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Senior Airman Gina Schultz - U.S. Air Force

Senior Airman Gina (Koppen) Schultz enlisted in the US Air Force in September, 1989 following the footsteps of her father, grandfather, uncles, cousin and brother-in-law. She graduated tech school as a Morse Systems Operator, responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting real world events within the intelligence community. Gina was assigned to several overseas bases during her service, including Greece, Germany and Japan. She also did a tour as a supply tech at Lackland AFB, TX providing the uniforms and gear needed by all new recruits into the USAF. In her off time Gina did a lot of traveling, played sports and volunteered in the community. She served 7 years before being honorably discharged and joined her US Marine spouse to start a family in 1996. 

Master Chief Petty Officer John W. Smith - U.S. Navy

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey L. Sandosky - U.S. Marine Corps

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey L. Sandosky, USMC - 1976 - 1986

A Sykesville native, Jeff joined the Marine Corps in 1976, following his father's path who was in the battle for the island of Iwo Jima in 1945. He was at boot camp in Parris Island, S.C. After Sea School in SanDiego, Calif., in 1977, he saw Sea Duty on the USS Oklahoma City in Youska, Japan. In 1979, he was assigned to the 8th Engineer Battalion, Camp Lejune, N.C. In 1981, he attended Marine Security Guard School and was assigned to the American Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, as a Marine Security Guard. In 1983, he was assigned to the American Embassy in Geneva, Switzerland, as a Marine Security Guard. He was discharged in 1986.

Specialist 4th Class Leonor Grzymala - U.S. Army

Leonor Grzymala rank:  Specialist 4branch of service: U.S. Army snapshot of their service experience: Served Active duty from November 1982 to May 1986. Was Honorably discharged. Served with honor and distinction as 71L-Administrative Specialist  for Headquarters PAC 1st Medical Group, in Fort Hood, Texas.  She was recommended  and allowed to extend her expiration term of service for 6 months  until replacement personnel were assigned .  She trained basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama in the first coed Army basic training class.  She served 6 weeks overseas during a ReForger joint combat military training in Germany.  She had the honor of serving her hometown as a U.S. Army Recruiter where she had the honor of recruiting two service men to duty.

Sergeant 1st Class Samuel L. Warfield - U.S. Army

Sergeant 1 ^st  Class Samuel L. Warfield 1926-2017

US Army - WWII & Korea 1945-1953

A few years ago, Lisbon was preparing for their annual July 4th parade. I suggested to my father, Sam Warfield that he should drag out his old Army uniform and ride with me in my old Willys Jeep. He initially was not enthused on the idea and it took more persuasion. Finally, he agreed, although still hesitant. He put on his old Sergeant 1 ^st  Class Army uniform but also put an old sweatshirt over it. Only his Service peaked hat really denoted his service. We arrived and started down Main Street Lisbon. We had only gone a very short distance when we heard a child in the crowd looking at my Willys say to his father,” WOW! That guy must have been important. Look at the hat!” That was all it took. From then on, every year just before Independence Day, “Are you signed up for the Lisbon parade yet? Are there any other parades around? Let me know in time to get ready.”  Sadly, my father passed away in 2017, one day shy of 91. So, he now travels with me every place I go in the old Willys, parades or no parades. I intend to pass down the Willys to my grandchildren so they will always have TWO passengers to keep them safe.     Buck Warfield

Technical Sergeant Delbert L. Ebeling - U.S. Army Air Corps

Delbert Ebeling was born in Randolph County, Indiana on 13 November 1919 to Elizabeth (Pouder) and Russell Ebeling, graduated from Sykesville High School in 1937 and married Margaret Holt on 11 April 1942. 

Delbert enlisted in the US Army on 29 November 1941, two weeks before the Pearl Harbor attack. 

He graduated from the Army Air Corps Technical School Airplane Mechanics Course, Keesler Field, Biloxi, Mississippi on 30 May, 1942 and the Curtis Wright Propeller School in Montclair, New Jersey. As an Airplane Propellor Mechanic, he made overhauls and repairs on Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propellers, along with installing and removing propellers and governors on B-24 Liberators. 

He was stationed at Murac Army Air Field (now Edwards Air Force Base) Squadron E, 421 ^st  Army Air Force before deploying to the Pacific Theater. He served in New Guinea, Biak, Luzon, and Okinawa as part of five campaigns (Air Offensives: Japan, China, New Guinea, Luzon, Western Pacific). He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal with Clasp, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Ribbon and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He was discharged as a Technical Sergeant on 22 Oct 1945 from the 405 ^th  Bomb Squadron, 38 ^th  Bomb Group, Army Air Forces. 

