Named Five Star Employer by State Committee Annapolis (June 5, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold received a citation from the Maryland Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to honor his commitment to hiring National Guard and Reserve Members. "It is an honor to be recognized by the heroes who serve our country for doing something that is just common sense, which is tapping the best and brightest in our community to serve in government," County Executive Leopold said. In 2007, County Executive Leopold created the County’s first Veterans Affairs Commission. He also supported legislation that grants hiring preferences to veterans. To date, 56 veterans have been hired as detention officers, surveyors, police officers and recreation workers. The County has also dedicated memorials to fallen veterans at Fort Smallwood Park and the Arundel Center. "By employing members of the National Guard and Reserve, you join a patriotic group of American employers who willingly share our greatest national resource-the men and women who voluntarily and devotedly serve our nation," Committee Vice Chairman Benjamin Jablecki wrote in a letter to County Executive Leopold recognizing him as a "Five Star employer." | 
