Md. cattlemen put on annual barbecue to laud veterans

By CARYL VELISEK
Staff Writer

FREDERICK, Md. — For the fourth year in a row, the Maryland Cattlemen’s Association was the primary sponsor, along with Operation Second Chance, of the annual Wounded Warrior and Military Family Appreciation Barbecue, held at Fort Detrick.
The weather was perfect for the event held on June 16, at the Nalin Pond Pavilion outdoor area at the fort.
This year’s event had a number of sponsors and was in celebration of the 237th birthday of the United States Army.
A Color Guard of Korean War Veterans presented the colors and a special birthday cake was served after the singing of the National Anthem.
Members of the Maryland Cattlemen’s Association helped prepare the food and served it to veterans from Bethesda Naval Hospital and their families who were bused in and escorted by the motorcycle group known as “The Nam Knights.”
Cattleman Chip Smallwood oversaw the barbecuing of the meat and members of the MCA and their families prepared and served it on site.
In addition to the barbecue beef and pork, several side dishes including cole slaw and baked beans, rolls, drinks, and strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, were served.
The idea of the barbecue was hatched with the intent of being of service to men and women who give so much for the freedom we enjoy, after Smallwood helped at a dinner event at Walter Reed Hospital several years ago.
He presented the idea to the cattlemen as something they could do to honor our soldiers.
Smallwood helped organize the barbecue along with Scott Barao, executive vice president of MCA, and other officers and directors of the association.
This year, there were games and face painting for the youngsters, moon bounces, pony rides, antique automobiles on display, and an antique ice cream truck serving ice cream.
Doc Bodine and the Bodacious Blues, a local blues band, supplied the music and entertainment for the afternoon.
Other sponsors and contributors were U.S. Army MVR Soldiers, Families, Retirees, Civilians; Barley and Hops Grill and Brewery; Sodexo Government Services; IMCOM; Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Plan; Enterprise; and API.