After discharge, he continued his career as a carpenter in Carroll County, working many years at the Springfield hospital. He also built many houses and helped build both the Haight Funeral Home and the Sykesville Fire House where he was also a long-time member. 

He and Margaret retired to St. Mary’s County and Delbert passed away on 21 May 2008. 

Lance Corporal Joseph E. Berman - U.S. Marine Corps

Joseph Eli Berman was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Operation Desert Storm during the First Gulf War. While serving his country, Joe never lost his humanity. Giving his rations and spare boots to starving and forgotten Iraqis. His ability to see the humanity in everyone is what made him special. During the worst of experiences, Joe upheld his oath to his country and conducted himself with honor, integrity, and loyalty. He loved his fellow Marines, often reminiscing about their friendships and experiences while deployed. He lived his whole life helping and serving others, and standing up for what was right, like a true Marine. Joe's memory of kindness and service will live on forever through his loving family and friends.

May he rest in eternal peace, knowing we are forever indebted to him.

Corporal Sylvester "Dutch" Adams - U.S. Army

Corporal Sylvester "Dutch" Adams - U.S. Army, April 21, 1927 – August 26, 2024

Dutch was a proud World War II veteran, serving in the US Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1947. He enlisted in New Cumberland, PA, and reported to Maxwell Field, Alabama. He served as a typist and clerk while he was stationed in Panama. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the American Theater Ribbon. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

Born April 21, 1927, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Ralph and Kate Martin Adams. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Burgess Adams, on June 8, 1950, at the National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. They were married for over 55 years. 

Dutch lived a full and adventurous life. He attended Anacostia High School, graduating in 1945, and participated in Boy Scouts, Aviation Club, and the Cadet Patrol. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1952, achieving a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. For 25 years, Dutch worked as a civil servant for the Department of Defense, Defense Intelligence Agency as Section Chief of the Soviet Warsaw Pact, Imagery Analysis Division. This position took him overseas including to Europe and Eastern Africa. He and Mary Ann resided in Washington, D.C., and Clinton, MD for many years raising a family before building their home in Sykesville, MD in 1988, to be closer to their grandchildren. Retirement was filled with travel around the country, including yearly visits to Lake Tansi, TN, and visiting every state in the US, except Hawaii. Dutch’s travels with his wife span Europe, including the Vatican, Austria, and the United Kingdom. He had a passion for aviation, including having his pilot license and logging hundreds of hours flying small aircraft. Dutch always had his camera or video recorder documenting his family life and travels. He was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church.

Sergeant David G. Leeds - U.S. Army

Sergeant David Gerald Leeds was stationed at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, GA, and assigned to the U.S. Army’s 3 ^rd Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (DHHB).  In July 2012, his Battalion was deployed in support of combat operations to Regional Command South (RC South) in Kandahar, Afghanistan (KAF), for a 12 month tour.  Sgt. Leeds served as Team Chief to a highly skilled team of technicians, responsible for ensuring reliable communications for all of RC South and its related Forward Operating Bases, as well as maintaining redundant satellite communications on a 24/7 schedule.  Daily operations also included support to a Major General and his staff, as well as multiple other NATO member nations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).  

Memorable moments while deployed would include a visit and Challenge Coin from the Secretary of Defense at the time, Leon Panetta, and also a Skype call with family for Sgt. Leeds’ son’s 1 ^st  birthday.  Twinkies were shipped to KAF a month in advance to ensure Sgt. Leeds could participate in his son’s birthday celebration, and thankfully, technology cooperated that day.  

Chief Petty Officer AMC (AW) David Dudek - U.S. Navy

Rank: AMC(AW) Chief Petty Officer Job: Aviation Structural Mechanic Branch: United States Navy Time Served: March 1992 until November 2014

Snapshot of Duty Stations: Bootcamp: RTC Orlando Fl, March 1992-May1992"A" school: NATTC Naval Station Memphis, TN May1992-August1992VAW-78:  Naval Station Norfolk, VA August1992-July 1997VFC-12: Naval Air Station Oceana, VA July 1997-July 2002VAW-78: Naval Station Norfolk, VA July2002-March2005VR-48: Joint Base Andrews, MD March2005-August2007VAW-120: Naval Station Norfolk, VA August2007-November2010VR-53: Joint Base Andrews, MD November 2010-November2014(Retired)

