On January 26, 2014, the 3rd Big Conversation was held at Middleham and St. Peter’s Great Hall and it centered on veterans. It was very well attended. What were communities doing for the retired veterans, returning veterans and the families of those still deployed? The panelists were Dr. Al Brewster of Southern Maryland Battle Buddies (SMBB), Dr. Mark Chapin of the Annapolis Veterans Center, Alan Crawley of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Lawrencia C. Pierce and clinical psychologist and Navy Commander Mary Neal Vieten. Dr.Brewster is a U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran, who said Battle Buddies is entirely voluntary and enjoy “zero tax dollars”. The regional organization works with teachers, lawyers, certified public accountants and other professionals to aid all veterans of every age group. Dr. Brewster said they recruited the help of experts in real estate, banking and mortgage lenders in order to help a homeless Vietnam veteran. Dr. Chapin, an Army veteran, said that the Veteran Centers are readjustment and counseling centers. Calvert County is included in the Annapolis territory and Chapin said he spends one day a week in Prince Frederick working with the county’s […]
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