A. Saunders
Captured during fierce fighting in Korea, Corporal Saunders died in captivity on May 31, 1951. He is remembered not only for his bravery in combat but for his endurance as a prisoner of war.
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Sergeant Sherwood Reynolds
Killed in action on Feb. 26, 1968, during the Vietnam War, Sergeant Reynolds gave his life in a conflict that tested a generation. His service reminds us of the many Americans who answered the call during a turbulent time in our history.
| | Next Commission for Veterans and Military Families Meeting | | REMINDER! The CVMF meetings now take place on the first Wednesday of every month. | | Commission Seeks Business Owner/Operator Representative | | |
The Commission is seeking applications to fill the business owner/operator seat. This role provides a unique opportunity for a local business leader to contribute their perspective and expertise in supporting veterans, service members and their families.
For more information on eligibility and the application process, please visit the volunteer boards and commissions website.
| | May is Military Appreciation Month | | | | |
In 1999, Congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month to recognize U.S. military members' and their families' service and sacrifice.
To celebrate, Mission BBQ will host Military Appreciation Days from May 12-16, 2025, offering active-duty service members and veterans a free sandwich on their branch's designated day. The celebration will wrap up with a special lunch for all branches on Armed Forces Day, May 17.
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Mission BBQ Military Branch Schedule:
- May 12 – Army
- May 13 – Marine Corps
- May 14 – Navy
- May 15 – Air Force & Space Force
- May 16 – Coast Guard
- May 17 – All branches (Armed Forces Day lunch)
For more information, go to mission-bbq.com.
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Office on Aging
Camaraderie & Coffee
May 1|9 - 10 a.m.
Calvert Pines Senior Center
Enjoy a free cup of coffee and camaraderie with other veterans.
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Community Resource Fair
May 2|11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
College of Southern Maryland - Prince Frederick Campus
Free food, live demonstrations, health screenings and giveaways. Info on housing, utilities, jobs, veteran support, medical and personal care and legal assistance.
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ServingTogether
In-Person Support
May 14|9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Southern Pines Senior Center
Help with benefits navigation and resources. No appointment necessary.
For more information, call Donny Williams at 240-240-9259.
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Blue Star Families
Coffee Connect
May 21|11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starbucks – Prince Frederick
A welcoming space for military families to share conversation, build friendships and discover resources. For info visit www.bluestarfam.org.
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ServingTogether
In-Person Support
May 23|9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Southern Pines Senior Center
Help with benefits navigation and connection to resources. No appointment necessary.
For more information, call Donny Williams at 240-240-9259.
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Memorial Day Celebration
May 26|10 a.m.
Veterans Park
Chesapeake Beach
In case of rain, American Legion Post 206, Upstairs Hall
Honoring the fallen with tributes, speakers and community remembrance.
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Memorial Day Celebration
May 26|12:45 p.m.
Calvert County Circuit Court
Veterans Green
In case of rain, the ceremony will move inside the Courthouse.
Tributes and speakers to honor Calvert’s fallen service members.
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Office on Aging
Camaraderie & Coffee
May 27|9 - 10 a.m.
Southern Pines Senior Center
Enjoy a free cup of coffee and camaraderie with other veterans.
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Sign Up for 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.
Would you like to add your event to the list? Submit information to dwilliams@everymind.org.
| | Calvert Schools Earn Purple Star School Designation | | | | Calvert County leads the state in supporting military-connected students. This year, the State of Maryland awarded the Purple Star School designation to 23 schools, 10 of which were in Calvert County. | | |
The Purple Star designation is given to schools that demonstrate strong support systems for students from military families, including staff training, dedicated resources and transition for both students and their families.
Commission Chair, Dr. Brandon Temple, noted, “Over the last year, the commission worked with the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Townsel and dedicated school administrators, teachers, staff and families from every school in the county to build programs that support our military-connected students. There is still work to be done, but I am confident that in the coming years, Calvert County Public Schools will achieve 100% Purple Star School status."
The following ten Calvert County schools were awarded the Purple Star School designation in 2025:
- Beach Elementary
- Northern Middle
- Calvert Elementary
- Patuxent Appeal Campus
- Calvert High
- Plum Point Elementary
- Career & Technology Academy
- St. Leonard Elementary
- Northern High
- Windy Hill Elementary
Mt. Harmony Elementary retains the Purple Start School designation it earned last year. Let’s give a huge shout-out to these schools that play a vital role in helping military-connected students feel welcomed, supported and successful in their academic journeys. Congratulations!
| | Find Healing on the Water | | Heroes on the Water is a national nonprofit offering free, therapeutic kayak fishing experiences to veterans, first responders and their families. Since 2007, the organization has helped participants reconnect with nature, build community and find healing through outdoor recreation. | | | | | |
The program creates a safe space where individuals can decompress, enjoy the peaceful rhythm of paddling and bond with others who share similar life experiences. The calming effects of time on the water, combined with the focus of fishing, have been shown to reduce stress and support emotional and cognitive wellness.
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In 2018, Heroes on the Water officially expanded its mission to include first responders and their families. Through both volunteer-led chapters and VA-partnered therapeutic programs, the organization delivers consistent access to outdoor wellness regardless of participants’ age, background or physical ability. Each event is led by volunteers who understand the value of connection and service.
For those transitioning from military or emergency service life, these outings offer more than recreation—they foster resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. No experience or equipment is required. Potential participants and volunteers are encouraged to visit heroesonthewater.org or contact maryland@heroesonthewater.org to learn more.
| | | Resource Spotlight: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 26 | | | | Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 26 is committed to helping veterans and their families access the benefits they’ve earned. From expert help with VA claims to public outreach and advocacy, DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with dignity and respect. | | |
Free VA Service Officer Clinics are held every Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Machinist Union Hall, 21795 Suite C, Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park, MD. Clinics are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but DAV membership is not required.
For more info, call 240-925-5439. See their officers and contact info at www.davch26stmarysmd.com.
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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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May 1 - Silver Star Service Banner Day
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May 3 - National Military Appreciation Month
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May 8 - Victory in Europe (VE) Day
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May 9 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day
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May 13 - Children of Fallen Patriots Day
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May 17 - Armed Forces Day
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May 26 - Memorial Day
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May 27 - Poppy 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. | | | | |