I proudly served in all of these Squadrons over the course of 23yrs of Naval service, including countless deployments and Detachments worldwide ranging from Italy, Germany, El Salvador, Cuba, Qatar, Curacao, Puerto Rico, Alaska, and several stateside. All of these detachments were in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism and Drug interdiction with Counter Narcotics. During my time in service, I have received numerous awards and accolades to include (2) Navy Commendation Medals, (8) Navy Achievement Medals, National Defense Medal, (6) Good Conduct Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Volunteer Service Medal. I have worked on several types of Aircraft during my career including the E-2C Hawkeyes, C-2 COD, FA-18 A/B/C/D Models, C-20 GIV Gulfstream, and the C-130 Hercules. I grew up in Sykesville in 1978 and joined the Military in my Senior year while at South Carroll High School. I moved back here in 2010, which I will always call home. Serving my great country for 23 years was one of the best decisions at the young age of 18 that I have ever made, and I wish that I could have done 30.

Chief Radioman RMC (SS) David A. Harvey - U.S. Navy

David A. Harvey RMC(SS) Retired USN I joined the US Navy in February 1960 as a Seaman Recruit and retired in 1982 as a Radioman Chief Petty Officer (RMC) Submarine Qualified (SS). In addition to Basic Training at Great Lakes, IL, and Submarine School in Groton, CT, I attended Radioman School in Bainbridge, MD, and Radio Management School in San Diego, CA. My tasking alternated between shore duty and sea duty about every 2 to 4 years. I was permanently assigned to five different submarines: USS Thresher SSN 593, USS Geoge Washington SSBN 598 Gold Crew, USS Cavalla SSK 244, USS Gudgeon SS 567, and USS James Monroe SSBN 622 Gold Crew. I also served temporary duty on several others to meet the needs of the Navy. My home ports included Groton CT, Pearl Habor HI, and San Diego CA. My shore assignments included shipyards in Portsmouth, NH and Mare Island, CA, and various Communications Commands (Keflavik, Iceland; Norfolk, VA; Naples, Italy; Charleston, SC).

Career highlights: ● I participated in shock trials aboard USS Thresher in Key West, FL. She was then the deepest diving sub. I earned my dolphins (SS designation) indicating I was submarine qualified aboard Thresher. ● On April 10, 1963, USS Thresher was lost at sea with all hands during her first dive without me. I knew most of the 129 men lost and was devastated. I took a brief break in service and returned when promised additional training. ● While on a Cold War patrol, the 598 was extended indefinitely at sea during the Cuban Crisis. ● My favorite sub was the diesel-powered Gudgeon. During 4 years on her, I made two Western Pacific patrols with a Commanding Officer who loved port calls, enabling me to visit 10 foreign countries. ● During the Vietnam conflict, Gudgeon endured a typhoon while assigned patrol duties near coastal Vietnamese waters. ● To improve my career outlook, I left service for 2 years to attend Cambrian College in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. ● While on shore duty, I enjoyed my role as pitcher on fast pitch softball teams for various commands. ● During my last tour of duty in Charleston, I was sent to San Diego where I set-up a Special Communications (SPECOMM) School and taught their first class. ● I retired while at Charleston in 1982, concurrently earning my Bachelor’s Degree and the English Award as the top English Major in my class at Charleston Southern University. ● I moved to Sykesville, MD and worked for Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, evaluating submarine communications systems and serving our nation for another 25 years.

Colonel Edward C. Rothstein - U.S. Army

Edward C. Rothstein, Colonel, U.S Army

 Ed enlisted in 1983 while attending school at Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania. While enlisted, he served in the 1/314 ^th  Infantry, U.S. Army Reserves.  Upon graduation in 1986, Ed entered active duty and never looked back until 2014.  During his time in uniform, Ed married the former Audrey Short, and they have two beautiful children, Emily, and Sam. He would like to believe that it was his charm and physique while being assigned to a light infantry battalion that won Audrey over; however, it may have been the new Mazda Miata that he was driving at the time.  Through duty stations, both stateside and abroad, along with multiple combat deployments, Ed was blessed with the strength of his family and community.  Ed continues to share that the strength he garnered over those 30+ years was directly attributed to his family, friends, and community.  Upon his final combat tour in Afghanistan, Ed was assigned to Fort Meade, Maryland as the Garrison Commander overseeing the many changes and growth to the installation and Team Meade community. His parting legacy from Fort Meade was initiating a resiliency hub for the military and military families that focus on the five pillars of resiliency (Social, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, and Family). This hub is designed to serve the military, veteran, and workforce community residing on Fort Meade and the entire region.  The ribbon cutting of the Fort Meade Education and Resiliency Center was held on November 17th, 2022.

