Community leaders recognize APG’s longstanding partnership with Harford County

For Military Appreciation Month, community leaders reflected on Aberdeen Proving Ground’s impact on Harford County.

“Aberdeen Proving Ground and support for the military have been part of Harford County’s history for over 100 years,” said Cynthia Mumby, director of governmental and community relations in Harford County. “Almost everyone here is either connected directly or through family or friends. … I see patriotism and support for our military and veterans as deeply rooted in Harford County’s character. It’s evident in the flags flying on July 4th and through organized community events like our annual veterans’ resource fair. I also see how APG and our veterans give back to the community as volunteers, coaches, business owners and county employees.”

The community leaders described Aberdeen Proving Ground as an asset in public health, security, enterprise, student success and more.

“Aberdeen Proving Ground is a public health asset in the community with a commitment to the well-being of its service members and their families,” said Ronya Nassar, health policy analyst and public information officer for the Harford County Health Department. “The base offers comprehensive health care, support groups, and opportunity for recreation, fitness and sports. The community offers a network of public green spaces, parks, rivers and hiking trails accessible by car as well.”

Kirk U.S. Army Medical Health Clinic provides health care treatment and preventive services to service members and their beneficiaries in order to improve, restore and sustain the health of their patients, Nassar said. With the military installation drawing service members in the 25-54 age range, they remain an important asset to community health and wellness for the county as a whole, Nassar said.

As the largest employer in the county, Aberdeen Proving Ground is a vital segment of the local economy, said state Sen. Jason Gallion.

The installation also has been a partner in public safety and in the Harford County community since 1917, said Cristie Hopkins, Harford County Sheriff’s Office director of media and public relations. Over the years, much has changed in policing and the military, but its dedication to working together to ensure the safety of the citizens of Harford County has never wavered, Hopkins said.

“We are honored to have members of the military community, assigned to APG, as our friends and neighbors,” Hopkins said. “While they may be on the other side of the gate, we are all united as part of one Harford County.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen Proving Ground’s relationship with Harford County Public Schools is essential to student success, said Jillian Lader, the school system’s manager of communications.

Harford County Public Schools has partnered with Aberdeen Proving Ground, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command as part of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program. The P-TECH Program combines the best elements of high school, college and work-based learning. It is offered at Joppatowne High School in partnership with Harford Community College and the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command on Aberdeen Proving Ground, offering students paid internships and individualized mentorship throughout their educational journey.

The school system also works closely with the Aberdeen Proving Ground school liaison who assists families involved in the military by providing information and support about the schools and programs offered on or near Aberdeen Proving Ground, Lader said. The school liaison works closely with school-based and central office staff, supporting the needs of all Aberdeen Proving Ground families, Lader said.

Harford County Community College has a long-standing relationship with Aberdeen Proving Ground as well for its unique and significant research, training, and testing, saidTheresa Felder, the college’s president. The two have partnered to createa pipeline of workers for Aberdeen Proving Ground.

“HCC has multiple education partnership agreements with APG organizations, which provide exchanges of ideas and curriculum enhancement — the ultimate goal being the preparation of a skilled workforce for APG,” Felder said. “We work closely with APG partners in talent recruitment and also maintain a presence on post through our Military and Veterans Services Office.”

For the Edgewood, Aberdeen Proving Ground is a source of pride because of its philanthropic work in the community. The work does not stop at the gate but flows into the county, community leaders said.

“In my community, we believe that the security for APG-South does not begin or stop at the gate, but rather it begins in the community of Edgewood,” said Jansen Robinson, a member of the Edgewood Community Advisory Board, tallying a list of benefits. “Source of pride and respect for the work that is being done right at our back door; influences the social, economic culture in the community, provides small business opportunities; mentorships and partners with our local schools; provides a venue for social gatherings, retirees support efforts to establish JROTC program in our schools; and so much more. Harford County, and Edgewood specifically, is proud to be neighbors with APG.”

With 21,000 military and civilian personnel on the Aberdeen and Edgewood campuses, their lives are enriched by their presence, said James Thornton, chairman of Harford County’s Caucus of African-American Leaders.

“I have seen the manifestation of this presence by watching people move to the area and become involved in ways to improve the quality of life for all citizens,” Thornton said. “This was very noticeable some years ago when a number of workers came to the area due to the BRAC [federal realignment of military personnel].”

An additional bonus has been the diverse leadership of the commanding generals assigned to Aberdeen Proving Ground since two of the past three post commanders have been African American men, Thornton said. This representation of leadership is good for the community because these individuals demonstrate that diversity and inclusion are important to the armed forces, and therefore it should be good for the businesses directly linked to the defense industry, Thornton said.

The Harford County branch of the NAACP does not have a long-standing relationship wit Aberdeen Proving Ground, according to branch President Vicki Jones, but the branch wants to create a partnership with the base through a re-energized Armed Services and Veterans Committee.

“The military community has long played a vital role in advancing and defending our freedoms,” Jones said. “People of color have been on the front lines of every war our country has fought, and the military community in our county is very important to our NAACP branch. Military families bring diverse and varied experiences and perspectives that enrich Harford County and our nation and make our community stronger.”

Martha Mallone from University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health summarizes the county’s respect for Aberdeen Proving Ground and active military members.

The health system “deeply appreciates the service of our retired and active military Harford County residents and APG staff,” Mallone said. “We are honored to recognize veterans who visit and/or receive care at our UM UCH facilities.”