Gaithersburg Veterans Day Event Honor Military

From The City of Gaithersburg: The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Saturday, November 11, 2017, honoring and recognizing all U.S. military personnel who play an important role in safeguarding our nation and our future. The observance takes place at 11 a.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 South Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg.

City officials and members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Officials, veterans and community organizations will also participate in a solemn wreath laying ceremony, followed by a reception inside City Hall.

Joining the observance will be special guest speaker Major Anne Barlieb, Combat Helicopter Pilot and Wounded Warrior. As an Aviation officer, Major Barlieb deployed to Iraq for 18 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the surge in 2007-2008. She transferred to the Psychological Operations branch in 2009 and deployed to Qatar in support of Operation New Dawn in 2010 as a strategic planner for a Joint Operations Command. During her 13 years in service, Major Barlieb received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, Aviator Badge, and Combat Action Badge.

To support homeless veterans in Montgomery County, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) John M. Carter Post #9862 has partnered with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH), which provides emergency shelter to an average of 75 veterans annually. MCCH’s Operation Homecoming provides homeless Veterans with a safe, stable and affordable place to live.

Donations, including food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, are being collected to assist Veterans with their move. A complete list is available on the City’swebsite. Donations can be dropped off during the Veterans Day Observance. Monetary donations are also being accepted, and will be used to purchase furniture, small kitchen appliances, linens, and household items. Please make checks payable to VFW Post #9862 or Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. Drop-offs, tax deductible receipts and more information is available between 4 and 9 p.m. at the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, 600 East Guide Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, 301-917-6644. For more information about VFW Post 9862 contact Martha Toquinto at 301-948-0781, mommaofamarine@yahoo.com.

For more information on Gaithersburg’s Veterans Day Observance please call 301-258-6350 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Image Via Pixabay