Staff Sergeant 101st Airborn Frank Underwood, Jr. - U.S. Army

Easy research will tell of SSGT Franklin Wilson Underwood Jr’s death in the A Shau Valley, South Vietnam. Research will tell of a member of company C, 2nd Ba'alion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division who died a mere 5 days before he was scheduled to come home, to Sykesville. The rest of his story tells of a very special man whose bravery, heart, and memory has changed lives. Having been injured in the line of duty, Frank Jr was set to finish his deployment in hospital. His wedding was imminent, and his loved ones were eagerly awaiting his return home. In an unexpected turn of events, Frank Jr was asked to re-engage & take “green recruits” out. One can assume that his strong sense of duty led Frank Jr to agree. On June 23rd, 1969, the helicopter carrying Frank Jr, those “green recruits”, and crew members crashed and was instantly engulfed in flames. Frank Jr is credited with saving the lives of 17 men that fateful day, at the expense of his own life. Frank Jr was, however, more than just another tragic casualty of war. He was many unforgettable things, in addition to being a hero. Frank Jr was a devoted big brother, a loving fiancé, a remarkable son, and a fun-loving friend. He was silly, artistic, charismatic, and brave; the kind of person that the world needs more of, but as they say, the good die young. In addition to his Soldiers Medal and (many) other commenda3ons, Frank Jr left behind a powerful legacy of valor and heart.

Private Tec 4 Elbie W. Foltz - U.S. Army

Radarman 2nd Class Charles E. Ely - U.S. Navy

Charles was born November 3, 1913, in Sykesville, Maryland. He was the youngest child of E. Frank and Nannie (Pilson) Ely. He had three brothers and two sisters: Rowland, Evelyn, Margaret, Edward and Carroll. He was a 1931 graduate of Sykesville High School. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934-1935. He was stationed in Little Orleans, which is in Western Maryland and worked on forestry projects. He then went to work in Oakland Mills at the Melville Woolen Factory as a machine operator. Oakland Mills no longer exists as the area was flooded to create Liberty Reservoir. In 1936, he married Dorothy M. Browning of West Friendship, Maryland and they welcomed a daughter, Dorothy Mae Ely in 1938. While still working at the woolen mill, he was drafted into the Navy in December 1943. He was sent to Great Lakes Training Center in January 1944 and then to California to be trained as a radarman. After training, he was stationed on the U.S.S. Bright. The U.S.S. Bright did six hunter-killer operations between Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. On May 11, 1945, his ship was struck by a Kamikaze. This caused the ship to lose control of its steering and the engine room was completely demolished. The ship was eventually sent to Portland for extensive repairs. The war luckily ended while the ship was still in the yard for repairs and Charles was discharged on December 12, 1945. Upon returning home, he stayed in the Sykesville area working as a lumbermill foreman at the Quincy Morrow Company which was on Oklahoma Avenue in downtown Sykesville until his retirement. He welcomed a second daughter, Elizabeth Ann Ely in 1955. He died on January 4, 1982 and is buried in Lake View Cemetery.

Airman E2 I Journalist Petty Officer 3rd Class David R. Simmons - U.S. Airforce I U.S. Navy

Born September 21st, 1949, and passed on May 22nd, 2023.

Enlisted in the Air Force in November 1967 and honorably discharged in April 1968. David was stationed in North Dakota and had a very short foray into being a cook for his fellow servicemen. He enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1972 and was honorably discharged in May 1976. David was stationed out of Norfolk, Virginia, but was deployed in the Mediterranean aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59) for almost the entire four years. The USS Forrestal was an aircraft supercarrier that since has been retired ( in 1993) and had its claim to fame for having some famous fires aboard it during its service. It has the tongue-in-cheek nickname of the “USS Forrest Fire.” David was a Journalist in his service title, but the actual duties he performed were as more of an on-board TV anchor and Radio DJ. He was part of the team that brought the news to the ship which included over 500 officers and 5,000 enlisted men. The ship was at sea in the Mediterranean Sea for months at a time, and he was able to see Europe during his allotted leaves, which was a travel bug that he never lost. He had a charisma for the spotlight and a sense of humor that both offended and delighted his fellow servicemen, making his on-air personality one of a perfect blend of TV anchor and late-night talk show host. After his discharge, he continued to be a radio announcer for multiple sporting events locally.

David was patriotic and loved his country to his soul, a proud supporter of all things that stood for a Healthy and United America.

Staff Sergeant Fred Gossage, Sr. - U.S. Air Force

Fred Gossage Sr's journey through life is a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. Following the tragic loss of his parents, he repeated the 1st grade 3 times and was labelled a "retard." Rejected by all, he faced homelessness as an orphan. However, fate intervened when his grandmother pulled him off the streets and sent him to St. Agnes School, where he encountered the discipline of the nuns who, with their tough love, whipped him into shape. This early experience not only instilled in him a strong ethic but also a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities he was given.

He enlisted in the Air Force and served in Japan. It was during the treacherous sea journey to Japan that his indomitable spirit shone brightly. While many of his fellow soldiers were overcome with homesickness and fear, Fred remained a source of strength. His unique perspective, having never had a home to miss, allowed him to comfort and uplift those around him.

Fred Gossage Senior's life became an inspirational story for many. He led by example and motivated his work team to strive for excellence. Through hard work and determination, he transformed his life and became a beacon of hope for those who faced adversity.

In 1968, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to a farm in West Friendship, complete with cattle and all. He visited Sykesville regularly, particularly Southern States, for feed and farm supplies and the hardware store that is now home to the Local Motive.

Sykesville was his last love, and his legacy is honored by the banner that proudly flies in front of the building bearing his name.

Fred’s life is a profound reminder that resilience, determination, and compassion can transform adversity into a life of inspiration and success. His legacy continues to inspire all who hear his remarkable story.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas Parris - U.S. Navy

Tommy enlisted in the United States Navy after high school graduation. After basic training and A school, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, for three years. He was an Aviation Ordnanceman on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. He served in the 7th Fleet area of operations, which included the following Operations/Exercises during his deployments in the Western Pacific, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and Sea of Japan:  Annualex 29G with port stops in Hong Kong and South Korea.  Malabar 2018 with a port stop in the Philippines.  Valiant Shield 2018/Annaulex 30G/Keen Sword with port stops in Guam, South Korea, and Hong Kong.  Talisman Sabre 2019 with port stops in Australia, Philippines, and Singapore.  Valiant Shield 2020/Keen Sword 21 with a post-stop in Guam. In addition to the above deployments, he served on special assignments in Navada and Guam.

While in Japan, he also served on the Navy Security Force and Security Reaction Force Team. In September of 2020, he came back to the United States, serving on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower stationed in Norfolk, VA. While on the Eisenhower, he spent time in the Mediterranean Sea and North Arabian Sea participating in Lightning Handshake 2021 and Inherent Resolve with port stops in Greece and Oman. Tommy was honorably discharged in May of 2022 with the following decorations, medals, badges, and campaign ribbons:  National Defense Service Medal  Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon  Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon  Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (3)  Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons (2)  Navy Good Conduct Medal  Navy “E” Ribbon  Global War on Terrorism Service Medal  Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal  Navy Unit Commendation  Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist

He is very proud to have served his country.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Smith - U.S. Coast Guard

Ryan Lee Peter Smith, age 26, began serving in the US Coast Guard in 2020. Currently he is ranked as a Petty Officer 3rd class with a desired continuation. He started his service upon the USCG cutter named Northland 904. He currently serves at Station Annapolis in Maryland.

Corporal Kenneth R. Francisco - U.S. Marine Corps

Kenneth Randall Francisco, affectionately known as Randy to his loved ones, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1976 to 1979. With a strong military heritage, Randy followed in his father's footsteps, who served eight years in the United States Navy. His brother, nephew, and several uncles and cousins also served in the military, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to service.  Randy's Marine Corps journey began at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he underwent rigorous boot camp. He then honed his skills in infantry training in San Diego before being stationed in Quantico, Virginia. Randy's marksmanship proved exceptional, earning him the prestigious USMC Sharpshooter Medal for his unwavering consistency and accuracy. His dedication and exceptional performance were recognized with a meritorious promotion to Corporal in 1978. Randy's exemplary service was further commended with a Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Certificate of Commendation.

Despite his relatively short military service, Randy's commitment to serving his country extended throughout his life. He dedicated 30 years to the Howard County Police Department, earning numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, for his outstanding service. He also served with dedication in the Department of Homeland Security.  Kenneth Randall Francisco embodied the values of integrity, hard work, loyalty, patriotism, and an unwavering belief in the greatness of America. He lived each day with a profound sense of purpose, inspiring those around him. In March of 2022, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer, Randy passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service and unwavering devotion to his country and community.